November 2009
incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
no.162 • £4.75 In association with
Referral drop forces owner to make cuts By Dominic Musgrave THE manager of a Merseyside care home says a lack of referrals from her local council is forcing her to make a series of cutbacks. Ann Wilson, who has run Avalon in Southport for the past five years following the acquisition by her partner and his business colleague, says she is worried about the home’s future. She told Caring UK that the 20-bed home has not had a referral from the local council for months, and that if this continues she may have difficulties in future. Ann added: “We currently have three empty beds, and if we lose another one or two residents then I can see us having real problems. “Our last referral was an emergency one from the hospital, and we had to return the gentleman the next day because we had a few problems. “The worry is that we are not getting any enquiries coming through at all. I arranged an open event for a week day back in July in the hope that social workers would turn up. I informed the local media but it was a total waste of time and nobody turned up.”
Ann says she is having to work extra shifts because she has had to cut back on staffing levels, and has also had to reduce the amount of activities they have at the home. She added: “I am having to fill in hours unpaid and we have had to cut back on a lot of the entertainment that we used to have at the home, but one thing we will not cut back on is the quality of the food. “We used to have singers, a cinema and a lady who did exercises with the residents coming into the home regularly, but we have had to stop them.” But a spokesman for Sefton Council has hit back at the claims, saying they do not make referrals to individual homes. He added: “As a council we don’t own any homes ourselves, and all we do is assess the individuals. “It is then up to them and their families to choose which care home they wish to move into, depending on which one meets their criteria and probably finances as well.” ■ Have you noticed a lack of referrals at your care home? Let Dominic Musgrave know by ringing 01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net
Evenings celebrate care sector
The head of a Scottish care group featured in the Channel Four series ‘The Secret Millionaire’. Tony Banks, chairman and managing director of The Balhousie Group, which has 20 homes across the country, handed out more than £125,000 to needy causes when he went undercover on the streets in the Anfield area of Liverpool for the series.
THE cream of the care sector has been celebrated at two regional awards ceremonies, for which Caring UK is one of the main sponsors. The West Midlands and East Midlands regional events took place at the National Motorcycle Museum and East Midlands Conference Centre respectively, and featured special guests Cheryl Baker and Des Coleman. They form part of the Great British Care Awards, which aim to promote best practice within both homecare and care home sectors, and pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work. Director of the awards Lisa Carr said: “The awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and businesses - people who really do make a positive impact on people’s lives.” For a list of winners and photographs from the evenings turn to pages 40 and 41.
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Care home staff praised by fire service By Dominic Musgrave STAFF at a Northumberland care home have been praised by their local fire service for their quick reactions after a blaze broke out in one of the bedrooms. Twenty seven residents at Charlotte Straker House, many of them in wheelchairs or with mobility issues, were moved to safety by staff after a pillow leaning against a halogen lamp in a ground floor bedroom caught fire. Ten residents in the immediate vicinity of the fire were evacuated from the building, while others were taken to communal areas where they were protected by fire doors. Assistant manager Jackie Kellett, who was on duty at the time, told Caring UK that seven residents with rooms on the affected corridor were re-housed for the night at a nearby home while repairs were carried out. She added: “Thankfully, everybody was in the right place at the right time to deal with the incident. Two carers were walking past the room when they saw the chair on fire, and immediately helped the resident out
and shut the bedroom door, which triggered the smoke detectors. “Everybody was moved to a place of safety either outside in the car park or to a lounge before the fire service arrived, which meant they could concentrate on putting the fire out. “We decided to move some of the residents who had rooms on the same corridor to another home for the night, along with a group of our carers, mainly because of the smell of smoke, but they were back with us the following day.” Jackie paid tribute to her staff, and the disaster plans that the charityrun home has in place to deal with such incidents. She added: “In the plan there are all of the telephone numbers for relatives, staff and anyone that could possibly help us deal with such an incident such as social services and other local care homes. We have four members of staff who are classed as competent, and we have another two about to start the training. “They go on refresher courses regularly, just to update them in what they need to do when the fire alarm goes off and how best to tackle it.”
www.caring-uk.co.uk Advertising Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Sales Manager: Jackie Brook Tel: 01226 734479 Email: jb@whpl.net National Sales Executives: Mandy Edwards Tel: 01226 734333 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.uk Fax: 01226 734477 Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734 685 Email: rh@whpl.net
Marc Ord with celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli
Chef gets tips from Jean-Christophe A CARE group’s chef has taken part in a masterclass with famous French chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. Mark Ord, head chef at Sanctuary Care’s stateof-the-art Wantage Nursing Home in Oxfordshire, cooked alongside his idol at the Bel Cheese Academy in Hertfordshire. He was one of 10 finalists who took part in the event after entering an online recipe competition for professional chefs. Mark said: “It was a wonderful day and a great honour to be there. Jean-Christophe was absolutely brilliant. He was really down to earth and took great interest in what everyone was doing and their background. He really is passionate about food and the way things should be done. We took part in workshops with direct tuition from Jean-Christophe, which gave me lots of ideas to develop. It was the best workshop I have ever been on.”
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Editorial Group Editor: Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478 Healthcare Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 Reporters: Christina Eccles Mary Ferguson Louise Cordell Group Deputy Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734458 Database enquiries to Tel: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ wharncliffepublishing.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all content, the publishers do not accept liability for error, printed or otherwise, that may occur.
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Everything in the garden is tasty ... RESIDENTS at a Shipley care home have grown and eaten their own crops as part of a new campaign run by Bupa. A group led by 87-year-old Donald Summerscales set up the gardening project at the Borrins nursing home earlier in the year to provide the chef with fresh produce. Raised beds were created so that as many residents as possible could get involved with the scheme, and the residents, some in their 90s, have helped by planting seeds, tending and watering the plants. Activities co-ordinator Josie Stocking said the scheme had been a massive success.
She added: “Many of the residents were keen gardeners before they moved in here, so really wanted to get involved when we mentioned the idea back in March. We have had a lovely summer, with tomatoes, cauliflowers, peas, potatoes and carrots springing up in the garden. “The chef has used some of the vegetables that we have grown, while residents have given some to families who have visited.” Sunflowers and marigolds were also planted to brighten up the area and Josie hopes to purchase a greenhouse next year so that the residents can grown even more.
TV presenter helps anniversary celebration MARK Stacey, presenter of the BBC television show Cash in the Attic, helped staff at Care UK’s Jubilee House Care Home celebrate their 10th anniversary. Mark, who also presents other popular programmes such as Celebrity Bargain Hunt, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the anniversary at the 48-bed nursing home in Godalming, Surrey, which provides care for frail older people. It also has a specialist unit for people suffering from dementia. Mayor of Godalming Joy Poulter and Mary Thomas, chair of the
Jubilee House manager Philip Hayes unveils a plaque with Mark Stacey Friends of Jubilee House, also attended the celebrations.
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Regents Court residents Katherine Kershaw and former Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer Frank Bolton wait for a bus ride down Memory Lane.
Taking residents on a trip down Memory Lane By Dominic Musgrave A BROMSGROVE dementia care home has taken delivery of its very own 1950s ‘Midland Red’ bus stop to help its residents take a trip down Memory Lane. It is part of pioneering work being carried out at Alpha Care Homes’ Regents Court to stimulate discussion and memories for its residents. The sign for the 144 bus, which used to run from Birmingham to the Malvern Hills, is the latest addition at the home, which also has a couple of 1950s style postboxes, chickens, guinea pigs and a sensory garden. Manager Karen Hancox told Caring UK that she has noticed a massive improvement in the atmosphere around the home, and that the items have had a positive affect on the residents. She added: “They have prompted a lot of interest, memories and discussion among our residents, many of whom have very challenging behaviour. “Bromsgrove is a rural area and a lot of our residents have had close links with farms in their pasts, so feeding the guinea pigs and chickens and collecting their eggs gives them a sense of familiarity and gets them out into the
fresh air. “We also have a washing line and some of the ladies enjoy hanging the clothes on it. It gives them a feeling of being worthwhile and creates a connection with the staff, who are also a lot more relaxed now.” Karen, who is currently studying for a diploma in dementia care, has also turned the fortunes around at the home, which has gone from zero stars to two in its latest CQC report. She added: “When I took over the home 16 months ago it was very plain and clinical with the seats set around the room. “I have brought in a variety of different ideas from the course, including creating small groups of chairs so that they are not just staring at four walls. “As part of updating the care plans I want to create life history corners, such as a little office area, so that if a resident used to work in admin or as a secretary they can go and live their past.” The stop and post box were built by Richard Eccleston, who owns Outward Care, a company that specialises in aids for dementia care. He is now looking into providing an old fashioned telephone box for the home.
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A resident with a duckling
Jan Millward helps a resident with her painting
Home comes up with some quacking ideas to win contest By Dominic Musgrave HATCHING ducks and a dog show have helped a Dorset care home win a national competition. The Old Vicarage beat off hundreds of care homes nationwide to win the annual NAPA Breath of Fresh Air competition. As part of the challenge set down by the association to get residents outside more, activity organiser Jan Millward organised a week-long variety of events including a dog show, a visit to some local tropical gardens, a barbecue and quiz and a
1940s’ themed street party. And manager Natalie Adams said the most unusual event they did was watch two duck eggs hatch. She added: “Jan did a course with NAPA and saw that the competition was coming up to get people doing some activities outside for some fresh air. She asked staff and residents for some ideas for what we could do that week, and we got up to all sorts of different things. “Jan and all of the staff worked really hard to find different ideas for activities for the residents because they all have their own
interests. She always tries to cater for everyone’s needs and we all feel that she has such good ideas, though we didn’t get our hopes up when we entered the competition.” Former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips presented Jan and other representatives from the home with their prize at a glittering awards ceremony, and Natalie says they are now trying to work out how they are going to spend the winnings. She added: “Jan would like a donkey for the home so we will probably have some sort of animal corner here. Another idea we have
had is to create a sensory garden in one of the courtyard areas, but we will have a residents’ meeting to see what they would like to spend the money on.” She added that talks are also ongoing about an extension to the home, which has 35 residents. Other finalists and prize winners were: Community award winner – Leatherland Lodge (Runwood Homes); Highly commended community award – St. Andrews. Runners up – Oakhurst Court, Quarry Mount, Mount Ephraim House (Greensleeves Homes Trust) and St. Josephs.
Provider wins contract to run new Portsmouth home A LEADING care provider has signed a contract to run a new dementia care home being built in Portsmouth. Care UK will run the 92-bed facility, which is being built on the site of the former council-run home Harry Sotnick House, and will keep the same name. The city council, which is funding the £7m project, will be able to use 62 of the beds once the deve-
lopment is completed in early 2011. The former home closed its doors in October 2006 after falling into disrepair, and it was estimated that it would have cost £1m to replace a damaged sewer system. Cabinet member for health and social care Leo Madden said: “I am delighted that the contract has been signed with Care UK. We will be
working with a respected, wellknown provider of health and social care and I am confident older people in the city will benefit from this partnership.” Facilities at the new home will include: landscaped gardens, a sensory garden, secure courtyards for residents to enjoy the outdoors safely, a hairdressing salon, a
physiotherapy room and an internet café for silver surfers. Tony Hosking, managing director of Care UK’s residential care services, added: “Our activity based care philosophy, which focuses on what people can do rather than what they can't, has seen thousands of older people across the country lead fulfilling lives as a result.”
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Interactive funding guide is launched SKILLS for Care has launched a unique interactive online funding guide after employers complained they were struggling to find their way through the maze of training resources. In response, they have created an easy-to-use portal which for the first-time pulls together more than 50 regional or national funding sources. At the click of a button employers can access information and guidance on funding, grants, material and resources and training support. They can also search specific areas of interest, including qualifications, learning development, how to promote learning in the workplace and business development. CEO Andrea Rowe told Caring UK that search results are automatically rated on how they meet the employers’ needs, who can then choose the most appropriate funding source and visit their website to find out more. She added: “Employers tell us they want to train their staff but constantly complain they find the huge array of funding sources very confusing, and that they are unsure how to easily access training support. We’ve worked closely with employers and we have produced a system that provides relevant information for busy employers.”
