Caring UK Weekly January 17

Issue 171 17.01.24

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

New measures ignore social care pay crisis SOCIAL care providers have homecare agencies and care welcomed new moves to help and nursing homes struggling recruit and train staff but to fill shifts. warned that the vital issue of “Sadly, the Government isn’t giving the workforce proper doing enough to reform and pay is still being ignored. properly fund the sector and The Department of make it an attractive place Health and Social Care has to work and build a career,” announced a national career Mike added. “We have said structure, a new accredited it many times, the failure to qualification and funding for properly fund commissioners apprenticeships and digital like local authorities is starving training to help develop the the sector of funding and that social care workforce. shows itself in the industry’s Members of Jewish Care’s Holocaust Survivors’ Centre including Maurice Peltz, Miriam Freedman and The Independent Care Group inability to match other jobs Rene Salt put on their dancing shoes and enjoyed an uplifting special visit from Strictly Come Dancing has welcomed the measures when it comes to recruitment. star Pasha Kovalev. It was a really special afternoon at the facility, which is at the Maurice and Vivienne but warned that a continuing “We have seen in recent Wohl Campus in Golders Green, where music and dance is a key part of the programme. During a failure to address pay in the days a supermarket chain discussion with Pasha, the members and young volunteers shared their favourite dancing moments and sector was critical. significantly increasing the memories together and asked about Pasha’s journey to becoming a dancer, appearing on Strictly and And it fears the measures will pay of its employees. Without also how he met Rachel Riley. Pasha said: “It was wonderful to have a chance to share experiences and do little to tackle the 152,000 better funding for social care, to be surrounded by such an inspiring bunch of people. They are in their 80s and 90s and above, but vacancies in the sector that are we simply cannot compete. their love for dance is still going strong and untouched by age.” crippling care.

“At the end of last year, ICG chair Mike Padgham said: the Government introduced “We have long campaigned for measures that will make it measures to establish a career harder for social care providers path within social care and to recruit from overseas but PENWORTHAM Grange and Lodge Care Nick Mansfield from the local St Leonards for more funding to go into without making any efforts to Home is catering for the needs of its C of E Church.” training and qualifications – support providers to recruit in residents with a multi-faith chapel within As well as the monthly church services, so these measures are to be this country. We want to recruit its grounds, open for anyone of any Penwortham Grange has a special minister welcomed. Our major concern staff and build a professional, religion to pray and reflect. who visits the home weekly from the remains the elephant in the committed and motivated The multi-faith room can hold up to 15 local catholic church and offers residents room and that is pay. workforce to provide excellent people and will cater for any religion its communion and an ear to listen or chat “Until we can find a way care to meet current and future residents follow either now or into the should they wish. to pay staff properly for the demand. But without the future.

Activity staff have also started a weekly fantastic job that they do, proper support over funding, Home manager Mel Thompson said: choir and singing session which is held in everything else will be just we cannot do so.” ‘’We are very proud and extremely lucky to the chapel. tinkering at the edges of the He said it was also worth be able to have our very own multi-faith This has proven to be greatly appreciated problem.” remembering that the chapel in which our residents have the by those who attend, with Mel saying the The ICG is concerned that Government had halved a space and opportunity to practice their chapel allows them a chance to bring the Government is failing to £500m pot earmarked for faith. Many of our residents love attending communities together to share in their tackle a staffing shortage that workforce training to just the monthly church services love of music and singing.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Thanks to everyone who attended the event, it was a wonderful evening and we’d like to congratulate all our winners plus those runners up who were all worthy of being winners, there was a lot of tough decisions for our judges!

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CARINGWEEKLY

TV personality is first resident at dementia specialist community A FORMER coal miner, museum guide and TV personality from Woodlesford, who is living with dementia, has found a new lease of life thanks to a recently launched specialist community developed at Middleton Park Lodge Care Home in Leeds.

John Carrington now lives at the Reconnect community operated by Orchard Care Homes.

He spent his entire 45-year working life as a locomotive fitter and was the last Carrington of many generations of his family to work in the coal mines, first at Water Haigh Colliery, before moving on to Saville Colliery, Gascoigne Colliery and finally Wistow Colliery, from where he retired.

As was his family tradition he was named John, the same as his father and grandfather before him.

