Issue 14 01.07.20 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
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Government must ‘heed warnings’ CARE providers have urged the Government to heed warnings over closures and take immediate action. The Independent Care Group says care and nursing homes and homecare providers could close at a critical time due to increased financial pressures brought on by coronavirus. Chair Mike Padgham said: “Providers have been warning for years now that they are struggling to survive but nobody took any notice. “Now coronavirus has exposed a social care system that could not withstand such a devastating virus and there will undoubtedly be casualties unless urgent action is taken to get funding support to the front line.” The ICG’s warning came after the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said increased costs due to Covid-19 had exacerbated the existing crisis in social care. An ADASS report warns that increased spending due to coronavirus – for example, on personal protective equipment, staffing costs and sickness cover – means some private care providers may go out of business. ADASS called for a two-year
ring-fenced funding settlement for adult social care as well as reform of the sector, including better pay and conditions for care workers. Mike added: “ADASS’ warning makes grim reading but it is something that we have known all along, that the Government financial support so far promised is neither enough nor is it reaching the front line where it is needed. “Social care was already on its knees after decades of under-funding. Coronavirus could be the hammer blow that finishes some providers at an absolutely critical time, unless urgent action is taken now.” Local authorities have been given £3.2bn by the government to support all of their extra work during the pandemic, and there is a £600m infection-control fund for care and nursing homes. However, estimates suggest that care providers will face additional costs of £6.6bn between April and September. An annual survey of adult social care directors found only four per cent of respondents were confident their budgets would meet their statutory duties this year – down from 35 per cent in 2019-20.
Group’s first Wellbeing Day is a hit
When Barnes Lodge resident Bob Greenhead turned 89 his great granddaughter had an idea. Brooke Murray decided to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society by baking 89 cupcakes in honour of his birthday. The Tonbridge care home had a delicious delivery of 89 cupcakes, all baked and decorated by Brooke. Bob suffers from vascular dementia, so this is a cause very close to the whole family’s heart, in particular his daughter, Janice Bishop. Brooke hasn’t stopped there. She has decided to walk 89km – the equivalent of just over two marathons – to raise more funds, having already completed 60km of that so far.
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THE first Caring Homes Wellbeing Day saw 69 homes take part in the run up to World Wellbeing Week. During the Covid-19 pandemic the operator has designed and implemented a unique wellbeing response to the virus, with several projects and initiatives underway to support residents’ wellbeing. Extra support has also been given to colleagues with the launch of a wellbeing app and weekly newsletter offering support to those who may want it. The aim of the Wellbeing Day – Wear Something White for Wellbeing, was to encourage residents and colleagues to take part in activities together and to talk about mental and physical wellbeing. Project support manager Melissa Jeffery said: “The aim of the day was to raise awareness for both staff and residents’ physical and mental wellbeing and I was delighted that all homes took part. “In addition to wearing something white we encouraged homes to use old white T-shirts or napkins and get involved by painting rainbows on these items to support and raise awareness for all those working in the frontline against Covid-19.” Other activities across the homes on Caring Homes Wellbeing Day included picnics, barbecues, afternoon tea, discussions on themes of peace, happiness and friendship, mindfulness breathing exercises, a ‘White, white wedding’ event and an Abba themed day.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Chelsea Flower Show winner brings cheer GREEN-fingered residents at a Hertfordshire care home have been greeted by a surprise visit from an internationally renowned garden designer. Upon hearing of the horticulture enthusiasts at Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, Andy Sturgeon, winner of Best Show Garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2019, toured its grounds, greeting and sharing tips with residents from a safe twometre distance, adhering to the social distancing policies currently in place at the home. During his visit, Andy applauded the blossoming troughs of the home’s gardening club scheme, a major and important activity for residents at Foxholes, who take pride in their miniature gardens ahead of the home’s annual summer fete, where each are judged in a competition based on the Chelsea Flower Show. Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes, said: “We were delighted to welcome Andy to Foxholes to greet with residents and see first-hand the tremendous efforts they have been putting into their gardening troughs. “Andy was kind enough to spend the day chatting with residents and sharing his green-fingered tips, which they all really appreciated. “The gardening club is one of our biggest schemes at Foxholes and most of the residents invest a
Anne Morris (left) and Gerry Foley have been appointed ‘Resident Ambassadors’ at Gracewell of Edgbaston. lot of time and effort in cultivating their miniature gardens, so to have someone of Andy’s stature visit and share advice is really special.” Andy, a Registered Member and Fellow of the Society of Garden Designers and a registered designer at the British Association of Landscape Industries, is renowned for his modern designs which fuse traditional materials and contemporary styling. They have become known for their timeless architectural qualities, innovative planting, and sculptural characteristics. Neil added: “We have a lot of exciting plans in the pipeline at Foxholes and, after sharing our vision with Andy, he agreed to help with the future development of some of our existing gardens, so watch this space.”
