Issue 79 20.10.21
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Operator says thank you to frontline staff COMMUNITY Integrated Care has unveiled a landmark £5m investment in employee pay, reward and wellbeing – including a new basic hourly rate for its support workers of £9.70 per hour in England and £10.20 in Scotland. This new comprehensive three-year employee investment strategy is aimed at rewarding, recognising and retaining its 5,000 strong workforce, as well as responding to the unprecedented recruitment challenges being faced by providers across the sector. In addition to a nine per cent pay rise (England), this financial package also gives staff double-time for Christmas bank holidays and a new wellbeing offering, including flexible working options such as a four-day week, and free mental health support in partnership with wellbeing app, Everymind At Work. The move means that a support worker in England working 40 hours per week will now receive an annual salary of £20,200 – an additional £1,600 (gross) per year. Chief executive officer Mark Adams said: “We are proud to be making such enormous strides towards the realisation of this vision. Through years of hard work, innovation and focus from colleagues at all
levels of our charity, we have built strong foundations that have enabled us to make this unprecedented uplift in colleague pay.” “We recognise though that our charity, and every care provider, has untapped potential and that colleagues working in social care deserve further investment. “This can only be realised through central government commitment to better investment and an effective workforce strategy. “Social care is experiencing a funding and recruitment crisis, and successes like this must not mask the clear threat that many providers are facing or the constraints that all organisations are operating within.” Earlier this year, the charity commissioned a piece of ground-breaking research by Korn Ferry to independently assess the role of frontline support workers. In their published report – ‘Unfair to Care: understanding the social care pay gap and how to close it’ – the charity demonstrated that based on the complexity, responsibility, skill and demands of the role, many social care workers are undervalued by around £7,000 a year in comparison to their counterparts in other public funded sectors.
Excitement builds for accolades
Residents across Rapport Housing & Care’s homes celebrated Older People’s Day by showing just what they can do in a bid to challenge the misconceptions of life as an older person. From DIY to drinking gin, there were a variety of answers and not one them involved putting their feet up. The International Day of Older Persons is observed annually to address the issues and challenges that older people face and look for solutions to them. The day is focused on the special needs, rights and well-being of elderly people. Pictured is resident Reginald Clarke.
T H E 2 0 2 1 C A R I N G U K AWA R D S Thursday 2nd December 2021, THE ATHENA, LEICESTER
EXCITEMENT is building for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet. Nominations for the 2021 awards are now closed and the full shortlist is on the Caring UK website. Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this annual celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday December 2 – where host Dean Andrews from Emmerdale will reveal the lucky winners who will take home an award. We received a record number of entries from all over the UK with so many stories of the wonderful work that was done particularly during the pandemic and we want to thank everyone who sent in nominations. Shortlisted entries from far and wide have made the finals, now progressing to the next stage of the judging process. Event director Judith Halkerston added: “We have been amazed by the incredible work that has taken and is continuing to take place in homes nationwide, and the last 18 months has only confirmed to us just how wonderful care staff truly are. Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we received from homes up and down the country. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the awards on December 2.”
CARING UK AWA R D S 2 0 2 1
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O A L L T H E F I N A L I S T S Tickets are now available from script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/ I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H
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or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details For general enquiries call: 01226 734630
THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS Care Home Division
CARINGWEEKLY
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Home welcomes its first resident
Residents Dorothy Paterson and Mhairi Harkes.
