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Issue 166
Third Annual 'Made with Care' Campaign Launches
The government’s ‘Made with Care’ campaign is returning for a third year in a bid to help grow the domestic workforce. The campaign will include a range of advertising to promote opportunities available to people across England to build a career in adult social care, and designed to reach millions via video on demand, radio and digital channels.
People looking to make a genuine difference to people’s lives are being encouraged to join the adult social care workforce through a government recruitment campaign launching today.
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EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital! BRIDGING THE GAP IN ADULT SOCIAL CARE I am currently at the Care Show at Birmingham’s NEC - we are on stand A78 today and tomorrow (11th & 12th), so please do stop by and pay us a visit if you are attending. We always welcome feedback and “its good just to meet and catch up”! As our front page story confirms, the government has launched its third “Made with Care” campaign to encourage the public to consider careers within the care sector. Editor It would not be an understatement to say that, as we navigate the challenging landscape of adult social care in the UK, one pressing issue continues to loom large - the shortage of dedicated staff to care for our most vulnerable citizens. It's a problem that's been steadily growing, and this initiative is most welcome. In recent years, the shortage of staff in the adult social care sector has become a cause for concern, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. The demand for compassionate, skilled caregivers remains at an all-time high, and it's crucial that we address this challenge to ensure the well-being of those who rely on this vital service. The government's "Made with Care" campaign, now in its third iteration, comes as a much-needed lifeline for the sector. This initiative seeks to promote the adult social care field as an attractive and rewarding career choice. Its importance cannot be overstated. Encouraging members of the public to consider a career in this sector is not only an investment in the future but also a way to honor the dedication and hard work of our existing care professionals. This campaign aims to dispel myths, break down stereotypes, and showcase the incredible contributions made by those already working in adult social care. The stories of resilience and compassion from the frontlines should serve as a testament to the difference one can make in the lives of vulnerable individuals. We must emphasize that adult social care is not just a job; it's a vocation, a calling. It requires empathy, patience, and a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those in need. The "Made with Care" campaign should serve as a powerful reminder of this, inspiring a new generation of carers to step forward. Additionally, the current moment underscores the importance of attracting overseas workers to the UK adult social care sector. Many countries have seen the immense value in the contributions of overseas workers, and the UK should continue to wel-
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come them with open arms. These dedicated professionals help alleviate staff shortages and bring diverse perspectives that enrich the sector. To support this effort, it's crucial that the government maintains a flexible approach towards immigration policies, especially for roles that feature on the Shortage Occupation List. These are the roles where demand consistently outstrips supply, and they are often the backbone of our care sector, and I applaud the suggestion too that those currently within the asylum system should be considered for work roles, in particular the adult social care sector. I note there is a suggestion to abolish the Shortage occupation List (SoL) for fear of exploitation. No-one wants to see or indeed exploit any worker, but abolishing the list entirely when it is attracting overseas workers into the sector and which is working out well, is rather alarmist - there simply has to be a better solution. I do hope the government continues its commitment to facilitating the entry of overseas workers in shortage occupations. This is not just about bridging the staffing gap but also about nurturing a workforce that is representative of the diverse and multicultural society we are proud to be. The "Made with Care" campaign to encourage the general public and the need to attract overseas workers are two vital elements in our ongoing struggle to address the staffing crisis in adult social care. By showcasing the sector as an attractive and rewarding career choice, we hope to inspire new talent to join our ranks and help us provide the care and support that every individual deserves. Let's stand united in this mission, ensuring that the well-being and dignity of our fellow citizens remain at the heart of our society. We are always delighted to publish some delightful stories from various homes around the country, from birthdays to fund raising, from baking to growing vegetables, anything you would like to share please do send it to me at editor@thecareruk.com
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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 3
Third Annual 'Made with Care' Campaign Launches (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)
152,000 VACANCIES “ANY GIVEN DAY” Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, said: “The figures from our Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set show that, in 2022/23, the sector had around 152,000 vacancies on any given day, so we need to tell a really compelling story about how rewarding a career in social care can be. In particular, we need to try to attract more men and younger people, who are under-represented in the workforce. We hope this new campaign will help to attract more people into vital care roles – and we’d encourage employers to use it to support their local recruitment efforts.” While the campaign will look to encourage the public to consider if a career in social care may be suitable for them, the Department of Health and Social Care is also calling for all care providers to list their vacancies on the Department of Work and Pension’s ‘Find a Job’ portal, to ensure job seekers visiting the campaign website (www.adultsocialcare.co.uk) can find
Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “Our care system depends on dedicated care workers who make a difference to the lives of so many people in need of support. This campaign helps build that vital workforce.”
WIDE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES “I encourage anyone considering the next step in their career, whether just starting out or thinking of their next move, to go online and explore the wide range of opportunities in the care sector. Running until the end of March 2024, campaign advertising will appear to millions across video on demand platforms such as ITVX, Sky Go and Channel 4; radio and digital audio channels such as Spotify and social media and digital channels like Facebook and Instagram, to direct job seekers to www.adultsocialcare.co.uk.” This year’s campaign builds on the success of last year, which saw over 244,000 candidates search for a social care job on the website after seeing the campaign. The campaign aims to shine a light on the emotional rewards of the role, to inspire more people to consider a career in adult social care. Many entry level roles don’t require any specific qualifications – training will be provided on the job, and there are a variety of roles available so those interested in care work can find a job that will fit around them.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP added: “From care assistants to support workers, there are vacancies across England with a variety of employers that could help jobseekers take their next step on the career ladder.” “Anyone interested in a social care role should tap into the free resources available, including our Find a Job portal and their local Jobcentre.” Beverley Tarka, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said: “There aren’t many jobs where you can really make a difference to people’s lives, but social care gives you the opportunity to do that every day. From helping people to live independently, to taking part in their communities and doing the things that help them to enjoy life whatever challenges they might face.” “I’ve worked in adult social care for more than 30 years and everyday it feels a real privilege to have such a positive impact for people in my community. There are currently 152,000 opportunities to improve people’s lives, and I hope this campaign will encourage people to think again about a job in social care.”
roles in their local area. Department for Work and Pensions aims to boost hiring for the sector ahead of the Winter with an expected 100 multi-sector jobs fairs planned, where social care jobs will be on offer between October and Christmas. Jobseekers can speak directly with employers at these events. At www.adultsocialcare.co.uk, people will be able to find everything they need to research a career in adult social care and, crucially, search and apply for adult social care jobs near them – with support to perfect their CV and advice on interviews. The campaign is designed to encourage applications from the right personnel but also to make the recruitment process easier with free resources to help providers fill their vacancies. These will include: • Free printable and digital assets with flexible branding to use when advertising job opportunities • The ability to advertise job roles for free on adultsocialcare.co.uk with an audience of thousands
FULLY COMMITTED The government said in a statement that it is “fully committed to the 10-year vision to reform adult social care. Our Next Steps to put People at the Heart of Care plan sets out how we are spending £700 million over two years, including £250 million for the workforce to develop their skills and careers, on top of our £7.5 billion investment to help reduce adult social care waiting times and increase capacity.” “This funding will ease pressure and build a stronger NHS to ensure the people of our country get the care they need and deserve.”
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Training and Practice with Care Home Residents at Various Stages of Dysphagia By James Clear, hospitality director at Aria Care Group (www.ariacare.co.uk) Dysphagia - the medical term for swallowing difficulties - can be caused by a range of conditions, such as cancers, head injuries, a stroke or dementia. It comes in a variety of stages; some people may find some textures hard to swallow, while others may have lost the ability to swallow at all, which makes eating difficult. Understandably then, knowing what dysphagia is and how to best support someone with it is vital, especially in a care home setting. Managing it well means we can prevent medical problems, thereby enhancing someone’s quality of life. Food brings so much joy to people’s lives that we would never want anyone to have a lesser quality of it because of dysphagia. At Aria Care Group, we are committed to providing care from the heart and, for us in the hospitality team, this means ensuring everyone has a positive experience in all aspects of their lives. We have a number of residents with various stages of dysphagia across our 50 communities and so finding a way to best assist them, while still making food a pleasurable experience is one of our utmost priorities. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) gives mandatory guidelines for caterers on how to provide the right dietary support for residents with dysphagia. Under the new IDDSI guidelines, which came into force in April 2019, all food and fluids are graded on a 0-7 scale, with zero being thin liquids (essentially water viscosity), and seven being regular and easy-tochew foods. The IDDSI guidelines help us make sure that modified foods are the right texture and viscosity for those who need it so having the correct equipment to texture modify food is therefore essential. Using the IDDSI scale, our chefs ensure each plate of food is texture modified in a different way depending on what level a person is. For example, the team uses a Thermomix machine for levels 3, 4 and 5 but
as level 6 is soft and bite-sized cubes, 1.5cm x 1.5cm, these can be crushed with a fork with minimal effort. Under IDDSI guidelines, it’s straightforward for chefs to texturecheck prepared foods. For liquids, the test includes two syringes to test the flow rate, and for food it includes a fork and spoon with chefs tasting and checking for any hidden texture. Once the tools are in place, it’s crucial that all catering staff are trained to the same level. In September this year, we ran an extensive in-person training programme for each of our head chefs across our 50 care homes to ensure they are upskilled. Our chefs are able to adapt the menus to ensure we are not only creating nutritious meals, but also offering the same choices for residents requiring texture modified meals. I would encourage anyone supporting residents with dysphagia to do the same. Despite misconceptions, there are no limitations to what someone with dysphagia can eat - they need to eat a full, nutritious and bal-
anced diet just like everyone else and the IDDSI guidelines help us to deliver just that. When someone is consuming texture-modified food we need to make sure it’s energy-dense to help them maintain their weight and avoid malnutrition. Chefs have lots of options to maintain a resident’s correct daily calorie intake, from adding things like cream and butter, as well as plant-based proteins like soya and pea, so we’re not just injecting excess fat into a diet. All people expel calories throughout the day, even if they’re not doing much. So our meals have to be prepared to provide enough calories to keep residents energised and sustain them whatever they might be doing. Whenever we’re developing a new menu we encourage tasting sessions for residents’ feedback. We provide ‘hospitality from the heart’ with a nutrition and hydration framework which is shared with all of our homes. Our chefs create their menus around the likes and dislikes of residents within their community and identify the modifications required for a particular dish for residents on an IDDSI level diet. Before the new clearer guidelines, it was challenging for people to provide good quality, nutritious food for people with dysphagia. Today’s IDDSI scale and better education means any foods can be modified for residents with dysphagia - we make it as close as possible to a regular meal by working on the flavours, textures and presentation. We all eat with our eyes so presentation, as well as taste, is key to ensure residents’ appetites are stimulated. Our goal is to always try and replicate the original dish regardless of the IDDSI level to maintain dining quality, using tools like piping nozzles to recreate it on the plate. Food and drink is really important for social interaction and comfort, but we know there’s still a big stigma around care home food. We’re trying to myth bust here by providing the best quality food whether a person has dysphagia or not.
Colleagues At Cheshire Home Raise More Than £6,000 Following Virtual Cycling Challenge Two colleagues at a Cheshire home cycled almost 1700 miles and raised over £6,000 in the process. Lysiane Gilmour and Lynne Morrilly both work at MHA The Willows and completed the challenge in six months. The challenge was a virtual bike ride from Mobberley to Gibraltar, a total of 1698 miles with several landmarks such as London, Paris, Bordeaux and Madrid being celebrated as motivational landmarks. The idea to travel to Gibraltar was in line with the King’s Coronation as Gibraltar was the first country to issue stamps with the King’s Cypher. A static bike was kindly loaned to the home from CPASE Gym, in Warford Park, so that other staff members and resident family members could join in and help tick off some miles. The total amount raised to date was £6743, which will go towards a tiny tablet costing around £4,000 and the money left over will be used for trips and activities for residents in the run up to the forthcoming festive period. Apart from the cycling challenge, the home also held a communi-tea party and another colleague Amanada Drayton walked more than 1 million steps in three months.
Speaking after the challenge Lysiane said: “It was a real team effort from both Lynne and I and we are very grateful for the support shown by everyone. “It was a well-paced challenge that we knew was a realistic, achievable goal in our set time-frame. “I did have my doubts on the financials and am thrilled to bits that we surpassed our goal! “Lynne did a lot more cycling than me, and in return my task was to focus on fundraising to raise as much money as we possibly could. “We had some great community support, with a particular mention to CPASE, and also to Sheldons and Waitrose Knutsford for their donations. Lynne added: “The biggest thing I have learnt during this challenge is no matter how daunting things may seem they can be overcome: “I hadn’t done any cycling for about two years. Once I began the challenge it got easier each day and pedalling uphill was no longer a problem and whizzing downhill was even more fun! “I have really enjoyed this challenge and will continue to cycle as much as possible and am now wondering what challenge I should do next year.”
Newport Pagnell Home To Distribute Items Of Food In Support Of Local Community To Mark Organisations Birthday A Newport Pagnell home has decided to collate and distribute food items to support the needy to mark the 80th year of their organisation. MHA Westbury Grange has been asking for donations from family members, staff and residents to distribute in their local community. The initiative is in conjunction with the Harvest Festival and to mark the 80th birthday of Methodist Homes (MHA). The home will be working with a Fairshare, a charity based in Milton Keynes, who will produce care packages from the items and deliver them to the needy. The initiative will run throughout the month of October and so far more than 100 items including tins of soups. rice, pasta, cooking sauce and cereal have been donated Sophie Wise, activity coordinator said:
”Initially me and Jo, my fellow activity coordinator, had a goal of 80 non-perishable items to mark the 80 years, but we have already hit that target. “The support and generosity from staff and family members of residents has been immense. “We asked family members for a donation in lieu of a ticket for our 80th birthday party and that proved to be quite successful. “Fairshare is doing great work in the Milton Keynes area supporting those that need help, and we are happy to contribute to that. “There are a lot of people still struggling, especially with the cost-of-living crisis and it is important to look out for one another. “We are still collecting items and if anyone would like to donate, they can by popping into our home and dropping the items off to us.”
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Anger at Lack Of Social Care Action in PM Speech Angry social care campaigners have described the Prime Minister’s promise of bold action and long-term decision making as laughable after the sector was ignored in his speech. During his address to the Conservative Party conference, Rishi Sunak promised to “give the country what it sorely needs and yet too often has been denied: a government prepared to make long-term decisions…” But social care providers said it was impossible to take that promise seriously when the care of older and vulnerable adults was not even mentioned in the speech. Mike Padgham, chair of the care provider organisation, the Independent Care Group (ICG), said: “The Prime Minister’s promises were, sadly, laughable, given that social care did not even merit a passing mention and in the light of all that we have been promised in the past. “Mr Sunak criticises the 30-year ‘political status quo’ and yet, ironically that is how long social care providers have been asking for the reform of a sector which is struggling before their very eyes.
“He talks on the one hand about being bold, about a government making long-term decisions and about being radical – but on the other hand he is blatantly ignoring a sector of society that has been crying out for bold, radical, long-term action for all of those 30 years. “Pledge number four in Mr Sunak’s five key priorities announced in January was to cut waiting lists and get people the care they need more quickly. “Well, here we are 10 months later and one of the key planks in delivering that promise has not even been addressed. Better support for social care would help end the log jam in our hospitals by providing more support for people in the community, keeping them out of hospital beds and getting NHS healthcare running again. “If you wanted to be bold, radical and long-term, Mr Sunak, why did you ignore social care altogether? “Given all the promises we have heard in the past, it is very hard to take political pledges seriously any more – especially when what you are campaigning for is not even mentioned.”
Care Sector Fundraising Ball Breaks Record The fourth annual Care Sector Fundraising Ball took place on Saturday 30 September, raising £426,852 for its charities – breaking previous fundraising records for the Ball, with the Alzheimer’s Society and the Care Workers’ Charity benefitting from the proceeds. The event is organised by the Championing Social Care team at the CareTech Foundation, supported by some of the care sector’s leading organisations as partners or sponsors. The lead partner this year was care home operator Loveday & Co. More than 600 guests came together at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London’s Park Lane for an evening of entertainment. Anita Goyal, chair of the Care Sector Fundraising Ball Committee, said: “It was a magical night. I am thrilled that we have raised around £1.1 million since the Care Sector Fundraising Ball started in 2018; we have united to deliver an exceptional evening. I am delighted that guests had such a great time and gave so generously. Staging the event involved a
huge amount of work from so many people. It was brilliant to see so many friends and colleagues in the care sector supporting the event.” Laurence Geller, chairman and chief executive of Loveday and Co, commented: ‘Thank you to everyone involved in staging the Ball, the guests and the donors for making it such a successful and memorable night. Through supporting the Care Sector Fundraising Ball and being an ambassador for Championing Social Care I will continue to bang the drum for the care sector and those who work in it. Together we can, and we must, make our industry even better.” Jonathan Freeman, chairman of the CareTech Foundation, said: “The two beneficiary charities make a huge difference to the lives of people accessing care and those working in the sector. We are delighted to support them. We are also determined to acknowledge our responsibilities to society more widely by putting sustainability and accessibility at the centre of our planning.”
