Caring Weekly February 14

Issue 174 14.02.24

The weekly online newsletter for the care sector

Call for u-turn on care group funding cut A BODY that works with City added: “It seems that, at a of York Council to ensure that stroke, the council is willing to the care needs of its oldest and rip up this agreement, without most vulnerable residents are any form of consultation. being met is to have its funding “It is bound to damage the cut by the authority. relationship we have with the After weeks of uncertainty, council and set back the many the council has confirmed that years of progress we have made it plans to cut all the funding in improving the delivery of it provides to the care provider care in the York area. organisation, the Independent “It is not too late however, Care Group. and though at the moment it The ICG is to hold talks with seems to be a fait accompli, we Valentine’s Day is being celebrated by all residents at Royal Star & Garter. The charity geared up for the Councillor Jo Coles, executive would urge councillors to think big day by decorating its three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. The charity is proud to member for health, wellbeing again and reinstate this vital be able to care for couples, enabling them to stay together even when they have to leave their martial and adult social care, and is support and restore the vital home. Among the married couples celebrating in High Wycombe are Roy, a Navy veteran, and his wife seeking a meeting with York link between care providers, Patricia (pictured above). The couple are childhood sweethearts, who married in 1966. Also at the Home MP Rachael Maskell. the authority and the people is Army veteran Neil and his wife Betty. They married in 1969 after meeting at a judo class. Staff will ICG chief executive John who benefit most from this, the serve up romantic meals for the couples, and arrange for small gifts to be exchanged between the Pattinson said: “We are very residents who need care. pairs. To ensure that all residents feel loved and included at Royal Star & Garter, the Homes are putting disappointed that the Council “Instead of taking such a on special activities for Valentine’s Day. Residents are making cards during arts and crafts sessions, has decided to cut the funding backward step, at this time of and heart-shaped biscuits in cookery activities. it gives to the ICG without crisis in the care of vulnerable any warning or consultation, people, we should be working instantly altering the more closely together rather relationship we and the council than less.” have built up over more than The ICG’s agreement with STEETON Court has been nominated for resident built up a new library of photos, 20 years. We would urge the council says the ICG will the 2024 Yorkshire Choice Awards. with the team submitting each one to local councillors to rethink as we are be a liaison point between The nursing home was nominated for papers to be published once again. certain this will have a direct the council and other the ‘Community Arts Award’ for its work Steeton Court is also home to several impact on the care provided organisations to “discuss and supporting residents in their artistic passionate artists, who meet several times to some of the city’s oldest and disseminate matters of mutual interests. a week to paint, colour, sketch and draw. most vulnerable.” interest such as ongoing Last year a resident revealed their Home manager Alison Grice said: “I’m The ICG has an agreement training, service development passion for photography, having incredibly proud to hear that Steeton with City of York Council and innovation.” previously had their images published in Court has been nominated for this award. setting out how the two would It also sets out that the ICG local papers.

Art is a great way for residents to look work in partnership over will “work with the City of After discovering this, the team hosted a after their mental health and is known to care provision for older and York and the independent care photography tour on the home minibus, provide pleasure and reduce anxiety for vulnerable adults in the area sector to promote consistency visiting museums, railways, the Lancashire those living with dementia.” and on issues like improving of approach, best practice countryside and the Yorkshire Dales to The Yorkshire Choice Award finalists and care, training and tackling any and ongoing workforce and take photos. winners will be announced on June 7 at a problems. professional development Over 15/12/2023 the course 16:08 of several the prestigious gala dinner in Leeds.

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Research praises housing specialist for innovation A HOUSING specialist has been recognised in a national research project for its technology advances in Scotland’s social care sector.

Blackwood Homes and Care has been praised as a leader in adopting new social care technologies, according to a major report published

by Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute.

The research project examined fresh-thinking and technology adoption across Scotland’s housing, health and social care sectors with the aim of better understanding the potential for innovation clusters, the role of public investment and capacity for innovation in the key sectors.

Despite the research reenforcing sector-wide challenges, Edinburghbased Blackwood and its bespoke tech solutions were included as a case study of what is possible within techenabled care, despite the challenges faced by the sector.

Simon Fitzpatrick, chief executive at Blackwood, said: “We are constantly striving to find new ways to improve the lives of the people we support.

Receiving recognition and awareness for it always motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and leading the way.

“The research study by the Fraser of Allander Institute is an extremely valuable piece of work for the sector that we’re thrilled to be positively featured in. It’s very rewarding to be recognised.”

