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Issue 11 10.06.20

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Second spike fears due to slow results A WORRIED care home owner fears a failure to ensure that coronavirus test results are available quickly enough will lead to a deadly second surge of the disease. According to Glyn Williams, the owner of the Gwyddfor Care Home in Bodedern on Anglesey, critical time is being lost because test results are still taking too long to turnround. Experts say it is vital for test and trace procedures to be completed within 48 hours otherwise it is ineffective but Mr Williams revealed it took nearly 70 hours for the result of a test on a member of his staff to come through last week. Anglesey was the only county in North Wales to be selected to trial the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace and Protect strategy, which involves testing people for coronavirus and then tracing the people they have been in contact with in a bid to stem the spread of the disease. Ministers believe effective use of the strategy will be critical to protecting the lives of thousands of people across Wales in the months ahead. The fact that weekly testing for care home staff was now available was welcome news but in reality care providers say the test and trace system cannot possibly work because

all too often tests results were not being returned within 24 or even 48 hours, leaving no time for tracers to do their job. As it turned out, Glyn revealed the result of the test on his member of staff was thankfully negative. “If it had been a positive there is no way that it would have been possible to break the chain of infection. To do that you need to trace every contact within 48 hours,” said Glynn, a former RAF engineer who runs the home with his wife Mary. “The scientists tell us it takes 48 hours from when a person becomes symptomatic for that person’s contacts to pass the infection on to somebody else. “If we can get the test turned around within 24 hours that leaves the contact tracers with another 24 hours to contact everyone who is a potential contact of that person and get their agreement to isolate. One thing that doesn’t help in North Wales is that the majority of tests from the region have to be couriered to Cardiff. “My experience in Wales is that not very many of them are turned around within 24 hours. I referred a member of my staff on Tuesday afternoon at 3.30pm for a test. It finally came through at 11.02am on Friday – that’s nearly 70 hours.”

Volunteers celebrated by charity

Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has thrown a special D-Day party for one of its residents who took part in the Normandy landings 76 years ago. Staff at the care home organised the tea party for George Avery on June 6 – the anniversary of the D-Day landings. The 98-year-old, who is known to friends and family as Bunny, was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and built Bailey bridges throughout Europe to help support the Allied advance into Nazi-occupied Europe. He was part of the second wave of British troops to land on Sword Beach on June 6 1944. Bunny was dropped close to the shoreline by his landing craft, and as he made his way to the beach he “just kept running”. He remembers seeing bodies strewn on the sand and added: “I thought, ‘Keep your head down boy!’” In 2016 he was awarded France’s highest military honour – the Legion d’Honneur – as thanks from the French government for his role in its liberation.

BRUNELCARE celebrated Volunteers’ Week by creating a video full of thank you messages from residents, tenants, guests and CEO Oona Goldsworthy. They also posted messages, infographics and images of thanks daily on various social media channels too. So far this year, and before restrictions were introduced by the Government, the charity which has supported older people in the South West for nearly 80 years, managed to organise 16 coffee mornings, eight gardening sessions and six day trips for some of the tenants and residents. Emma Gwynne, volunteering development manager at Brunelcare, said: “Volunteers’ Week is just amazing, it’s so humbling to have an entire week that recognises the amazing and selfless efforts of people.” At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brunelcare launched its own volunteering initiative to ensure residents, tenants, guests and clients didn’t feel isolated. The group offered volunteering schemes such as Friends on the Phone, a telephone befriending service giving tenants and clients the chance to build relationships with volunteers; Drive to Care, an initiative launched so vital supplies, such as PPE, could be driven across all sites and finally, a pen pal scheme, where over 300 letters were sent to residents and tenants from volunteers.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Care group backs “Friends Against Scams” initiative AN OPERATOR is launching a new partnership with Friends Against Scams, a National Trading Standards initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams. Guinness Care has given itself an ambitious target of reaching 500 Friends Against Scams by December. This will involve recruiting and training volunteers from its employees. Once staff have been trained, the provider will extend the opportunity to their customers. Guinness is the first housing association and care provider to partner with Friends Against Scams. The initiative is working with other partners including NatWest, Neighbourhood Watch and Age UK. To help drive the campaign, Guinness Care has appointed SCAMbassadors who will play a vital role in spreading awareness about the impact scams have on our society. Health and wellbeing coordinator Mitch Williams said: “I thought I knew all about scams, but the number of people being scammed compared to the number of people reporting it really shocked me. “Scammers are criminals using very sophisticated techniques, so no one should feel too embarrassed to seek help. The Friends Against Scams training left me feeling impassioned to take a stand. “As a SCAMbassador I stand with Guinness Care and pledge to continue to raise awareness of the campaign both within the group and to every organisation I work with. It’s more

