Issue 98 09.03.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Learn lessons from ‘no jab, no job’ fiasco THE Government should learn lessons from the newlyaxed ‘no jab, no job’ policy and listen to care providers, a campaigner has said. The Government has finally confirmed it is no longer compulsory for NHS and social care staff to have Covid-19 jabs to work in care settings. The policy was introduced in care and nursing homes last November and was due to come into effect in NHS and other care settings in April. It has been axed following Government consultation. The Independent Care Group has welcomed the confirmation but says if the Government had listened to the care sector it would never have introduced the policy. Chair Mike Padgham said: “Mandatory vaccination was very damaging for care and nursing homes. “We warned before it was introduced last November that many good, kind, caring and professional staff would be lost to the policy and that proved to be the case. Most of those we will never get back. “The policy exacerbated staff shortages in care and nursing homes, already dire because of the pandemic and the impact of Brexit. “We are pleased that the
policy has now been reversed – it should never have been introduced in the first place. “Vaccination is a good thing and the right thing for the care sector, but it should be a personal choice. “Because of the policy, many good people were lost to social care and will have found other jobs. We will not get them back again.” He said the Government’s actions were typical of the way it treats social care. “Social care providers are simply not listened to and this is another example of the sector being regarded as a Cinderella profession,” Mike added. “Had the Government listened to care providers when we said the policy was wrong a lot of unnecessary job losses, disrupted care, anxiety and heartache for the sector could have been avoided. “When care providers speak they do so from experience and from a desire to ensure that we can continue to deliver the best possible care for the oldest and most vulnerable in our community. “If there are lessons to be learned from the whole ‘no jab, no job’ fiasco then we hope that it is for the Government to listen more to those who know and care.”
University’s study seeks professionals
Residents and staff at a Dorset care home got into character as they celebrated the World Book Day annual celebration of reading. Hagrid from the Harry Potter stories and the hedgehog washerwoman Mrs Tiggy-Winkle from Beatrix Potter were among the literary favourites gracing a red-carpet catwalk at Colten Care’s Amberwood House in Ferndown. As each character appeared in costume for the parade, backed by clues to their identity given in song, assembled residents were invited to guess and shout out their names. Companionship team member and musical entertainer Rebecca Osborne dressed as Minnie Mouse while the prize for the best costume – a hamper of pamper treats – went to housekeeper Diana Skee for her ‘101 Dalmatians’ outfit. Resident Mary Whitehouse is pictured looking for Wally.
THE University of Bradford is seeking feedback from health and social care professionals as part of a study that aims to improve care across the sector. The study is based on a number of e-training training sessions developed in collaboration with Health Education England and Bournemouth University, which reflect a key goal of the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia (2015) to develop a trained and effective dementia care workforce. The sessions cover all subjects outlined by the Dementia Core Skills Framework. Research associate Dr Janet McNally said: “We are now in the final few months of collecting feedback in order to improve the sessions. “You can help by completing the training session followed by a short survey. You can also provide more detailed feedback via an online interview. “As a thank you, you will receive a £20 gift voucher for participating in an interview.” The University is evaluating dementia education provision with the aim of finding out if the sessions improve dementia knowledge, foster positive attitudes, increase confidence in delivering care, and most importantly if the training has a positive impact on the lives of people affected by dementia. In particular, the University is seeking responses to its training modules on pharmacology, diversity and inclusion, research and evidence-based practise and leadership in dementia care.