John’s retirement lasted all of two weeks before the National Coal Mining Museum came calling and he was back in work again for 17 years, driving and maintaining their locomotive and taking guests on tours – plus playing Santa each year.

His cheeky personality won him a legion of fans, including many celebrities such as the late Paul O’Grady, Robson Green and Princess Anne. John was often seen on TV talking about his career and the pit ponies he was an expert in, starring on The One Show and Look North.

His distinctive personality even got him hired to appear in a Pot Noodle advert.

His enjoyable life of retirement, which comprised of cruises with his wife Mary and travelling to the USA, the Caribbean and Canada, came to an end when he was diagnosed with dementia.

Since coming into the care of Middleton Park Lodge, John has grown in confidence and has been able to get out and about in the local community more, including

Former Lymington Mayor Jane Clarke, who officially opened Belmore Lodge in 2003, returns to cut the ribbon and launch the home’s 20th anniversary exhibition. Holding the ribbon are Jane’s husband and former Mayor Consort Graham Clarke, left, and Ian Hudson, Colten Care executive director.

regularly enjoying fish and chips at his favourite pub, something he had previously not been able to do.

Paulina Drzewiecka, Middleton Park Lodge home manager and dementia specialist, said: “It is my absolute passion to welcome John to our care home and to continue to deliver person-centred care to those living with Dementia.

“This is what I love most about the new Reconnect community we have introduced. We are always improving the care we provide, such as implementing consultations for families regarding dementia care for their loved ones and making our Reconnect family even stronger.”

Orchard Care Homes Reconnect communities allow for a more tailored, personal approach to dementia care, and offer genuine inclusion. Middleton Park Lodge is a 50-bed purpose-built nursing home that offers specialist nursing care, residential care and short-term respite care, now able to provide the community in Leeds with a more holistic solution for residents living with dementia, introducing environmental and care approach changes.

Operator again named as a top 100 franchisor WALFINCH home care has been confirmed as a top 100 franchisor in the prestigious Elite Franchise Top 100 for the second year running.

The operator has been ranked 58 from hundreds of entries from franchise organisations across every sector.

Walfinch home care was founded

by Amrit Dhaliwal, and the company now has offices across the UK. Amrit has been in home care as a franchisee and now as a franchisor since 2012.

Just three years in, one franchisee has reached nearly £2.5m in turnover, with several others close behind.

Amrit said: “Walfinch was set up as a franchise in 2019. Although the company is only a few years old, our handpicked senior team bring significant experience to the network

and this has positively influenced our development as a brand and as a leading franchisor.

“To have reached the Elite Franchise Top 100 in such a short time and to move up two places from last year is a truly amazing achievement and testament to the calibre and hard work of our exceptional team.

“Over the past year we have invested in and implemented numerous innovative initiatives to look after the training, support and wellbeing of our staff and franchisees even better.

“Our teams also engage and contribute to the local communities they work in on a regular basis. This, plus our ambitious plans for further growth, were just some of the points the Elite Franchise Top 100 was judged on in detail.”

Memories for Mo as home celebrates 20 years on house site AN 84-year-old Hampshire woman whose care home occupies the exact spot where her family’s house used to be joined fellow residents and guests for a 20th anniversary celebration.

Colten Care’s Belmore Lodge in Lymington opened in 2003 following the demolition of two houses originally on the site.

One of them, number 20, was the four-bedroom family home, from 1978 to 2001, of Maureen Marks’ in-laws Adrienne and Ted and niece Sandra.

Maureen, known as Mo, and her late husband Bill were regular visitors, enjoying family gatherings including barbecues in the back garden.

Maureen also lived there for several weeks in 1994 when she was between house moves herself.

Number 20 and the next-door property were sold in 2001, after which Colten Developments demolished the buildings to pave the way for arts and crafts-themed Belmore Lodge.

Twenty years on from its official opening, Maureen, Adrienne and Sandra joined Belmore Lodge residents and well-wishers for an anniversary celebration.

The centrepiece was the opening of a week-long exhibition in the home’s Botanical Lounge, with photos, news cuttings and other memorabilia charting two decades of community care and local Lymington history.