Residents enjoy a range of horticultural activities GREEN-fingered pensioners at an Edinburgh care home are being treated to activities designed to get them interacting with nature. As an antidote to the cold weather and darkness of lockdown, Cramond Residence’s head of maintenance Billy Early built new accessible planters, alongside a programme of events. Sessions are planned for residents to plant bulbs and create signage and labels for the garden, which residents can enjoy during their independent and supported walks around the grounds. The lifestyle team makes use of plants from the verdant gardens where possible, which are maintained all year round. During the pandemic, restrictions have at times limited the ability for residents to fully enjoy the outdoor space. Team member Christian Daraio said: “There is a real sense of optimism growing here as lockdown continues to ease, and it is perfect
timing to focus more on our lovely gardens and expand our horizons again. “We have many green thumbed gardening enthusiasts at Cramond Residence. “Thanks to our new easily accessible planters, all residents with a keen interest in gardening have been able to get involved. “The home has also been able to welcome family and friends back into the grounds so I’m sure our residents will take great pride in being able to help add a touch of colour to the home too. “Gardening is a hugely beneficial way to keep our elderly residents mobile and active whilst doing something they enjoy in the fresh air.” The care home is made up of nine small bubble group living facilities with up to eight bedrooms, a private lounge, dining and snug facilities. When necessary, residents can be cared for in small groups using the self-contained facilities.
Franchise retains accolade BLUEBIRD Care Exeter has won the Health & Wellbeing award at the Exeter Living Awards for the second consecutive year. Organised by MediaClash, publisher of magazines in Exeter, Bristol, Bath, and Cardiff, the awards are a celebration of the top businesses in the Exeter area, bringing more than 500 people to Exeter University’s Great Hall for the annual event. Franchise owner William Flint said: “We’re extremely pleased to win
this award. Our team at Bluebird Care Exeter have continued to go above and beyond, delivering vital care support to our customers during a challenging period. “It was great to be able to celebrate this second consecutive award success in person this time around. Congratulations all.” The homecare provider, which has been recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, has also announced plans to expand into West and North Devon.
VIOLET Beaumont, better known as Vi, is the first resident to move into state-of-the-art residential and dementia care home Hepworth House in Wakefield, and was welcomed with a surprise ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. Vi was born and raised in Flanshaw with her two brothers and five sisters and attended Lawfield Lane school. She spent much of her time during her childhood at the local Westgate Ice Skating Rink, where she trained as a figure skater. After leaving school, Vi worked as a tailor and would often make dresses for herself and her friends to wear to tea dances. It was at Heath Common Easter Carnival, aged 18, where Vi met her future husband to be, Peter. The couple tied the knot in front of their friends and families before settling down in Walton to raise their family. Vi and Peter share seven children and have since been blessed with many grandchildren. Violet moved to Hepworth House for respite care initially, but plans to return regularly for events and future stays. She said: “From the moment I looked at the pictures I could see myself moving in – it is more like a posh hotel. “The ribbon cutting was so unexpected and made me feel very special, everyone cheered as the ribbon hit the floor and threw confetti in the air, we all had a really good giggle together and I even got a glass of fizz as I walked in.” Since moving in, Violet has enjoyed all of the facilities on offer at Hepworth House, including the sky
The team created a flower mural, paying homage to Violet’s name, and hung it on her bedroom door to make her feel welcome. bar, cinema room, vintage tearoom café, botanical rooms and library filled with classic novels. Lifestyle manager Helen Brady added: “I have been delighted to organise a fun activities calendar for Vi and our other new residents to enjoy. “We spend lots of time discussing interests and likes and dislikes which has helped me to create an activities programme that its tailored to them. “I know that we will keep in touch with Vi after her respite stay and she will always be part of the Hepworth family.” The care team recently held its open day where local people were able to get their first glimpse of the care home which had been under construction for nearly a year.
Pensioners catch up on lost time thanks to donation A HOUSING development is restarting its art and recreation activities thanks to a £1,000 donation from a community group. Craigmillar Castle Regeneration Group made the donation to Bield’s Castlebrae Glebe in Edinburgh which will go towards funding game nights, parties and a host of entertainment performances. Customers have already enjoyed a performance from singer Leona Rae, with further events lined up driven by internal interests. Sharon Tomany, development manager at Castlebrae Glebe, said: “The donation has allowed us to relaunch activities that we all enjoy planning and hosting. It has already made a positive impact on the well-being and happiness of our customers, and we know this will continue as social interaction is something we have all missed.” The donation will allow leisurely activities to be hosted including; entertainment hire, arts and crafts workshops, bingo evenings and themed nights such as Halloween parties. Sharon added: “We were delighted
to hear of the donation and feel extremely grateful. It’s made everyone feel very hopeful and excited for what the rest of the year has to offer.” The donation is part of the Craigmillar Castle Regeneration Group agreement between the Scottish Government, City of Edinburgh Council and RSL developers whereby the profit made from the houses built contributed to a community fund – amounting to £150,000. Since then the CCRG has used the fund to make annual donations to schools, football clubs and organisations.
