Issue 61 16.06.21
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Operator to host packed virtual event HALLMARK Care Homes will support Care Home Open Week and Championing Social Care on Thursday July 1 by hosting a live virtual event where attendees can experience a taste of all they have to offer residents. The special event will be hosted by Avnish Goyal, executive chairman of Hallmark and Care England, and will be live-streamed from Henley Manor, the care group’s £15million facility in Henleyon-Thames. It is being held in association with Care Home Open Week, which runs from June 28 to July 4. He said: “I am delighted to be hosting this event, which will showcase everything that is great about our caring communities. “Our teams have worked hard to put together a full and engaging schedule of activities for attendees and after a difficult year for the sector, I cannot wait to make some positive noise as part of our extensive Care Home Open Week celebrations.” Care Home Open Week aims to connect care homes with their local communities, challenge misconceptions about care and remind everyone that the unique individuals who live in care homes are supported by
dedicated and professional caring teams. During the fun and informative event, attendees can get an insight into what it is like to live in one of Hallmark’s care homes. They’ll get to meet some of their experienced team members and trusted partners and find out what they do differently at the family-run care group. The event will be split into a morning and afternoon session. The afternoon session will feature a live panel discussion with some surprise guests, debating ‘How do we restore confidence in the social care sector following the pandemic?’ Throughout the day, team members and residents at each Hallmark home will be taking part in a Danceathon to raise money for Musica Music and Wellbeing, a social enterprise that supports people living with dementia and their caregivers to use music in their daily lives. The Hallmark team hopes to raise £1,000 which will enable Musica to deliver their online music activity library, Musica Connect, free of charge to individuals with dementia. For further information visit https://championingsocialcare. org.uk/care-home-open-day/
Home says thanks at charity day
Ashworth Grange ‘dare-devil’ duo, comprising of home manager Paul Rowson and care manager, Sharon Hudson have completed a 10,000 ft tandem skydive to raise money towards their residents’ fund in a bid to make 2021 the ‘best year ever’. As government restrictions continue to lift, the care team are planning a host of activities, events and ‘wish list’ trips. Residents will be invited to make suggestions on how to use the funds during their monthly meetings and already ideas such as creating their own bar in the garden are in the mix. The jump, supported by Bridlington-based Skydive GB team, gave Paul and Sharon a fantastic view over the East Yorkshire coastline, as the fearless duo saw famous landmarks including Flamborough Head and Scarborough’s golden sands from a 10,000 foot vantage point. The jump raised more than £1,300.
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FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …
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A BEARSDEN care home showed its appreciation to its staff and residents at a charity event. The management team at Antonine House, part of the Meallmore group, rewarded staff and residents for all of their hard work and patience throughout the pandemic with a packed fun day. Mixed teams of staff and residents took part in an afternoon of games and competitions, including quizzes and a talent competition, to help raise more than £300 for local charity North West Foodbank. Care home manager Amanda King said: “This has been an incredibly challenging year for all of us, however with restrictions now slowly lifting across the country, we wanted to say a massive thank you to both our staff and residents for all they did throughout the pandemic. “Everyone at Antonine House has had such a positive impact on the care home this year, and we cannot be more thankful for everyone’s commitment to ensuring the care home remains a safe working and living environment. “As well as thanking our staff, residents and their relatives for being so supportive, we wanted to give something back to the local community. I’m thrilled to say that our charity fun day raised £300 for North West Foodbank to help those in need. Local MSP Rona Mackay was in attendance to thank staff and to meet some of the residents.
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Well Pharmacy partners with VCare Systems to help reduce pressure on the NHS Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, is delighted to announce a new partnership with NHS approved HealthTech company, VCare Systems, whose medicine management solution has helped hundreds of care homes significantly reduce their medicine-related errors. Care home residents are prescribed an average of seven medicines a day, with many taking 10 medicines or more daily. Care home residents also spend approximately two million days in hospital each year and account for approximately 250,000 emergency hospital admissions. Some 35%40% of these admissions* are thought to be avoidable through action such as tackling over medication. VCare’s eMAR digitises the medication records of care home residents and communicates real-time information on missed, delayed, refused and administered medicines to the key personnel within a care home organisation. This partnership will showcase VCare’s eMAR solution, which simplifies the medicine management process and aims to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and medicine errors in a care home.
