Issue 43 10.02.21
FOR ALL YOUR INTERIOR NEEDS For further details contact Sarah Thompson: sarah@sommer-rose.com 07495 471038 • www.sommer-rose.com
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Heroes help heroes with breakfasts THE team from Elworth Grange care home in Sandbach had the idea of delivering breakfasts to local key workers after a surprise bacon sandwich for a visiting GP went down a storm. The doctor and nurses from Ashfields Primary Care Centre arrived to administer Covid-19 vaccinations to residents and staff and were overwhelmed to receive delicious breakfast buns as a thank you. This sparked a unique breakfast takeaway initiative for the care home workers to be able to support other key workers in the area. Front of house manager Frankie Durrant, who played an instrumental role in delivering the breakfast bags around the community, said: “During my deliveries I met some truly inspirational people who have really kept the community going over the course of the pandemic. “Everyone was so grateful for their breakfast bags, and it really goes to show how a little bit of kindness goes a long way.” The Elworth Grange Facebook page gave local people the chance to nominate their ‘pandemic heroes’ to receive a free breakfast grab-bag.
With more than 100 suggestions, the team set to work putting together a tasty breakfast bag which included bacon and sausage sandwiches as well as a touching thank you letter. Within the first few weeks of deliveries more than 200 breakfasts had been delivered to people working in frontline and key roles across a multitude of sectors. These have included fire, ambulance and police units, paramedic teams, local GP practices, chemists and pharmacies, postal service, refuse collectors, funeral homes and even teachers at local primary schools. Home manager Donna Cowell added: “I am so proud of my team, the way that they continue to prioritise the needs of others is truly inspiring. “I have received so much positive feedback about our breakfast bags, and I am just pleased to know that maybe the reason a key worker is smiling in the morning is because of the Elworth Grange team. “I am really looking forward to the day we can invite the community back into our home and celebrate the end of the pandemic together.”
Provider to host virtual careers day
Discovering that many more plums are grown in Romania than the UK was a surprise to residents of a Wellington dementia care home – one among many in store for them during a recent ‘theme’ day. Residents of Camelot House and Lodge said they felt as if they had been transported to the Balkans for the day, with many authentic touches made possible thanks to staff at the home who originate from the country. Activities co-ordinator Richard Dempslake said: “A national theme day is a great way to entertain our residents, and gives them chance to engage in familiar activities with a novel twist – a real boon in the current climate, given that we can’t take them out of the home for the local visits that they enjoy in normal times.” Pictured are healthcare assistant Corina Necula, Richard Dempslake and senior carer Madalina Chitu.
BLUEBIRD Care Oxford has continued to actively recruit throughout the pandemic. The homecare provider is encouraging any local people who might be considering a career in care, or are looking for a new opportunity, to join them for a virtual Facebook careers event. Melissa Charnock, head of marketing, recruitment and employee engagement at Bluebird Care Oxford, said: “Coronavirus has affected many people through redundancy, unemployment, and furlough. Bluebird Care can offer a secure, stable career. “No experience is necessary as we provide full training and support, however, due to the locations of our customers we require all our staff to have valid driving licenses. We know that many people will have experience in care within their daily lives – whether that’s bringing up their children, looking after a loved one or helping a neighbour. “We also find that workers from retail, hospitality or customer service have great transferrable skills to become a care assistant. Over the year we’ll continue our recruitment campaigns, interviewing and employing individuals who can deliver high quality care to our customers.” The virtual Q&A will be live on Facebook on February 17 and it will give people the opportunity to ask questions about salaries, rotas, experience, training and Covid-19 guidelines.
“ Without QCS we wouldn’t have been rated as an outstanding service ” Rupert Stocks - Registered Manager, Guyatt House
Join over 100,000 The UK’s leading bespoke, procedures and management toolkits for the care sector
Comply with regulatory standards
Help in preparing for inspections
Ensure documents are compliant
Daily updates, stay informed on current issues and news
Start your free trial today at www.qcs.co.uk/caringuk or call 0333 405 33 33 @QualityComplianceSystems
CARINGWEEKLY
3
Home launches new book club to mark National Storytelling Week A NEW book club has been launched for people living with dementia at a Surbiton care home. Royal Star & Garter, which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, began the club in January. They chose the late Captain Sir Tom Moore’s autobiography Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day as their first read. The book’s publishers thanked the home for choosing the book to launch the club, and praised the charity for the work it does. The launch coincided with the National Storytelling Week, which runs from January 30 to February 6, and promotes the importance of storytelling for learning, wellbeing, and enrichment of life. The club is run by activities coordinator Dawn Cherrill and resident Maureen, who is living with dementia. Both have experience of working in libraries. Residents can pop in to the book club, enjoy a hot drink and listen as Dawn or Maureen read extracts. Photos from the book written by Captain Tom will be placed around the room. Dawn, who worked in libraries for Hounslow Council for 19 years, said the idea came about when discussing a Christmas present she had received with Maureen:
“It was Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day,” she added. “The book looks at 100-year-old Captain Tom’s life, and how he grew up in Yorkshire on the foothills of the Dales. “I told Maureen it is inspiring, and she suggested we start a book club. The book has many photos which we
THE 2021
CARING
UK AWARDS
will enlarge to show residents, and because of his military background I think it’s a great choice to launch with. “I hope for much chatter in book club, and I’m sure it will trigger lots of memories and lead to lots of reminiscing over tea and biscuits.”
