Issue 3 15.04.20 We are committed to supporting customers in these unprecedented times, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of my team to talk about how we can help Derek Breingan, Head of Health and Social Care 07818 454674
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Group calls for more to join scheme A SURREY care home group is calling for more care homes to get involved in a campaign which invites people to digitally ‘adopt a grandparent’, having been overwhelmed by an incredible response from all around the world. Aimed at combating loneliness and encouraging companionship, the initiative is centred on connecting the public with care home residents, helping them to form meaningful, intergenerational friendships. The campaign, established by CHD Living, a Surrey and South London based care home group consisting of 13 residences, two specialist rehabilitation centres and a domiciliary care business, was initially launched last autumn and looked for local volunteers to physically visit the home to meet and bond with residents. However, given the ongoing crisis and the current restrictions on movement, the group decided to take the campaign digital – aiming to harness video technology to spread the message further and encourage connections from anywhere in the world. The call for volunteers was met with an astonishing
response, with 60,000 people signing up within three weeks from all over the world including from the US, Canada, Dubai, New Zealand and more – far more than the care home group could possibly look to pair up. Shaleeza Hasham, head of hospitality, communications and commissioning at CHD Living, said: “We’ve been absolutely astounded by the sensational response to our campaign. “It’s been a complete whirlwind the past two weeks, but one that’s brought in much-needed positivity at an incredibly testing time for the care industry. “Some of the messages we’ve been receiving have been so lovely, and we’ve been pairing up people, facilitating video calls and encouraging communication; the start of which has been extremely heart-warming.” As ‘virtual volunteers’, participants in the scheme will be encouraged to use technology to provide mental stimulation and remote companionship to those in care via regular video calls. Register at https://chdliving. co.uk/careproviders-aag-form
Restructure leads to pay rise for staff
Care home residents in Powys made Easter themed crafts including bonnets and decorations to keep up their spirits during the current lockdown. Helen Griffiths, manager at the Shaw healthcare-run Plas Cae Crwn care home in Newtown, said: “We realise how hard this current situation is for everyone, especially with our residents unable to have family and friends visiting. We have been enjoying our pamper parlour, video calls to relatives and we even have an indoor sports day planned which they are looking forward to. We are doing all we can to ensure our wonderful residents feel safe and are enjoying each day.” Resident Rhea Swain is pictured showing off her creation.
A BIG THANK YOU
FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …
WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
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SOUTH Yorkshire elderly care provider Silver Healthcare has restructured funding from HSBC to help provide its staff with a pay rise in light of the demands placed on them by the coronavirus pandemic. All members of staff operating in the Rosebank and Leahyrst homes will see a pay rise of 21.8 per cent for their continued efforts through this period following the restructure of a six-figure funding package. Managing director Roy Young said: “Our staff have done an incredible job to continue providing high quality care to some of the most vulnerable people in the community. “Not only have they delivered this care against the backdrop of an international crisis, but they have done so with unrelenting enthusiasm and a smile. “We’re delighted to make a gesture to show our acknowledgement, as well as the gratitude of our residents, for their significant efforts throughout this unprecedented time.” Silver Healthcare currently employs 61 staff across care homes in the Upperthorpe and Grimethorpe areas of Sheffield, with roles ranging from carers, kitchen, laundry, domestic, maintenance and admin staff all benefitting from the increase. Silver Healthcare homes and members of staff are specifically equipped and trained to deliver specialist dementia care for 66 residents.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Care is the new frontline against Covid-19, claim NURSING and care homes for older people are becoming the new frontline in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, care providers have said. But they have warned that the social care sector is ill-equipped as it fights increasing numbers of Covid-19 admissions coming through home doors. A lack of personal protective equipment and a lack of testing are hampering their efforts to cope, the Independent Care Group said. Its chair, Mike Padgham, said: “The death figures that we are now seeing for care and nursing homes are much higher than reported by the ONS because there is a considerable lag in reporting and we must prepare ourselves for more bad news. “Unless the Government recognises that care and nursing homes are as vital in the fight against coronavirus as hospitals we are just not going to be able to cope. “The Government has forgotten about social care providers – not just during this pandemic but for generations – and now we are becoming a new frontline in the fight against coronavirus, that neglect is putting the workforce and the people we care for at unacceptable risk.” Social care teams up and down the country are caring for people with