Staff success TWO members of staff at a Leeds care home are celebrating having scooped the individual awards in the company’s quarterly employee merit award scheme. Elaine Bradley, acting manager at Amber Lodge, and Lynda Lambert, a senior carer, came out top for the Meridian Healthcare awards. The scheme runs throughout the group’s care centres and provides colleagues, residents, their families and any visitors with the chance to nominate members of staff in recognition of outstanding service and performance. Both received £100 in gift vouchers and a certificate to acknowledge their work.
Owner Lynn says thanks by winning a trip for her staff By Dominic Musgrave STAFF at two Bury care homes enjoyed fish and chips and sticks of rock thanks to the generosity of their boss. Lynn Parsons, who owns Elizabeth House and Moorfields care homes, entered a competition that she heard of through her local chamber of commerce to win a treat for staff to thank them for their hard work and, despite entering at the last minute, she won. The seven care workers enjoyed a ‘vintage’ day at the seaside, travelling to Blackpool on an oldfashioned bus before touring the tower, promenade and piers and enjoying a circus performance. Lynn told Caring UK that she could not run her two homes without the dedication of her staff. She added: “I have a fantastic team across the two homes, and we have a mutual respect for each other. I know that if I were to give them the day off that they wouldn’t treat themselves in these hard financial times, and they all loved the day out. “I would like to think that I treat my staff very well and we don’t have a very high turnover at all. Unfortunately I am unable to give them any more money, though I do take them out when I can as a bit of a morale booster for them, which is something I think all owners should do.” Lynn, an experienced carer, bought Elizabeth House 10 years ago despite not having ‘two ha’pennies to rub together’, following a chance meeting. She added: “I knew I could run a home better than the people I have worked for and have always treated the residents in my home as if they were my parents. So when a lady said I should buy her home I said I will. I thought it wasn’t going to happen after 10 months of trying in vain to get the money from the bank, but she
Staff and their children arrive in Blackpool said she would give me the deposit and I paid her back on a private loan. “I though it was going to kill me, and after a year we were in dire straits, but I have slowly built the reputation up to a point where we now have a waiting list and never have empty beds.” Three years ago Lynn purchased Moorfields, and says that she has not ruled out buying a third in the future.
“Both homes are small but really busy,” she added. “I have tried to create a homely atmosphere at them, and everybody that visits tells me that we have got it just right. We are a little different in that we don’t have many formal activities, apart from regular visits from a local school and a singer, but what the staff do is spend a lot of time interacting with residents on a one-to one basis.”
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A care group has launched a campaign to raise the bar on the activities it provides to the residents in its care homes. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Make My Day bid to combat boredom THE Freemantle Trust’s new scheme aims to combat the problem of boredom, loneliness and helplessness in its sites, and hopes to one day eradicate it. Chief executive Carole Sawyers told Caring UK that the campaign is part of the group’s commitment to continuous improvement. She added: “We have come a long way with our activity provision, but we want to ‘raise the bar’ on what we do to provide activities, events, leisure and stimulating occupational activities. “We are not sure that some of our own internal services involve everybody, or whether they are happening everywhere consistently, but one thing that we are clear about is that they could be better. “We want to plan with residents how we can support them to have even more meaningful and more fulfilled lives in our homes.” The charity, which runs several homes in Buckinghamshire and North London, launched the new campaign with a conference for its activity co-ordinators entitled Make My Day. Speakers at the event, which
A resident waters some plants mixed theory, practical suggestions and hands on experience, included aromatherapy consultant Sandy Winyard, Cathy Rickhuss from the Thrive charity, which promotes horticulture as a therapy, and Sue Trischida from NAPA. Carole said that one of the main things that many people got out of
the day was that activities need not cost a lot of money or be too time consuming. She added: “Hopefully one of the main points that those attending the conference got out of it was that none of the things we did were costly or difficult to put together.
“They just took a bit of imagination, and we have put together a newsletter of the day which challenges all staff to think about they support someone to maintain their independence. “They are so busy and their jobs can be very much task focussed. “We want them to take a step back and think about how they can get things done in a different and better way and inspire them.” All staff will eventually be involved in the campaign, and pilot projects will run in several of the group’s homes to find the right formula. Carole said: “The service transformation agenda as it is known at the moment will look at the enjoyment of life and we aim to put a team of staff in each of our services to kick start it off. “They will look at how best to get things done in a more person centred way that involves everybody. “A lot of activities happen that not everybody partakes in, and we want to see what we can offer these people that is a bit different.”
Care home features in DVD A SOMERSET care home has featured in a national DVD promoting the support given to elderly people at the end of their life. Critchill Court in Frome, which provides residential care for older people and people living with dementia, appeared in My Home Life, a joint initiative between the National Care Forum, Help the Aged and City University showcasing eight themes which challenge how care homes should be run. Manager Sue Steeds sent in a reflective account of a couple who both had dementia, and recalled how staff, residents and the medical profession dealt with the husband’s death. She said: “Death should not be a
taboo subject and everyone is entitled to a dignified death, regardless of their mental health. “We used palliative care training which we had received from a local hospice to ensure that the family's needs and wishes were met. “We also allowed other residents of the unit to sit with the dying gentleman and declined a suggestion that a screen was erected in his room, as we wanted to ensure that his death was seen as a natural process, and that his wife was not shut out of it. She was also invited to help wash him after his death.” The home also included the residents in the funeral process by holding a small ceremony.
Safety in Care – A New Direction SAFETY in Care – A New Direction was the title of this year’s annual two-day NASHICS conference held in Blackpool. The event, chaired by Institute of Occupational Safety and Health president elect John Holden, featured a talk by Jeff Jerome, national director of adult social care transformation at the Department of Health, on the personalisation agenda. Professor Sayeed Khan, executive director of the Health and Safety Executive, discussed how the body’s new strategy will impact on the care sector, while OFSTED inspection team managers George Plant and Paul Gillespie gave a presentation entitled ‘Safe
Service Means Quality Services’. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of fire risk management David Russell spoke on behalf of the Chief Fire Officers Association on the topic of fire safety in care homes, and the legal obligations imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Claire Solomon, creative director at Hill Solomon, explained how crucial communication is in influencing the behaviour of the workforce, and David Parry, director of care and development for Quantum Care, completed proceedings with an update on dementia.
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A Scottish care group owner made the dreams of several worthy causes come true when he took part in Channel Four’s Secret Millionaire series. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Tony makes dreams come true on TV’s Secret Millionaire TONY Banks, chairman and managing director of the Balhousie Group, which provides care to more than 700 residents, spent a week working undercover in the Anfield region of Liverpool. The 47-year-old, who served with the Army in the Falklands War in 1982 and is believed to be worth around £50m, handed out more than £125,000 to a variety of groups, including a former soldier who was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after serving in Iraq. Tony told Caring UK that it took him a few weeks to agree to taking part in the show, but he is glad he did it even though the show’s producers had to move him out of his temporary home as they feared for his safety. He added: “They approached me back in February or March, but it took me a few weeks to decide whether to take part or not. After a few weeks I decided that it was a good time of my life and in my business to do it, to raise my own profile.
“It was a very physically and mentally emotional programme to make, and we came up with some things that were not exactly the norm, but I’m glad we did it. “A camera crew always attracts people, and some of the undesirables of Anfield came to have a look at what we were doing. The area has had a lot of bad press, and in some cases it is justifiable, but there are also a lot of decent people there. I had only had a couple of hours’ sleep for the first three or four nights because of what was going on outside, so the crew decided to move me out.” Tony bought his first home, Lisden House in Kirremuir, in 1991, and over the last 18 years has built the group up, doubling it over the last three years. He says he is on course to meet his aim of having between 1,500 and 2,000 beds over the next five years. “After I bought my first home I did my apprenticeship in the sector and built up my portfolio over the next 10 years,” he added. “It seemed like a
Above: Tony Banks and right: Balhouse Lisden House – Tony Banks’ first care home good industry to be in in the early 1990s, and with my wife being a nurse it seemed like a natural progression for us as a family. “We have everything in place to reach our target of doubling the company over the next five years, and I am also looking at going into the specialist health side of the industry.”
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Support for service
The Duchess of Cornwall raising awareness of the Community Meals Service last year by helping to deliver a meal to a Deesside resident.
THE Duchess of Cornwall has become an honorary member of the National Association of Care Catering after becoming involved with them last year during Community Meals Week. During the visit she met with members of the NACC and discussed with them how the continued provision of a community meals service is a valuable part of a range of care at home services for people who are unable to cook for themselves. NACC chair Sue Ullmann said: “We are delighted that the Duchess of Cornwall has accepted our invitation to become an honorary member at this year’s annual conference. When I met Her Royal Highness last year, she demonstrated a keen interest in the subject of elderly nutrition, and how the community meals service can play a significant preventative care role by helping people to remain healthy and well-nourished.”
Wrong drug treatment uncovered by survey SEVEN out of ten care home residents are being given the wrong drugs treatment because of overworked staff, and poor teamwork, according to a study. Patients were given the incorrect doses of their medication or drugs they did not need, the research led by professor Nick Barber from the School of Pharmacy at the University of London found. Many were not monitored for side effects or even went without their treatments. He told Caring UK that the study of 256 residents in 55 care homes across West Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire and central London found that as a result of the poor drugs treatment, elderly people were suffering health problems and a fall in their quality of life. Nick added: “The main thing that
came over to me was that it is important to look at the whole system as one thing rather than just picking off a bit of it and dealing with it. Three-quarters of the care homes we approached about taking part in the study agreed to us looking at their records, observing staff and talking to the residents, which shows how seriously they took this. “But in some ways they have become the victims of the exercise as well as the residents. Most of the problems we found weren’t the fault of the homes but of the GPs or the pharmacist with the support of the GP practices.” He called for an improvement in the communication between the two sides, and said a better system needed to be created where drugs
were not just given out in a morning. “Quite often the pharmacy didn’t know the needs of the home when it came to drug administering, which brought up the issue of how well can they be monitored. We are working closely with the Department of Health and the CQC to develop a suitable system for homes. Most drugs are given by staff in a morning, which is their busiest time of the day because they also have to dress them and give them food and water. “We haven’t tested the idea formally, but we think a way forward to avoid some of the problems we have found would be to get the pharmacist or GP to change prescriptions so that more drugs can be handed out in the middle of the day or evening.”
Key results of the study The research found that each care home resident was taking an average of eight medicines. 178 (69.5 per cent) residents had been subject to one or more medication errors – typically two per person. Of these, 94 residents were the victims of dispensing errors – mistakes with labelling were found on 7.3 per cent of medicines. 57 elderly people suffered a total of 116 administration errors, including the wrong dose or not being given their drugs at all. 100 people were subject to prescribing errors, including the wrong dose and not enough information on how the drug should be taken.
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Care worker pilot project proves ‘positive all round’ By Dominic Musgrave
they build up a trust with them.
A NEW type of care worker at a Peterborough extra care scheme has seen a dramatic reduction in the amount of extra time nurses are having to spend with residents.
“Within four hours a concerned carer who suspects a problem with a user can have taken a urine sample, study it, contact a GP and any necessary antibiotics can be prescribed and sent on. Previously that could take a few days to arrange.
Housing 21, in partnership with NHS Peterborough, is piloting the project at its Bishopsfield Court which sees staff receive special training from district nurses so they can take on low level health tasks in addition to their normal social care ones. And registered manager Gerardine Church told Caring UK that the scheme has reduced the amount of extra time nurses are spending at the facility from 11 hours per week to less than two.
MOTOGP rider James Toseland officially opened a new care home in Stockport. The double world champion entertained the guests at Maria Mallaband’s The Belvedere, in Alderley Edge, with a solo piano performance as well as answering questions and signing posters. The home is the sixth property the group has opened in the Cheshire area, and is registered to provide residential, nursing and dementia care for 41 residents. All rooms are single with en suite facilities.
She added: “As well as carrying out blood pressure checks, urine tests and changing wound dressings, the new ‘hybrid’ workers are trained to recognise signs of change in a person’s health to enable early intervention. “Knowing that a nurse is coming to see them can lead to a feeling of anxiety for the service users, and often one of the main people they will talk to is their carer because
The pilot ended last month, and |Gerardine says that if the results prove to be successful it is likely to be rolled out across the group’s other facilities in the city. She added: “The new scheme has been positive all round because it has also reduced hospital stays and frees up time so that district nurses can concentrate on the more complicated areas of their work.” “The feedback we have received so far has been so positive that going forward I can see it being used across the company. “Some of the carers may not have wanted to learn new skills if there weren’t any wage incentives in it for them, but they are now seeing the benefits of being able to care for their service users even more, which is what they want to do.”
