Caring UK June 2020

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no.284 • £4.75 incorporating

June2020

The Number One magazine for the care sector

Time to deliver new measures say providers PROVIDERS have given a guarded welcome to the promise of extra help for care and nursing homes in the battle against coronavirus.

The Independent Care Group has welcomed Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s promised support announced at a recent coronavirus briefing. But it has warned that such promises have been made before and not delivered.

Mt Hancock outlined three steps to support care and nursing homes during the pandemic, promising to “do everything possible to protect them as long as they are threatened by this virus”.

The three measures were: n Every resident and member of staff to be tested for Covid-19 by early June whether they have symptoms or not n A named clinical lead in every care and nursing home in England n Liaison with local authorities and sharing of data on coronavirus cases.

ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “We welcome the promises by the Government and its resolve to do everything possible to help care and nursing homes.

“However, we have had big promises made before and they have not materialised on the front line. We must wait to see if the Government delivers this time – our patience is running out and providers are struggling.

“It is gratifying that the Government is now waking up to what we have been saying for many years, that NHS and social care need to come together now and in the future.

“What we need most of all is to ensure that we can get the testing done, that we can get access to PPE and that we get some financial support to care and nursing homes who are struggling to survive while battling Covid-19.

“Reduced income from admissions combined with spiralling staffing and PPE costs is pushing many towards the edge of survival. Many were already running on very tight margins during the ongoing social care funding crisis. It is vital that they get financial support now to avoid the very real risk of providers going under at this critical time.

“While the measures are welcome, a lot more needs to be done and we need support for all social care providers – including care and nursing homes, those providing care in people’s own homes through homecare, day care and supported living – to be stepped up.

“We need to ensure all vulnerable people are protected.”

Care homes are also to be asked to restrict permanent and agency staff to working in only one care home wherever possible.

Nationwide Healthcare Staff

Spanish fun at Somerset care home

The residents at Old Vicarage Care Home in Worksop have been receiving kind messages and handdrawn pictures from local school children at Ranby House School. The children have sent in letters and pictures for the home to share with the residents during the current period of restricted visits to the home to lift their spirits. In their letters the children shared stories of their days with the residents and asked them what they had been up to, what their names were and how they were feeling. The children also made a bunting for the residents to display in the home for their VE Day celebrations.

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A SOMERSET care home supporting people with dementia has been providing a virtual getaway with a Spanish flavour for its residents.

Richard Dempslake, who leads the activities team at Camelot House and Lodge, set the tone for the day in advance, enlisting the creative input of his team to support residents in making Spanish-themed props, including a model of a flamenco dancer, a bull, DIY castanets and a variety of colourful hispanic wall posters.

He said: “The event raised everyone’s spirits with lots of laughter, residents dancing with each other, enjoying a nice sangria – and it was a pretty good escape from what was going on outside our Spanish bubble.”

With music always a crucial element in the care of people with dementia, the compilation of a suitably themed playlist was undertaken by team members Larisa Varvaroi and Ruben Fernandez, both of whom could draw on experience, having actually lived in Spain.

Residents were encouraged to contribute to the Latin rhythms by playing on maracas and castanets.

Costumes included sombreros, which originated in Spain before they became popular in Mexico, and Richard dressed as a toreador – although he was adamant that he does not support bullfighting.

Other recent events have included a silent disco and a virtual flight on a static aeroplane.

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3

CARINGNEWS

Study investigates impact of social service closures A NEW national study led by the University of Liverpool has been launched to look at the impact of social service closures due to coronavirus, on the lives of older people, people with dementia and unpaid carers.

An expert team of NHS, voluntary and academic collaborators from across the country have been brought together to conduct this novel UK wide study.

The study, led by Dr Clarissa Giebel from the University of Liverpool and conducted in collaboration with UCLAN, Lancaster University, University of Bradford, and UCL, will examine the impact of self-isolation on wellbeing of the older people, those living with dementia and unpaid carers.

She said “We want to hear from older people, unpaid carers and people living with dementia, either alone or in a supported context.

“They can have their voice heard in our research and the

Dr Clarissa Giebel from the University of Liverpool. results will be put in front of Memories is sharing the new decision makers.” study through its networks The study can be done across the UK to reach people online or via the phone and living with the condition and requires a commitment of their carers.

20-30 minutes three times Director Carol Rogers added: over a period of 12 weeks and “This vital research by the closes to new registrations on University of Liverpool will July 31. helps us to fully understand National Museums the impact of Covid-19 on Liverpool’s award-winning families living with and dementia awareness affected by dementia during programme House of this difficult time of social

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“We want to extend the reach of this study to our audiences to ensure their voices are heard and consider how we can adapt House of Memories’ programme based on the research.”

The project is being conducted in partnership with a large number of NHS Trusts and front-line care support providers, including Mersey Care NHS Trust, North West Boroughs NHS Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust, Tide Carers, The Brain Charity, National Museums Liverpool, SURF Liverpool, Lewy Body Society, Liverpool and Wigan Dementia Action Alliance, Sefton Older People’s Forum, and Me2U Day Care Centre.

The study is funded by the University of Liverpool’s Covid-19 Strategic Research Fund and supported by the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazine or on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice as demanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the way we handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Advertising Healthcare Product Manager: Bev Green Tel: 01226 734288 Email: bg@scriptmedia.co.uk Assistant Sales Manager: Tracy Stacey Tel: 01226 734480 Email: cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk National Sales Executive: Sales and Marketing Director: Tony Barry Tel: 01226 734605 Email: tb@scriptmedia.co.uk Publishers Script Media 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2AS. Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk Editorial Group Editor: Judith Halkerston Tel: 01226 734639 jh@scriptmedia.co.uk Group Production Editor: Dominic Musgrave Tel: 01226 734407 dm@scriptmedia.co.uk Studio Manager: Stewart Holt Tel: 01226 734414 sth@scriptmedia.co.uk Database enquiries to: 01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@ scriptmedia.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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4

CARINGNEWS

Resident and war veteran Len writes poem to mark VE Day Charity offers book for free

ARMED Forces charity SSAFA is offering free copies of a souvenir coffee-table book entitled VE Day 75, published by the SJH Group.

Homecare provider Bluebird Care, which has franchises across the UK, is a patron of the commemorative album, which includes a profile page dedicated to the company ethos.

Acting managing director Wayne Smith said: “As a homecare provider we are aware how much reflecting on memories can mean to people.

“For many of our customers, a commemorative album to keep on their coffee table at home will be very special to them.”

Written by experts including royal correspondent Robert Jobson, VE Day 75 tells the in-depth story of Victory in Europe Day. Featuring a wide selection of photographs from the day itself, the book documents the events of May 8 1945, honours those involved and reflects on how the victory has impacted on British society – right up to the present day.

A RESIDENT at Patcham Nursing Home in Brighton led VE Day celebrations with a poem he has written for the occasion.

Len Goldman, 103, is a published poet and served in Burma during WWII. He was asked to write a poem to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, drawing on his memories of the time.

His poem, The Gores of War, paints a vivid picture of battle and eventual victory, and his feelings about the time he served at war.

Len said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the staff and care at this home and my gratitude to all the staff who go out of their way to look after me and that’s what inspired me to write the poem.”

The former history teacher was born in Weston-Super-Mare and moved to Brighton as a child. In addition to his poetry, he has published a number of books about his life growing up in Brighton and his experiences in India during the war.

Len has been a resident at Patcham Nursing Home since January and is currently keeping in touch with his wife Rita and daughter Fleur using FaceTime and by phone, due to visitation restrictions caused by the coronavirus.

Prior to the lockdown, Rita would visit for dates in the sun lounge with a small sherry, and Len would recite

Len Goldman her a poem or two. As well as calls, romantic Len also sends his wife notes every day.

Manager Pat Hurst said: “Len is a fantastic resident and is always delighting us with poems. He has a lovely way with words and his VE Day poem really captures the spirit of the day and what it must have been like to be there.