‘Resident Ambassadors’ appointed at care home TWO residents at Gracewell of Edgbaston have been appointed to the celebrated role of ‘Resident Ambassador’. Anne Morris and Gerry Foley, who moved in to Gracewell of Edgbaston in 2017 and 2018 respectively, are neighbours and close friends at the home. The team at Gracewell of Edgbaston say that Anne and Gerry are both natural fits to hold the position, having been current representatives of the home for almost a year. Whenever potential residents and their families visit the home, Anne and Gerry are often the first residents
to welcome them in. They also offer to show visitors around their rooms and answer any questions they may have so they can have a personal view of life at Gracewell of Edgbaston. Anne and Gerry have also proved invaluable during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing support and a friendly face to residents and their families while on FaceTime and Skype calls. The friendship between Anne and Gerry has grown so strong that even their families have become close friends and often have dinner parties together.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Residents and staff complete marathon
Campaign launched to raise awareness HOMECARE provider Bluebird Care has recently launched its #SafeAtHome campaign to raise awareness of and celebrate its live-in care provision. Across the network of nearly 200 franchise owners, Bluebird Care’s teams offer a wide range of services to include prescription and shopping collection to ensure more vulnerable people can stay inside. In addition, they offer a full live-in care service where a suitably matched care assistant lives in the customer’s home. The live-in care service is completely personalised to each individual customer and the service is tailored to their needs and preferences. Families can also get to know the care assistant very well, and the care assistant becomes knowledgeable in the exact needs of the customer. Marketing and communications director Hannah Banfield said: “Our #SafeAtHome campaign is all about
raising awareness of live-in care – an option that many families may not have considered. “We have seen so many success stories across the franchises, where customers and their families have felt more safe, happy and comfortable in their own homes. Our live-in care assistants provide the highest standard of personalised home care. “They are specially trained to help with complex care needs, and often go above and beyond to help with other tasks such as grocery shopping. “It’s so wonderful that customers are able to be surrounded by their treasured belongings and special memories.” In recent months, Bluebird Care has seen a growth in the popularity of its live-in care services across the UK. Throughout the franchise network, Bluebird Care has seen the demand for this service increase, a 20 per cent rise in the last 12 months, with more than half of the growth occurring since the beginning of the year.