Mike Padgham Covid-19 in nursing and care homes and in people’s own homes. Social care currently looks after 400,000 people in care and nursing homes – that is three times the number in NHS hospital beds. It looks after a further 640,000 people in their own homes. Mike added: “Care and nursing homes are short of PPE and a lack of testing is making it difficult. “The Government has been quick to support the NHS during coronavirus, but has forgotten about the vital role social care has to play. “Care and nursing home owners are opening their doors to care for people who may or may not have Covid-19 but they are ill-prepared to do so. “Social care has been underfunded and under-recognised for
generations. We are short of staff and short of resources. We failed to repair the roof when the sun was shining and now we are facing the consequences in a sector that is illequipped to cope with a pandemic like this.” The ICG has written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, calling on him to find a way to financially support struggling social care providers, initially by making care zero-rated for VAT. He added: “We are where we are and the priority at the moment is that we work together – social care, NHS, local authorities – to get the people we provide care for and our staff through this horrific period. “Social care staff, alongside NHS colleagues, are doing an amazing job at the most challenging of times and all deserve the greatest support the country can provide for them. “The support social care is starting to receive is encouraging and I hope that finally people are seeing what a vital job our workers do. Perhaps once this is over, that recognition will become greater support for the sector.” At the moment care providers face the anomaly of paying VAT for goods and services but being unable to charge VAT themselves, to offset some of those costs.
Morrisons supermarket brought some joy to Connors House Residential Care Home in Canterbury as they donated 100 Easter eggs to staff and residents. The treat provided a surprise pick me up for the residents, as well as staff, who are working hard to keep normality and to continue to support the residents as best they can, without interruption. “We’d like to thank Morrisons for the lovely Easter surprise,” said Christine Devlin, general manager of Connors House. “The residents were delighted and so were the staff, who have been working so hard to keep things going during these difficult times. It’s wonderful that the community has come together at a time like this. It was a lovely gesture and it really put a smile on everyone’s faces.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
Charity makes appeal for letters and cards
Registered manager Magdalena Zieba, managing director Hammad Cheema and operations manager Grace Peters.
New care business joins the fight to support elderly BUSINESSMAN Hammad Cheema has recently launched a new at-home care company. Visiting Angels West London will tackle rising loneliness in the elderly and meet the growing need for quality care that is prevalent in the region. While many businesses have no choice but to close in the wake of COVID-19, Hammad says that it was more important than ever to push ahead with the launch of Visiting Angels. Alongside his operations manager, Grace Peters, Hammad plans to put the compassionate duo’s combined knowledge and experience to good use in the community. “Of course we could have delayed the business launch with everything that’s happening, but now, more than ever, people need support, people need care and people need jobs,” he said. “I’m determined to make a difference to people’s lives at this most difficult time. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last two decades in business it’s that people are what matters, regardless of their age. “We already care for some of the youngest through our childcare business and, now I want to support the elderly and vulnerable in our community with a personal and genuinely caring service.” Hammad, Grace, and their newly appointed care manager Magdalena Zieba recently received registration from the Care Quality Commission. Based at Boundary House Business
Centre in Boston Manor, Visiting Angels is now on the hunt for more care workers to satisfy the growing demand for its service. Hammad has already recruited five into the team but hopes to bring 40 jobs to the local community within the next 12 months. “My ethos is to always do things the right way and I think, in the elderly care industry, that means doing things a little differently,” he added. “All too often, care staff are paid minimum wage, given very little support and just generally not treated very well. This has an impact on the quality of the care they deliver and their attitudes towards work. “I have an elderly parent myself, so I know how important it is to be able to have confidence that person coming into your home is genuinely caring, reliable and trustworthy. “That’s always going to be the litmus test – if I’d be happy for someone to look after my own mother, then I’m happy for them to look after our clients. Visiting Angels is committed to a ‘carer-centric’ approach. Put simply, this means treating carers with the utmost respect, valuing them for their commitment and rewarding them well financially for the support that they provide to clients. Amidst the ever-evolving coronavirus outbreak, Visiting Angels hopes to alleviate pressure on local hospitals by helping to get people back into their homes, freeing up beds for virus patients. Staff at a Northfleet care home were surprised with a pick me up in the form of a batch of tasty pizzas and sides from Domino’s Pizza, courtesy of a grateful mystery donor. Christine Hutchinson, general manager of Dene Holm, said: “We were really surprised when the pizzas turned up on the doorstep, it was a lovely treat and really lifted everyone’s spirits. The team are working so hard to keep normality in what is such a difficult time for everyone, so it’s really nice for their hard work to be appreciated.” Christine is pictured with carer Nicola Williams.