important than ever to protect our customers, ourselves and each other.” During the coronavirus pandemic people are warned to be particularly aware of people offering or selling: n Virus testing kits – these are only offered by the NHS. n Vaccines or miracle cures. n Overpriced or fake goods to protect yourself from coronavirus such as anti-bacterial products. n Shopping or medication collection services. n Home decontamination services. Louise Baxter, team manager, National Trading Standards Scams Team, added: “The tactics used by criminals often leaves victims socially isolated and ashamed of telling their friends and families what’s really going on behind closed doors. “Scams affect millions of people across the UK and cost consumers an estimated £5-10 billion of detriment each year. “Scams are a pervasive, criminal threat, which in addition to the financial damage can also cause detrimental, long-term psychological effects and ultimately destroy lives.” A scam is defined as a crime where someone tries to trick a victim into giving them money or personal information either through the post, on the phone, online or even on their own doorstep. Scam artists tend to prey on vulnerable adults, with statistics showing that 53 per cent of people aged 65+ have been targeted, with the average age of those falling victim to scams being 75.

Ron Catton spent his 100th birthday listening to his favourite songs in the garden.

Resident Ron celebrates 100th birthday at home RON Catton, who has been a resident at Sunrise of Solihull for eight years, turned 100 recently.   Despite the circumstances, the team at the home was determined to ensure he had a great day celebrating the milestone. Ron spent the afternoon listening to his favourite songs in the garden, as he enjoyed lots of birthday cake shared with his friends. He also received gifts and a champagne toast. Jo Hopkins, director of community Relations at Sunrise of Solihull, said: “We were determined to make Ron’s 100th birthday special. “We ensured he was able to speak to

his family via video call so they could join in with the celebrations. “We know that Ron had a lovely day, thank you to the whole team for making it so wonderful.” Before moving to Sunrise of Solihull, Ron worked in the printing industry. He was also a beekeeper and spent seven years in the armed forces, serving in the cavalry in World War II. Ron used to enjoy horse-riding and loved playing badminton. He has just finished writing his own autobiography. Ron has a son, daughter, grand children and great-grandchildren. He says the secret to living to 100 is being well looked after all his life.

Sisters enjoy emotional reunion FAMILIES up and down the country are counting down the days until they will be able to sit down together, enjoy a meal and catch up on old times. But for three elderly sisters from Powys the moment arrived slightly sooner than they would have expected. 94-year-old Gwenora Evans recently moved to Llwyn Teg care home in Llanfyllin, one of 12 sites run by Shaw healthcare on behalf of Powys County Council. For the next 14 days, in accordance with Public Health Wales guidelines, she was confined to her room, visited only by members of the care team. But this week staff laid a special table for three as Gwenora was finally reunited with her two sisters, Ceinwen (95) and Megan (91), both of whom are Llwyn Teg residents. Mother-of-five, Gwenora remained an active lady and keen gardener well into her 90’s, but when her health deteriorated earlier this year, her family could no longer give her the care she needed. After recently being admitted to hospital, they started making arrangements for her to move

into Llwyn Teg, but the ongoing coronavirus situation presented them with a real dilemma. “Although we knew mum would receive fantastic care at Llwyn Teg, we wanted to be sure that we were doing the right thing and that all the proper precautions were being taken,” said Gwenora’s daughter-in-law Jackie Evans. “We had long discussions with the manager and the local health board until we were convinced that all the possible safeguards were in place before making the final arrangements.

