Caring Weekly March 27

Care boss blasts authorities over new fee levels

A CARE home operator has called out local authorities across Scotland, accusing them of ‘blatant hypocrisy and double standards’, after documents have revealed that some local authorities are paid TWICE as much as their independent and voluntary sector counterparts for providing the same service.

Documents unveiled by Robert Kilgour, chairman of Renaissance Care, reveal that Edinburgh City Council has just proposed an average fee increase of 15.66 per cent for its own care homes, while the independent and third sector providers were recently given ‘a take it or leave it’ offer of 6.76 per cent for nursing care and 8.3 per cent for residential care.

From April, independent and voluntary sector care home providers across Scotland will be paid £948 a week for nursing care and £825 a week for residential care. However, some local authorities will pay themselves up to £1,815 a week for residential care and up to £1,716 a week for nursing care.

These plans have been blasted as ‘grossly unfair’ by care home bosses.

Robert said: “We recently agreed the fee settlement for the next year with Scottish local authorities when we had a gun put to our head. I know from speaking to numerous other operators that they felt that they were simply unable to fight for six months for a better deal as many of them would have gone under due to cost pressures.

“The new fees were offered to us

as a ‘fait accompli’ and do not come even close to funding care homes across Scotland that have been faced with an enormous increase in operating costs from dealing with the pandemic, the rising energy charges and the cost of living crisis.

“Edinburgh City Council’s approach is being replicated by local authorities all across the country. It is imperative that local authorities do not use care home fee underpayment as a cash cow to fix their own fiscal issues. Rather, what we need is local authorities to value the work of care providers and, just as importantly, value our residents by investing properly in high-quality care. How can it be fair that there is such a yawning funding gap between the two sectors? We must have a level playing field on fee levels.”

The independent and voluntary sector account for around 85 per cent of the Scottish care home sector with local council care homes representing about 11.5 per cent and NHS Scotland the remaining 3.5 per cent.

Robert added: “The documents show there is an unbelievable degree of double standards which needs to be addressed.

“This is a clear attempt from local authorities to claw back money at the expense of our amazing and hard-working staff, who are caring round the clock for all our vulnerable elderly – they deserve better. It is a grossly unfair settlement, when all care operators want is to be treated fairly and for our critical work to be valued.”

Residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court in Braintree have enjoyed a visit to the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Keen to support their residents’ interests, encourage reminiscence and help them to get out and about, activities coordinator Sophie George and five staff members accompanied several residents on the Home’s minibus on the journey to the museum. She said: “Our residents and staff had a fascinating time visiting the Imperial War Museum Duxford. “Some of our residents have a real interest in planes and wartime events, and it was very special to hear about their knowledge and experiences. Trips like these really support our residents’ health and wellbeing, helping them to form new memories as well as recall old ones.” During the visit residents were able to go to three hangars that featured various aircrafts; there were even mechanics working on planes for future displays and residents were able to ask technical questions.

Valerie continues to play piano

AN 89-year-old resident at Minchenden Lodge in Southgate, North London, has been keeping her passion for music alive by regularly playing the piano for others at the residential care home.

Valerie Ash, who was born in Cardiff in 1934, started playing piano at the age of six and has always had a love for music. She studied singing at the Welsh National College of Music at Cardiff Castle, has been a member of four local operatic societies, and played the piano for local pantomimes where she claimed the nickname ‘Auntie Val’.

The musical performer has also played in residential care homes in her time, including Minchenden Lodge,

where she is now a resident.

Determined to keep showcasing her talent, Valerie, who will turn 90 in the near future, often entertains residents and staff at the AgeCare operated care home with her piano playing.

Home manager Rahima Mulindwa said: “Valerie’s love for music has remained a constant in her life and it’s always lovely to see her play. It’s also great to see how much she enjoys the musical activities we arrange here.”

Valerie was married to Geoff for 57 years after meeting her husband-to-be on a girl’s holiday to Butlins. They had two children and three grandchildren.

The musical resident moved into Minchenden Lodge in June 2023.

The social impact of Creating Connections

REDUCING social isolation among people over 65 was the focus of a presentation by care charity Guild Care held at Worthing Town Hall.

Invited guests included the Mayor of Worthing Councillor Jon Roser, Tim Loughton MP, along with other local dignitaries, councillors, and representatives of organisations involved in health and social care.

Guild Care’s CEO Alex BrooksJohnson presented the charity’s Social Impact Report.

