Issue 20 12.08.20 We are committed to supporting customers in these unprecedented times, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me or a member of my team to talk about how we can help Derek Breingan, Head of Health and Social Care 07818 454674
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Mack bounces back from Covid-19 scare
AN 83-year-old resident from Suffolk Lodge, a Wokingham-based care home run by Optalis, has made a full recovery from COVID-19 by taking an all-natural approach to his health. Roderick Mackie, known as Mack, has lived in the reablement wing of the residential home since early 2020 where he was recovering from a fall in his garden. He felt instantly at home at Suffolk Lodge, and, while there are care workers who provide full support, he continued to live an independent lifestyle where he would visit the shops and cook his own dinners. However, shortly before lockdown, when returning home from a day out, he began to feel out of character and confused. Within a couple of days, Mack had become quite unwell, and tested positive for COVID-19. Despite this, Mack chose to take an all-natural approach to his care and recovery. Thanks to his excellent health, Mack was able to continue working to the age of 80 before retiring. He has always led a healthy lifestyle, keeping to a vegetarian diet and, most recently, taking walks around the grounds of Suffolk Lodge for daily breathing exercises. He’s also spent time reviewing scientific research, learning about biology and how the body reacts to illness. As such, his wish was to not take any conventional medication whilst ill. As he explained: “I’ll leave it to my antibodies to make the decision. If my antibodies don’t work, then it’s my time to go.”
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Endeavouring to make him as comfortable as they could, the care team at Suffolk Lodge supported him through his illness, ensuring he remained hydrated and comfortable as he fought through the virus. Within a week, Mack began showing signs of positive recovery. His symptoms eased and he felt well enough to leave his bed. On his recovery, Mr Mackie commented: “My health now is fairly good, although I have to allow for my age.” Wendy Luck, Optalis’ Suffolk Lodge Home Manager, said: “Our focus was on making Mr Mackie as comfortable as possible. He became quite unwell, but we would never go against a person’s wishes when it came to their health and medication. “However, despite being seriously ill, Mr Mackie began to make a remarkable recovery, something that I attribute partly to his daily breathing exercises. We’re all thrilled to see him return to full health and are happy to see him involved in daily activities at the home once again.” With his health back, Mack has been enjoying his independence. During lockdown, Mack has spent his time learning to play the piano by ear, so his first trip out will be to the library where he’ll be looking for piano guides and sheet music to enhance his learning. He also loves gardening and enjoys being able to support the Suffolk Lodge Roderick Mackie, known as Mack puts his recovery Activities Coordinator in tending to the down to a healthy lifestyle and daily breathing home’s potatoes and tomatoes.
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A BIG THANK YOU
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THE Care Workers’ Charity launches its all new Child Care Costs grant exclusively for care workers. Care workers can now apply for a Child Care Costs grant (including retrospectively, from March 23 2020) which will offer support up to £2,000. Grants of up to £2,000 are now available towards Child Care costs for children up to five years – for up to £125 per week. Also, an applicant can apply for Child Care costs for a childminder for six to 12-year-olds during term time – for up to £70 per week and Holiday Child Care costs – for up to £150 per week. Karolina Gerlich, Executive Director at the Care Workers’ Charity says: “We are delighted to be able to offer this new grant, which we know will be a lifeline to so many care workers who have struggled to juggle the demands of their work and families. We are hoping this new support will go some way to help make up for the considerable sacrifices many care workers have made, and all at their own cost.” As part of the application process the usual compulsory evidence requirements are in place. Help the Care Workers’ Charity and donate here #care4carers at the Just Giving page Coronaviruscareworkersfund. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ coronaviruscareworkersfund The Coronavirus Fund is an emergency grant programme specifically designed to help those carers in need due to the virus. It is anticipated the Fund will receive a large number of applications for help in the coming weeks and require extra funds to help with the increased demand. Any help you can give will go a long way. This is not going to be an easy journey, but together we can make it.