“She had two Covid-19 tests, which both came back negative, and then went into isolation in the care home. All through the process mum was adamant that it was what she wanted to do and being able to spend quality time with her two sisters has given her something positive to focus on.” Gwenora’s elder sister Ceinwen married a local farmer but was left to bring up their three children after her husband tragically died in a farming accident. She moved into Llwyn Teg at the beginning of last year and enjoys

regular family visits – which have recently been restricted to waving through the window. Megan was also a farmer’s wife and joined her sister in the care home in June last year. She has one daughter and staff have been arranging regular video and phone calls with her grandchildren since the beginning of the lockdown. “The two sisters have been a special part of our community here and they always love sitting and eating meals together,” said Jane Humphries, manager of Llwyn Teg. “Although we have arranged lots of video calls, they’ve both really missed having visits from their family, so to have their sister around will be real boost, and I’m sure Gwenora will fit in really well. “It has been a very anxious time for both residents and staff, but our team has done a fantastic job of keeping everyone’s spirits up and looking for the positives every day. “To have three sisters, all in their 90s and all living under the same roof at this stage of their lives is not something that happens very often, so we are happy that we have been able to make it happen.”

CARINGWEEKLY

Operator recognises its 300 plus carers

Resident Leroy Bryan with his knitted heart.

Residents send gifts to their loved ones RESIDENTS at Oake Meadows care home in Taunton have sent their family members knitted hearts, photos and cards in a special ‘from my heart to yours’ campaign. The home received the knitted hearts as a donation from a friend of the home, Jeannie Woods, who is a seamstress. She reached out to Oake Meadows at the beginning of the UK’s lockdown to send them the gifts to help bring joy to the residents at a difficult time. The residents decided they would like to share the gifts with their loved ones, along with photos of themselves at the home and cards donated by

local business, Flamingo Paperie. Louis Du Tout, activities coordinator at Oake Meadows, said: “Residents were eager to share a message with their loved ones and it meant the world to us to help them with this. “We have made strong efforts throughout the lockdown to ensure that residents and their families can maintain contact either through video and landline calls as well as continued and increased social media posts and messages. “I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Jeannie for the donation of the knitted hearts from everyone here at Oake Meadows, it has really made us all smile.”

MORRIS Care’s 300 plus carers working across six nursing homes in Shropshire and Cheshire kicked off National Carers Week with a personally signed Thank You card from chief executive Lucy Holl and new water bottles for all to keep hydrated. The company also took this moment to say an extra special thank you to two of its care practitioners, Vicki Fletcher from the Care Centre and Patricia Hodnett from Radbrook, who between them have racked up 46 years of consistent service and dedication. Lucy said: “Vicki and Patricia epitomise what great carers can do for the lives of those they support – these ladies are the pinnacle of their profession. “They have made the all-important difference to so many residents through their kindness, compassion and positivity.” Surprising Vicki was Claire Smith, home manager for the Morris Care Centre home in Wellington, who presented her with flowers and chocolates as a small mark of the respect and gratitude she has earned from residents, their families and all her colleagues alike. Claire added: “Vicki is one of those members of staff you simply could not do without. “She knows what it is like to work on the care frontline and brings a wealth of experience to our team helping

Morris Care Centre home manager Claire Smith thanks care practitioner Vicki Fletcher at Ercall Court. deliver a range of specialist care services. “She currently works in our specialist dementia unit, Ercall Court. As a carer she is a clear thinker with real social skills and a professional attitude, and as a person she is kind and intuitive. “We celebrate her long service with real pride, not only amongst the Care Centre team, but across everyone in Morris Care. She is an inspiration.” Lucy surprised Patricia at Radbrook with her gift and thanks, and said: “All the wonderful Morris carers have been a lynchpin in delivering support and care to residents, especially over the past few months in our national time of need. “However, I recognise and especially want to thank Patricia for your 24 years of commitment. What a superhero.”