One tech solution mentioned in the report is Blackwood’s CleverCogs

technology, a specially designed tablet-based system, which has delivered measurable improvements in quality of life and efficiencies in service delivery, despite major budgetary constraints.

Many Blackwood properties feature its CleverCogs technology which is personalised and links users to care and health services, home automation, local information, entertainment and video access to family and friends.

The CleverCogs digital system lets users customise it to suit their life.

Emma Congreve, deputy director at the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, added: “We were asked by the Scottish Government to analyse the current social care innovation landscape and the potential for further development of tech solutions for those who draw on care.

“Blackwood homes provided an example of an organisation that has

been able to take forward significant technological innovations. As our report stated, based on our research with others in the sector, this was an exception rather than the rule.”

The report, which was released late last year, also noted Blackwood’s strategy of close collaboration with residents and technology partners to develop solutions tailored to their needs – noting the crucial role of innovation-focused leadership in driving progress and cultural change.

Blackwood is now renowned as Scotland’s most tech-focused housing specialist, deploying cutting-edge technology to help its customers to live independently. With 600 staff across Scotland, the charity’s headquarters are in Edinburgh.

Simon added: “Making change is a team effort of course, so it’s fantastic to see our co-design approaches with customers and partners held up as an example model.

“The report does an excellent job of

highlighting the hurdles the housing and care sector is having to jump in Scotland at the moment and it can be difficult to continue to innovate new forms of tech-enabled care while combatting challenges like funding or labour shortages.

“Despite that, it only gives us more fuel to continue that fresh thinking to allow people to live as independently as possible.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we owe it to them to explore every opportunity that technology offers to enhance the quality of their lives.

“It’s rewarding that Blackwood is setting the standard in that.”

As Scotland’s most tech-focused housing provider, its Blackwood House design guide – developed in partnership with architects Lewis and Hickey – is the gold standard for accessible housing.

Over the next five years Blackwood aims to build 400 such homes, that can adapt to tenants’ future needs.

Each can be adapted to include a host of benefits such as lift access, remotely controlled automated functions, and digital care and housing systems.

The housing specialist puts customers at the heart of everything it does, and their satisfaction is critical to Blackwood’s success.

As a modern, supportive employer it also provides individuals with pathways towards achieving long and rewarding careers in roles that make a positive difference.

H’Angus sparks match-day memories for Bernie H’ANGUS the Hartlepool United mascot kicked-off a glut of memories for former footballer Bernard “Bernie” Bell during a visit to his care home.

The cheeky monkey was at Queens Meadow in Hartlepool, to celebrate National Hug Day with the elderly residents.

For Bernie, seeing H’Angus was a reminder of his playing days, when he was at clubs including Hartlepool United, Aston Villa, Billingham Synthonia and Shrewsbury Town.

The 87-year-old started playing as a youngster before joining the Durham County youth team in the early 1950s, where he was the right-back and captain.

He then joined Hartlepool United Juniors, playing full-back, halfback and centre-half according to newspaper reports from the time.

In April 1955, 18-year-old Bernie was playing for Railway Athletic when Aston Villa took an interest and offered him a trial. Following a second trial a month later, Bernie signed as an amateur player for the Birmingham-based club.

By February 1956, Bernie was on loan at Billingham Synthonia, where he was making a name for himself playing along the right wing.

A newspaper report from 18th February that year said: “Billingham Synthonia’s 19-year-old right back

Queens Meadow resident and former footballer Bernard “Bernie” Bell with Hartlepool United mascot H’Angus.

Bernard Bell has come to the notice of Middlesbrough scouts and tentative inquiries have been made about his future.

“Bernard, who lives in West Hartlepool, is however on the books of Aston Villa as an amateur and is not interested in a footballing career until he has finished his apprenticeship.

“He is quite happy with Billingham and would not contemplate becoming a professional footballer without a trade to fall back on.”

A report from December of the

same season said: “Billingham’s tall, strong right back, Bernard Bell, who also hails from West Hartlepool, has been another factor in the “Synners” recent successes.

“An accomplished footballer, Bell tackles his man at the opportune moment, anticipates the moves of his fellow defenders and seldom wastes the ball in clearing. He has been closely watched by more than one League club.”

By 1959, Bernie had moved to Shrewsbury Town FC, where he remained for two seasons.

