Issue 108 25.05.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Shocking care figures shame the country SHOCK new figures on the number of older and vulnerable people waiting for care shame the country, campaigners have said. The Independent Care Group said the statistics were further damning proof that reform of social care was “just not happening.” The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has released figures showing that more than 500,000 people are waiting for care. They blame a dire shortage of staff in the sector. ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “These are yet more damning statistics that show that reform of the social care sector is just not happening and older and vulnerable people are suffering as a result. “ADASS represents the local authorities who are delivering and commissioning care, we represent the providers who are struggling to deliver it – between us we can say that the sector is in crisis and urgent action is needed before that 500,000 becomes a million.” He paid tribute to new president Sarah McClinton and to ADASS for revealing the true picture of social care. He said the Government had to switch tack on its plans for spending the £36bn Health and Social Care Levy. “At the moment it is planned that the bulk of this will go into
NHS care initially, but these figures show that the need is just as great, if not more urgent, in the social care sector,” Mike added. “It is totally pointless bailing out the NHS if social care is leaking at the other end. The end result is that the boat will sink and that is what we are seeing now. “Social care and NHS care need equal support – one cannot operate properly without the other – and we need the Government to recognise that and to act, diverting some of the earmarked money to social care so that we can address the staffing crisis which is crippling care.” The ICG wants to see: n A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded. n NHS care and social care merged and managed locally or nationally. n Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation. n Dementia treated and funded like other high priority illnesses. n A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care. n Proper pay, conditions and career structure for carers. n Social care businesses to be zero-rated for VAT. Social care currently looks after 400,000 people in care and nursing homes – three times the number in NHS hospital beds.
Lorraine Kelly supports care campaign
Residents at Aliwal Manor Care Home in Whittlesey have been preparing for the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee by making some arts, crafts and decorations. During a recent craft session, residents were given a variety of royal-themed templates, paints and decorative items to make some jubilee themed art. Jon King decided to use a template of the Queen’s head as his art piece. He placed this on a plain piece of paper and dabbed red and blue paint around the edge of it. He then removed the template to reveal a perfect picture of the Queen. Jon was really happy with how his idea turned out and the team was equally impressed with his creation, so much so that they have sent it to Her Majesty. They are now eagerly waiting to see if she replies. n For more ahead of the Platinum Jubilee turn to page 4.
TELEVISION legend Lorraine Kelly recently appeared on Loose Women to talk about Home Instead’s Care Conversations campaign: a cause that urges people to discuss care options with loved ones. During the interview on the chat show, Lorraine referred to Home Instead’s findings that 81 per cent of people are reluctant to talk to ageing older loved ones about care, despite a third saying they are concerned about their parents’ physical health. Lorraine triggered a discussion among the panel about care for family members, with the panellists agreeing that it’s a conversation we should all have Lee Chapman, Home Instead’s brand and marketing director, said: “Our Care Conversations campaign demonstrates why care shouldn’t be a taboo subject. It can be a tough conversation to have but when broached sensitively, it will be a huge weight off yours or your loved one’s shoulders. “We’ve loved having Lorraine on board to promote this campaign, and it was particularly exciting to see her getting the Loose Women talking about care. I’m certain that Lorraine will have planted a seed in people’s heads and encouraged families across the country to discuss preferred care options. It’s never too early to have the ‘Care Conversation’.” Home Instead is the sponsor of Lorraine’s successful podcast ‘What If?’ in which she and daughter Rosie interview wellknown and much-loved celebrities about key events and crossroads in their lives.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Residents ask for support to create outdoor spaces AS green-fingered residents get ready for gardening activities, Scottish care home provider Renaissance Care has put out a call for donations from the local community. In the hope of freshening up their gardens, staff are on the hunt for the likes of gardening furniture, tools, plants and ornaments. With art supplies on hand, care homes will gladly accept donations in need of a little love or lick of paint, while the home boasts keen gardeners who are ready to get their hands dirty with seeds or bulbs. The focus on gardening falls in line with the operator’s health and wellbeing strategy, which prioritises the emotional, mental and physical health of those in its care. Jade McGowan, activities co-ordinator at Renaissance Care’s Jesmond home, said: “We strive to create fun activities which will use the wisdom of our residents. “With several keen gardeners within the home and warmer weather round the corner, it is the perfect time to launch our gardening projects. “We are very lucky to be situated within such a supportive community and we are hopeful that this call will prompt some further generosity. “Our garden could do with a little love and our residents have years of experience which we know will be put to good use. If you have anything to spare, please do get in touch.” Following the Winter Olympics activity which saw residents embracing the colder weather, Renaissance Care has set aside time for gardening activities in order to bring the new season in
Residents at Liberham Lodge in Surrey take part in the virtual art session.