Oldest resident in Chester celebrates 107th birthday in lockdown at home THE team at Grosvenor Manor care centre was determined not to let lockdown stand in the way of a celebration for the 107th birthday of possibly the oldest resident in Chester, Meg Thomas. Many generations of family joined in with the celebrations virtually, sending special messages of love and best wishes on digital and social channels, making telephone calls and using video link-ups to chat to Meg, sing happy birthday and watch her blow out the candles on her cake. Inundated with cards and gifts, Meg was also treated to a special socially distanced birthday party complete with afternoon tea, balloons and cake from other residents and the team at Grosvenor Manor to ensure that the milestone was marked in style. Wellbeing coordinator at Grosvenor Manor, Lisa Forth, said: “We’ve celebrated Meg’s 105th and 106th birthdays and were not going to let lockdown stop us celebrating her 107th birthday. “Meg had a busy day full of surprise calls and messages from all of her family and friends and we all came together to sing happy birthday and

enjoy some cake. “107 is a remarkable milestone; we’ve been doing our research and are pretty sure she is the oldest resident in Chester.” Born at Green Farm, opposite Gresford Parish Church, Meg

attended Gresford Village School and then Grove Park where she was a happy and enthusiastic student who loved school and participated fully in a host of in-school and extracurricular activities including tennis, badminton and Girl Guides.

It was Meg’s dream to be a nanny, but a conversation with the family doctor ignited a passion within her for nursing and she left for Liverpool Royal Hospital to start her training; initially against her father’s wishes, but he soon saw how determined she was and drove her to Liverpool to drop her off (the long way around, as the Mersey Tunnel did not exist in those days). During her time as a well known nurse, Meg met the love of her life, a Yorkshire man called Charles Thomas, and they got married and moved to Halifax where they lived happily until three years ago when Charles passed away. Meg made the decision to move back to her beloved Chester in 2018 at the grand age of 104 to take up residence at Grosvenor Manor. With no children of her own, Meg was happy to move back to Chester and spend more time with her wider loving family that support her and love her dearly. These days she continues with her love of nature and animals with her robotic cat that purrs at her touch and by enjoying Grosvenor Manor’s garden and outside space.

CARINGWEEKLY Advertiser’s announcement

Answering your questions on the type of mask to wear to reduce the risk of those you provide care for contracting Covid-19.

Are you using the correct PPE? The current problem Covid-19 has led to a surge in demand for personal protective equipment throughout the UK, and in response, a multitude of UK businesses have established supply lines to try and fill this demand. Unfortunately, although millions of masks are now being brought in, many provide little or no protection against Covid-19. The confusing amount of variations of masks combined with the lack of information in the market and masks being sold with invalid certification has led to many users, including even the NHS, ending up with inadequate masks at disproportionate prices. Who are we? Our company is called HealthHealth (www. healthhealth.co.uk) Due to the ongoing pandemic many businesses have had to purchase PPE for the first time. We have transformed our distribution model from wholesale to supply the enduser directly to prevent price gouging via intermediaries and ensure the user receives the correct masks for their intended use.