VCare have spent years building strong foundations to deliver a fully integrated medicine management solution, which enables care homes and pharmacies to communicate more efficiently and effectively with each other. Key features & benefits of the solution include: • Mobile-First: as opposed to laptop-based solutions, VCare’s eMAR functions in all corners of a care home and can be used to record medicine administration at the pointof-care 24 hours a day. • Offline Functionality: means that medicines can still be recorded in the system even when there is unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity. • Complete Flexibility: as the solution is optimised to work with both original packaged medicines and blister packs. • Group Reporting: enables care home group management to visualise medicine adherence of each of their homes on a single screen. • Care Planning Integration: with VCare’s eMAR enables medicine information from VCare’s eMAR to flow directly into the care planning system. • 24/7 Support: means that VCare’s support team are on hand to help with any issues all day, every day.
Stephanie Walton, Well Care Home Sales Manager, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with VCare and highlight this fantastic digital solution to more than 350 care homes across the UK that we serve. What sets us apart is we give an outstanding local community service through our pharmacy teams, who have strong and established local healthcare links. “We hope this partnership will offer choice to our care homes while also helping to simplify the medicine management process and ultimately reduce pressure on the NHS by decreasing avoidable hospital admissions and medicine errors and giving care home staff time back to care for their residents.” Saurabh Shah, Chief Operating Officer, said: “When we speak to care homes, the fundamental aspects of our software that we stress is its flexibility and simplicity. We have designed the system to be flexible as we want to be able to integrate Group or care home medicine policies, rather than force them to change their entire processes. We have designed the system to be easy to use so that users do not feel overwhelmed by information overload and cluttered screens.” For more information, about Well Pharmacy’s Care Home Service please contact carehomes@well.co.uk and for more information about VCare’s eMAR solution, please contact them at sales@vcaresystems.co.uk. Visit: well.co.uk/carehomes | vcaresystems.co.uk *https://www.england.nhs.uk/2019/05/ army-of-nhs-experts-to-tackle-overmedication/
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Vic Rayner, chief executive of the National Care Forum, has received an OBE in The Queen’s 2021 Birthday Honours for services to the social care sector. As CEO of the NCF, Vic chairs and contributes to multiple strategic government and national specialist groups with a focus on the social care workforce, digital transformation, new models of care and regulation. She has worked in the fields of care, housing and communities for more than 25 years and is recognised as a national expert in these areas. In addition to her role at NCF she is currently on the boards of a range of UK and international organisations. Vic said: “I am delighted to have received this huge honour. It is a privilege to work in a sector supporting millions of people to improve their quality of life and wellbeing. The last year has shone a light on the social care sector and how instrumental it is and the enormous impact it makes to people’s lives.”
Oakland Care CEO Joanne Balmer has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to social care during the pandemic. Joanne was given the commendation in recognition of her leadership of the operator’s six luxury care homes across the country during the turbulence brought on by Covid-19. She said: “I have worked in health and social care for more than 20 years, but still I never expected to receive such a special recognition. I accept the medal warmly in recognition for the efforts of my entire team at Oakland Care, who dedicate their heart and soul to fulfilling our mission every day.” The announcement comes as the provider opened the doors to Elmbrook Court in Wantage, having recently opened another state-of-the-art home in Enfield – Elsyng House.
Michelle Law, who works as a bursar at The Meadows care home in Didcot, has been awarded a British Empire Medalin this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours for her inspirational work during the Covid19 pandemic. Michelle, who works for The Orders of St John Care Trust, took on many extra roles such as housekeeper, chef, and family liaison during the initial wave when asymptomatic colleagues were at home in isolation. The mother of four, who lives in Grove, near Wantage, and has been featured in the National Care Forum’s ‘Caring in Covid’ book, was put forward for the award for services to care home residents far above and beyond her day-to-day role. Last March Michelle found herself working extra hours and weekends to cover the work of colleagues who were sent home because of Covid-19, to ensure the home ran smoothly and the 60-plus residents were well cared for.
Royal Star & Garter’s Solihull Home manager has been made an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Cheryl Harbourne received the award in recognition of her service to veterans during Covid19. The registered nurse, who has worked in social care since 2006, said she was “astounded” by the honour, and praised the staff who work with her at the Tudor Coppice home. In March and April last year she led 35 members of staff who volunteered for a two-week live-in at the Home, in a pre-emptive step to ensure all 60 residents stayed safe while infection rates soared in the local area. This was repeated with a further week later in the year. Along with her proactive approach to infection control management, this meant no residents or staff were affected by Covid-19 until November.