“It is important to us to help all of our residents to continue the activities they enjoyed when they were younger. Exploring creative activities, such as writing helps to keep their minds active and we love seeing the amazing work they produce.

“Len’s wish is to have a laptop at the home so he can write more poetry.

If anyone has a spare working laptop that they could donate to our verse-

E T I S Y ION A D 30 ECT

writing veteran, he would love it.”

Gores of war Tens of millions wounded or dead Yes, the great god of war had sumptuously fed Orphans and widows grief stricken what a terrible sight We tried to console them, but the task was not light In the end the Red Army had the enemy on the run Yes, the final battle approached once it had begun The western allies triumphant from our side of the world And now the bright flag of victory was proudly unfurled

What an outpouring of happiness and relief In Trafalgar Square on VE Day was beyond belief There were millions who got safely home They stayed there with their families never more to roam

Wars are an abomination We should ban them forever And handling their weapons one day we will sever

But let’s remember that overwhelming feeling The warmth and the joy so heartfelt and revealing

By Len Goldman

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CARINGNEWS

A research report which aims to provide unprecedented insights into the growing needs of ethnic minority older people in Scotland is being supported by care charity Bield. Caring UK reports

Group seeks to support Scotland’s ethnic minority older community THE findings from the Count Us In research is now to be used to help housing providers across Scotland to deliver culturally appropriate care, accommodation and inclusion.

The project is the brainchild of Rohini Sharma Joshi FCIH, equality, diversity and inclusion manager for Trust Housing Association and the project manager of the Older People Services Project.

The project is jointly run by Bield, Trust, and Hanover (Scotland) housing associations and funded by the National Lottery’s Community Fund.

Bield chief executive Dr Lynne Douglas said the operator is committed to reaching out to all customers who face barriers in accessing services.

She added: “The Older People Services project was borne out of a proactive initiative to investigate the needs and challenges of ethnic minority older people in Scotland and then use that research data to inform and drive our equal opportunities programmes.

“The project has been a huge success. We have learned so much by listening to this most vulnerable group of older people. And we are now excited by the opportunities we have identified where we can make a real difference in improving services for them and changing their lives for the better.”

The research team, who were multi-lingual, spoke to more than 400 ethnic minority older people over a period of three years and used both one-to-one interviews and focus groups to listen to and record

the stories.

These older people spoke about their life journeys and achievements, as well as the many ways they struggle with deteriorating mental and physical health, unable to overcome the language, cultural and digital barriers to accessing support.

The core research took the form of a questionnaire covering the key topics of home environment, financial wellbeing, health, care and caring roles and participation in society.

Focus groups with both older people and community staff supplemented the interviews with both approaches providing opportunities for individuals to open up and let their voices be heard on many topics, some of which were normally

off limits because of the social stigma attached to them.

Rohini added: “Scotland is a small country but it has a big heart. We need to capitalise on this and ensure that we put the dream of integrated, multicultural, inclusive communities into action.

“This can only be done when we start to really grapple with the issues at the core of this ideal and take positive, practical steps to start making it a reality.

“We took the Count us In research programme into the homes of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable older people in order to find out what was really going on. These older people trusted us and told us their stories, many of which exposed truly appalling living conditions, unmet physical and mental health needs, insupportable burdens of care and heartbreaking situations of isolation and loneliness.”

Minister for equalities and older people Christina McKelvie concluded: “Our society has an ageing population that is growing faster in Scotland than the rest of the UK. That’s why we want to put systems in place to enable our older people to live well and independently for as long as possible.

“Count Us In is a valuable resource providing crucial insights into the very specific needs and struggles of Scotland’s ethnic minority older people.

These insights will put people at the heart of our policies, and help service providers to deliver culturally appropriate care, accommodation and inclusion.”

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6

CARINGNEWS

Craft group gets sewn up with funding boost

Maud Tearls celebrates with staff at The Willow reablement unit.

Resident celebrates her 102nd birthday at home A RESIDENT at The Willow reablement unit at Oake Meadows care home in Taunton has celebrated her 102nd birthday in style despite restricted visiting at the home.

Maud Tearls joined the Oake Meadows family on April 14, just in time to celebrate her birthday a few days later.

The home gave Maud a bunch of flowers, a balloon and sang happy birthday while presenting her with a cake, as well as lots of cards from family and friends.

Maud also FaceTimed her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter

and spoke with her daughter over the phone.

Maud married in 1941, and two years after marriage she left her job at a factory which made ammunition shells to give birth to her daughter.

Eight years later she had her son and Maud spent her time at home looking after her children. Maud now has three grandchildren, a granddaughter and two grandsons.

Home manager Katrina Ball said: “Maud is a lovely lady and we’re lucky to have her company. We hope she enjoyed celebrating her special day as much as she could.”

A PETERHEAD craft group has been awarded funding to support its community knitting projects for care homes and premature neonatal units, as well as personal artistic projects.

Cairn Crafts aims to help tenants at Frank Jack Court retirement housing complex to learn new skills, build friendships and revisit old hobbies while providing a service to the community.

The £750 grant from Cairn Housing Association’s Community Fund will finance wool and needles, as well as materials for personal arts and crafts projects.

The group, which was formed 18 months ago under the guidance of tenant Anne Day, has struck up strong relationships with local organisations.

Their most recent projects have included knitted hats, blankets, bonding squares and Christmas stockings for premature birth units in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Dundee.

She said: “Wool is expensive, and we’re so pleased to have the funding to allow us to continue our work for the next year.

“The group helps people to build their confidence and develop new skills while getting to know each other better and looking out for each other.

“We wouldn’t be able to make the things we do without each other’s talents. We hope the group can

continue making donations of our work to the community and tenants can enjoy meeting up weekly to chat and learn new skills.”

The craft group’s work is highly sought after by premature neonatal units as knitted items are also precious keepsakes for the families of babies in these units.

The group also create hand knitted sensory ‘fiddle muffs’ for residents in a local care home. These soothing sensory items are a much-needed aid for people living with dementia.

Members of the group meet for two hours on a Monday at the development, part of Cairn Housing Association, and form a conveyor belt of productivity.

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8

CARINGCATERING, NUTRITION AND WELLBEING Advertiser’s announcement

Pre-prepared vs blending – what are the benefits?

DYSPHAGIA can cause swallowing difficulties or coughing or choking when eating or drinking.

As a result of these symptoms, mealtimes often become an uncomfortable and stressful experience for residents living with dysphagia.

In most cases, dysphagia can be managed through dietary changes to both fluid and food consistencies to reduce the risk of malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration and choking.

However, the condition can cause numerous problems if the incorrect diet is prescribed, including the risk of food pieces, that are too large for swallowing, entering the throat and block the passage of air.

If the food or drink does pass down the airway, it can enter the lungs resulting in pneumonia.

Blending is often the process followed to provide residents living with dysphagia a meal with a reduced risk of causing harm.

However, this technique is unreliable as inappropriately sized particles can remain in the meal; both of which can lead to choking and coughing.

If the food or drink does pass down the airway, it can enter the lungs

resulting in pneumonia.

Malnutrition is also a common problem affecting those living with dysphagia, as they often have a reduced appetite and difficulty getting a balanced diet, including protein and fat, to maintain a healthy weight.

This problem is exacerbated as blending often leads to diluted meals, increasing portion size, thus leading to less nutritional value per gram.

Not only is dysphagia lifethreatening, but it has a significant impact on residents’ quality of life.

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9

CARINGNEWS

Orchard Residential: the steps taken to strengthen our medicines management

By Lynne Moore ORCHARD Residential, for people with dementia, is set within a group of four spacious and well-appointed Victorian houses built around 1840 which were once dormitories for Huyton Girls College in Liverpool.

Medicines management in care homes is a complex process, and one that can present a number of risks, largely by forms of medication errors.

We’ve been working with the same family-run pharmacy for more than 10 years, and the support provided to help us with this area has been invaluable.

As specialists in providing care home services, Pharmalogic has played a key role in strengthening our medicines management process.