RESIDENTS at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull and Surbiton are asking children to send in letters now that schools have closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Letters with Love appeal also includes requests for cards and drawings from young people, with veterans saying it “brightens up our days”. It comes after Royal Star & Garter began limiting visitors to its three homes, pausing visits from outside entertainers and family members as part of its infection management protocol. Residents say they love receiving handwritten letters, cards and drawings. One said: “It means so much when we receive letters from children. And some of the drawings they send are so good. It’s lovely to know what they’re getting up to and that they’re thinking of us oldies. They really brighten up our days.” One suggestion is for pupils to send in drawings of rainbows. This follows a national campaign which has seen creative and elaborate drawings of rainbows placed in windows up and down the country, to help spread hope amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Dedicated staff members from the charity’s homes are continuing to provide exceptional person-centred care despite the challenges faced with the coronavirus outbreak. This includes the continuation of entertainment activities and keeping residents in contact with family via FaceTime and Skype. Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has been receiving letters, cards and drawings from High Wycombe CofE School and Castlefield School. Letters, cards and drawings can be uploaded directly to www. starandgarter.org/letterswithlove They can also be emailed to solihull. enquiries@starandgarter.org or surbiton.enquiries@starandgarter.org Alternatively, they can be sent to the Solihull and Surbiton Homes directly.
Staff put creative hats on to help raise spirits STAFF at Longlands care home in Daventry have been putting their creative hats on to help raise residents’ spirits. Most recently this included a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, where there was a treasure hunt with different Alice in Wonderland characters hidden among the table decorations. Home manager Samantha Spires said: “We are under no illusion as to how hard this current situation is for our residents, who are unable to have family and friends visiting. “We have been trying to ramp up our activities with bingo, music
quizzes and the recent Mad Hatters Tea Party. “We are in the process of planning a 1950s show, where the residents will be dressing up and reminiscing about their favourite films and songs from the era. “Although the priority at the moment is keeping people physically safe and healthy, there is also a huge challenge around addressing people’s mental health wellbeing, so we are doing all we can to ensure our residents keeping occupied and enjoying each day as much as possible.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
New role set to help residents stay social
Dr Joshua Macauley with Andrew Allison, Booths’ Kendal store manager, and some of the donated Easter eggs
Companies team up to bring elderly Easter joy ONE hundred and fifty elderly people in South Lakeland received a lovely, unexpected present this Easter. Westmorland Homecare teamed up with grocery chain Booths, which donated 150 Easter eggs that were distributed to the provider’s clients around the district. “We have a lot of clients who are over 70 who are self-isolating for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic,” said Westmorland Homecare director Dr Joshua Macauley. “We are more than just a health care service and we wanted to do something a bit special for our clients. “We see our staff and clients as part of one big family and this is a lovely way of doing something for that family. “It is about providing a bit of joy during this very difficult time.” Westmorland Homecare sent out a Tweet asking if any companies could
donate some Easter eggs to be given to its clients and it was picked up by Booths’ head office. It put the company in touch with Booth’s Kendal store manager Andrew Allison. Within an hour of the telephone conversation, 150 eggs were at the Westmorland Homecare offices in Kendal, ready to be distributed by its carers to clients in South Lakeland. Joshua added: “We like to go above and beyond and it is great to work with a company like Booths which has the same level of passion and family values.” Westmorland Homecare provides a range of services, which enable people to live independently in their own home. They include home care, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, such as help with dressing, bathing and getting in and out of bed.