‘LET’S get fit and raise money for the NHS’ was the suggestion, at which point the community of the Castle View retirement village in Windsor took to their feet and completed a virtual Marathon together (26.2 miles / 42.2km). Running or walking around one of two routes, they had the option of using the outside of the building from the reception and around the back of the building – this route was 0.17km and took an average of four minutes to complete (248 laps required), or around The Sky deck which gave a route of 0.11km in an average time of three minutes (383 laps), all measured accurately on a pedometer. A combination of the two routes totalling 26.2 miles took just six days to finish and involved residents and staff, as well as village manager Lisa Fisher’s dog Benjy, who was an enthusiastic participant. “It was a lot of fun during lockdown,” said Lisa. “It was a valiant effort enthusiastically embraced by everyone, including those who weren’t perhaps quite so strong on their feet but used their strollers to help them round.” £970 has so far been raised for NHS charities through a Just Giving Page, which is still open for anyone who would like to support the cause. So successful was the fundraising
Residents Chris Duffy and Pauline Faulkner walking the Castle View Marathon with Benjy the dog. event that the residents are now embarking on an extension – from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Dorothy’s 102nd birthday marked with bagpipes and Champagne
A member of staff from Guinness Care has come up with an idea to keep residents who live in sheltered housing schemes in Exeter, Tiverton and Willand, entertained. While making her regular phone calls to residents, Chloe Burrow, who works as an independent living adviser across the sheltered housing schemes, asked if they would be interested in having a jigsaw puzzle to complete while they are stuck indoors during lockdown. After getting a positive response from the residents, Chloe asked the local community via Facebook if they had any old jigsaw puzzles they would like to donate, and she received 30 in the first week. More followed and now she has more than 100 puzzles taking over her spare room and car boot.
STAFF at Stockport care home Brinnington Hall have helped Dorothy Duncan celebrate her 102nd birthday in style by combining her two favourite things: the sound of bagpipes and a cheeky glass of fizz. To mark her milestone birthday, Dorothy spent much of her morning catching up on the phone with her loved ones and opening her many cards and gifts. Dorothy, originally from Scotland, was later surprised by the care team who had arranged for a piper to perform classic Scottish tunes on the bagpipes in full traditional Highland dress. Home manager Rachel McIntosh said: “It is incredibly important to us to make sure each resident feels special on their birthday and 102 is an extremely special birthday. “I am very pleased to see how much Dorothy has enjoyed her bagpipe surprise – I think it is wonderful our team were able to capture some of her cherished Scottish heritage to make her day even more memorable.” Dorothy was born in 1918 and grew up in Newmachar, Aberdeenshire. She lived with her parents, Annie Innes and Alexander Stephan and her seven siblings. She has many fond memories of her childhood and the friends she made during her school years. Dorothy
Dorothy Duncan left school aged 15 to work at a local laundrette with her close friend, who later became her sister-in-law. It was during her time at the laundrette that Dorothy met her future husband, James Thain, when he came to the store as a customer and the pair hit it off straight away. Soon after, they tied the knot in
a small service at the local registry office in front of their close friends and family in 1935. The couple share three children together and Dorothy has many wonderful memories of spending time on holiday in the countryside and visiting her favourite spot, Balmoral Palace. Dorothy added: “I believe being a mum is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It was not always easy, during the war I had to look after my children alone at a very young age as James was called away to serve in the Army. “I am proud to have raised such kind, loving and hardworking people and I am incredibly proud of all of their achievements. “I was especially proud of my eldest son when he was awarded an MBE and we visited Buckingham Palace for the ceremony.” Dorothy has also been blessed with six grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. During the late 80’s Dorothy travelled to Australia to visit her family and loved her stay so much that she emigrated there and lived with her son for a number of years. She returned to the UK and moved to Stockport in 1994 before moving to her current home at Brinnington Hall two years ago.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Care group uses more technology during lockdown
Residents reunited with loved ones for first time RESIDENTS of two care homes in Oxfordshire were recently reunited with their loved ones for the first time since the start of lockdown, after new safety measures were implemented to allow for visitors. The new measures in place at Rosebank and Churchfields enable families to visit their loved one’s face to face, in a safe environment. The homes are following strict safety procedures. All visits are being carefully organised and monitored by the manager, and are taking place in the garden, with two-metre social distancing. Jane Roberts, owner of the two care homes, said: “We’re delighted to be able to introduce socially-distanced visits into both Rosebank and Churchfields. “It needed to happen as we felt that residents required that family link that they have so dearly missed, and we can already see the positive impact that it is having on our resident’s wellbeing. “We are feeling our way very
carefully, and our families are being incredibly understanding and supportive. “These are tentative first steps, as we inch our way forward to a new norm. “Our priority is to provide a secure, safe and loving environment for our residents as well as keeping all of our residents and staff safe from the risks of Covid-19.” It’s been almost 12 weeks since residents from the Oxfordshire homes have been face to face with their loved ones and the feedback from residents has been extremely positive. Rosebank and Churchfields are still offering increased FaceTime and Skype links to families who may be unable to visit during this time, and for those who like to keep in regular contact. Both homes are welcoming new residents. They have specific procedures in place to continue to support families who are looking for care for a loved one, while minimising the risk for residents and staff.