What masks should I be using? The two main types of masks that provide protection against Covid-19 according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) are N95/KN95 masks and 3 Ply Surgical masks. KN95 masks are 4/5 ply (layers) masks that come in two grades; FFP2 and FFP3. The WHO recommends these masks be used by those who are symptomatic and otherwise should be reserved for and used by those in the healthcare sector, particularly those in and around patients who are most susceptible to Covid-19. These masks should be tested to EN:149 standards by a PPE compliant nonvoluntary body. There are four types of medical-grade 3 Ply surgical masks; Type I, Type IR, Type II and Type IIR. Type I and Type II masks are not fluid-resistant and hence are not ideal for use during the ongoing pandemic. Fluid resistance is the ability of a mask to catch the respiratory droplets discharged when a user coughs or sneezes. The WHO recommends fluid-resistant medical masks be worn by over 60s and those who have underlying

health problems, as well as those who are in contact with these groups. Both masks have high fluid resistance and high breathability. The difference between the two is type IR has a bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of >95% and type IIR has a BFE of >98%. Type IIR is therefore preferable to type IR, although both provide protection against Covid-19. These masks should be tested to EN:14683 standard by a PPE compliant nonvoluntary body. Which masks should I be wary of? A surgical 3 Ply mask that does not fit into the above two categories cannot be classified as medical. Although they may provide some protection, they are not tested by the relevant standards to qualify them as either type IR or Type IIR, and are hence not appropriate for care workers. Valve masks provide no protection for anyone but the user of the mask, they do not prevent respiratory droplets being emitted by the user, and are hence not appropriate for care workers. Reusable cloth masks lose their integrity with every

wash, a study by the WHO shows them as significantly less effective than medical masks, and are hence not appropriate for care workers. How do I authenticate a mask I’m being sold? 1. Ask for a test report and a CE certificate/conformity and make sure the mask is tested to the aforementioned standards (EN:14683 for surgical masks and EN:149 for KN95 masks) 2. Verify the test report and the CE certificate on the website of the testing body on the certificate, most testing bodies will allow you to do this online automatically. About Us We provide all the aforementioned masks via our website: https:// healthhealth.co.uk/ Our Type IR and Type IIR masks supersede the required standards and are made to fit comfortably on the face for elongated periods. Our KN95 masks are all individually sealed in sachets. Our focus is on high quality at wholesale prices. Our masks have been supplied to the UK Department of Health, the NHS, care homes and dentists, to name but a few.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Now is not the time to relax despite lockdown easing, claims operator

David and Dorothy Haines in the newly opened Marham House.

Couple enjoy double celebration at home DAVID and Dorothy Haines are the first married couple to move safely into the newly opened Marham House in Bury St Edmunds. The couple first met when they were children in 1938 at their Town Hill Baptist Church in Swansea. David was 10 and Dorothy was seven. The pair were married in the exact same spot 13 years later. It wasn’t long after their marriage that the couple had their three daughters. David had left home at 17 to become a boy entrant in the Royal Air Force. He continued to be an aircraft electrician before moving onto a managerial post. David made a lifelong career in the RAF, retiring when he was 60. Dorothy trained in bookkeeping and accounts while working in a department store called Lewis Lewis. The pair moved in to Marham House Care Home in April, and

staff were determined to help them celebrate their wedding anniversary and David’s birthday in style despite coronavirus restrictions. They were treated to a special celebratory meal including afternoon tea, birthday cake and presents. Home manager Jan Gibbs said: “It has been an enormous pleasure to be able to provide a home David and Dorothy could move into and carry on living as a married couple. “You will often see them together, whether quietly in their room, or joining in with the other residents or sharing a meal together. It is lovely to see how being together is helping them to settle into new surroundings and a new way of life.” Marham House is operated by Halcyon Care Homes. The home has 66 spacious, en-suite bedrooms and many social spaces for residents to enjoy such as a vintage tea room, a botanical garden area, a beauty parlour, cinema and Sky Bar.