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Navigating the Public Sector Staffing Crisis: A Call for Sustainable Solutions
By Chris Hornung, Managing Director of Public Sector at Totalmobile (www.totalmobile.co.uk)
In the realm of public services, a pressing issue has loomed large for some time, but now, in a landscape of industrial action and troubled local authorities, it's time to make meaningful changes. In recent years, the public sector has found itself entrenched in what some describe as a staffing cri-sis - a situation where the demand for services consistently outpaces the available workforce, result-ing in a detrimental impact on both service quality and morale among public sector employees. This challenge has been further exacerbated by recruitment issues, creating what seems like a never-ending cycle of woes. A recent report by the House of Lords Services Committee aptly labelled this situation as a "vicious circle," highlighting the issues at hand. Although these challenges are fixable, the present efforts to tackle them are limited in scope and do not match the severity of the crisis. In fact, The Lancet goes as far to say, that the UK's health and social care sectors are now "facing the greatest workforce cri-sis in their history". In addition, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported earlier this year that disputes over working conditions have resulted in the loss of almost 4 million working days in the past 11 months, affecting many sectors, including NHS, rail and Royal Mail workers, and civil servants, making it the most severe impact since 1989. The report's recommendations offer a roadmap, if implemented effectively, that could signal a sub-stantial transformation and secure a more sustainable future for the public services workforce. Let's delve into some of the report's recommendations:
• DATA-DRIVEN UNDERSTANDING In order to comprehend the full scope of the problem, government agencies must use data to gain insight into the nature and extent of the issues. By collecting and sharing real-time workforce data, government bodies and agencies can gain unprecedented visibility of all aspects of service delivery - ensuring key information is available at the right time to empower staff to make informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently. This is echoed by a recent national report that stated the current provisions meant staff could not access a comprehensive view of the workforce, resulting in silos and a lack of collaborative working.
• EMPOWERING INNOVATION Empowering the existing workforce and exploring imaginative deployment strategies can be a real gamechanger in creating flexible shift patterns that not only align with business needs but employees' changing circumstance. To maximise the potential of current staff, a fresh perspective on deployment is crucial. Exploring imaginative avenues for their deployment can help mitigate shortages, increase productivity and even see a return on investment. This approach not only maximises the potential of existing employees but also incorporates new perspectives into the provision of services, improves work-life balance, and con-
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tributes to greater job satisfaction and lower rates of turnover.
• USER-CENTRIC SERVICES Public services should be designed with the end-users in mind. To truly make services work for users, meaningful consultation can lead to solutions that better meet their needs, resulting in more efficient and effective services. In doing so, it can also reduce service expenditures and the strain on an already overwhelmed workforce. Public sector entities must actively engage with their communities to better align services with actual needs and preferences.
• LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY In an era of rapid technological advancement, A.I and machine learning, the smart use of technology can significantly enhance the productivity and information flow within public sector organisations. Leveraging technology for informed decision-making can help ease staffing pressures, but its use seems yet to be fully realised.
• PREVENTATIVE FOCUS Shifting the focus toward preventative services can curtail the demand for reactive interventions. The Royal College of General Practitioners states that there are 250,000 vacant posts across the NHS and social care sectors alone, with primary health care providers having been hit the hardest, soaking up additional demands from shortfalls across the sector. Adopting proactive measures early can often prevent issues from escalating and reduce the strain on public sector colleagues.
• TRAINING FOR RETENTION Broadening skills that can be used in multiple careers can increase job satisfaction and retention rates. According to a study by Nuffield Trust, additional education and training played a significant role in the departure of employees from public sector jobs. By rethinking development programs, skills can be acknowledged and put to good use across a range of public sector occupations. Middle leaders can maximise their time for mentoring, personal development, and caring for staff by utilising smart technologies to reduce administrative workloads.
FINAL THOUGHTS It's clear the key to success lies in the swift and comprehensive adoption of these recommendations across the public sector landscape. The staffing crisis is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic solution. If implemented on the required level, the committee's recommendations can trigger real and meaningful change. The onus now falls on public sector leaders, with the support of innovative solutions, who must lead the way to a more sustainable future for the dedicated workforce and the communities they serve. Totalmobile, with its cutting-edge technology solutions, could play a pivotal role in alleviating the public sector staffing crisis. Its mobile workforce management tools can empower public sector employees by optimising their schedules and tasks, thus increasing efficiency. Additionally, its data-driven insights can help agencies make real-time informed decisions and better allocate resources, addressing the core issue of staff shortages. By embracing these innovative solutions, the government and public sector agencies can enhance service delivery, improve workforce morale, drive down costs and make significant strides towards a more sustainable and brighter future.
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Care Workers Should Remain on Shortage Occupation List Report Recommends A report by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended that care workers and senior care workers remain on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), but at the same time recommends that the list should also be abolished, and that those currently within the asylum system granted permission to work in any role. At the outset of the report MAC stated that the review was carried out on the basis that employers should not be able to pay salaries lower than the “going rate” regardless of whether there is a shortage. Currently, where a job Is on the SoL list an employer can pay an overseas worker 80% of the going rate or the minimum salary threshold of £26,200 for a skilled worker (@20,960) The recommendation is published in the MAC’s Review of the Shortage Occupation List 2023. In a letter to home secretary Suella Braverman and minister for immigration, Robert Jenrick, MAC chair, Professor Brian Bell, said: “We have recommended that care workers and senior care workers remain on the SOL, given their recent inclusion and the government’s continued failure to respond to our April 2022 report on the sector.” Speaking earlier this year, Professor Bell said the UK had taken a deliberate policy of exploiting low-paid overseas workers to prop up the social care system. His letter to the home secretary this month added: “We are increasingly concerned about the serious exploitation issues being reported within the care sector. We therefore plan to closely monitor the use of the immigration system by care work occupations, and the health and social care sector more broadly, and will provide further comment on this area in our 2023 Annual Report in December.” The MAC’s recommendation to keep care workers on the SOL was welcomed by Sam Monaghan, chief executive of MHA, who commented: “As part of The Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) review of the
Government’s Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation list, we fed back our strong belief that Care Workers should remain on the list. Care vacancies accounted for half of all visas issued to skilled workers in the year up to June 2023, so we’re pleased to see that our concerns have been reflected in MAC’s most recent recommendations.” “However, like MAC, we believe more needs to be done to fix the longterm crisis that exists in the recruitment and retention of social care staff. That’s why we are calling on the Government to fund and enable the creation of a Social Care Council – as part of our wider Fix Care for All campaign. The Council would act as an independent body representing the 1.5 million people working in social care – examining pay scales, accreditation, training and recruitment, and investing more into changing public perceptions around what it means to choose care as a profession.” “Unless the Government commits to doing more to incentivise and reward these roles we’ll never be in a position where we can build an adequate pipeline of talent in the UK.”
Strong Life Care Raise Money for Macmillan Thornhill House Darfield, Earls Lodge Wakefield and Highstone Mews, all part of Strong Life Care, have donated £800 raised from coffee mornings held in the homes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Residents enjoyed baking cakes during preparation for the events. During the coffee mornings residents enjoyed family time and took part in decorating banners and other activities for an amazing
cause. Christian Mason, Group Public Relations and Marketing Lead, said, "The events all went really well and staff and families all got behind the the fundraising for an amazing charity." Strong Life Care are trying to raise £3000 by the end of December for MacMillan, with one manager completing a wing walk in speedos.
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Health Leaders Call For Action To Tackle ‘National Emergency’ In Mental Health Services Neglect of community mental health services and lack of suitable hospital beds is fuelling A&E waits of up to 80 hours for some mental health patients and leading to a growing crisis with profound effects on patients and the wider NHS. That’s according to health leaders who are warning that the continued lack of resourcing for mental health has left services overwhelmed and at breaking point just as the NHS attempts to gear up for a very difficult winter. Health leaders fear that the combined dearth of resource in community mental health services and available inpatient mental health hospital beds is having serious knock-on consequences for patients across the NHS, with other services, including A&E, being sucked into the crisis. The situation has become so bad that healthcare leaders across the system are urgently calling for a more targeted approach to what is a society wide crisis. They are alarmed that mental health patients are having to frequently turn up at A&E in crisis because of a lack of alternative and more appropriate options. Once there, thousands of patients are left stranded, often for long periods of time, waiting to be redirected to more suitable care facilities, or to be found supported housing and social care packages. NHS leaders fear that thousands more patients are often being admitted into inappropriate acute hospital beds meant for physically ill patients. This then has further consequences by delaying treatment for patients who need treatment for physical conditions. One acute trust chief executive in the Southeast of England told the NHS Confederation: “The mental health crisis is having a huge impact on our emergency departments. The impact, most importantly on these patients themselves, but also on flow, waiting times and our staff is overwhelming at times and having a massive impact on our ability to keep all patients and staff safe. “A lack of investment in care for patients who need mental health support outside of hospital and in the community is now having a direct impact on acute services, and often means we have no other choice but to admit. We urgently need this issue recognising as we move into winter.” Matthew Taylor, chief executive of NHS Confederation said: “The current focus on the elective recovery, industrial action and GP access has meant that mental health has slipped down the government’s set of priorities and patients and services are being forgotten. This is a
national emergency which is now having serious consequences across the board, not least for those patients in crisis. “We know that there is increasing demand for mental health support, but with limited supply in the community, this demand is washing up on the shores of wider NHS services and having a knock-on effect on the care of other patients, waiting times and recovery efforts. “People are coming to A&E and having to wait very long periods of time to either be admitted or found the right package of care for those needs in the community. NHS leaders say that this is now leading to thousands of patients being admitted to acute care beds when this may not be the right clinical setting for them and risks their mental health deteriorating further as a result. “There is real concern that due to a lack of investment in things like community mental health facilities and supported housing places, there is simply nowhere else for people to be referred on to quickly enough at which point the only viable option is an admission to an acute bed.” “Health leaders are now calling on the government to make urgent and increased targeted investment in community mental health teams, temporary step-up beds and specialist staff ahead of the very pressured winter months. The reality is that many of the solutions to this problem lie outside of the NHS, not least with the need for more supported housing and social care support.” Recent data shows that mental health patients are more than twice as likely to wait over 12 hours or more in A&E compared to all other patients, with nearly 1 in 5 waiting for over half a day in June 2023. Sean Duggan, chief executive of NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network said: “It’s clear that the lack of focus and attention to mental health services is resulting in a far-ranging set of problems for the NHS, and while the major conditions strategy promises some positive actions in the longer term it will take years to have any impact and does nothing to address the current crisis. “Leaders need to see mental health re-prioritised, with investment and action in the short, medium and longer term. A good place to start would be with the implementation of the clinically led review of standards for mental health, which includes A&E related urgent and emergency care mental health targets as well.”
Parley Place Care Home’s Bake Off For Alzheimers Research Staff and residents at Parley Place in West Parley have taken part in a staff bake off and cake sale to raise money for Alzheimer’s Awareness.
fun afternoon and staff have been talking and planning their cakes secretly in the hope of being crowned the winner! Taking part in fundraising for Alzheimer’s
Staff and residents at the home got stuck in to help raise funds for this very
Awareness has been a huge amount of fun and everyone at the home has been
important cause. All departments of the home were tasked with making a cake for
behind us all the way. It’s for such an important cause and one very close to our
this competition which would be sold off at our community café to raise money
hearts here at Parley Place. We’re very glad to be able to do our bit to raise fur-
for such an important cause. Our local day Nursery, Mighty Oaks also donated
ther awareness and money for the charity.”
some cakes and biscuits that the children had made. Tracey Aldin, General Manager at Parley Place care home, said “It’s been such a
Parley Place raised a grand total of £65 by selling off the cakes that were made, which will be donated to The Alzheimer’s Society.
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Government Invests £3 Million To Transform Technology In Adult Social Care People who receive care will benefit from new technology to help improve their independence and reduce avoidable hospital admissions, the government has announced. Four new projects have received over £3 million through the government’s Adult Social Care Technology Fund to transform the use of digital technology in adult social care. The funding will help identify care-focused technology solutions that have the potential for wider rollout within the sector, and in doing so provide evidence to prioritise investments in care technology. National Care Group will receive over £300,000 to improve the quality of medication management and recording and promote independence in taking medication using an Electronic Medication Administration Record System. This will improve the accuracy of recording medication and improve health outcomes for the 1,236 people supported Shropshire Council, in partnership with domiciliary care providers, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB, My Home Life and TEC suppliers will use funding of almost £1.2 million over two years to embed technology in people’s homes alongside a virtual care delivery service to help meet care and support needs digitally. This aims to support independence in the home, help people manage their daily needs and promote self-care Reading Borough Council, in partnership with Henley Business School, will use funding of just over £1 million to trial and understand the benefits and potential of sensors technology to monitor any significant changes to a person’s daily habits that may cause concern. The aim is to trial systems that support people to live sustained or increased independence, a sense of well-being, safety, and security Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board: NHS Greater Manchester and the University of Manchester and partners will receive almost £380,000 to deliver a project to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using a digital falls prevention programme for older people living the in the community who receive care and support at home. This enables the user to undertake a personalised falls prevention pro-
gramme and incorporates health literacy games to improve the awareness of activities that promote bone health, diet, safety at home, and hydration. Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said: “I’m delighted to announce the projects receiving the first £3 million of our adult social care technology fund today. These exciting projects will use technology to improve quality of care and help people live independently for longer. More care at home and more personalised care is what people want and helps reduce pressure on the NHS.” “We are also investing in digital care records to join up care and reduce the burden of admin on staff. I look forward to seeing these projects develop and scale up the use of technology in social care, better meeting people’s care needs and helping us build a sustainable care system.” Professor Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum, says: “It’s exciting to read the details within the successful bids and to acknowledge the innovative thinking behind them which promote independence and focus on improving the experience of the person receiving care.” “Opportunities like these, and the advancements we’re seeing in shared data, particularly the aims for digital care records, help us to envisage a future of a truly integrated health and care system which gives people more independence and control over their own care, and keeps their needs atthe centre.” Michael Armstrong, Managing Director at Havering Care Homes, says: “We have used a digital care planning system for several years and it revolutionised our business. It has reduced the time staff spent recording information, which allowed them to spend more time with the residents, and the information staff produced was more valuable in building up an understanding of care needs and how they are changing.” “From a management perspective it has given us much better management information to get a good overview of residents individual and collective needs, along with such benefits as GP connect and access to shared care records.”
Chislehurst Care Home Enjoys A Little Taste Of Bollywood Residents and staff at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, have enjoyed a Bollywood Night complete with traditional Indian street food, and a dance performance from a local group of talented dance students. Keen to learn about different cultures and celebrate the Home’s diversity, staff at the care home came up with a Bollywood themed night alongside Freemasons of the New Ripon Falls Lodge in Bromley. Member Niraj Madlani, his wife Dinta and friends supplied and cooked a variety of dishes for residents, staff and guests to enjoy, which was followed by a dance performance where everyone got involved. Manjit Mahil, a teacher from the local school, Farringtons brought along three of her students to dance, spend time with residents and
take part in the community event. Resident Len Willis said: “It was an exciting evening with lots of dancing and music. I also had the opportunity to try some traditional foods from India, and they were very tasty!” Activities Coordinator Diane Connor, who helped to organise the event, said: “It was a colourful evening filled with laughter and energy. Various people from our local community contributed their time to make the event a success, which made all the difference. We’re already planning our next community event.” RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, is run by RMBI Care Co., part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.
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Dealing with the Modern Slavery Crisis in Care Homes
By Sejal Raja, partner in the Employment Law team at national law firm Weightmans (www.weightmans.com)
The number of modern slavery cases reported within the UK care industry has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100,000 cases estimated in the U.K, according to a recent report by the BBC. Care homes must do everything they can to ensure that modern slavery isn't in their operations or their supply chain. Not only is the reputational impact significant; there are also legal implications. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is designed specifically to ensure that businesses across all sectors are transparent in the way they tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. In light of the recent report, it is important that care homes examine their protocols and keep an open dialogue with their staff members.