Artist helps residents enjoy a grand finalé to Big Draw involvement with a garden refresh. As well as a focus on embracing the outdoors, the provider also hopes to create lasting partnerships with nearby communities which could be fostered through the shared goal of improving the local area. The staff welcome any helping hands who would like to support the initiative. Renaissance Care’s 16 care homes began their facelifts last month, as staff looked to create a fresh space to enjoy in summer, particularly with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations upcoming. Staff hope that work carried out outdoors will benefit their indoors too, as they are following along an online webinar hosted by the Care Inspectorate and Trellis, allowing residents to grow their very own vase of flowers in their rooms.
AN ARTIST known for her charcoal drawings, often created on busy public transport journeys, has led an exclusive live online art class for residents in four of Care UK’s homes. Big Draw ambassador Liz Atkins, best known for her #CompulsiveCharcoal drawings, led the interactive virtual session to celebrate the final stage of Care UK’s involved in the annual Big Draw Festival. The class was held online to accommodate infection control measures and to ensure several homes could take part. This is the third year Care UK has been a key partner of the charity. During the class, residents enjoyed a talk from Liz about how drawing helped her battle with anxiety, and how art can be used as a form of therapy to overcome emotional and physical barriers to health. After learning more about Liz’s charcoal drawing technique, residents had the opportunity to put their own art skills to the test by following along with a live demonstration. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, team members also rolled up their sleeves to try charcoal drawing –
many for the first time. While some residents opted to create self-portraits, others drew their favourite place or memory, as encouraged by Liz. One of the homes to take part was Liberham Lodge in Surrey. General manager Japal Singh said: “We were delighted to welcome Liz to Liberham Lodge – albeit virtually. Liz’s art class was a fantastic opportunity to get creative and try something new, while learning more about the therapeutic benefits of art from Liz’s history. “We believe in the power of activitybased care. Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings and showcase their artistic flare through an activity where anyone can take part – and there is no right or wrong way.” The other three Care UK homes where residents joined the live art session were Ridley Manor in High Wycombe, Kentford Manor near Newmarket and Ladybrook Manor in Stockport. Care UK’s involvement in the Big Draw also produced a walk-through virtual art gallery showing pieces created by residents.
Award for home’s football lovers RESIDENTS at Beechwood Care Home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire are celebrating after Fit-Baw instructors Paul Mooney and Seamus Duggan awarded them the Fit-Baw 90 accolade for their hard work throughout a fitness programme. Residents practice Fit-Baw, a gentler form of football, as part of the home’s activities programme, designed to keep them healthy and happy as they socialise and exercise together. Working with their instructors, the
Fit-Baw 90 programme saw them set targets to improve their strength, balance and coordination together. Activities coordinator Helen Miller teamed up with Paul and Seamus to run weekly sessions, where residents took part in arm and leg exercises using a football. Fit-Baw 90 ended with squad captain Harry Gilmour accepting the trophy on behalf of his team as staff members and residents alike applauded their shared victory.