Through their advice and guidance we have implemented innovative solutions that have positively impacted our care home, staff, and residents, and enabled us to manage medicines safely and effectively.

We’ve now bypassed the traditional methods of supplying medication to our patients through blister packs for example, and instead adopted a better system; a total medication management system to dispense and monitor medications together.

We use Biodose, which is the world’s first monitored dosage system for liquid and solid oral medication, and have been able to secure new levels of

Lynne Moore

safety, security and simplicity.

For our meds rounds this has made an enormous difference.

Most medication mistakes in care homes are avoidable, and the pods have photo identification of all our residents on the front of each tray, along with the drug names, and this helps remove medication errors.

It also means that we have absolutely no wastage. Our pods are colour coded, which makes it easier for our staff to use and distinguish between different dosage times, whether breakfast, lunch, dinner or evening.

As there is now no need for staff to pour liquid medication at the point of administration, we have also been able to save time here, and the time we have saved means that our staff are able to spend more time providing care to our residents.

Our residents who have dementia often gather around the trolleys

during the meds rounds, so ensuring a safe process is absolutely paramount. In the event of an emergency, I’ve been able to lock the pods away quickly in the trolley to ensure resident safety.

Ensuring staff safety is a priority too. A good example of this is that the pods include alerts to certain medication.

One of our male residents is prescribed a hormonal drug which if handled by our younger female members of staff without gloves, can affect their reproductive health. For our team it is reassuring to know that we are doing everything in our power to keep residents and staff healthy, happy and safe.

Our patient information sheets and MAR charts are better too as they feature patient photos and dosage instructions for each named medication, which staff cross check against for maximum accuracy and usability.

From my position as a manager, our medication management process has made a huge difference, and provides peace of mind.

Medication audits are not as time consuming as original packs or blister packs were as I am able to see at-aglance the number of each tablet left in a tray. There’s no need for me to go through individual boxes or count single pills in a bottle or blister pack which used to take an extra five or six

hours. All this helps us measure up to the CQC inspection.

I have also seen considerable confidence in my staff as the system is so straight-forward and easy to use, and more hygienic than other processes they have followed in other care homes.

Training for us is also an important element of medicines management, and staff responsible for the management of medicines have undergone accredited training.

Our pharmacy partner provides full system training as well as free training for our staff on ‘safe handling of medicines’. This is an ideal programme for my staff to increase their knowledge and understanding and also goes as evidence to the CQC that we are meeting outcome nine of the Essential Standards of Quality and Care, plus this means I have one less worry to think about.

Our innovative approach, and use of the latest advances in technology, has transformed our medicines management process and helped in our aim for medicines optimisation.

As technology continues to bring future developments, care homes will no doubt secure ever greater benefits from such advancements, which can only be a good thing for our sector; helping us provide the best possible care to residents. n Lynne Moore is the care manager at Orchard Residential.

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610

CARINGNEWS

change incharity perceptions Campaign Group calls for Maritime cuts launched of social careits sector during crisis carbon footprint by charity Advertiser’s announcement

A CAMBRIDGESHIRE care community is calling for a change in perception of the social care sector as it expresses concern A CHARITY which cares for ex-servicemen and women has about the narrative in the wake of launched a fundraising campaign the coronavirus crisis, which fails during the COVID-19 crisis. to do justice to the variety of care The campaign, which adopts encompassed by the industry.

Royal Star & Garter’s core strapline Askham Village Community, a ‘Care with courage’, highlights the specialist rehabilitation and care every-day bravery displayed by its group near Doddington, is calling residents and staff. for more nuanced messaging It comes as the charity faces around social care, with much of the increased costs and a loss of reporting around the care industry’s income during the coronavirus experience of the crisis failing to pandemic while it focuses on convey the diversity within the sector ensuring the safety and well-being or to accurately reflect the degree to of its residents and staff. which it is coping.

Chief executive Andy Cole said: Askham hopes that a fairer “The veterans we support have reflection of social care will provide shown courage through their vital reassurances to all residents and service, and as they have needed their family members, not to mention us they taken another THE UK’shave leading event for dementia staff, that there are positive dementia experiences and astories courageous supported in runs on June 5step andto6 be at Olympia widethere rangeare of some dementia and care to and real successes our homes as they face living with London. exhibitors.amongst these tough times. celebrate disabilities orconference dementia. and The two-day New for 2020, the Virtual Dementia Operations director Aliyyah Begum“And today, in the middle of exhibition showcases the latest Tour will be delivering their Nasser said: “While there arecomplete people these extraordinary circumstances, information, advice, products and training session involving eightliving and working in care an homes our staff amazing care with services forshow healthcare professionals minute simulation followed by a who have suffered from COVID-19, courage everyhelping day. Our veterans and the public those with 75-minute debrief giving visitors there are many, many more out the have shown such dedication and Alzheimer’s and dementia. opportunity to fully understand the there continuing to enjoy peaceful, service to our country, we now A full conference programme behaviour and needs of people living comfortable times – thanks in no need toleading be there for them.” features experts and with dementia. are limited small part to theSpaces staff working in Staffing levels haveseparate increased professionals in three and should social care. be booked in advance. to maintain levels of care, and in theatres, as well as daily question Tickets of cost online, £25 on “Much the£17.50 generic messaging justsessions, two months it has spentQ&A more time panel debates, the door. presents care homes as however, than £100,000 onactivity PPE andworkshops, new sessions, practical The1 full Virtual Dementia Tour Arquella_Marketing_CaringUK_Final01_CMYK_OL.pdf 17/03/2020 15:55:08 places of risk, depicting them as costs technology.advice clinics, interactive £45 and includes entry to the show. professional under resourced, with residents

The Alzheimer’s Show 2020, Olympia London

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thousands of unnecessary single-use plastic objects from being thrown away demonstrates our ability as a collective society to drive meaningful environmental change.”

In addition to this, the senior management team has been working to reduce the home’s reliance on fossil fuels over the last three years by installing solar panels, which have cut electricity bills by around 15 per cent.

The site’s sustainable pellet-fired biomass boiler has reduced gas usage by around 20 per cent and a 135m borehole has also been sunk to supply Aliyyah added: “At present, the of fresh water at a projected saving biggestper challenge care homes face £8,000 year, allowing the charity is keeping staff motivated to invest inour facilities for the home and andresidents. supported to stay rational, to its continue to its come toto work, to feel Alongside work reduce waste valued, and emissions to feel protected.

If we do and carbon at its care this right – the rest will fall into place. home, The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ “It’s fantastic see carers included Society has alsotoproduced a top tips in the for weekly round ofbusinesses applause and guide like-minded to to see social carewaste: put on a par with reducing plastic health care, however some of theby n Prevent waste contamination messaging serves this using a second bintotoundermine separate nonpositivity, which then runs the risk of recyclables. care staff feeling n Recycle contacthopeless, lenses atemotional, your undervalued and unsafe. nearest opticians. the sector, n“My Use experience microfibre of cloths insteadnot of just wipes at Askham but be beyond, is that wet that can washed and they’re places of happiness and reused comfort.

By pulling together and n Use recyclable paper straws rather recognising than plastic.this, we can help our social superheroes it that n Use care compostable cupstoaskeep opposed way.” to single-use plastics.

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SURREY-based care home The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society is reaping the rewards of its green initiatives after cutting its plastic usage by 74,000 items per year to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint.

The maritime charity caters for 68 residents at its Belvedere House nursing care home and has prevented 52,000 plastic cups and 22,000 wet wipes from reaching landfill by rolling out an environmental plan, fronted by staff.

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, chief executive of the Society, consequently under protected. said: “Although public awareness “The sector is full of people who are and willingness to reduce carbon doing theirisvery best inhigh the on facethe of emissions currently enormous challenge.

Some the haveneed been news agenda, we identified struggling and these are thetechnology ones to begin investing in green who, understandably, are making the many years ago and are experiencing headlines. the benefits every day.