SANCTUARY Care has launched a call for wellbeing assistants to help enrich the lives of residents who are missing loved ones. The care provider began a recruitment drive last month for the paid role, which does not need prior experience, to ensure that residents would be able to take part in group activities and social interaction during the current Covid19 pandemic. The assistants will also handle light domestic duties from making beds and tidying rooms to putting the kettle on, serving meals and helping with laundry. No care is provided through the role, though the assistance they provide to residents will be delivered in line with each resident’s individual care and support plans. Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, group director at Sanctuary Care said: “The social distancing measures that we all
must follow limit our opportunities to socialise and this is never more important than in the case of older people. “The creation of these roles will make such a difference in helping our residents and staff through these difficult times, while providing new employment opportunities for local people in the areas where we have homes.” With the doors closed to Sanctuary’s 102 homes across England and Scotland to non essential visitors, the roles are helping ensure residents continue to receive the highest quality of care along with social interaction. So large was the response that recruitment for the roles has been temporarily suspended while more than 3,000 applications are processed. Forty assistants will take up the role imminently, with more than 100 expected to be recruited in total.
Staff at Borough Care’s Reinbek home for older people in Davenport, Stockport, are sending support to those working in the NHS and all their fellow key workers. The team has designed and painted a rainbow of hope banner to convey their gratitude and stay safe message. The banner has been erected in the garden at Reinbek as a mark of thanks to all key workers for the job they are doing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Virtual visits are a big hit with residents A WEST Yorkshire care company has invested in the latest technology across its five nursing and care homes and introduced a new ‘virtual visiting’ system that is proving popular with residents and their families. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Czajka Care Group has followed Government guidelines and restricted all non-essential visitors to its Fairmount Nursing Home, Brookfield Care Home and Staveley Birkleas Nursing Home, which are all in Nab Wood near Shipley, and its Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton and Beanlands Nursing Home in Cross Hills. The homes already benefit from high-speed WiFi enabling residents to use the internet to stay in touch with family and friends via social media and Skype, but newlyintroduced tablets mean more can chat with their families and friends using FaceTime, WhatsApp and other apps while visits are restricted.
Resident Peggy Brayshaw enjoys a ‘virtual visit’. Managing director Konrad Czajka said: “To minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19, and to ensure that we follow the most recent Government guidelines, we have, of course, restricted all nonessential visitors to our homes. “In order to reduce the impact on our residents and their families, technology is allowing us to
overcome this temporary change, with the use of FaceTime, Skype calls and social media all playing their part in keeping everyone connected. “We have found that our residents are very open to the whole experience and with the help of our wonderful team of carers and activity co-ordinators we are able to schedule virtual visits for our residents with their families and friends. “The virtual visits have been a big hit with our residents, who are aged between 18 and over 100 years old, and we are also continuing to use Alexa and other devices to access news, music and talking books for them too.” The operator runs two retirement developments within the grounds of its nursing homes for people aged 55 and over. At Fairmount Park in Nab Wood there are 37 houses and apartments, and at Currergate Mews there are 14 three-bedroom houses.
Konrad added: “From within these very safe and secure environments our retired residents are able to easily access the internet on their own devices, but we have also offered them the use of our new tablets, alongside help and guidance with how best to connect virtually. “Our retired residents are also able to enjoy our acres of mature, wellkept gardens to take a daily walk, as well as help with the planting and maintenance of our vegetable patches, which is great for mental wellbeing. “We are thrilled with how the virtual visiting has quickly taken off and also been very touched by the number of lovely letters and drawings we have received from children in our local community. “Each day creative pictures and messages arrive in the post from children, who are currently not able to go to school, and receiving this correspondence is a daily delight for so many of our residents.”
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CARINGWEEKLY
Resident due to attend his first Grand National has race brought to him
Ray and Maureen Bullimore celebrate their wedding anniversary with a special meal.