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Wonderland theme for home reopening RESIDENTS and staff at Bupa’s Maypole Nursing Centre stepped into the world of Alice in Wonderland to celebrate the reopening of the care home following a £442,000 refurbishment. Both staff and children from local Shamblehurst School dressed up as characters from the well known tale to celebrate
the end of the work to the home, which included painting the home and landscaping of the garden, with the addition of a summer house. Resident Les Bartlett cut the ribbon to officially reopen the home. I Pictured right: Staff celebrate the reopening of the refurbished home with resident Les Bartlett
Safety concerns force closure A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE care home has been forced to close after county council bosses had concerns over the residents’ safety. Managers at Ashcroft Care Home in Sutton-in-Ashfield have informed the 38 staff, 17 residents and their relatives about the planned closure, which is due to the age of the building, changes needed to comply with fire regulations and ongoing work to keep the quality of the water safe. Health and safety experts, who have been working hard to manage the water quality over a number of months, have recommended immediate action. David Hamilton, service director for the county council told Caring UK that despite systems being installed at the home to keep legionella levels under control, the bacteria counts continued to increase.
He added: “Unfortunately, we’re in a similar situation to the one we had at Daleside a few months ago. We feel we took the right decision moving residents out of Daleside when we did, as the legionella bacteria counts rapidly increased, past safe levels, in the days after the residents left. “We want to ensure that we make the right decision again to protect the safety and welfare of the residents at Ashcroft Care Home. It is better to move people in a planned way rather than wait until the legionella levels increase and we suddenly need to move people in an emergency. We will work with each resident and relatives to ensure that their wishes are followed during the move.” Daleside Care Home in Forest Town was closed for similar reasons earlier this year, again due to the age of the building.
Solicitor cleared over conduct allegations By Dominic Musgrave A SOLICITOR has been cleared over career-threatening allegations of serious professional misconduct after claims that her campaigns breached codes of professional conduct. Yvonne Hossack, for whom Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, gave evidence, had been accused of breaching client confidentiality and acting without instructions from her clients. She was accused by Northamptonshire, Staffordshire and Hull councils of breaching rules of professional conduct through her campaigns to stop care homes losing services. But a decision by the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal cleared the lawyer of professional misconduct after the local authorities used technical rules to argue she should not be working so closely with her clients. She told Caring UK that she was worried for her clients and that a “great weight has been lifted” off her shoulders. Yvonne added: “If somebody was falling off a cliff and they were blind and deaf, I would ignore the rule that
says ‘keep off the grass’ in trying to grab them back. “I always knew I had done nothing wrong but the law and justice are not a married couple. At best they are a one-night stand and part company in the morning. The local authorities were out to get me, I have no doubt. “I hope that the councils feel ashamed because from shame comes the hope of redemption. “But in future local authorities should accept my offer to sit down and talk in the hope that we find solutions together; because they will have noticed that shooting the messenger will not work, neither will it keep their people safer.” Age Concern and Help the Aged public policy manager Andrew Harrop said that the principles for which Yvonne Hossack had tirelessly fought “are incredibly important”. He added: “Older people in care homes can be very vulnerable to change and upheaval – they have a right to have their needs and interests properly protected.” Yvonne added that her law firm, Hossacks, based in Kettering, has recently taken on two new full-time staff to expand the practice to help more people.
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The legal challenge against the amount local authorities and PCTs pay care homes in fees is gathering pace. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Forum planning legal action against all local authorities THE Fairer Fees Forum was set up two years ago, and former prime minister’s wife Cherie Booth QC is set to act on their behalf should it ever get to the High Court. Led by ECCA, it is being brought by solicitors Aston Brooke, and argues that councils pay far less than the true cost of care and give more money to council-run facilities than private ones. Head of litigation Raman Purewal says the group plans to take legal action against all 150 local authorities in England, in the hope of being granted a judicial review of their fees arrangements. He added: “There appears to be a two-tier system when it come to the amount that is paid to care homes by private and local authority funded residents. “Those that are funding their own care are paying the true cost, and if the local authorities started to do the same then it would be of benefit for all involved because the staff would be paid more and be better trained, which all benefits the residents.
“We need care home operators to unite on this against their authority, because those operators who think they will leave it because their council will look favourably on them in future are sadly mistaken.” Well-known actor Richard Briers is acting as an ambassador for the cause, and the team is calling on care providers to get in touch with copies of contracts, the percentage increase they have seen over the last three years, as well as any communication they have had with local authorities and internal costs for any care analysis. Raman added: “We are getting to the point where if it doesn’t happen now then it never will, and if it doesn’t then local authorities will think they can do as they wish. “A lot of the care home owners operating at the moment have built this sector up over the years, and yet they may go to the wall because of this. This can only affect the end user because in future the concept of choice will disappear and they will be left to take what they can.”
Simon Badland
The director of Oldfield Residential Care Group has launched a campaign for more fairness in the pricing of care for the elderly. Here Simon Badland explains more.
Simon seeks support for Fair Care Campaign RECENT media coverage, not least on television, has all-but placed some large care home owners in the same unpopular category as investment bankers and money grabbing politicians. Whether that is fair criticism or not, mud tends to stick – and gets stuck to all of us in the industry. Those of us who have built up our small businesses from the bottom up (one home, then two, then …) have come into caring for the elderly from a different perspective than the large, City finance driven companies: not better necessarily, just different. When you start with one home you are all too aware of the microissues of managing the lives of the elderly – and that’s probably the biggest difference. You are constantly reminded that you are looking after people who depend on you, often totally, and are not so much running a business as running vulnerable people’s lives. The first and last priority is not money, not interest rates, not shareholder dividends, not fiveyear business strategies, but care. What you also learn is that caring for people is all about the people who provide the care.
When you’ve got the right staff running homes for the elderly almost – only almost! – becomes easy. It certainly becomes very satisfying, and when management and staff are feeling good about what they are doing, the elderly share the feel good feeling. But the fact of the matter is it still costs what most people consider a fortune to keep anybody in a care home: huge amounts of their savings disappearing every month. Most people work hard all their lives, and they deserve to pay no more than a fair price when it comes to care at the end of their lives. We think the industry should fight back, and present the good side of what we do. That’s what the Fair Care Campaign is all about. We see fair care as having two main aspects: home-from-home care (focused on the care not the surroundings) and fair prices – charging a reasonable amount and no more. The next step is to see if any other care home owners like the idea of a Fair Care Campaign – and want to support it. I To show your support, email editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@whpl.net or contact him on 01226 734407 and he will pass them on.
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Holiday was a winner with residents By Louise Cordell
A dog is bringing smiles to the residents of a Bromsgrove nursing home. Bobby, a Tibetan terrier, is the home’s very own Pets as Therapy pet and visits monthly. The national charity provides therapeutic visits by volunteers to various care settings with their own friendly, temperament tested dogs and cats. Bobby is pictured with his owners and residents Betty and Colin Woolvin.
STAFF at a care home in Dorset have organised a holiday for six of its residents. Helene Dunbar, manager at the three-starred Wimbourne Care Home, organised the trip to Holten Lee, a purpose-built holiday complex overlooking Poole Harbour. Staff came up with the idea at one of the home’s regular residents’ and relatives’ meetings, when they agreed that it would be nice to spend more time together away from the home. Helene said: “We like to do as much as we can with the residents and are out and about on day trips all the time, but a long weekend away like this was a real first for us. “There were a lot of things to take into consideration, for example getting around, because none of our residents are mobile, but we selected a place to stay with disabled facilities and got everyone involved to sort out cooking and night rounds. “It was well worth the effort because everyone was so excited – staff told us that the night before the trip lots of our residents couldn’t sleep because they were so excited.” During the trip staff organised a picnic lunch, trailer rides around the holiday park’s grounds and a visit to local attraction Farmer Palmers to feed the goats and sheep.
In the evening everyone took part in a sing-a-long and ate fish and chips, and one carer invited her young son along for the evening, who played board games with the residents. Helene added: “No one has stopped talking or smiling about it since, which says it all really. “We are putting together a memory book with comments and photographs that we can keep for all the residents to look back on and we are already putting plans in place for next year’s trip.” The home also puts on a host of other activities for its residents including days out to the theatre, farm parks, Wimbourne Market, the beach and dolphin spotting boat trips around Poole Harbour. Helene added: “We are a fairly small home with just 27 residents, but we are like an extended family and include everyone in all the activities we do. “Getting out of the home is so important for the wellbeing of the residents and gives them a sense of independence – so although it can present challenges it is very worthwhile. “The next adventure we have planned is a swimming trip, we’ve had lots of requests so it’s now our mission to get that organised.”
One of the carers invited her young son along one evening to play board games.
Speakers lined up for NCA conference SPEAKERS from the inspectorate and the government’s health body have been lined up to speak at the National Care Association’s annual conference. CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower and Department of Health director general of social care, local government and care partnerships David Behan will speak at the event, which this year has the title Personalisation: the
21st Century Solution? Also due to speak at the two-day event, which takes place at Alexandra House Hotel in Swindon on November 11 and 12, is charity Action on Elder Abuse chief executive Gary Fitzgerald, National Skills Academy for Social Care director Liz McSheehy and Amanda Waring, director of short film ‘What Do You See?’
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CARINGNEWS The two main political parties have been outlining their plans for the future of elderly care. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Parties unveil plans for elderly population WITH a general election guaranteed within the next eight months, the Conservatives and the Labour party have unveiled their plans to tackle an increasing elderly population. In Manchester, shadow health minister Andrew Lansley said, if elected, the party would create a “home protection scheme” to prevent older people having to sell their properties to fund long-term care. Under the new proposals people would be invited to pay a one-off charge of £8,000 at 65 to waive fees for life. Currently, costs are met by the individual if they have assets over £23,000. Announcing the idea, Andrew said that it will end the “immense injustice” of 45,000 elderly people a year losing their family home and life savings. He added: “The proposed scheme would lift a major weight of worry from the shoulders of all older people and their families. “In 12 years Labour have failed to offer older people any hope of a way out of the forced home sales crisis. A vote for the Conservatives is now a vote for a real, affordable alternative to losing your home if you need to
enter residential care." The government put forward its own proposals on elderly care at the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth. Gordon Brown’s plans include a “National Care Service” which would see free homecare for those with “the highest needs” from October 2010. These were originally outlined in the Shaping the Future of Care Together green paper published in July. They include plans to invest more in prevention, advice and information, and the drive towards personalised support. Speaking at the conference, Brown said: “We know that there are a number of challenges facing our care and support system. This is why we are currently consulting on a Green Paper, ‘Shaping the Future of Care Together’, which sets out a vision to build a National Care Service for the future – this is the ‘Big Care Debate’. We want to hear people’s views on the proposals, which set how we should create and fund a sustainable system for the long term.” I Elderly care did not feature at the Liberal Democrats’ party conference.
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Entrepreneurs putting their cash into care home sector By Dominic Musgrave NORTH West entrepreneurs looking for a potentially recession-proof investment are ploughing money into the acquisition and development of care homes in the region, it has been claimed. But Gareth Brewerton, an assistant solicitor in SAS Daniels corporate and commercial department, says many are missing out on opportunities because they know nothing about the sector, even though they don't need care expertise to invest successfully. And he told Caring UK that he estimates the number of deals completed in the care sector in 2009/2010 will be double that of 2007/2008. Gareth added: “I can speak only for myself and my colleagues, but I was involved in £54m worth of carebased acquisitions, developments, refinancing and joint ventures in 2008; this rose to £90 million in 2009, and, half way through the 2010 financial year, we’re already at £86m worth. “The vast majority of care home management and staff see care as their prime responsibility – something at which they are absolutely expert – but sometimes forget they need investment to extend and better the outstanding care services they provide.