A Dorset care home hatched a plan to celebrate springtime by hosting the birth of some fluffy chicks. After team members at Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford put a heated incubator with embryo eggs centre stage in the home’s lounge, residents waited eagerly for the new arrivals. They were transfixed as, one by one, the eggs hatched over the course of several days with, eventually, eight chicks welcomed into the world. Companionship team leader Megan Castell said: “It was the most magical time and our residents were totally fascinated. It was so interactive when the chicks arrived as residents could get up close and hold them.” All eight chicks have now left to go to good homes, either free range farms locally or to people with existing hen flocks.
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CARINGQUEEN’S JUBILEE PREVIEW Residents at Silvanna Court care home in Wickford enjoyed a reminiscing session with virtual reality films from the Queen’s coronation 70 years ago. To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Essex County Council has launched an intergenerational project for schools and care home residents. The programme is in partnership with The Wayback, a virtual reality film series that recreates moments from the past and which are designed for those living with dementia. The project is named ‘The year of reading – Dementia Intergenerational Communication Program with The Wayback Virtual Reality’ and aims to support and promote reading in schools. Pupils at the local school took part and began with reading and watching the films to learn about England in 1953, and after, visited Silvanna Court to show residents the films as well. With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee just around the corner, residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Zetland Court in Bournemouth crafted a handmade card to congratulate the monarch on her 70 years of service. The residents, who reside at Zetland Court’s Red Admiral House, which supports people living with dementia, all contributed by writing, decorating and signing the card to the Queen. What they did not expect was a reply from the Queen herself. Susan Wiffen, deputy home manager for the dementia house, said: “We were thrilled to receive a message from the Queen a few weeks later. Getting an envelope from Buckingham Palace is rather unusual.” Staff eagerly opened the envelope eagerly and the residents read the Queen’s thankyou card, which was put up in Red Admiral House for everyone to see.
A group of Macclesfield carers have taken to the skies for a daredevil jump in the name of a Jubilee party for the residents of an Upton Priory care village and their families. Helen Marsden, Liv Fallero and Chris Jones, braved a 15,000ft skydive to raise funds for not-for-profit dementia specialist Belong Macclesfield to host its own garden party for the Queen’s platinum celebrations. The volunteers personally funded their trip to the country’s highest skydive. Thanks to the £1,161.81 raised from sponsorship donations, Belong Macclesfield residents will be able to welcome their family and friends for Jubilee celebrations in the village’s dementia friendly garden. Amongst the plans include singers, a silhouette artist and plenty of bunting, tea and cake.
Maria Mallaband Care Group has joined in the national Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, with each home planting a tree in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The operator, which has more than 80 homes across the UK, is seeing every one of its homes planting a tree in its grounds, with the choice of tree being made by those living in the individual home. With a national map of the Queen’s Green Canopy marking all trees planted for the Jubilee across the UK, the homes are also installing specially designed and produced plaques to a Palace approved design to ensure their special significance is recognised for years to come.