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Minister promises care crisis visit after Mike’s trip to Westminster A GOVERNMENT Minister has promised to visit care on the frontline following a visit by a campaigner battling to get the Government to tackle a crisis in the way we look after older and vulnerable people. Mike Padgham, chair of provider organisation the Independent Care Group, met Care Minister Helen Whately in Westminster over the challenges facing social care. And during the visit the Minister promised to visit Mike’s home county of North Yorkshire when her diary allowed. He said: “We didn’t expect all the solutions straight away and there are no quick fixes, we are going to have to keep up the pressure. But she has agreed to visit Yorkshire, when her diary allows, to see the challenges we face, which is positive. “She also listened to our concern that providers are facing a battle for survival against financial ruin following the pandemic. “Many, including those who took in discharged Covid-19 patients from hospitals, are now facing dire financial difficulties because their occupancy rates have not recovered and they have been battered by other soaring costs associated with Covid19, including higher staffing costs, extra PPE costs and high insurance premiums. “The Minister shared our passion for staff within social care to have a proper career path and we stressed
Care Minister Helen Whately with ICG chair Mike Padgham. that those workers needed to be care being merged so that only one rewarded properly for the job they do. body is responsible for cradle to the “She also listened to our plea for grave care.” care providers to be made low or In a document from the ICG, Mike zero-rated for VAT, again to alleviate set out a blueprint for reform. some of the financial pressures on It reminded the Minister that them during the current crisis. £8bn has been cut from social care “We were also able to discuss issues spending since 2010 with the result facing homecare providers and the that at least 1.5m people are now challenges faced by those who look living in this country without the care after people in their own home, a they need. central plank in the Government’s A shortage of staff means care care policy. settings are struggling to provide the “Looking further ahead we were care that they can offer – there are at able to share with her the urgency of least 120,000 vacancies in the care overall reform of the sector, which we sector on any one day. feel should include NHS and social As a starting point the ICG wants to
see: n A root and branch overhaul of the way social care is planned and funded. n NHS care and social care to be merged and managed either locally or nationally. n Extra funding for social care, funded by taxation or National Insurance. n Dementia treated like other high priority illnesses, like cancer and heart disease. n A fixed percentage of GDP to be spent on social care. n Social care businesses to be zerorated for VAT. “I am sure the Minister is aware of all the issues and we didn’t go into this meeting expecting any overnight transformations,” Mike added. “But I would describe the meeting as positive and constructive and I got the impression that the Minister cared, in particular about maintaining good quality care for the future. “This was just a start. We hope the Minister will come to visit Yorkshire and that we can keep up the dialogue. “In the 30+ years I have been working in social care, I probably found the Minister the most receptive of any I have previously met. “There is a long way to go before we have achieved the level of social care reform that the country needs and we must all keep up the pressure on the Government to move on this and to bring forward proposals soon.”
Residents deliver hampers to local ‘frontline heroes’
COMMUNITY-minded residents and staff at a Dorset care home have delivered hampers of goodies to frontline workers as a surprise thankyou for keeping us safe during the pandemic. Police officers, staff at doctors’ surgeries and teams at fellow nursing homes have all received pamper boxes and treats from representatives of Colten Care’s Poundbury home, Castle View. Residents there funded the initiative through an Easter raffle, building on a similar ‘Hearts of Kindness’ idea earlier in the year which saw hampers gifted to intensive care staff at Dorset County Hospital. Two Castle View residents, Kay Davis and Enid Deakin, helped bring deliveries to the Prince of Wales Surgery and the Poundbury Doctors Surgery respectively. As well as the baskets of goodies, they brought along handwritten cards from the home expressing thanks and appreciation. In response, Prince of Wales’ practice manager Sally Holland said: “This was such a kind thought from Castle View. I’m sure we will all enjoy the goodies. Our gratitude and good wishes go to all the residents and staff at the home.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Dr Robert Koppenhol at Poundbury Doctors, who said: “It was lovely to see care home residents going out and about and making such a welcome gesture.” Kay said: “We wanted to recognise all essential workers, including GPs and other surgery staff, for their continued commitment and dedication to the whole community during the pandemic.” Katja Williams, Castle View’s Companionship Team Leader, who accompanied Kay and Enid on the surgery deliveries, added: “Everywhere we have visited with our gift hamper surprises we have had sincere thanks from people. It’s no more than they deserve for all their hard work and resilience over the past year. “It has been so incredibly challenging for frontline heroes in all parts of the world trying to keep everyone safe. “Despite the pandemic restricting our usual community visits and fundraising for charities, residents still wanted to do their bit. As well as the gift hampers, we have used in-home events to continue to raise money for causes such as the Poundbury Community Group.”
Treats for Carers Week
STAFF and residents at Belmont House Care and Nursing Home in Stocksbridge celebrated Carers Week by thanking care staff with treats and chocolates. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. “Carers Week has been a wonderful opportunity to thank our staff and show them that we
appreciate everything they do,” said home manager Joanne Coldwell. This last year has been difficult for everyone. Our staff have had so much to cope with, so it’s important to take the opportunity to show our appreciation and let people know how much they are valued.” Country Court took the opportunity to thank its care teams and share messages of appreciation left by family and friends. Residents wrote thank you notes to care staff and handed out gifts of sweets and chocolates.