A letter from the club secretary to prospective football scouts said: “Bernard Bell played for our Club for two seasons whilst stationed in the RAF during seasons 1959-60 and 1960-61.

“He is an excellent type of club player, loyal and hard working. He made many appearances in our Football Combination side and we always felt that if he had been a full time player he would have been able to make football league grade.

“As a centre half or full back he was a good tackler, strong in the air and used the ball well. His fitness and stamina were 100 per cent and he is well built and has plenty of courage and spirit. He could be an excellent acquisition for a third or fourth division league club.

“Mr Arthur Rowley, our player-

manager held him in high regard and seconds this recommendation.”

Bernie, who has lived at Queens Meadow since November 2022, brought out his newspaper clippings following the recent visit from H’Angus.

He said: “I have always loved football. It started at a young age where we played football in our back streets. If it wasn’t raining I’d be out there again now.”

Fellow residents at the care home also enjoyed the visit from the ‘Pools mascot.

Shauna Whelan, activities coordinator at Queens Meadow, added: “Residents laughed when they saw a monkey in a football shirt, especially when he nicked a cup of tea from the trolley.

“Some of the ladies are partially sighted so couldn’t see H’Angus but they loved the feel of his fur.

“For Bernie, the visit was extra special, as it brought back a lot of memories of his playing days. He got out his old newspaper clippings and we discussed how he could have turned professional.

“When the weather warms up a bit we are going to take residents to a Hartlepool United game. The club donated a pair of tickets to our Christmas raffle and I was lucky to win them. I’m sure it will be a great afternoon’s outing.”

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CARINGWEEKLY

John enjoys his first Middlesbrough FC match in 40 years

Healthcare assistant and artist Angela Thorn with the landscape scene painted by residents at Colten Care’s Fernhill dementia care home under her guidance.

Carer Angela’s artful approach inspires dementia residents A CARER at a dedicated dementia care home in Dorset has turned her flair for art into an inclusive painting project that enables residents to collaborate and express themselves.

Angela Thorn, a healthcare assistant at Colten Care’s Fernhill, has engaged nine residents on what she expects will be just the first in a series of creative works.

Starting with a blank canvas and using brushes, sponges and acrylic paint, Angela led the group through the production of a giant landscape scene featuring a woodland walk, river and mountains.

The so-far untitled work, completed in four sessions, extends to more than a metre wide and is now on display at the home.

Angela said: “We started with the canvas flat on a table and we had four people working on it at the same time.

“I brought in some leaves and pieces of bark so the residents could see and touch them and have a sense of being outdoors.

“I initiated a background wash and then we built up the layers of paint, the contrasts in the sky and on the ground, the perspective and the shapes of features.

“I showed them various techniques in how to paint bark and leaves with sponges.

“It was lovely to step back and watch them begin to dab on their first touches of paint and take it from there in the directions they wanted.

“I gave them the freedom to be involved and to do what they wanted.

“It was like an ongoing story, created in the moment and with no constraints.

“I was expecting to have to get over some initial resistance but they got into it very quickly and really did enjoy it. It was entertaining and spontaneous.

“One lady who I knew likes art brought her own brushes and easel to mix the paint and she was in her element.”

Angela has been a healthcare assistant at Colten Care for just over a year and said she has always been interested in the activities side of care.

She previously worked as a flower arranger and later as a window dresser at the Bournemouth department store Beales.

“That taught me to think quickly as I gained my skills in the job,” she said.

“Part of being creative is working out how to get round situations and solve problems.

“I knew that I would have to guide it all very carefully when I had so many people painting together on one canvas at the same time but when they were all together, they were very relaxed and at ease.

“It was also lovely to hear from the residents themselves what holds them back from being creative and, on the other hand, what prompts them to have a go.”

Residents have also taken part in a recent programme of therapeutic art classes held at the home by visiting professional artist Johanna KennedyWall.

A former member of the Women’s Royal Airforce or Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as it was known at the time, has just celebrated her 101st birthday at Minchenden Lodge in Southgate, North London.

Pamela Dyson was born just over four years after World War One came to an end. And at the age of 20 she joined the WAAF as a clerk during the Second World War. Fast forward to 2024, and with plenty of stories to tell, Pamela has reached another milestone birthday at the Southgate care home, and staff at Minchenden Lodge ensured the 101-year-old had a celebration to remember. Pamela was treated to a cake and balloons on her special day and was given flowers and cards from family and friends.