“However, there areorganisation, many people “As a not-for-profit in care who are we havehomes to manage the continuing challenge of to live happy, fruitful, positive lives, keeping costs down where possible supported by staff care for them while delivering anwho outstanding level and who are keeping them We of innovative care to all oursafe. residents fear though this being that depend that on us foraspect a goodisquality lost within the wider messaging.” of life.

A family-run business for over 30 “While investing in green years, Askham Community technology wasVillage a big investment for provides and the home,specialist not only nursing are we beginning care forthe thefinancial very young to the but can to reap rewards, elderly, day visits, respiteour be proudoffering of our efforts to reduce or long-term care,asgoal-focussed carbon footprint much as possible. rehabilitation, and continuing “Our staff have been pivotal to this reablement and the fact support. they have prevented

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CARINGNEWS

Positive comments for home’s refurbishment A SHEFFIELD care home is receiving positive comments from residents, families and staff after a refurbishment that was a year in the planning has been completed.

Twelve Trees director Simon Mills looked closely at the care market now and the future in the city after market research was commissioned.

He said: “We have a Victorian conversion in a conservation area, all 30 beds are en-suite, and space is at a premium. ”We started to work with Heide Lazenby Design who were able to design a scheme to make the most of our space, enabling areas to have more than one function and for residents to feel they are going to an event like dining or to have their hair or nails done.

“The quality of products used had to meet with a commercial environment and not just look nice.”

The dining room was specified with a servery so drinks and snacks can be

Activity lifestyle facilitator Lindsay Hadfield at Silverdale. provided all day, and square tables so they can be butted up for activities and different layouts depending on the event.

The lounge and library is now zoned with different seating types and styles so residents can enjoy the lounge but are able to sit in more private areas to talk to family and friends.

A large pull down screen has been hidden so movies can be screened and other events. The lighting has also been upgraded to help with different modes particularly lower lighting for a more relaxed mood in the evenings.

A hardwood conservatory has also had a makeover with comfortable seating and fresh décor. It can also take you into a small rear garden facing south and is really nice to sit in.

The new beauty salon works really well for hair nails and pampering sessions, with great storage so all the tonics can be kept in one place ready for residents to enjoy a hand massage.

How safe are your ratings?

By Dr Richard Fairburn A GLOBAL crisis on the scale of this pandemic brings out the very best in us.

And the very worst if we do not stay alert. You just have to wait and see.

With some, we didn’t need to wait.

We saw. At a time when care homes were being sacrificed for the greater good of the NHS (and its superior vote-yielding capacity) care workers, from the most junior to the most senior, from the least to the most experienced, all with families to protect, gave everything to deliver care as never before, to save as many lives as they could.

Where “everything” included their own lives in all too many cases.

But stop for a minute. Let’s not forget that 22 per cent of nursing homes and 14 per cent of residential homes were rated ‘Requires improvement’ at their most recent inspection.

Those delays in supervisions. Those occasional missed signatures on consent documents or MAR charts.

That one missed notification by a new manager in an otherwise impeccable service, the rubber stamp rule applied.

That PRN protocol with just not quite enough detail. The minor defects inevitable in any complex organisation.

Not for care providers the reliance in April 2020 on guidance dated April 2015. The services being delivered by the care workers in those homes being publicly branded as “substandard” care.

We’ve seen the very best from care workers and care managers.

So what will we see from the regulator in the months to come?

Will CQC take the cue for a root and branch review of inspection methodology, to focus on what really matters in adult social care?

Or will the chief inspector merely turn the switch back on? We will just have to wait and see.

HSC Professional (Consultancy) now offers consultations on Zoom, including free support and advice on the legal aspects of the ever increasing guidance in relation to Covid-19.

Email me at mail@hsc-prof.com to sign on for regular alerts and updates on coronavirus and the rest.

Visit my Facebook page or Twitter page at @hsc_prof to view my videos on notifications, Riddor and more.

Facebook.com/HSC-ProfessionalConsultancy-1715456902020143/ And please stay as safe as you can.

Group’s staff show their gratitude for donations STAFF at a Stockport care provider are extremely grateful to residents’ families and members of the wider community for their donations and kind words of support, as they continue to care for residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lindsay Hadfield, activity lifestyle facilitator at Borough Care’s Silverdale home in Bredbury, said: “We have received lots of wonderful donations, including cotton laundry bags, hand creams, safety visors, fruit, cakes and other food items.

“One young person has sent us beautiful pictures she has drawn and coloured, which we have put in the windows.

“We couldn’t be prouder to know that people of all ages, and from all walks of life, are thinking of us and

sending their thoughts and gratitude.

It means the world to all of us.”

Staff at Bryn Haven in Brinnington have also received handmade laundry bags, along with cupcakes decorated with the message: ‘After every storm there is a rainbow of hope’.

Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, added: “All our staff are continuing to work so hard in these challenging times and it’s heartwarming that people recognise their commitment. It means so much to our staff to feel appreciated and valued for the work they are doing supporting residents.

“On behalf of all staff I would like to express our thanks to everyone who has taken the time to make and donate things, send messages of support and show their gratitude.”

12

CARINGNEWS

Urgent appeal goes out for workers in the West Midlands Brunelcare HR apprentice Sasha Matthews (left) and her Great Grandmother Alice.

Care provider founded during WWII commemorates VE Day A CARE provider that was founded at the height of WWII in 1941 has commemorated VE Day. Founded during the Blitz, Brunelcare, then known as Old People’s Welfare Committee, had three objectives during the war, “keep them warm, keep them fed, keep them alive.”

Today, nearly 80 years later, the company wished to remember its founders and celebrate everyone who is part of something more today.

To do this the launched an emotive, minute-long video, diving into the charity’s archives and capturing the powerful history of Brunelcare.

The video features many volunteers from 1941, as well as nurses, carers and volunteers and the people the group currently care for today.

Sasha Matthews, an HR apprentice at Brunelcare, made an amazing

discovery about her Great Grandmother Alice, who was one of the first volunteers at Brunelcare during the Blitz.

She said: “During one of her deliveries in Patchway, Bristol, there was a sudden violent air raid and she ran to the nearest air raid shelter to wait for the bombings to pass.

“It was a terrifying experience for her, but luckily she was unharmed.

It didn’t stop her from her work, she continued to deliver meals to the families that needed them the most, showing just how selfless of a person she was.”

Finding out that her Great Grandmother was one of Brunelcare’s first volunteers during the Blitz was a heartwarming discovery for Sasha, and she says it has made her even more proud to be part of Brunelcare, nearly 80 years later.

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COUNCILS and private care homes across the West Midlands have issued an urgent appeal for hundreds of workers to join their fight against the Covid-19 epidemic.

Local authority improvement body West Midlands Employers and the regional branch of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has launched the #TimeToCare campaign on behalf of adult social care providers in the region, alongside recent appeals for former social workers and social work students to get involved.

The appeal comes as the focus of the Covid-19 emergency moves to social care as the pressures on care homes and homes services grow and the risks to their residents and clients continue to increase.

The campaign aims to attract redundant and furloughed workers to carry out essential roles in care across the West Midlands – from assisting people in their personal care to working as catering, maintenance and admin staff.

Andy Begley, chair of ADASS in the West Midlands and executive director adult services, public health and Housing at Shropshire Council, said: “We need urgent help. Many care homes were already under immense pressure and struggling to recruit before Covid-19 hit.

“With a significant and growing number of vulnerable people requiring care and many existing care staff becoming ill and having to selfisolate themselves, we are facing a very difficult situation.”

Rebecca Davis, chief executive of West Midlands Employers.

WME and WMADASS are looking for additional staff to ensure thousands of vulnerable adults in need of care, who are shielding at home or who are in residential or nursing homes, receive the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

Rebecca Davis, chief executive of West Midlands Employers, added: “You have the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives right now by applying for a role or sharing the #TimeToCare campaign with people you know in and around the West Midlands.

“There are plenty of different jobs available, from providing personal care to cooking meals for residents and training will be provided and your safety and wellbeing a priority.”