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Staff’s incredible work marked in appreciation week THE Healthcare Homes Group, which provides residential and home-based care across East Anglia and the South East, has hosted a special week of thanks and celebration to mark the work of its teams during the Coronavirus pandemic. The group’s ‘Care Appreciation Week’ took place last week with members of the group’s executive team visiting each of the 45 homes and 12 homecare branches to convey their thanks and gratitude. Homes and branches planned their own special events as part of the week, whilst maintaining their high levels of Covid safety. Just some of the activities at homes included a beach-themed party at Home Close in Fulbourn, a Caribbean-themed party with long service award presentations at Park House in Peterborough, a barbecue and musical entertainment at Ladymead in Swindon, a fun sports day, afternoon tea and long service awards at Haughgate House in Woodbridge and a party with hog roast, group dance and party at Sovereign Lodge in Eastbourne. The 12 branches of the group’s homecare division, Manorcourt Homecare, also held events such as a treasure hunt around Norwich from the Norwich branch, a buffet lunch and long service awards at the Hornchurch branch, a ‘Bake Off’ in Harlow and afternoon tea with staff probation celebrations in Swaffham. The events and executive team recognition came amidst an outpouring of community support and thanks for
the efforts of care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Strict measures were introduced by the group when the pandemic was declared, and staff have been working tirelessly to implement new processes to keep residents safe and happy when unable to see their loved ones. Healthcare Homes Group CEO, Gordon Cochrane said: “We created Care Appreciation Week as a way of demonstrating our gratitude for the outstanding work of all staff right across our group. “Every member of our team; care assistants, registered nurses, catering staff, domestic staff, managers and everyone that contributes to our care delivery, has simply been incredible during the most challenging time we have faced in our history. “I have been continually overwhelmed, proud and thankful for the efforts they have gone to with the sole aim of keeping people safe. I have heard countless examples of staff who have made personal sacrifices to ensure the wellbeing of residents or clients – coming to work on days off to support their teams, going above and beyond to provide people who are shielding with supplies or help at home. The unity in effort and in care has been phenomenal. “These efforts are far from over and I join the overwhelming calls of thanks from communities right across the UK for everything the care family has done to support those who need help the most during the most difficult of times.”
John Southcott shares a special moment with his granddaughter Laura on her wedding day.
Bride Laura drops in to see grandfather on special day THERE were happy smiles and tears of joy at Hope House care home in Accrington after a resident received a surprise visit from his granddaughter on her wedding day. Laura, granddaughter of Hope House resident John Southcott, was en route to her wedding reception when she stopped by the home’s outside visiting area to see her grandfather who had been unable to attend the wedding ceremony at Gretna Green. Although John was unable to attend the wedding service in person, he said that he was delighted at being able to take pictures of Laura in her dress and said that he was thrilled at being able to play a part in her special day, especially as she is moving away in August. He said: “It felt incredible to see
Laura after she got married; she looked absolutely stunning and I felt extremely proud. It was disappointing not being able to attend the wedding in person, but I am so glad I still got to see her on her special day.” Cathy Yates, home manager at Hope House, stated: “John is an amazing character and we are over the moon that we were able to help him share Laura’s special day with her. “In the past, Laura has been a regular visitor to the home and has become an important part of the Hope House family. Everyone at the home hopes she had a fantastic day and we all wish her a long and happy marriage. Hope House is part of Larchwood Care and is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions.
North Shields care home welcomes Deputy Mayor to view new suite REDESDALE Court care home in North Shields recently welcomed the Deputy Mayor of North Shields, Coun Bruce Pickard to view the newly refurbished Priory Suite. Redesdale Court originally planned a grand opening of the new 22-bed residential suite for August, but due to the Coronavirus outbreak, this had to be cancelled. They were, however, able to extend invites to the guest list following the completion of the refurbishment and in the interim of any new residents moving in. Bruce, along with councillors Lewis Bartoli, Sandra Graham, Carole Burdis and health care professionals enjoyed a tour of the new facilities and, although they weren’t able to enjoy the bubbly reception they would have hoped for, they were able to have a nice cup of coffee in the beautiful bistro. Lewis, Sandra and Carole voiced how pleased they were at the home’s drive to be very active members of the community. Mr Pickard commented: “It’s like a hotel style suite, it’s beautiful.” Coun Bartoli said: “I am really impressed with the facilities at Redesdale Court and delighted that the staff are keen to promote interaction between the residents and the community. I look forward to working with them in the very near future.”