MONITOR AND REPORT You can’t tackle a problem you don't know exists, so the best way to
start tackling modern slavery is increasing visibility over the issue. Many companies are legally required to do this. The Modern Slavery Act requires all commercial organisations with a global annual turnover of £36million or more to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement each financial year which must clearly set out the ways they are tackling modern slavery. Even if your care facility isn’t legally required to produce one, it's worth considering preparing such a statement and putting the same principles at the heart of your organisation. These principles should include reviews of: • your organisation’s structure and supply chains • procurement and contract terms • policies relating to slavery and human trafficking (for example, code of conduct, ethics, speak up policies, whistleblowing, and grievance procedures)
THINK ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS, AND TRAINING Remember that your anti modern-slavery obligations are not over once the annual statement has been prepared and published. It is an on-going obligation and requires everyone in your organisation to be aware of best practices, be fully informed on what modern slavery is, and how to best prevent it. Businesses should train and educate their employees on modern
slavery to prevent its occurrence in the first place. Raising awareness of the issue and providing training on how to identify and report potential cases of modern slavery allows companies to take proactive steps to address the problem.
SEEK OUTSIDE HELP In many cases, victims of modern slavery are immigrants in need of sponsorship. It can therefore be difficult for victims to report what is happening to them for fear of losing their job and right to work in the UK. One way to overcome this is for businesses to use an outside third party to conduct independent audits and field concerns. This can provide comfort to employees to come forward and raise concerns. Modern slavery is a prevalent issue that may occur at any point in the supply chain of a care home. Though it’s not the easiest thing to get a grip of, it is essential that care homes have a strong grasp over how modern slavery can manifest in their operations and be able to identify signs that an employee has fallen victim to it. By producing a statement, providing training for employees, and dealing with complaints and queries diligently, care homes will be able to take proactive steps to not only ensure compliance with any relevant laws, but also address and deal with the issue at hand – and avoid any reputational issues that would inevitably arise.
Care Home Residents Take ‘a Walk in the Parklands’ for Charity Parklands Care Homes is marking its 30th anniversary with a charity fundraising campaign designed to promote outdoor activity, build community links and raise funds for good causes. A Walk in the Parklands is a 30-day walking and wheeling challenge which encourages residents, staff, and the wider community to stay active and connected. Throughout October, Parklands’ care homes will compete to cover the most ground through walking or wheeling activities and the winner will receive a £500 Scotland Loves Local gift card to be spent in their local community. Residents and staff will be encouraged to form teams and invite friends and family to join in on their journey. Local walking groups will also be invited to support the initiative which hopes to raise funds for
local community groups. A JustGiving fundraising page has been set up to allow friends, family, and well-wishers to contribute to causes selected by each participating care home. These funds will be distributed equally to chosen charities or community groups at the end of the challenge. Parklands’ Operations Director Elaine Taylor said: “We are delighted to launch this fundraising initiative as we mark three decades of Parklands Care Homes. ‘A Walk in the Parklands’ isn’t just about the distance we cover; it’s about forging meaningful connections within our community and taking steps to enhance the health and well-being of our residents, staff and the broader community. We look forward to getting outside and enjoying the outdoors this autumn as we raise funds for the community groups that mean so much to us.”
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Calls to Write Off Healthcare Workers’ Student Loans Amid NHS Dropout Crisis New analysis published by the Nuffield Trust lays bare the scale of losses caused by clinical staff dropping out of training and opting out of careers in the NHS. High leaver rates among nurses and other clinical staff, both during training and early into their careers, are putting the NHS under severe strain and costing the taxpayer. This should be tackled urgently through initiatives including a scheme that gradually writes off their student debt over ten years, the think tank says. The Nuffield Trust’s calculations draw on over 190,000 student records and represent the most comprehensive look to date at attrition rates across the clinical career pathway – in training, post qualification and into the first few years of work. They reveal that one in eight nursing students dropped out during training, one in nine midwives do not join their profession after graduating and around one in five nurses have left NHS hospital and community settings within two years of joining. The analysis also looks at the medical workforce, finding that two training posts are required to get one full-time GP due to high rates of attrition and part-time work. The authors argue that losses from the pipeline of qualification and work represent a huge cost inefficiency, with the typical nurse costing around £64,600 to complete training. To shore up the domestically trained NHS workforce, which in nursing has seen new joiners drop by almost a third in two years, the Nuffield Trust examines strategies used in other countries, including tie-in initiatives to keep staff in the NHS, paid training placements and a loans forgiveness scheme.
The Nuffield Trust concludes that loans forgiveness should be immediately made available to the 28,000 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (AHPs) joining eligible public services each year. Such a scheme would gradually write off outstanding student debt – currently averaging around £48,000 per nurse – reducing it by 30% after three years of service, 70% after seven years and writing it off completely after ten years, in recognition of workers’ contribution to public services. The proposal is outlined in detail in an accompanying paper jointly authored by Dr Billy Palmer of the Nuffield Trust, Dr Gavan Conlon of London Economics and Dr John Cater CBE, a leading University Vice-Chancellor. The authors argue that such a scheme would increase the number of applications to clinical education courses, reduce attrition during training and grow participation in NHS, social care and other eligible services. It would be expected to cost around £230 million per year for nursing, midwifery and AHP graduates, which the authors note is less than the amount to be saved by Treasury through the incoming changes to the student loan repayment scheme. The scheme could be expanded to doctors at a cost of around £170 million per year. The Nuffield Trust report suggests that fixing leaks in the domestic staff pipeline would have an immediate impact on the number of clinicians joining the NHS. Current proposals contained in the government’s NHS Long Term Workforce Plan largely focus on increasing the number of training places.
The Nuffield Trust analysis also revealed that 6,325 fewer new nurses with a UK nationality joined NHS hospital and community services in the year to March 2022 compared with the two years before that (a fall of 32%). The Nuffield Trust says this rapid and significant fall will need to be monitored to see if it is a one-off drop or part of a wider trend. Existing figures show that more than four in 10 nurses and doctors joining NHS England hospital and community services were from overseas in the year to June 2022. Nuffield Trust Senior Fellow and report author Dr Billy Palmer said: “These high dropout rates are in nobody’s interest: they’re wasteful for the taxpayer, often distressing for the students and staff who leave, stressful for the staff left behind, and ultimately erode the NHS’s ability to deliver safe and high-quality care. “Simply ploughing more staff into training without thinking either about why they leave, or what might tempt them to stay, is enormously short-sighted. The government’s plans to increase clinical training places must be accompanied by a realistic plan to encourage staff to stay and reward them for doing so. “Our proposal to write off student debt is affordable, credible and could be implemented straight away. Policymakers need to seize this opportunity and begin to stem the unacceptable levels of attrition in the NHS workforce.”
Yorkshire Care Group Raises Over £1,200 For Residents A leading social care group headquartered in Yorkshire has raised over £1,200 for care home residents by taking part in a sponsored walk. Employees at HICA Group, which provides care services across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, completed a challenging 10mile walk to raise money for those people it cares for. Staff from care homes Elm Tree Court, Wilton Lodge and Isacc Robinson Court in Hull and Kirkgate House in Bridlington were joined by members of the HICA management team. They managed to complete the walk in approximately 3 hours. HICA’s CEO Terry Peel said: “Every penny raised from our walk is going straight back into enhancing the quality of life for our residents. “That’s an extra £1,200 towards activities, facilities, and little extras that truly make a difference.
“Our mission has always been centred on providing the best of care to our residents and fundraising activities like this enable us to go that extra mile. Thanks to everyone who got involved – it was a great afternoon.” The walk started in Hesslewood Country Office Park and continued through Humber Bridge Country Park, across the Humber Bridge, around Far Ings Nature Reserve, and back over the bridge to Hesslewood. Claire Gillies, an activity coordinator at Elm Tree Court who took part in the walk, said: “It was an amazing day, not just because of the money we raised, but also because of the spirit and determination we showed to finish the walk. I enjoy being involved in these kind of initiatives as it means we can all do our bit to contribute to improving the lives of those we care for.”
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The Digital Commitment: Through Breaches and in Health
By Rob Otto, EMEA CTO at Ping Identity (www.pingidentity.com)
As digital transformation sweeps across the industries of today, cybersecurity must remain at the top of businesses’ priority lists. The number of cyberattacks and data breaches has increased dramatically across a number of sectors, in line with the rise in businesses increasingly employing digital tools to improve customers’ experiences. The digitisation of healthcare services has been no different. Significant progress has been made, but this has also brought challenges, with the majority (67%) of healthcare organisations experiencing a cybersecurity incident between January 2022 and 2023. As bad actors develop their skills, the healthcare sector is left with one pressing question: how can it strengthen its defences and respond better to this onslaught of breaches?
THE RISKS AT PEAK HEIGHT The industry manages vast amounts of data, ranging from patients' medical histories to their financial details and credentials, all of which is gold for those looking to commit illegal acts. Data breaches risk violating patient confidentiality and undermining the credibility of an organisation. Failure to keep patient records private could cost organisations dearly under GDPR rules – both financially (up to £8.7 million) and reputationally. The "WannaCry" ransomware attack in May 2017, for example, crippled the NHS and caused ambulance diversions and cancelled surgeries, serving as a stark reminder of how vulnerable these system can be. Given the gravity of these threats, healthcare organisations cannot afford to delay shoring up their defences, as the next threat is never far away.
ENHANCING SECURITY WITHOUT THE SIDE OF BURDEN To no surprise, the majority (68%) of patients today expect a healthcare experience that is technologydriven. While providers strive for frictionless user interactions, there is a perception that security measures tend to get in the way of a fluid user journey. Anything that adds complexity or delays a patient’s verification
procedure only slows them from getting the care they need and causes frustration – which is only half true. This challenge is only magnified by the widespread reliance on passwords, which can cause issues, as they can be easily forgotten or misplaced without providing much protection at all. Passwordless authentication can and should be used to revolutionise the healthcare sector, eliminating traditional obstacles by using biometrics or device identifiers to quickly, but safely, verify patients without putting any burden on them. As providers seek to securely verify patients without compromising convenience, embracing solutions that minimise how much is asked of them is the kind of initiative that leaves a lasting impression. People remember when they’ve received a good service or interacted with a slick platform. Even though it may not make a dinner-time conversation, there’s an opportunity for savvy businesses in the healthcare sector to be one of the first to take advantage, or at least avoid being the topic when a terribly inconvenient experience is discussed.
SECURITY – AN ONGOING COMMITMENT, WITH NO END DATE For some businesses, saying “goodbye” to passwords completely can be too big a leap. This is where multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be an effective line of defence against a wide range of cyber threats. The uptick of uninvited appearances from ransomware has promoted MFA from an optional layer of protection, to a vital one. A hacker or unauthorised user can easily steal or buy a password on the dark web, but obtaining a second form of authentication is more difficult. Authentication is the proof that users are who they claim to be, and MFA requires that users provide additional evidence that they are themselves – striking out hackers. We cannot deny that on top of tools and solutions, a large part of a strong security posture is education. Employees should receive training on cybersecurity best practices, be prompted to make timely software updates and be shown what a proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities looks like. Building a team that is aware of how their organisations may be breached is essential, as there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution to making an organisation’s systems more secure.
BUILDING TRUST AND PATIENT LOYALTY Vigilant security measures are the foundation for protecting digital assets, but ensuring users are not overwhelmed by them is just as critical. Passwordless authentication and MFA help strike this balance by freeing users from tedious or complex log-in processes without sacrificing their security or that of their information. In an era where trust is one of the most valuable assets an organisation can possess, healthcare providers that strike this delicate balance stand to not just protect their own operations but also build patient loyalty. In an industry that prioritises providing patients the best possible level of care and experience in-person, it’s time that healthcare follows suit with a seamless and secure online experience.
Care Home Celebrates 15th Anniversary By Creating Its Own ‘Street Market’ For Residents A care home in Shoreham-by-Sea has celebrated its 15th anniversary in style by creating an indoor ‘street market’ to give residents their own personal shopping experience. The street market at Elmcroft care home featured a range of stalls, including jewellery, books, cakes, flowers and DVDs, as well as fruit and vegetables, as another way of making life at the home fun and engaging. Elmcroft’s operator, Shaw healthcare, hopes to make the market a monthly fixture in the care home’s calendar. Residents and staff at Elmcroft also raised more than £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society by completing a three-mile-long ‘memory walk’ and threw an anniversary party to mark the special occasion. The anniversary party included a buffet lunch with live music and guests who, as well as residents’ families and care home staff, included the Chairman of Adur Council, Cllr Joe Pannell, Kevin Boram, Cabinet
Member for Communities & Wellbeing and Russell Brown, CEO for Shaw healthcare. There were also presentations for long serving employees, with a special mention for support worker, Wendy Clark, who was marking her incredible 40th year, having worked at the old Elmcroft care home in Southwick. Service manager, Onkemetse Moabankwe, commented: “It’s been wonderful to celebrate our 15th anniversary, raising money for a charity close to our hearts, as well as setting up an exciting new initiative for our residents. “Like many people in care homes, mobility can be an issue, so introducing the market is another way of enabling residents to participate in meaningful activities, as well as recalling fond memories of them visiting markets when they were younger.”
Unique Care Sector Recruitment Service Launches Quality Care Group (QCG), the leading providers of insurance and business solutions to the UK care sector, has announced the launch of a brand-new recruitment service for care businesses who require key senior hires, to grow their organisations. This new recruitment service is the company’s response to many years of listening to the market's needs and requirements for a recruitment partner, understanding the unique challenges of the care sector and why finding the right senior talent is the cornerstone to a successful business. This service will be led by Mike Tait, who joins the team as Head of Care Recruitment. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare staffing and recruitment, he aims to help care organisations find and hire their key senior personnel who can drive the growth and performance of their business. Mike had this to say on this exciting, unique new service: “Having spent considerable time within the healthcare recruitment sector, observing the growing frustration among providers grappling to secure suitable leaders for their organisations, it's clear that a significant demand exists, and a solution is required for elevated service quality and standards. By doing so, we not only enhance value for service providers but also deliver improved outcomes. The prevalent approach of enlisting a
multitude of agencies, each shouldering numerous roles, has regrettably eroded confidence in the standard of fulfilment of crucial positions”. Mike then went onto say: “I am delighted to join QCG as we share a passion and ethos of what we believe in. This is a unique opportunity to develop this shared mindset we have for driving higher quality and better value outcomes and solutions for our clients. I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver something quite unique in the care sector and further strengthen our relationships by working in partnership, offering a market leading recruitment solution to one of the biggest problems currently facing the sector.” Partnering closely and exclusively on specific roles with business owners, hiring managers and care organisations, their focus lies in identifying and fulfilling crucial senior positions in the care sector. Demand has never been greater for skilled and experienced professionals in senior roles within the care industry and with this new service, ‘Quality Care Recruit’ aims to bring a fresh perspective by matching the varied and individual requirements of care businesses across the country with the right senior candidates. For more information, visit www.qcaregroup.co.uk
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 15
Mind Reveals True Extent Of Crisis In Mental Healthcare The UK’s largest mental health charity has published previously unseen data laying bare the full scale of the emergency in mental healthcare, with staff reporting 17,340 serious incidents in 12 months. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) figures shows mental healthcare staff across England reported an incident two times every hour[1] in the last year, where people are treated for issues including self-harm, eating disorders and psychosis.
INCIDENTS INCLUDED: - injuries to patients that caused likely long term sensory, movement or brain damage, or physically damaged their body - prolonged physical pain or psychological harm, or shortened life expectancy - cases of abuse, including those involving the police - injuries for which the patient needed treatment to prevent them dying Full list of incidents can be found at https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceproviders/regulations-enforcement/regulation-18-notification-other-incidents The 17,340 serious incidents were reported in hospital, community and residential mental healthcare settings between the beginning of April last year and the same time this year.
IN TOTAL: - 15,254 reported incidents related to care in private community and hospital settings - 2,086 related to NHS community and residential places of care - Across all settings, the highest number of reported incidents were in the North West of England (2,666), followed closely by the East Midlands (2,657).[2] Many NHS patients receive care in private settings because of pressures on capacity. According to NHS data, approximately 17 per cent of people of all ages who were in contact with secondary mental health services between 2021 and 2022 were seen by a non-NHS provider.[i] All of these incidents involved care providers raising concerns with the CQC under their statutory duty under Regulation 18. The previously unpublished data follows a string of abuse scandals in mental health hospitals.
RECENT CASES INCLUDE: • The Priory Hospital Cheadle Royal near Stockport, in the North West, where Beth Matthews, 26, Lauren Bridges, 20, and Deseree Fitzpatrick, 30, all died between January and March last year. • The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), where a coroner found that found that a series of failures in care led to the death of 12-year-old Allison Aules last July.