Home celebrates long service LONG service and 100 per cent attendance awards were enjoyed and appreciated by the team at Manor House Nursing Home in Chatburn, Lancashire.

The longest service award was presented to manager Cath Mellin, who received lots of deserving cheers and praise from her team after giving 30 years of service.

Jill Walton and Christine Gregson followed, receiving 25 year awards,

while Susan Barnes and Pat Walker both received 20 year awards.

Cath’s daughter-in-law Louisa Mellin received a 15-year-award and seven others received 10-year accolades.

100 per cent attendance awards for the whole year were received by 14 other team members.

Proprietors Janet and Chris Harrison praised all their team for their loyalty, dedication and hard work.

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Hospice steps up support for West Essex care homes amidst Covid-19 outbreak ST CLARE Hospice has stepped up its support for residential and nursing care homes across West Essex amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Hastingwood-based charity has developed a new service offering peer support to care home staff, as well as widening the reach of its Compassionate Neighbours volunteering project to offer a phone call befriending service to isolated residents.

The support is being offered to the more than 40 residential and nursing care homes across West Essex which are within the catchment area of the Hospice.

The West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, which oversees the delivery of NHS services in the area, has worked with St Clare to develop the model and are supportive of the project.

St Clare Hospice’s Compassionate Neighbours project manager Stacey Towler is co-ordinating the extra support for care homes.

She said: “After seeing coverage in the national news about the pressures residential and nursing homes are facing during the coronavirus pandemic, we felt it was important to reach out to our neighbouring care homes to see what support we might be able to offer them.

“We already work in partnership with our local care homes, but we were determined to step-up our offer of support at this time of urgent need.

Stacey Towler “After speaking to care home managers, it became apparent that they would benefit from peer support for their staff, as well as phone call befriending for their residents who are feeling isolated during lockdown.”

Outlining the support for residents, Stacey added: “Our Compassionate Neighbours project has been running for more than two years now, supporting people who are socially isolated and living with a lifelimiting illness or frailty, by matching them with a volunteer who offers companionship, emotional support, and a listening ear.

“The Compassionate Neighbours have had to cease their face-to-face visits due to coronavirus, but are continuing their friendships with their matched community member via telephone or video calls.

Chloe Wynn has been appointed support manager at Belong’s Morris Feinmann care village in Didsbury. She will be responsible for managing the specialist ‘household teams’, ensuring they provide the highest standards of nursing and dementia care 24-hours a day. Since starting her career with Belong in 2011, Chloe has completed qualifications in leadership, health and social care to rise through the ranks from household assistant to lead senior support worker across the operator’s various village locations. She said: “I have gained a wealth of experience during my time with the organisation and I look forward to putting this into practice to support the village with its provision of excellent customer care”

Outstanding rated Bluebird Care Stroud has appointed a new care manager. Prior to beginning her career at the homecare operator, Tracy Morgan was the manager of a physiotherapy clinic for 18 years. She started at Bluebird Care Stroud as a care assistant and has since worked in various roles including supervisor, care coordinator and live-in care manager. She said: “Each role enabled me to inspire others and I have always felt passionate about the high standards of care we provide. We have achieved our overall Outstanding rating together and will continue to strive to improve on that. It is the very core of our culture and we are proud of what we do.”

“A number of our volunteers are already matched with people who live in a residential care home, but with the UK under lockdown, many more care home residents are now experiencing social isolation.

“Our Compassionate Neighbours are a very special group of people, and with their skills and training in befriending, they are perfectly placed to respond to this growing need in care homes.

“In order to support more care home residents during the coronavirus pandemic, we have established a buddying system between our Compassionate Neighbours volunteers and our local care homes.

“Each Compassionate Neighbour will be allocated one care home and will make several phone calls a week to different residents who have said they are feeling lonely or isolated and would like to have a friendly call and a listening ear at this time.

“We hope that these relationships which are necessarily established over the telephone for now, will be able to develop into longer term face-to-face relationships once the coronavirus pandemic is over.”

St Clare Hospice has also brought together a multi-disciplinary team of professionals – which includes social workers, occupational therapists and a chaplain – to offer emotional and peer support, and encourage resilience.

The hospice charity has developed a range of sessions, which take place virtually via a video conferencing platform, to support care home staff.

The sessions are designed to offer a safe space for workers to talk about how they are being affected by Covid19; help them to manage anxiety and promote self-care; and allow them to meet up ‘virtually’ with other care home workers that may have similar experiences.

The project aims to deliver 30 sessions over the next 10 weeks, with access for up to 60 care home workers per week. This means that up to 600 care home staff could benefit from the project in the coming weeks.

Stacey concluded: “It was highlighted to us that there was a need in our local residential and nursing care homes to access professional peer support for their staff.

“We have developed a timetable of bitesize sessions on relevant topics, which will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of St Clare Hospice professionals via a video or telephone conference.

“The topics covered include: managing anxiety, self-care and wellbeing, and balancing their roles in both work and home life.”

Support for care home staff is being delivered free of charge to residential and nursing care homes across West Essex, and hopes to expand into East Hertfordshire in the coming weeks.

Real estate lender and investor Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Group, has strengthened its care home fund management team with the arrival of Chris Wishart as director of origination. He will take a leading role in Octopus Real Estate’s care home investment team, finding and delivering elderly and specialist care real estate acquisitions for its institutionally backed funds. Octopus Real Estate’s care homes team currently manages a portfolio of 60 modern, purpose-built homes, including nine properties under construction, with a market value of more than £750million.

Chris joins from Savills, where he has been a director in the healthcare practice since 2017.

Tracy Johnston and Anne Mirasol have been appointed by New Care as home manager and deputy manager respectively at Ruddington Manor Care Centre in Wilford. The duo will work together, combining their knowledge and expertise, to run the 66 bed stateof-the-art care facility, which offers residential and nursing care services. Tracy has worked in the health sector since she was 16 years old, starting off as a carer.

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Bedfordshire site acquired for £120m retirement community

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Care group a step closer to bringing new home to York

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CARE HOME SALES NATIONWIDE

Dementia Support House opens at home RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court in Fulford, York celebrated the opening of its new enhanced care Dementia Support House.

The home currently provides residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 94 residents and was rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission earlier this year.

Named ‘Ebor’, the early name of York in Britain, the new Dementia Support House, has been specially designed for residents with advanced dementia and will provide enhanced care for seven residents.

The idea for the new facility came about after the home identified a need for a separate area where specific sensory supportive care could be provided.

Victoria Wilson, home manager at Connaught Court, said: “With growing numbers of people living with advanced dementia, we are constantly looking at new ways to

provide the best care now and in the future.

“We’re absolutely delighted that our new Dementia Support House has become a reality as it will allow us to take our enhanced dementia care to the next level.

“The sensory room is extraordinary and we’re proud to be one of the few care homes to have one.

“Ebor has been made possible thanks to the support and belief of the trustees and senior management at RMBI Care Co. and driven by the passion of the team here at Connaught Court.”

Care staff will follow the Namaste ethos of care, which has two basic principles: a loving, personal approach and a calm soothing environment.

Among the facilities is a newly installed Namaste Sensory Room, which is full of multi-coloured optic light, bubble tubes, lava lamps and a

lamontjohnson.com

“

Staff and supporters at the opening of the new Dementia Support House at RMBI Care Co. Home Connaught Court in York. sound box playing sounds of nature.

Among the guests attending the All of which can provide opening celebration were nurses a stimulating or a relaxing and health practitioners from the environment, depending on the local community who work in close needs of residents. partnership with the Home.

In a time of tremendous upheaval and uncertainty for us all, there are many of you working night and day in our Care Homes across the country, facing great challenges and potential threats to your own health, in order to help keep others cared for and safe.

You are all true heroes. Your dedication, commitment and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration.