Coun Burdis added: “This suite is beautifully designed, I will pass over my thoughts to the mayor and the rest of the community, it is really lovely.” Colleagues at Redesdale Court felt privileged to have been able to have the opportunity to show such special guests around the new Priory Suite and can’t wait to invite them back for the official reopening.
Maura celebrates in style MAURA Knight, a resident at Gracewell of Edgbaston, has celebrated her 100th birthday. Marking this special occasion, Maura’s family joined her in the reception of the care home to see her open presents and cards while they sang happy birthday. Her family also enjoyed champagne and cakes with Maura - from a safe distance looking into her bedroom window. To make this day even more memorable, her granddaughter composed a song for Maura which was then sung by her family. The team at Gracewell of Edgbaston were also sure to indulge Maura by giving her a personalised flute to drink champagne from while wearing a ‘100th Birthday’ tiara. Maura, who is a keen fan of the Royal Family, was also gifted a fitting Royal Family tea set which she said made
her feel like the Queen for the day. She was also wished a happy birthday by Buckingham Palace after Gracewell of Edgbaston wrote a letter to the Queen notifying her of Maura’s special day. Maura thoroughly enjoyed the party and made the most of the day by dancing to John Denver’s Country Road. Celebrations were followed by numerous calls to her family – she has three sons, four grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Asked what her advice is for living to 100 years old, Maura said that she made it her life purpose to give care and affection to others, which she succeeded at by previously working as a nurse. She also said she has never had a cigarette or driven a car, which has surely helped. And, although she may have celebrated her 100th birthday, Maura says she still feels like she is 21.
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CARINGWEEKLY
Celebration of Life gives time to reflect
Kay Goodall and Roy Blowers enjoy reminiscing.
Gravesend care home residents enjoy winding back the years RESIDENTS at Edward Moore House Residential Care Home in Gravesend, spent a morning reminiscing together, discussing some memory-awakening items. This week, the dining room at the Trinity Road residential care home was transformed into a retro haven, filled with an abundance of familiar and nostalgic items, objects, games, books, music and more, for an evocative activity. Residents gathered together and spent a morning browsing the items and sharing stories of the memories that were prompted by each of the items. All who participated found the activity to be very thought provoking and at times, moving. Modern gerontologists have acknowledged the benefits of people
living with dementia recalling personal experiences from the past, as long-term memory is the strongest and the last to decline, as such, nostalgic activities are excellent for residents living in care homes. Chris Hutchinson, General Manager of Edward Moore House said: “Actively engaging with our residents, and particularly those living with dementia is key to our team being able to deliver person-centered care. Reminiscence activities are excellent for bonding with one another, sparking memories and generally providing a connection. “Certain items can trigger memories that were forgotten, it really is incredible to see how the residents open up when they remember something from their younger days.”
FAMILIES went online to share memories of loved ones who have passed away at care homes across the South in the past year. Colten Care’s annual Celebration of Life is usually an opportunity for relatives, friends, current residents and staff to get together in person and reminisce about those who have died. With Covid restrictions ruling out face-to-face community gatherings this year, team members decided to hold an alternative-style event. They invited families and friends of the residents to join online meetings and share personal memories and time for reflection. The intimate event featured poems, music, hymns, readings and prayers. In some homes, local vicars conducted services via Zoom. Participants were encouraged to write about their loved ones in short email messages. Staff transcribed these onto memory cards which they tied to ‘memory trees’ in the homes’ foyers and gardens. There were many affectionate and personal contributions such as: “Isobel – a wonderful wife and lover of music”; “Norma – loved sitting in the sunshine”; “Betty – had a wonderful motherly nature”; and “Jessie – loved travelling the world playing sports”. At Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, staff and current residents hand-painted pebbles in memory of those they have lost. On each stone was the resident’s name, along with a picture depicting their hobbies or interests. The pebbles
were then laid in what will now become a permanent ‘Forget-me-not’ garden. The idea is that people can come and sit on a bench opposite taking time to reflect as they look at the stones. Sally Smith, Nurse Learning and Development Manager, who leads Colten Care’s end-of-life care strategy said: “Covid has created a really difficult time for many people and families across the world. For our part, we didn’t want the restrictions to stop our annual Celebration of Life event which has been held every year since 2017. It always proves to be a precious and heartfelt experience for those taking part. We strongly believe that good end of life care should extend to supporting relatives and friends whose loved ones have died.”