“I've been involved in care deals involving entrepreneurs with zero knowledge of the sector, but who retain existing management to assist. You wouldn’t start work as a chef if you knew nothing about cooking, but the expertise is there to assist, and with the right advice and understanding it's virtually impossible to get involved with the wrong sort of care operation.” And he added that there are a wide range of opportunities available to entrepreneurs looking to invest in the sector. "The key point is that care needs investment, and investment needs care. There is a real shortage of decent care providers in the north west. There are some really good companies, but they are few and far between. “Entrepreneurs see the sector as being potentially recession proof, and the banks are open for business providing the deals being put in front of them are sensible. Sellers need to be realistic because their million pound business of two years ago will probably be worth £800,000 today. "We have an ageing population, and the government is driving more care services as a consequence - but private sector care will be crucial to delivering the levels of care required in this country."
Gordon Banks with resident and fellow former Stoke city player Derrick Ward.
World Cup goal-keeper opens home WORLD Cup winner Gordon Banks has opened the Priory Group’s first elderly care home in England. The famous shot-stopper was the guest of honour at Amberley House, which will provide specialist and dementia nursing care. All residents have access to carefully planned activities and a wide range of professionals including a GP,
hairdresser, chiropodist and optician. The group’s chief executive Philip Scott said: “The experience the Priory Group has in mental health, complex and long-term care transfers very well into older people’s services. People are now living longer and have more complex needs and associated health issues that we have the expertise to care for.”
Caring UK Commerce section brings you all the latest property, business and training news every month.
In this issue: I How Cheryl turned to care homes page 26
I Home celebrates gold standard page 28
I Stephen set to deliver luxury home page 29
I Combining fivestar feel with cosy appeal Gareth Brewerton
page 30
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A lack of suitable care for a family member led to a new business venture for a Dorset entrepreneur. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
How Cheryl turned to care homes CHERYL Hadland already ran a group of successful children’s day nurseries for several years after struggling to find appropriate and flexible care to suit her needs. And when her mother was struggling to look after her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she decided to move into care homes. As part of Reside Care Homes, Cheryl opened her first site in Christchurch, Dorset three years ago, and her second in Southbourne has recently received its dementia registration. She told Caring UK that building the group is a massive career change from her days working as a professional scuba diver in the 1980s. Cheryl added: “When my mother’s husband was diagnosed with dementia we decided to look after him ourselves, but when that was no longer possible we looked at what care was available. “The main issue we looked for in the care homes was safety because he had a tendency for wandering off, so we needed somewhere with a secure garden and a front door that didn’t lead out on to a busy road. “We also wanted somewhere that had activities for him, because he
was still under 70 at the time, so we wanted him to be able to have some fun rather than just sitting and sleeping all day.” At the time, Cheryl was negotiating turning a former school into a day nursery, but when it became clear that it was not going to be financially viable she decided to convert it into a care home. “It was always about dementia for me, and I was only really ever interested in looking after people who needed 24-hour care,” she added. “It has been a massive learning curve for me, but it has been a good experience, and I now want to open a care home a year for the next few years, although that could be difficult with the way the banks are lending at the moment.” Cheryl did manage to secure funding shortly before the credit crunch to purchase her second home, Southwood, which has just received its dementia registration and can cater for up to 31 residents. She added: “We were lucky to get the sale in just before the recession, and plan to make improvements to the home over the next couple of years. “At the moment it does not have a lift, so that is something we are looking to install over the next few
Cheryl Hadland with a resident months. “We have also applied to the Carbon Trust for a grant so that we can put in a new kitchen, insulate the home and replace some windows because not all of them are double glazing.” And she said that other operators should considering offering specialist
care at their homes. “I think the care homes that will do best in future will be those that adapt to what is needed. “Social services are helping elderly people stay in their own homes for longer, so those homes that won’t accept people with dementia are likely to have empty beds.”
Care home group struggles with recruitment drive By Mary Ferguson A CARE home group says its recruitment drive is not going as well as it hoped as it is finding nurses hard to come by. Alpha Care Homes, which has five sites in Worcestershire and three in Warwickshire, is on the lookout for 18 staff in total, including a training officer, care assistants, laundry assistant, weekend cook, domestic assistant, office support staff. But head of care Caroline Wood told Caring UK they are struggling to fill the five vacancies they also have for nurses. She added: “As the number of residents we look after increases we need to recruit more staff as we are committed to offering the best quality care. “During this time of rising unemployment we have continued to fill job vacancies with relative ease – with the exception of nurses as there is a short supply of qualified nurses nationally, and as a result of the Border and Immigration service tightening the criteria for work permits and visas. “Most of our care home managers started their careers with Alpha as a registered general nurse and, through hard work and training, have achieved their goals.” Alpha aims to recruit two nurses at Wayside Care Home in Bromsgrove, one at Mockley Manor at Ullenhall
Caroline Wood near Redditch and two at Westley Court in Cookley near Kidderminster. Human resources manager Harriet Woodall added: “We would love to hear from anyone interested in applying for a job with us – in particular nurses, who are in such short supply.” The group employs a total of more than 600 staff in Worcestershire, the West Midlands, West Sussex and London.
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Lancashire home celebrates gold standard achievement By Mary Ferguson A LANCASHIRE care home is celebrating after becoming the first in the country to be awarded gold standard from Investors in People. The Manor House Nursing and Residential Home in Chatburn has joined a group of less than one per cent of UK employers that have attained the highest accolade following a three-day inspection. The home, which has more than 50 residents, has been run for the past 25 years by husband and wife Chris and Janet Harrison, who are both qualified nurses. Training manager Karen Walker told Caring UK that the achievement is testimony to the hard work of the team of more than 80 staff. She added: “We are delighted and proud that all the dedication and hard work of the whole team at The Manor House has been recognised with this award. “We have had Investors in People status since 1997, and it has become important in this area because if you don’t have it then you don’t become a preferred provider and social services will not recommend you. They also pay you a little more money each week too. “Because a lot of companies now
The Manor House staff Karen Walker, Cath Mellin, Shelagh Kearsley celebrate the award with owners Janet and Chris Harrison. have Investors in People they have now introduced three new standards – gold, silver and bronze – for those that go above and beyond.” To reach gold standard the home had to meet the required criteria in 165 out of 196 standards. The Manor met 191, and was particularly praised for offering more training than the mandatory. Karen added: “The inspectors selected who they wanted to interview from the whole of the staff, including those from the kitchen and laundry as well as the carers and management, who all said how they
feel valued and recognised. “We open our training up to everybody here, and our maintenance team and taxi drivers will do the safeguarding and manual handling training because it affects them too. “We have 45 staff currently doing an ITQ computer course. The majority of them will probably never need to use one at work, but they probably will do with their families at home.” Karen says that she has not had to cut the home’s training for staff because she does not pay anything for it following the launch of the
Lancashire Workforce Development Project. She added: “The inspectors could not believe the budget that we have for training, but most of what we do is free and the only cost for us is in the time the staff spend on it. “A group of care homes have got together to form a partnership, and through it every carer is entitled to a one NVQ and three short courses every year. “The manager is aware that staff move on, but people coming to work here see their workmates progress and have a career path.”
HSE training warning after company is fined £15,000 CARERS and home operators are being warned to follow the correct training and procedures for moving and handling elderly, frail or disabled patients. The advice from the Health and Safety Executive comes after the successful prosecution of BUPA Care Homes (CFH Care) Limited, which was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay £10,500 costs by Wakefield magistrates after an 80-year-old quadriplegic fell from bed while being dressed by a lone, inexperienced care assistant. Muriel Lindley suffered fractures to both legs in the fall at West Ridings Nursing Home in Lofthouse in July last year. She was admitted to Pinderfields Hospital where she died nine days later. BUPA pleaded guilty to a Section 3(1) breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 in relation to the incident. Magistrates heard that Muriel, a resident on the Swaledale Unit, was able to fall from her bed
after protective guard rails were lowered to get her undressed, washed and redressed for the day ahead. Following the hearing, HSE inspector Paul Robinson said: “This prosecution should serve as a reminder to all carers, management and care home operators of what can happen when the correct training and procedures aren’t adhered to – and why such policies and guidelines are put in place to safeguard patients in the first place.” Health and safety policies at the home and written assessments of the patient’s individual care needs stated the procedure should always be carried out by two properly trained carers. However, Muriel was instead tended to by a lone employee with limited knowledge and training. The employee had only started work on the unit six days earlier and did not complete the necessary formal training on patient handling until July 22 – the day Mrs Lindley died.
Firm to train Leeds workforce of 500 A LEEDS care group has appointed Medex Training to train its 500-strong workforce of care workers over the next year. Ideal Care Homes owner Lawrence Tomlinson plans to open 11 new facilities over the coming year, with the first ‘Brackenfield Hall’ set to open its doors next month. Catering for a range of dementia and residential clients, all staff will
undergo extensive training from Medex in everything from first aid and manual handling to food hygiene and safe handling of medication Lawrence said: “We are committed to delivering over and above the required packages to ensure that the Ideal work force is the most highly trained, motivated and knowledgeable in its sector.
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Development milestone celebrated
Stephen set to deliver luxury home By Dominic Musgrave THE new owner of a former maternity facility in Fareham plans to turn it into a luxury care home. Stephen Press, who already owns a care home in the town and another in Devizes, plans to offer hotel-type facilities at Blackbrook House, where he once worked as a student nurse. He told Caring UK that its proximity to his current facility in the town was the main reason he purchased the 19th Century Grade II listed building. Stephen added: “It is a stone’s throw away from our other care home, and we have walked our residents up the long private drives there for a number of years. It is a well-known building in the area as a lot of people were either born, had their children or worked there, and as soon as it came on the market I thought it would make a perfect a care home because it is in lovely grounds.
“It needs a bit of knocking about and a lot of money spending on it, but once it is finished I will be aiming at the high end of the market Stephen bought the home through DFE Commercial for an undisclosed sum, and expects the refurbishment to be complete by the latter end of 2010. He added: “It will be registered for 26 residents, and I expect to create between 25 and 30 jobs by the time we are open. “Ideally I want to create a home which is a cross between assisted living and a more tradition residential home. Rather than asking a resident to pay for their rooms and then have to pay more for the care they receive, I think there is a niche market for people to pay more in the first place. “I want to offer excellent quality care in a beautiful hotel type environment, so if a resident wants a tray of tea at any time they can just ring a bell and that would be the norm.”
DC Care has completed the sale of Woodlands Lodge Care Home in Hoyland near Barnsley. The home is registered for 36 old age/dementia service users and
Paul Cann, chief executive of Age Concern Oxfordshire, Paddy Brice, managing director of Richmond Villages and Elisabeth Parker, village manager lay the final roof tile.
comprises 32 bedrooms, with some en suite. Vijay Mootyen, Soobha Devi Mootyen, Dhanus Ramdharry and Dhanraz Ramdharry purchased the home for an undisclosed sum.
Taylor National has completed the acquisition of Monread Lodge Nursing Home in Knebworth on behalf of Maria Mallaband. The home was previously owned by Sean Leyden, and the sale took 16 weeks to complete.
Shadow health secretary keynote speaker LIBERAL Democrat shadow health secretary Norman Lamb will deliver the keynote speech at the annual ECCA conference. Entitled ‘Up Close and Personal’, the event at the Bloomsbury Holiday Inn
on November 12 will also feature Ted Smith, chief executive of Craegmoor Healthcare, Julie Jones, chief executive of SCIE and Jeff Jerome, national director for social care transformation at the Department of Health.
MANAGING director Paddy Brice and Age Concern Oxfordshire chief executive Paul Cann placed the final roof tile as part of a topping out ceremony at Richmond’s latest development. More than 20 of the one or two bedroom apartments in the first phase of 34 at the new retirement village at Letcombe Regis have already been sold off plan. As well as a care home with dementia facility at the centre of the development, the village will also include a restaurant, café, IT room and library, craft rooms, a bowling green and a wellness spa with a swimming pool. Paddy said: “After many months of planning, development and construction, we are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone, and glad that we could share it with Age Concern. We are on schedule to open the doors to our first residents early in 2010, and look forward to offering a first class service and outstanding retirement facilities to local people.” Richmond Villages has raised funds for Age Concern at its other retirement developments in previous years.
