Issue 89 05.01.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Government must listen to the forgotten THE Government must listen to the needs of older and vulnerable people who need care and start taking meaningful action in 2022, a campaigner has said. Mike Padgham says the New Year should be the moment the Government turns its attention to people who have been forgotten. “There are at least 1.5m people who aren’t getting the care they need as we go into a new year – that is our mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and friends,” said Mike, chair of The Independent Care Group. “And there are many, many thousands more who are only getting limited help. All of these vulnerable people will start 2022 with a poorer quality of life than they deserve. “For too long, theirs has been the quiet voice too easily ignored as the clamour from others was louder. “We have a severe shortage of carers to provide care – at least 120,000 vacancies and growing every day. “In 2022, the Government must start to listen to what older people and those with physical and mental disabilities need and start responding. “In 2021, it made a start by injecting some limited funding and introducing a cap on care costs. But these
were just tiny steps, just tinkering at the edges. The care of our most vulnerable requires much greater action – a root and branch overhaul of the social care system; the way it is funded and the way we recognise, respect and reward those amazing people providing care.” “The Covid-19 pandemic took the lives of many older and vulnerable people in 2020 and 2021 and it exposed the care system like never before,” Mike added. “The message for 2022 has to be that social care has had enough and that this is the year that the Government listens to those who need better care and to those who deliver care. “There is so much expertise available in the social care sector and so many people willing to work with the Government to provide solutions. However, the first part of any constructive working relationship is listening. The Government didn’t listen over the staffing crisis and has only now allowed us to recruit from overseas again – too late to help the appalling staff shortages we had warned about due to the impact of Omicron. “We have to work together to find a solution to a crisis that is only going to become more severe.”
Residents at a Hamilton care home have had a surprise visit from mobile petting zoo Bunny & Co. Staff at Avonbridge arranged for a menagerie of pets, with rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs, ducks and chickens to spend the afternoon at the home being petted, fed treats and generally doted upon. Home manager Emma Duffy said: “It was so nice to see the smiles on our residents faces when they found out that Bunny & Co was visiting. There is nothing better than enjoying a cuddle with a fluffy animal, especially when some of our residents have not been able to enjoy as much physical contact with their own family pets as they would have liked due to the Covid restrictions.”
Emma loses locks for good cause RESIDENTS of a Dorset care home didn’t need to be asked twice to help a big-hearted staff member lose her locks for a good cause. Several would-be stylists eagerly went hands-on to ensure Emma Foxley could donate nearly a third of her long hair to The Little Princess Trust. It was the first haircut in more than three years for Emma, a domestic assistant at Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford. Companionship Team leader Debbie Easter said: “Emma is a much-loved member of the Colten family and we wanted to do everything we could to support her initiative in aid of the Trust. “While of course donating your own hair is
a serious move, it was a joy to see residents having fun as they got involved in helping Emma. “We were joking that her ‘hair-raising’ idea had given our residents an experience that was a ‘cut above’ the rest.” Under the expert guidance of the home’s regular hairdresser Shanna Corben, Emma’s 29.6-inch (74 cm) hair was first tied into ponytails. Then, one by one, residents took hold of a ponytail each and, scissors at the ready, cut off nine-inch-long (22.5 cm) bunches. Emma, who has worked for Colten Care for nearly seven years, is currently six months pregnant. Early on in her pregnancy she experienced the heartbreak of her mum passing away.
Happy New Year
to all our readers and advertisers from everyone at Caring UK Weekly and Caring UK
2
CARINGWEEKLY
CEO marks landmark anniversary milestone
Nickelle Murray, Lauren McCombe, Erin Lang, Kayleigh Mackinlay and Nicola Scott are the first graduates of the new joint project run by Kilmarnock-headquartered care at home company HRM Homecare and the Prince’s Trust Scotland.