At Newstone House in Dorset, staff and residents hand-painted pebbles in memory of friends they have lost in the past year.
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CARINGWEEKLY
TV star Julie loved her ‘virtual’ visit to Perthshire care home RESIDENTS at a Perthshire care home were treated to a private audience with award-winning actor Julie Hesmondhalgh as part of an art-in-lockdown initiative from touring theatre company Paines Plough which saw live theatre come to a care home. Julie swapped hard-hitting dramas like Happy Valley and Broadchurch for online plays for the elderly when she performed a virtual monologue for residents at Balhousie Pitlochry in Highland Scotland. The residents and staff at the home, part of Balhousie Care Group, were treated to a live video performance from Julie via Skype of a short play called ‘Where I am From’ by Scottish Writer Stef Smith. The reading was part of a series of short plays called ‘Come To Where I Am’. The series has been commissioned by theatre company Paines Plough, written by writers from all around the UK about the places they called home during lockdown. The Pitlochry group of plays were co-commissioned by Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Julie, best known for playing kind-hearted Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, was delighted to be able to meet the residents via video link for the performance. Julie said: “It was such a pleasure to (virtually) meet the fantastic staff and residents of Balhousie Pitlochry and to be able to read them Stef’s lovely piece about growing up in Scotland. I chickened out of attempting the accent in front of an audience of Scots, but I hope they enjoyed her tales of running wild around the forests and lochs and lanes of the highlands. It was brilliant to be able to connect with everyone there for half an hour, and to read Stef’s wonderful evocative words.” Matt Maltby, Paines Plough’s Producer, explained that the theatre company wanted to find a way to reach groups and individuals who don’t have digital access to the plays online so they could still enjoy them. From Stirling originally, writer Stef Smith enjoyed seeing her play reach people in Scotland who wouldn’t usually readily have access to this form of entertainment. Stef said: “I’m
so glad Paines Plough have been able to share my piece with the residents in Pitlochry – especially performed by the wonderful Julie Hesmondhalgh. It’s set only an hour’s drive away from Pitlochry, and it’s important to me that we’re still able to share stories with people across Scotland.” Julie’s performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents and staff at Balhousie Pitlochry. Home Manager Sandra Hutton said: “It was wonderful being able to welcome Julie virtually into our home to perform this short play. “Both our residents and staff really enjoyed it. The theme of the play, ‘Where I Am From’, prompted residents to talk about where they come from and share stories with each other. We’d like to thank Pitlochry Festival Theatre for suggesting us to be involved.” After the success of Julie’s performance at Pitlochry, Paines Plough are planning to arrange virtual performances from more well-known actors in more homes across Balhousie Care Group.
