Issue 165 08.11.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Seal of approval for overseas recruitment A GOVERNMENT delegation has given its seal of approval to a North Yorkshire care provider’s game-changing overseas recruitment programme. Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has employed 32 staff from India, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria in the last year. And officials from the Department of Health and Social Care were impressed when they called in to see how they were settling in and the impact they had made. Saint Cecilia’s managing director Mike Padgham said: “We were delighted to welcome the DHSC party to our nursing home in Scarborough where they were able to meet a cross-section of the overseas recruits who have joined the Saint Cecilia’s family over the past year. “I know they were impressed and following the visit wrote to say that from just a few hours’ visit the sense of shared values, strong connections and genuine love for the profession was so clear from everybody they spoke to. And they said it had been a great experience to speak to the international recruits, whose efficient journey to the UK was a ‘huge credit to the dedication and commitment’ from our team. “This was lovely to hear. We have been bowled over by the impact our overseas recruits have had in such a short time on the care that we can deliver. “It is no exaggeration to say that we were in dire need of staff
to cope with shortages within the sector and they have literally ensured that, in some cases, we were able to keep on delivering care. They’ve made a fantastic difference by strengthening our care and nursing team and helping us to look after our residents. We couldn’t have got through the past year without them. But more than that they have brought so much in terms of adding cultural diversity and bringing in new personalities and fresh energy to our care centres.” Earlier this year a party was held at the group’s Normanby House care home in Scarborough, when the overseas staff brought in food that was native to their home country to share as part of the celebrations. Saint Cecilia’s overseas nursing recruitment was helped by a ground-breaking partnership with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Drawing on the previous experience the Trust had in recruiting via these channels saved the care group countless hours and streamlined the process enormously. A pilot scheme was set up to enable social care providers to access health trust facilities for staff to study for and take their Objective Structured Clinical Examination, a competency test that is part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s registration process for nurses and midwives trained outside the UK.
Singing Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery has performed at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton. The 93-year-old, who served in Korea with the Royal Artillery and won Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, sang for fellow comrades. After singing, Colin was taken on a tour of the award-winning home, and officially opened the newly created general store in the dementia care area. He then joined residents, including others who served in Korea, for tea and cake. He had earlier wowed residents with songs including ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Thank You for the Music’. The concert was organised by the home’s dedicated wellbeing team, which deliver activities, companionship, outings and exercise for residents seven days a week.
CUK Awards tickets in demand TICKETS are selling fast for the industry’s biggest end-of-year party, with plans in place to make this year’s Caring UK Awards the best one yet. Organised by Script Media in partnership with Caring UK and headline sponsor Virgin Money, this annual celebration of success will culminate in a glittering ceremony – taking place at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday December 7 – where the lucky winners will be revealed. We received a record number of entries from all over the UK with so many stories of wonderful and we want to thank everyone who sent in nominations.
Shortlisted entries from far and wide have made the finals, now progressing to the next stage of the judging process. Event organiser Dominic Musgrave added: “We have been amazed by the incredible work that has taken and is continuing to take place in homes nationwide. “Once again we were overwhelmed with the standard of entries we received from homes up and down the country. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone at the awards on December 7.” Tickets to the care industry’s party of the year are available at https://scriptevents.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
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CARINGWEEKLY
Group goes for gold and brings leading award home again CZAJKA Care Group, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has been reaccredited with the prestigious Gold Standard Framework Quality Hallmark Award at its Nab Wood and Steeton nursing homes in West Yorkshire. Staveley Birkleas Nursing Home in Nab Wood, Shipley cares for 60 people aged 18 to 65 years who have physical disabilities and Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton, between Keighley and Skipton, cares for 34 older people and end-of-life care patients, as well as providing respite and convalescence care. Both homes have been reaccredited with the prestigious GSF Quality Hallmark Award and members of the team will collect the award and certificate at the GSF conference in Manchester. The GSF Quality Hallmark Award recognises the hard work and commitment to improving end-oflife care for residents. As part of the award, care homes are put through a rigorous assessment programme every three years, and team members complete an intensive training programme. Inspectors also carry out a comprehensive review across all areas of care that residents who are nearing the end of their lives receive. Vicky Stainburn, registered manager at Currergate Nursing Home, said: “We have also been awarded the platinum level of the Gold Standard Framework, which is the next level up from our last assessment. “As well as a thorough inspection of all our processes and procedures, the GSF inspectors went through a recent loss that was managed by the team and assessed all our actions in great depth. “The report highlighted the considerable thought, choices and
Konrad Czajka managing director of Czajka Care Group. support we provide our residents and their families, looking at both the medical and pastoral care provided.” The National Gold Standard Framework Centre in End of Life Care plans to use examples of Czajka Care Group’s work to showcase best practice and inspire other care operators throughout the UK. Konrad Czajka, managing director of Czajka Care Group, added: “Our ethos is to help each person to live their life to the full, whilst being treated with respect, dignity and maintaining as much independence as possible. “As well as achieving all the in-depth assessment criteria for GSF level end-of-life care, the inspectors said they were made to feel very welcome at our homes and noted how friendly the staff are as well as how happy and well cared for the residents are. “We are so proud of the whole team for all their dedication and hard work.”