Group graduate in project to find next generation of carers HRM Homecare has joined forces with youth charity the Prince’s Trust in Scotland to set up a new project aimed at encouraging more young people to consider a long-term career in care. Nickelle Murray, from Bellshill, Erin Lang, from Motherwell, Lauren McCombe, from Moodiesburn, Kayleigh Mackinlay, from Glasgow, and Nicola Scott, from Troon – were selected by the Prince’s Trust to spend four weeks training with the Kilmarnock-headquartered company at a variety of its locations. They were given free, comprehensive training on the skillset and qualities needed to be a carer, as well as the huge variety of other roles – from human resources to quality control. At the Prince’s Trust’s Wolfson Centre in Glasgow, leaders from both HRM Homecare and the Prince’s Trust Scotland gathered with the five young adults to celebrate their graduation. Lynn Laughland, managing director of HRM Homecare, said: “Over the four weeks, Nickelle, Erin, Lauren, Kayleigh and Nicola have learned very quickly what it takes to be a first-class carer, and we are absolutely delighted to offer them the opportunity to join our HRM Homecare family. “HRM is determined to make a
positive contribution in finding the next generation of highly-talented young people and we are delighted to have found an ally in the Prince’s Trust, which does excellent work with young Scots. “The care at home sector is not only a huge provider of employment, it is a massive economic driver in Scotland today as our society continues to age. “It also offers a wide range of valued and rewarding professions with various routes of progression open to those who are looking for a rewarding, long-term career. “Through our joint project we aim to show exactly how care workers can make a difference to those who need and greatly value support in their everyday lives. “Not only that, they will be offered the opportunity to join a team at HRM Homecare that is dedicated to providing quality care services to those within our communities who are in need of extra care at home.” HRM Homecare now hopes to run the project four times a year – helping more young people realise the career options that exist in the care at home sector, as well as providing a boost to the operator itself, which has more than 100 job vacancies it wants to fill after winning new contracts to provide care at home in both Falkirk and Lanarkshire. Wren House care home in Warminster has become the latest canvas for the market town’s own version of Banksy, Tanya Hinton – the woman behind the Secret Bird Art of Warminster project. Tanya’s work to liven up the town by painting pictures of wild birds on dilapidated and boarded-up buildings caught the eye of residents and staff at the care home, who contacted her to volunteer their door as the location for her newest artwork. The home’s entranceway has since become Tanya’s latest canvas, with a pair of beautifully painted chirping wrens welcoming visitors.
LACE Housing chief executive officer Nick Chambers is celebrating 30 years with the association which provides specialist housing and support services for older and vulnerable people across Lincolnshire. With a background in finance, he joined LACE in June 1991 as assistant accountant. Nick later became the finance manager before being appointed the CEO in 1999 at the age of 31. At that time, the Association was engaged in housing, care and support services including specialist transport, day centres and holiday accommodation. A member of the Chartered Institute of Management, Nick has led the Association through meaningful change, responding to the everincreasing needs and demands of an ageing population. He said: “Our success is based on three ‘P’s: its people, places and the partnerships which it has forged over the years.” Nick is also the chairman of Lincs Independent Living Partnership. Together with Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire, St Barnabas Hospice, and the Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, they continue to deliver services to support the public sector and vulnerable people across Lincolnshire. Nick added: “I am proud of what has been achieved, and a visit to any of the housing schemes operated by LACE Housing speaks for itself. “The dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensures a high standard of accommodation and support, a relationship that strives for excellence despite the challenges they face daily. “It is a privilege to work alongside and meet some truly inspirational
Nick Chambers people and to witness the difference that we can make to the lives of those in need of our services. “The past year has posed many challenges, all of which have been embraced by our team of staff and volunteers. “Their energy and enthusiasm have ensured that those in need have remained safe and secure and that the association continues to be the success it is. “In addition to maintaining our high standards, we are committed to growth and are continuing to seek places to develop new homes. “We are now in our 58th year of operation and we are thrilled that works have begun on the development of supported housing in Scunthorpe and Lincoln, with further opportunities being explored in nearby Welton by Lincoln, Market Rasen, Horncastle and Spalding.” Nick was presented with a selection of gifts by LACE Housing’s chairman Bob Walder on behalf of its board of management.