• The Priory Arnold, in the East Midlands, where a patient died last December after managing to leave the hospital and another incident this January, in which a patient was injured after getting on to its roof. • Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, where undercover journalists filmed staff using restraint inappropriately and swearing at and slapping patients at the Edenfield Centre in Prestwich last year. Responding to the data, Dr Sarah Hughes, the Chief Executive of Mind, said: “It is deeply worrying that healthcare staff across the country are so concerned about the situation in mental health settings that they are reporting a serious incident once every half an hour. We knew this was a crisis – now we know the scale of this crisis. People seek mental healthcare to get well, not to endure harm. Families are being let down by a system that’s supposed to protect their loved ones when they are most sick. The consequences can be and have been fatal. “Too many people are bearing the brunt of the crisis in mental health services, including those who are powerless within the system because they are detained for treatment. It is clear these failings are systemic. But it does not have to be this way – good mental health hospitals do exist, and people can be given a say in their treatment but proper care must be available across the board. “It is time to raise the standard. The UK government has the chance to act by passing the Mental Health Bill before the next General Election and prioritising mental health in their political choices and funding decisions. Politicians must not stand by and allow one more person to go through this suffering. They owe it to every family that is picking up the pieces of a broken system.” Earlier this year, Mind revealed the public’s loss of confidence in mental healthcare, with YouGov polling showing more than 1 in 3 British adults (35 per cent) said they don’t have confidence that a loved one would be safe if they needed hospital mental healthcare. A third also said they are not confident that a mental health hospital would treat their loved one with respect (32 per cent) or compassion (34 per cent).[ii] [i] Mental Health Bulletin, 2021-22 Annual report. Of 97,160 people of all ages who were in contact with NHS funded secondary mental health, learning disability and autism services and admitted in 21/22, 16,841 were admitted to non-NHS provider. [ii] Figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,014 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th – 8th June 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
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The Importance of Speaking Up By Agnes Tutani, Cygnet Group Freedom To Speak Up Guardian (www.cygnetgroup.com) October 2023 is the sixth annual Speak Up Month, which is led by the National Guardian’s office and provides an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the difference which Freedom to Speak Up is making.
OUR AMBASSADOR JOURNEY AND BREAKING BARRIERS TO SPEAKING UP Across Cygnet Health Care and Cygnet Social Care services, we want to ensure that all staff are empowered to speak up regardless of their role or background. Throughout Cygnet we have worked tirelessly to ensure that each site has a Freedom to Speak Up Ambassador and that a culture that is open to staff speaking up is weaved through the fabric of the organisation. Today we have more than 180 Ambassadors across our many sites. It's a real achievement and something that gives us a sense of pride, that we are embracing this culture, and we are saying this is our direction of travel as an organisation. We want to make sure that we are protecting our patients' safety at the same time, and also making sure we are improving the lives of all our workers within Cygnet. We spend so much more time at work than we do anywhere else, so it's important that staff feel that there is a safe way that they can raise concerns, and there aren't any repercussions for doing so. It's exciting to think about every individual Ambassador that we've had within the organisation come forward. Most importantly, it's a voluntary role and it's people that have identified and recognised the benefits of having Freedom To Speak Up within their service and being that go-to person that someone can go and ask questions, or someone that they can raise a concern with. People who choose to become FTSU Ambassadors are people that are passionate about the culture in the workplace, people that are passionate about patient safety. Importantly, it's been people from all different kinds of roles; from our doctors, support workers and our admin teams, which really creates a good network, and that diversity, that we can all learn from each other, within the network and within the organisation.
SPEAKING UP AT CYGNET My role within the organisation is to give staff an extra level of support if they are worried, unsure, concerned or feel they can’t talk to someone within their line management or in their team. By speaking up, the
hope is that anything that is getting in the way of high-quality effective care, or that affects their working life, can be identified early and that potential harm is prevented. At Cygnet, there are many channels for speaking up – from a discussion with a line manager to submitting suggestions for improvements. They can raise concerns anonymously if they choose to and it is treated confidentially. Or they could use our whistleblowing helpline, an independent helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, to raise that concern by phone or by email. Staff can also raise concerns in person with us openly, and we can then give feedback with regards to what the next steps are. Most importantly when we have concerns being raised is that staff feel that they're listened to and that there is that feedback. Following-up closes the loop and ensures there is the opportunity for change, learning and improvements. People will only have the confidence to speak up if they feel that their voices are heard and that they see evidence of the organisation listening and acting on their concerns. By following-up with good quality and independent investigations, we ensure that every opportunity is utilised to learn as an organisation. Ultimately this will allow the organisation to deliver better care, share knowledge to identify best practice and review guidance where necessary.
WHY SPEAKING UP IS SO IMPORTANT When we Speak Up, we demonstrate that we care and respect, not only each other but those in our care. When we all take personal responsibility to speak up, listen up and follow up we enable an open culture which contributes to keeping our services safe, promotes learning and improves the experience of all our staff. The sign of a healthy organisation, is one that listens to its people. We have learnt that the healthiest – and safest – cultures for patient care are those that are aware, are transparent and are reflective. All of these values are fed by the one crucial skill that we all possess; that is to listen. Dangerous cultures are bred when silence multiplies and staff who do the caring, don’t feel they can discuss what they see, question what perhaps feels wrong, and be supported to raise questions. Staff need to feel heard and understood, and leaders must demonstrate that they are open to new ideas. Leaders who do not listen will eventually be surrounded by staff who have nothing to say. A valued, motivated and committed team will improve the care outcomes of service users, so listening is at the very core of better service delivery and improving the lives of our service users. As part of Speak Up month, I urge all those working in the health and social care sector to raise awareness of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians to help foster a culture which will improve the care provided to those who need it.
B&Q Southport Joins Forces With Revitalise Sandpipers In Community B&Q Southport has announced its support for national charity Revitalise and their Sandpipers centre in the North West, recently taking to their outdoor space to help with the refurbishment of their gardens. Revitalise, a dedicated organisation that specialises in creating fully accessible respite holidays for disabled individuals and their caregivers supported by 24 hours care, is the only provider of its kind in the UK. The Sandpipers centre has become a cherished destination for those seeking respite care, offering a wealth of fantastic facilities, including a hydrotherapy pool, in-house entertainment, and enriching excursions. Nestled beside the water, their centre provides much-needed breaks, support, and experiences for those seeking a vibrant and inclusive community. The B&Q Foundation, a charity set up to make a positive difference in local communities, sent George, the General Manager of B&Q Southport, along with his dedicated team down to Sandpipers last month. They arrived armed with garden furniture, essential gardening tools, and an assortment of plants to refurb the holiday destination. Their generous contribution ensures that the Sandpipers garden will flourish year-round, adding to the charm and beauty
of the centre. In a brilliant show of community spirit, B&Q Foundation’s Volunteering 2023 scheme rallied a team of six volunteers, who joined George and his colleagues in the gardening efforts. Together, they have breathed new life into this cherished community space. The support from B&Q Southport has made an enormous impact on the Sandpipers gardens, which show stunning views overlooking Southport’s iconic Marine Lake. This refurbishment has played a big role in transforming the centre’s outdoor space into an even more inviting and welcoming environment for guests, carers, and volunteers. Revitalise provides 4,500 breaks a year to over 2,600 people. Disabled people can come with their loved ones, allowing both to relax and have fun whilst Revitalise takes care of everything behind the scenes. Kelly, General Manager of Revitalise Sandpipers, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, stating, “B&Q Southport’s kind support has truly transformed our gardens and we are immensely proud to be a part of this collaborative effort that brings joy to our guests, their families and carers. This development will enhance the experience for our guests and time spent outdoors, so a huge thank you to all involved from the team at Revitalise”
Care Home Finances Are Complicated: Here’s How To Save Time And Get Them Under Control The finances of a care home group can get very complicated. Some of the headaches include: • The group uses different accounting software and the systems don’t speak to each other. • A resident can be funded from several sources, such as the NHS, an insurer and multiple relatives. • Bills might need to be split across multiple homes, legal entities and residents. • Funds received need to be restricted to a certain use. • Different care homes have their own systems for purchasing, invoicing and payment runs. All this leaves your staff bogged down in repetitive, often manual and frustrating work The right accounting software can simplify all this, automate the tasks that take up time and give you a clear and accurate picture of the busi-
ness’s finances. A single source of truth iplicit's accounting software offers a “single source of truth” – one central system which gives you a complete picture and with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. iplicit frees up staff time and provides better information by: • Handling intercompany transactions, so transactions are correctly allocated to the correct entity. • Smoothly consolidating the accounts, without lots of manual intervention. • Easy visibility, enabling you to switch from a group overview to a detailed look at any site, legal entity or transaction. • Ensuring users in any entity or site can access only the parts of the system relevant to them. • Each resident has a unique identifier, so it’s easy to track where funding has come from and where it has been spent.
• Easy tracking and reporting when funding is restricted for specified purposes. • Integrated document storage, with invoices and purchase orders stored alongside the relevant line item. • Simple approval workflows so spending decisions can be made promptly and are properly recorded. • Improved cost control and forecasting. • Easy integration with other software in use in the company. Efficiencies such as these eliminate many hours of chasing paperwork, rekeying data and manipulating figures in spreadsheets. iplicit’s software puts accurate, real-time data into the hands of managers. You can always see what’s going on across the business without having to wait for hard-pressed staff to finish a laborious month-end close. Find out more about iplicit, visit www.iplicit.com/who-we-help/care-homes or email info@iplicit.com
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 17
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Care Homes Call For Increased Sepsis Vigilance & Training Orchard Care Homes, based in Yorkshire, with 23 homes across North England and the Midlands is calling for greater awareness and training against Sepis. The company believes that Sepsis awareness should be seen as crucial by any establishment caring for older people and has made training around the condition an integral part of its learning and development offering. There are at least 200,000 known cases of Sepsis in adults across the UK every year. It claims more lives than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined with around 48,000 people dying each year. Anyone can develop sepsis however the elderly and people with complex health needs are more susceptible. Despite this, the condition is not currently a mandatory training element for all healthcare professionals.
WHAT IS SEPSIS? Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction which happens when the immune systems response to an infection starts to injure the body's own cells and organs. Without prompt treatment the affected individual can deteriorate quickly, correctly spotting symptoms to ensure fast access to treatment can be imperative to survival. This nationally recognised acronym teaches people to look out for the following warning signs in adults: • Slurred speech or confusion • Extreme shivering or muscle pain • Passing no urine (in a day) • Severe breathlessness • It feels like you’re going to die • Skin mottled or discoloured Medical help should be sought immediately if any of these signs are noticed. After calling 999, the person showing symptoms should be reassured, observed for any clinical changes and sat or laid down in a safe position.
Kimberley Brown is Clinical Development and Dementia Lead at Orchard Care Homes and is responsible for the build and delivery of clinical training across the group - as well as identifying and resolving any learning obstacles, challenges or needs within the business and its people. She recently visited 8 of the company’s care homes in and around Yorkshire to offer advice and guidance to any staff, residents or family members who wanted to learn more about Sepsis. She said, “It is incredibly important that if somebody develops this condition, it is spotted quickly and acted upon, as getting to the hospital in good time can become lifesaving. Beyond the training that is now given to all of our senior staff and shift leaders, it is really positive to see an appetite to learn from other colleagues, people living in our homes and their family members too. Having the confidence in knowing the symptoms can make all the difference and means you are more likely to spot a subtle change. You should never be afraid to call an ambulance if you suspect Sepsis and understanding the warning signs will only help people trust their own judgement.” Kimberley who has recently been shortlisted for a Great British Care Award for her work in Pressure Injury Training is now hoping that her efforts regarding Sepsis awareness will have similar positive outcomes, “The need for Sepsis awareness is nationwide and I am looking forward to expanding these sessions out to all of the homes in our portfolio. We have already sent out guidance literature from the UK Sepsis Trust to our homes and I hope that other care providers across the country will act in a similar fashion. It may not currently be mandatory, but we all have a responsibility and duty of care to people who live in care home communities. Sepsis is simply too dangerous to ignore, but with knowledge and understanding, lives can be saved.”
Act of Kindness From the ‘Knitting Nanna’ Curprises Castlemead Resident, Lulu Lulu lives at Castlemead Court Care Home in Newport Pagnell, and recently received a wonderful surprise during a trip to the café with team member, Sally. Lulu loves to get out when the weather is nice and go exploring in the local community, especially when lunch or coffee is on the cards! Her most recent trip was no different as Lulu and Sally headed to a local café for tea
Inside the bag was a small, knitted figure which had been lovingly made by the Knitting Nanna. Finding the gift pack raised a smile on Lulu’s face and she was delighted to be the next recipient of the Knitting Nanna’s gifts. The Knitting Nanna is known well in Newport Pagnell for similar acts of kindness, which she started during the Covid-19 pandemic to spread some joy amongst members
and cake. Not only was it wonderful to get out and have a stroll in the fresh air, but the
of the local community. Because her initiative was well received within Newport Pagnell,
tea and cake was also delicious.
she has continued to make her knitted creations and leave them in public places for
Before heading back home, Lulu and Sally had a little walk around the town and went
people to find.
to have a brief rest on a bench. This is when Lulu saw a little gift pack on the chair as if it
Lulu had a smile on her face for the rest of the day and couldn’t wait to show her
had been waiting for her. On the front of the pack was a note, which read, “If found this is
friends what she had found. The small, knitted creation now lives in her bedroom and
yours to keep – a random act of kindness. Hope this brightens your Day!”
reminds her of the kind people who live in her community.
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 19
Brian Preston Named as NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023
Brian Preston of Lister House, Royal British Legion has been crowned National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023. Brain’s success was announced and celebrated last week (Thursday 5th October) in front of NACC members and guests at the NACC gala awards dinner held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum 2023. Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection and Jessica Vreede, Guthrie House Edinburgh, Four Seasons Health Care took second and third places, respectively. The exciting national final unfolded on Wednesday 4th October at the Manor Cookery School, Grantham. In just 90 minutes, the line-up of talented finalists showcased their culinary skills and specialist knowledge to impress the panel of expert judges, led by Head Judge, Steve Munkley. The judges were looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods being used and how they support the needs of their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and hygiene and waste management best practice. Preston excelled across the board, impressing the judges with his mouth-watering menu of Breast of chicken with black pudding and apricots, Toffee apple pudding with cinnamon ice cream. Head judge, Steve Munkley said: “ Head judge, Steve Munkley said: “This has been my second year as the chair of judges and the new marking system looked at the nutritional content and sustainability as well as the taste and presentation of the food. All three played a large part in coming to the final verdict. “At the regional heats we gave every chef the opportunity of constructive feedback. Without exception, everyone stayed on to hear what the judges had to say. I am pleased to see that in many cases the dishes
presented in the final had significantly improved. “It was good to see chefs coming back from previous years as they were all interested in improving their skills, which can only be a positive for their residents. Again, this year the chefs raised the bar for quality and standard of both the skills shown and food served to the judges.” Daiel Bree, Hartwood House, Cinnamon Care Collection was also awarded Highly Commended Main for his Chalk stream trout, madras style sauce, nigella seed and leek bhaji and turmeric potatoes, wilted spinach and coriander oil, and Brian Preston scooped Highly Commended Dessert for his Toffee Apple Pudding. Hygiene and waste management best practice was also recognised, with Christopher Mitchley, St John’s House awarded the Hygiene Award and Kasia Hab-Bialkowska, of Highmarket House Care Home, Care UK presented with the Waste Management Award. Sue Cawthray, the NACC’s National Chair, said: “Each year the standard of this competition seems to get higher and higher. I am full of admiration for all the contestants, particularly those who have returned after attempts in previous years. It shows that they continually seek to improve their performance, which ultimately benefits those residents within their care. “Care chefs play an important part in the wellbeing of our residents. The vital role of good food and nutrition as a fundamental part of quality care has never been more important, especially as we are working our way through the current cost of living crisis. Once again, the standards of this year’s competition have been exceptional and is testament to the selfless dedication of care chefs who are driven to deliver excellence for their residents and clients no matter what pressures they face. We’re very proud of all the finalists and every care chef that use their talent and specialist knowledge to help care for the elderly and vulnerable through the provision of delicious and nutritious food.”
Bournemouth Care Home Employee Celebrates 25 Years of Service One Bournemouth employee is marking 25 years of working at Muscliff Care Home in
the community. “There have been some challenges over the last 25 years, especially during the Covid
the city.
pandemic, but my role as Catering Assistant has always been a rewarding one.”