He highlighted the scale of social isolation among older people and the impact it has on health, well-being and society – and how the situation can be recovered through working collaboratively.

Alex said: “The impact of social isolation is far-reaching and it’s something we, as a community, simply cannot ignore.

“Older people who are lonely are twice as likely to visit a GP and 300 per cent more likely to develop depression.

“Lacking social connections has even been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day through an increased likelihood of diabetes, strokes, and heart disease.

“So, in 2021, we set out to reduce social isolation among older people in Worthing by introducing the Creating Connections service.

“Our Creating Connections team now bring together people over 65 to connect with new friends while enjoying a variety of free, face-to-face activities throughout the week.

“Demand has been exponential with more and more people reaching out

to us every week.”

The audience were then shown a video featuring John Kirsten, who’s life changed dramatically after his wife died then the Covid lockdown left him isolated.

He explained how Creating Connections has transformed his life. John’s made new friends and together they enjoy singing for fun and ping pong, and he now volunteers to help with sessions.

Creative Connections activities range from arts and crafts, bingo, singing, gentle exercise sessions, a quiz and ping pong. Most activities are free, so they are accessible for all, thanks to public funding and private donations.

Alex added: “For every £1 spent the social return on investment is over £5.96.

“By helping to prevent people needing hospital beds, the more we can increase health and wellbeing, the more impact we should see on the social care system.

“I’m delighted that 83 per cent of people told us they feel less lonely since joining Creating Connections, but we need to help many more people facing social isolation. That means we need larger venues, more funding, and more volunteers to drive the minibuses and help run the sessions.

“We’re calling for a collective commitment from some of the incredible organisations in Worthing to work collaboratively with us at Guild Care to end social isolation and make Worthing the best place to grow old in the UK.”

Operator invests heavily in green technologies

BARCHESTER Healthcare has continued its ongoing commitment to move towards greener technologies for its homes with an extensive investment programme.

Last year the operator upgraded 13 plantrooms, installed energy-efficient LED lighting in 56 homes and 3,672 solar panels at 18 homes with a total investment of £1.9m.

Working with its chosen solar panel supplier, EES Group, Barchester’s solar installation programme generated enough energy for 22 million cups of tea and offset the equivalent in carbon dioxide emissions as planting 23,398 trees.

This year’s plans are just as

Event discusses latest dementia developments

HEALTHCARE professionals joined non-clinical colleagues to discuss the latest developments in dementia services at a conference in Bournemouth organised by a care home provider.

Colten Care’s academy event, Connecting Through Dementia 2024, brought together 80 attendees for a day of presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops.

The main theme, reflected across the agenda, was the importance of ‘connecting physically, emotionally and spontaneously with people who live with dementia so that they feel valued, cared for and loved’.

The conference, at the Fusion Building on Bournemouth University’s Wallisdown campus, attracted nurses, carers, specialists in dementia therapies, and colleagues such as training managers, chefs and care companions who work alongside clinical teams.

“It was about how we all connect with those living with dementia and their families,” said organiser and Colten Care operations manager Peter Doyle.

“We focused on what outstanding clinical care and the wider mix of care services should look like in the context of enabling people to live well with dementia.

“My aim for the day was for everyone to have one key takeaway to help them grow in knowledge, understanding and insight and for them to connect with one another to develop in this area.”

Among practical sessions geared to appeal to different learning styles was

a workshop on design ideas and the modelling of features in a dementia community.

A key highlight of the day was a question-and-answer session with presenters Peter Berry and Deb Bunt, co-authors of a book charting a year in Peter’s life after he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia aged 50.

The Suffolk-based pair discussed valuable insights from their book ‘Slow Puncture: Living Well With Dementia’ and how they have celebrated what you can achieve with dementia rather than feeling limited by how it can impact day-to-day life.

One example was a successful 350mile cycling challenge through four counties, which involved Peter often leading the way on a penny-farthing.

Experts who spoke included Kay Gibson, Colten Care’s Admiral Nurse, who has evolved a company-wide dementia care strategy since her appointment in 2016.

Also giving presentations on the latest thinking around dementia care were Rachel Johnstone, Dementia UK business development officer, and Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s music and arts partner.

The conference ended with an expert panel discussion chaired by Dr Chloe Bradwell, postdoctoral researcher in the Centre for Dementia Research at Leeds Beckett University.

Among the panel members were Helen Hyde, a relative of a Colten Care resident, and Anne Ward Ongley of the dementia carers’ charity TIDE, Together in Dementia Everyday.