Lynne Wickson and home manager Jill Kilgallen.
Lynne retires after 26 years A LONG-STANDING member of staff at Laureate Court in Rotherham has retired after 26 years of service. Deputy housekeeper Lynne Wickson started at the care home in March 1994 as a domestic, and then progressed onto becoming a kitchen assistant. Lynne then went on to work in care and gained her NVQ Level 2. She then moved back to work within the domestic team where she stayed for the rest of her time at Laureate Court. Lynne said: “I have loved every minute working at Laureate Court; I have seen a lot of changes, but these
were all for the better. “I have met some lovely staff and residents. I am going to miss working here.” Lynne is planning to relax and travel to Devon when she is able to during her retirement. Home manager Jill Kilgallen added: “Lynne has been an integral part of our team here for many years and we are all sad to see her go. “We would all like to wish her the very best for the future, and you’re welcome to visit for a cuppa whenever you like, after lockdown of course.”
TECHNOLOGY is providing new ways of staying in touch and keeping active while remaining safe during the coronavirus crisis, transforming life inside state-of-the-art care villages operated by Belong. The operator has been helping residents find new ways of connecting with friends and family, expanding its use of systems traditionally focused on care records to support wider wellbeing activities in more dynamic ways, as well as enabling people to broaden their horizons through new technology facilitated opportunities. Belong’s deputy chief executive Tracy Paine said: “We’ve always looked to technology to find new ways of driving standards of care, but where once these were focused on recording care information, we have now turned to new features that are helping our customers during lockdown, including working closely with one of our providers – Person Centred Software – to trial new capabilities.” One example of these is the Relatives Gateway, which enables Facebook styled updates to be provided to relatives through a secure, private connection. Including facilitating video calls and picture messaging, this is proving invaluable reassurance for families of people who have moved into the village and are required to self-isolate, allowing residents, family members and Belong team members more time to get to know each other. Since lockdown was announced, residents at Belong villages have also become familiar with mainstream messaging, video conferencing and streaming apps to chat face-to-face with loved ones, take part in weekly quizzes and join in virtual birthday parties. Voice-activated technology offers another way of keeping residents entertained while non-essential visits are on hold. Each of Belong villages’ 24-hour care households is equipped with an Amazon Alexa, which allows playlists of a person’s favourite music to be played by voice command. This creates reminiscence and conversational opportunities as residents quiz Alexa on past and current events or points of interest, such as the best beaches in 1940 or ask for the weather in their childhood
Resident Brenda Silcock talking to her husband Fred. town. Meanwhile, Facebook Live has provided a channel for live performances by favourite musical acts that frequently take place at the village. And other online provisions have allowed versions of the types of excursions enjoyed before lockdown, including seeing animals being fed at Chester Zoo, via Facebook Live, and attending theatre productions and museum tours. Virtual reality exercise equipment has also enabled residents to walk and cycle in destinations around the world, serving as another valuable tool for reminiscence. Angela Luckett, experience coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, in Didsbury, Manchester, added: “Dramatic changes to daily life have meant that we’ve had to adapt quickly to allow people to continue to do the things that are vital to wellbeing, including maintaining social interaction, and technology has been critical to this. “Given the positive response from customers, it looks like we’ll continue to enjoy some of the new activities when life goes back to normal.” Belong has also launched ‘Belong Active’, a Joe Wicks-styled YouTube channel, featuring exercise videos recorded by the care provider’s lead exercise instructor, to help older people continue exercising in the village or while isolating at home. Staff at Pinehurst Care Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon were thrilled to receive most nominations in a competition to find ‘Care Home Heroes’. They won pamper sets and gift vouchers for ‘going above and beyond the call of duty since the outbreak of Covid-19’ in the contest, which was organised by wholesaler Savona Foodservice. “As all care staff know, it is wonderful to be recognised and appreciated for the hard work we do, so winning the most nominations out of more than 30 care homes means a great deal to our team,” said Julie Farrell, manager of the 23-bed home for elderly residents.