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Operator marks Carers Week by celebrating ‘exceptional’ Dennis BLUEBIRD Care Lincoln marked Carers Week by celebrating an exceptional member of the team, Dennis Atkinson. Carers Week is a yearly campaign that seeks to recognise the contribution carers make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year, with the focus of the week around ‘Making caring visible and valued’, one special team member at the homecare provider was recognised for his fantastic work over the years. Nina Vernon, assistant manager at Bluebird Care Lincoln, said: “Dennis has been a valued member of our team for seven years. “His work ethic and caring attitude are second to none. He is always willing to go the extra mile for customers. He is a true inspiration to all of the team.” For Dennis it was a life-changing illness that drove him to embark on a journey to becoming a Bluebird Care carer. For seven years he has been committed to delivering exceptional care; devoting himself to making a difference to the lives of the customers he cares for. Dennis believes firmly that a customer should be looked after in the comfort of their own home, in surroundings they are most at ease with. Whether it be a complex medical
Residents Lia Thomas, Tracey Wilde, Stephen Roberts, Josh Ebbutt and Tony Ithell with head gardener Andrew Jones.
Dennis Atkinson need or simple companionship, he has made a positive difference to many of Bluebird Care Lincoln’s customers’ lives. Dennis believes the key to his successes lie in the good working relationships he has with his customers. “Once you see the difference you make in someone’s life, the job becomes a highly rewarding one,” he said. Over his seven years of service so far, Dennis speaks most highly of a rehabilitation process involving a customer with a broken back: “I saw the very start of the referral to the present day. From not knowing if a full recovery was possible, I’ve seen their independence return, including being able to drive their own modified van.”
Salad days for greenfingered residents GREEN fingered care home residents at a Wrexham care home are growing their own fruit and veg. Residents at Pendine Park’s Penybryn and Bryn Bella homes have formed their own gardening club and are hoping for a bumper crop despite the wash out of the May weather. The project is being led by horticultural expert Andrew Jones who has been helping them cultivate a delicious array of summer salad ingredients so they can enjoy the fruits of their labour. Andrew is head gardener with Pendine Park which has seven care homes in Wrexham and another, Bryn Seiont Newydd, in Caernarfon. He enjoys overseeing the gardening club and is delighted to be running it again after its activities had to be suspended due to the lockdown restrictions of the pandemic. Andrew said: “Not only are the grounds a pleasure to work on but I do enjoy the chance to chat with the residents and get their take on the gardens, discover what they like and
don’t like about raising plants and growing in general. “I have even learned one or two cultivation tips from them as well as the other way round! It’s been a real pleasure for me leading our little gardening club over the years. I am glad it is back.” Pendine Park artist in residence Sarah Edwards said residents had missed the club which is often combined with arts and crafts classes. She said: “As well as planting young tomatoes into bigger pots, our residents have also been painting plant pots in an array of colourful patterns and colours to make them more vibrant. “Despite this year’s unpredictable weather it is great to have the gardening club up and running again albeit with social distancing restrictions still in place and protective masks on. “The chance to get outside a little and back in touch with the world of nature is uplifting for us all.”
Lions gift musical DVD RESIDENTS of Barnes Lodge Care Home received a musical gift from the Tonbridge Lions Club. They were gifted a copy of the Lions Club’s new DVD ‘Musical Moments’, which features the Lions Singers performing virtual renditions of popular songs, individual performances from the Lions archives, and recordings of the Cannon School of Irish Dancing. General manager Nicky Pett said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to the Tonbridge Lions Club for their
kind gesture in gifting us the DVD. “Our residents love music and we are sure they will really enjoy watching the performances.” Executive producer of the ‘Musical Moments’ recording, 1st Vice President Lion Richard Hill, visited the residents to present them with a copy. Tonbridge Lions created the DVD recording ‘Musical Moments’ to help compensate for the cancellation of the annual Lions senior single citizens’ party.
Constantly changing technology can baffle the best of us, and keen photographer Graham Holloway had been doing less and less since his diagnosis of dementia. Graham is a member of Alzheimer’s Support’s Old Silk Works day club in Warminster, where he was supported to get back to his favourite hobby by head of day care Grant Newton, himself a keen amateur photographer. The pair chatted about their shared love of photography and compared cameras and lenses. Before long, a portrait project was being planned for the club members, staff and volunteers. On the appointed day everyone took turns to pose and the resulting portraits have drawn great praise from his sitters and their families.
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