Care assistant Sarah celebrates 30 years A CARE assistant from Lowestoft is celebrating 30 years of employment at a care home. Sarah Foxall began her caring career in 1991 when John Major was Prime Minister and Facebook hadn’t been invented. She began her working life in the bacon factory in Kessingland and after it closed she joined youth training, which is when she decided to work with the elderly. She began working at Manor Farm and, after completing her training at the home, she was offered a permanent position. Manager Chantelle McCabe said: “When the average staff turnover in the sector is more than 34 per cent, Sarah’s long service is even more significant. “Consistency of care is vital to residents’ wellbeing, and staff like Sarah are the reason this is possible.” Manor Farm marked Sarah’s achievement with a special presentation where she was given an engraved plaque, bouquet of flowers, her favourite bottle of gin and some chocolates.
Sarah Foxall
THE CARING UK AWARDS 2021
4
CARING UK AWARD WINNERS
Activities Team of the Year sponsored by ServiceSport Care Home Division: Castleford House
Our judge found this one a really tough decision with all the finalists being outstanding. They chose our winner as the team are at the core of the nursing home and are the reason some people get out of bed or come downstairs. They do things from the subtle such as baking cakes, food tasting and making tie dye t-shirts to the sublime such as going on a cruise.
Best Outdoor Environment sponsored by Nicholls and Clarke Phlexicare: Broadwater Lodge The home has always been animal-friendly, with residents keeping pets and enjoying visits from therapy animals. When a resident shared his idea for a smallholding, and everyone gave it the thumbs up, the home team set to work to create their own small farm. ‘Codgers’ Farm’ as it was named by residents is bustling with a variety of animals. It also includes dementia-friendly winding paths, raised beds, activity and seating areas and encourages residents to move around freely.
Quality in Housekeeping: Asterbury Place The winning housekeeping team regularly go above and beyond their duties and are an integral part of the home. Every team member goes the extra mile, and the home has remained Covid free which is a great testament to their hard work. There is a good rapport among them team who take real pride in providing an excellent service.
Community Involvement sponsored by Move More TV: Blenheim House Our winning care home believes that it can be of great value to the community as well as the community being of great value to them. They have formed close partnerships with many organisations in the area and continue to develop them through support, inclusion in activities, facilitating meetings and local celebration events. It is a priority for the home to enable residents to feel engaged and connected with their community.
Best Initiative in Care sponsored by Geometric Results Inc: Margaret House Catering Team of the Year: Mill House The residents regularly meet with the team to help them write the menus so they feel involved. The home also extends its catering to the local community. This includes a teddy bears picnic afternoon in summer, while a breakfast with Santa last December proved so popular that they had to run five events.
Keeping residents connected with loved ones during the pandemic required new ideas. As well as the use of tablets so that residents could maintain ‘face to face’ contact with their relatives over the likes of Zoom and WhatsApp, our winning home went a step further by creating its very own interactive hour-long radio shows. Relatives were asked to send in their message either in writing or as a voice file, so that loved ones could hear their actual voices together with a song of their choice. This really helped the residents stop feeling so isolated at a time when the home was completely locked down.
CARING UK AWARD WINNERS
Dementia Care Team: Halstead Hall Quality dementia care is the backbone of the change to our winning home which was rated inadequate and shut down by the CQC just four years ago. Under new owners the home was rated ‘Good’ just 12 months later and has become the ‘go-to’ home for people living with dementia in mid Essex. Residents are engaged in a myriad of activities and have become a central part of decision making. The team are utterly focused on making the home a safe place to live for those living with dementia.
End of Life Team: St John’s
The care and compassion shown to residents and their families by the winners is exemplary. The home always ensure that each end of life plan is unique, specific and personalised to each resident. They have developed their own documentation called ‘You, Me and I to provide further and constant support to ensure that the residents’ and families’ wishes are always respected. All staff members pass end of life training to deliver a whole home approach.
Commitment to Training and Development sponsored by Learning Curve Group: Hale Place
The winner believes that if employees feel confident in their knowledge and skills, they will feel more positive about their job. Employees have a career, not a job, and have the right skills and knowledge to provide a high quality of care and support and to carry out their role effectively. The management team worked constantly through Covid to ensure the staff were carrying out their duties to the highest of standards. They were there to support and guide them, with one-to-one training where required. The two directors worked all day, every day, for six months.
Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care sponsored by Script: Keate House Our winning home has its own EMI unit called the Treasured Memories Centre which opened in September 2014 and has recently been extended. Since then the centre has constantly been evolving to host an ever-growing range of features and facilities to accommodate those living with dementia. The home believes that no experience is impossible and is always striving to find new innovative ways to improve the quality of life of all of its residents, whether through modern technology, pets, environment, activities or anything else that helps them to not only live, but to thrive.
Regional Care Home Midlands and Wales sponsored by Fusion eCare Solutions Ltd: Roden Hall
Our Midlands and Wales winning home is a warm, friendly, safe and secure environment which enables residents to achieve their potential and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Choice plays a huge part in the home’s offering, and the valued carers help in being able to facilitate the personal preferences of the residents wherever possible, promoting independence and upholding dignity.
Regional Care Home South sponsored by Caring UK: Alfriston Court Our winning home in the South category has a real homely feel. This is down to the individual team members and their care of each resident, from the huge smile on every greeting, to constantly enriching their lives and providing great care. Residents are encouraged to give feedback on all aspects of their care and support, which allows them to feel more in control of their lives and able to make a difference themselves and helps the home keep in tip-top shape.
5
6
CARING UK AWARD WINNERS
Regional Care Home of the Year North sponsored by Sommer Rose Interiors: Thornhill House
Our winning regional care home of the year for the North focuses not only on its residents but also the local community. They have forged close links with local schools, and regularly take part in activities for a variety of charities. The home has a very small turnover of staff and has created a happy environment to ensure that the needs of residents are met. Their belief is that it is not just about ‘opportunities’ it is about ‘equal opportunities’. The home has such a good reputation locally that there is a waiting list of people wanting to move in.
Regional Care Home of the Year Scotland sponsored by Walton Healthcare Property Consultants: Abbey Court
Our winning Scotland home increased its activities when other homes cut back during lockdown. They started social media group chats with families to help them keep in touch on an hourly basis if required. They also organised safe outdoor concerts for the residents and streamed it live for relatives to join in. The staff’s hard work has resulted in no Covid cases, no deaths and a lot of happy and satisfied people grateful for the love and friendship that has been maintained through such a hard time.
Outstanding Achievement Award sponsored by Shackletons: Maureen Tilbrook, Stowlangtoft Hall This year’s outstanding achievement award goes to someone who has been the backbone of the care home where she worked for 23 years, and during her time has performed a variety of roles. She has not shied away from leadership roles and has, in the past, taken on the challenge of home manager, before reducing her responsibilities in recent years so she can enjoy more time with her family. Now, as a full-time nurse, she relishes the day to day time she spends on the floor, leading a team of carers and supporting fellow nurses, who all rely on her experience, motivational skills and compassion for everyone that she works with.
Care Employee of the Year: Cassie Stirling, Bilton Hall
Our winner joined the care home where she works aged 17 in 2011 with no formal qualifications, but a desire and passion to care for the elderly. She is currently a Senior Care Assistant. Her potential shone through at her recruitment interview as she tearfully told about losing her grandad whom she dearly loved and cared for following a stroke, which inspired her to pursue a career in care. Our winner has blossomed, and what she lacked in academic qualifications she has more than made up for in hard work and determination with a ‘can do’ attitude’.
Care Employer of the Year: Abbeyvale Care Our judges were bowled over by this care home. It is an employer with an ethos based upon family values, in addition to demonstrating the overarching company wide values of passion, collaboration, respect and empowerment. Every member of the team feels more than just an employee number, they’re part of a family who turn up to care, and who all genuinely love their residents as part of that family. They all agree it doesn’t feel like they ‘go to work’ and claim it to be a pleasure to work alongside the Registered Manager, inspired by her energy and hands-on management style.
Management Team sponsored by Coolcare: Hale Place Throughout the pandemic the management at our winning home changed job roles to support the care team. The Managing Director worked for six months without a day off, and throughout the past 18 months the whole team forfeited much of their holiday entitlement to ensure availability. The management also worked over the Christmas period to give care staff time off and a much-earned rest. Employees were invited to access reserves of food and PPE to take home, if required, when there were countrywide shortages. This ensured they had their required protection, and they didn’t have the worry of obtaining essential items after long hours at work.