There wasn’t a bad hair day in sight at Dene Holm in Northfleet as staff treated residents to some New Year hair dos. Residents let their hair down with a New Year trip to the care home’s salon, and staff ensured there wasn’t a hair out of place as they dished out makeovers. With the home’s usual hairdresser still unable to come and visit the residents due to lockdown, staff decided to try their hand at a new skill and set up shop in the home’s salon. Residents were able to take a seat in the muchmissed hairdresser’s chair and enjoy a spot of pampering, which was sure to leave them feeling refreshed and relishing their new look.
Thursday 2nd December 2021,
THE ATHENA, LEICESTER
N O M I N AT I O N S A R E N O W O P E N OUR AWARDS ARE FREE TO ENTER CLOSING AUGUST 31ST 2021 W W W. C A R I N G U K A W A R D S . C O . U K S P O N S O R S H I P PA C K A G E S A R E AVA I L A B L E CARING UK AWA R D S 2 0 2 1 I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H
Call 01226 734605 or email tb@scriptmedia.co.uk for details For general enquiries call: 01226 734630
SPONSORED BY
Care Home Division
CARINGWEEKLY
4
IT whizz running 100 miles for hospice that cared for his Grandad ‘Good’ CQC rating for Congleton care home HC-ONE’S Greengables care home in Congleton, Cheshire is celebrating a glowing report from the Care Quality Commission. The team was delighted to have received an impressive CQC report that rated the home as ‘Good’ in all areas, demonstrating that the home is providing high standards of care for residents, and that the home is safe, effective, caring, responsible and well-led. HC-One managing director Ruth Yates said: “This rating is great news. I would like to thank the whole team for their commitment and hard work and congratulate them on such an impressive report. “We are dedicated to achieving our aim of being the care provider
of choice for those looking for the very best care and support, and employer of choice for the best, most professional and kindest care staff.” The inspectors were full of praise for colleagues at Greengables, highlighting the kind ways in which they provide care for residents at the home. “The atmosphere in the home was welcoming, warm and sociable. People told us they felt safe and well cared for.” This was echoed by comments from the relatives of residents at the home. Visiting professionals, residents and relatives praised the staff and the quality of care provided. Inspectors also commented on staff and the management at Greengables.
AN IT engineer from Leeds is running 100 miles over 28 days in February to raise money for charity. Lewis Watson will be covering 6km every day to hit his 100-mile target, all in support of St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, who looked after his Grandad Robert for seven weeks while he struggled with bowel cancer. He said: “This was a really tough time for my family and me. It’s the worst news anyone can ever receive. Grandad’s health took a sudden turn, and it was really hard for us all to cope. “Thankfully, St Gemma’s Hospice supported us throughout and helped to ease the pain for everyone. We couldn’t thank them enough.” “St Gemma’s is a charity funded hospice and rely on donations to be able to look after people with cancer. I hope that my fundraising will help them to provide the same support we received to others during the most difficult period for anyone.” The help provided by the hospice was vital for Lewis and his family, who wouldn’t have been able to cope without the assistance. When Robert was given the news of his terminal bowel cancer, he didn’t want to go to a hospice and instead wanted to spend his time at home with family. St Gemma’s Hospice leaped into action, providing a medical bed to use at home, as well as daily visits from nurses and all the medication he needed to control the pain. When Robert passed away last June they also helped with funeral arrangements. This has spurred Lewis on to raise money for the hospice. He’s so far
Lewis Watson smashed his £250 target and the donations currently stand at £455 – with help from the care homes in which Lewis works. Lewis works as an IT field engineer for two care homes in the area – Corinthian and Willowbank. Both are supporting his fundraising.
Advertiser’s announcement
Residents at Kingsgate in East Kilbride are beating the January blues and have embarked on a month-long virtual cruise across the world. The care home wanted to ensure the ongoing pandemic did not prevent the residents from starting the new year with a bang, and decided the world cruise would be the perfect activity. Each week staff and residents will virtually visit a different continent, starting with the Americas. Week two will see them visit Africa, week three will be Asia and the final week will be Europe. Along the way the staff and residents are exploring food and drink from the various countries. The residents will also focus on culture, music and dance, and some fun facts about each country with quizzes, films and reminiscence activities.
Visitor pod opens at care home A NEW visiting pod for friends and family has opened at Barnes Lodge in Tonbridge. With restrictions still in place across the country, families and friends can now enjoy visiting residents in a safe environment. Relatives are able to chat to residents using the intercom, along with a protective transparent screen being in place to avoid any risks. General manager Nicky Pett said: “It has been really exciting to see the visitor centre go up as we know how much this will mean to the relatives of
our residents, as well as the residents themselves. “We have been using technology such as FaceTime to keep residents in touch with their loved ones, which really does lift their spirits. “However, finally getting to see them in person, even with the screen in place, is going to make the world of difference. Staff have worked tirelessly to keep residents safe during the pandemic, using a marquee outside during the summer when visits were finally permitted again.
Introducing Delphi Care Solutions ... IT’S BEEN an unpredictable and challenging time in the care sector over the last 12 months; but care providers no longer have to face these times alone… Delphi Care Solutions is an exclusive purpose-built team of skilled and experienced former CQC inspectors, health and social care professionals and IT specialists who work proactively with care providers to ensure regulatory compliance, improve CQC ratings and financial performance… what’s more, if agreed targets are not achieved, they forgo the majority of their fees. Sound too good to be true? Please read on. Delphi directors have hands-on experience of achieving and retaining a CQC rating of Outstanding in all key lines of enquiry. To proactively share their achievement and skill set, Delphi has carefully selected a taskforce team of friendly, experienced care professionals to work responsively
and corroboratively with care providers, to promote high quality care through effective business management. Delphi’s exclusive software is unlike any other system on the market and was designed by care providers for care providers. It can enhance a service’s operational and financial performance – putting managers and providers in complete control. It can help to protect the business too, with 24/7 tracking of the service’s daily functions and ongoing compliance. The team at Delphi understand that each service is unique, and with that tailor their provision to meet the needs of the service. From enforcement and turnaround support, to audits, occupancy and software. Working with Delphi is a true partnership – the team look forward to meeting your company’s every need.