Back to school for Violet A 79-YEAR-OLD resident is proving that age really is just a number by embarking on her own challenge to achieve her dreams: learning to read again. What’s more, in a heartening tale of generations coming together, Violet Clarke’s ambitions are being supported by new friend, Charlotte, 10, who was inspired to help when she met her whilst on a school trip to her home, Belong Crewe. The dementia specialist had welcomed Pebble Brook Primary School pupils for their monthly meet-up, reading with those residing at the care village, with the young guests sharing their favourite stories with their elder friends to advance their proficiency whilst enjoying the social delights of intergenerational relationships. For Violet, a bookworm since her youth, health issues in older age mean she now needs some support to indulge her beloved pastime. It was when she revealed her
Charlotte and Violet. struggle that Charlotte offered to reverse roles and provide a helping hand. Now, she volunteers her own time for weekly one-to-one sessions, where Charlotte and Violet spend time reading together.
Anniversary party turns the clock back at care home
TWENTY years of dedicated dementia care were celebrated as Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole held a sparkling anniversary party. Fancy dress festivities in the garden of the purpose-built home featured the theme of icons of yesteryear. Home manager Sam Reid came as Daphne from Scooby Doo while colleagues dressed up as, among others, Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin. Entertainment from singer Kelly prompted singalongs and dancing as guests sampled glasses of fizz and tucked into sweet and savoury tasty treats including an anniversary cake specially baked by chef Izzy TurczynKuzma. Sam said: “The cutting of the cake was the ideal opportunity for residents, staff and visitors to come together and sing happy 20th birthday to our home. “It was a lovely afternoon and a chance to celebrate with around 25 friends, former members of staff and of course our current residents and their families.” Under its company-wide dementia care strategy, Colten Care’s offers
an Admiral Nurse-led service in communities served by all its 21 care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire. Sam added: “The focus for The Aldbury remains the same as it was 20 years ago. It’s all about supporting people who live with dementia and making sure their needs always come first. “We have built strong, prominent links, led by our Admiral Nurse Kay Gibson, across the local community to support individuals and families living with dementia. “Our message is that you can live well with dementia if you have the appropriate help and support.” As well as the chance to dance and dine, The Aldbury anniversary party featured a lucky dip in aid of the Little Lives children’s charity. Four staff from when The Aldbury opened in 2003 are still employed at the home: Poppi Kgongoane, Duagsuda Odey, Kanya Branon and Suzanne Pollard. Their roles at the home are staff nurse, healthcare assistant, housekeeper and kitchen assistant respectively.
Church-goers have attended a service at a Surbiton care home for a much-loved member of their congregation. Bob Sewell, 88, is no longer able to attend Hook Evangelical Church because of his complex care needs, so the congregation instead came to Royal Star & Garter, where he is cared for, for a special church service. Members of the congregation filled the reception area along with other residents from the Home, singing hymns and listening to Bible readings. Bob, who served in the Army’s Catering Corps and is a Korea veteran, has been a member of the church nearly all his life.