CARING UK AWARD WINNERS
7
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Mike Padgham Care Group of the Year sponsored by Virgin Money: Stow Healthcare
Our winning care group is an innovator who has not stood still during the pandemic. It has a reputation as a ‘disrupter’ in the industry, acquiring homes with the most difficult history and poorest rating, and driving them forward to CQC ‘outstanding’ rated homes. They simply aim to be the best quality care providers in East Anglia where they are based, and their key goals in the last 12 months have been to keep both residents and staff safe, their families well informed and the business viable.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to a tireless advocate at a local, regional and national level for the care sector, both in his role as chair of the Independent Care Group and in his previous role as chair of the United Kingdom Home Care Association, as well as being a hands-on provider of care in North Yorkshire. For the past two decades he has worked hard to improve care standards and to strengthen the voice of the sector. He has bravely put his head above the parapet to get more people talking about sector reform, and you may have seen him on TV recently when he allowed a film crew free access to two of his homes as part of a two-part BBC Two documentary fronted by broadcaster and ex-politician Ed Balls on the challenges facing the social care sector.
Congratulations to our runners up Activities Team Mary and Joseph House
Regional Care Home Midlands and Wales Hendra House
Best Outdoor Environment Old Vicarage
Regional Care Home South Cedar Lodge
Catering Team Skylark House Care Team of the Year sponsored by Independent Care Group: Sefton Hall Our winning care team are dedicated and received an Outstanding CQC rating in both 2017 and 2020. But it’s best achievement as a home and as a team is to see the residents and their relatives extremely satisfied with the service they are receiving. Residents and relatives feel cared for, valued and listened to, and their views matters. There is also a strong commitment to developing respectful, trusting relationships. Staff work well together and there is a strong person-centred ethos, which is embedded throughout the home.
Quality in Housekeeping Weald Heights Community Involvement Cavendish Park Best Initiative in Care Edbury Court Dementia Care Team Malmesbury Lawn End of Life Team St Mary’s
National Care Home of the Year sponsored by OM Interactive: Thornhill House
The care home is taking advantage of social media platforms to share the great work that is being done day in day out by the amazing team. The home has dedicated pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp. This has generated many enquiries for new admissions. Thornhill House is the only care home in Barnsley that currently offers a free night trial. This gives people the opportunity to test the service for 24 hours on a noncommitment/free of charge basis before they make the decision for a full time placement. The conversion rate is 100 per cent.
Shackletons:
Regional Care Home North Keate House Regional Care Home Scotland Abbeyfield Ballachulish Outstanding Achievement Beverley Manzar Care Employee Ajeesh Thomas Care Employer Stow Healthcare
Commitment to Training and Development Abbeyfield Balla
Management Team The Close
Excellence and Innovation in Dementia Care Ebury Court
Care Group Majesticare Care Team Perry Manor
“Virgin Money was delighted once again to be headline sponsors of the Caring UK Awards. After such a difficult 18 months it was great to be able to get together and recognise the outstanding achievements from individuals and teams across the social care sector.” - Graham Harper, Virgin Money “As long standing sponsors of the Caring UK Awards, we are immensely proud to support this major event that promotes social care provided throughout the UK.” - Sir Anthony Ullmann, Shackletons Ltd “We have been proud to support the Caring UK Awards 2021 in their efforts to honour and recognise excellence in the Healthcare sector. We were able to meet prospective customers in a relaxed reception environment. Walton HPC left the event with several good leads to follow up and I felt we achieved our PR objective, which was to gain profile as a core event sponsor and participant. The printed material and award handout was very well produced and reflected the quality of the event, your publication and all of us involved. We would again like to congratulate all nominees and winners and particularly the winner of the award we sponsored which was Scotland Care Home of the Year which was won by Abbey Court Care Home in Glasgow” - Gary Walton, Walton HPC “Firstly, I wanted to say a massive thank you to you guys on such a wonderful event! It was such an incredible way to finish off the year for us all and to be able to get together with everyone and celebrate was such a great feeling. You always pull off such an amazing night and this year was no exception so congratulations to you all.” - Alex Ball, Stow Healthcare Group “Congratulations