The resident craft group at Windmill House were pleased to be invited again to create bright and beautiful flower displays for this year’s Wymondham Community Blooming Wall, with the theme being the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The project aims to bring the community together with the common goal of brightening the town centre with flowers and bright and colourful displays for all to enjoy. The wall, which is now named the ‘Blooming Wall’ is a beautiful representation of community links and connections. With the project being such a success last year, residents were again pleased to take part in the project this year, creating and designing crowns, rosettes and flowers. Councillor Jillian Reeves, vice chair of Essex County Council, joined Abbeyfield House in Hadleigh, Benfleet for the planting of a special commemorative rose to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Residents, staff and volunteers gathered for the planting and tea in the sunny garden at the sheltered housing scheme which is managed by The Abbeyfield Society and home to up to 14 older people. The garden includes a summer house – the perfect spot for residents to relax and meet their friends and family – which will overlook the place where the rose is planted as a reminder of the occasion. Jillian was presented with a bunch of flowers by resident Anthony Dann following the planting. Councillor Jill Bray, Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, celebrated the efforts of healthcare workers with a visit to The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society. She has made it her goal to recognise as many individuals and organisations as possible for their contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic since being elected last year – including volunteers, healthcare workers and health professionals. Jill spent time meeting staff members at the Society’s care home Belvedere House, showing gratitude for their efforts throughout the challenging couple of years health and care workers have faced. Jill, whose father was in the Army, took time to speak with the Society’s residents and tenants, sharing stories and playing games. Being an avid gardener, she also planted a pear tree in the orchard to mark the Queen’s Jubilee later this year – a permanent reminder of the visit. Home Instead has launched a purple plaque campaign to honour older people who are leading interesting lives to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The campaign, which has launched on Greatest Hits Radio, mirrors the blue plaques seen on the homes of notable historical figures. It will see Home Instead awarding purple plaques to people from local communities who are leading fascinating lives and have rich stories to tell. Listeners will be encouraged to nominate someone they know to receive one of the 15 special purple plaques in the run up to the Platinum weekend. Lee Chapman, brand and marketing director of Home Instead UK, said: “Every day we hear amazing stories from across our network. These stories and the Queen’s Jubilee inspired us to do something to celebrate the lives of older people in communities across the UK.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
Former actress turned artist brings creative touch to care home
Former fitness instructor says exercise class has inspired him to walk A FORMER fitness instructor who runs movement exercise classes for fellow residents at a care home says he is using the boost he gets from it to achieve his own goal of walking again. Ken Harris, who leads the popular ‘Star Moves with Ken’ class at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, says the sessions are inspiring him to walk for the first time since December 2020. The 87-year-old made a major breakthrough in realising his dream in February when he stood for the first time in 14 months during a session in the home’s in-house physiotherapy room. Ken said: “As I’ve always been a relatively fit and healthy person, it came as a bit of a shock when I was taken ill and my legs gave way in 2020. “So it means a hell of a lot to me that I can do these classes, and that people trust me and are willing to come to training every day – it’s a huge compliment. “The classes keep me going and give me the hope I will achieve my goal to walk again. I do a lot of work with the in-house physiotherapist at Royal Star & Garter and I’ve started to get back on my own two feet, which I’m delighted about.” He said his class has more than a
physical impact on residents. “It brings people together as a group,” he added. “It’s a social thing and a boost for physical and mental wellbeing. We motivate each other. It doesn’t matter if they can’t do everything – I tell them to only do what feels comfortable.” The classes are 25 minutes long, supported by a member of staff, and take place six days a week. It now attracts around 10 people a session and staff recently had to relocate the activity to a different part of the Home due to its increasing popularity. Ken served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps from 1952-54 for his National Service and came to Royal Star & Garter in September 2021. He began running his own classes a short while later with the support of the in-house physiotherapist Nirali Dave. His class involves simple sitdown exercises aimed at improving mobility and boosting mental and physical wellbeing. In his working life, Ken was a qualified YMCA weight trainer and taught low-impact aerobics for the over 60s. All ‘Star Moves with Ken’ exercises are adapted from these, and approved by the home’s physiotherapist. A family-run Suffolk care home plans to use the funds raised from its Easter raffle to surprise residents with a refurbishment of its gardens to boost wellbeing ahead of the fast-approaching summer season. The Dell, in Lowestoft, part of the Wellbeing Care group, raised a three-figure sum from its annual Easter raffle, which will go towards upgrading its outdoor area with furniture and plants for the residents to enjoy after a challenging two years of lockdowns. The Easter raffle offered 45 prizes such as a Dove toiletries hamper and a homemade Easter bunny with an egg, with the star prize of a scuba diving lesson being won by the home’s new deputy manager Simon Fletcher.