THE 2021
CARING
UK AWARDS THE ATHENA,LEICESTER
I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H
Thursday 2nd December 2021
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO ALL THE FINALISTS
T ickets are now available from
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THANK YOU
TO ALL THE SPONSORS Care Home Division
CARINGWEEKLY
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Royal approval for programme
Residents clink glasses at in-house bar after sponsored silence CARE home residents in Christchurch can enjoy a drink from their own fully-stocked bar after the wellbeing manager completed a fundraising sponsored silence to finance the new feature. Kim Butters, wellbeing manager of Fairmile Grange, and Mike Lyons, managing director of Encore Care Homes, cut the ribbon to officially open The Merry Fairmilers, which comprises of a range of beers, wines, spirits, mixers and soft drinks, complete with bar mats and scampi fries. Residents enjoyed a party on National Prosecco Day to celebrate the special occasion with balloons, cakes, a buffet, and drinks provided by the new bar. To raise money to pay for the bar and the all-important supply of alcohol, Kim took on a tough personal challenge which involved not saying a word for a whole day. She was supported in the challenge by her colleague Andrea Davey, who had to speak on behalf of Kim during the silence. The team raised £500 to fund the bar, which is free for the residents to use on a day-to-day basis, as well as for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and special events. Kim said: “It was a tough challenge but I felt that I needed to do something out of my comfort zone for
a day, so I stayed quiet. It was more difficult than I thought it would be, particularly when we’re doing fun activities and dancing to music, but it was all for a worthy cause. “Encore’s care home in Fareham, Hamble Heights, has a bar, and I thought that our residents deserved one too. “We’ve already had a few parties for birthdays and some new residents moving in, so the bar has been put to good use.” It came in response to the residents light-heartedly telling her that she needs to stop singing around the home, and instead they told her that for one day she could only communicate via a chalkboard. Money was donated by Kim’s colleagues, resident, and their families and friends. Mike added: “The new bar is a wonderful addition to the facilities that we offer at Fairmile Grange, and we could see from the smile on the residents’ faces how much they appreciate being able to enjoy a drink with their friends. “It’s nice to have such a personal touch in the care home, which was funded by kind donations to Kim’s sponsored silence. “The bar is a true testament to the work of Kim and Andrea who are real live wires and we are lucky to have them as part of our team.”
An Edinburgh bagpiper has been moving care home residents to tears with nostalgic melodies. The musical visit from Matt McKelvie was organised by staff at Mansfield Care’s Pine Villa in Loanhead after putting up a notice on social media. Playing traditional Scottish melodies such as ‘Scotland the Brave’ and ‘Highland Cathedral’, he is now returning for his second gig. Pine Villa manager Denise Williams said: “Our residents had an amazing time listening to Matt and it was a delight to see them enjoying themselves and are looking forward to having him play again.”
CARING Homes are celebrating after being commended by HRH The Princess Royal for their commitment to learning and development for the fourth time. City & Guilds Group has announced that 46 businesses will be recognised by the 2021 Princess Royal Training Awards. Currently in its sixth year, The PRTA celebrate organisations across the United Kingdom which have demonstrated exceptional commitment to training and development. Liz Willis, director of learning and organisational development, said: “We are delighted that our training programmes have been recognised in this way and that we have been included among those organisations to receive one of these coveted training awards for a fourth time. “We wholeheartedly believe that investing in our colleagues, their learning and ongoing development is pivotal to the success of our organisation, the exceptional standards of care, safety and wellbeing we provide our residents and indeed the way in which we have risen to the challenges that the Covid19 pandemic has presented. “As an organisation, we pride ourselves on our openness and transparency and as such we are always keen to share our best practice approaches and initiatives with the wider nursing community in order to enhance knowledge, to improve the way in which care is provided and to ultimately promote patient safety and quality care. “One way we have approached this is through sharing our nurse development initiatives at meetings involving Skills for Care, the Royal College of Nursing, and NHS Trusts.”