A LINCOLNSHIRE homecare provider is urging people to be extra vigilant as lockdown measures are relaxed or else risk putting more vulnerable lives in danger. Colin Webb, managing director of St Katherine’s Care, is concerned that as more and more restrictions are lifted, people could become complacent and endanger others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable and those who care for them. People in England can now meet in groups of up to six people from different households outside – either in parks or now also in private gardens – if they remain 2m apart. They can also exercise outside with up to five others from different households. Similarly, extremely vulnerable people who have been ‘shielding’ can now go outside with members of their household, while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines. Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household. While this is very welcome news for most, Colin said a lot of people with underlying health conditions, who have spent the last 10 weeks severely limiting their contact with others, are still living in fear for their lives. “As a homecare provider all our customers fall within this group and, with the co-operation of their families, our care workers have spent months shielding them from the virus, maintaining a protective wall around them,” he added. “Even though they are desperate to see their loved ones, many of our customers feel very anxious at the prospect of lockdown measures easing and are only too aware of the very real threat of a second wave of infections, particularly rolling into the Midlands and North. “Lincolnshire has been very lucky to have one of the lowest rates of infection in the UK, but that could well stop if visitors from outside the

Colin Webb, managing director of St Katherine’s Care. county start flocking to the coast or to our lovely city, or even if relatives visit their loved ones with the very best of intentions. “Unfortunately, we have seen highprofile examples recently of the rules being broken and I fear these have further weakened the public’s resolve. “Several police chiefs have said that they can no longer enforce the law – what do they say to people who they stop on the way to the beach, a country walk, or even a shop where the queueing and crowding is straining the definition of ‘social distancing’? The news is full of such incidents.” Colin is particularly concerned about people who have no symptoms but are virus ‘shedders’ and can spread it unknowingly. “Our message to our customers and staff is that, much as we might want to, sadly this isn’t a time to relax,” he added. “And we are advising families not to visit, at least for another two weeks and even then, to meet at a distance until we know the severity of any second wave.”

Remote assessment capability extended BRAND-leading wash dry toilet manufacturer Closomat is extending its remote assessment capability. With the need for home adaptations remaining undiminished, the company is optimising steps to support adaptation teams and occupational therapists. Designed to complement their existing on-site/in-home assessments, which are now up and running again, the service focuses around Closomat’s product specialists using video conferencing platforms to help personalise the assessment experience. Its expansion comes as Closomat re-opens its Manchester factory and extends its staffing levels to handle and process queries, orders and deliveries. “The need to protect the health and lives of people we have contact with as part of our working life- co-workers, specifier and end-users is paramount,” said Stephen Edwards, Closomat’s head of marketing. “We trialled remote assessments as soon as lockdown began. “They have been so successful we are now rolling

out the offering and increasing the number of product specialists available to help all involved in the adaptation assessment process.” Closomat is backing its remote assessment process with its ‘no quibble’ guarantee. Closomat’s remote assessment service is accessible via the company’s usual communication channels. Enquiries: Call 0161 969 1199, email info@ closomat.co.uk or visit www.closomat.co.uk LiveChat https://direct.lc.chat/11086092/

Residents at Wallside Grange Care Home in Falkirk are enjoying their pet therapy sessions via Zoom during the coronavirus crisis. The residents would usually enjoy the Bunny & Co petting zoo visiting the home but, due to the current lockdown, alternative arrangements had to be made. Ian Cameron, deputy home manager at Wallside Grange, said: “We have been thrilled to be able to put this in place for our residents and they have thoroughly enjoyed being able to see the animals. Everyone is looking forward to our fortnightly screen catch ups until the time when they can actually be brought into the home.”

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CARINGWEEKLY

Nominations open for NACC Awards Home’s ‘drive thru’ reunites residents with their families STAFF at Castleford care home Newfield Lodge have helped to reunite families for the first time in 10 weeks thanks to lifestyle manager Emily Waugh’s ‘Relative Drive-thru’ idea. The team was able to ensure every resident received a 30-minute visit from their loved ones. Each visit was carefully planned by Emily, as she ensured that families maintained a safe social distance and complied with government guidelines throughout. Emily said: “It was a pleasure to put this event together for our residents and their families. “I am so pleased with the turnout and how many families we were able to bring together. Our residents did not stopped smiling all day and neither have our staff.” As relatives drove up to the home they saw their loved ones excitedly waiting for them outside and were able to chat, laugh, sing and play