A CARE home resident has been inspiring others to pick up a paint brush and begin their own artistic journey. Betty Chapman has always been drawn to the creative side of life. Over the course of a long and successful theatre and film career she performed in the iconic ‘West End’ and toured the country starring in countless productions. With a particular love for comedy, she can recall many fond memories of playing parts in plays such as ‘The Private Ear and Public Eye’, often alongside her husband, a fellow actor and writer. However, it was during this period of her life that Betty began to explore yet another part of the creative realm, painting. Enchanted by the work of those artists painting the sets for her theatre productions, she was inspired to pick up the brush herself and try her hand at something new. And much like her career on stage, it quickly became clear that Betty had a real gift for it. What started as a mere hobby quickly became a passion and a core part of her life. She has gone onto produce a plethora of wonderful pieces of art, several of which have since been exhibited as part of The Actors Picture Show at the iconic National Theatre, in London. Arriving at Signature at Elstree last July, and aware of Betty’s wonderful talents, the care home team were eager to do their part and allow her to continue to express her artistic flair. Inspired by her talents, the team decided to introduce an art studio as a permanent area for residents to continue to paint. Vina Bharadia, activities assistant
at Signature at Elstree, said: “Having spaces created for residents to enjoy what they like doing most is truly a delight. “We take pride in this, and offer countless activities, classes and sessions for those residing with us. It allows residents to settle and feel at home immediately. The art studio is just one example of that. Every time Betty is there, you can see she is at her best.” Betty was quick to embrace this opportunity, and over the past year has spent much of her time working in the art studio. Alongside working on her own pieces of art, Betty has also inspired many residents and team members at the care home to embark on their own creative journey and express their artistic flair. Offering tips and advice, she is always looking to motivate others and is a bundle of creative energy at the care home.
Care home staff take on charity cycling challenge STAFF from Barchester Healthcare’s care homes up and down the country are taking on a gruelling 211-mile cycling challenge from Bradford to London. Over four days, from July 5 to 8, a team of care home workers and directors will cycle from Yorkshire to London, stopping at 15 care homes and one hospital across all four of Barchester’s divisions to meet wellwishers, have a well-earned break and refuel before continuing on their way. The core team of commercial director Simon McCall, HR director Genevieve Glover, recruitment director Tony Woollett, and project coordinator Shona Conway will be joined by staff members from different homes and divisions as the Tour passes through. Shona said: “It is going to be a long and tiring four days in the saddle for all concerned but it will all be worth it – we’re hoping to raise lots of money for some great causes. “We know all the staff, residents,
Shona Conway
relatives and visitors will get behind the team at each of the homes along the way. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped so far, it really has been a real team effort.” The group is raising money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation which supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Ukrainian nurse praises support after invasion A UKRAINIAN nurse who came to England nearly 20 years ago has described the torment he has been going through since Russian forces invaded his country. Yuriy Bukovych, a lead nurse at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull, has parents, family and friends in the war-torn country, with many fighting on the front line. The 46-year-old was a medic in the Ukrainian Army before coming to the UK to work in healthcare in 2003, and believes he would be fighting on the front line if he were still in his homeland. Yuriy has been with Royal Star & Garter since 2011. He said the past few months had allowed him to understand what many residents in the home would have experienced during WWII. He went on to praise them for the empathy, support and care they have shown him since the conflict started. “It’s very difficult to digest what’s been going on,” he said. “My parents live in Khust, which is in the western part, and is currently considered one of the safer parts of Ukraine. “But there’s no safe place in Ukraine as such, and my parents have to go into bomb shelters several times a day. I worry a lot about them – I don’t know if they’ll continue receiving their pension, if I will have to support them, if the city can cope with the hundreds of thousands of refugees it has. I worry about food supplies.” Being a former Army medic, Yuriy knows many people who are now actively fighting Russian forces. “A lot of my friends are on the front line,” he added. “One of them is highly ranked in the Army and I’m keeping in touch with him.” Yuriy said he was unaware of the invasion until he received an email from Royal Star & Garter’s director of people, Kate Silver. He said: “I woke up that morning not knowing what was happening. I saw on my phone that I had an email from Kate saying she was horrified with what she was seeing on TV, asking if I was OK, and saying that the charity was there for me should I need anything. I put the TV on and watched in disbelief. I felt numb. “In the first two weeks I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing – it was so vicious and unprecedented. I would never have imagined that this was possible in the modern world, in
Dementia Action Week at Signature at Elton House aimed to ensure that more people understand and recognise possible dementia symptoms so that they or their loved ones can receive early guidance and feel empowered to take the next steps. To mark the occasion, team members, residents, friends, and family enjoyed a lovely afternoon at the ‘Dementia party by the pond’ organised by Watford Council. Guests had the opportunity to take a tour of a virtual reality dementia awareness bus, as well as enjoy music and a dancing session with one another. There was a lovely atmosphere throughout the day, with the sun shining and lots of laughter and fun to be had. One lucky resident even had the opportunity to enjoy a trishaw ride thanks to Watford Cycle Hub.