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Caring for Your Loved Ones and Home through the Power of Natural Enzyme Cleaners Caring for a loved one at home is a deeply compassionate and rewarding undertaking, but it comes with its own set of challenges. As individuals step into the role of caregiver, they are confronted with the physical and emotional demands of assisting their loved ones with daily activities. Among the most trying tasks is continually managing bodily fluids such as urine, faeces, and vomit. These daily clean up challenges can be made easier by embracing natural enzyme cleaners over the continual use of chemical-laden alternatives. Here we delve into the difficulties caregivers face and explore WHY natural enzyme cleaners offer an effective, safer, and more dignified solution for you, your family and your home. Urine, faeces and vomit are inextricably linked to various medical conditions and age-related ailments. While managing these situations is part of a caregivers daily role, it’s important to consider the impact on the overall well-being and dignity of both the caregiver and the person receiving care. In a quest for cleanliness, caregivers are presented with a limited choice of effective solutions that can handle sometimes excessive and continual cleanups, generally turning to traditional chemical-based cleaning products or commercial strength solutions. Aroma Care Solution’s have over 40 years experience in the commercial cleaning market. Through personal experience, they identified a need for a natural but effective solution to this problem in the home. Enzymes have been used in commercial cleaning for years so harnessing the science of nature and their commercial cleaning secrets, the team developed the Bio one™ range, bringing 100% natural enzyme cleaning to the home, significantly enhancing the caregiving experience and ensuring a healthier living environment for all. Lasting and stubborn odour occurs when bad bacteria builds up on carbon based residue from urine, faeces, vomit, milk etc. Odours build and remain when the source of the problem isn’t properly removed, especially when the source of the problem is on soft surfaces such as carpets, beds or sofas. Enzymes are naturally occurring in nature and act as catalysts to speed up and assist the breakdown of the organic proteins found in these bodily fluids. As these enzymes come into contact with the organic residue, they initiate the process of enzymatic digestion, effectively breaking down and eliminating completely these complex substances. This natural process not only eliminates odours and stains but also as it is 100% natural and diluted with normal tap water, it can be used all around the home contributing to a safer and more ecofriendly home environment.
For both the caregiver and the person receiving care, maintaining mental well-being and preserving dignity is paramount. The lingering odours caused by bodily fluids can create discomfort and embarrassment, contributing to feelings of shame and isolation. Natural enzyme cleaners excel in neutralising odours at their source, which can improve the emotional atmosphere in the home. This small change can have a profound impact on the mental health and dignity of both the caregiver and the person being cared for. At Aroma Care Solutions we have been using the power of natural enzymes within commercial cleaning for decades and are proud to now bring Bio one™ to your home. Bio one™ is 100% natural, chemical and toxin free, Endocrine Disruptors free, PH neutral, Vegan registered, not tested on animals, and safe to use around pets and children and proud to be Made in Britain, and can be used all around your home on both hard and soft surfaces. Our products are designed simply – we apply the same science that nature does. Using enzymes to eliminate the odour at the source rather than masking it. The benefits of using the Aroma Care Solutions Bio one™ range extend beyond its enzymatic cleaning capabilities. One notable advantage is the elimination of harsh chemicals from the cleaning process. Traditional cleaning products often contain artificial fragrances and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to both the caregiver and the person receiving care, Bio one™ is 100% natural with beautiful natural fragrances of Pink Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Lemon and Neroli. Plus chemical cleaning products contain Endocrine Disruptors which are chemicals that can interfere with our hormonal system, potentially leading to a range of health issues. These disruptors are found in various everyday products, including conventional cleaning agents. They can mimic or block hormones, affecting the body’s natural functions and leading to imbalances. By opting for Endocrine Disruptors free cleaning products, you proactively protect your health and reduce the risks associated with exposure to these harmful substances. Bio one™ utilises the power of nature without compromising on efficacy. The absence of harsh chemicals, toxins and Endocrine Disruptors, not only protects sensitive skin and respiratory health but also aligns with eco-conscious choices, making it a safer and more sustainable option. Plus Bio one™ comes in a concentrated formula, meaning one bottles makes multiple bottles of cleaning solution. Just add water to wake up the happy enzymes! And our bundles come with
a free mix and spray bottle and XL professional microfibre cloth and free delivery. Bio one™ encapsulates the essence of effective, eco-friendly, and compassionate caregiving. With its enzymatic action, gentle approach, and commitment to sensory well-being, this product exemplifies the benefits of natural enzyme cleaners in addressing the challenges of daily bodily fluid cleanup. As caregivers strive to create a supportive and dignified environment, embracing products like Bio one™ can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling caregiving experience. As well as the Bio one™ range, Aroma Care Solutions have two additional ranges: Aroma Solutions - professional grade cleaning products and Aroma Cares which is a range of hand barrier and nose barrier creams specifically designed for the care industry. Aroma Care Solutions are proud to have recently been awarded the Most Effective Odour Eliminator and Product Cleaning Company 2023 in the SME News UK Enterprise Awards ‘’I bought Bio one™ as my husband has a certain condition and I know his strong urine is making the bathroom smell awful. I’ve used Bio one twice. Scrubbed the floor then wiped it and it’s only day two, but the difference is amazing. I’ll certainly keep using the product and order more.’’ Verified buyer - review.io