Colten Care chief operating officer Elaine Farrer was also on the panel and gave the closing address.

ambitious, with solar panel installations currently scheduled for 37 homes at a cost of £2.2m.

Joe Rippon, energy and environment manager for Barchester, said: “It’s exciting to see all of the changes taking effect in our homes and the massive benefits to our energy efficiency each change brings.

“This year we are rolling out an estimated 4,767 solar panels across the estate which will help us to offset the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions as planting more than 17,000 trees. It feels good to know we are helping the planet as well as creating comfortable, homely environments for our residents.”

A North Sea dip saw three Peterlee care home workers raise almost £1,000 for elderly residents. Andrea Ramshaw, Hayley Cudlip and Michelle Walton, who work at Bannatyne Lodge, all took a cold plunge off the Seaton Carew coast for the fundraiser. Fellow staff, family members and friends all donated to see the ladies brave the 5°C water, with beach visitors stopping to watch the spectacle. Home manager Julie Armstrong said: “I’m so proud of these team members. Braving the North Sea for the residents was amazing. So far, the trio have raised almost £1,000, which will be used to fund outings in the summer and to revamp the existing garden furniture, so that residents can really enjoy being in the gardens when it gets warmer. The trio were unanimously voted as the home’s Stars of the Month for truly going the extra mile for all of the residents.”

Solar panel installation at Barchester’s Collingtree Park care home in Northampton.

Couple “still devoted to each other” after 65 years of marriage

A DEVOTED Gwynedd couple have celebrated their blue sapphire wedding anniversary, chalking up a remarkable 65 years together as man and wife.

Eric and Mair Jones spent their special anniversary reminiscing about their wedding day and the happy years they’ve shared together, looking through photographs, enjoying chocolates, receiving flowers and opening cards.

There was a special afternoon tea with a centre-piece celebratory cake and attended by family and friends at Pendine Park’s Bryn Seiont Newydd care home on the outskirts of Caernarfon where they have lived for a number of years.

Mair said: “It was a special day being able to celebrate together with our family. I can’t thank the Bryn Seiont Newydd team enough for their efforts in helping us mark our 65 years together.”

The couple first got together after Eric, 87, met Mair, 85, while working on the construction of some new houses in Abersoch in the late-1950s.

“I was living in one of the nearby houses and Eric spotted me while working on the roof of the new properties and he saw me.” Mair added. “I was working in the St Tudwal’s Hotel at the time and we both worked long hours and Eric lived in Rhiw ,but we got chatting and it led to us getting together and we got married.”

The couple tied the knot at Abersoch’s Capel y Graig on March 7, 1959, and 65 years on from their wedding day, Eric and Mair are still going strong.

A newspaper clipping kept in the family Bible notes they were married by the Rev Idan Williams. Mair’s bridesmaid was her sister Beti and the best man was Eric’s brother Gareth.

The article adds the bride and groom were presented with two silver horseshoes on their way from the chapel by two nieces, Myfanwy Wynn and Elizabeth Ann.

Eric and Mair spent their honeymoon in London after a

Teen inspires 81mile charity hike

INSPIRED by a 13-year-old diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, a Bo’ness resident will take on an 81-mile hike to raise funds and awareness for a Scottish charity.

Proving age is just a number, David Levin, who lives at Bield Housing and Care’s Dean Court development, will attempt to walk 81 miles to raise vital funds for Calum’s Cabin.

Chiara Fox is the granddaughter of David’s golfing buddy Harry Petersen and was diagnosed with a rare life-limiting condition as a baby. David hopes that taking part in this challenge will help raise awareness for both the support Calum’s Cabin provides as well as Chiara’s condition.

David will set off from Bo’ness on his 81st birthday and will endeavour to complete the challenge over 10 days with the support of Bield staff and tenants, local communities, and Chiara’s family. Scottish football hero, now GP, Kenny Deuchar also known as Dr Goals, will also join David along the route.

reception was held in the Vaynol Hotel in Abersoch for 40 members of family and friends.

Mair said it was her first visit to the city although Eric had been on a previous occasion. She said during their visit they saw a West End musical show.

The couple returned to Abersoch and Eric continued working as a builder and plasterer.

He also became a retained fire fighter based at the seaside village’s fire station. Eric said he served for more than 20 years attending numerous blazes and other incidents before retiring.