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CARINGWEEKLY
The Together Project launches: Hand in Hand Together TO help address the ‘lockdown’ loneliness of people living in care homes, The Together Project has launched Hand in Hand Together, an intergenerational activity to create handprints, have fun, connect with others in the local community and be part of a nationwide campaign highlighting the increased need for intergenerational friendships. Hand in Hand Together will: Help to tackle loneliness of people living in care homes at this difficult time Recognise the relentless hard work of the staff supporting them Provide a fun, creative way for children
and parents to connect with older people in the community Care homes across the country have been in receipt of some exceptional outpourings of generosity from people outside the care home system. One group of homes highlighted the fact that residents were keen to give something back, for there to be a reciprocal exchange. However, they have been unable to do so - until now! Children of all ages and older people in care homes will create handprint pictures to send to each other. It is a wonderful way to reach out to others and gives everyone the valuable chance
to interact with other generations. Louise Goulden, founder of The Together Project said: “Hand in Hand Together is symbolic of reaching across the divide that has been created between care homes and their local communities during this terrible time we’ve all been through.” April Dobson, Head of Relationship Centred Care, Hallmark Care Homes said: “This is a truly heart-warming initiative and we can’t wait to be involved. It’s been an incredibly tough time for everyone, and this will really help to lift spirits.” Parents/guardians and care
homes are asked to sign up at: www. thetogetherproject.co.uk/hand-in-handtogether so The Together Project can ‘pair-up’ people of different generations. By signing up, parents/guardians and care homes will help make those intergenerational connections, reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, and help integrate local communities. The handprints will be made into a collage, forming a picture that represents the project. The artwork will be unveiled at Bucklesham Grange, Hallmark Care Homes, on National Day of Arts in Care Homes on September 24.
Debra and Diane take the lead at Formby Manor DEBRA Roose and Diane De Isaula have been appointed by New Care as Home Manager and Deputy Manager respectively at Formby Manor care centre on Liverpool Road in Formby. The duo will work together, combining their knowledge and expertise, to run the 76-bed state-of-theart care facility, which offers residential, nursing and dementia care services. Originally from North Wales, Debby has more than 35 years’ experience in care home management most recently as the registered manager for a care home in the London area. She is delighted to have ‘come home’ to take up this new position at Formby Manor. Despite joining during the coronavirus pandemic, she has quickly become part of the vibrant team at Formby Manor, blending seamlessly with the existing team of permanent employees and helping to deliver exceptional care and wellbeing for each and every
resident despite the difficult circumstances. She said: “Having worked around the UK, I was really keen for my next move to bring me back home to the North West. I looked at lots of different opportunities but this one with New Care stood out for me; I was impressed with the company’s values and its beautiful purpose-built facilities and was over the moon to get the job.” With qualifications in end of life, palliative care and infection control, Diane is also well placed to join the management team at Formby Manor. After starting work at the age of 15 at St Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton, she was asked by Father Francis O’Leary to help set up a 40-bed hospice for patients with HIV and other diseases in Honduras. While in Honduras, she met her husband and returned to the UK where she continued to work for St Joseph’s Hospice while completing her Registered General Nurse training.
Diane (left) and Debra (right) at Formby Manor
Hats off to home’s new haberdashery shop COLLEAGUES and Residents at HC-One’s Springfield House in Gateshead recently opened their brandnew, vintage haberdashery shop in the home’s Grace unit, providing a wide range of fashion items for residents to browse and choose from. Springfield House Colleagues, Susan Dunne and Sharon Ferrage were given the go-ahead to change the quiet lounge on Grace unit into a haberdashery store, and once they got started, there was no stopping them. They quickly enlisted the help of the home’s kitchen fitter, who is in the home to replace the 2nd-floor kitchen, to make a serving counter from the old kitchen units, and soon enough they had plenty of stuff and were ready to open. Julie Henry, Springfield House wellbeing coordinator, sourced some beautiful hats, hats stands, scarves and costume jewellery from a very kind local hat maker, Lillie’s Fascinators to fill
the shop with. Sharon and Susan also donated some clothes, hats and bags from members of their families and other items such as wool, cotton threads fabric and a mirror that they found in the home. After all of this hard work from Susan and Sharon, or ‘S&S’ as they have now become and clearing out old unused furniture and clutter, the outcome is the most beautiful and peaceful environment for Springfield House Grace unit residents to lose themselves in. To mark its completion, colleagues held a grand opening event of ‘S&S Haberdashery’. Topsey, Springfield House’s longest-serving Grace resident, pictured, cut the ribbons before every resident was given the opportunity to select their favourite hat to wear for afternoon tea which followed. Sharon Ferrage said: “It’s been hacky work, but great fun and I can’t wait for the next team challenge, the garden.”