Tracy Dean joined the nurse-led care home on 2nd October 1998, and has now been
Dedrey Charles, Home Manager at Muscliff Care Home, has been working with Tracy
working in its catering department for a quarter of a century. Starting as a Catering Assistant at the age of 34, Tracy has been making cakes and pud-
for 22 years and said: “All of the care home’s staff do a fantastic job providing dedicated
dings for Muscliff’s residents every day since. She said she hasn’t looked back: “One of the
support to our residents, and it’s amazing that Tracy has now been working as part of the
best things about working at Muscliff has been getting to know all the residents and staff
team for 25 years. She has been a real asset to Muscliff and we really appreciate all the
I’ve met over the years, and it’s wonderful to know that I’m helping people who need it in
hard work she’s put in during her time here.”
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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166
Charity Calls For Artistic And Cultural Activities To Be Made Available In Every Care Home In Wales Residents in every care home in Wales should be able to take part in artistic and creative activities, says Age Cymru. The charity says everyone involved in delivering and supporting residential care, from local creative groups to the commissioners of care, and from regulators to the care homes themselves, has a responsibility to ensure that residents can take part in artistic and creative activities. It adds that residents’ creative and cultural lives should be a key part of conversations when older people move into residential care. The charity specifically calls on local creative groups to view care homes as part of their community and to reach out to them so they can include residents in their activities. And it calls on the care homes to speak to residents about their interests before they move into a care home. The charity adds that both commissioners and regulators of care should focus on creative opportunities when engaging with care homes. These and other calls are being made in a new Age Cymru policy paper Arts in Care Homes, that has been launched as part of the National
Day of Arts in Care Homes: www.agecymru.org.uk/artsincarehomes Funded by the Welsh Government, Age Cymru is also delivering a project that develops creative activities with care home residents across Wales which includes volunteers engaging with residents. The project is also working with care homes to gather and share good practice in supporting people when moving into a care home. Age Cymru’s Head of Policy and Projects Heather Ferguson says “It has long been established that participating in arts and creative activities can help improve communication, self-esteem, enjoyment of life, memory, and creative thinking. “Research shows the positive effects that engaging in creative arts can have on care home residents, improving both their physical and mental health. And these benefits are not just limited to residents. There are also positive effects on the well-being of care home staff which can improve their relationships with residents and thereby improve the overall quality of care within a home.”
Lynhales Hall Nursing Home Blooms Victorious at Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show Lynhales Hall Nursing Home, a leading provider of specialist dementia care for the elderly, proudly announces its fantastic success at the Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show, hosted at Headway House in Credenhill. The event, graced by the esteemed presence of The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Robert Robinson, and his wife, Sue, showcased the pinnacle of talent, creativity, and community spirit. The heart of Lynhales Hall Nursing Home, its passionate gardening club, emerged victorious at the show. The gardening club not only secured the coveted first place in the dried flower section but also earned a commendable third place in the terrarium category. Expressing his admiration, The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Robert Robinson, acknowledged the residents' hard work, creativity, and dedication. The competition, featuring entries from across the county, witnessed remarkable displays of talent and a love for horticulture. Nick Brown, the Home Manager at Lynhales Hall, expressed, "It brings us immense pride to witness the
accomplishments of our resident gardening club at the Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show. We wholeheartedly embrace our role within the local community, and events like this reinforce the strong bonds we share. All entries showcased incredible creativity, making the competition fierce and vibrant. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. It was truly wonderful to be a part of such a talented and passionate community." The event served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and sense of community within Herefordshire, as participants from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate their shared love for gardening. The day was marked not only by breathtaking displays of flora but also by the aroma of freshly baked cakes. Lynhales Hall Nursing Home extends heartfelt gratitude to The High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Robert Robinson, and his wife, Sue, for their gracious presence and for recognising the residents' hard work and talent. The nursing home also expresses its appreciation to the event organisers, fellow participants, and the entire community for making the Herefordshire Growing Point Autumn Show a memorable and inspiring experience.
Blueleaf Launches New Product Guide to Show Latest Innovation in Care Beds and Pressure Care Mattress Design Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has released a new product guide for its range of care beds and pressure care mattresses, to help care providers choose the most suitable beds and mattresses for their residents. Its collection of care beds consists of eight products, each with key features to accommodate the specific needs of care home residents. All beds, for example, have adjustable heights - the ‘Ultra Low Floorbed’ goes as low as 67mm off floor level – to improve accessibility for residents with limited mobility and to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall. Blueleaf works with the bed manufacturers to ensure that the beds also support the carers to give the best care. An adjustment in the bed design, for example, means that when purchased with a Blueleaf mattress, beds do not require a third rail and still meet industry regulations for rail to mattress height. This also saves time in an environment where time is a rare commodity, and supports improved health and safety as they are not having to remove and install the rail each time. Other features include a lockable handset and a range of upholstery options. Various wood finishes are also available for a design tailored to every individual room. With ease and efficiency in mind, all beds have a toolless assembly, removing the need for specialist equipment; and they use standard components, meaning that
they’re easy to fix should they require repairs; and many components are simply plug and play connections. Additionally, Blueleaf’s collection of pressure care mattresses provide a vital solution to another widely prevalent challenge in care homes: the prevention, cure and treatment of pressure ulcers. The collection comprises the ‘SXM’ range of static mattresses and the ‘Easy Care’ range of dynamic mattresses, with the latter also featuring a cushion system and multifunctional pumps. The collection also includes the ‘Integra-mat’ which is exclusive to Blueleaf and can be used as a static or fully dynamic mattress, and the ‘Pressureguard’ which is a mattress system with adjustable height air cells to achieve zero pressure. Each product contains various features that make them suitable for a wide range of residents with grade 1-4 pressure ulcers. The collection also delivers a range of benefits for carers. For instance, the highly advanced pump system automatically weighs the resident and adjusts mattress pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual weight input and individual pressure adjustment. To download more information on Blueleaf’s range of beds and mattresses, or to book a meeting, please visit: www.blueleafcare.com/our-services/products/care-home-equipment/care-beds-and-pressure-caremattresses
Care Home Residents Celebrate National Poetry Day Rhyming couplets were the order of the day at Austen House care home in Lower Earley, Reading where residents were keen to get involved in National Poetry Day which took place on October 5th. National Poetry Day is an annual mass celebration that encourages all to enjoy, discover and share poetry. It generates hundreds of events nationwide all celebrating poetry’s power to start conversations and bring people together. Staff and residents at Austen House care home decided to host a discussion about residents’ favourite poems and listen to staff and residents reading poems, along with a cup of tea and some delicious cakes.
Sunita, the Activities Co-ordinator at Austen House commented: “Our residents love to write and listen to poetry, and to discuss their favourite poems so National Poetry Day is a fantastic excuse for us all to spend the day with our noses in our favourite poetry books.” Joleen Leung, Operational Manager at the home, said: “Our residents have had a great day swapping their favourite poems and discussing what they love about them. It has been such a treat to immerse ourselves in the rich, evocative language of poetry – we have all found it so rewarding.”
Improving the Safety and Reliability of Mouth Care for Vulnerable People As the UK’s population continues to grow there has been a shift in the age structure towards later ages meaning we have an ageing population. While growing older does not necessarily equate with increased morbidity and dependency, ageing is often associated with increased needs for care and support. This include mouth care! Studies show that as we age many people are retaining more of their own natural teeth. Whilst this is, ‘a good thing’ the mouth care needs of people receiving care and support is now more complex and changeable with increasing dependency levels. Good oral health and general health are closely linked, and, poor oral health can have severe consequences on the general health of vulnerable people. For example, the relationship between advanced gum disease and cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity are an undisputed fact. Mental health disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also affect the oral health of older people.
Removing barriers to good mouth care: With age, the level of dependency of older people tends to increase. Highly dependent older people, whether they are at home or living in a care setting, may not be mobile enough to visit a dentist. We need a care system that provides support for improving the safety and delivery of ‘good mouth care’ on a ‘daily basis’ as well as access to dental services. Maintaining good mouth care is a fundamental factor for improving quality of life when in a care setting since many oral conditions are chronic in nature, cumulative over time, and socially patterned.
Reducing harm and delivering safe, effective and reliable mouth care: As people are retaining their natural teeth, care providers face an increased need and demand for the delivery of good mouth care on a daily basis. They need to ensure that staff have access to the ‘right tools’ in order to do the ‘right job’ to deliver safe , reliable and effective mouth care every time first time. They need to provide training and education to the whole workforce, at all levels, to meet the increasing needs of the elderly, whilst understanding that age-associated changes in systemic health and medication use can impact oral health and function. At Oral Care Innovations we concentrate on what we know best. We work closely with health and care professionals nationally to develop new innovative mouth care products that meet the needs of our residents and patients. But that’s not where it ends. We share best practice and support care providers to develop a ‘Mouth Care Policy’ with bespoke training and resources that provides staff with the ‘right skills’ to carry out safe, reliable and effective mouth care every time. Effective mouthcare helps to maintain health, wellbeing and dignity, and contributes to quality of life. It is particularly important that vulnerable older people receive additional help to look after their mouth and keep it clean. It is essential that all care staff are suitably trained and skilled to provide good mouthcare. Training and skill development should take place at induction and throughout their working career. Ensuring staff have the right product, to do the right job to reduce risk factors by delivering good mouth care every time is key in delivering good care.
OCI are pleased to launch its new product Mc3S. This builds on the success of its sister product the Mc3, but with added
SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE MOUTH CARE PRODUCTS Discover the wide range of MC mouth care products to deliver safe, reliable and effective mouth care with confidence. Our products were developed following a medical safety alert from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which involved the use of foam mouth swabs. Over 800 patient safety incidents have been reported by The National Patient Safety Agency, where the foam headed products either become detached or pieces of the foam head were torn off and retained or lodged in the mouth. Foam mouth swabs have been banned across Wales and many Healthcare Trusts across the UK. Discover our safe, reliable and effective mouth care resources. The Mc3 can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia and other systemic diseases. Mc3 is a safe replacement for all sponge mouth swabs. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments soothe the tongue and soft tissues when cleansing the inside of the mouth. The Mc3S suction can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia for people who have an impaired swallow and require suctioning. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments cleansing the inside of the mouth whilst removing sticky secretions and saliva via suctioning. The finger hold manages and controls the degree of suction by increasing and reducing flow. The unique addition of a soft ‘blade’ enables stubborn caked secretions to be removed safely and effectively. The Mc4 can reduce bacterial build up, food debris, fungi and dead cells from the surface of the tongue that are related to many common oral and general health problems. Designed with a soft and tactile ridged head that gently scrapes the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells and bacteria build up safely
suction ability to use with our portable suction machines.
Check out our range of Mouth Care ‘End of Life Resources’. Safe mouth care products in one place
For more information contact our team on: Sales@oralcareinnovations.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1492 701277
The Mc6 can be used to moisten the lips, tongue and soft tissues inside the mouth. With a slow flow of water from two drip holes, a gentle compression against the lips or inside the mouth is enough to provide a slow controlled flow of liquid to the mouth safely. This reduces the risk of choking.
www.oralcareinnovations.co.uk
PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166
Peace Rose Planted At Little Bramingham Farm To Honour International Peace Day 2023 In honour of this year’s United Nations International Day of Peace, Little Bramingham Farm, the residential care home in Luton run by charity Friends of the Elderly, hosted The Luton North Inner Wheel Club for a special memorial celebration. The Club’s members spent the morning with the residents and kindly planted a beautiful Peace Rose in the care home’s attractive front garden area. “We received a lovely letter from the Luton North Inner Wheel Club with a kind offer asking if it would be possible for them to come along to the care home and plant a Peace Rose on International Day of Peace,” said Emma Lawrance, the Registered Manager at Little Bramingham Farm. “One of our residents, Margaret Alison, who has been with us for three years, is a former member and often shares her fond memories of her time with the Club. “The Luton North Inner Wheel Club’s ethos is to promote true friendship and all the national Inner Wheel Clubs have an outstanding record of service to the community. Community is extremely important to us all at Little Bramingham Farm and to have the Peace Rose planted on such a poignant day was wonderful.” 86-year-old resident, Margaret, thoroughly enjoyed the rose planting ceremony and had a great time catching up with the Club’s members. “From its very beginnings, friendship and service have always been at the heart of all the Inner Wheel Clubs, which are values close to my heart,” said Margaret. “The first Inner
Wheel Club was formed in Manchester back on 10th January 1924 and has now become an international club. One of the members I was chatting to at the rose planting said there are Clubs in 104 countries with over 108,000 members worldwide, I think that’s amazing. “I was delighted to spend the morning with my friends from the Luton North Inner Wheel Club. First the beautiful Peace Rose was planted, then Christine Sinfield, who runs the Club, said a few words and then we all enjoyed a lovely catch-up in Susie’s Tea Room in the snug cabin area. I had a lovely time,” added Margaret. “The Peace Rose produces large, yellow blooms tipped in soft pink with dark green, glossy leaves, it really is spectacular,” continued Emma. “The Rose’s history is very interesting as well. I learnt that it was introduced in 1939 by French breeder Francis Meilland and the roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural United Nations meeting in 1945 in honor of Germany's surrender. “We are very grateful to The Luton North Inner Wheel for kindly donating and planting a Peace Rose at Little Bramingham Farm. It’s particularly lovely that the rose is going to live and thrive in our garden. The roses and their blooms will be enjoyed for many years by all our residents, their families and loved ones,” concluded Emma.
Extra Care Schemes Praised For ‘Gold’ Standard of Care dence to demonstrate they had embedded what they learned into their
Four Extra Care schemes at Housing 21 have been praised for delivering a ‘gold’ standard of care to residents as they near the end of
everyday practice.
their lives.
Kris Peach, Executive Director of Extra Care, said: “I’m delighted that
Dairy View Court in Royal Wootton Bassett, Knaves Court in Walsall,
our teams at four Extra Care schemes have been recognised with this
Applegarth Court in Bridlington and Limestone View in Settle have
award. It is incredibly important that our residents can live well and die
each been awarded the national Gold Standards Framework (GSF)
with dignity, in the place of their choosing.
Quality Hallmark Award for their end-of-life care.
“I know how hard everyone in the services has worked to embed
Gold Standards Framework’s Quality Hallmark Award for end-of-life care recognises exceptional care for both residents, and their families,
practices to support residents at end of life, and the accreditation is a
and is the highest accreditation awarded for end-of-life care.
testament to their efforts.” The teams were presented with their awards at a special ceremony
To achieve the accreditation, each scheme took part in a 12-month
in Manchester.
training programme and were required to present a portfolio of evi-
New Leadership at Midlands Care Group Strives for Excellence A West Midlands care provider has appointed fresh leadership at its prestigious care home in Oldbury. Faye Gailey, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, has assumed the role of registered manager at Portway House Care Home part of Superior Care (Midlands) Ltd. Her vision for Portway House is founded on her beliefs of being actively present, providing steadfast support, and upholding an open-door policy marked by transparency. Faye is a firm believer in leading by example, nurturing an enriching atmosphere where both residents and staff thrive in a warm and welcoming ‘home away from home’ environment. Faye brings a wealth of experience from her seven years in leadership roles within the care field, where her unwavering commitment led to her previous facility achieving an overall ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Driven in her pursuit of achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC for Portway House, Faye states, “My goal is to build on the amazing foundations that make Portway House feel like home. With our dedicated staff, we’ll continue creating a warm, caring environment that makes a significant difference in our residents’ lives. “In just a few weeks of joining Portway House, I felt the warmth and homeliness that surrounds our care home. It was like I had been part of the team for a long time. With this fantastic starting point, I’m excited to lead us towards achieving excellence.” CEO of Superior Care (Midlands) Ltd, Amrit Sumal, says: “We’re confident Faye embodies the qualities that will steer Portway House in the right direction. Her dedication to personalised care, unwavering commitment to both her team and our residents, and her friendly, welcoming approach make her the perfect manager for our home.”