Caring UK Care Providers Conference Pushing the boundaries of care excellence
SPEC IAL OFFE R
Delivering the latest news, information and products that will enable owners, managers and staff to be at the forefront of delivering Care Excellence
BOOK
£25 sin
£40 tw
York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX,
NOW
gle de
legate gates
o dele
Tuesday 8th June 2021 Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL,
Lunch & refres hmen ts includ ed
Wednesday 9th June 2021 Double Tree Cumbernauld, Glasgow G68 0EW, Thursday 26th August 2021 Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD,
N o rt h
Good y ba attend g & an certifi ce cate
Wednesday 22nd September 2021
CARING UK CONFERENCES 2021 IAL SPEC R OFFE
K BOO
Rookery Manor, Weston-super-Mare BS24 0JB
South
Wednesday 7th July 2021 Riviera International Centre, Torquay TQ2 5LZ
NOW
ate eleg gle d n i s s £25 gate dele two 0 4 £
Thursday 8th July 2021 Colchester United Football Club CO4 5UP Wednesday 17th November 2021
h& Lunc ents shm refre ded inclu
Kettering Conference Centre NN15 6PB
& bag y d o ce Go ndan atte cate fi certi
Tuesday 30th November 2021
Thursday 18th November 2021 Ashford International Hotel, Kent TN24 8UX, Bournemouth Football Club BH7 7AF, Wednesday 1st December 2021 Delegates will receive a CPD six hour attendance certificate at the end of the conference
Tel: 01226 734412 www.caringukconferences.co.uk Email: cr@scriptmedia.co.uk
BOOKING FORM
Pushing the boundaries of care excellence Single delegate rate £25 per person Two delegates £40
Event attending: Yorkshire
York Racecourse, York YO23 1EX
Tuesday 8th June 2021
North West
Village Hotel, Blackpool FY3 8LL
Wednesday 9th June 2021
South West
Rookery Manor, Weston-super-Mare BS24 0JB
Wednesday 7th July 2021
South West
Riviera International Centre, Torquay TQ2 5LZ
Thursday 8th July 2021
Scotland
Double Tree Cumbernauld, Glasgow G68 0EW
Thursday 26th August 2021
North East
Ramside Hall, Durham DH1 1TD
Wednesday 22nd September 2021
South East
Colchester United Football Club CO4 5UP
Wednesday 17th November 2021
Northamptonshire
Kettering Conference Centre NN15 6PB
Thursday 18th November 2021
South East
Ashford International Hotel, Kent TN24 8UX
Tuesday 30th November 2021
South
Bournemouth Football Club BH7 7AF
Wednesday 1st December 2021
Delegates attending (Please print in block capitals) Title
Name
Surname
Job Title
Booked By: Ms/Mr/Mrs/Dr................................................................... Position....................................................................................... Organisation......................................................................................................................................................................... Address................................................................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................... Post code.......................................... Email......................................................................................................... Tel....................................................................... Please sign and date here to indicate you have read and accept the booking conditions: Signature............................................................. Date:..........................................
Payment Method
I enclose a cheque payable to Script Events.
Invoice me.
Phone for my credit/debit details.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
All places booked must be paid within 15 days of booking and before the conference unless otherwise agreed with Script Events. A telephone or fax booking must confirm when and how payment will be made A refund will be given, less £20 admin, fee for cancellations received more than 15 days prior to the conference. No refunds will be given with less than 15 days to the conference. However, delegate substitutes will be accepted to the day of the event at no extra cost. Where invoices are requested and agreed, payment must be received within 15 days from the invoice date. We understand and will exercise out statutory rights to claim interest and compensation for the debt recovery costs under the late payment legislation if we are not paid according to agreed credit terms. An interest rate of 8% above base rate will apply for late payment. Script Media Group is committed to protecting your personal data. By attending our events, we provide you with an opportunity to meet and engage with our exhibitors. Our events create business to business relationships and give access to relevant industry people, products and services. We share your business information with the exhibitors and speakers so that they can review the companies that have attended today’s event, we DO NOT share personal information without your consent.