AYRESOME Park was the last place 88-year-old Middlesbrough FC fan John Hobday saw his favourite team play – until one of his carers got lucky on a raffle.

The resident of The Beeches Care Home in Stockton-on-Tees hasn’t seen his team live and in person since the 1980s.

He started attending games during the 1960s with his friends, when they would sometimes sneak into the ground because they couldn’t afford tickets.

More than 40 years since his last game, John received a pair of tickets from care home assistant practitioner Simone Weighell, who had won them in a raffle.

Having heard John had never seen The Boro at the Riverside, Simone wanted to treat him to a match, which he attended with activities coordinator Thomas Knight.

John donned his Middlesbrough FC home shirt for the occasion, having received one from an anonymous gift-giver to the local Dunelm store’s Christmas Wish List campaign.

On the day of the match, Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town, John was “excited from the moment we left”, according to Thomas.

He said: “Once we arrived, John was amazed by the size of the stadium. Outside the ground he was talking to the away fans and they were exchanging predictions of the upcoming game. They were really friendly but John was certain to remind them of how Middlesbrough were going to win.”

After entering the stadium for kick-off, John added: “This is a big difference to Ayresome Park.” Inside he met former Boro player and now commentator Neil Maddison, who talked to John about the upcoming match.

Unfortunately, the score ended 2-0 to Ipswich. John said: “I’ve had an amazing day, but I could have run more than some of the players today.

Next time I’ll bring my boots with me.”

On returning to The Beeches, John recalled his favourite football memory: “When England beat Germany in the World Cup final in 1966”.

Thomas added: “It was a really nice day out for John, despite the cold. He says he’d love to get a season ticket for next season, so hopefully he’ll be able to go to another Boro match very soon.”

Resident reunited with her horse A WOMAN living in a Farringdon care home who had to give up caring for her horse due to dementia was reunited with her four-legged friend after many years.

Kathleen Barrass, 73, lives at Archers Court near Sunderland, which is part of the Orchard Care Homes group.

She has been a horse lover all her life, having owned and ridden seven of them. However Kathleen’s dementia diagnosis meant she had to give up caring for Rosie, a Cob. The team at Archers Court never forgot about Kathy’s dream to see Rosie again. They found out where Rosie is now being looked after, and recently surprised Kathy with a visit to see her old friend.

Home administrator Amy McMahon said: “Kathleen has spoken about her horse ever since she moved into Archers Court and has always said that she remembers where the horse is and she was right – she was able to direct us right to where Rosie was located.”

Now Kathleen enjoys regular visits to see Rosie and the other horses being cared for at Haverley House Farm in Seaham.

Kathleen was not the only one who benefited from the visit to see Rosie.

Fellow Archer’s Court resident Peter Jefferson, who also cared for horses prior to the onset of dementia, also met Rosie and the other horses at Haverley House.

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CARINGWEEKLY

Birthday tribute for nurse Paula STAFF and residents of Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater were keen to use the occasion of her 60th birthday to let nurse Paula Wagemans know just how much they appreciate her, with a special tribute and merry celebrations to mark the day.

Paula, who is one of the clinical lead nurses at Avalon, has worked at the home since 2016.

She said: “I never expected to find myself working in dementia care, but I was motivated to make the move because my Mum had dementia and our family had a really disappointing time trying to find her the care she deserved.

“It made me realise how badly the sector needs people who are genuinely passionate about ensuring that people in Mum’s position can have the right care.

“I’d spent the previous 25 years as a sister on the neo-natal unit at Musgrove Hospital so working at Avalon was quite a contrast, but I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every day since I’ve been here.

“I love the residents, their families and my colleagues, no two days are the same, and it’s so satisfying to work somewhere you know your input really makes a difference to people’s lives.”

Tamsin Forde, Avalon’s manager, added: “Paula is like the mum of our home. She’s a real social butterfly and

Pamela McCane-Whitney with Anita Astle MBE.

Carer and former teacher reunited at nursing home Paula Wagemans gets involved with everything.

“On her 60th birthday we wanted to show her how much we love and value her.”

According to Tamsin, Paula gets involved with every aspect of life at Avalon, which means that alongside her clinical expertise, she has a deep understanding of what makes their residents tick and how to help them live their best lives.

Paula is also Avalon’s end-of-life champion and is responsible for advance care planning and family involvement.

Emrys Owen

Healthcare worker retires after 41 years at veterans’ charity ROYAL Star & Garter’s longest serving member of staff has retired.