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Stan’s wife’s window visit makes his week DENE Holm resident Stan Glazier was over the moon to receive a window visit from his wife and daughter or the first time since lockdown began. With lockdown easing, many have been able to introduce some normality into their lives, potentially seeing relatives at a distance, or for some, forming a support bubble with another household. But for residents in care homes, their safety is still a priority and visiting is still restricted. So, Stan, a resident at the Northfleet residential care home, was overjoyed when his wife arrived to talk to him on the phone and through the window. After 12 weeks of shielding, she is now able to leave the house and couldn’t wait to see her husband. Stan’s daughter Nikki also joined the meeting as she too has been unable to visit for the past 12 weeks. Chris Hutchinson, general manager of Dene Holm, said: “Stan’s wife has been shielding under government advice, so while some of our residents have had window visits in the past few months, Stan has only been able
to phone her. It was really special for him to see them, even if it was through the window. “With the virus under control, we’re hoping to start facilitating garden visits for relatives, wearing PPE and staying at a safe distance, from the end of June, so that will be lovely to see some of the residents reunited with loved ones.”
The team at Mill Lane Nursing Home in Felixstowe held a garden party for its residents to celebrate the ‘strength and resilience’ that everyone has shown throughout the pandemic. Manager Hanro Smith arranged for 1940s and 1950s-inspired singer Sarah Mai to perform in the gardens of the home, while residents enjoyed a barbecue with burgers, hot dogs and chips with a few glasses of prosecco. Hanro said: “The residents have been so resilient; I think they come from a generation that pulls together, keeps smiling and carries on when times are hard, and that’s what they have done through this pandemic. We therefore wanted to have a celebration to recognise how incredibly well they have come through this and now, it’s feeling like the ‘new normal’.”
Firm’s expansion creates 18 jobs A SOUTH Lakeland homecare company is expanding and has created 18 new jobs. Westmorland Homecare has opened a satellite office in Grange-overSands. It is manned by four full-time staff and the company has taken on 14 new healthcare assistants to look after people in the Cartmel and Furness peninsulas. It is hoped that more staff will be taken on in future as its operation grows in this part of south Cumbria. Kendal-based Westmorland Homecare provides hundreds of hours of care each week, which enable elderly and often frail people to live independently in their own home. Its services 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. “We cover an area that ranges from Grasmere in the north, Carnforth in the south, Sedbergh in the east and west along the peninsula,” said Dr Josh Macauley, joint director of Westmorland Homecare. “We have been operating in the Grange-over-Sands area for a while. But staff and clients there wanted to have a local base where people can pop in and talk to us and ask any questions they might have. “Opening this satellite office means we can deliver care more effectively because we have local staff looking after local people. It means we can help the community of Grange by
being an even more integral part of it.” The office is located in the old British Legion building at Kents Bank Road, next door to Tesco Express. “We already have clients in Grange, Flookburgh and Newby Bridge and this office will also allow us to look after people in Ulverston, which is new for us, said Dr Macauley. “We expect the number of staff we employ to grow because there is a huge demand in that area for our services. “Our ambition is to be the very best care provider it is possible to be and by a having well-resourced, wellstaffed organisation embedded within the community we can deliver the absolutely best service possible.” He added: “We want to be able to expand our social clubs into areas like Grange-over-Sands and help the local community and be part of it, which is why it is so important to have chairs and feet on the ground.” Westmorland Homecare was founded in 2017 by Doctors Josh Macaulay and Chris Moss. Both had experience of caring for people in their NHS roles as an A&E doctor and anaesthetist but wanted to help people more than while they were just in hospital. The service is now one of the biggest providers of homecare in Cumbria. As well as the South Lakeland branch, based at Kendal, they also have a branch in the Fylde coast and Wyre district, which looks after clients in Blackpool, Poulton, Lytham and surrounding areas.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Northamptonshire care home rated Inadequate
Margaret McGregor with care home manager Catherine Russell.