Couple celebrate 65 years of marriage RAY and Maureen Bullimore celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at Woodthorpe Lodge care home in Loughborough. The couple were surprised by staff who arranged a private candle-lit date in the home’s botanical room after their original plans to celebrate their anniversary were cancelled due to the Coronavirus crisis. They were surprised with a beautiful table for two, with candles and rose petals on the table, before being served a three-course meal including Ray’s favourite dessert: treacle tart and custard. Woodthorpe Lodge caretaker Gavin Gallear acted as the personal waiter, offering a glass of fizz on arrival to the couple. He said: “At a time like this, anything I can do to put smiles on the residents’ faces then I want to be involved. I was thrilled to see how
much the pair enjoyed the meal; it was a very special moment to be a part of.” Ray and Maureen were Woodthorpe Lodge’s first residents. They believe the key to a long and happy marriage is having no secrets. Preet Hundal, general manager at Woodthorpe Lodge, added: “We are so pleased we could make Ray and Maureen’s milestone anniversary so special. “The pair are never apart throughout the day and are the definition of soulmates. I am delighted to see how much they enjoyed their special meal.” The couple met at Loughborough fair when Ray was aged 18 on leave from the RAF and Maureen was aged 16. Married in 1955, the couple haven’t spent more than a few days apart since their wedding.
Care charity launches new #ActiveAtHome initiative COMMUNITY Integrated Care in partnership with the Rugby Football League and Leeds Rhinos Foundation have launched the #ActiveAtHome toolkit. The project is designed to help everyone keep active and improve their health and fitness in a safe environment during the current climate. The new initiative is inclusive to all so anyone can get involved no matter what current level of fitness you may have. The accessible #ActiveAtHome toolkit incorporates accessible mobility exercises, stretches and 15 individual exercises and activities demonstrated by Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s health team that can be done in the safety of your home. John Hughes, director of partnerships and communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “We believe this inclusive and accessible resource will make a real difference to people across the country at this challenging time. “As people self-isolate it is essential that they have meaningful options to
stay active and physically engaged. “By drawing upon the talents of our partners at the RFL and Leeds Rhinos Foundation, we have given everyone this opportunity, regardless of their physical abilities or experience of sport.” The online resource is available to download now and includes a stepby-step user guide and a selection of videos to help those taking part. Participants can adapt and create their own workout from the toolkit and each Monday there will be a weekly challenge or specific exercise to focus on with those taking part encouraged to share the work they are doing and provide feedback using #ActiveAtHome. Community Integrated Care is the official social care partner of the RFL and is committed to developing inclusive opportunities with rugby league. Community Integrated Care will be sharing #ActiveAtHome with a number of charities, community groups and care providers to help as many people as possible keep active and healthy.
WHEN Alfred Lewis, a horse racing fanatic who had boyhood dreams of becoming a jockey, was surprised by staff at his care home that they were taking him to his first Grand National, the former British Army chef was thrilled at the prospect of attending the sport’s most famous race. Since that happy day though, the coronavirus pandemic has seen all major sporting events cancelled, including the Grand National, leaving Alf stuck inside his care home with his horse racing dream unfulfilled. Thanks to the power of technology though, the race took place in virtual form, so staff at the home, Foxholes, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, decided to recreate the thrills and spills of Aintree – giving Alfred as close an experience to a day at the races as they could given the circumstances. Other residents joined Alfred as he waited for the drama to unfold on a TV set-up in the home’s lounge. Clutching mock bookies tickets, while the home took a (non-monetary) sweepstake of horses, Alf also got first pick – helping him to get into the spirit of the race. He said: “What a surprise that was! I didn’t expect to feel as if I was there but the home certainly did their best to try and recreate the atmosphere. “I was made to feel as if I was right in the thick of it. It might not have been the real thing but I can’t thank the home enough for trying to fulfil my dream, despite what is going on in the world at the moment.” The initial surprise of wanting to take Alf to the Grand National came about through the home’s Experience Wishes scheme, which sees staff collect residents’ unfulfilled wishes, which can be anything from flying to diving, before trying to make them come true. Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes, added: “Alf regularly tells us how he always dreamt of becoming a jockey as a child, and he’s always fond of watching live racing, so we