music from their cars. Families and staff commented on how emotional the visits were, saying families were cheerfully honking their horns as a sign of their gratitude when they left. Prior to the visit residents also wrote special messages of love to their families to send in the post along with small wooden heart shaped ‘pocket hugs’ for relatives to cherish until they are once again able to embrace one another. Home manager Lynn Robinson said: “We have had such a brilliant time reuniting our residents with their families. “It was a very emotional afternoon – watching the cars come round the corner and then looking at our residents faces when they saw their families was amazing. “ I would like to say a huge thank you to my team for organising this and a big thank you to our relatives for joining us.”

THE National Association of Care Catering has launched its annual awards. The NACC Awards welcome nominations from across the care catering sector to recognise and celebrate teams and individuals that go above and beyond in their field – from care homes to community services such as Meals on Wheels and lunch clubs. National chair Sue Cawthray said: “Recognising excellence, innovation and dedication within care catering has always been very important to the NACC, but in times of adversity and extraordinary challenges, such as we find ourselves in now, it’s all the more pertinent. “For a long time, the social care sector – be that in care homes or in the community – has been one of society’s unsung heroes. “The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the vital role of the sector and the incredible, selfless work of everyone within it, including care caterers. “Up and down the country, care caterers go above and beyond to ensure those they care for receive the right nutrition and hydration in an appropriate and enjoyable way that generates a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. “Never has this been so important for the welfare of residents and peace of mind of their loved ones. “We very much look forward to coming together with members, colleagues and friends later in the

year to celebrate the exceptional achievements within our sector and the teams and individuals that encapsulate the very best of the best. “We know these are challenging times for our members, but we urge them to enter the NACC Awards 2020 and ensure the hard work and brilliance of their team members do not go unrecognised.” The deadline for entries is July 3 and the judges will be looking for examples of innovation, excellence and dedication that create tangible benefits for residents, clients and colleagues in the following categories: n Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by Hobart. n Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito. n Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Brakes. n Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions. n Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Premier Foods. The winners will be honoured later in the year at a gala awards dinner (subject to and in line with Government guidance on events and coronavirus) where the recipients of the Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award, sponsored by Robot-Coupe and the National Chairman’s Award will also be revealed, as well as the hotlycontested NACC Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko. Entry is open to NACC members.

Life is Gouda at Rogers House

Care home staff in Mawdesley, Lancashire have braved the shaved and raised more than £800 for the residents’ fund in the process. Manager of Stocks Hall Mawdesley Kristy Lunt, plus nurses, carers, Wish activities team members, kitchen staff, laundry and domestic staff supported each other as their hair fell to the ground at the in-house hair dressing salon. Kristy said: “I am so proud of the team. To agree to have your hair shaved is a brave act. It was a shared experience, which gave lots of unity, and has made the team even stronger. Well done to everybody. Thank you also to all who have so very generously donated and supported in any other ways. Thanks also to the people who ‘braved the shave’ with long hair and donated it to The Little Princess Trust.”

RESIDENTS of Rogers House didn’t let a pandemic get in the way of their fun as they had a grate afternoon sampling various cheeses and wines. As lockdown continues, residents at residential care home near Gillingham sampled a variety of cheese and wine. Coinciding with English Wine Week, in small groups residents were invited to try an array of cheeses from around the world, including French Brie, German Smoked and Norwegian Jarlsberg. Their platter was served alongside crackers, grapes and apple slices, and was of course served with a number of accompanying red, white and rosé

wines. General manager Jackie Miles said: “With the ongoing pandemic we have been unable to have entertainers come in and join us for a regular activity such as fitness classes and music for health. “With that in mind, our activity coordinators have been coming up with new ideas, that we can do in small groups but that are still fun. “The cheese and wine event was a real treat for the residents, giving them the experience of being out at a restaurant with their friends. “Everyone had great fun trying the range of cheese and wine available, it really lifted everyone’s spirits.”

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