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So much for the would-be care home vendor to consider By Anita Allen MANY of the small to medium sized care homes established over the last 20 years are being traded very successfully, operated by hands-on owners and managers who are now considering their options as they near retirement. Some of these ‘family’ owned care homes offer the highest standard of personal and nursing care to a large proportion of the UK’s elderly population – many cater primarily for the private fee paying resident in high quality ‘hotel-style’ accommodation. When it comes to considering the ‘sale’ of this sort of care home the vendors have numerous issues to take into account. These owner-managed businesses are very different to the larger ‘corporately owned’ care homes, and vendors are often very attached to the business, the residents, staff and relatives. When selling they need to consider their own options in detail – personally from a taxation, business and legal perspective, but many also consider the business itself hoping, if possible, that it will transfer into ‘safe’ hands with the least disruption to those involved day to day.
The disposal of such a care home needs to be managed with confidentiality and discretion at all times. If you are considering selling just think of all the questions you need to get answered: I How much will I get for my care home business? I What capital gain tax will I have to pay? I When do I tell my staff I am selling? I Do I have to tell CQC about the sale? These are the type of questions I am asked by vendors every week – they are all relatively easy for the agent to answer, some-times additional legal and accountancy advice is required also – but they need full explanations and vendors must not be frightened to ask. Getting good advice from any professional adviser is sometimes all about asking enough questions. Many owners and managers have put years of time, effort and dare we say love into their business. They must remember to put as much effort into selling and obtaining the best possible price and outcome for all parties. This should enable them to have a happy retirement and permit the care home business to go from strength to strength. I Anita Allen is sales manager at DC Care
New facility aims to combine five-star feel with cosy appeal A NEW £11m care facility which aims to combine both the feeling of a five-star hotel as well as cosy home has opened its doors. Actress June Whitfield, star of Absolutely Fabulous, Terry and June and the Carry On films, unveiled a plaque at Kew House in Wimbledon, which as well as having state-of-the-art facilities also boasts its own concierge service. Deputy manager at the 81-bed Hallmark Healthcare site, Leigh Higgins, told Caring UK that the home aims to offer the best of both worlds. She added: “We want to offer the feeling of a five-star hotel, but with a homely feel as well because people don’t want to live in a hotel 24-7. “The rooms are very tastefully decorated, and it doesn’t look like a traditional care home, which is one of the comments that everybody that has visited has said. The concierge will work front of house and will greet people who visit and want to be shown around. When we have more people living here they will organise outings for the residents and activities with people coming into the home.” Other facilities at the home, which caters for a mixture of dementia, residential and nursing residents, include a complementary therapy and treatment room, cinema, hair and
Hallmark Healthcare managing directors Avnish and Ram Goyal with home manager Peter Donkin and June Whitfield beauty salon with cafe, family events room and music room. Leigh added: “We hope that we have a home here where people can progress should anything happen as we can cater for all their needs. “Having June come to open the home was wonderful - she’s an amazing lady.” During the opening June signed copies of her new pictorial biography – June Whitfield at a Glance, which went on sale earlier this month, and as a thank you for attending the launch Hallmark Healthcare presented her with a cheque for £1600 to be shared between the charities that she represents, which include Canine Partners, Polka Theatre, Bookfest, St Raphael’s Hospice and South East Cancer Help.
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Homes served with notices to improve the quality of nutrition and hydration By Dominic Musgrave NOTICES were served to 10 Scottish care homes to improve the quality of nutrition and hydration for residents, a new report has revealed. The Care Commission study ‘Eating Well in Care Homes for Older People’ also found that almost half of the 303 facilities surveyed did not meet national standards for eating, drinking and nutrition, leaving residents at risk of weight loss and dehydration. It also found that more than a quarter of homes do not screen residents for malnutrition, and a third failed to screen their residents for dehydration. Director of healthcare regulation Susan Brimelow told Caring UK that the commission was particularly concerned about the 91 complaints they have received in 2006 to 2007, 76 of which were either totally or
partially upheld. She added: “People in care homes are among the most vulnerable in our community. They depend on the care home and its staff to provide balanced meals and ready access to as much water and other liquids as they need. “Everyone who cares for people in a care home must know what the National Care Standards for Eating Well mean to them and to each individual in their care. “There is plenty of room to improve. “We are concerned about the high numbers of complaints we receive and the enforcement action we have had to take to ensure the safety and welfare of people living in care homes.” Dehydration was the biggest issue in complaints, with claims that people were not encouraged to drink
regularly, or that drinks were out of reach. As a result, the organisation made 101 requirements and 38 recommendations. Susan also suggested that the Scottish government implement and fund the “nutrition champions” initiative pilot, which has seen 50 care staff learn more about diet and nutrition for older people so that they could teach others and improve conditions. She added: “We’re confident that the recommendations we’re making as a result of this report’s findings will contribute towards improving standards of nutritional care in care homes for older people across Scotland. “In particular, we want to actively encourage the Scottish Government to fund and support the nutrition champions programme across all Scottish care homes.”
Susan Brimelow
A care professional celebrates his 10th anniversary at the helm of his Huddersfield business. Dominic Musgrave spoke to Stuart Theobald about his involvement in the industry.
Stuart with staff at High Royd
Marking ten-year milestone PURCHASING High Royd Care Home represented a massive career change for Stuart and his wife Elizabeth, but one that he wishes they had done 10 years earlier. She worked as a district nurse, while he worked for an architectural company, and he told Caring UK that it was the aesthetics of the home, a former vicarage, that first attracted him to it. He added: “We had friends who ran care homes and my only regret is that we didn’t go into the sector years sooner than we did. “We looked at several other homes across Yorkshire before settling on this one, and it was the look of the building that attracted us to it I’m ashamed to say because it is a lovely old building. “In hindsight I would now either build a new purpose-built home instead or buy an existing home with a lot more land for opportunities to extend.” Elizabeth worked as the manager at the home for four years, before leaving to pursue another career,
and it was a chance telephone interview that led to Kim Hirst becoming her replacement. Stuart added: “I phoned the home where Kim worked to check out a reference for a carer we had just set on here. “The lady we had originally put in position to replace Elizabeth gave back word at the last minute so I jokingly asked her whether she knew of any managers looking for a job and Kim said she was. “She came in that afternoon for two hours, and the rest is history. Kim has turned the home around since has been here, so much so that we are in a fortunate position where we have a waiting list.” Stuart says he has seen many changes in the industry during his past decade, the biggest one being to the legislation. He added: “I think care in this country has definitely changed for the better over the years. We have far more expenditure than we used to, and have to have more staff on duty than before. “There has also been a big change in the age group coming in here.
Before they would come to us in their 70s and pass away in their 80s, whereas now they are coming to us frailer in their 80s or 90s and the residents we have here would have been put into the nursing homes 20 years ago.” The home, which is registered for 19, is currently working towards its Gold Standard Framework. It is undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme which is being tailored more towards people with dementia and Stuart says that one day he would like to expand the business further. He added: “I have ambitions of building a care village in the Huddersfield area in the future with a care home and some units for people to retain their independence. “But the banks are not really lending at the moment so those plans are having to be put on hold.” The home is planning a party in the near future to celebrate reaching the milestone.
Committee scheme is a success ONE of the most successful schemes that Stuart and Kim have introduced at the home in recent years is the Friends of High Royd committee. The group, made up of residents and relatives, meets regularly throughout the year to discuss all matters to do with the home. Kim added: “We run a very open home and the meetings are open to all residents and their relatives so they can discuss the home, any changes they would like to see made and also any fundraising ideas they may have. “We have a resident who sits in when we are interviewing because they are the people that are being cared for. Another resident came to the fire safety training we did, and I have invited relatives to join me when I am doing a new member of staff’s induction so they can understand more about what we do here.”
Council pulls homecare contract By Dominic Musgrave A HOMECARE company has had its contract to provide services in Islington ended by a local council. The company provided support to more than 100 users in the south of the borough, providing assistance with domestic chores and personal care as specified in the care plan. The council’s executive member for health and adult social care, councillor Ursula Woolley, told Caring UK that the decision was made carefully. She added: “Islington Council is ending its contract with Care UK to provide homecare services, that is help for residents in their own homes. “We have decided that clients’ needs will be better served with a different model of care from another provider. We look forward to announcing publicly the new contract partner in due course.” Corporate director of housing and adult social services Sean McLaughlin, has written to Care UK giving them three months’ notice. In a briefing note to councillors, he said that the decision to terminate the contract was triggered by the failure of Care UK to sign a formal contract and problems in the perfor-
mance of the new one. The company was one of four to have been awarded a new contract for the provision of homecare services in April. It is separate from the council's residential care contract with Care UK. Care UK spokeswoman Sheila Roberts said the company was disappointed with the decision. She added: “We are completely taken aback by the decision. This is a new contract and we were working closely with the council to bring the service to the same standards we have been providing for Islington residents for many years. “This will be a real blow to the local people we employ and to the service users they care for. We take our responsibilities very seriously on every contract and have already recruited and trained a great team of carers for Islington.” She added: “The quality of Care UK’s homecare services across the country places us among the highestranking independent homecare providers in terms of the good and excellent ratings received by our services from the Care Quality Commission. It’s a shame that people in Islington won’t be able to benefit from this quality service in future.”
Provider marks Older People’s Day A HOMECARE provider held a variety of events for older people to mark national Older People’s Day. The events organised by staff from Somerset Care at Home’s nine community care bases ranged from a ‘meet and greet’ event in
Gloucester to a conference in Torbay and a visit to Cricket St Thomas organised by the company’s Chard office. The day celebrated the opportunities, achievements and aspirations of older people.
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CARINGHOMECARE
Dorset residents ‘very satisfied’ with homecare
Victoria Uglow gives a hand massage to Kenneth Evans as part of the new service
Care homes launch new holistic service at open day A CORNWALL care group celebrated National Older Persons’ Day with an open day at three of its 18 care homes to launch a new service. The Cornwall Care events were designed to inform people about ‘My Progress Plus’, which has been developed to provide holistic client-centred care in people’s own home. It builds on the foundations of the group’s ‘My Progress’ service, which has helped more than 600 people across the county with specialist physical care and support while recovering from illness, accidents or surgery since it was introduced in 2006. Chief executive Douglas Webb said: “My Progress Plus has been developed to bring together
specialist care and expert advice from a wide range of therapists. “Through the scheme we can offer a holistic service that will help individuals to maintain their valued independence in their own homes. The results from our pilot service have been fantastic, with many clients regaining their independence when perhaps they thought they might not.” The new service looks at every aspect of an individual’s life to identify where support is needed to help them return home after a period of serious illness. It can include arranging for home carers to provide a helping hand and co-ordinating a range of therapies, to supplying and fitting rehabilitation equipment within the client’s home.
DORSET residents are very satisfied with home care, according to a new survey. And the rise in satisfaction levels from 2006 means the Government has awarded the county council £240,000 – which will be re-invested in local services. The Department of Health’s home care survey recently carried out among a random selection of council home care users over 65, showed that 73 per cent of Dorset residents are either ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with home care. Andrew Cattaway, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “We are delighted that the survey has generated a response rate of 56 per cent in Dorset. “The findings really highlight
service users’ and carers’ appreciation of home care staff who are helping people to live with dignity and respect safely and independently in their own homes.” Dorset County Council funds homecare for more than 1,500 residents who receive care either directly from council home care staff, or from a select number of approved independent providers. Service users are particularly happy with their relationships with home care staff, with 96% rating them as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. The survey included a number of questions to determine home care users' quality of life which have provided valuable information for local service planners.
Council is taking part in pioneering GPS scheme WARWICKSHIRE County Council is taking part in a pioneering scheme to use Global Positioning Satellite technology (GPS) to help dementia sufferers live independently for longer. The local authority is one of the first nationally to use the tracking device in this way as the county’s older population looks set to grow significantly over the next few years. Dr Graeme Betts, strategic director
for adult, health and community services, said: “New technologies are giving people greater freedom and are promoting independence but only if they are part of a tailor-made care package. “Our work in this field is all part of the ‘Putting People First’ agenda, which is about people having choice and control over their care so that we can personalise services to meet their needs.”
Trio of senior appointments
Conference first
THE Somerset Care Group has announced three senior appointments within its domiciliary care operations. Mandy Curran has been appointed operations manager for Somerset Care at Home, which provides care and support to clients in their own homes across the south west. She has worked for the group for 18 years, most recently as area manager for the Bridgwater base of Somerset Care at Home. Jacqueline Burge will step up from acting deputy to replace Mandy in that role, while Stephen Neale has been appointed as area manager for the Gloucester base of the company.