Adept Care Homes Ignites New Role as Board Appoints New Group Chief Fire Warden! Adept Care Homes is proud to announce the appointment of Jason Morris, as the new Group's Chief Fire Warden, effective from October 1st, 2023. This significant appointment underscores the organisation's unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of fire safety across its care facilities. Recognising the critical importance of fire safety within the healthcare sector, the Board of Adept Care Homes has made a strategic decision to appoint Jason as the Group's Chief Fire Warden. This move has been met with resounding approval, including from Stuart Murphy, an external Fire Risk Assessor, who has lauded it as an extremely positive and appropriate step. Fire safety has become a paramount concern, particularly given the heightened risk associated with the healthcare sector and the stringent requirements set forth by insurance companies. In this context, Jason's appointment as Chief Fire Warden is seen as a proactive measure to address these challenges effectively. In his new role, Jason will assume the responsibility of overseeing and enhancing fire safety measures across the entire Adept Care Homes Group. His extensive
expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication to safety will be instrumental in achieving the organisation's fire safety goals. This appointment aligns perfectly with the organization's commitment to excellence and its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, staff, and properties. By appointing Jason as Chief Fire Warden, Adept Care Homes is taking proactive steps to meet statutory responsibilities and mitigate fire risks comprehensively throughout the group. Jason's new role is a testament to Adept Care Homes' dedication to providing exceptional care and maintaining the highest standards of safety within its facilities. The organisation is confident that his leadership will further enhance the already robust fire safety protocols in place. “Please join us in congratulating Jason on his new position as the Group's Chief Fire Warden. We believe that, with his leadership, Adept Care Homes is poised to continue setting the benchmark for fire safety in the healthcare sector,” said Adept’s Managing Director, Kenny Nelson.
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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 23
Four In Ten Aspiring Social Care Leaders State Lack Of Training Opportunities Are A Considerable Barrier To Career Growth, According To New Leadership in Care Report A new research-led report launched today highlights how a lack of consistency in access to and availability of professional development support and opportunities could be harming aspiring leaders’ progress into leadership roles. This is following extensive research conducted with over 250 social care leaders in August 2023. The Leaders of Tomorrow Report has been published by everyLIFE Technologies, the company behind leading care management platform, PASS. It explores the opportunities, challenges and issues leaders in the care sector are currently facing and provides valuable insights for aspiring leaders in the care sector. Professional development is identified as a key area where aspiring leaders feel more can be done to support them on their career journeys. Four in ten (40%) aspiring care leaders polled in the research said a lack of training and one in three (34%) said a lack of mentorship acts as a considerable barrier to their career growth and progression. The report also found that nearly one in three (31%) aspiring care leaders aren’t aware of any formal leadership training or opportunities in their current place of work. Professional training and development are needed to overcome key care sector challenges Today’s care leaders are facing significant challenges in the care landscape, with recruiting skilled staff (59%), financial constraints (52%) and low staff morale (37%) identified as the top three challenges they face today, among many others, leaving
little time for much else*. While established care leaders are extremely stretched, they strongly recognise the value of professional development in supporting and upskilling the next generation of care leaders. Over half of today’s care leaders polled (58%) agreed that aspiring leaders can best be equipped to manage challenges in the sector by being offered professional training and development opportunities. Good communication skills (90%), a positive attitude (82%) and empathy (76%) are identified by established leaders as the top three attributes that the care leaders of tomorrow need to manage challenges in the sector and ensure their teams’ success*. Duncan Campbell, Director at everyLIFE Technologies said: “Our research findings identify essential areas where more training, professional development opportunities and resources are needed to support the next generation of care leaders into senior roles. It’s crucial that these much-needed programmes are embedded into the culture and ethos of organisations across the social care sector.” “We’re committed to delivering the latest technology to create effective tools and services that help unlock the potential of care teams, by empowering them to spend more of their time on the work they do best – delivering excellent care to their end users. Sharing the findings of our Leaders of Tomorrow Report with the care sector is a part of our mission to support both today’s leaders and the next generation of leaders in care to be the best they can be.” To download the Leaders of Tomorrow Report visit: www.everylifetechnologies.com/leaders-of-tomorrow-research-report/
Life’s a “Hoot” at Cambridge Court Cambridge court care home in Liverpool, which cares for 53 people with various needs – dementia, nursing and dementia nursing has devised a hugely successful programme of activities thanks to dedicated activity coordinators. Manager Alena who joined the home in 2019 just before the covid hit and has built a caring team working with activity coordinators who understand what it means to enrich residents lives. The home now utilises a minibus for outings, live entertainment is on at least every two weeks, tailored activities on a one to one basis are on the home’s daily programme, and they have forged links with local schools, nursery, church, befriending groups keeping in touch with the local community to enable a variety of activities to take place in and outside of the home.
The highlight of the home’s year, and now in its third year, is the Annual Cambridge Court Art Show, with many talented artists within the home’s resident group, and they too work hard all year round on various art pieces and projects. This beautiful art is then displayed for everyone to see in our renovated cabin, which we recently spruced up by street art by talented local artist Paul Curtis. Residents, their families and friends pop in to see the show, “have a cuppa”, with the home holding a regular cake sale, bric a brac sale, raffle etc to rates funds. Alena said: “It is a day fulfilled with chats ,sharing stories and laughter when we come together and we also raise much needed funds for our outings and entertainers, this year for example the total was £750.”
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Project Empowers Care Home Staff To Get Creative A major research project recommends empowering care home staff so they can provide regular creative activities for the benefit of residents. The Dare to Imagine project, a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), care home provider Excelcare, arts charity Magic Me and four leading arts organisations ran from October 2019 until March 2023 across four Excelcare residential homes in Essex. Each of the homes, which offer residential, dementia, respite and end-of-life care, was matched with an arts organisation that then worked with them over the Credit Jack Lowe duration of the project. The project aimed to build relationships between artists, residents and staff through participation in creative arts, and to increase the understanding and potential of embedding creativity in care homes. The arts companies, New Adventures, Fevered Sleep, curious directive and Gecko introduced residents and staff to activities ranging from dance and creating films inspired by stories told by residents, to weaving, soundscapes and 3D printing. An ARU team consisting of Anna Dadswell (research fellow), Dr Ceri Wilson (senior research fellow) and Professor Hilary Bungay (principal investigator) explored best practice for developing partnerships between arts organisations and care homes to deliver more sustainable impacts for residents and staff in care homes. A report was launched during an event at ARU’s Chelmsford campus. The report found that the arts activities were powerful in fostering engagement and meaningful moments with residents. Care home staff were proud of their involvement and artists realised the importance of their practice, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which hit shortly after the research project began. Artists had to learn, adapt, and respond inclusively to the needs of the residents as well as care home staff who had faced trauma from the pandemic. The relationships between artists and care home staff were key in providing high quality, impactful arts activities in care homes but the report found building these relationships requires structure, support, and time. Professor Bungay said: “This project set out to find out how artists and care home staff could work
together to make sure residents get as much out of creative activities as possible. “Our evaluation found that the pandemic provided a unique challenge for the artists and staff, but meant that, when activities resumed, the sense of joy and worth were heightened not only among residents, but among staff and artists. “Collaborative working between artists and care home staff involved embracing artists’ creative skills, human approach, and adaptability, as well as valuing the knowledge and expertise of Credit Camilla Greenwell care home staff and supporting them to take on creative roles. “When committing to providing arts activities in residential homes, a legacy from the work should be considered from the start, including through artists spending time sharing skills with care home staff and building their confidence to lead creative activities in the future, leaving something tangible behind, and demonstrating the power of participatory arts.” Sadie Munro, Director of Sales, Marketing & Wellbeing at Excelcare said: “This four-year partnership was part of a mission to engage residents with different art forms and encourage expression through music, movement, and other creative outlets. Despite being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership was a huge success and everyone who was involved said how enjoyable the process had been, from the initial workshops all the way through the creation of the final projects.” Susan Langford, Director of Magic Me said: “I passionately believe that because someone lives in a care home they don’t stop being entitled to extraordinary arts and culture, or to participating in creative experiences that are much more something to pass the time. It has been a privilege to witness the amazing events, films and artworks made by Excelcare residents and staff with our arts partners over the past few years.” The research report, entitled Dare to Imagine: Artists and care home staff working together to embed creativity in care homes, can be read at https://magicme.co.uk/resource/dare-to-imagine-artists-residencies-in-care-homes-report/
Care Group Helps Men’s Mental Health Charity A Scarborough care provider has stepped in to help a local charity provide more help to men dealing with mental health issues. Saint Cecilia’s Care Group is sponsoring a second venue for the Scarborough group of Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity. At the moment the Scarborough group meets from 6.30pm each Monday at the Library on Vernon Road in Scarborough. But from 9th October the group will also meet at Saint Cecilia’s day care centre on Eastway, Eastfield, again from 6.30pm. Saint Cecilia’s Director Aaron Padgham said: “Andy’s Man Club provides invaluable help and support to local men who might be suffering from mental health issues. “When we learned that they were looking for a second meeting place over the south side of Scarborough we were only too pleased to support them. “Helping our residents and day care visitors and our own staff to take care of their mental health is an integral part of the care we offer and so we are delighted to sponsor Andy’s Man Club and hopefully spread the excellent work it does to more people in the Scarborough area.”
Scarborough Andy’s Man Club Lead Facilitator Shaun Tymon said: “Andy’s Man Club has been in such demand in Scarborough we have been looking for another site for some time. Thanks to the generosity of Saint Cecilia’s, we can now make this a reality. This will provide access to support for even more men in the Scarborough area and will no doubt transform and even save lives. We are very grateful to the Padgham family for making this happen.“At Andy’s Man Club there is no charge for attending, there is no need to book and you don’t need to be referred. Just turn up from 6:30pm for a free cuppa for a 7pm start. You don’t have to say anything until you are ready and you will not be judged. Please give us a try.”
TAP Launches New Social Thanking App For Care Professionals TAP, the social thanking platform, has launched a new app enabling users to send messages of thanks to anyone, anywhere, anytime to improve keyworkers’ wellbeing through the power of gratitude. TAP App users can publicly share messages of thanks for care professionals on organisational thanking walls as well as receive in-app notifications when they’ve been thanked. While a Map of Thanks enables users to locate and follow keyworker organisations from across the UK. The new app also features a My Wellbeing section containing feel-good articles, podcasts, videos and top tips designed to support the wellbeing of TAP’s user community. “TAP is designed to improve the wellbeing of care professionals through the sharing of messages of thanks and access to a valuable resource of wellbeing content. Our new mobile app means we can get TAP into even more people’s hands,” said Matt Findel-Hawkins, CEO of TAP.
Paul Featherstone, Founder of National Association of Care and Support Workers: “It’s vital that our social care colleagues are properly recognised for the incredible work they do every single day and TAP is an ideal way to achieve this.” Clare Mechen, Nurse Manager at The Adam Practice: “While we see ourselves as simply doing our job, it’s great to see how much the public appreciate what we are doing to keep them safe. TAP is the perfect place to share their positive messages of support.” TAP’s mission is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all those working in education, healthcare and social care. If you’d like to get involved: • Visit TAP’s website at https://thankandpraise.co.uk/tap-mobile-app/ to download the TAP App • Contact info@thankandpraise.co.uk to adopt TAP’s social thanking platform in your keyworker organisation
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Local Charitable Trust Invests £10m in Dementia Drug Discovery The ALBORADA Trust, based near Newmarket, has donated £5 million to Alzheimer’s Research UK. The donation supports the ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute (DDI) at the University of Cambridge and builds on a previous transformational £5m gift made by the Trust towards the project five years ago. The ALBORADA DDI is one of three specialist institutes created within top UK universities that form Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Drug Discovery Alliance, a £91 million initiative launched in 2015. The Alliance is unique in neurodegenerative research in the UK, bridging the gap between academia and industry. Founded by philanthropist Kirsten Rausing, and named after her favourite racehorse, The ALBORADA Trust funds a range of causes in the UK and overseas and has long been a significant supporter of medical research. Grant Harris, director of The ALBORADA Trust, said: “At The ALBORADA Trust we believe in the power of medical research to deliver transformational change and we are delighted to have supported the groundbreaking work of Alzheimer’s Research UK for over a decade. “This gift takes our investment in the ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute to £10m, making it our biggest ever commitment as a funder. We are proud to be driving forward the development of much-needed new treatments for dementia, and to be doing so through world-class research taking place on our doorstep.” The ALBORADA DDI is led by Dr John Skidmore, who brings commercial drug development expertise with him from GlaxoSmithKline, the DDI team works closely with top researchers at the University of Cambridge and global collaborators to identify the most promising ‘targets’ coming from basic science. These targets are then fast-tracked into the early stages of drug discovery, to test their potential to deliver treatments. “We are immensely grateful to The ALBORADA Trust for the instrumental role they have played in sup-
porting our drug discovery research here in Cambridge. We are currently seeing unprecedented progress in dementia drug development, with the first treatments that can slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease set for UK approval as soon as January 2024. But, as with many first-generation treatments, the effectiveness of these drugs is modest – and sadly they will not help everyone”, said Dr Skidmore. Adding, “We must keep up the momentum and continue to develop more and increasingly effective drugs to treat the diseases that cause dementia. This most recent investment from The ALBORADA Trust will play a key part in accelerating progress towards new dementia treatments and, in time, a cure.” Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Executive Director of Research & Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The ALBORADA Trust’s recent £5 million gift has come at a pivotal time in dementia research. We have seen in recent months that, through research, we can slow down the diseases that cause dementia. However, with over 1.2 million people in the UK predicted to have dementia by 2040, we must speed up efforts to treat the condition. “Dementia can be caused by many different diseases which have complex molecular mechanisms – this means we need to develop treatments which work in different ways, so that there is an appropriate treatment for someone whatever form of dementia they have. The Trust’s exceptional commitment of £10m to the ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute is allowing us to explore different ways to tackle diseases like Alzheimer’s and enabling us to develop treatments for rarer forms such as frontotemporal dementia. On behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK, our research community and everyone we support, I would like to express our huge gratitude to The ALBORADA Trust for helping us lead the way in the search for a cure for dementia.”
Parklands Care Homes Launches New Podcast Series Carecast Parklands Care Homes is set to launch a new podcast series which takes listeners on a fun-filled and often emotional journey into the world of its care homes. Produced by Highland based Adventurous Audio, and recorded over the summer and autumn, Carecast is a 10-part series that celebrates the people behind Parklands as the company mark its 30th anniversary – from its team of dedicated care professionals to the remarkable people they care for, and the communities that support them. The series begins with an extended interview with managing director Ron Taylor whose decision to launch Parklands was inspired by his own experience of caring for his grandfather as a young student. Subsequent episodes will go behind the scenes at Parklands to explore every aspect of care - from the meticulous preparation of quality meals for hundreds of residents to the diverse range of meaningful activities on offer, as well as the architectural design principles underpinning their latest care homes and the company's aspirations for the future. Carecast also introduces some of Parklands’ longest serving employees, including Liz Campbell who has been with the group from the outset, alongside others who have travelled from around the world to make Parklands and Scotland their new home. The series will also feature prominent figures from the business and care sectors, including Stewart Nicol, former Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Medrcaf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce; Brian Devlin, former Chair of Black Isle Cares; and Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care.
Recorded at homes in Tain, Muir of Ord, Fortrose, Grantown, Aberlour, Keith and Buckie, Carecast authentically captures the sense of fun, compassion and adventure within the homes, from Pride events to play schemes for local children. Donald Morrison, Communications Director for Parklands Care Homes, said: "Carecast is a heart-warming series that captures the values at the heart of Parklands, the care and compassion of our employees and the remarkable people they care for. We set out to produce a series that would portray every aspect of life within our care homes. Carecast is a celebration of life, laughter and joy, but also depicts moments of heartache and loss. It’s funny, touching and emotional in equal measure. “We’re absolutely delighted to have worked with Adventurous Audio on this 30th anniversary project. There are a lot of misconceptions about care homes and growing old, and we wanted to show what life is really like, for residents and our employees. Carecast achieves this brilliantly.” Pennie Latin-Stuart from Adventurous Audio added: “I really didn’t know what to expect when I came to producing Carecast but it has been a huge eye-opener, a deeply moving and thought provoking insight into the extraordinary people behind the scenes of Parklands. It’s been such a pleasure to meet and talk with so many of the staff and residents. Being given the opportunity to share their stories, passion and compassion has been truly special.” The series began on 7 October, with new episodes appearing weekly. You can listen and subscribe to future episodes, here: www.podfollow.com/parklands
Oakland Care Demonstrate How High-Quality Skills Training Brings Gold Standards of Care Care home provider Oakland Care have received ‘assured’ approval from global skills developer, City & Guilds. The stamp demonstrates that the systems and processes an organisation has in place to plan, design, deliver, and evaluate their own programmes of training meet the global quality standards benchmark set by City & Guilds. For Oakland Care, this prestigious title was given for their Assistant Practitioner Development Programme. First launched in March 2022, it was created to support the development of Senior Care Assistants across the provider. Aiming to provide these individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to support Registered Nurses within Oakland Care homes through theoretical and practical learning, it has proven to be a huge success and helped raise the standards of exceptional care their residents receive. For those that have completed both elements of the programme, they
are awarded the title of Assistant Practitioner, and celebrated for their achievements by Oakland Care. Following a review of the training programme by City & Guilds it was evident that their high standards had been met by the care home provider. Speaking about the achievement, Carrie Stone, Clinical Training Partner at Oakland Care, said: “Achieving recognition for our Assistant Practitioner Development Programme is fantastic. We are focused on investing in our teams through a sustained universal commitment to internal growth and support. For us, this is a fundamental part of the process. Better training and qualified team members bring a higher standard of care and experience given to our residents. “For many of those that have undertaken this programme they have gained more confidence and belief in themselves, as well as developing new skills and knowledge which they can put into practice.”