Eric and Mair had three children, daughter Beryl and sons Glyn and Harri, along with five grandchildren.

Reflecting on their time together over the 65 years the pair said: “It’s about being there for each other through the good and bad and never take each other for granted – that’s very important.

“We’ve looked after each other over the years and although our health now is not as good as it has been we’ve been quite lucky really. And it’s good that we are still together under the same roof here at Bryn Seiont Newydd.

“We have a loving family round about us which we are very grateful. Both Beryl and Glyn live quite near to Bryn Seiont and we see them regularly. Harri lives in Aberystwyth but he keeps in close contact with us.”

Mair and Eric moved to Bryn Seiont Newydd, a care home for people living with dementia, from Abersoch a few years ago and now enjoy arts and crafts, visits from pet therapy dogs and reminiscing about their life and marriage together.

Manager Sandra Evans added: “We are privileged to be able to look after Eric and Mair in their twilight years, and their love and continued devotion to each other is an inspiration to all of us.

“We were delighted to help them celebrate their big milestone anniversary which was a lovely occasion.”

He said: “I am honoured to walk under Chiara’s banner and raise money for Calum’s Cabin where families can spend quality time together making irreplaceable memories.

“I am hoping to complete the route in 10 days, and am looking forward to hearing the stories of those joining me along the way. It’s talkie as much as walkie.”

Hailing from Merseyside, David moved to Bo’ness in 2019 and is an avid golfer and lifelong sportsman.

He added: “It is a challenge because, like many my age, I have a few health problems, but nothing like young Chiara faces. I couldn’t ask for greater motivation. When Harry asked me, there could only be one response.”

Chiara was diagnosed with the rare condition MPS1 H (Hurlers) at eight months old and has undergone extensive medical

procedures including two bone marrow transplants, bilateral hip reconstruction, and spinal fusion surgery. Despite her challenges, Chiara continues to inspire those around her with her strength and positivity.

Donations will help provide respite for Chiara and other children with serious illnesses at Calum’s Cabin. David also hopes the walk will raise awareness for MPS1 H and the impact it has on families.

Tracey Howatt, Bield’s director of customer experience, added: “We are constantly amazed by our tenants’ commitment to supporting charitable causes.

“We’re proud to support David on his challenge, and staff look forward to walking with him along the way.”

Bield staff have supported David’s project to date by helping to create a manageable route along the John Muir Way. They will also host David at Bield properties each night to ensure he is well rested for each leg of his challenge.

Eric and Mair Jones recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

David Levin with Chiara Fox.

A Devon care home has made a generous donation to a cat rescue charity after taking in two senior felines. Sefton Hall in Dawlish adopted Indi, aged about eight, and 17-year-old Felix last summer from Hector’s House Cat Rescue, a Torbay-based charity which helps cats in need throughout Devon. Felix was badly injured after being hit by a car. After being a little shy to start off with, the pair have now fully settled into the home and are a big hit with the residents. Alison Adair from Sefton Hall presented the charity’s founder Zara Oldfield with a cheque for £1,080. The money was raised from the home’s summer fete and raffles, along with donations from Sefton Hall’s community café and residents.

Operator joins forces in campaign to aid charity

BLUEBIRD Care Southend and Rochford, Redbridge, Epping, and Harlow, Mid Essex, and West Essex has again demonstrated its commitment to community service by participating in Greene King’s Tub2Pub campaign.

This initiative aims to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support through the collection of empty chocolate and cracker boxes.

Every year, Greene King pubs rally support to collect empty chocolate and cracker boxes, with all proceeds going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. This year, Bluebird Care eagerly joined the cause.

Lucy McCormack, director of Bluebird Care Southend and Rochford, Redbridge, Epping, and Harlow, Mid Essex, and West Essex, said: “I am so proud of the Bluebird Care Essex and Redbridge participation in the collection of the chocolate tubs, giving back is really what it is all about.

“It was great to see all the members from our care experts to the administration team connect and compete over the quantity of tubs collected by each office and for a great cause too.”

Parents, teachers and pupils from across the region donated their empty tubs. From Darlinghurst School in Westcliff to Heart Felt Balloons in Hadleigh, the community rallied together to help the charity. Together with the Bluebird Care team and customers, more than 560

empty chocolate and cracker plastic tubs were collected.

These tubs will be sent to a plastic recycling centre for shredding, with all proceeds from the project directly benefiting Macmillan Cancer Support. This collective effort was marked by a gathering at The Moulsham Inn in Chelmsford, where Bluebird Care team members, alongside representatives from Greene King and Macmillan Cancer Support, celebrated the success of the campaign.