For this

WE THANK YOU ”

Grayson Taylor (Managing Director, Lamont Johnson)

LAMONT JOHNSON

Dawn Taylor (Director, Lamont Johnson)

Totally Confidential No Obligation

OVER 39 YEARS SPECIALISING ONLY IN THE DISCREET SALE OF CARE HOMES AND LEARNING DISABILITY HOMES NATIONWIDE

NO “UPFRONT” FEES OR INFLATED COMMISSION RATES

01937 842 758

m.07920 475 440

lamontjohnson@btinternet.com

LamontJohnson

P R O P E RT Y ADVISOR S

TO THE CARE SECTOR

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ThinCats provides £4m funding for Churchlake Care

The proposed new care home at Ashley House, Guildford.

Barwood Capital’s Growth Fund IV acquires home BARWOOD Capital and Perseus Land and Developments have acquired Ashley House Care Home in Shalford, Guildford from private owners for £2.5m for the Barwood Regional Property Growth Fund IV. Ashley House is an existing, converted 32-bedroom care home on a 1.1-acre site which is due to close this year.

A planning application is being prepared to replace this with a purpose-built 60-bedroom care home, which will provide muchneeded residential, dementia, respite and palliative care for local people.

Andrew Barlow, director, head of asset management at Barwood Capital, said: “We identified the care home and retirement living sector as one where there are opportunities to invest with the social benefits of improving senior living accommodation within local communities.

“This property is in a strong, wellconnected location where demand for care home space is high. Perseus’ ability to identity such acquisitions through its network is impressive.

“Despite the challenges being faced with the Covid-19 crisis, we maintain our commitment to play a part in providing investment and regional jobs.”

Following on from the six sites previously acquired in Barwood Capital’s 2017 Growth Fund, this acquisition is the Growth Fund IV’s first care home opportunity to be acquired in partnership with Perseus.

The Growth Fund IV is a five-year closed ended fund with a target investor IRR of between 13 and 15 per cent per annum that is investing in UK regional property and has so far raised £49million. Perseus has a remit to acquire a portfolio of care home and senior living assets into the Fund.

Duncan Ford, managing director, Perseus Land and Developments, added: “In the immediate locality of Ashley House there is currently a shortfall of more than 100 bed spaces.

“Guildford features heavily on the requirement lists of many national care home operators with whom we are in touch. This acquisition is an excellent example of the off-market deals we source in prime locations, and of our ongoing ability to acquire unconditionally-on-planning at a significant discount where the risk profile of the opportunity dictates.

“As we prepare our planning application, at the appropriate time, we look forward to talking through our plans with the local community.”

Christie & Co and Shoosmiths LLP acted for the purchaser.

New Bicester care home to create up to 50 jobs BICESTER’S newest care home, Launton Grange, is recruiting for up to 50 team members ahead of its launch later this year.

Positions available include management, front of house representatives, care assistants and kitchen and domestic staff.

Ideal Carehomes director Stacey Linn said: ‘We are very excited to be opening our first luxury care home in Bicester and are keen to hear from people living in the local community who are looking for fulfilling careers within care.

“While our environments are second

to none, it’s our staff team who make our homes the best places to live.

“We are looking for people who really want to make a difference.”

The new team will complete an intensive induction period before the home opens, when they will provide residential and dementia care for up to 66 residents.

Launton Grange, which has benefitted from a £10m investment, will be the operator’s 21st care home and will boast a lavish cinema room, beauty parlour, convenience store and airy botanical rooms leading onto landscaped gardens.

THINCATS, the alternative lender to mid-sized UK SMEs, has facilitated a £4m loan to Surrey-based Churchlake Care to acquire three care homes.

Established in 2017, care provider operates residential and nursing homes across the UK. The company began with two care homes in Bury, Manchester inspired by founder and CEO Alan Jebson’s own grandmother’s experience living in residential care during her final years.

In 2018 the team acquired three further homes in Somerset, and a nursing and dementia care home in Bodmin.

Across the facilities they offer nursing, residential, respite and dementia care.

The experienced team is also headed up by chairman Fred SinclairBrown who, along with Alan, is working towards a five-year goal to acquire a portfolio of care homes providing 3,000 beds.

They acquire homes to build into regional clusters.

The most recent step towards this goal involved the acquisition of three care homes in Cumbria: Holmwood Residential Care Home, Hames Hall and Chichester Hall, forming part of their north west England cluster.

The senior management team at Churchlake approached ThinCats to discuss funding for these and future acquisitions as they were looking for a long-term relationship to enable future growth.

Alan said: “We were searching for a lender that we could work with long-term; we have targeted plans to increase our care home provision over the next few years, and continue to deliver quality care to all our residents.

“ThinCats moved quickly to understand our business and offered a good funding structure with flexibility.

“We were very impressed with their in-house team and resources, and the speed in which they managed to turn around our funding application.

“More widely, the Churchlake Care board is indebted to the efforts of managers, nurses, carers and ancillary teams across the group throughout COVID-19.

“Their diligence and hard work, in addition to following rigorous infection control measures, has kept residents safe from COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases across the group since the outbreak began.”

Law firm Wright Hassall provided legal support for the deal.

An artist’s impression of the new development in Louth.

Planning permission granted for Lincolnshire care home PLANNING permission has been granted for a care home on a Lincolnshire development that forms part of a wider residential scheme delivered by Charterpoint Group.

East Lindsey District Council has approved plans for the two-storey, 66-bed facility which will be built on a plot alongside the residential development at Westfield Park in Louth.

Presented by LNT Care Home Developments Ltd, the plans for the purpose-built residential care home include individual rooms for residents, communal spaces for socialising, dining and recreational use, car parking, landscaping, and a secure bike store.

Adrian Goose, chief executive of the Charterpoint Group, said: “Houses built as part of the first phase of Westfield Park are proving

popular, and we are delighted that East Lindsey District Council has now awarded planning permission for a modern new care home as part of the scheme.

“When completed, Westfield Park will feature a total of 240 new homes, plus the care home, creating a super community on the northern edge of Louth and close to the key amenities and services offered by the town.

“LNT Care Developments Ltd is a company with considerable experience in the operation and construction of care homes for older people and we are pleased that the green light has been given for this latest scheme.”

It is anticipated that between 50 and 60 jobs will be created by the development. Work is expected to get started imminently on the 2.2 acre site.

Bedfordshire site acquired for £120m retirement community LEGAL and General’s later living business Inspired Villages has acquired a 12-acre site in Caddington, Bedfordshire.

It has been acquired with outline planning permission to develop 200 specialist age-appropriate homes, delivering housing stock to meet local demand and is expected to have a gross development value of £120million on completion.

This new scheme will see £90million invested into the local economy, creating more than 70 construction jobs per annum over its six-year build period, and 32 permanent jobs once complete.

The acquisition brings Inspired Villages development pipeline to 2,500 homes across the UK in the next six years.

Together, these schemes will create around 1,000 construction jobs per annum, and up to 640 permanent jobs once the retirement communities are complete and operational.

Neal Dale, development director at Inspired Villages Group, said: “It is fantastic that Central Bedfordshire Council has recognised the urgent need for more age-appropriate housing for the over 65s and approved our plans for a retirement village in Caddington.

“Our retirement community model

An artist’s impression of the new retirement village in Caddington, Bedfordshire. focuses on holistic wellbeing, which and will have significant benefits means this scheme will offer a high for the local health and social care quality later living experience that system. will help older people live healthy, “Furthermore, it will help free up independent lives for longer. more family homes in the area.”

“We have worked alongside the When complete, the scheme will land owner over the last 18 months benefit from a restaurant, café, in achieving this milestone and now wellness centre (comprising a look forward to progressing matters swimming pool, fitness studio and to a start on site early next year. gym), library and cinema room.

“Research shows the majority of our In keeping with Inspired Villages’ residents come from within a 10-mile ethos of creating communities in and radius of the village they choose to around its villages, many of these live in, so this scheme in Caddington facilities will be available to both will draw from Luton to Harpenden residents and the community.

specialist healthcare business agents

19

Green light for group’s third home SANDERS Senior Living is continuing to expand its portfolio, with architectural plans for a third home in Worcester approved by the City Council.