Please tick to receive a regular copy of Caring UK
Please tick to receive information from exhibitors
Caring UK Conferences, Script Media Group Ltd, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS Tel:01226 734412 Fax: 01226 734478
CARINGWEEKLY
Carer Tamara rises from the floor to be named group’s Rising Star A CARER whose first day in the job ended up with her unconscious on the floor has turned things around in spectacular fashion as a winner of her company’s Rising Star award. Tamara Proctor, 20, worked in retail before deciding on a career change, and joined Norfolk homecare company Extra Hands last May. Despite her inauspicious start, she has gone on to become a key member of the team and a trusted friend to the care service users she visits from the company’s Heacham office, rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. “I still don’t know what happened that first day – I wasn’t unduly anxious, I’d had a good breakfast and I was prepared, but I passed out completely,” she said. “An ambulance had to be called and they said I’d probably overheated. It was a strange way to start – phoning the careline is supposed to be for the benefit of service users, not the carers, but I like to think I’ve made some progress since then.” Before the pandemic, Tamara worked in a shoe shop, often dealing with elderly customers, which she said gave her some insight into the requirements of her new career, a choice which was also influenced by personal experience. “Growing up I was a carer for my
Tamara Proctor (left) and Trevor Wicks. mum, and I’d also seen how carers helped her, so when I saw what was happening with the pandemic, it seemed like the best time to get involved,” she added. Extra Hands, which was set up by David and Hazel Evans almost three decades ago, seems to have been the perfect fit for Tamara – particularly with its well-being check service, the first such homecare service in the county, which can take the pressure
Advertiser’s announcement
How safe are your ratings? FOLLOWING on the consultation on its new overall strategy for the ongoing Covid-19 era, CQC has published a “Consultation on changes for more flexible and responsive regulation”. A “move towards our ambition to be a more dynamic, proportionate and flexible regulator.” Sounds familiar. So will they deliver this time? One of the undertakings made in this document is to make “changes to allow us to assess and rate services more flexibly, so we can update our ratings more often in a more accessible, responsive and proportionate way”. So will we now see an end to the iniquitous system of refusal to upgrade ratings at a follow up inspection, on the ill-defined criterion of a requirement to evidence (at some arbitrary future date) that the changes are “embedded and sustained”? As a matter of law the burden of proof of non-compliance resides with the regulatory authority. If inspection findings show (reasonably and proportionately) that there is noncompliance then it may be said that the burden of proof of compliance transfers to the registered person. Where a follow-up inspection finds that the action plan has been implemented and that the service is now compliant, then in law the provider has discharged the burden of proof, which immediately, repeat immediately, reverts once more to the inspectorate. At the same time, the lawful exercise of discretion as to the ratings could only be to upgrade them in line with the new position of compliance. While ratings are not the same as compliance, they are acknowledged by CQC as being parallel, and the all
too common refusal to upgrade them in the face of the evidence unlawfully reverses the burden of proof back to the provider. While refusal to upgrade may cover the back of the inspecting officer, CQC policy in this area is more an abuse of the process of law than merely disproportionate. In the world as it is in 2021, could anything be more damaging and demoralising for a team of managers and care workers than to be told that they have to wait for another inspection before their successful efforts to provide safe care, having risked their own lives to do so, are recognised? The complete removal (or not) from the inspection system of refusal to upgrade ratings, on the basis that improvements are not yet ‘embedded and sustained’, will be nothing short of a test of the good faith of the Care Quality Commission towards an industry on its knees and likely to stay there for some time to come. Hard-pressed providers will need evidence that any such improvement to the regulatory system is itself embedded and sustained. Across the board. In actual practice in inspection reports. Without exception. And not merely in some marketing posture of the Commission. HSC Professional (Consultancy) now offers consultations on Zoom. Email me at mail@hsc-prof.com to sign on for regular alerts and updates on coronavirus and the rest. Visit my Facebook page or Twitter page at @hsc_prof to view my videos on notifications, Riddor and more. facebook.com/HSC-ProfessionalConsultancy-1715456902020143/
off friends, relatives or carers who can’t visit regularly. “I absolutely love this job,” she said. “I’ve had other jobs before where I felt happy, but that was mainly down to the environment of the people around me, but this is the first job I’ve had that I’ve felt genuinely happy to do.” The other winner of the Rising Star award from Extra Hands’ Horsham St Faith office was Trevor Wicks, from
Hethersett near Norwich, who ran the Hollywood Cinema chain for 30 years, until it went into administration early in 2019. Like Tamara, he opted for a complete career change at the start of the coronavirus pandemic by entering the world of caring with Extra Hands, and as unlikely as the move may have seemed, it has paid off. “When I put on Facebook what I was doing, people were amazed at such a total about-turn, so I’m well chuffed with the award, it came out of nowhere – when I saw work were calling me, I wondered if I’d done something wrong, but no, it was to tell me the good news,” he said. “I chose Extra Hands because I didn’t want to work in a home, I liked the idea of going into people’s houses to get to know them, and it’s a familyrun company, so that was something I could relate to, and they’re great people to work for. “I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but when you go to somebody’s home, you may be the only person they see that day. “The other day at the end of my shift, I stayed on for about half-anhour chatting to the couple because they were such nice people. I look forward to going to people’s houses and doing some good for them – how many jobs can you say that about?”
7
8
Home secures multi-million pound deal ADEPT Care Homes has finalised a multi-million-pound deal with Yorkshire Bank, owned by Virgin Money, to re-finance the business and support the development of a new 84-bed care home in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. The family-run business operates seven care homes in the Midlands, and its eighth home is set to open to residents later this year. The finance deal has been negotiated as part of Adept Care Homes’ move to Yorkshire Bank as a new customer under the RBS Business Banking Switch. Managing director Dave Lock, who founded the business in 1989, was keen to maintain a connection with relationship manager Kenny Nelson. He said: “Kenny has been supporting our growth for a number of years and when he moved to Yorkshire Bank, I was keen to continue that relationship, which influenced our decision to switch. “He’s always done a really good job, providing robust guidance for the
business, and he has supported us through this transition period. “An important part of the deal has been the funding we needed to complete the development of our new, state-of-the-art care home in Hucknall. “The coronavirus pandemic has delayed our original plans by a few months, but we are now nearing completion of the build and
specialist healthcare business agents
preparing to open for residents in the coming months. Recruitment is underway and we’ll be creating around 100 jobs for the local area.” The new Hucknall home will follow Adept Care Homes’ successful approach to providing personalised care. The group promotes independent living through care suites, which offer generously sized bedrooms
with en-suite bathrooms; lifestyle kitchens; modern furnished living rooms; outdoor spaces, including personal gardens and balconies; and a social calendar of entertainment and activities. The Hucknall home also includes a traditional pub, cinema, library, café, private dining facilities and hair and nail salon. Kenny added: “Adept Care Homes has a solid track record of consistent growth, undoubtedly driven by its commitment to providing excellent care for elderly residents. “The company is one of the biggest SMEs to move to the Bank under the Business Banking Switch. I look forward to continuing to work with the team and supporting its ongoing growth and success.” Adept Care Homes’ ongoing commitment to providing personalised residential care has led to its recent inclusion in the 2020 London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’, a title it has earned for the last four years.