The residents enjoyed choosing their hats and dressing for afternoon tea, and they absolutely love their new Haberdashery, as it reminded them of the shops when they were young. “It’s like the shops when I was young, there is nothing better than a bit of retail therapy and it’s lovely that this is here for us in our home,” said one Springfield House resident. Susan and Sharon have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the makeover. They have thought about the Residents throughout every step of the process in order to create the perfect environment for the homes Grace unit Residents. Springfield House home manager Kay Rudd said: “It’s wonderful when you give staff a free rein and their enthusiasm turns a little-used space into such an amazing, well thought out area that the residents will enjoy using. Well done ladies, a fabulous job, beautifully executed’.
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CARINGWEEKLY
CQC’s transformation continues apace By Neil Grant CQC’s Emergency Support Framework came into force on Monday 4 May 2020 but is now on the way out. From September 2020, CQC says it is hoping to introduce a new “transitional methodology.” In the Executive Team Report for the July 2020 Board Meeting, CQC writes: “This will draw from the 5 key questions we have asked previously but will be much shorter. It will involve some visits and some remote assessment of data. This methodology will make use of the new technology platform we created during COVID19.” As usual, I suspect CQC will publish some online information about these changes just before they go live. The intention is for this transitional methodology to remain in place until early 2021 when the “future strategy” will take over. CQC says it will be consulting on its 2021 strategy in the autumn as part of its smarter
regulation programme. Ian Trenholm, CQC’s CEO, has said there will be a new regulatory platform which will look quite different to CQC’s traditional methodology. Significantly, he did not think CQC would be writing conventional inspection reports anymore. They are looking at ways to publish material online in a more digital and lighter weight way. He added that the approach would be more predictive than reactive. CQC is still deciding what to do in relation to ratings and the frequency of inspections. We will have to wait to see what CQC proposes in relation to these issues in its autumn consultation. In its recent provider engagement, CQC has raised the possibility of setting up an improvement department within its organisation giving advice to providers and managers. Until the pandemic, CQC was at pains to point out it was not an improvement agency. Quite how this change sits with it being
an independent investigative and enforcement body remains to be seen, assuming it does happen. CQC is also reviewing its policy in relation to overt and covert surveillance of providers. If it adopts covert surveillance that, again, will be a radical shift from current regulatory practice. In conclusion, on a number of fronts it is clear CQC regulation will be changing significantly over the course of the next 12 months. The success of these changes should be judged by the degree to which they promote and achieve best practice in regulation, namely (1) targeting regulatory activity only where it is needed and thus reducing the overall regulatory burden, (2) transparency, (3) accountability, (4) proportionality and (5) consistency. If CQC can cement these principles into all its work, it stands a chance of being the world class regulator it is seeking to
become.
Neil Grant, Partner and Senior Lawyer, Gordons Partnership LLP Solicitors neil@gordonsols.co.uk
Dementia care specialist launches new stretching initiative DEMENTIA care specialist Vida Healthcare is investing in the long-term health and wellbeing of its residents with stretching classes led by ex-West End star Emma Flett. Launched in its two homes, Vida Hall and Vida Grange, in June 2020, the stretching initiatives have proven to be a big hit with staff and residents. Leading a physically active lifestyle and incorporating movement into everyday life can significantly improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Benefits can include reduced risk of certain cancers, increased mobility, greater self-
esteem and more independence when carrying out daily tasks. Charlotte Gibbs, Wellbeing Lead at Vida Hall, has seen a positive impact on the residents who’ve been involved: “Residents are keen to take part and they remember the time of the stretching classes, and are able to memorise and maintain basic stretching routines. This is a significant milestone for many of our residents, especially those living in the later stages of dementia. Emma Flett who leads the classes added: “Residents really enjoy the sessions and I can see improvements
each week. This time gives both staff and residents the opportunity to do something different and strengthen their bond which has been especially important during lockdown when loved ones haven’t been able to visit.” Originally involved in London’s West End, Emma Flett has starred in shows including ‘A Secret Garden’, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’. She is currently a tutor in acting and movement at The Drama Studio London, part of The University of West London and also teaches stretch classes with Psalms & Stretches.
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