Thetford Care Home Celebrates 25th Anniversary In Silver Style Alexander Court Care Home, situated in the heart of Thetford, was joined by the town’s Mayor as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with a garden party. The home commemorated this special occasion with a BBQ attended by residents and members of the community, including Thetford’s mayor Cllr Stuart Wright. Many guests arrived in silver attire, as nod to the quarter of a century that the home has cared for local people. The event raised money for the residents’ fund, which pays for additional activities and treats for those living at the home. In between the barbeque and karaoke, Cllr Wright joined the home’s manager Pat Collins in thanking attendees for celebrating the milestone. Pat Collins, manager at Alexander Court Care Home said: “We are so proud to celebrate 25 years of care. This milestone speaks volumes about the work
we do for our residents and the community. It was great to see so many people attend wearing silver to celebrate the occasion.” Cllr Stuart Wright, Mayor of Thetford, said: “Speaking with the carers, residents and their families, it is clear how much passion the Alexander Court care home team have for their work. I am very pleased to have been able to join them to celebrate this momentous anniversary and of course, enjoy the singing and a burger or two! “I look forward to visiting again and joining in with some of the amazing activities I have heard all about.” The home, which is part of Larchwood Homes, has almost 50 ensuite rooms, and in the most recent Care Quality Commission, received an impressive rating of Good.
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Eve Belle Care Home Joins Alzheimer’s Memory Walk to Make a Difference Staff and families of residents at Eve Belle Care Home in Wickford, demonstrated their commitment to the fight against dementia, by participating in the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk on Sunday the 1st of October. The event, held at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, brought together staff, residents, and their families in a heartwarming display of solidarity to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. With a shared goal of raising awareness and contributing to dementia research, the community at Eve Belle Care Home walked a collective 5 kilometres. The highlight of the day was when the participants, dressed in Sanders Senior Living t-shirts and Alzheimer’s Society t-shirts, set off on their journey. While some staff and residents’ families took part in this scenic walk, the true spirit of unity was on display within the care home itself. Inside Eve Belle Care Home, staff and residents embarked on a heartwarming journey of their own, completing four laps of the care home premises. Their partici-
pation not only demonstrated their support for the cause but also showcased how individuals living with dementia can lead fulfilling lives and actively engage with their community. Eve Belle Care Home’s involvement in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk carries profound significance. The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness about dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The participants aimed to show that as a community, they can contribute to ongoing research efforts. “I am so proud of everyone for taking part in this year’s Memory Walk in Hylands Park” said Arrianne Concepcion, Home Manager at Eve Belle care home. “It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about showing our residents that they are not alone in this journey and that we are here to support them every step of the way.” Overall, the home managed to raise a staggering £1300.
Care Worker Braves Fear of Heights to Raise Money for Rosepark Care Home A brave member of staff at Renaissance Care’s Rosepark Care Home has volunteered to take part in a skydive in October to raise money for the home’s residents’ fund. Mandy Davidson, 34, put herself forward for the once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise money that will enable Rosepark Care Home to hold events and activities which help boost residents’ wellbeing – even though she is afraid of heights. Despite having only worked at Rosepark Care Home for just over six months, the care assistant has shown her dedication to the Uddingston-based home’s residents by committing to conquer her fear for their activities fund on 15 October, when she will undertake the skydive at Strathallan. Mandy said: “I’m so excited about taking part in this skydive. It’s something that’s always been on my bucket list, and to be able to cross that off while also raising funds for our amazing residents makes it even more special. “I’m terrified of heights, but my mum is more nervous than me at the moment!
Being able to support our residents means the world to me, and I hope they will come out to watch me take my big jump.” Renaissance Care has 17 homes across Scotland, and prides itself on offering person-centred care for both residents and their families. Staff view residents as extended family, and regularly go the extra mile for their wellbeing. Inclusivity, as well as health and wellbeing, are prioritised in all Renaissance Care homes, with activities carefully planned and tailored to suit residents’ needs and interests. Lauren Kenny, Operations Support Manager at Rosepark Care Home, said: “Mandy sees the difference that holding activities and events for Rosepark’s residents makes to their wellbeing, and we are so grateful that she has volunteered for this incredible opportunity in spite of her fear of heights. “All of our staff and residents are excited to see Mandy safely back on the ground and we will be giving her all our support on 15 October.”
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Waste Management In the intricate web of adult social care, an often overlooked but critical aspect is waste management. Within the confines of care and nursing homes in the UK, effective handling, storage, and disposal of various waste types is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ethical imperative. This feature article dives into the depths of waste management within care environments, illuminating the careful management of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste. From meticulous risk assessments to innovative disposal methods, we explore the multifaceted approach that ensures the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment.
THE HIDDEN RISKS: CLINICAL, HAZARDOUS, AND INFECTIOUS WASTE: Behind the scenes of compassionate care lies a multitude of waste materials – clinical byproducts, hazardous substances, and infectious agents. Each comes with a unique set of risks, necessitating rigorous risk assessments. Clinical waste includes discarded dressings, swabs, and medical equipment, while hazardous waste encompasses chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Infectious waste involves contaminated items carrying pathogens. Identifying and evaluating these risks is fundamental to maintaining a safe care environment.
SEGREGATION AT THE SOURCE: A CROSS-CONTAMINATION CRUSADE:
In the battle against cross-contamination, segregation emerges as a stalwart ally. Color-coded waste containers, an emblem of UK waste management, are an essential tool. The palette of colors – yellow for infectious waste, orange for clinical waste, purple for hazardous waste, and more – functions as a visual aid, guiding staff to deposit waste correctly. This prevents hazardous mixing, fortifying infection control efforts and safeguarding residents and staff.
NAVIGATING DISPOSAL LABYRINTHS: LEGISLATION AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: Guiding the labyrinthine paths of waste disposal are stringent regulations and legal obligations. UK care homes are bound by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, which outline the standards for waste management. To traverse this landscape, care homes must work in tandem with licensed waste carriers, ensuring safe and compliant transportation and disposal. Adhering to these laws is not just mandatory; it's a pledge to environmental stewardship. The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/management-anddisposal-of-healthcare-waste-htm-07-01/
FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: IMPLEMENTATION AND STAFF EMPOWERMENT: Waste management transcends written policies – it's a culture. Care homes must craft comprehensive waste management policies that embody legal mandates and industry best practices. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation. Regular staff training sessions transform care providers into waste management sentinels. Designating a waste management coordinator further strengthens the
commitment, streamlining communication and bolstering policy enforcement.
THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF WASTE DISPOSAL: DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT METHODS: Navigating the maze of waste disposal requires an understanding of waste types and appropriate disposal methods. Clinical waste, saturated with potential pathogens, undergoes incineration. Hazardous waste follows a convoluted path, with chemicals often requiring specialist disposal. Infectious waste, concealed contagions, faces autoclaving or chemical treatment. Each method underscores the mission of eradicating risk.
LOOKING AHEAD: SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of waste management in care homes glimmers with sustainable solutions. Facilities are exploring waste-to-energy conversion, where waste generates power. Technological advancements offer smarter waste tracking and reporting, empowering care homes to refine their practices. The nexus of innovation and sustainability paints a promising horizon for waste management. Waste management in UK care and nursing homes isn't confined to bins and regulations; it's a pledge to uphold the dignity, health, and safety of residents. The intricate dance of handling, storing, and disposing of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste demands diligence, awareness, and a commitment to legal mandates. As care homes embrace the tapestry of waste management – from risk assessment to color-coded containers – they weave a story of responsible care, environmental guardianship, and a commitment to a healthier future.
Care Homes Spending Up To £50,000 A Year Sending Food Waste To Landfill The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling. Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines. However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service.
Failure to comply could put care homes at risk of potentially hefty financial penalties-with fixed penalty notices starting from £300. The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement. For more insights from the research, visit: The ideal picture of food waste – Keenan Recycling at https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/the-ideal-picture-of-food-waste/
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INSURANCE FOR CARE
Securing Insurance with an Inadequate CQC Rating The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires all care and nursing homes to have insurance, and without it, you will be unable to operate. The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Employers’ Liability and Public Liability cover. Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own. If a care facility is unable to secure adequate insurance, residents will need to find alternative accommodation, and staff are likely to lose their jobs. Many care homes have no difficulty in securing insurance but when a care home has an inadequate rating by the CQC, finding insurance can prove extremely challenging. Not all insurers are willing to provide terms for care facilities with an inadequate CQC rating, and when they do, premiums can be higher, and restrictions may be put in place, such as a limit to the number of service users (residents allowed). According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, around 1 in 5 care homes are rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ in the UK, which can leave these care homes with only a small range of insurance options and in turn, at risk of closure. Barnes Commercial has built strong relationships with an extensive panel of insurers, who specialise in care home insurance, including some that will offer terms to care homes with inadequate CQC ratings.
CASE STUDY: OBTAINING INSURANCE WITH AN INADEQUATE CQC RATING Our client is the owner of several care homes in the southeast of the UK and is an example of how working closely with a broker can help secure favourable insurance terms, even with an inadequate rating. Our client came to Barnes Commercial because he was unhappy with his current provider and their ability to find him an affordable insurance solution. One of the care homes had an inadequate CQC rating but our client and his team had been working with the CQC to create an action plan for improvements. We shared this with potential insurers who wanted to see evidence of what work was being planned, by when, and what had already been done to improve the care home. Ensuring the action plan was up to date was vital in arranging the insurance.
AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO IMPROVE YOUR CQC RATING When speaking with our care home clients whose facility had an inadequate CQC rating, they tell us that some of the most common reasons cited are poor record management and health and safety issues. If these areas are not managed effectively, you could be putting your patients/residents, staff and your business at risk. Patient care will be at the heart of everything you do, so having robust systems in place will help you to perform at your best. For example, having a digital recording system in place, can provide you with greater governance, stronger compliance and help to ensure quality outcomes for those in your care. It can also mean recording of data will be faster, medication management will be safer and you are more ready for inspections. Health and safety hazards are also a regular source of inadequate ratings and an area that every care home owner needs to be on top of at all times. One of CQCs fundamental standards includes safety, which means providers must assess the risks to your health and safety during any care or treatment and make sure staff have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep you safe.
OUR PROCESS TO SECURE YOUR CARE HOME INSURANCE Our specialist Care Home Insurance adviser, Luke Green, can support you with tailored advice on how to secure an insurance solution that will bring you peace of mind, whilst satisfying the CQC. He will take the time to get to know your business and its current situation, so he can fully understand how he can help. He will also help you to gather and collate all your supporting documentation, including your action plan and any evidence to support your submission, for example, from your local authorities. He will then use these to advise a panel of insurers on your situation and what your business is doing to improve your ratings. Demonstrating your commitment to improving your situation will typically be positively received by the insurers and helps us to obtain an insurance quotation for you that will protect your business from commercial risk.
Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment.
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HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce Cytolax Barrier Spray the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem. As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology. Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the
world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas. This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%. For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags. You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www.angloplas.co.uk
Cytolax is a range of health and wellbeing products that interacts with human cells bringing them to life so as to improve physiological outcomes. Manufactured in ISO certified medical factories, every formulation is developed to offer premium solutions that encompasses products for home self-use as well as for the medical profession. The barrier skin protection range is made up of Wipes, Creams and Spray to prevent and protect skin from moisture, maceration and pressure sores. Cytolax Barrier Spray is a 100% Silicone, alcohol free solution that forms a transparent protective and breathable layer between the skin and the air or surface that the skin may come in con-
tact with. Hypoallergenic and quick drying formula ensures no irritation or burning sensation. - 100% Silicone - Upto 72 hours protection - Unique formula allows it to be used with adhesive dressings and protects skin from medical adhesives - Transparent and Permeable solution - No Stinging or burning sensation - Alcohol Free - Non Cytotoxic - Quick Drying - 50ml Contact 0141 778 6017, sales@cytolax.co.uk or visit www.cytolax.co.uk Follow: www.linkedin.com/company/cytolax/
GOJO Recognised As A Key Partner To The NHS GOJO, THE INVENTOR OF PURELL™ is proud to be a brand showcased in an official publication commemorating the NHS, entitled ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service.’ This accolade demonstrates the key role played by the skin and hygiene specialist, who has now been a partner to the organisation for over 30 years. Widely used in the NHS, PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world. As a market leader of hand hygiene within the UK’s health service, it has been instrumental in helping core NHS metrics to be achieved, such as reductions in the number of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Its solutions encompass fast-active, effective formulas that care for skin, state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training. Launching at the Cloisters in Westminster Abbey on 6th September 2023, ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service’ is a beautifully presented hardback book that has been produced in partnership with leading publisher, St James’s House and written by a team of academics and industry experts. Exploring the origins, history and impact of the NHS, the fully illustrated publication marks the 75th anniversary of the service, and the people and policies that have shaped it. Chris Wakefield, V.P. European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe
Ltd. comments: ‘The NHS is one of the country’s most recognised and cherished organisations – here to improve our health and wellbeing, support us to keep mentally and physically well, and to help us get better when we are ill. The GOJO purpose of ‘saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions’ very much aligns with these values, and it is what drives our innovation in hygiene. ‘We are extremely proud to play a major role in helping prevent infection and improve public health and are thrilled to be included in this prestigious book celebrating 75 years of the wonderful NHS.’ As well as being the ideal partner to healthcare trusts and facilities, GOJO is passionate about developing sustainable products that both clean and care for hands in a variety of sectors. These include education, hospitality, leisure, retail, catering, food processing, offices, manufacturing and more. From soaps and hygienic hand rubs that can be used repeatedly throughout a busy shift in hospitals, to specialist hand cleaners that remove tough soils from the hands of heavy-industry workers, GOJO has an effective solution to remove germs and dirt, whilst protecting skin health. Backed by a wealth of scientific expertise and specialist formulations, GOJO is committed to developing sustainable products that deliver results and maintain skin health. PURELL remains the market leader, thanks to its focus on formulation without compromise. For more information, call +44 (0)1908 588444, email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO.com, or visit https://www.gojo.eu/uk
ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
CHSA’s Half Year Report Shows Members High Levels of Compliance with Accreditation Scheme Specifications ‘Our Standards. Your Guarantee.’
The 2023 half year report produced by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s Independent Inspector shows high levels of compliance amongst CHSA Accreditation Scheme members.
Scheme logo to guarantee quality.” The CHSA operates six Accreditation Schemes. They are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based
products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.
By 30 June, the Inspector had completed 83 audits, just over half the total scheduled for 2023.
During the auditing process the Independent Inspector
During the inspections approximately 1,000 labels have been checked to make sure they accurately represent the content of the packaging, guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Approximately 2,700 individual products have been checked, making sure they meet the specifications of the relevant Accreditation Scheme standard. For distributor members, the Independent Inspector has checked approximately 24,000 stock lines.
weight and or performance of the product. He also assesses
While the full year results for 2023 will be published in January 2024, the interim results indicate high levels of compliance. “The integrity of our Accreditation Schemes is at the heart of all we do,” explained Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA. “People must be able to trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, reccognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality. The interim audit results for 2023 provide the evidence buyers need to know our members continue to maintain standards. “Our advice to buyers is to look first for the Accreditation
checks the labels contain the required information and that the product is as stated on the label. Depending on the
product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty,
1.
All statements and claims are truthful.
2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and
certificates, are available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.
3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.
4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all
aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle.
This formal commitment to ethical marketing was developed
the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors
to address the growing problem of spurious, misleading and
Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the
chemicals. Typical claims that lack supporting evidence
he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited specification of the relevant scheme.
Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s
governing Council will expel any Scheme member who,
despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard.