IT’S TIME TO GET INVOLVED IN THE CARING UK AWARDS 2022 NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE
THE ATHENA,LEICESTER Thursday 1st December 2022 Hosted by Emmerdale star Dean Andrews Congratulations on a fantastic event – we had a super time and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share so many success stories across our industry. Well done to the Script team. We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Regional Care Home of the Year Midlands and Wales and are all still on a high. Thank you so much. Sarah Hammond, Rotherwood Group Firstly, I wanted to say a massive thank you to you guys on such a wonderful event! It was such an incredible way to finish off the year for us all and to be able to get together with everyone and celebrate was such a great feeling. You always pull off such an amazing night and this year was no exception so congratulations to you all. Alex Ball, Stow Healthcare Group Virgin Money was delighted once again to be headline sponsors of the Caring UK Awards. After such a difficult 18 months it was great to be able to get together and recognise the outstanding achievements from individuals and teams across the social care sector. Graham Harper, Virgin Money It was clear from the outset that the attendees were excited to be nominated and were using the ceremony as an opportunity for a night off and to have a glamourous end of year party. As a sponsor it was good to see our branding and our video on the big screen throughout the night and it was good to speak with existing customers and other industry professionals. It was a fun evening and I would highly recommend it for suppliers and nominees. Iain Corrigan, Cool Care
As a first time sponsor of the Caring UK Awards, being part of the event was very rewarding. As a specialist provider of outsourced neutral vendor recruitment solutions to the health and care sector, we firmly believe in celebrating the incredible work of organisations across the country, who deliver excellence every single day in challenging conditions. The event was well organised and thoroughly enjoyable – and the opportunity to present the award for the Best Initiative in Care made the occasion even more special. Congratulations once again to all the finalists and winners. Gill Hope, Geometric Results Inc
people after what has been a very challenging year for businesses in our sector. All the nominees were worthy of an award on the night, and it was truly inspiring to see so many people who, on a daily basis, provide care for the most vulnerable people in our society. It was a great experience to present the award to Roden Hall, winners of the Midlands & Wales Care Home of the year.. a really enjoyable event. Martin Jones, Fusion eCare Solutions
As long standing sponsors of the Caring UK Awards, we are immensely proud to support this major event that promotes social care provided throughout the UK. Sir Anthony Ullmann, Shackletons Ltd
We have been proud to support the Caring UK Awards 2021 in their efforts to honour and recognise excellence in the healthcare sector. We would again like to congratulate all nominees and winners and particularly the winner of the award we sponsored which was Scotland Care Home of the Year which was won by Abbey Court Care Home in Glasgow Gary Walton, Walton HPC
This was the first time Learning Curve Group have been involved with the awards, and we were very pleased to be able to sponsor the Commitment to Training and Development Award. The whole evening was an excellent celebration of the fantastic work that happens every day within the adult social care sector. The pandemic has placed an additional and unprecedented demand on care providers, so it was great to see care staff being recognised for their dedication and the levels of care they provide. Chris Grieveson, Learning Curve Group
As sponsors of the Caring UK Awards, N&C Phlexicare were delighted to attend the glittering awards ceremony. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners for their commitment to excellence, particularly in face of the arduous challenges of recent times. ‘ It was an amazing night, and we are honoured to have been a part of it. These awards are a wonderful celebration of the outstanding service offered by care professionals who go the extra mile to serve the vulnerable in our communities. David Forbes, Nicholls and Clarke Group
I wanted to support our industry through sponsorship at the recent Caring UK Awards. The event was a lovely evening, an opportunity to meet
www.caringukawards.co.uk or email tb@scriptmediagroup.co.uk
3
CARINGWEEKLY
CQC awards home ‘Good’ across all five categories ST HELENS Hall Care Home has been awarded ‘Good’ in all five of its rating categories following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission. The home’s staff were praised for being caring, responsive and patient, and residents were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives. Manager Amanda Clark, who has worked at the home since it first opened in 2008, said: “We are delighted that the CQC has awarded St Helens Hall Care Home ‘Good’ across the board. “We have an extremely dedicated and caring team of people working here and it is rewarding to see their work being noted by the inspectors.” The unannounced CQC inspection was carried out on December 3 and looked at five key categories, including whether the home was safe, effective, caring, responsive and wellled. Inspectors awarded a Good to every category. In the newly published CQC report, staff were praised for having ‘good knowledge and skills necessary for their roles’ and for being ‘considerate, kind and responsive in their actions and spoke about people warmly and knowledgably’. It was noted that residents had input into their care and ‘were supported to make choices about what they would like to eat and drink’. The home was described as ‘well maintained and decorated’ and residents are ‘encouraged to
Amanda Clark, registered manager at St Helens Hall. personalise their rooms with pictures and personal furniture when they move in’. The home was noted for its Covid and infection prevention training and procedures and its facilitation of visits for people living in the home in accordance with guidelines. During their visit, the CQC inspectors spoke with eight residents and two relatives about their experience of the care provided. They also talked to six members of staff including the registered manager and reviewed a variety of records and sought feedback from the local authority and professionals who work with the home. The 94-bed home, which caters for people aged 65 and over, is part of The Sandstone Care Group. The home provides specialist dementia, residential and short-term respite care.