Alfred Lewis with his sweepstake. decided to surprise him by taking him to his first Grand National. “Obviously that wasn’t to be (we’ll look to go next year), but after hearing a virtual race was going ahead, we thought why not try and bring the races to him. “The staff have been doing a brilliant job of keeping spirits up during the lockdown, with an array of activities taking place every day. Alf’s experience is a testament to the wonderful job that the team have been doing, going above and beyond the call of duty.” The 2020 Virtual Aintree Grand National involved the intended runners being re-invented in computer-generated imaging by state-of-the-art technology. The virtual race had clever algorithms fed into it, including the likely weather conditions on the day, ground, recent form, track form, past Grand National trends, weight, and age. Alf concluded: “I thought the race was brilliant, it was made to look so real and the atmosphere in the lounge made it that bit more special. If anything, it’s made me more excited for next year’s race now.” Staff at the Lindt Bluewater store played Easter bunnies to deliver delivering some cheer to their friends at Watling Court Extra Care Housing Scheme. With the ongoing pandemic proving difficult for everyone, the team decided to go the egg-xtra mile and drop off a cracking variety of treats to the residents at the scheme for over 55s in Gravesend. With the current situation, the team wanted to bring a bit of cheer to the residents during a difficult time and let them know they are thinking of them and that they look forward to visiting soon. Employees of the Lindt Bluewater store have previously visited Watling Court residents to volunteer and help them do some painting and gardening. Tenant Neil Davies is pictured with his bags of treats.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Care home retains its Outstanding rating NOT even the Covid-19 outbreak and social distancing restrictions could stop the smiles when the staff and residents of a Hampshire care home learned it had retained its Outstanding rating. Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton scored top marks again in its latest inspection by the industry regulator the Care Quality Commission. The assessment means the home is still rated among the top four per cent of nursing homes in England. Kingfishers was assessed over two days last December and was marked across five criteria – being safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. The home received high marks across the board including outstanding ratings in the responsive and well-led categories. Inspectors found people felt safe living at the home and were cared for by a motivated and well-trained staff team, who always put people first. The report noted: “Staff working at Kingfishers understood the needs of people using the service and supported people in an exceptionally personalised way. “Staff knew people well and we saw that care was provided respectfully and sensitively, considering people’s different needs. “The impact this had on people
was outstanding and had resulted in people living an active life with choice evident throughout.” Elaine Farrer, operations director for family-owned Colten Care, said: “It’s a huge accomplishment to be awarded an outstanding rating from the CQC. “To be able to maintain and build upon those standards and retain that rating for a second time is a testament to the incredible hard work and commitment of the whole team.” News of the retained rating came as the home continues to observe movement and social distancing restrictions to keep people safe from the ongoing virus risk. Home manager Beata Brzozowska added: “This rating is both fitting and well-deserved for my team. “I am impressed every day by the depth of their professionalism and kindness. “The current measures in place to protect all our residents during the Covid-19 outbreak means we haven’t been able to celebrate this in quite the way we usually would. “But you can rest assured that the staff team and our residents are thrilled and we have raised a glass to our success.” The home is planning to hold a community celebration party later this year once movement and social distancing restrictions have been eased.
Resident celebrates her 100th birthday A RESIDENT at Sunrise of Bassett has celebrated her 100th birthday. Despite her celebrations being cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the team ensured Iris Edwards had the best day. She received dozens of birthday cards and flowers, while the home’s talented chefs made her individual cupcakes. Although social distancing measures mean visitors cannot visit the home, Sunrise provided Iris with a video-link to her daughter who lives in Texas and couldn’t be with her as planned. Santa Bukovska, director of community relations at Sunrise of Bassett, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic meant that we couldn’t celebrate Iris’ birthday quite as planned. “However, I’m so grateful to all the team for pulling out all the stops to make this birthday very special for her. “Iris has had a truly amazing life and we look forward to making more memories with her.” The oldest of three siblings, Iris went to Central School in Southampton and joined the Women’s Royal Air Force in 1939 when she was 18. She said joining the WRAF was one of the hardest things she had to do in her life, but says she loved it. During the War Iris was based in Exeter and was assigned to
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Appleby care home in North Shields has launched a campaign to help combat social isolation among residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Following a temporary closure to all visitors, the home decided to launch the campaign and has asked the public to send in postcards, letters or even drawings to its residents to help them keep in touch with the local community. Residents Margaret Jean Stobbard and Eileen Thompson are pictured with activity co-ordinator Joanne Kerr.