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CARINGWEEKLY
Operator celebrates Arts in Care Week with arts activities
Homes compete for gold in Suffolk sports day A FRAMLINGHAM care home invited care homes across the region to compete against one another in Suffolk’s very own sports day – with a festival-themed twist. The team at Mills Meadow welcomed 10 Care UK homes from across the county as residents and care teams competed in a variety of traditional sports day challenges, including the sack race, relay and tug of war. Teams from the Care UK head office and Suffolk County Council also came along to take part and test out their sporting skills. Pedro Campos, home manager at Mills Meadow, said: “Suffolk Sports Day is now in its sixth year, so we couldn’t wait to welcome everyone back to Mills Meadow for the most eagerly anticipated date in the calendar. “We are part of a strong care home community here in Suffolk, and days like this are a fantastic way of bringing us all together for fun, a little
healthy competition and to celebrate the year’s achievements. “The day not only provides a lot of laughter and enjoyment for all involved but is an excellent way for residents to meet and mingle with lots of new faces – or some familiar ones – while helping keep active too.” The homes donned their own festival-themed team outfits, ranging from Hawaiian leis to matching flower headbands and flares from the swinging sixties. As well as team events, the care team designed events specifically to enable residents to join in the fun, including a ball hitting competition. After an energetic morning of traditional games, residents and guests were treated to a buffet prepared by the chefs from the Suffolk homes. Later, teams took part in an Olympic-style awards ceremony to crown the day’s winners, Mildenhall Lodge, and present them with a shield.
Group agrees new £45m credit facility with bank HARTFORD Care has agreed a new £45million credit facility with NatWest, funding which will support its ambitious growth strategy over the next three years. Established in 2003, Basingstokebased Hartford Care operates across the South of England and provides nursing, residential, dementia, day care, respite breaks and end-of-life care across its 20 homes and more than 1,000 residents. Hartford Care has undertaken four acquisitions in the past 12 months; this new credit facility will enable its expansion as the operator targets to double in size by 2026. Amanda Smith, chief financial officer at Hartford Care, said: “We’re very pleased to have secured an extension to our credit line with NatWest, with whom we have a longstanding relationship. “Our philosophy is completely focused on providing a safe and comfortable lifestyle for our residents, and creating a high quality ‘home from home’ setting; this agreement facilitates our plans to grow the Hartford Care brand and offer care, comfort and companionship to more people.”
Amanda Smith Ian Burroughs, relationship director at NatWest, added: “NatWest has a long-standing and positive relationship with Hartford Care and we are delighted to extend that partnership over the next three years with the extension of its credit facility. “Hartford Care plays a vital and crucial role for individuals, families and communities across the south of England and this extension will support its plans to grow and to continue to provide a valuable service to the people it serves.”
MARIA Mallaband Care Group took part in the NAPA Arts in Care Week, a celebration of the power of the arts to enrich the lives of those living in care homes. Organised by the National Activities Providers Association, this annual celebration champions the health and wellbeing benefits of arts and creative engagement in care provision. Sally Harrison-Exton, head of lifestyle and marketing at MMCG, said: “Studies have shown, and we know from our own experience, that engagement with the arts can have a transformative impact on the lives of those living in care homes. “It’s wonderful for building relationships, improving engagement and promoting both mental and emotional well-being. As well as being great fun, arts activities stimulate cognitive function, improve mood and provide an opportunity for selfexpression. “They are a huge part of life at MMCG homes, so we were thrilled to take part in this week of celebration and the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, with homes across the group laying on a multitude of art activities.” The theme of this year’s event was ‘Reflections’. NAPA took the opportunity to reflect with its members on the success of their art programmes so far and what is needed going forward to embed the arts into care provision. NAPA also invited homes to organise their own events and take part in the creative challenge #DrawingOnMemories throughout the week. Throughout Arts in Care Week, MMCG homes hosted a diverse range of arts activities tailored to the interests and abilities of those living with them. These included painting and
drawing workshops, such as still life painting and self-portraits, and craft activities including making sun catchers and stained-glass windows, tie dye T-shirt making, pottery painting, creating collages, mask making, creating flower displays and cake decorating. Homes also arranged gallery visits, hosted art exhibitions, invited local schools in to take part in art workshops, held ballet and opera days, poem writing events and drama clubs too. Bowerfield Court in Stockport laid on a new art activity every day and staff also arranged daily trips throughout the week, taking different individuals living at the home to Manchester Art Gallery to see the installations and displayed works. Home manager Helen Wearing added: “We love to get creative to foster a vibrant and fulfilling environment for those living with us, and the Arts in Care Week aligns perfectly with that commitment. “It was wonderful to see the power of art to boost confidence and wellbeing for everyone – from those who have enjoyed being creative all their lives, to those who haven’t attempted to draw or make something since childhood. “It was a brilliant week, and so inspiring to see people find such joy in seeing and creating art.”