ONE of the country’s fastest growing homecare providers has held its first care managers’ conference. Almost 30 care managers benefitted from a diverse programme, which included a range of topical subjects such as the changing home care marketplace, customer focus, recruiting and managing staff differently and supporting franchisees and building businesses. Franchise director Simon Dalziel said: “We have an ongoing commitment to support our staff in a relevant and practical way to help equip them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing market place. “The conference provided an ideal opportunity for our care managers to come together and share their experiences.”
Branch celebrates ‘excellent’ rating Mayor of Eastbourne Greg Szanto launched Community Meals on Wheels Week celebrations at the town’s Pentlow meal delivery service. Councillor Szanto toured Pentlow’s state-of-the-art kitchen facility, where their ovens can cook food to exact temperatures in a quarter of the time of ordinary ovens to ensure maximum retention of nutrients. He also helped prepare and load meals for delivery to customers. The company provides approximately 25,000 meals a year across Eastbourne and surrounding areas to people living at home in the community.
STAFF at Sanctuary Care’s Plymouth homecare branch are celebrating after it received an ‘excellent’ rating from the CQC. The branch currently provides a range of services to 260 people who need support to help them stay independent in their own homes. The score comes after an inspector visited the Roborough-based office,
met staff and went to see people who use the service and their families. Manager Sue Towle said: “The rating is recognition of the superb work office staff and community carers do and I feel proud that their commitment has been recognised.” The report also praised the high level of staff training, the flexibility and consistency of the service.
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CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES
A new £20m retirement village has opened on the edge of Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. Dominic Musgrave attended the official opening of Audley Clevedon to find out more.
£20m village is promoting independence and choice THE new site comprises 98 one and two bedroom properties, with prices ranging from £249,000 up to £575,000. The development is built around Clevedon House, a 19th century Victorian building which was dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick and is the village's centrepiece. It is home to the club, with facilities including a swimming pool, gym, beauty treatment rooms and hair salon. Opened by television personality Angela Rippon, the first phase of the development has created 26 jobs, and a further 10 will be created over the next 18 months once the next phase, which will cost £10m is complete. Head of care Barbara Hobbs told Caring UK that the new village has been created for people who are retired but want to maintain their independence and quality of life. She added: “Audley Clevedon is all about lifestyle, and people living here will be very much in control of their own front doors. “We are promoting independence and choice and our clients live their own lives. We are here to provide
the care and support to them should they need it, anything from taking the dog for a walk and checking their apartment when they are away up to full level personal care services. “Residents can end their days here, and we will actively involve people and listen to what they want to achieve during their time here.” Other facilities on the 23-acre site include a restaurant, bistro bar and library, and a wildlife area. Barbara added: “We will provide 24 hours a day care, but should a resident wish to use another domiciliary care service then they are more than welcome to do so. “We have found, however, that 99.9 per cent of people at our other sites will purchase from us because they know all the staff and trust them, and they know that they will be there when they say they will be. “Audley has decided to go down this route rather than build a care home on the site because we feel that creates a clash of cultures and doesn't work. “From a client's perspective we don't want them moving in thinking they will end their days in the care home.”
Angela Rippon and Audley CEO Nick Sanderson at the opening
Dale creates healthy menu
Above: Audley Clevedon and, below, one of the lounges
AUDLEY has employed the services of a nutritionist and medicinal herbalist to create a menu which has health benefits for the residents. Dale Pinnock has worked with the company across several of its services, and some of the dishes he has created include curries and risottos that target a range of common illnesses associated with the elderly. He told Caring UK that a healthy diet is crucial for the elderly. Dale added: “Healthy eating is absolutely vital, and it shocks me that there are still some healthcare environments out there that are serving their residents and patients slop which is not doing them any good whatsoever. “I have created a few dishes that are extra nutritional but are also
Dale Pinnock enjoyable as well and tick all of the boxes and at the same time do the body some good. Ingredients such as ginger and turmeric act as anti-inflammatories, while shitaki mushrooms are good for a variety of conditions.”
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CARINGRETIREMENT VILLAGES
English Care Villages managing director Keith Cockell comments on the Office of Fair Trading’s announcement that it is investigating retirement villages’ ‘exit fee’ terms. Ladies’ fitness class
Investigation into builders’ practice is welcomed IT IS small wonder that the OFT has investigated the practice of retirement house builders McCarthy and Stone of incorporating a transfer fee in the fine print of their leases. Those involved with the disposal of a flat or apartment due to the death of their parents or relatives will have been hit by the proverbial ‘double whammy’. The first comes when trying to sell the flat or apartment in which the couple have lived and probably died in. With a number of other properties for sale in the same development and the presentation of the interior being less than acceptable, the eventual price of the subsequent resale is severely depressed and often, especially in these times, much less than paid originally. The second comes when the vendor’s solicitor discovers that he must pay a percentage of the sale value to
some remote investor who has had absolutely nothing to do with the development. Even though this may only be two or three thousand pounds it will be seen by the benefactors as a galling amount for doing absolutely nothing, and is a further reduction of income to the unanticipated low sale price. So if this has become a cheeky trick of the house builders of retirement homes, I for one am glad that they are investigating the practice of all house builders that have developed retirement flats. This payment for doing nothing should not be confused with the assignment fees required to achieve investment returns which are essential to the growth of the care village concept. The house builder is here today and gone tomorrow, has no interest in the
value of the property and provides no services. The care village operator is here today, tomorrow and the next day. He will work hard to provide good services in his restaurant, his care home and in the continued maintenance and quality of the development from which his income is derived. The provision of these facilities has to be paid for, and the operator will take a long-term view regarding return on this very expensive capital investment. To add these costs to the first sale of properties would be prohibitively expensive. An assignment fee, which is paid on the subsequent sale of each property, enables the operator to invest in the extensive range of village facilities. Unlike the house builder who has long gone, the operator will be constantly marketing the business and
the development, and there is no better way of doing this than by ensuring a highly regarded reputation for quality and services. This will have a major impact on the sale value of properties being resold and will maximise the monies received by the late resident’s estate. Any operator that has not provided good services will soon hear about it from the client group. I Richmond Villages has asked us to clarify that in the article run in the October issue of Caring UK under the headline 'OFT probes retirement village 'exit fee' terms' that Richmond Villages is not one of the 26 companies written to by the Office of Fair Trading. Furthermore, Keith Cockell left the company in October 2008, which might not have been clear from the photograph run with this story.
Gardener David hopes interest will blossom Residents at a retirement village have no excuse for not being green fingered. Dominic Musgrave found out more. RESIDENTS at Middleton Hall will have the chance to be involved in all aspects of gardening following the appointment of a head gardener. Since taking charge of the 35 acres of land at the retirement complex between Darlington and Yarm, David Richardson has prioritised eight projects which will not only improve its appearance but also the way in which it is used. He has already encouraged Middleton Woods apartment owners to become composters with the creation of five different sites for food waste, and next spring he will be encouraging them to grow their own fruit and salad items in windowsill containers. David added: “My dad used to show his produce at national level so I have very high standards to live up to. I have eight projects on the go and cannot wait to see them all come together to
achieve my main overall aim which is to enable residents, visitors and staff to all to enjoy the garden in whatever way best suits them. “Many of the residents here came from homes with fairly large gardens and miss not being able to grow things so I am going to provide them with lots of opportunities to do so.” Enlarging and enhancing the existing allotment area is another project on his list so that he can supply not just the kitchens with fresh and organic vegetables, but grow enough to sell in the on site shop too so that residents can also benefit when cooking their own meals. During the winter months he plans to lay footpaths through woodland using bark chippings. He will create several circular walks of varying distances and erect bird-feeding stations at various points along the way for added interest.
And for the less mobile residents of Middleton Grove’s assisted suites and the Middleton Gardens care home one of his first jobs was to restock the pond at the front of the main hall. He also plans to grow more indoor plants. David added:“The goldfish have already bred and the plants are now attracting dragonflies and damselflies, making it a really interesting area for residents to sit around “I also want to grow more perennial flowers, such as chrysanthemums, in the grounds and greenhouses especially for use in displays around all the communal areas.” The village provides a range of hotel services including bar, restaurant, tea room, shop, library, hairdressing salon and Middleton Spa – a leisure complex including a pool, spa, gym and beauty treatment rooms.
David Richardson
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CARINGLAUNDRY
Easy to use solution identifies garments LAUNDRY is a key issue for more than 60 per cent of care homes and residents, as their clothes are the most important personal belongings they bring. Retriever is a revolutionary and easy to use solution which immediately identifies garments. Smart buttons are attached to each garment (and laundry bags, for smaller items) and scanned by a hand held reader to provide instant details of who the garment belongs to and their room number. It provides detailed report functionality, allowing to search by resident, room and date and produces inventories of residents’ possessions. The data is available immediately. Retriever promotes good standards of hygiene, eliminates lost laundry and gives complete control over the laundry process. Use of water and electricity is also more efficient. The system is cost effective, time efficient and easy to use. This ultimately frees up more time for staff to provide care, ensuring that dignity returns to the resident. Enquiries: Telephone 01249 661661
Jangro launches new range JANGRO has launched its own range of on-premise laundry products. Independent laboratory tests found that Fabrix® Laundry Liquid was scientifically proven to kill the H1N1 flu virus, MRSA and C. difficile spores. Sovereign Low Temperature Destainer is used at only 30 degrees, reducing energy costs and wash time, allowing more loads per day. Sovereign commercial grade, high strength Peroxide Laundry Destainer is effective when washing at 60 degrees and above, removing bleachable stains.
Sovereign Fabric Softener incorporates ‘quick dry’ and ‘easy iron’ features with anti-static properties. Sovereign Bio and NonBio Laundry Liquids are designed specifically to tackle the toughest stains. Sovereign Laundry Conditioner is for those occasions when a heavyduty product for high temperature washes is required. For cleaning performance without a destainer, Sovereign Biodegradable and Non-Bio laundry liquids are both non-irritant and economical.
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CARINGNEWS
Cook Cora earns credit for five-star inspection rating A LINCOLNSHIRE care home has received the highest possible rating at its recent environment inspection. York House Care Home in Billinghay was awarded five stars by the county council, which manager Marion Neale puts down to the hard work of cook Cora Struggles and her team. She added: “Last year we were awarded four stars, which we were delighted about, so to receive five at our most recent inspection was a fantastic achievement. “The inspectors looked at everything from the kitchen to the general hygiene, checked all the books were up to date and that all of the staff are appropriately trained. “The residents work with the cook to develop the menus and we work to a two-week basis. We find that the residents still want the traditional casseroles, lasagne and roast dinners rather than curries and spicy foods.” The home has recently undergone a small extension, which has seen the number of residents increase from 13 to 16, most of whom have short-term memory loss or dementia. Marion added: “Because of an increase in demand the home
Chef Cora Struggles with residents owner has turned the part of the site that she used when she came up here to visit into three extra bedrooms. “That has also opened up extra office space and has given us a dedicated training area for the staff because in the past we used the residents’ dining room for in-house training or meetings, which deprived them of an area. "There are no plans to extend the home any further because we feel that if you grow it any more it becomes more institutionalised
and you lose that homely feel that we have created." The home provides a wide range of activities for its residents, raising money for the comfort fund through the sale of a variety of goods including baskets and cards that they create. “We will do any type of activity to stimulate the residents,” added Marion. “But we do it on their terms as it is their home, so find out what they want to do rather than us forcing something upon them.”
Wiltshire care home success A PURPOSE-BUILT dementia care home in Wiltshire has received the highest possible rating from the inspectorate. Caring Homes’ Ferfoot, in Chippenham, has received the threestar rating from the CQC, and its emphasis on maintaining an active and normal life for residents has led to it being recognised as a centre of excellence for dementia care. Manager Keeley Simpson says: “The inspectors were particularly impressed by how many activities are available to the residents – life is very busy at Ferfoot and there is always something stimulating for the residents to do. “We believe that keeping the residents constantly active, combined with one-to-one sessions that focus on each individual sufferer, leads to a high standard of care that is very person-centred.”
Work starts on new home WORK on a new 60-bed care home in Edinburgh has begun. Kings Inch is the fourth to be built by the council, and is due to open in spring 2011. It will be sub-divided into smaller group living units of 15 en-suite bedrooms, each with their own sitting and dining areas. Spokesman Paul Edie said: “This new home will give residents the opportunity to stay in accommodation, which is more suitable to their needs.”