on a fantastic event – we had a super time and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share so many success stories across our industry. Well done to the Script team. We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Regional Care Home of the Year Midlands and Wales and are all still on a high. Thank you so much.” - Sarah Hammond, Rotherwood Group “It was clear from the outset that the attendees were excited to be nominated and were using the ceremony as an opportunity for a night off and to have a glamourous end of year party. As a sponsor it was good to see our branding and our video on the big screen throughout the night and it was good to speak with existing customers and other industry professionals. It was a fun evening and I would highly recommend it for suppliers and nominees.” - Iain Corrigan, Cool Care “As Managing Director of Fusion eCare Solutions, I wanted to support our industry through sponsorship at the recent Caring UK Awards. The event was a lovely evening, an opportunity to meet people after what has been a very challenging year for businesses in our sector. All the nominees were worthy of an award on the night, and it was truly inspiring to see so many people who, on daily basis, provide care for the most vulnerable people in our society. It was a great experience to present the award to Roden Hall, winners of the Midlands & Wales Care Home of the year..a really enjoyable event.” - Martin Jones, Fusion eCare Solutions This was the first time Learning Curve Group have been involved with the awards, and we were very pleased to be able to sponsor the Commitment to Training and Development Award. The whole evening was an excellent celebration of the fantastic work that happens every day within the adult social care sector. The pandemic has placed an additional and unprecedented demand on care providers, so it was great to see care staff being recognised for their dedication and the levels of care they provide. - Chris Grieveson, Learning Curve Group As sponsors of the Caring UK Awards, N&C Phlexicare were delighted to attend the glittering awards ceremony held on 2 December 2021. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners for their commitment to excellence, particularly in face of the arduous challenges of recent times. ‘’It was an amazing night, and we are honoured to have been a part of it. These awards are a wonderful celebration of the outstanding service offered by care professionals who go the extra mile to serve the vulnerable in our communities” - David Forbes, Nicholls & Clarke Group Chairman As a first time sponsor of the Caring UK Awards, being part of the event was very rewarding. As a specialist provider of outsourced neutral vendor recruitment solutions to the health and care sector, we firmly believe in celebrating the incredible work of organisations across the country, who deliver excellence every single day in challenging conditions. The event was well organised and thoroughly enjoyable – and the opportunity to present the award for the Best Initiative in Care made the occasion even more special. Congratulations once again to all the finalists and winners. - Gill Hope, Geometric Results Inc
9
CARINGWEEKLY
Residents embrace the power of VR RESIDENTS of a Hertfordshire care home have been thrilled by virtual reality, having welcomed a VR provider to their home who treated them to an array of exciting virtual experiences, including the Northern Lights and more – all of which took place from the comfort of their armchairs. Residents of Foxholes near Hitchin were enthralled by virtual reality provider Escape 2VR, which recreated some dazzling displays for them to help promote and stimulate mental wellbeing. Intrigued residents joined together for the experience in the home’s Norton TV lounge, which was subsequently filled with gasps of shock and delight as both residents and staff were able to enjoy a virtual reminder of carefree, pre-Covid, times – all while within a safe and nurturing atmosphere that allowed them to relax and enjoy themselves. Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes, said: “It was a wonderful day for our residents, who were clearly delighted by the whole experience. “The sad thing about getting older is that seeing the world and getting out and about becomes ever more difficult. The technology brought in by Escape2VR though, enabled residents to enjoy a taste of something new and a reminder of younger years.”
Resident Alan Bussell described the VR experience as ‘fantastic and very clever’. The initiative sought to add new memories to residents’ already extensive library of recollections, by integrating new experiences that helped them rediscover the wonders of the world. To make the experience as accessible as possible, a morning group session saw a TV hooked up to the main system, helping to provide an interactive experience for those not comfortable wearing VR goggles, while in the afternoon, the VR experience was taken to individual residents’ rooms to ensure those unable to come down for the session could also enjoy it.