Independent expertise, nationwide knowledge
SOLD
Seely Hirst House, Nottingham - Reg 38
DC Care is delighted to confirm the completion of the sale of Seely Hirst House. The home was marketed on behalf of Adrian Allen and Diana Frangiou, of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP. When industry knowledge and wisdom are needed, when a discreet sale is desired, our clients choose DC Care to sell their healthcare business.
SALES | ACQUISITIONS | APPRAISALS | CONSULTANCY
01937 849 268
www.dccare.co.uk sales@dccare.co.uk
CARINGCOMMERCE
9
Legal expert warns care homes to be ready and safe CARE homes are being warned to be extra vigilant in making their spaces safe as the care industry regulator steps up monitoring during the current lockdown. Rachel Adamson, head of fraud and regulatory at Adkirk Law, highlighted the importance of safety for care homes during the current pandemic, which is managed by the Care Quality Commission. She said: “There has been a lull in the monitoring and inspections because of the pandemic but care home operators and managers should be aware that just because we are in lockdown doesn’t mean there will be any less rigour in dealing with safety. “It seems obvious, but the issue of infection control is one of the key measures being examined and care homes should be ready to be visited at any time, and having robust processes and systems in place will provide evidence of safety. “The CQC has increased the level of enforcement action over recent years and has made it clear that it will take action if people are at risk during the pandemic. It is important that providers be prepared for the calls with their inspector.” While the CQC has temporarily
102 new extra-care homes complete on Isle of Wight
Rachel Adamson halted routine inspections during this emergency period, it has retained its regulatory role by implementing a new Emergency Support Framework, designed to ensure risks can be identified and acted on. The CQC inspectors are looking at four key areas of care home provision covering safety including infection control, staffing arrangements, protection from abuse, neglect and discrimination and processes dealing with the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
MORGAN Sindall Later Living has reached practical completion on its new £18m specialist residential scheme, Ryde Village. The development provides 102 extra-care apartments and bungalows, making it the first of its kind on the Isle of Wight. Laurence Basturkmen, director at Morgan Sindall Later Living, said: “The aging population is a pressing issue across the country, but particularly so on the Isle of Wight. “These high-quality apartments and bungalows at Ryde Village provide residents and their families with the peace of mind of independent living, where care and help are available if required.” Ryde Village was delivered in partnership with Isle of Wight Council, Homes England, Funding Affordable Homes and Southern Housing Group, one of the largest housing associations on the island.
The development consists of 63 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroomapartments in a facility that also contains communal social spaces and additional care facilities, which the bungalow residents will also have access to, allowing for easy access to on-site support. The 27 two-bedroom bungalows sit next to the main apartment block and are available on a shared ownership basis. Ryde Village is supported by IWC’s extra care strategy, following the identification of an increasing demand for at least 700 new extra care homes due to the island’s increasingly aging population. The development will provide more choice for older people, enabling them to live more independently for longer. Stonehams Construction was the contractor on the scheme with Hose Rhodes Dickson appointed as agent.
“Our fingerprints are all over every sale”.
Benefit f ro m t h e value of ex p e r i e n c e with a fully managed s e r v i c e f ro m b e g i n n i ng to end.
From corporate clients to private owners and charities, our experience provides the right advice and support throughout the deal process.
Whether acting for the seller or purchaser, our areas of expertise include: • Nursing and Residential Homes • Independent Hospitals • Specialist Care Homes Including Learning Disability & Mental Health • Children’s Services and Schools • Turn-key Developments • Vacant Properties • Land and Development Sites
Achieve the result you want and sell your care business confidentially. CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SALES & ACQUISITION SERVICES
www.healthcarepc.co.uk
Tel: 01937 222107
enquiries@healthcarepc.co.uk
CARINGWEEKLY
10
Stephen Butterworth has been appointed as HC-One’s executive director for operations. In this role he will be leading operations across all of the group’s homes and its domiciliary care services. Stephen will spearhead the operational direction of the company, working closely with HC-One’s senior management team, its regional teams, and central support team, to support its care services. His promotion to the position of executive director for operations follows a successful career at HC-One. Since joining in 2012, Stephen has worked in a number of operational and senior positions across the business.