Group pledges to pay the Real Living Wage

BOROUGH Care, a provider of residential care services for older people in Staffordshire and Stockport, is to continue paying the Real Living Wage.

The organisation has pledged to uphold this commitment as the new Real Living Wage rate comes into effect in April – an increase of 10 per cent to £12 per hour, and significantly more than the industry average hourly wage for care workers - currently £9.80 per hour.

The Real Living Wage, independently calculated based on the cost of living, ensures that employees receive a wage that meets their basic needs and enables them to live comfortably.

CEO, Dr Mark Ward said the operator’s accreditation as a Real Living Wage Employer is the proudest achievement in his career to date.

He added: “We are proud to

continue to pay the Real Living Wage to all our employees, reaffirming our commitment to fair compensation and valuing the dedication and hard work of our staff. Ensuring our employees receive a wage that reflects the true cost of living is integral to our values as an organisation.

“We believe that paying the Real Living Wage is not only the right thing to do ethically but also makes good business sense. It fosters loyalty, motivation, and a sense of pride among our employees, ultimately contributing to the exceptional care we provide to our residents.”

In 2021, Borough Care became the first large residential care provider in the UK to start paying the Real Living Wage in direct response to staff feedback and recognition of the continued dedication shown by their team.

Research report launches a new era in care home dining

n Nine out of 10 care homes surveyed say their catering costs have been increasing month on month since the cost-of-living crisis hit in 2022..

n More than three-quarters of care homes that cook meals from scratch say they struggle with labour shortages and see no sign of this abating.

n Three out of every four care homes surveyed say they worry about the level of food waste (and associated costs).

THIS is according to a newly launched research report by apetito, leading meals provider in the health and social care sector, in collaboration with Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England.

Based on a qualitative research project of some 500 care homes conducted throughout 2023, the report finds an industry-wide concern about the fast-rising inflation of food ingredients and the mealtime associated labour costs – with current labour shortages only exacerbating financial pressures.

Three-quarters of homes also voice deep concern over the levels of food waste seen at mealtimes – and the subsequent financial repercussions

– finding it difficult to juggle resident numbers against unpredictable events and schedules.

The research findings raise concerns for the sector and suggest that economic pressures facing homes may lead to inevitable compromises in residents’ mealtimes and their essential nutritional intake.

The “Nourishing Lives: A New Era of Dining in Care Homes” report aims to tackle these pressing concerns by bringing together best practices and real-world insights.

The report provides impactful solutions aimed at reducing kitchen costs for care homes, whilst maintaining quality and nutrition standards for residents.

Professor Martin Green OBE, CEO of Care England, said: “Our partnership with apetito has allowed us to gain a much better grasp of the challenges facing care providers up and down the country.

“Nutrition is a key pillar in providing high-quality care. Issues associated with labour shortages and inflationary increases place care providers in an increasingly challenging position.

“By bringing light to these challenges and elevating good practice, our research seeks to drive sector improvement and make a real difference to those receiving and delivering care.”

Furthermore, the findings also provide valuable insights into other areas such as the growing demand for specialist nutrition and personalised dietary solutions, the empowerment of staff through quality training and the importance of the holistic dining experience – with 80 per cent of homes saying mealtimes are the most important part of a resident’s day.

Yet worryingly, 19 per cent of care homes asked, said that they find it challenging to provide residents with a balanced diet across wide-ranging resident needs.

Every care home surveyed

confirmed they had between three per cent and 19 per cent of residents where they are catering for specialist dietary needs. Half of those residents are living with dexterity or coordination difficulties, creating further complexities at mealtimes.

Richard Woodward, general manager for care homes at apetito, added: “We believe that every meal is an opportunity to enrich lives. Partnering with Care England has allowed us to dive into the challenges and triumphs of dining in care homes, bringing to the forefront solutions that cater to the diverse needs of residents.

“It is hardly a surprise that homes catering for extensive nutritional diversity find this a challenge and we hope this report will help signpost new thinking and creative solutions. This collaboration is more than research; it’s a commitment to setting new standards for care home dining.”

The collaborative study derives from a shared vision to enhance the mealtime experience for both residents and caregivers, driving a future of elevated standards and catering excellence in the care sector. Register for free to gain access to the report at https://apetito.link/ CE-Research-24

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Richard Woodward