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CARINGCARE AWARDS
The cream of the care sector has been celebrated at two glittering award ceremonies. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Cheryl helps care winners celebrate success ... BUCKS Fizz star and television celebrity Cheryl Baker was the guest presenter at the inaugural Great West Midlands Care Awards. Part of the Great British Care Awards, for which Caring UK are the media partner, the regional event held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull celebrated all aspects of the care sector, and attracted nominations from all over the area. Eighteen awards were presented on the night, which started with a champagne reception, followed by a gourmet dinner and disco. The winners from all the regional awards will be invited to attend two national events for either the homecare or care home sectors, which will be held at the prestigious London Guildhall in June 2010. The winners were: Care employer – Allcare (Shropshire) Ltd; care home worker – Marie Woodcock (Sebright House); homecare worker – Mandy Halpin (Radis Community Care); Care newcomer – Amy Hughes (Worcestershire Care Group); care home registered manager – Kay Davies (Woodcote Hall); homecare registered manager – Claire Cooper (Radis Community Care); care home nutrition – Jo Shuker (Sebright House Nursing Home); dignity in care – Abbots House team (Stoke on Trent City Council); dementia carer – Jo Shuker (Sebright House); care team – Abbots House team (Stoke on Trent City Council); care home activity organiser – Stephanie Jones (Castel Froma); ancillary care – Graham Taylor (Bupa Care Homes); care trainer – Sue Huxley (Lynhales Hall Ltd); outstanding contribution – Meg Fallon (Lynhales Hall Nursing Home).
Award winners celebrate their successed with category sponsors, event organisers Mike Padgham and Lisa Carr and special guest Cheryl Baker.
CARINGCARE AWARDS
Ex-Eastender is guest host at inaugural awards night TELEVISION presenter and actor Des Coleman was the celebrity host for the inaugural Great East Midlands Care Awards. Des, who has appeared in programmes including ‘The One Show’ and ‘EastEnders’, presented the awards at the East Midlands Conference Centre which form part of the Great British Care Awards. As well as Caring UK being the media partner, they have received support from across the social care sector, including the Department of Health, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Ceretas, ECCA, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and Action on Elder Abuse. The awards support The Maggie’s Centre charity, which has sites across the country supporting people who lives have been impacted upon by cancer. The winners were: Care employer - Wren Hall Nursing Home; care employer - Cornerstone Support Living Ltd; care home worker - Maggie Musemwa (The Limes); homecare worker - Joy Groom (Direct Health); care home registered manager - Mary Craig (Northamptonshire County Council); homecare registered manager - Gill Heppell (Percurra); care newcomer - Rachel Guthrie (Innova House); care home nutrition -Malcolm Shipton (Wren Hall); dignity in care - LHA Support Services community team; dementia care - Stephanie Wilkinson (Laura Chambers Lodge Care Home); care team - The Oakleaf care team; activity organiser - Tracy Horsey (Egerton Lodge); ancillary care - Hayley Pell (Innova House); care trainer - Susannah Spencer (Lincolnshire County Council); care Innovator - Amanda De Santis (Northamptonshire County Council); IT innovator Laura Chambers Lodge Care Home; outstanding contribution - Terry Pears (Nottinghamshire County Council).
Television celebrity Des Kelly celebrates with award winners, organisers and event sponsors, while guests enjoy the post-dinner disco.
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CARINGNEWS
Regulator in warning over infection risk By Dominic Musgrave
Liz McSheehy admires a resident’s painting with manager Janet Manners
Liz visits care home to see the challenges faced by employers THE director of the National Skills Academy for Social Care visited a Bournemouth care home to find out more about the challenges faced by employers in the care sector. Care South’s Talbot View in Bournemouth played host to Liz McSheehy, who met with director of care services Richard Hawes, director of human resources and training Moira Brown and Janet Manners, the home’s manager. Liz was invited behind the scenes into the kitchen by chef Danielle Curtis, who had prepared the
residents’ favourite lunch of fish and chips. She added: “The visit to Talbot View was part of a wider tour of care organisations, to understand firsthand, the challenges faced by employers in the care sector and to see how employers are working to achieve excellence in skills and training development and care provision.” Time was also made to visit the training and NVQ centre run by Care South at their head office in Poole.
POOR communication between NHS hospitals and care homes may be putting elderly people at risk of contracting MRSA and other infections, the inspectorate has warned. The CQC found nearly one in five of the 1,000 homes in England that were questioned were not being told if patients discharged from hospitals were or had been infected. And when information was received, this could be weeks late, incomplete or illegible. The regulator also highlighted poor practice by care homes – a quarter were not following guidelines covering issues such as isolating residents with infections and antibiotic management. And it found that ambulance crews are often left out of the information loop, even though they could perform a vital role in both caring for people and transferring information about their care needs. The study said that care homes have not fully implemented national guidelines published in 2006 designed to prevent and control infections. It added: “Care homes and hospitals are required to provide information on infections to each other. “However, this does not happen in a co-ordinated way, which means that people with an infection may not receive the most effective care and recover more slowly, or not at all – and they may pass their infection on to others as a result.” Care homes have been warned by the CQC that they have until next year to follow the guidelines or they may not be allowed to
Cynthia Bower officially register with the regulator and could be barred from providing care until they improved. Chief executive Cynthia Bower added: “If we are to tackle infections effectively we need to check that all providers of care, be they care homes, hospitals or ambulances are talking to each other about infections and following national guidelines to make sure that they are complying with the law and giving people the quality of care they deserve. “Care homes and hospitals should make sure that they have good arrangements for joint working to ensure they are providing high quality, safe care. If we find that providers of care are not coming up to standard in this area, we will take action.”
Industry leaders to speak at Care Show in Birmingham TOP industry speakers have been lined-up to speak at the Care Show in Birmingham. CQC chair Baroness Young and Martin Green and Frank Ursell, chief executives of ECCA and the RNHA respectively will lead a programme of informative talks and discussions on topical issues affecting the running of care homes for older people. A free, two-day programme in the seminar theatre will provide owners and managers with an ideal opportunity to hear the latest news, ask questions and receive top advice.
Guest speakers also include NASHiCS chair Chris Jackson, Steve Sumitomo-Wyatt of the UK Border Agency, Kashif Majeed, principal solicitor at Aston Brooke, NCA chair Nadra Ahmed and Paul Marriott, managing director of Hays Social Care. Many of the challenging issues currently facing operators such as immigration compliance, personalisation, health and safety and staff shortages will be addressed. The Care Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC on November 3 and 4 from 10am to 4pm.
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
New technology to fight second wave of swine flu INOV8 Science has developed an innovative technology which is able to reduce the spread of airborne infections ranging from MRSA and C.Difficile to the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu. The INOV8 AD (Air Disinfection) units are able to treat indoor air spaces in offices, factories, surgeries, hospitals, hotels, shopping centres and any space in which people meet (and exchange germs). The company's chief technology officer Dr Ian Widger said: “Employers are bracing themselves for a second wave of swine flu, and the Cabinet Office has indicated that up to 30 per cent of the workforce may require time off at some stage over the entire period of the pandemic. “If businesses experience this level of disruption, the financial implications would be extremely serious." INOV8 Science is increasing production of the units in advance of the second wave, which will enable organisations to take action now. Enquiries: Visit www.inov8science.com
Lifting care standards A HIGH quality rated care home has further raised its standards through an innovative approach to residents’ needs. Brookfield House, in Nantwich, Cheshire, already has a two star CQC grading, but now it has invested in an Aerolet toilet lifter to further enhance provision, simultaneously increasing independence for its 45 residents, and helping staff. The Aerolet, available exclusively from Total Hygiene, replicates the natural movement of standing and sitting, lowering and raising the user onto and off the toilet, while enabling them to keep their feet on the floor and maintain their centre of gravity and therefore balance. An Aerolet tilt has been fitted over the standard WC in the communal area of the home, enabling its less mobile residents to ‘go to the loo’ during the day and evening with reduced, or even no, carer assistance. Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199 or email info@clos-o-mat.com
New Touchsafe® nurse call system launched AID CALL has launched the new Touchsafe® two-way wireless system which could revolutionise the way you manage your nurse call communications. The new ATX4000 and ATX5000 nurse call bedhead devices use a unique two-way wireless radio technology to ensure that all calls transmitted are successfully received by the central display panels. An acknowledgment that the call has been received is given at the bedside providing true reassurance to the caller. The Aid Call Touchsafe® two-way nurse call is a professional wireless system, compliant with the EN 300 220 Class1 requirements and designed to provide maximum safety and security. It is the only system to use the dedicated 869MHz alarm frequency. It can also help in the battle against the spread of infection, as all elements which are likely to be touched or handled are embedded with powerful anti-microbial additives. This provides lifelong protection against the spread of infection. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 0523616.
Simple solutions SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, Richards Residential Supplies have concentrated upon supplying simple solutions to common nursing home problems. The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to this tradition. With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 per cent waterproof backing, the remarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills may occur. Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms or bathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpet protection. Then, after use, simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple... The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
The Lakes wins quality award CARE centre manager Annette Forrest (right) and unit manager Joan Colgan proudly display their well deserved Four Star Quality Assurance accreditation certificate awarded to The Lakes Care Centre in Dukinfield by High Peak Care Management Ltd.
Enquiries: Email info@highpeakcon.co.uk
Clarence combines cosy ambience with contract spec A NEW suite of upholstered furniture has been created by Knightsbridge which combines the style and comfort expected in domestic settings with the contract specifications required by residential homes, sheltered accommodation and other caring environments Designed on classic lines to ensure its suitability for lounge and reception areas alike, the Clarence range comprises an armchair plus settees in both twin and triple configurations, complemented by an ottoman which doubles as extra seating or a footstool. Comfort features include a high back and scrolling upholstered arms, while the seat pads are reversible to ensure even wear and prolong fabric appeal. Knightsbridge offers Clarence in a full range of upholstery fabrics, including vinyls where infection control is an issue. Customer-specific fabrics can also be accommodated on request. Complementing the upholstery are wooden feet in natural beech, golden oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany and wenge as standard, or in bespoke finishes to order. Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731900 or e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk
NRS has the Ways and Means NOTTINGHAM Rehab Supplies has published a new Ways and Means catalogue, which is especially designed to offer its comprehensive selection of products directly to the broader end-user and carer markets. The 84-page publication is packed with items that aid daily living, ranging from rollators and walking frames to something that opens tricky jars in the kitchen, or a solution for those who need support when getting into the bath. Many of the items created by the award-winning product development team are featured in the catalogue, including the adjustable bath step for those who have difficulty getting in and out of the bath, and the folding easy fit bedrail, recently voted Most Innovative New Product at the annual conference of the National Association of Equipment Providers. Enquiries: Telephone 0845 121 8111 to request your copy of Ways and Means or email customerservice@nrs-uk.co.uk
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CARINGPRODUCTNEWS
Apetito cooks up a storm at Birmingham Care Show SPECIALIST frozen meal supplier Apetito will be tempting visitors to the Care Show at Birmingham on November 3 and 4 with plenty to see and taste. Newly launched into the sector, Apetito will be running live cook-offs and tastings every hour to showcase its approach to care catering. Visitors will see the Apetito development chefs in action as they cook and serve a range of dishes in just 45 minutes. These include salmon and asparagus gratin, sausage hot pot with Apetito’s infamous crispy roast potatoes – followed by classics like sticky toffee pudding. In addition, two visitors to the stand will have the chance to win a chocolate delight workshop, creating the finest Belgian chocolotier under the guidance of a master chocolatier. The team will also be on hand throughout the show to discuss how its new approach can help care home management ensure residents, including those with special diets, receive the best possible nutritional care. Enquiries: Telephone 01225 756000 or visit www.apetito.co.uk
Business brokers launch new brochure AXIS Partnership has created an exclusive brochure for healthcare business owners. The brochure breaks down the service Axis provides to sellers looking at an exit strategy from six months up to five years. It also contains a brief step-by-step guide of the processes involved for the sale of a company, with key tips and inside knowledge of the industry and how to achieve the maximum price. Most importantly, the brochure contains information on how you can get a free professional valuation from Axis, and a summary of the factors that can determine the value of your business. If you are looking to sell your care home or care agency, this brochure is a must-have document and an excellent first step to finding out the true worth of your business. Enquiries: Telephone 0800 977 5855.