Centenarian celebrates her milestone birthday A RESIDENT at Muirton House has celebrated her socially distanced 100th birthday with traditional Scottish fanfare. Margaret McGregor has lived at the care home for the past two years, and staff treated her to a party with fellow residents while two bagpipers serenaded them from outside. Margaret was born in Wimbledon in 1920, and at the start of the war she walked five miles a day to her job as a clerk for the Co-op, navigating through streets of bombed-out buildings destroyed by the Blitz, not knowing if her family home would be intact when she returned. Called up in October 1942, Margaret joined the ATS where she was trained in the use of radar to track enemy aircraft and served at different army
bases around the UK. She met her husband while he was serving in the Royal Navy, and after the war the couple returned to his native Glasgow where they had two children. Home manager Catherine Russell said: “Margaret is a wonderful character, with fascinating stories to tell about her life during the war. “Although her birthday party wasn’t what she is used to, I hope she had a lovely day nonetheless and we will make up for it when we can welcome her family to the home again.” Despite the restriction on visitors to Muirton House, staff and residents helped Margaret to celebrate in style, with cards and gifts sent by wellwishers, including Her Majesty the Queen.
Operator recognises role its carers play in community HUNDREDS of team members at a care home provider in the south have overcome lockdown challenges to raise awareness of the vital role carers play in the community. Family-owned Colten Care invited staff at all its 21 homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Sussex and Wiltshire to champion Carers Week. Reflecting its ‘one-team’ approach to residents’ wellbeing, taking part were the group’s nurses, carers, chefs, receptionists, administrators, hairdressers, gardeners, maintenance staff and colleagues in other roles too. Organised and led by companionship team leaders at each home, the week featured the sharing of thank-you messages and handwritten thoughts on the positive difference that working in care makes. Posted on message boards across the homes were sentiments such as: ‘I came to work today because I like to see joy on the residents’ faces’, ‘Working in care is about giving the care that they deserve and can’t provide for themselves’, and ‘The best part of my job is everyone and everything being one team’. One carer summed up her job satisfaction by writing: ‘Team work, love and joy’. Donia O’Connor, senior companionship team leader, said:
“Colleagues highlighted many reasons why a career in care is so rewarding, from the compliments you receive from residents and their families to the pride and satisfaction you have knowing you have helped make someone’s day by your words and actions.” Amid ongoing social distance restrictions, the week featured daily treats for staff and residents such as homemade cakes, ice lollies and doughnuts and a co-ordinated singing of the Dolly Parton hit and ‘workplace anthem’ Nine to Five. Colten Care operations director, Elaine Farrer, added: “During the Covid situation, our team has been absolutely magnificent in ensuring safety, keeping residents’ spirits up and communicating what has been happening in our homes with residents’ families and friends. “As with carers across the country, both paid and unpaid, we are blessed with employing people who are dedicated, hard-working and compassionate individuals.” Carers Week, established by the charity Carers UK 26 years ago, is an annual awareness campaign to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers.