Liz Willis, Caring Homes’ director of learning and organisational development. Caring Homes has been recognised this year specifically in relation to its in-house programme to train overseas recruits to become nurses. In response to national skills shortages and increased pressure on the healthcare sector throughout the pandemic, Caring Homes created an in-house programme to train overseas recruits to become nurses. As well as securing a valuable workforce, Caring Homes has created a culture of inclusivity, fully supporting international trainees to pass the required exam whilst offering wider pastoral support. Pass rates for 2020-21 have increased by 11 per cent compared to previous years. Caring Homes is already part of The PRTA ‘Community of Excellence’ having been recognised by the awards in 2020 for the Chef Development Programme which upskills chefs and meets and exceeds industry criteria for care home catering and cooking for people living with dementia. Caring Homes was also recognised in 2018 for the Future Leaders’ Programme and in 2016 with the ‘My World’ Dementia Training Programme.
Bakers raise funds for charity CARE home residents from Fairway View in Bulwell have been ‘baking up a storm’ in an effort to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Residents were inspired by the charity’s commitment to supporting older people throughout the pandemic, deciding on a tasty treats themed fundraiser. The care team and residents set to work to bake cupcakes for their bake sale. Manager Gaynor Smart-McCann said: “We are always looking for ways that we can support charitable causes, if that be on a national scale or contributing to a local go fund me here in Bulwell. “To join forces together to make these delicious cakes was a brilliant bonding activity that was filled with fun and laughter. “We are thrilled to have raised so much money during our bake sale for the Alzheimer’s Society and we are proud to know our donation will go towards supporting people affected by dementia.” Residents enjoyed sharing their favourite recipes and even hosted a
‘Bake Off’ style challenge complete with awards for ‘messiest baker’, ‘star baker’ and ‘most creative design’. The cupcakes were later sold to staff, friends, relatives, doctors and nurses who all made a charitable contribution for the charity.
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Provider launches ‘free socials’ initiative to boost morale RESPECTFUL Care Nottingham South has announced the launch of a ‘free socials’ initiative, which will see them treat one lucky client to an excursion of their choice each month. The homecare services provider has launched the initiative to re-socialise clients and deliver fun experiences post-lockdown, and it has already proven to be a roaring success amongst carers, clients and relatives alike. Chosen at random, the monthly initiative will treat one lucky client to a two-hour excursion of their choice. One of the first lucky recipients of a social excursion was client Audrey Anthony, who was surprised with a trip to Beeston by her carer. A fan of the area – but not having been able to visit for many years – she was over the moon to return and celebrated the occasion with a cup of coffee at one of her favourite cafes. Staff team leader Hayley Clayton said: “We are delighted to announce our new ‘free socials’ initiative, which we believe will greatly improve the overall physical and mental wellbeing of our clients. “Many of our clients are still feeling the effects of social isolation caused by the pandemic.
Audrey Anthony enjoyed a surprise trip to Beeston. “We hope that this will be particularly beneficial to them, providing the opportunity to venture outdoors and experience something exciting and new. “As an ongoing monthly initiative, we hope to provide as many residents as possible with the experience of a social excursion. We look forward to treating our clients and seeing the positive impact this initiative has on their overall health and wellbeing in the long-term.”
Professor Martin Green OBE has replaced Kathy Roberts as chair of the Care Provider Alliance. The CPA brings together the 10 main national associations which represent independent and voluntary adult social care providers in England and ensures a coordinated response to the major issues that affect it. Martin, who is also chief executive of Care England, said: “Now that the Prime Minister has revealed the Government’s plans for reform the coming weeks and months will be pivotal in ensuring that care remains centre stage. The CPA represents the breadth of adult social care, and we must ensure that as a nation we get it right for those providing care as well as those in receipt of care.” His chairmanship of the CPA will run for one year.