Care home collaborates with nearby Sixth Form SIGNATURE at Ascot Grange has collaborated with Charters School’s Sixth Form to allow residents the opportunity to connect with students on a weekly basis, providing company and interaction. A current cohort of seven students are enjoying a break from their school curriculum schedules to benefit from the outreach programme. To date, Covid-19 regulations and Government guidance has meant the meetings have been virtual, but as the term progresses both students and residents are hopeful for in-person interaction. Laura Davies, activities supervisor at Ascot Grange, said: “It is so lovely for our residents to talk with Charters’ students and embrace this programme. Most of them are parents themselves and having that dialogue triggers happy memories for them in their family unit or indeed as children. “We talked about school uniforms, for example. Each resident discussed what they wore as children and all of the different colours that they wore. “Residents and students laughed together and at each other – it was great fun for all involved and we are all now looking forward to being united in person.”
They team up with Charters School, one of the largest secondary schools in the area, to provide both students and residents the opportunity to build new relationships, learn, enjoy one another’s company and benefit from the unique experience the collaboration offers. The ties between Ascot Grange and Charters School are long standing. As a sought-after secondary school, the demographic of families with children attending Charters School overlaps with current and future Ascot Grange residents, as well as team members. Whilst adhering to Covid-19 Government guidelines, Signature at Ascot Grange has previously offered its facilities and cinema rooms to pupils of Charters School and offered to host the premier of Ascot Grange’s annual musical. Regulations put that particular concert on hold but did little to prevent the strengthening of the collaboration between the care home and the secondary school. Residents of Signature at Ascot Grange are now looking forward to the next stage of the home’s relationship with the school, and to meet the students with whom they have been interacting with.
Pop star wish comes true for care home resident
Literary characters leapt to life as Royal Star and Garter celebrated World Book Day. At the charity’s Surbiton home, children from nearby St Matthew’s School’s reception class dressed up as their favourite book characters and sang songs with residents on a Zoom call. In High Wycombe, staff came to work dressed as characters from their favourite books, and residents in Solihull took part in a book quiz to celebrate the day. Director of care Pauline Shaw said: “Whether it’s reducing stress, improving memory or allowing people to connect, the benefits reading brings to our mental wellbeing is well known, and is an important part of the holistic care we provide.”
A CARE home resident was delighted to receive a special message from her favourite pop star. Sheila Lilley, 87, from Care UK’s Glastonbury Court in Suffolk, couldn’t believe her eyes when she received a special video message from her favourite singer, Irish performer Daniel O’Donnell. Sheila has been a fan of Daniel for as long as she can remember, and even keeps a pillow with his face on her bed. Wanting to organise a special surprise for her, the team at Glastonbury Court got in touch with Daniel, who was delighted to record a personal message to Sheila wishing her well. Home manager Elena Bratu added: “We were thrilled to be able to surprise Sheila with a special message from her favourite pop star. “We strive to go above and beyond
to ensure residents lead fulfilling lives – whether that be organising a special day out, making their favourite food, or in this case, organising a message from their favourite singer. “To see how Sheila’s face light up made it all worth it – our next goal is getting them to meet in person.”