Maureen, whose family members ran the Lymington bakers’ business Marks Bakery from 1972 to 1996, moved to Belmore Lodge 11 years

ago.

“This is a really nice, homely place to live in,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s been so long. I feel like I’m part of the furniture now.”

The exhibition was launched by former Lymington Mayor Jane Clarke who, in her Mayoral capacity, officially opened Belmore Lodge in 2003.

Also attending the launch was Colten Care executive director Ian Hudson.

He added: “Colten Developments originally had planning permission for a block of flats but we were told that local doctors wanted more nursing homes in the Lymington area.

“That was the thinking behind Belmore Lodge being developed, owned and run by Colten Care, offering 55 bedrooms. It was the 13th home we opened.”

The exhibition launch party coincided with Ian’s 75th birthday so home manager Janie Wilkins took the opportunity to arrange a cake and presentation for him.

A professional accountant, Ian said: “I joined Colten Care aged 40 and so have spent 35 years at the company.

I love working for Colten Care. It’s happy days because it doesn’t feel like work.”

Other Colten colleagues with long-standing associations with Belmore Lodge include chef Gary Parsons, currently in his 25th year with the company, and nurse Priya Joseph who is now the home manager at Brockenhurst care home Woodpeckers.

Veterans’ charity Royal Star & Garter has appointed Shirley Hall as its new director of care and wellbeing. The Registered Nurse comes with a wealth of experience in clinical governance and leadership, predominantly in the charity sector. Shirley replaces former director of care Pauline Shaw, who left Royal Star & Garter after 22 years with the charity. Shirley said: “My passion is innovation and new services, and I’ll bring everything I’ve learned from my previous jobs to Royal Star & Garter. The Homes are great and the staff are amazing, and I was really attracted by how technology is embraced within the care.

I’m really excited to look at what we can do for more veterans and younger veterans.”

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CARINGWEEKLY

Group comes together with its local community for tree planting scheme TEAM members from across three Oakland Care homes have come together to help plant more than 400 trees as part of a major community initiative.

The Essex Forest Initiative is a county wide tree planting scheme which was launched back in 2019.

Aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change by providing and improving green spaces for people and communities, it incorporates a bold commitment to planting 375,000 trees over the course of a five-year period.

As part of its efforts the EFI has been actively seeking the support of the community to help towards achieving its goal. Oakland Care and its team members have been among those key players, having already linked up with the EFI for a range of tree planting events across Essex back in January.

Eager to help maintain the momentum of the programme into

the new year, team members from the group’s Lambwood Heights, Elsyng House, Woodland Grove and head office extended their support at the latest planting event at Alderton Junior School in Loughton.

Aaron White, head of business services and sustainability, said: “I

am incredibly proud of all our team members across Oakland Care who came together to support this tree planting event.

“Our efforts will help leave a lasting impact on the area and not only benefit the environment but support a local school at the heart of the

community.

“It was a perfect way to continue our sustainability journey in 2023 and was another big step towards not only EFI’s planting target, but our own goal of planting 1,000 trees every single year as a care home provider.”

As the UK’s ‘greener choice’ of care homes, the volunteers were not only able to offer crucial support with the planting but were able to discuss best practices and share advice for other environmentally friendly steps everybody can take to help combat climate change.

Oakland Care is the only carbon neutral care group in the UK and actively drives a range of inclusive and effective green initiatives within its homes.

Much of these efforts have brought team members and residents closer together, driven by a collaborative cause that creates a long-lasting impact in social care and beyond.

Operator marks anniversary with boost for groups PARKLANDS Care Homes is marking its 30th anniversary with a funding boost for local community groups.

The Parklands Pathway Fund, unveiled as part of the celebrations, aims to give back to the areas Parklands has served.

Around £30,000 is expected to be made available to community groups and charities causes every year.

The Parklands Pathway Fund builds on the company’s long-standing support for local communities by establishing a targeted fund dedicated to supporting projects that leave a lasting, positive legacy.

The fund will focus on projects that promote sport and well-being,

support for older people, community sustainability and environment, education and young people.

Managing director Ron Taylor said: “Over the past 30 years Parklands has been an integral part of the communities it serves, providing high-quality care for older people, investing in people and skills and supporting local community groups.