Home sows the seeds for sustainable mealtimes ABBEYFIELD Speedwell Court, a residential care home in Southampton’s West End, has been awarded £500 by the ‘Bags of Help’ Tesco Community Grant. The home, managed by The Abbeyfield Society, will use the funds to support its ‘Seed to Feed’ project, which helps residents to cultivate the garden and grow their own food. The project not only allows residents to play an active part in maintaining the garden and planning their meals, but also promotes Speedwell Court’s aims of sourcing its food sustainably and becoming more environmentally friendly. Tesco representatives presented the cheque to Mark Line, who manages the garden and applied for the grant.
He said: “The premise of ‘Seed to Feed’ is close to the heart of what we do at Abbeyfield Speedwell Court, linking with local schools and having created a project with Town Hill Junior, which brings together the young and elderly. “This year we started a Seed to Feed project at Speedwell Court to grow sustainable organic fruit and vegetables, which involved residents helping with the garden and harvesting the produce. “The Tesco funds will be used to develop the Seed to Feed aim further by buying materials to create more raised beds – which better enable the residents to help with the garden – and also seeds, plants, organic fertiliser and suitable hand tools.”
Operator secures new certification
Provider opens new offices as part of expansion plan BLUEBIRD Care East Staffs and South Derbyshire have moved into a new office in Needwood, Burtonupon-Trent to meet the demands of a growing client base and care team. The homecare provider’s new facilities include a fully functional training facility to support their growing care team, along with a carer’s lounge, open planned office for management staff, and several meeting rooms. Director Rick Parekh said: “We have seen a continual growth for our services, providing high quality care to our customers in the comfort of their own homes and our new office will support us to increase our capacity of care. “We hope to recruit 30 new care staff allowing us to provide further care,
support in the local community, and create new job opportunities.” The East Staffs and South Derbyshire office is part of the wider Bluebird Care brand that provides a range of home and live-in care services to the local community. They provide personalised and tailored care plans in reablement care, night sitting services, respite care, dementia care, learning disabilities support, and end of life care. The move represents the recent success of the Bluebird Care East Staffs and South Derbyshire franchise, as well as signalling their ambitious plans to grow in future. Future recruitment efforts are currently underway, as they aim to meet their growing clientele in the East Staffs and South Derbyshire region.
VIDA Healthcare has achieved certification against the Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards as assessed by the BILD Association of Certified Training. These standards ensure the training is directly related and proportional to the needs of populations and individual people. Training should be delivered by a competent and experienced professional who can evidence knowledge and skills that go beyond the application of physical restraint or other restrictive interventions. The certification not only improves training and practice, but it protects people’s fundamental human rights, improves the quality of life of those being restrained, reduces reliance on restrictive practices, and increases the understanding of the root causes of behaviour and recognition that many behaviours are the result of distress due to unmet needs. To achieve the certification, Vida Healthcare had to complete seven rigorous stages, including initial eligibility, a familiarisation workshop, self assessment, and review of the evidence by a panel of experts, including people with lived experience. Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director at Vida Healthcare, said:
“We recognise the need to provide the very best training, learning and development for our staff in order to deliver the highest quality care for residents. “There is growing recognition amongst professional bodies and government departments that while the use of restraint may be necessary on rare occasions to keep people safe, it is also traumatic and must be minimised in therapeutic settings. “We’re always looking for new ways to invest in our offering and secure accreditations which support the work that we’re doing. “We’re so pleased to have achieved this certification for our Positive Interventions in Dementia Care programme, and we can’t wait to see the impact this has on our care offering and recruitment.” The Restraint Reduction Network is a registered charity which brings together organisations committed to providing education, health and social care services. The Network has an ambitious vision to reduce reliance on restrictive practices and make a real difference to people’s lives. The mission is achieved by sharing learning and developing quality standards and practical tools that support reduction in restrictive practices.
A valuable addition to the Caring UK family … keeping you informed alongside the care sector’s Number One magazine
Follow us @caringuk
Please send any stories and photos you may have to editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk For advertising opportunities please call Bev Green on 01226 734288 or email bg@scriptmedia.co.uk or Tracy Stacey on 01226 734480 or email cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk
For more information and to sign up
visit: www.caring-uk.co.uk
or email Megan Prince on circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk For all enquiries call 01226 734 779
- the Number One magazine for the care sector