Unlock the power of effective marketing for your care home Severe staffing shortages and falling incomes caused by the pandemic are pushing many providers to the brink of survival. Whether you are from a small independent home or a large organisation with a variety of brands, all homes and agencies have the same objective and are facing the same challenges. The best possible marketing campaign to make your business the most attractive to potential new staff and residents has never been more important, and this is where we can help. At Script we know care, backed up by more than 20 years of serving the industry through Caring UK magazine, as well as the highly successful Caring UK Awards that are now in their fifth year. Benefits of marketing to increase occupancy: • • • • •
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So what are you waiting for? It is vital that your care business stands out from the crowd to attract new residents and staff. Who better to help you do this than the team behind the country’s most successful B2B magazine for the industry. We’ll take away the hassle and provide professional marketing which will deliver results for your business. Based in Yorkshire, we have an award-winning team that prides itself on producing a range of top-quality work at competitive prices. To find out how we may be able to help your business, contact Dominic Musgrave today by calling 01226 734407 or email dm@scriptmedia.co.uk
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CARINGWEEKLY
Homecare operator nominated for two prestigious awards
Construction completed at dementia care home CONSTRUCTION has completed at Church Farm Care’s Rusticus home in Cotgrave – making its vision of expanding its revolutionary model of dementia care to include this latest location a reality. From alterations to the internal layout of the existing building as well as the construction of new elements of the site, the development will support residents living at the home to enjoy greater independence and quality of life. Patrick Atkinson, director of Church Farm Care, said: “Seeing the site develop, from initial concepts through to delivery, has been incredibly exciting and we’re thrilled to finally be able to open the doors, not just to our family members but also to the local community. “There’s no arguing that the past few years have been challenging for all of our staff and family members due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. “So being able to celebrate Rusticus’ completion is extremely rewarding and a fantastic way to start the new year.” The completed phase has seen the addition of Hickling Lodge – a state-of-the-art 30-bedroom standalone building with new lounges and lifestyle kitchens that
are furnished and equipped to the highest standard. Patrick added: “The location of Rusticus also makes a huge difference to our family members as the surrounding woodlands help to create a sense of calm and tranquility. “Everyone is looking forward to enjoying the outdoors and the walkthrough aviary when spring arrives. “Meanwhile, those who don’t want to venture too far will be able to benefit from bedrooms and lounges that all have views and access to outdoor patios and balconies to take in the beautiful woodland scenery. “Our plans for this extension weren’t just about creating more comfortable and accessible environments for our family members but were also about helping to ensure they remain an integral part of the community through features that bring the public into the home. “After two years in and out of lockdowns this has never been more important, and we can’t wait to be able to welcome people in the months to come.” The development also includes a new social club, Socius, which includes a cafe, hairdressers, and cinema for both residents and the community to access and enjoy.
A Sturminster Newton care home had a flipping good time by celebrating Shrove Tuesday with a pancake race. Residents and team members at Newstone House indulged in some gentle rivalry as they competed to see who could toss their pancakes the most. Companionship team leader Karlene Duffy said: “We were invited to the local Sturminster Newton pancake race and had decided to use it to raise some money for our chosen charity this year, Friends of Stour Connect, but unfortunately due to the weather the race was postponed. Not to let our charity or residents down, we decided to take matters into our own hands and recreate the race in the home. Everyone did very well and we’re proud to have raised £85 for our charity.”