“As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations we’re delighted to introduce the Parklands Pathway Fund – a dedicated fund that will focus on specific projects that align with our core values and areas of interest.

“Whether it’s supporting initiatives

that support older people, promoting community sustainability and protecting our environment, or fostering educational opportunities for children and young people, we are committed to leaving a positive legacy in our communities by supporting projects that make a meaningful impact.”

The Parklands Pathway Fund is open to community groups and charities based in the Highlands and Moray, specifically in areas where Parklands has, or has had, a presence.

These include Ullapool, Tain, Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Inverness, Grantown, Aberlour, Keith, Buckie, Cullen and their surrounding areas.

Village stalwart honoured at awards THE longest-serving member of staff at Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford has been honoured for her loyalty and dedication to the charity.

Catherine Healey has worked at Broughton House for 30 years. She began as a junior administrative assistant and now holds the role of director of business administration.

She received a Certificate of Meritorious Service for veterans and other service charities at the annual HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Awards.

The awards recognise members of the reserve forces, cadets, Cadet Force adult volunteers and charities which support veterans and the wider defence community across the region.

They are facilitated by the North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadet’s Association.

This year’s honours were presented at a ceremony held at The Monastery, in Gorton, Manchester.

Broughton House itself received a Lord-Lieutenant’s commendation for veterans and service charities.

Catherine was nominated by

Tom O’Brien, Debbie Tildsley, Jane Green, Diane Hawkins, Karen Miller, Catherine Healey and Julie Wilson.

Credit Gareth Jones Photography. former Broughton House trustee Tom as the go-to lady who can assist and O’Brien, who said: “Catherine is an support them. absolute star – she’s loyal, committed “Catherine has never sought and very kind-hearted. recognition for the loyalty, service and “She would move heaven and earth commitment she has given over many to deliver the care and support to the years, but quietly, efficiently and residents of Broughton House and the effectively has worked steadfastly for veteran community. She has worked the betterment of Broughton House tirelessly and selflessly in supporting and its residents. the charity, the home, veterans and “I had no hesitation in their families. She is held in high recommending her for the award.” esteem by the residents and staff, Catherine, who joined Broughton

House in March 1993, said she was extremely proud to receive her commendation.

She added: “Broughton House is a very special, unique care facility for veterans, and it is my privilege to be able to work for such a worthwhile charity.”

Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex-service community in 1916. It has recently been redeveloped into a complex with a 64-bed care home, including a 16-bed household dedicated to veterans with dementia, as well as independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum, gym, hairdressing and barber’s salon, and a restaurant and bar for residents.

There is also an Armed Forces Support Hub which provides welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community.

In an annual survey of residents’ family members conducted over the summer, 92 per cent of respondents said their relatives’ quality of life had improved since they moved to Broughton House.

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7

CARINGWEEKLY

Peter inspires choir to raise more than £700 for charity A MAN who inspired the Taunton Male Voice Choir in Somerset to stage a fundraising concert in aid of Alzheimer’s UK in Oake recently said he is delighted that more than £700 was raised by the event.

Peter Vann, whose wife Carole has been living with dementia since 2015, contacted the choir in June to suggest Alzheimer’s UK as a beneficiary for one of the 10 charity concert they aim to perform each year and was delighted to have his proposal adopted.

He also suggested to the team at Camelot House and Lodge, where Carole has been living for the past four years, that tickets for the concert would be a great way to thank staff for what he described as the “wonderful” way they care for their residents.

As a result, a group of 10 staff and residents travelled to Oake for an evening of rousing choral singing, enjoying many classic favourites such as Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.

Peter said: “Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease and having supported Carole myself for the first four years of her illness, I know how challenging it can be to care for people who are affected.

Peter supported Carole at home until his own heart issues required an operation and a period of respite, at which point things changed.

While Peter was convalescing, Carole was cared for in three different institutions, which was difficult for both of them, before she was eventually admitted to Camelot House and Lodge.

The leadership team at Church Farm Care’s Field House.

Peter, Joyce Hume and healthcare assistant Csilla Barabas enjoying the music.

He added: “We will have been married for 60 years next year, but Alzheimer’s changes so much about the person you love, and it just isn’t always possible – especially when you have health issues of your own – to provide the right level of care for a loved one who is affected, however much you want to.