Interest-free loans made available to group’s staff A CARE group has made interestfree loans available for staff who are financially affected by the Coronavirus crisis. Balhousie has made a fund of £200,000 available to staff to assist in bridging financial hardship that may arise because of them or their partners’ self-isolating, or if a partner’s job is in jeopardy as a result of businesses closing. The programme, which makes up to £200 available for each employee, was announced together with a new dedicated staff smartphone app and a thank you from group CEO Jill Kerr for their hard work. She said: “You all continue to show dedication and commitment to your residents and each other during these testing times, and as an employer we thank you sincerely. “We hope that by launching this
programme, it helps lessen the burden of financial worry many of you may be experiencing.” The employee app, developed in 10 days by Balhousie Care’s in-house IT team, gives the group’s 1,400 staff immediate and on-the-go access to company news, tips and guidelines, particularly surrounding Coronavirus.
Event postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Fighter Command as a telephonist and operated the direct line between Winston Churchill and his Generals during the D-Day Landings. Although she already knew her future husband, Ken, in Southampton prior to the War, they met coincidentally in Bradford while both attending their RAF training. When the War finally ended, Iris joined Southampton Police for five years and during this time began her relationship with Ken. Iris moved to Sunrise of Bassett in 2016.
Health+Care (incorporating The Healthcare Show, The Residential & Homecare Show, The Digital Healthcare Show and The IPC & Patient Safety Show) will be postponed to April 27 and 28 next year and will remain at the ExCeL London. The decision to move the event from its original date in June ensures no precious resources are diverted away from the NHS frontline during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak. Health+Care in April 2021 will enable our amazing health and care community to come together once again to refocus on priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan, and building a sustainable future. The healthcare landscape is likely to change irrevocably as a result of the pandemic and Health+Care is keen to showcase examples of this transformation. The event will be a valuable opportunity to share ideas and innovation and the best way to take them forward. Event director Lee Davies said: “We would like to thank you all for your
understanding, given the urgency of the situation. The health of our visitors and exhibitors is our priority. “Health+Care has been serving the NHS for a decade and we have built a platform to reach the entire UK healthcare profession. We want to do everything we can to support all members of our community in the challenging times ahead. “The Health+Care team is here to answer any queries our delegates and exhibitors might have and all those involved in the event will receive a personal communication with all of the necessary information regarding the next steps. “We would like to thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you to the event in April 2021.” Health+Care is the UK’s largest collaborative event for the entire health and social care community. It provides education and training for those on the frontline of NHS and social care delivery, attracting more than 6,000 senior healthcare stakeholders and more than 400 exhibitors across two days.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards during the pandemic – emergency guidance By Neil Grant
Sarah Patten with Sofia’s cake.
Baking to say thank you to key workers THE manager of a Bridgwater specialist dementia care home has been ‘very touched’ by the arrival of some home-made cakes, baked especially for herself and her team by a young neighbour. Sofia Nichols’ mum Charlotte Smart is being very careful to observe the required social distancing when delivering the cakes and calls Avalon on her mobile to let them know when there is a fresh delivery outside for them to take indoors. Manager Sarah Patten said: “We were surprised when her first very hygienicallywrapped cake arrived at the home, and moved by the message that came with it. “Making and delivering cakes within the current rules is a bit of a challenge, but Sofia was very determined and responsible about the whole thing, and we think it’s the loveliest gesture.”
Howdens joinery has donated extra PPE to homecare provider Bluebird Care North Tyneside. They gave anti-bacterial wipes, protective eyewear, some gloves and masks. These will be used by care assistants. Julie McLellan, director of Bluebird Care North Tyneside, said: “We want to say thank you to Howdens joinery. It was a generous donation and we know they have also donated to other key workers including NHS hospitals and ambulance workers. It was such a lovely gesture – it’s wonderful to see organisations in the community supporting each other.”
THE Government recently published guidance for care homes and hospitals on dealing with the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The key points are as follows: n During the pandemic, the principles of the Mental Capacity Act and the DoLS still apply. n Most changes to care and treatment arrangements linked to the pandemic will not constitute a deprivation of liberty and a best interest decision would be the reasonable course of action in relation to those people lacking capacity. n Where life-saving treatment is being provided, this will not amount to a deprivation of liberty provided the treatment is the same as would normally be given to a person without a mental disorder. This includes treatment to prevent the deterioration of a person with
Neil Grant COVID-19. n If the person already has a standard DoLS authorisation in place it is likely it will cover any new arrangements provided they are not more restrictive than the current authorisation. If they are more restrictive, a review should be carried out. If the current
authorisation does not cover the new arrangements, an application for a new one should be made to the local authority. n As is the case now, an urgent authorisation can be put in place lasting up to seven days which can be extended by a further seven days. A shortened form is now in place during the pandemic to cover this. n If the reasons for the isolation of someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are purely to prevent harm to others or the maintenance of public health, then Public Health powers should be considered. This should be discussed with your local health protection team. The full guidance document can be found at https://assets.publishing. service.gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/878910/Emergency_MCA_DoLS_ Guidance_COVID19.pdf n Neil Grant is a Partner at Gordons Partnership LLP.