Lead healthcare assistant Emrys Owen recently bid farewell to the charity and residents at its Surbiton Home, 41 years after starting work.

The 65-year-old enjoyed a farewell party, with cake and live music entertainment.

Emrys joined in 1982, when the charity was based in Richmond, and has been at the Surbiton Home since it opened in 2013.

In 2021 he was awarded a British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II for services to veterans during Covid-19. He later described this as “the proudest moment of my working life.”

At his retirement party, Emrys was given a round of applause by residents.

He said: “It seems such a long time ago since I first started, but it’s been a

wonderful and enjoyable life. I’ll miss the residents and their camaraderie and friendship.

“I’ll miss the people I work with, it’s like working in a family. And I’m grateful for everything the charity has done for me.

“The opportunities I’ve had to learn and develop over the years have been exceptional.

“It’s been a good place for me, and I shall miss getting up to come to work. Being at Royal Star & Garter was where I needed to be, it was my vocation.”

Following the tea party, band Side

by Side performed for residents, and dedicated their first song to Emrys.

Home manager Helena Maher added: “I know Emrys will be greatly missed by staff as well as residents. We were lucky to have had him with us for so long, and we all wish him a very happy retirement.”

A RETIRED teacher at a specialist dementia nursing home in Nottinghamshire is now receiving care from a former pupil — sharing memories of the student’s mischievous nature.

Pamela McCane-Whitney, 87, a resident at Wren Hall, taught at Waverley House PNEU School in Nottingham, where owner and manager of the home, Anita Astle MBE, once attended with her siblings.

Born in Walthamstow, London, Pam, as she’s affectionately known, qualified as a teacher from Whiteland College Putney in 1956.

She said: “I loved teaching primary school children and making costumes for their plays. My favourite part of the job was the children, I loved them and they loved me.”

Despite working in education for the majority of her life, Pam always dreamed of becoming a doctor but thought the course to study medicine was too long.

Outside of her career, she was presented with an MBE by the late Queen for her efforts towards fundraising for cancer research.

Anita recalled her former teacher driving her and her siblings to school, which has since closed, in a ‘huge Volvo estate car’ alongside her three children, who she shared with her husband, Dr John Anthony McCaneWhitney.

Now, in the spirit of giving back, Anita extends the same care and kindness she received in her youth to Pam. She added: “It was a few days after Mrs McCane-Whitney’s admission that I managed to have a proper catch up with her, but by then she had told all the staff that she had been a teacher at my school and that I used to be naughty.

“Meeting her again transported me straight back to being an 11-year-old at school, so I can’t call her Pam, it just doesn’t feel right. Now I support her with medication and personal care needs, supporting her the way she supported me all those years ago.

“I think there’s something really special in being able to give back like that, and we’re delighted to have Mrs McCane-Whitney be a part of our community.”

Operator launches Colleague Awards BRUNELCARE has officially opened nominations for its’ annual Colleague Awards, which celebrate amazing teams or individuals across the charity.

The Brunelcare Colleague Awards started in 2020 in a bid to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of the teams across the operator during the pandemic, alongside their dedication and commitment to care during this time.

Four years on, they are open once again for colleagues to nominate one another for the five awards up for grabs.

Brian Whittaker, Brunelcare’s director of human resources and organisational development, said: “The awards are a great way to celebrate our colleagues’ hard work and passion and recognise some brilliant longstanding Brunelcare colleagues too. It’s always a fantastic day which everyone enjoys, and is a pleasure to be a part of.”

Brunelcare, a charity founded during the Blitz in 1941, employs more than 1,100 people across multiple different

areas and services. From home care to extra care housing to IT and support and nursing, the charity has a plethora of colleagues all making a huge difference within their service areas.

The five award categories are: Going Above and Beyond Award, Best Team Impact Award, Leadership Award, Best Customer Service Award and the Joy White Cup, a trophy that is awarded to a Brunelcare colleague who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and passion for what they do, and embodies the company’s core values, specifically ‘kindness’. The operator will also be recognising colleagues who have worked at the charity for between 10 and 40 years.

After the awards nominations close in mid-February, three finalists are shortlisted for each award and invited to the ceremony.

The awards ceremony, which will be held on April 23 at a prestigious location in Bristol, will then reveal the winner of each award, alongside those who are celebrating key employment milestones.

Caring UK, the UK’s number one magazine for the care sector, now has a new website.

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