“The team at Camelot House and Lodge are so caring and provide such wonderful support for Carole that I know I can relax in the confident knowledge that she is receiving the best of care.”

Sam Paddon, head of care at Camelot House and Lodge, said: “We had such positive feedback from the group who went to the concert, and were grateful to Peter for suggesting the outing, and in awe of his dedication in getting the choir to adopt Alzheimer’s UK as their charity of choice for this concert.”

Operator and Foundation to collaborate over training THE head of Florence Nightingale Foundation has visited Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton to discuss training the next generation of nurses.

FNF’s chief executive officer, professor Greta Westwood CBE, met Royal Star & Garter chief executive Andy Cole, head of care quality Walter Chikanya and home manager Helena Maher.

She was also given a tour of the award-winning care home.

Greta said: “As soon as you step foot in the door you get the sense that this is where you’d like your mother or father to spend their final years.

“I’m delighted Walter invited me to the Home, and I feel really positive that Florence Nightingale Foundation and Royal Star & Garter can do something amazing for the nurses that work in the social care sector.”

During the visit Greta, Andy and Walter discussed ways in which the FNF can work together with Royal Star & Garter to collaborate on the development of new leadership programmes for nurses in social care.

Walter, who himself recently

Professor Greta Westwood CBE with Royal Star & Garter’s head of care quality Walter Chikanya. graduated from an FNF leadership programme for chairs of Social Care Nursing Advisory Councils, added: “We’re very proud and excited to be exploring, with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, ways in which we can improve the provisions for nurses in our sector.

“It was an honour to welcome Greta to the Home and initiate these discussions.”

Care home celebrates its 40th anniversary A NOTTINGHAMSHIRE nursing home marked its 40th anniversary with a celebration to honour its longstanding staff and residents, while recognising the company’s heritage and commitment to care.

Field House in Radcliffe-on-Trent was founded in 1983 by Ronald and Pat Pring.

In 2016 it was taken on by their daughter Lucy Atkinson and her husband Patrick who now run the specialist care group Church Farm Care.

Operating as one of four of the operator’s locations, Field House is currently home to 52 residents and 92 registered nurses and staff.

The home hosted a celebration with speeches to showcase the history of the care group, singing performances from singer songwriter Stacey Lynn Crowe, as well as celebratory cakes, welcome drinks and an array of buffet food.

Lucy said: “We’re so pleased to be celebrating 40-years of our Field House home.

“While it became officially part of our Church Farm Care group more recently, the home has been part of my life since I was a child.

“As our oldest home we’re so grateful to be able to look back while also continuing to plan for the future as the home continues to thrive.

“Everyone at Field House really does go above and beyond with the care and activities they provide for residents. We’re so thankful to everyone for all their work over the New Care has appointed Eduardo Buglosa Jr. as home manager of Guiseley Manor, its 74 bed ‘new generation’ facility. In his new role he is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the home, ensuring care standards are met, maintaining safety, supporting staff and attending to the needs of all residents. Ed, a registered nurse for more than 16 years, has for the last eight years worked for different care home operators, joining New Care in June 2020 as clinical lead, quickly progressing to deputy manager, regional quality lead and interim home manager. He recently completed his MVQ 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Adult and Social Care.

past 40 years, and we can’t wait to celebrate many more.”

The home also honoured two long-standing members of staff as they shared their memories and experience. Head of kitchen Debbie Croucher has worked at Field House for 36 years and housekeeper Beverley Moore for 13.

Debbie said: “When I joined Field House I was originally just helping out and, just like that, 36 years later I now head up the kitchen, looking after all the catering and a team of six.

“I have always loved caring for people, from babysitting children for my friends, to caring for our residents at the home.

“Although kitchens are often a high-pressure environment, the most rewarding part is when people ask for a second serving of food – it really puts a smile on my face knowing that I might’ve made a difference to their day.

“I’m due to retire soon, but I want to stay working at Field House for longer to continue helping out the team.”

Beverley added: “From looking after my own family at a young age, I always knew the care sector was for me.

“Originally, I joined the team as a cleaner and have worked my way through the ranks to my head housekeeper position.

“Field House has grown so much, and I now look after a team of six.

Although the care sector has its challenges, no two days are ever the same.

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