A Royal Star & Garter resident has celebrated her 100th birthday. Bet Smith-Kempson enjoyed a party at the Surbiton Home on the eve of her birthday, before going to her daughter’s house for a friends-and-family gathering on her big day. Bet, who is due to become a great-grandmother for the first time in December, enjoyed a pre-birthday party at Royal Star & Garter. Family, residents and staff gathered on Friday 13 October to celebrate Bet’s big day, accompanied by crooner Ray Lowe. The following day, she had a family get-together at her daughter Carolyn’s home. Bet, whose husband served in the Navy, has been a resident at Royal Star & Garter since 2018.
CARINGWEEKLY
BUSINESS FOR SALE TRAINING PROVIDER, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE We are seeking parties interested in the purchase of a business concerned with the provision of training to the health and social care sector, located in Wales.
Operator receives ‘assured’ approval CARE home provider Oakland Care has received ‘assured’ approval from global skills developer City & Guilds. The stamp demonstrates that the systems and processes an organisation has in place to plan, design, deliver, and evaluate their own programmes of training meet the global quality standards benchmark set by City & Guilds. For Oakland Care, this prestigious title was given for their Assistant Practitioner Development Programme. First launched in March 2022, it was created to support the development of senior care assistants across the provider. Aiming to provide these individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to support registered nurses within Oakland Care homes through theoretical and practical learning, it has proven to be a huge success and helped raise the standards of exceptional care their residents receive. For those that have completed both
elements of the programme, they are awarded the title of assistant practitioner, and celebrated for their achievements by Oakland Care. Carrie Stone, clinical training partner at Oakland Care, said: “Achieving recognition for our Assistant Practitioner Development Programme is fantastic. We are focused on investing in our teams through a sustained universal commitment to internal growth and support. “For us, this is a fundamental part of the process. Better training and qualified team members bring a higher standard of care and experience given to our residents. “For many of those that have undertaken this programme they have gained more confidence and belief in themselves, as well as developing new skills and knowledge which they can put into practice.” Following a review of the training programme by City & Guilds it was evident that their high standards had been met by the care home provider.
Resident David Shaw with a tortoise.
KEY FEATURES •
An accredited provider of classroom training to the health and social care sector
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A trusted, reputable business, with a four-year trading history and established customer base
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Turnover: 2023 £271,422 - 2022 194,736 - 2021 72,084
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Gross & net profit / (loss): 2023 (£86,248) - 2022 (£128,934) & 2021 (£57,762)
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Operating from a leasehold premises in South Wales
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All interested parties will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement
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CONTACT Matthew Parker B.Sc. (Est. Man) MRICS
Encounters boost wellbeing A SKUNK, black widow spiders, snakes and insects were among the menagerie of creatures at a Teesside care home for a wellbeing boosting animal therapy session. The creatures were brought to Mandale House in Thornaby by exotic animal encounter company Animal Story. Elderly residents got to see, touch, and hold many of animals, which also included a tortoise, gecko, giant snails and an owl. Activities coordinator Sharon Lewis said: “Animal therapy sessions are
always hugely popular with our residents. They have a wide range of benefits, helping to boost everyone’s mood, reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, ease anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing. They’re also a lot of fun. “It was a wonderful new experience for residents. Staff and residents were completely fascinated by all the creatures. Some residents don’t really like to do activities but when they realised the animals were in the home they were there like a shot. To see their reactions was magical.”
Cerberus Asset Management matthew.parker@cerberus-group.com Siann Huntley MIPA FABRP Leonard Curtis siann.huntley@leonardcurtis.co.uk
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