The construction of the care home, to be called The Belmont, is expected to follow a 12-month build schedule, with the intention for residents to begin moving into their new home next spring/ summer.

The facility, with capacity for up to 77 people, will match the interiors and facilities of the group, appealing to the self-funding market.

Set in gardens and opposite allotments for the keen gardener, the home will benefit from an array of cafes, art galleries and buildings steeped in history to visit.

The Belmont will offer a range of private suites, set over three floors, and will feature a cinema, spa suite, hairdressing salon, cocktail bar, lounges, library, private dining and bistro restaurants.

Multi-level sun terraces and balconies, as well as an open air quadrangle, will provide outdoor living for residents, in addition to the ground floor suites enjoying direct access to the gardens.

A marketing suite is set to open on site in the autumn.

Independent expertise, nationwide knowledge

SOLD

Bethany House & Bethany Lodge, Dymchurch, Kent - Total Reg 39

On behalf of Mr Paul Mills and his family, DC Care is delighted to announce the successful sale of Bethany House and Bethany Lodge, located in the picturesque coastal village of Dymchurch, Kent.

When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.

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20

Good CQC rating for Making Space sells Bristol care home Gables Manor in Lincolnshire.

20-bed home to NCC NATIONAL Care Consortium has acquired a 20-bed residential nursing home from Making Space.

Gables Manor, with a CQC Good rating, is a Lincolnshire home providing care and support to adults living with learning disabilities and associated needs.

Adult health and social care charity Making Space has sold the service, commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council, as part of a strategic refocusing of its learning disability services.

Gaynor Chisnall, director of operations at Making Space, said: “Gables Manor has been a Making Space service since January 2010 and since the beginning, we have been incredibly proud of how our team has operated.

“The love and affection they show for residents and their ongoing commitment to caring for people has always been extremely strong, which

is reflected in the Good CQC rating.

“The current team will continue to support residents as they transfer to the new provider, NCC. “With NCC’s experience in providing quality, specialist care and the current Gables Manor team giving continuity, we are confident that Gables Manor and residents will have a positive future.”

NCC director Tanzeel Younas added: “NCC is delighted to have added Gables Manor to its portfolio of homes.

“We have a strong track record of delivering high quality services and having met the team and residents personally, we are extremely excited to get to work.

“The team has done a fantastic job in achieving Good overall on its CQC inspection and we look to build on that so that we can deliver outstanding care and support for the residents of the home.”

STOKELEIGH, a Bristol care home run by Hartford Care, has received an overall ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.

Following an inspection last December the care home was awarded four ‘Good’ ratings and one ‘Outstanding’ for its care.

The report said: “The service was exceptionally caring and put people at the heart of everything they did. We were introduced to people throughout our visit and they welcomed us. They were relaxed, comfortable and confident in their home.

“Staff had a good awareness of individuals’ needs and treated people in a warm and respectful manner. They were knowledgeable about people’s lives before they started using the service.”

Residents, their relatives and staff at the care home in Stoke Hill, Stoke Bishop are delighted with the outcome.

Sean Gavin, CEO of Hartford Care, said: “Huge congratulations to Alex

Mazur-Kruszynska, Stokeleigh’s manager, and her team for this terrific inspection result.

“I know the team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the quality of care they deliver is of the highest standard. This is borne out by them being awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating for their care of Stokeleigh’s residents.”

Stokeleigh is a late Victorian house set in its own secluded grounds, has 30 rooms and specialises in residential, dementia and day care.

Manager Alex Mazur-Kruszynska added: “I feel so proud of our achievement.

“We are all totally committed to ensuring our residents live their lives to the full within a safe and secure environment.

“I am absolutely thrilled with our ‘outstanding’ rating for care, which is all down to our wonderful compassionate Stokeleigh team. I cannot praise them highly enough for the care and support they offer to all our residents.”

Sector leader sets out five-point plan to reform and reward care workforce DOCTOR Chai Patel CBE FRCP, founder of HC-One and previous owner of Care Management Group, Priory Group and Westminster Care, has set out a clear five-point plan for the Government and sector to reform and reward social carers.

His new five-point plan is clear on the action that must be taken, and includes: 1. The Government must publish a detailed and actionable social care workforce plan.

2. An independent representative body for social carers, run by social carers must be created. This should follow the model of the various nursing and medical Royal Colleges in being an apolitical, evidence-led champion for social carers.

3. The skills and qualification needed for the sector now, and in the future, must be defined, with clear, mandatory requirements at every career stage.

4. A clearly structured cross-sector career pathway must be created, that

Doctor Chai Patel CBE FRCP. breaks down the barriers between the caring professions, interlinking social carers with nursing and social work.

5. The Government must provide the long-term funding settlement needed to ensure social carers can have their pay and benefits improved

to reflect the professionalisation of the role.

Through the delivery of this plan it is hoped that those working within the care sector will have higher levels of job security, satisfaction, and remuneration, as well as a clearer purpose and vision within their careers.

This will improve the experience of those receiving care and help evoke greater respect for care workers in our society more generally.

He added: “I have always been passionate about rewarding the vital contribution of the social care workforce, and this has been the motivation behind creating the ‘Careforce’ initiative several years ago.

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown how important social carers are to not just the people they support, but to our NHS and our society.

“It is therefore high time this contribution is recognised, and the

institutional and structural changes needed to professionalise the workforce are undertaken.

“This includes clearer training, qualification and career pathways, as well as interlinking care work with nursing, social work, and broader NHS roles.

“Social carers should then benefit from higher salaries, improved terms and conditions, clearer career progression opportunities, and the knowledge that their peers are held to account through a transparent code of conduct and ethics.

“Our national Careforce has been left behind for too long. It is critically important that Government urgently revises its approach to social care in the months and years ahead once this crisis is over.

“Social care has been a politically inconvenient topic for too long, and now must be the time to grasp the nettle and deliver the meaningful reform that has long been promised.”

Care group a step closer to bringing new home to York Well-established Kent care Bethany House

HC-One, Morgan Sindall Later Living and City of York Council have celebrated a key milestone as the partnership brings a new, state-ofthe-art care home to the city.

Once open, Mossdale Residence will form the centrepiece of an innovative multi-million pound health and wellbeing campus that is being developed on the old Burnholme Community College site in York. .

The care home is due to open later this year and will be run by HC-One. It will provide residential, nursing and dementia care for up to 80 older people.

It will also create new jobs for the local community.

Mossdale Residence is set to feature the latest facilities including a dedicated cinema room, a bar, a hair and beauty salon, a hobby and crafts room and a range of lounge, dining and outdoor terrace spaces HC-One will also be bringing a range of digital care tools to the home, including electronic care records which will enable carers to spend more time supporting residents, less time completing paperwork and enable a greater level of oversight, accountability and peace of mind for families.

John Ransford, executive director at

HC-One, said: “We are thrilled to be marking this important stage of the care home’s development, together with the City of York Council and Morgan Sindall Later Living.

“We are excited to become part of, and support, the wider York community when the home opens later this year.

“We strive to be the first-choice care provider for residents and colleagues in every community we serve.

“We are very much looking forward to providing the kindest possible care for elderly people in York, in a place that they can call home.

“We are also excited to work with talented colleagues who will benefit from our award-winning learning and development opportunities as part of the HC-One family.”

Alongside the care home, the campus will deliver healthcare facilities, a library, a range of community and sports facilities, as well as new housing.

The development was also one of three nominees for the Project of the Year award at the recent Government Property Awards.

HC-One’s new development division will be announcing further partnerships with local authorities in due course.

“Piecing Consultancy service to assist in the planning p ro c e s s

homes have new owner DC Care has completed the sale of Bethany House and Bethany Lodge in Dymchurch, Kent on behalf of Paul Mills and his family.

These well-presented purpose-built properties first opened their doors in 1992 and 1997 respectively and remained under the same family ownership for nearly 30 years.

Over the three decades the homes have provided excellent care within nursing, residential and a variety of physical disabilities including acquired brain injury, congenital disorder and degenerative illnesses.