A NORTHAMPTONSHIRE care home has been rated Inadequate following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission. CQC inspected Temple Court, Kettering on May 12 and 13. The inspection was prompted by information indicating people could be at risk of harm. Inspectors found the service was falling significantly short of standards people should be able to expect, and that it had not met its statutory obligation to inform CQC about serious incidents without delay – including when people died or suffered injuries. Deanna Westwood, CQC head of inspection for adult social care, said: “Our inspection of Temple Court identified serious failings which led to people suffering harm. “The service had not provided us with timely notification about serious incidents, including deaths and serious injuries, and when instances of possible abuse – such as unexplained bruising – were identified. “Services are legally required to notify CQC without delay when these serious incidents happen, so we can provide support and make interventions when needed.” Temple Court, run by Amicura Limited, is a nursing home registered to care for up to 54 older people – including people living with dementia. There were 21 residents on the first day of inspection; all were moved out by the end of the second day, following a joint decision by the clinical commissioning group and local authority. No one is using the service currently. Deanna added: “The situation at the home was unacceptable and
we support the joint decision of the clinical commissioning group and local authority to move people to other services. “No one is using the service currently and we will not give permission for it to admit new residents, unless we are fully assured that they can be cared for safely. “If CQC takes further regulatory action regarding this service, details will be published as soon as legal restrictions allow.” Inspectors found that people’s health had deteriorated because the service’s leaders had little oversight of the home and insufficient understanding of residents’ needs. The service also admitted 15 people when it did not have resources to meet their needs. People were malnourished and dehydrated because there was poor management of their diets. While inspectors were onsite, several people were admitted to hospital with dehydration by community nurses who had been deployed to the home. Evidence of unexplained injuries were also found, which are now being investigated by the local authority under safeguarding procedures. Basic observations were not always completed, and staff did not always seek medical care when it was needed. Infection prevention and control – including relating to catheter care – was not always well managed, and people’s dignity was not consistently maintained. Insufficient measures to protect people from falls were also found. Following the inspection and identification of safeguarding concerns, a criminal investigation – led by Northamptonshire Police – is underway.
Jon Cook, acting home manager at Corbrook Park, with members of staff thanking their local community.
Provider shows its thanks A FAMILY-run operator is shining a spotlight on the local communities that surround its six nursing homes to extend a heartfelt thank you. Over the last three months, local businesses and community groups have gone the extra mile to help both staff and residents within Morris Care’s homes to feel supported. From impromptu visits by the Fire Brigade clapping for the team on Thursday nights, to groups handsewing and sending masks, baking cakes, donating treats, to local
schoolchildren writing cards and letters of comfort to residents to show they care, the thoughtfulness of these gestures has had a positive impact on everyone. Morris Care chief executive Lucy Holl said: “Covid-19 has had an impact on everyone’s lives, yet despite this there have been so many acts of selflessness to help others – it has been truly uplifting to witness. “The wellbeing of both our staff and residents is so important and this wonderful community spirit has been felt by us all.”
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Resident receives a heart-warming gift from carer A CARE home resident has received a tear-jerking gift from staff at Hope House care home in Accrington. Sheila O’Connor would go to sleep every night with a picture of her husband Anthony underneath her pillow. Each morning when she woke up, she found that his picture had fallen off the bed, so a carer at the home bought her a pillow with the same picture on it. Night carer at Hope House, Charmaine Douglas, noticed that the picture of Tony would often end up on the floor, so she decided to buy Sheila the pillow so that she could cuddle up to her husband’s picture whenever she wanted to. Charmaine said: “I have a really close relationship with Sheila and spent many a night shift chatting with her about her husband, and I know how much he means to her, ‘my Tony’ as Sheila says. “That gave me the idea for the cushion so she could give him a cuddle every day, which she has throughout since the pandemic.” One of Sheila’s former jobs was working at the Burco factory where they made pans and that is where she met her Tony. Sheila said she tried her best to avoid him at work and when they finally spoke to each other, they got on really well then went on to get married, and has been married to Tony for 48 years. He drives by her window every day
Veterans take part in Tour of Britain cycle challenge Sheila O’Connor with her pillow. to beep and wave at her. He always delivers gifts for her and writes a note saying from your secret admirer. Sheila has two children from a previous marriage which Tony has brought up as his own and they have two grandchildren. Sheila said: “I was a little bit shocked when Charmaine gave me the pillow with the picture of my Tony on it, it was very thoughtful and I absolutely love it. “The pillow brings back many happy memories that I shared with Tony, and it does pull on the heartstrings sometimes.”