Alcedo Care Group has bolstered its team with the appointment of Rebecca Ogujor as head of live-in care. Rebecca’s overriding objective is to successfully establish the new division for the company, breaking into the marketplace and offering a range of care packages. The traditional audience will be the elderly who want to remain in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home but require additional help with medical care and personal support. Rebecca has vast experience in this field, having previously held a managerial position across the Lancashire region for another live-in care provider, as well as being a care home manager for a large charity and operations manager at sheltered housing. Specialist dementia care provider Vida Healthcare has invested in its offering with the appointment of a new registered home manager. Clare Shuker has been promoted from house manager to the role at Vida Hall in Harrogate. She will be responsible for the various specialist services available. In particular her role will see her manage care delivery to keep residents safe and well, and maintain the home’s Outstanding rating. With more than 20 years in the social care sector, Clare brings significant experience to Vida Healthcare. Particular specialisms include dementia care, dignity in dying and cardiology. Graduating with BSC Hons in Adult Nursing from Leeds Beckett University in 2013, Clare’s previous roles include senior carer, team leader, NVQ assessor, and most recently, practice nurse at Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group. Specialist maritime charity and care home The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society has made appointments to its senior team following the retirement of former home manager Anne Kasey and Margaret Brazier, executive assistant to the CEO. The Society has made a number of internal promotions, with Alice Mitroi taking on the role of home manager at Belvedere House – the Society’s nursing care home – and Luiza Jipa replacing her as deputy clinical manager after four years as a nurse and infection prevention and control lead at the home. Maria Jobson, who has worked at the Society since 2014 following her 10-year career in the Civil Service, has been promoted to head of administration services and PA to the CEO. New Care has appointed Janet Lewis as the registered home manager of Cheadle Manor, its recently opened £15m care facility in Cheadle. She has worked for the company for more than 12 months, and was previously the home manager of Ashlands Manor in Sale. Janet will be responsible for a team of more than 100 employees and 68 residents. Her overriding objective, now that the care facility is open, is to develop a care home that provides a high standard of care, creating a happy place for residents to live. Janet is also determined to make Cheadle Manor a great place to work, ensuring her team feels valued and supported.
Elliscombe House in Higher Holton, Somerset has made its first senior appointment ahead of its re-opening in Spring. The home was acquired by the Ellie Group after being closed for several years and, after an extensive rebuilding and refurbishment programme, will offer residential and nursing care in stunning surroundings. Registered nurse Carla Bowman will be the manager. She brings a wealth of experience, having worked within the NHS in Accident and Emergency and Intensive Care. In more recent years she has worked in senior management within adult social care, most recently as the registered manager for a wellknown care home group. Carla commenced work at Elliscombe House earlier this month, and is currently building her team of staff. North Yorkshire care provider Saint Cecilia’s has strengthened its management team by adding the new post of group director. Its first holder is Laura Clegg, a care professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the sector. Her role will be to oversee the expanding group’s four homes and, working with the registered managers, help build upon and improve the care they offer. “The values and ethos of Saint Cecilia’s absolutely reflect my own,” she said. “I knew I could add value and use my experience to help build on their excellent reputation, drive the quality agenda forward and take the organisation to the next level.” A leading figure in the development of care homes and hospitals in Scotland is to take the reins as a dedicated managing director of an Edinburgh care home. Graeme Kelly, who is currently a director at Walker Healthcare, will move across to the newly created role at its newest development, Cramond Residence, as it looks to build on growing demand as consumer confidence recovers within aspects of the sector that can demonstrate a positive track record over the past 12 months. Graeme’s move over from Walker Healthcare, where he has worked since 1989 and which built and owns the home, coincides with the phased retirement of Eileen Gray.
CARINGWEEKLY
12
Advertiser’s announcement
Atomiser helps you sanitise a room or work space with ease and efficiency THE handheld Duplex Atomiser was introduced following the first wave of Covid-19 when we realised that there was a need to sanitise all surfaces quickly and effectively to create safe working environments. We also introduced our own surface sanitising fluid called Hydrosan to work in conjunction with the Atomiser to give a full cleaning and sanitising unit to complement our already tried and tested floor steam machines and multi-surface steam cleaners, which have been widely used in the care and health environments for many years. With the addition of this Atomiser our customers and users can clean and sanitise every part of a room or working space with ease and efficiency. The high specification Duplex Atomiser has three spray nozzles giving a <20 Microns droplet size, (to give some scale a human hair is on average 90 microns in diameter) so they are not just spraying sanitiser into the air they are atomising it which gives a far better spread across the room and a much more even layer of sanitising fluid giving enhanced protection. Large areas can be easily covered because of the three nozzle
arrangement which produces a large spray area for this compact Atomiser, in reality the handheld device can cover over 100 square metres on one fill. This level of hygiene gives all users
High Performance Cleaning Machines Duplex have been supplying cleaning machines to the care sector for over thirty years and in that time our machines have been helping to keep care homes clean and sanitised for staff, residents and visitors in all parts of the country. These premium grade machines are made for the most demanding tasks and are especially relevant with the ongoing issues caused by the current pandemic with their ability to deliver steam at temperatures high enough to kill 99.998% of bacteria.
Request a Covid-19 safe demonstration. These will follow any customer rules currently in place and our own stringent safety policy.
Request an onsite demonstration www.duplex-cleaning.com
01227 771276
Fax 01227 770220 info@duplex-cleaning.com Unit 27 Joseph Wilson Ind. Est Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3PS.
and care home residents a high degree of protection and ensures that areas are being thoroughly cleaned and sanitised. Because of its compact size and light weight it is very easy to use
• CLEAN AND SANITISE WITH STEAM • CERTIFIED DATA AVAILABLE • COMBINE CLEANING WITH INFECTION CONTROL • USE ON HARD AND SOFT SURFACES • COVID-SECURE TRAINING INCLUDED
and refilling is also a very quick and simple process. The battery run time is in excess of four hours allowing ample time to complete sanitisation regimes and the unit has a helpful battery and water/sanitiser level indicator. Hydrosan was tested using the protocol below to ensure its efficacy and after testing the following statement was issued:According to BSEN1276:2019, this sample of disinfectant concentrate possess bacterial activity against of the reference strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, when tested at concentrations of 1:20 (1 part product to 20 parts water) with a contact time of 30 seconds at 20 deg C. under clean conditions. Hydrosan, has been tested to BS EN 14476:2013+A2:2019 Log 4 reduction in Cov 229E. It comes in 5ltr containers and can be diluted 20:1 making it very cost effective. One 5 ltr container therefore makes 100 litres which gives 100 cleaning cycles for the Atomiser. The Duplex Atomiser and Hydrosan are available from stock and can be delivered next day.