After many years of caring, the family made the difficult decision to retire from the sector, and Paul appointed DC Care to market the homes with the utmost discretion and service.

The sale was managed by southern region director Andy Sandel and senior sales negotiator Michelle Natkus.

Andy said: “During our initial meeting at Bethany House and Bethany Lodge it was felt these

the evidence

Bethany Lodge

highly reputable homes would attract strong interest, and that an existing specialist operator would be best placed to maintain the high standards required in such facilities.

“Michelle and I will miss speaking to Paul and hope he is enjoying his well deserved break. We thank him and his family for the opportunity of selling their homes and wish them all the best in the future.”

They have been acquired by The Montreux Healthcare Fund and will be operated by established care provider Active Care Group.

together”

• From initial consideration through to appeal • Reports to assess the need for development - whether care home or assisted living • Director driven interpretation of relevant data in every report

A service aimed at clients seeking clear, concise data with professional concluding commentary.

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONSULTANCY SERVICES

www.healthcarepc.co.uk

Tel: 01937 222107

enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk

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CARINGNEWS

Claim a FREE Facebook Portal

Covid-19: the action we are taking at CareDocs EVEN with the immense pressure coronavirus is putting on the care sector, care staff across the UK continue to work tirelessly around the clock to provide first class care, ensuring the most vulnerable members of our society remain safe.

We’re inspired and truly grateful for the effort, and to do our bit we’ve been working hard to supply a variety of resources to assist in this testing time that we hope you find useful.

We’ve recently released our newest CareDocs system update dedicated to helping our customers manage coronavirus outbreaks inside care homes.

The latest version includes the COVID-19 Status Report feature, giving you access to the Symptom Tracker form, Test Taken sample form, Test Result form, Symptom History report and more.

These new tools were designed for keeping track of fast-changing developments by recording virus symptoms and tests and building reports to give a clearer insight into the health of individual residents or groups.

Additional system content has been planned for the near future with a focus on COVID-19.

CareDocs Connect is another

new feature designed to make your residents’ loved ones more involved in the care process and encourage support and contact.

With social distancing measures making it a challenge for people to see each other, Connect allows your residents’ family, friends and health professionals to stay up to date with the care being logged on the system remotely by going to our dedicated Connect website.

They can also send personal messages and photos back to your residents, and GPs can send health updates or instructions over the internet, protecting everyone involved.

To help our customers use our features efficiently, as well as providing daily support, we’ve created downloadable user guides and have video tutorials and live webinar demonstrations planned to make sure there is a way for everybody to learn the software in a way that suits them.

Our website is also home to coronavirus related blog articles and news, and we’re frequently updating it with new resources.

Thank you again to the hardworking care staff and keyworkers keeping this country moving forward.

Unparalleled surface protection AT CleanCare we are on the frontline of infection control by using the latest in chemical and equipment technological advances in the daily fight against germs, bacteria and viruses.

Our solution is FDA/EPA approved, safe, nontoxic and non hazardous.

Chemical Our chemical applies a monomolecular layer that permanently bonds to the surface. These molecules are antimicrobial, silane based polymers that covalently bond to the surface forming a barrier of positively charged microscopic pins which, attract and pierce negatively charged pathogens, including COVID-19. The pins rupture the cell walls causing the pathogen to break up with lethal effect. Routine cleaning can continue and does not disrupt the product molecule or its antimicrobial activity.

Our chemical is colourless, odourless, non-leaching, environmentally safe, non-corrosive and whilst completely

gentle for humans and animals, it is deadly for a wide range of bacteria and mould. It does not contain harmful chemicals, as a liquid Zoono and is less toxic than vitamin C and coffee.

Application method option one – Electrostatic sprayers Fully coating all items/surfaces with disinfectant. Electrostatics is the process of adding an electrical charge to the liquid droplets with a 40 micron spray, enabling comprehensive coating of 3 dimensional surfaces.

Application method option two – ULV fogging machines Complete disinfection of any size area. These machines use large volumes of air at low pressures to transform liquid into droplets that are dispersed into the atmosphere.

Call us for free advice or a site survey to find out how our we can help keep you and your team safe.

Helping care home residents to stay connected from a distance

ADHERENCE to social distancing, getting used to a new routine, and other disruptions associated with lockdown present a unique set of challenges for those living in care homes.

Maintaining strong social relationships with friends and family has never been more important.

Seeing a loved one’s face as well as hearing their voice can help an older person to feel connected from a distance.

As part of their commitment to helping the wider community, AYMES International (a market-leading manufacturer of delicious and cost-effective oral nutrition supplements) is delighted to announce they have a number of Facebook Portals to give to care homes in the UK. A Facebook Portal is a simple video-calling device that sits on a desk or table with a camera that follows as you walk around. It allows people to talk to others completely hands-free while doing other things.

It’s an ideal way for older people to stay in touch with others and feel loved, supported and connected.

If you work in a care home and have residents who would benefit from a Facebook Portal, please email marketing@aymes.com to claim one of 30

Facebook Portals.

The first 30 to be drawn by July 7 who have told us why their care home would like one will each receive a Facebook Portal.

Enquiries: For more information on AYMES International visit https://aymes.com/

Terms and conditions 1. There are 30 Facebook Portals to be claimed.

2. All applications must be received by the closing date of June 30.

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Facebook Portals can be claimed by any member of staff working in a UK care home.

5. A maximum of one Facebook Portal will be available to be claimed per care home.

6. Facebook Portals will only be made available to care home staff requesting them for resident use.

7. A full list of care homes who have received the Facebook Portals will be available by emailing AYMES after (one week the closing date) 8. Promoter – AYMES International Office Ff10, Brooklands House 58 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, England, BN15 8AF.

Daro: UV should become part of the complete cleaning solution BRITISH manufacturer Daro UV Systems (part of the Daro Group), is keen to encourage greater awareness around the benefits of UV when it comes to infection prevention.

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the business has accelerated the production of its Mobile UV Disinfection unit.

The Mobile UV Disinfection Unit is a tablet controlled fully portable UV germicidal unit with motion-sensor safety feature, designed to quickly and effectively disinfect rooms and visible contents to prevent the spread of infection and cross contamination.

With easy to use technology, the unit can be placed in any room for just 10 minutes and will fully disinfect surfaces, accessible objects, and air within a 2.5 metre radius.

Repositioning and multiple cycles are recommended to reach all parts of a room. The UV-C light in the lamps deactivates the DNA in viruses and bacteria, preventing replication and essentially ‘killing’ the organism, thus removing the threat of infection.

It is essential that there is no personal exposure to the UV lamps, therefore the equipment has motion sensors built in to cut the UV activity, to automatically keep unit operators safe.

In its latest Covid-19 update, based on current disinfection data and empirical evidence, the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) believes

that UV disinfection technologies can play a role in a multiple barrier approach to reducing the transmission of the virus causing COVID-19, SARSCoV-2.

Daro UV, an NHS approved supplier and trusted specialist in ultraviolet (UV) systems since 1985, specialises in the design and manufacture of UV products for water, air and surface disinfection and hygiene equipment – using long wave UV light. Since the onset of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, Daro has focused its manufacturing capability to producing as many UV products as possible, including the mobile disinfection unit and its Hand Inspection Cabinet.

Julian Cant, general manager at Daro UV Systems, said: “Unlike with antibiotics and chemical disinfectants, bacteria and viruses have not been known to develop further resistance to UV, making it a long-term option for ongoing protection in locations such as hospitals, surgeries, schools, care homes and gyms.

“As UV kills 99.99% of pathogens it is effective in infection prevention and in the control of the spread of viruses without producing further chemical waste. Used in conjunction with existing cleaning protocols, UV provides reassurance, saves time and helps reduce further additional chemical waste. Our safe use of UV in the workplace training ensures that the equipment is used safely.”

Enquiries: Visit www.darouv.co.uk

Without QCS we wouldn’t have been rated as an ‘outstanding service’ Rupert Stocks Registered Manager, Guyatt House

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