Goodman sparks again for Abbeydale WHEN the laundry in Stanley House Nursing Home needed to be replaced in 2006, owner Mike Shepperson consulted the dealer Goodman Sparks. The outcome was a laundry based on two 10kg washer-extractors teamed with two Huebsch tumble dryers. The new laundry performed so well that when the owner’s other site, the Abbeydale Nursing Home, needed to be re-equipped, Mike had no hesitation in specifying the same equipment supplied by the same dealer. He said: “Our laundry is one of the key factors in our quality assurance programme, and we demand very high standards. “These machines work much faster than the ones they replaced, but we are still running them for 10 or 12 hours a day seven days a week. We cannot afford any downtime and we know that if we do have a problem, Goodman Sparks will resolve it straight away.” Enquiries: Telephone Goodman Sparks on 01142 589614 or Armstrong on 01635 263410.
Grahame Gardner launches clear pricing strategy GRAHAME Gardner has introduced a new clear pricing strategy with a view to offering improved value for money. With this strategy the company has brought in broad pricing bands which run across all garments, regardless of the style. This new pricing structure also represents exceptional value for money as many prices in the Grahame Gardner range have now been reduced, some by almost 50 per cent. Over the last two years the company has been reviewing and reorganising its operating procedures in order to refine its offering to the customer. Several changes in working practices have enabled them to safeguard the quality of the product range, while significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of their garments. These savings have been passed directly onto the customer within the new price list. Grahame Gardner has also extended its stock range, with female sizes now running from eight to 28 and male chest from 34” to 50”. Enquiries: Telephone 0116 255 2198.
Tarkett provides emergency cover at hospital
Official fire safety consultants to the care sector
THE new accident and emergency department at Our Lady of Lourdes in Drogheda Hospital has been completed with more than 1200m of Tarkett’s Linoleum XF. The new four-storey extension was constructed by PJ Hegarty building contractors, while the flooring was installed by Floor Style throughout the new emergency department. Heath services executive John Carroll said: “We wanted a hard-wearing, good quality flooring product for the new facility and, having worked with Tarkett in the past, I knew their products would meet our needs. “They are flexible, yet durable and very easy to install, which is essential for healthcare projects where timing is often crucial.” Tarkett’s Floorcraft Service also added an extra dimension to the new flooring at the department. These can be a scary place for children, so a separate waiting area was create d for them complete with a mix of bright and cheery designs. Enquiries: Telephone 01622 854040.
FIRECO are the official fire safety consultants to the UK’s leading care sector associations, and you can meet them at stand E21 at The Care Show Birmingham NEC on November 3 and 4. Come and talk to Fireco’s team of fully qualified fire safety consultants and see how they are assisting care home owners and managers to meet their responsibilities for Fire Risk Assessment through the company's training and consultancy services. Fireco will also be demonstrating their wide range of simple, effective fire safety solutions includes wireless Dorgard fire door retainers, Deafgard - a wireless solution for communicating the sounding of the fire alarm to deaf and hard of hearing people and System X - a smart fire safety system that uses the latest radio technology to automatically signal a fire alarm condition to all linked X products. Enquiries: Contact 0845 241 7474, e-mail sales@firecoltd.com or visit www.firecoltd.com
Elderly to benefit from first silver trial in UK nursing home THE results of the first silver antimicrobial product trial in a nursing home environment reveal that levels of potentially deadly bacteria can be dramatically reduced using products treated with silver antimicrobial agents, creating cleaner and safer nursing homes for elderly residents across the UK. As the infection control spotlight turns to independent healthcare and social care establishments, BioCote Ltd is leading the way with a pioneering study at Arbor House in Leicester, that has shown how the products can reduce bacterial contamination in care environments by an average of 95 per cent. Wolverhampton-based BioCote Ltd, specialists in antimicrobial technology, included a number of silver antimicrobial products in the refurbishment of a nursing home by Leicester City Council. Products treated with a silver antimicrobial agent look the same as any standard product, but are able to reduce bacteria on their surface, such as MRSA, E.coli and Salmonella. Enquiries: Telephone 01902 824450.
Portable peace of mind PORTABLE hot water hand wash units from Teal require no fixed plumbing or drainage and are operational as soon as they are plugged in. Washing hands in hot water with soap is the only truly effective way to protect the old, infirm and recovering patients from potentially life threatening infections. Teal units allow carers to provide hot water hand washing facilities at convenient locations in bedrooms and other places where they are required, without the hassle and expense of new plumbing. An instant ablution solution, the units come in a range of different sizes providing enough hot water for between 10 and 50 thorough hand washes at the correct temperature. They all store clean and dirty water in separate compartments and are easy to clean and refill. Larger units are free standing, while smaller ones can be placed on a flat surface within reach of the bedridden. Enquiries: Visit www.tealwash.com or telephone 0121 770 0593.
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CARINGCLASSIFIED AND NEWS
Vicki wins award
New jobs created
VICKI Harris won the prestigious carer of the year prize at the first Patients’ Choice - Quality and Excellence Awards organised by South Staffordshire PCT. Vicki, who we featured in last month’s issue of Caring UK, worked her way up to senior management at Bridge Court in Burton, and was nominated by her manager Helen McVay.
A NEW £2m extension to a Suffolk care home will create 10 new jobs in caring, resident activities and catering. Healthcare Homes has recently completed the work at Hillcroft House, which will provide 22 new residential spaces for people with dementia. Sylvie Silver opens the new sensory garden at Ashley House.
Sylvie opens new sensory garden
Signs
INSPIRATIONAL woman of the year Sylvie Silver was the guest of honour at the opening of a Hampshire care home’s sensory garden NAPA director Sylvie, who received the Daily Mail accolade earlier this year, officially opened the Breath of Fresh Air garden at Sanctuary Care’s Ashley House care home in Bordon. The garden has been specially designed for residents with dementia, and includes a galvanised porch roof with fibre optic
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stars so they can sit and listen to the rain, a waterfall with lights so that it can be enjoyed by people inside the home, and a traditional telephone box and bus stop to encourage reminiscence. Sylvie said: “It was such a pleasure to open the garden and see the enjoyment it brought to everybody.” The garden was named after NAPA’s annual competition, which encourages homes to think of creative ways to bring fresh air to residents.
Radiator covers
Uniforms
Transport
Care Alarms
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Business solutions
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
Homecare set for personalisation challenge By Kate Baines THE personalisation agenda looks set to challenge the domiciliary care sector and how agencies are managed. Gone will be the days of long term contracts, particularly with local authorities, something that most other industries deal with on a daily basis. There will still be a few contracts about, however, but very few will be substantial enough to be relied upon for revenue. More agencies will need to change their thinking and business strategies. Growth on private work and quality of care will become essential, and attention to this must be given to survive. As more individuals gain the independence of choice of which agency they might want to use, care agencies need to step up their game with quality, continuity and
New catalogue is launched ECONO-MED has become the preferred supplier to many thousands of leading medical and beauty professions over the past 12 years, gaining a reputation for high quality products and providing a first class service. The same is now offered with the launch of the 364 page Econocare catalogue, designed specifically with the requirements of care homes in mind. With a dedicated management team, the market is continually being researched to ensure the products offered are relevant, comprehensive, of high quality and competitively priced. The website also facilitates product review, and customers can complete their orders quickly and efficiently online. Whether an order is placed online or on the telephone delivery will be free of charge nationwide, with no minimum order value and delivered to you within 48 hours (next day delivery option available).
Celebrate with an NVQ badge BADGEMASTER has launched a range of badges to celebrate staff and students gaining NVQs. The badges, which have a maximum price of only £2.45, are recommended and approved by the English and Scottish authorities, and are made in bronze, silver or gold finishes, hand polished. They attach quickly and safely, and are also available in an attractive presentation case, Italian designed, in smart black velvet.
reputation. Owners will need a more business minded approach to company development, and may even need to think about bringing in extra resources for this purpose, not something all owners have had to think about before. The industry has been one of the most lucrative and fortunate sectors with regards to long term contracts. Most of our clients are quietly confident in their own business, knowing where future work will come from, and deals often based in a sale of a care agency on the length left of a contract and comfortable with it being renewed relatively easily. Purchasers and sellers have very different views in the current climate, and I find it divided on the pros and cons of how the industry is moving forward. A previous client, one who had been in the industry with her own care business for
some 20 plus years, had no doubt the change was one to be taken advantage of. When she first started her care business there was no such thing as block or spot contracts. What the government are rolling out over the next few years, and which is already live in some counties, is not much different to how things started when domiciliary care first came about. She felt if you had the quality of care that clients want for them to keep coming back, and that you gain further business through word of mouth, and learn new ways of marketing, again something agencies don’t always actively do, the sky is the limit. One thing for sure is this is still one of the most sustainable industries in this country, with an ageing population and more young adults with learning and physical disabilities being encouraged to
become independent in their own home, it can only continue to grow over the next 12 months. This will definitely be a testing time for some agencies, however, the need for all sizes and shapes of agencies will always be required to meet the needs of individuals and keep a healthy balance in the industry. ■ Kate is a healthcare broker for Axis.
Pods excite care sector YTM unveils THE latest invention to hit the industry is being officially launched at next month’s Care Show. Hawk Offsite Solutions has developed the care home of the future – individual room pods which are built in a factory and delivered onsite complete with all fixtures and fittings. Company director Dominic M’Benga said that operators are already wanting to know more. He said: “We have received a remarkable amount of interest and are speaking to several operators. “The advantages are cost savings,
time saving and they are more environmentally friendly, and these will allow operators to equip them better so it’s a win-win situation for everybody. “The pod we will have at the Care Show will be fully fitted, complete with windows, fully fitted bedroom, walk-in bathroom and comfort cooling system.” Dominic says the company are currently working on a comfort cooling system that is powered by solar panels, making it environmentally friendly.
Industry suppliers for 45 years SPEEDYPRESS has been manufacturing and supplying high quality pressing and finishing equipment for more than 45 years. Part of the Jerry Fried Group, which is based in Tyne and Wear, the equipment is hand built to specification and can often be tailored to suit a customer’s needs. We supply systems to some wellknown nursing and care homes that have told us that they were previously unaware of the type of equipment we
supply. They were using hopelessly inadequate equipment under belief that professional systems need specialist installation, electricity and plumbing supplies, as well as being prohibitively expensive. Our expert engineers assemble all our products, which means you have the added advantage of an excellent backup service. We also have one of the fastest turnaround on repairs and spares in our field.
20 years for dosage system BOOTS Care Services is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its first Monitored Dosage System (MDS) being introduced into the market. Since then Boots has continued to invest, develop and support this sector, and now offers a unique and wide range of services. The Boots Care Services business has also developed rapidly over the years, and as well as supplying thousands of care homes with reliable, safe and trusted medication administration with
systems and services that comply with regulatory guidelines, it can also support customers with a variety of services. To help you join in celebrating with the Boots Care Services team, Caring UK readers are being offered a 20 per cent off Christmas gifts voucher to use in their workplace. For full details of the offer see the ad on page seven. The voucher is valid until November 30 and terms and conditions apply.
special range YTM has designed and manufactured a specialist range of bedroom and lounge furniture for dementia care. The bedroom furniture has innovative key features to aid the daily routine of a resident with dementia. The wardrobe has a perspex panel and motion sensor lighting in one door that will illuminate the wardrobe on approach to facilitate identification of clothes, and the drawer units have scooped drawer fronts for easy viewing of contents. The collection of lounge furniture has been designed with a distinctive 1950s style and accompanying accessories and decorations relevant to the era are available. This range has been made for the purpose of creating reminiscence environments, where residents can engage in stimulating activities in surroundings that represent what they would have been familiar with at an earlier age.
BVS attends Care Show BVS Training Ltd attended the Care Show at London Olympia with a new look exhibition stand. The company, which has also recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, felt that this was the right time to give their exhibition stand an overhaul. The new face shows the importance to the company of moving forward after their first 10 years in the sector, and ensuring that they maintain their market leading position as a DVDbased training provider. Marketing representative Pauline McLaurin said: “This new look is just the start to BVS moving forward as a leading training provider.”