Yuriy Bukovych modern Europe. “It’s difficult to explain how I felt. We share so much culture, history, language with Russia, and yet they can be capable of such evil to a neighbour. I’m still shocked and speechless.” He has continued coming to work at Royal Star & Garter, saying it keeps his mind occupied and fully engaged. Several residents at the Home are WWII veterans, while many more lived through, and have memories of, the fight against Nazi Germany. Yuriy believes he now shares a new bond with them. “They have been watching this unfold on TV, saying how horrified they are and asking me if there’s anything they can do,” he added. “It made me more aware about what residents had to go through during WWII. Before I could only imagine, but now it’s so real to me and I understand what they experienced. “It brought back a lot of memories for a lot of people here. I had a 100-year-old holding my hand and asking if I was OK. It made me realise how special this place is, and how special the residents are.” This was further demonstrated when the charity, staff and residents helped raise more than £900 for The British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal, through a raffle, tabletop sale and cake sale at the Solihull home. “The support I’ve had from the very first hours of the very first day of this war from Royal Star & Garter has been mindboggling. It’s proof that everyone really cares and I’m very grateful for that,” said Yuriy. Residents at a Worthing care home were taken to Hollywood as staff transformed a room into a cinema and screened the classic movie Easter Parade. Residents at Linfield House, a dementia with nursing care home which is part of charity Guild Care, enjoyed the full cinema experience, with ushers offering trays of goodies and popcorn and showing the cinema goers to their seats once they’d presented their tickets.
A Birmingham museum has created two interactive memory sparking workshops specifically to support people with dementia to thrive. Selly Manor Museum in Bournville launched the workshops to coincide with Dementia Action Week. Workshops will focus on local history, and the Museum’s specially trained guides will use it to spark conversation and creativity amongst people with dementia. Each workshop will include interactive activities and guided object handling to bring the history of either the Tudors or Bournville and its chocolate factory to life.
A Northamptonshire care home hosted a special ‘memory walk’ for its residents to mark Dementia Action Week. Meadow View, a branch of Wellbeing Care that provides nursing, residential and respite care, recently organised a memory walk centralising on reminiscence therapy to raise awareness of Dementia Action Week. Staff, residents and family members ventured around the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Irchester, visiting areas such as the church, café and local shops – with the smells and sights of familiar places helping to evoke residents’ memories. A bicycle decorated with flowers has popped up at Rogers House in Wigmore, raising awareness for Dementia UK. Residents of the residential care home were delighted to spot the beautiful flower covered bike, which sat at the entrance to the care home and arrived just in time for Dementia Action Week. An anonymous artist, known as ‘Flower Power Bikes’ on Facebook, started creating and displaying the bikes across the county last spring, to spread some positivity and goodwill during challenging times, as well as to raise awareness for charities. Home manager Jackie Miles said: “We were delighted to have a Flower Power Bike proudly stood in front of our home, especially in time for Dementia Action Week.”
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