Staff move in to keep residents safe THE manager and staff at a residential care home in Lincolnshire have taken the decision to move in to protect the residents. Kind people have lent Di Vale and the team at The Old Hall in Spilsby caravans so they have somewhere to put their heads at night after doing long 13-hour shifts to try to keep some sort of normality for the residents who are also finding it hard when they cannot see their families. She said: “We felt that this is the only way we can keep them safe
from this horrible virus that is sweeping the country. “My staff are absolutely amazing and have given up their home lives and families to be with the residents. “We don’t know how long this is going to go on for but at the moment we are in for the long haul and we are remaining positive.” The home has also received food donations and help from local businesses as getting deliveries from usual suppliers has become increasingly difficult. Advertiser’s announcement
Proven technology offers greater protection for staff and residents CARE homes are having to work around the clock to ensure their facilities are as clean and infectionfree as possible, to try and prevent Covid-19 (and multiple other viruses and harmful bacteria) from entering their facility in the first place or containing it once it does. However, routine cleaning and disinfection, even with the use of other hand sanitisers and antibacterial surface cleaners, only sanitises the individual or surface for that moment in time, i.e. as soon as contact is made with an infected surface or introduced from the outside, the area or the person is no longer safe. In the tight confines of a care home, supporting one of the most vulnerable groups, cross infection via surface contamination is a major challenge. The transient nature of current cleaning regimes will always prove challenging, particularly as over 80 per cent of germs are spread by
hands. Now a proven, independently accredited technology that offers a protective barrier wherever there is a risk of infection is at the forefront of preventing and protecting against the spread of Covid-19. Once applied it stays active, providing up to 30 days protection on surfaces and 24 hours on the skin. In a care home this can dramatically reduce the chances of encountering a crisis by reducing the spread of dangerous pathogens either by hand or touch. OneSpray’s Hand Sanitiser offers 24 hours’ protection with one application, contains no alcohol, is ultra-gentle on the skin and won’t wash off during normal daily washing. This means it is very economical to use versus alcohol-based sanitisers, given that typically one person will apply those sanitisers up to 10 times per day. OneSpray’s Surface Sanitiser offers protection on nearly all surfaces
including door handles, desks, door entry systems and keypads, touchscreens, phones, kitchens and taps. A single application forms an invisible barrier over the surface that lasts up to 30 days and will not wash off so normal, daily cleaning can continue. OneSpray products incorporate Zoono technology, world leaders in antimicrobial protection. More than 150 worldwide laboratory testing reports support the efficacy of their products. OneSpray is offering a starter outbreak-prevention package, specifically for care homes. It consists of a five-litre Hand Sanitiser with two one-litre dispensers, plus a five-litre Surface Cleaner with two 500ml spray bottles. Also available is a bespoke-designed solution, tailored specifically to your care home to provide the best protection possible.
WISHING YOU DIDN’T KEEP PAPER RECORDS? As the pandemic crisis hits, with self-isolation and home working much greater, the digital revolution has, for most, future proofed “business as usual” But we know a large percentage of social care providers are not so lucky!
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The demands you are now facing are unprecedented; maintaining levels of care and staff, the safety and wellbeing of those who work for you, and those you care for is your maximum priority.
CARE PLANS • Assessments, Daily Notes, Task Management & Care Planning
RESIDENTS & SERVICE USERS • Invoicing, Enquiries & Occupancy
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CAN MAKE THIS SO MUCH EASIER. Vital information all in one place, in the cloud, remotely accessible to every member of staff who needs it. There is an urgent requirement to move quickly to realise the opportunities that are available from digital technology.
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