When it comes to clients, there’s no mountain we won’t climb.
Here at Gordons Partnership we pride ourselves on delivering a personal, high-quality service. Our lawyers are just a phone call away, take the time to listen and provide regular updates, working with you closely to achieve the best possible outcomes.
neil@gordonsols.co.uk | 01483 451900 | www.gordonsols.co.uk
CARINGWEEKLY
14
Advertiser’s announcement
Nobilis launches training programme in partnership with Paragon Skills NOBILIS, one of the UK’s leading at-home care specialists, is set to launch a business-wide First Aid for Mental Health programme, alongside a new Apprenticeship programme for its 400+ employees. The company’s investment and commitment to training is at one of the highest in the care industry, and the Nobilis programme is timely given the government’s own Apprenticeship Week initiative (February 8-14) that will highlight training initiatives and opportunities across industry. The new First Aid for Mental Health qualification, which is Ofqual or SQA Accreditation regulated, includes a combination of self-study and webinars guided by a qualified trainer. Nobilis believes this is an industry-first, and particularly relevant as Covid-19 can have a severe impact on client and employee mental wellbeing, as well as physical. First Aid for Mental Health is part of a suite of training programmes being introduced by Nobilis as part of its new Apprenticeship training partnership with Paragon Skills – a leading, national Apprenticeship training provider. The Nobilis Adult Care Worker curriculum will include Levels 2 3, 4 and 5 Standards in Adult Care, accredited by City & Guilds and recognised by the Care Quality Commission and health and social care sector. Peter Harrington, Nobilis managing director, said: “Ensuring the emotional wellbeing of our care teams is paramount. “If they are emotionally strong in themselves, they are better equipped to help and support their clients. “It’s also important for them to learn to recognise the warning signs that someone is suffering from poor mental health. Our First Aid for Mental Health programme will ensure both clients and employees receive the best mental health preparedness we can offer them.
Mark Botha, chief executive of Paragon Skills, added: “Our training programme with Nobilis employees begins in February and couldn’t come at a more opportune time. “Quality care is in high demand and with National Apprenticeship Week running from February 8-14, now is the time to broadcast the message that a career in care is not only worthwhile and rewarding, but also one that can continue to evolve and grow. “It’s also a significant credit to Nobilis that it is implementing First Aid for Mental Health, still something too often ignored by employers in the care industry.” First Aid for Mental Health, course syllabus is wide-ranging across subjects from anxiety, stress, and depression to issues like bipolar disorder, selfharm, and drugs and alcohol. The qualification is designed to provide employees with the knowledge to recognise a wide range of mental health conditions and to learn about the support/therapy provided by professional healthcare providers, as well as helping them with their own mental health management. Employees sitting the programme will learn: n How to recognise and manage stress and
understand the impact of substance abuse. n A first-aid action plan for mental health. n How to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace. n How to start a supportive conversation, plus when and how to signpost a person to seek help. The new Apprenticeship programmes are a key part of Nobilis’ aims to attract and retain best-in-class carers as the business continues to grow – from apprenticeship level to carers who want to progress their careers and move into management. Peter added: “Our wider, new training programme will set Nobilis apart from other in-home care companies – both for clients, who will be reassured they are receiving the absolute best care from carers who are professionally trained, and for our employees for whom the training will support their career progression and job satisfaction. “It’s currently an incredibly challenging time for the care industry, but we believe that our bestin-class training will ensure all Nobilis carers are ready to meet whatever situation they find themselves in.” Nobilis’ new recruitment website is now live with more detail: Nobilis Recruitment
CARINGWEEKLY
15
Advertiser’s announcement
Why every care home catering division could benefit from food safety manual By Leah Cooke THE UK may have imposed some of the toughest food protections in the world, but every year, according to the Food Standards Agency, around 16,400 people are estimated to have been admitted to hospital suffering from food poisoning. Food allergies have also increased. FSA statistics show that around two million people are living with a diagnosed food allergy, while a further 600,000 people coeliac disease. NHS data shows that last year, not including coeliac disease or food intolerance, “over 7,000 people were admitted to hospital due to a food allergy, including anaphylactic shock”. We simply don’t know how many people – living in residential care or being cared for at home – suffer from food allergies, nor do we know which food allergies are most common amongst this age group, as the FSA says that “the most prevalent food allergies vary by age”. It also says that while “specific prevalence data is not available for UK adults”, it is currently conducting a study called Patterns and Prevalence of Adult Food Allergy study to find out the answers. It is hoped that the evidence-based project, which began in 2018 and is due to be completed by the end of 2022 will shed greater light on “adverse reactions, patterns and risk factors”. Maintaining high food safety standards Much more, however, is known about how to prevent food poisoning. Eliminating the risk of E.Coli 0157, Campylobacter, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and listeria in a care home environment is largely dependent upon following the correct safety procedures. For the vast majority of good to outstanding care settings, which have
the food safety highest standards at every stage of the food preparation chain – from the point of ordering it to putting the food on the table. However, what is unique about the manual it that is has consolidated all of the research, regulation and legislation into accessible texts. This ensures that catering teams are highly competent, trained and have the necessary measures in place to deliver and review processes for safe food delivery.