BLUEBIRD Newmarket and Fenland has reached the SME Ely Business Awards finals, having earned nominations in two separate categories for their efforts in 2021. The homecare provider has been shortlisted for both the ‘Business of the Year with more than 50 employees’ and ‘Employer of the Year’ categories. Bluebird Care Newmarket and Fenland has been recognised for its achievements and growth, while operating within the difficult challenges associated with the Covid-19 global pandemic. Carolyn Dailey, principle director at Bluebird Care Newmarket and Fenland, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our achievements throughout the difficult year of 2021 have been recognised, in what is further reassurance that we rose to the challenges created by the Covid19 global pandemic. “We have a hardworking and talented team in place, who brilliantly care for our customers in the Newmarket and Fenland community. “I am proud therefore that we are being finalised for an award that acknowledges our good traits as employers, as we look to always do right by our staff.” The homecare provider has cared for customers in the community for eight years, and in the last 18 months has increased its business with the acquisition of Bluebird Care Cambridge. Turnover within the business has increased by 15 per cent, while customer and staff numbers have expanded to meet the demands of the pandemic. Live-in care services increased by
Carolyn Dailey 30 per cent throughout the year, in part due to the ‘fast track’ customer assessment scheme, aimed to take on more customers in need. The homecare provider is also being recognised for introducing the innovative ‘Stay Safe at Home’ campaign, to allow customers to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, without having to swap familiar surroundings, loved ones and pets for a care home setting. A team of 77 staff members currently operate at Bluebird Care Newmarket and Fenland, including care assistants, care mentors, team supervisors, customer care managers, training and development coordinators, and directors. Bluebird Care Newmarket and Fenland is also active within the community. They have designated a care hub for employees and customers capable of hosting social events, open days, training and meetings to tackle loneliness and isolation in society.
Alpacas surprise residents TWO alpacas called Alex and Bethany surprised residents at The Oaks in Newtown, Powys. The woolly visitors popped into the care home to meet residents, joining them at afternoon tea in the lounge and even popping up in the lift to see residents in their rooms on the top floor. The visit was arranged by activities coordinator Izzy Titley and Daniel Hart, the new registered manager of The Oaks, who is on a mission to bring exciting new ideas to the daily lives of people living in a care home. He said: “We have a great team at The Oaks and we love coming up with new and unusual ideas to brighten up the lives of our residents. “Some of our residents mentioned that they’d love a trip to Chester Zoo but we thought it would be more fun to bring the animals to them. The alpacas were a big hit and it was wonderful to see the look on everyone’s faces when they arrived. “I believe it’s so important for our residents to have a full and interesting life and we’ve got bags of creative
ideas including a schedule of events to get them out into the heart of the community. “We’re fixing trips to the local pub, shopping visits so they can buy treats for their loved ones, cinema and theatre outings and we’re even planning to go to the local bingo hall. We’re hoping they bump into people they know and will get a lot out of doing normal things.” The Huacaya alpacas are part of a therapeutic team of seven from Admirals View in Shropshire.
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CARINGWEEKLY Advertiser’s announcement
Immigration law update: expansion of health and care visa scheme By Gulnaz Raja
criteria has been met. The employer is also expected to comply with all their sponsor duties with key personnel allocated roles and responsibilities. Assigning a CoS does not guarantee the worker will be granted entry clearance or permission. The worker must meet all the immigration requirements of the route in which they are applying. There is also a fee payable by the employer per CoS. In addition, the employer is required to pay an immigration skills charge for each year of sponsorship.
ON December 24 it was announced by the government that care workers, care assistants and home care workers would become eligible for a health and care visa for a 12-month period. To understand the pressures and issues placed by the social care sector, at GNR Solicitors we have taken a deeper dive to help care providers understand the requirements. Sponsorship licence The employer must have a sponsorship licence if they want to sponsor an oversees national who is not a settled worker and does not have immigration permission to work in the UK. This includes most EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who arrived in the UK after December 31, 2020. The employer must ensure the worker is eligible. Currently the employer must meet the immigration requirements for the skilled worker route as the health and care visa forms part of the skilled worker route. The employer will be required to meet the specific requirements for a licence such as salary requirements as well as other factors. The government announced that the inclusion on the shortage occupation list will stipulate an annual salary minimum of £20,480
Gulnaz Raja for carers to qualify for the health and care visa. To apply for a sponsorship licence, this attracts an application fee dependant on the size of your organisation. Certificate of sponsorship When an employer is granted a licence, they must assign the worker a valid certificate of sponsorship, once the allocation has been obtained, using their sponsorship management system account. However, before doing so, the employer must ensure that the worker meets all the eligibility requirements and be able to explain how the
Worker’s immigration application To qualify for a health and care worker visa, the applicant worker will need to provide their assigned certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by the employer. This must be an approved UK employer who holds a sponsor licence. The applicant will also be required to meet various other eligibility requirements. Applicants will also be able to bring their dependants, including partner and children. Applicants will be required to pay the visa application fee, however they will be exempt from the immigration health surcharge. It should be noted that the above information is correct as per the latest government announcement of December 24, 2021 but may be subject to change.