Care provider makes electric vehicle move SWANTON Care has become one of the first UK providers to unveil a fleet of electric vehicles for use with the people they support. The new state-of-the-art Nissan EVs have been rolled out to four of its services across Wales and England in the last few weeks. The Nissan e-NV200s, which each have a range of up to 180 miles, will be used to help the people Swanton supports locally to enjoy daily trips out, go shopping and attend daily appointments. Each of the four Swanton services have been fitted with their own charging points to ensure the new vehicles are always ready to go. CEO Garry Cross said the new seven-seater electric vehicles would ensure individuals could continue to enjoy their independence while reducing air pollution. He added: “We are delighted to unveil the first of our EVs. Making the move to electric was really a no-brainer for us.
“It’s the right thing to work towards for the environment and they are more cost-effective in terms of running costs than diesel vehicles, which will help recoup the extra purchase costs. “And we’re proud to be one of the first providers in the UK to make this switch. I would urge others to do the same – just make sure you remember to plug the car in when the battery is running a little low.” The first services to get the electric cars are: Emerald Care’s Station House (Dinnington) and three Values in Care homes at The Old Vicarage (Bridgend), Pen Y Coed (Newport) and Maes Y Rhyddid (Pontypridd). Emerald Care and Values in Care are both part of the Swanton Care group. Garry added: “These vehicles are essentially on trial for us right now, and if that continues to go well, we will introduce them to other areas of the business, including the maintenance teams.”
Advertiser’s announcement
Research supports HUG wellbeing benefits THE QCS Pool Activity Level instrument, created by Jackie Pool and with the continued support of QCS, the leading provider of content, guidance for the social care sector, has been contributing to the validation of HUG, a therapeutic soft, comforting device for people with advanced dementia. A landmark study using the QCS PAL Instrument, which assesses the level of functional ability of people with cognitive impairments, revealed that 87 per cent of those with dementia who used the HUG device over a sixmonth period saw an improvement in their wellbeing. In addition, Jackie Pool, QCS’ Dementia Care Champion, has developed a set of specific QCS HUG PAL Guides, which ensure that people living with dementia are supported at ‘just the right’ level and are enabled to engage with HUG in the most meaningful way possible. HUG is the brainchild of the Cardiff Metropolitan University’s LAUGH team. Professor Cathy Treadaway from
Jackie Pool Cardiff Metropolitan University said: “It is incredibly exciting and rewarding to know that people with advanced dementia can finally enjoy the wellbeing benefits that HUG brings. “We are also incredibly fortunate to have received funding for our research collaboration from
Welsh Government, the AHRC and Alzheimer’s Society, and we are indebted to Jackie Pool and QCS for validating the therapeutic merits of HUG.” It has also been supported by a number of key stakeholders, including the Alzheimer’s Society, the Welsh Government, the Arts and Humanities Research Council, who, between them, have funded the research and development of the therapeutic device. The device, which can be purchased on the HUG by LAUGH website and Alzheimer’s Society’s online shop for £125, increases wellbeing in a number of ways. Its weighted limbs, soft body and simulated beating heart, help mimic a human hug. With a vast body of scientific research validating music as a powerful medium, which helps people to express themselves and unlock past memories, the therapeutic device has also been fitted with a music player. The MP3 player, which is linked to
a hard drive, has been specially built to make it easy for carers to upload music onto HUG, via several different platforms. Over the last three years, HUG, has been trialled in a number of settings across the entire health and social care spectrum, as well as homes, where it has been shown to consistently provide comfort and reduce anxiety. Jackie Pool, QCS’ Dementia Care Champion, added: “When I was first approached by Professor Treadaway and her team at Cardiff Metropolitan University, I jumped at the chance to be involved. “HUG may not provide a cure for dementia, but I strongly believe, and the evidence supports it, that this soft comforting device has the power to profoundly improve the wellbeing of those living with dementia at all levels and to provide the means for care givers to make a meaningful connection with individuals. That in itself, makes it a game changer.” To find out more call 0333 405 3333 or email sales@qcs.co.uk
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