Leah Cooke on-site integrated catering services, however, this is a given. Most are exceptionally well-versed and fluent in food safety standards. But, a much greater challenge for outstanding homes is keeping up with the latest food safety regulations, and ensuring that staff are able to access the latest FSA protocols, which change on a regular basis. Secondly, it is not just about providers demonstrating to the FSA and the CQC that they are following up-to-date regulations, but also that their staff have the requisite best practice tools they need to flourish. That means catering managers being able to supply their staff with accessible and easily digestible content – which is located all in one place. But where do you find such a resource? It was a question that the Cinnamon Care Collection, a luxury UK care home group, and QCS, asked before coming together to create a leading-edge food safety manual for care home caterers. The QCS Food Safety Manual The food safety manual, which is available at a discounted rate for QCS customers, ensures anyone responsible for food provision meets
Helping caterers to maintain the highest standards But how does the food safety manual help caterers to attain the highest standards? The manual contains 86 documents, which have been divided into six distinct categories which will be regularly updated by QCS. QCS has written 18 standards, each of which details the procedures to follow for every aspect of safe food practice. There are also 13 Hazard Awareness Critical Control Points, which ensure that caterers have taken the steps to eliminate, mitigate and manage risk. QCS recognises that every care home kitchen environment is different, and so it has also created a bespoke HACCP template. Critical Control Points are another useful tool. QCS has developed a set of easy-to-follow visual flowcharts, which identify key risk areas – such as using a temporary kitchen, cooking barbecued food and cooling joints of meat. The Critical Control Point section outlines the action-points that need to be taken breaking them down into simple steps. But when we created the manual, we realised very quickly that if the food safety manual was to be truly valued by staff, then we would need to produce specialist guidance, which would enable them to build their
own Critical Control Points into their catering divisions. We have added this unique feature to the manual. Decision Trees Decision Trees are another important visual aid. QCS has created eight trees. They help caterers to make the right decision in a busy food preparation environment, by demonstrating to a caterer every possible outcome of a decision, and the consequences that go with it. They are very effective for individual and group learning, as decision trees not only help people to make the right decision, but they force them to evaluate the reasons behind a particular course of action. But it is not enough to make the right decision in the kitchen, it is vital that catering staff can evidence, demonstrate and log the actions they have taken on a daily. QCS has created 24 forms that, when filled in show that the they are consistently complying with, and continuously evaluating their food safety regulations. Finally, the food safety manual contains a guidance signage section. QCS has created 11 food safety posters, which highlight the dangers of cross contamination, the importance of regular handwashing and also include a food allergens notice. To discover what is included in the QCS Food Safety Manual, please watch: https://youtu.be/DxBvvI0J0Sw?utm_ source=FoodSafetyManual&utm_ medium=Youtube Click on the following link to access a free kitchen cleaning schedule: https://www.qcs.co.uk/kitchencleaning-schedule n Leah Cooke is the content and policy lead at QCS.
Advertiser’s announcement
Activity platform aims to get residents active FITNESS Industry Services CIC, a community interest company set up to get people active, are launching a Crowdfunder campaign to give care homes residents access to a library of activity programmes, via Care Home TV. They are looking to raise up to £10,000 to launch this platform that will allow all care homes access to a wide variety of activities to keep their residents active. Focusing on physical exercises that are age and ability appropriate, the content will be made available online and via a Smart TV Android app to allow your residents to join in whenever they feel like it. Details on the project and how to support this essential and requested platform can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/helpingcare-homes-keep-active This will bring the residents high quality exercise programmes that can be easily followed and ensure they remain active, healthy, and show an improvement in mobility and quality of life. In addition to physical activities there will also be a mixture of quizzes, games and other options
to look after the mental health side and ensure their brain also remains active. In an Age UK survey people, in particular care home residents, suffer increased levels of loneliness, anxiety, and stress during the pandemic, especially during lockdowns. This can have major consequences for a person’s health.
One study has argued that it is as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Depression affects 40 per cent of older people in care homes according to Help the Aged. Only seven per cent of adults over the age of 75 years meet the minimum required level of physical activity for health benefits (National Statistics, 2009) Daytime activities are an unmet need for 76 per cent of care home residents with dementia (Hancock et al, 2005) Care home residents on average spend only two minutes a day participating in meaningful social interaction (Brooker, 2008) In a recent Sport England survey, reducing physical inactivity can have significant impact both in terms of the reduction of risk of people getting diseases such as cancer, dementia, hypertension and obesity but also in the treatment and management of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression and many forms of cancer. Please support this initiative, and if you would like to discuss access or content options, email hello@fitnesscic.org
A valuable addition to the Caring UK family ‌ keeping you informed alongside the care sector’s Number One magazine
Follow us @caringuk
Please send any stories and photos you may have to editor Dominic Musgrave at dm@scriptmedia.co.uk For advertising opportunities please call Bev Green on 01226 734288 or email bg@scriptmedia.co.uk or Tracy Stacey on 01226 734480 or email cuk3@scriptmedia.co.uk
For more information and to sign up
visit: www.caring-uk.co.uk
or email Megan Prince on circulation@scriptmedia.co.uk For all enquiries call 01226 734 779
- the Number One magazine for the care sector