Provider supports charity with award CARE South, a not-for-profit provider of residential and care at home services across the south of England, has selected Home-Start South East Dorset as one of the latest beneficiaries of its Chairman’s 2020 Fund, awarding the charity £3,000. The Chairman’s 2020 Fund was set up last year with the aim of supporting ‘Care South’s Friends’ and has been established with the aim of benefiting Care South employees, volunteers and community groups that provide a community service to the group’s care homes, care at home offices, clients and/or residents. Care South’s Talbot View care home team, based near Ensbury Park, unanimously nominated the charity to be a 2022 beneficiary thanks to its wonderful work. Care South’s chief executive Simon Bird said: “We are delighted to be able to support this incredible charity which is widely recognised by the team and residents at Talbot View, as well as the wider Dorset community. “The work they do is important, and we are so pleased the grant will go towards helping even more families through some difficult
times.” Home-Start South East Dorset’s mission is to give children the best possible start in life, supporting parents to grow in confidence as well as strengthening and enjoying their relationships with their children, and widening their links with the local community. Through a network of more than 600 volunteers they are helping families struggling to cope with mental health issues, isolation, domestic violence, disability and financial hardship. Since its inception in 1995 it has supported more than 3,500 local families and more than 10,000 children. The grant will be spent on providing specialist support to local disadvantaged young children and their families. It costs, on average, £800 to support a family with specialist one to one volunteer home visiting support for six months, just £33.25 per week. So this grant will fund support to four families at a time of great need with the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating issues and presenting more challenges and pressures within many family homes.
At the time of writing this article (early February 2022) the precise immigration requirements for care workers, care assistants and home care workers are still due to be published to see if there are any additional requirements. The above does not constitute legal advice. n Gulnaz Raja is the founder and CEO of GNR Solicitors. This article must not be reproduced without her prior permission. GNR Solicitors is a boutique immigration and employment law firm. Gulnaz is a solicitor with more than 10 years’ PQE experience. Prior to establishing her own practice, she worked in law firms as well as within financial services in London, working on major regulatory compliance review and legal implementation projects. If your organisation requires support with sponsorship or visa applications, our immigration team can assist your business with every aspect of sponsoring overseas workers as well as with all the compliance requirements and ongoing legal duties. Our employment team can also support with all aspects of employment law, including HR outsourcing support as employment tribunal matters. Call 07576 346 994 or visit www.gnrsolicitors.co.uk Maggie Greig’s wish came true when she was visited by two pygmy goats.
Resident’s wish comes true A HAMPSHIRE dementia care home hosted two baby goats and made a resident’s wish come true. Laura Sheldrake, companionship team leader at Colten Care’s St Catherines View in Winchester, asked each resident to share their New Year’s resolutions. It was decided that instead of giving something up, they would all make a resolution based on something they wanted to do by the end of the year. Maggie Greig’s resolution was to hold a baby animal and, sure enough, a few weeks later her wish came true. Laura added: “Maggie didn’t have any particular animal in mind – any
adorable animal would do. And quite by chance my auntie Andree Day had recently welcomed two female baby pygmy goats. “When I told her about Maggie’s wish she was more than happy to help and brought the kids all the way from her home in New Milton. The tiny animals caused quite a stir and Maggie was thrilled when Andree also invited her to give them names. She named one Dorothy (to be known as Dottie) and the other residents voted for the name Elizabeth (aka Lizzie) in honour of the Queen in the year of her platinum jubilee.
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