RESIDENTS and staff at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe are taking part in a virtual cycle covering the length of Great Britain. They are pedalling the 874 miles from Lands’ End to John O’Groats on static bikes based in the Home’s in-house Physiotherapy Room. The High Wycombe Tour of Britain began on Monday, June 22 to tie-in with Armed Forces Week (June 22 27) They aim to cover the distance in three weeks, and raise £874 for Royal Star & Garter, a charity which provides care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Around 15 residents will take part. Residents and staff will cycle 15-minute sessions and will aim to cover 55 miles a day. The event is being jointly organised by the Home’s activities and physiotherapy teams.
Activities manager Hayley Helsdown said: “We’re doing this to raise awareness for the Home and funds. “It seems appropriate to launch the challenge during Armed Forces Week as we celebrate our veterans. “The residents are really looking forward to it and love the idea of helping raise money for our charity.” Staff will track the progress as they make their way across the country on a map. Meanwhile residents will enjoy local delicacies from the area they’re passing through, including Cornish pasties, Devonshire cream teas, Somerset cider and Lancashire hotpots. There will also be quizzes on the regions they’re cycling through, and a look at some of Britain’s iconic landmarks, such as Stonehenge. The Home hopes to complete the High Wycombe Tour of Britain before Friday, July 10.
Mayan launches care firm with a difference A MIDDLESEX businessman has decided it’s time to put his expertise to good use. Mayan Shah’s new business, in-home care company Visiting Angels, aims to raise the standards of care in the region, while providing much-needed support to both clients and their families. “I’m excited to be launching a care service with a difference,” he said. “I want to have a positive impact on the place that I’ve grown so fond of. “I’ve been involved in the social housing sector since 1992, so getting to the heart of the community is a driving force for me. I’ve developed a strong sense of social responsibility and have noticed how the quality of care nowadays is being comprised for quality. “I’m determined to raise standards and want to be one of the first people taking steps in the movement: I’m confident that Visiting Angels will be a catalyst for change.” Visiting Angels’ distinct difference comes from being ‘carer-centric’. Simply put, it means treating carers with the utmost respect, valuing them for their commitment and rewarding them both financially and with opportunities for career development. Issues in the industry usually leave carers feeling little-to-no appreciation and without any form of professional development – this is what Mayan and the Visiting Angels team are determined to change. “What we promise our caregivers is to pay them a generous wage, allow for longer visits to clients
Mayan Shah and Emanuela Tore. and incentivise them to deliver a premium-quality standard of care,” he added. “The purpose is to make them feel more valued in their role and enjoy their work which, in turn, will result in them delivering a much better quality of service. We really empower our caregivers to be the best.” Mayan and his registered care manager Emanuela Tore recently received approval to operate from the Care Quality Commission. Based at Cunningham House in Harrow, Visiting Angels is already on the hunt for local care workers to satisfy the growing demand for its service. Within the next 12 months, the pair hope to bring between 30-40 jobs to the area. Emanuela was raised in a small neighbourhood in Sardinia where caring was engrained into their culture.
Always looking out for elderly members of the community, whether they were family members or not, was something that remained with her while growing up. Now, after qualifying as a social worker and with the opportunity to give her passion a purpose, she’s ready to make a difference in Middlesex. “When I started my career in the UK, the care sector was the perfect fit for me,” she said. “After many years working in various positions within social care, I wanted to take things one step further and be integral to the development of others who provide that service. “For me, Visiting Angels isn’t just about the care aspect, it’s everything else too – the companionship, support, respite and social integration. It’s an all-encompassing experience that sets us apart from the rest.” In the wake of Covid-19, the pair recognise that their essential service is in demand more than ever before. Visiting Angels hopes to alleviate the pressure that has been placed on local hospitals by helping to get people back into their homes. “It feels amazing to be in a position to change lives in my local community,” added Mayan. “Not only does it improve the quality of life for our clients, but alleviates the pressure felt by family members too. “It’s a positive cycle that just keeps giving and we both feel extremely lucky to be the ones leading the charge for change.” Visiting Angels Middlesex will serve families of Middlesex and Watford.
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