Members of CHSA Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning Chemicals sign commitment to ethical marketing The members of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers
Association’s (CHSA) Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning
Chemicals have signed a commitment to ethical marketing. The commitment states members adhere to four ethical principles:
unsubstantiated claims being made about cleaning
relate to the efficacy of the products and many
environmental credentials are little more than greenwashing. All members of the CHSA adhere to the requirements of the
relevant Accreditation and have signed the Association’s
rigorous Code of Practice, which incorporates the
Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. It
means CHSA members:
• Trade ethically and sustainably;
• Provide supporting information for claims made; • Provide quality, fit for purpose products; and
• Make sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.
@CHSACleaning www.CHSA.co.uk
PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166
CATERING FOR CARE
Texture Modified Diets For Dysphagia Understanding and managing the nutritional needs of the elderly suffering from dysphagia, requires caterers in a care home environment to be suitably trained and skilled up in this area. Those suffering from dysphagia have difficulties in swallowing, and are likely to require a specially prepared diet. Dysphagia is reported by the World Gastroenterology Organisation to affect over 50% of all elderly patients in care homes worldwide, so a condition that most care home caterers are going to need to manage at some time. There are many causes of dysphagia including neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease. Individuals with head and neck cancer also commonly suffer with dysphagia. Due to the increased incidence of these diseases with age, it follows that many elderly residents of care homes are at risk of dysphagia. Those who struggle with dysphagia are at risk of choking when they eat food or drink not suited to their swallowing abilities. They are also at risk of aspiration pneumonia; this is where food or fluid enters the lungs, potentially leading to chest infections and hospital admissions. Whatever the cause of the dysphagia, affected individuals are likely to struggle with certain textures of food and drink. Initially any resident identified as struggling to swallow should have an urgent swallow assessment carried out by a trained professional such as a speech and language ther-
apist. A texture modified diet might then be needed, where food is moistened, mashed or pureed to make it safer for an individual to eat. Fluids may also need to be thickened. Tess Warnes, dietitian at food procurement specialist allmanhall has suggestions for caterers on how to provide a nourishing, safe, and tasty texture modified diet. “Given the risks associated with giving the wrong texture to an at-risk individual, care home caterers should be knowledgeable on how to create dishes with the appropriate texture, with access to relevant training. A useful source of information is the ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative’ (IDDSI) , a framework which grades different textures between levels 1-7. Many individuals with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition due to poor nutritional intake. Therefore, they may benefit from meals which are fortified with added butter, cheese and cream to increase the energy content of their meals. Adding these may affect the overall texture of the food. Consider offering texture modified snacks between meals as this is the time of day when individuals with dysphagia will miss out if nothing is available for them. Flavour is important to consider so use herbs and spices to add interest to the meal without compromising the texture. Salt can be added but be aware that too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure.” https://allmanhall.co.uk/blog/texture-modified-diets-for-dysphagia
5-Star Food Ratings Awarded to All 23 Orchard Care Homes sites
Orchard Care Homes, with homes across the North of England and Midlands, is celebrating after achieving an outstanding 5-star food hygiene rating group-wide. All 23 of Orchard’s homes have been awarded FSA (Food Standards Agency) 5-star rating, only given to businesses after careful consideration of three key criteria - how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe. Specific areas analysed included cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and pest control; as well as looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained. The 100% record was confirmed when the company’s Riverdale care home in Chesterfield received the latest 5-star rating at after an inspection in September. Orchard Care Homes previously achieved this group-wide validation in 2019 and repeating the feat has only been possible through a commitment to maintaining the
highest catering standards. Orchard Care Homes commit to ensuring everyone receives a varied menu with the very highest quality of food. As well as holding high preparation and hygiene standards, chefs work alongside those who have specific dietary requirements to develop a menu that suits individual tastes and needs. Jason Hunter, Catering Lead at Orchard (pictured above), commented, “We are very proud to have been recognised at the highest level by the FSA. The 5-star accolade reflects the attention to detail and high standards across Orchard’s group portfolio. We are mindful of all nutrition needs, as evidence shows that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, and low in red meat and sugar could help reduce dementia risks. Our seasonal menus are enjoyed by all, and we take great satisfaction in delivering quality, nutritious meals.”
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CATERING FOR CARE
Food Cost Savings During High Inflation? allmanhall Make It Possible.
Taylor & Taylor, a group of family-owned residential care homes approached food procurement experts, allmanhall, looking to achieve scalable cost savings and efficiencies to support their growth. They needed to ensure no detrimental impact to the excellent quality of their food offering and their residents’ dining pleasure. Their desire was to achieve a 5% food cost saving and to ensure ongoing effective management of catering budgets and invoicing. Operationally, access to reports and insights were key, as was ease of ordering and management of stock and deliveries. allmanhall undertook a like-for-like benchmark and identified food cost savings of 11.4% - more than double the initial objective! A few months into the contract, allmanhall undertook further analysis and the real-life saving is actually 18%. On the multi-temp category, allmanhall have in fact delivered savings of 21.4% in a time of 17%+ food inflation! Proactive buy right recommendations from allmanhall will deliver an extra 2.9% saving. Protein savings and an ABL have also been proposed to drive further value.
allmanhall have implemented industry-leading catering controls technology, providing the homes with tools such as stock taking and standing orders. Central billing is also a big win, with allmanhall consolidating all supplier invoices into just one invoice per month, per home. From the start, everything has been expertly managed, and the transition has been fully supported: “I would wholeheartedly recommend allmanhall’s services to others in the care sector and I look forward to continuing to grow our offering and provide outstanding food for our residents.” – Chris Rees, Group Executive Chef Why not let allmanhall support your food procurement? They will deliver savings, reassurance and efficiencies. allmanhall will give you more time to focus on your residents and on addressing labour challenges. See the advert on this page for further details.
Turner Price Strengthens Position in Care Home Sector Though NACC Premier Partnership Turner Price have announced a new partnership with the National Association of Care Catering (NACC). The Yorkshire based foodservice provider has officially become a Premier Partner and will become an active member of the North and Midlands branches, as well as contributing at a national level. Jason Watkins, Head of Sales at Turner Price, has a long connection with the NACC and says the new relationship will further strengthen the wholesalers’ position with the care sector.
He said: “We are proud of our history of supplying care caterers, something that our business has been built on for over 30 years. Across the North and the Midlands, we service independent and care home groups, hospices, meals on wheels, rehabilitation centres and hospitals. “This new partnership with the NACC will mean we can offer more support to our existing caterers, as well as showcase our trusted service to new potential care providers. The NACC are hugely respected, and we look forward to exhibiting at the Training & Development Forum event in October and working closely with the association over the coming years.” The National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, also welcomes the
news of Turner Price becoming a Premier Partner. She said: “The NACC is delighted to welcome Turner Price as a new Premier Partner, who provide a vital contribution to the work of the Associations. This is certainly a time when we need all our partners working within Care Catering to show their commitment to the health and social care sector and we look forward to working more closely with Turner Price in the future.” Turner Price is a large delivered foodservice wholesaler who supplies over 2,500 businesses across large parts of the UK. Turner Price customers includes coffee shops, QSR operators, pubs, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, care homes and hospitals. For further information please visit www.turner-price.com
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 41
LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS
Cutting-Edge Commercial Laundry Equipment for Healthcare Facilities Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards is paramount for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions. MAG Laundry Equipment, with a nationwide presence of skilled engineers, has been a trusted partner for over 10,000 care homes, offering a comprehensive range of products, services, information, and unwavering support. MAG's extensive product lineup encompasses commercial-grade washing machines, tumble dryers, ironing machines, presses, and top-quality detergents. With a legacy spanning a century, dating back to 1922, MAG has consistently evolved and refined its offerings, culminating in some of the industry's most dependable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective machines
available today. For those in search of superior washing results capable of removing the most stubborn stains, MAG Laundry Equipment is your go-to source for expert advice. Notably, their washing machines come equipped with complete thermal disinfection capabilities, a standard feature designed to assist nursing homes in not only meeting but surpassing the latest regulatory requirements. Discover how MAG can assist your care home's laundry operations by reaching out to them at 01353 883025 or visiting their website at https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk/sectors/nursing-care-homes/.
Forbes’ Laundry Consultants Help Care Homes Optimise Savings and Operations When looking for a commercial laundry solution, Forbes Professional stands out as a leading provider with its client-centric approach and unparalleled expertise. At the heart of their success is a consultative methodology that ensures every client receives a laundry rental solution tailored to their specific needs. Forbes Professional deliver’s comprehensive service packages with inclusive delivery, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, to ensure a hassle-free experience for care sector clients. Forbes’ consultative approach also enables them to ensure that care homes can truly optimise both savings and efficiency. By providing solutions that extend beyond the surface, Forbes empowers clients to make informed decisions that have a profound impact on their operations and bottom line. Their consultants deliver detailed calculations of cost projections, with an emphasis on the importance of whole life cost analysis. Whilst rental relinquishes clients of the burden of large upfront payments, Forbes Professional recognises that making informed decisions goes beyond looking at initial expenses and procurement or rental prices.
Their team educates clients on energy-efficient solutions, exemplified by the remarkable 70% energy savings achievable with heat pump dryers compared to standard condenser dryers. To underscore the advantages of Forbes’ strategy, their analysis for a new client recently resulted in a staggering projected running cost saving of £1,000,000 throughout the contract's duration. Forbes’ meticulous approach translates into not only cost savings but also environmental responsibility, as energy-efficient equipment contributes to a greener footprint. Forbes Professional's dedication to creating value for clients by optimising efficiency and minimising costs is a testament to their industry leadership. Choosing Forbes Professional means opting for more than just laundry solutions; it's a commitment to a partnership that prioritises specific needs, longterm benefits, and sustainability. In an era where sustainability, practicality and financial prudence are paramount, Forbes’ consultative approach and focus on holistic value, delivers transformative solutions to care homes across the UK. www.forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335
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LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy Cash's Apparel Solutions has been at the forefront of manufacturing woven nametapes for over a century, serving the nursing home sector and beyond. Their nametapes have become synonymous with preserving identity, preventing lost garments, and delivering personalised identity items and gifts. Preserving dignity Cash's woven nametapes provide a simple yet effective solution to labelling clothing in nursing homes minimising distress caused by lost garments, fostering an environment where residents are seen and respected for who they are. Cash's has earned a global reputation for reliability and quality. Their woven nametapes are sold and utilised worldwide, serving as a testament to their effectiveness. In addition, Cash's Apparel Solutions goes beyond their renowned nametapes. Their expertise in weaving and personalisation allows them to create a diverse range of identity items and gifts. From personalized badges to custom keyrings and promotional products, Cash's demonstrates their versatility in meeting unique customer needs. By offering tailored solutions, they
celebrate individuality, making a significant contribution to the spirit of personalisation and fostering a sense of belonging. A Century of Excellence: Cash's century-long presence in the industry showcases their enduring commitment to excellence. They have adapted and innovated, embracing modern technology and evolving customer demands. Cash's unwavering dedication to their craft and the nursing home sector demonstrates their genuine concern for residents' well-being and comfort. In conclusion, Cash's has established itself as a leader in manufacturing woven nametapes, personalised identity items and gifts. With their century-long legacy of quality, reliability, and attention to detail, Cash's continues to make a significant impact in the nursing home sector and beyond. By preserving identity, preventing loss, and embracing personalisation, Cash's Apparel Solutions truly embodies their commitment to enhancing safety, dignity, and individuality in care facilities worldwide. Visit www.cashslabels.com
Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS)
PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING
Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment. Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly. At CKLS, we understand that the success of your business depends on the quality of the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide businesses across the UK with the highest quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment available. We work with only the best manufacturers in the industry to ensure that our customers get the most reliable and efficient equipment possible. Our commitment to our customers doesn’t end with the sale of our equipment. At CKLS, we know that maintenance and repairs are crucial to keeping your equipment functioning at its best. That’s why we offer a full range of maintenance and repair serv-
ices to our customers, including emergency repair services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We believe that our success as a company is measured by the success of our customers. That’s why we’re constantly striving to provide better products and services to help our customers achieve their goals. We’re proud to say that our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as the goto provider of commercial laundry and kitchen equipment in the UK. So, if you’re looking for reliable, high-quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment, look no further than CKLS. With our extensive range of products and services, we’re confident that we can help you find the right equipment to meet your needs and keep your business running smoothly for years to come. Visit our website www.ckls.co.uk, contact by phone on 01200 411914 or email at sales@ckls.co.uk.
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FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions Blueleaf Launches New Bedroom Range with Faster Delivery Times
Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions aims to provide a first class service across a wide range of products and bespoke fittings thanks to its two decades of experience, with many previous clients in the care sector. Mr Trax has a range of NHS compliant fabrics for use in care homes, including ‘blackout’. They can supply and fit a wide range of flame retardant curtains and blinds in various fabrics to be made to your sizes and fitted using heavy duty fittings and rails. Curtains can normally be made and installed within four weeks and blinds in two weeks.Fire retardant blinds on heavy weight systems are readily available and can be manually controlled or electrically operated. They also have antimicrobial options as well all at varying prices all normally available in two-three weeks. Faster times are available on some products. The company is affiliated with Checkatrade where you can see customer reviews, including this recent
comment: “Douglas did a fantastic job fitting our shutters and curtain rail. He even fitted an extra rail for us which we had bought ourselves! Friendly and efficient service, plus great looking results. Very pleased would definitely recommend!” Based in Hailsham, East Sussex and owned and run by Doug and Carol Coe, the firm also provides a number of corded and motorised options for blinds as well as curtains, and offers a comprehensive range of shutters. Doug says: “We stock two ranges of silent gliss corded curtain tracks and two ranges of silent gliss uncorded curtain tracks the fitted prices for which are available on this website. All of the aluminium silent gliss tracks stock can be shaped and fitted into bay windows, as can some of the poles. We also have ready access to many more ranges of both tracks and poles, most of which we can get in one working day. “To read more of what our customers say about us please do look us up on Checkatrade: checkatrade.com/mrtrax” Call now to speak to one of our team on 0800 3345114 or 07968 242004, email us at: doug@mrtrax.co.uk
PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING
approach, and the feeling of shared ownership, can be a significant benefit in making the resident feel comfortable from the start. The choice of eight pre-designed schemes – carefully created by a team of visionary designers who specialise in care design – also significantly eases the buying process, and ensures the rooms are compliant with industry regulation and entirely fit for purpose. It takes the burden of responsibility for the interior design away from the care home manager and puts it into the hands of experts more skilled in the role. Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says Stock 7 is yet another example of how Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care the business is delivering on its mission to help care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched Stock 7, home providers deliver exceptional outcomes: “With an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can Stock 7 we are giving care homes a refurbishment be delivered quickly from UK stock to help care option that offers a fast turnaround, comprehensive providers avoid the cost of empty rooms. styling, and a quick return on investment. The new range comprises eight different bedroom “Whether a care home is looking to refit an individschemes to match different tastes and budgets. They ual room to welcome a new guest, or is undertaking a include not only beds and mattresses, wardrobes, and home-wide refurbishment programme, we have the other associated furniture, but also matching curtains, quality designs to reflect your brand and the quality soft furnishings and linen. The schemes also include of care you provide.” ancillary items such as crash mats and overbed For more information, visit: tables. Paints and finishes are also recommended for www.blueleafcare.com/ each of the designs. The launch of Stock 7 addresses one of the principal issues that every care home faces – the need to maintain 100% occupancy levels wherever possible. Rather than having to wait up to three months for a new suite to be delivered, Stock 7 can be delivered and installed within seven working days, anywhere in the UK. If time and situation permits, the speed of delivery enables a care home to consult with the families of a new guest and the guest themselves on the style and colours that would suit them best. Taking an inclusive
Alpha Furniture Alpha Furniture are well suited to projects of all sizes, from refreshing a couple of bedrooms to a full fit-out of all areas in a new or refurbished home. We are also able to help propose designs, or put you in touch with experienced interior designers. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, send us a picture and we will almost certainly be able to quote for an identical or similar style. We are fully committed to supplying high quality contract furni-
Rosehill Furnishings Rosehill are proud to have a long-standing history within the furniture industry. It’s their unique history and knowledge of the market which sets them apart from the rest. They’re committed to quality, and their standards have continued to excel over the last 40 years. The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor
ture products at great value with excellent service. Once again we have been able to add many new items to our range of durable quality furniture to make this the most comprehensive Care Home Furniture Direct website to date. In these financially testing times we have excelled at bringing customers high quality products at the very best value. To cope with raw material price fluctuations we regularly review our prices to ensure we remain competitive, passing any savings on to you quickly. As ever, quality products and attentive service remain our top priorities. See the advert on this page for further information. your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands. They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last, while also being great value for money. Rosehill have experience working with healthcare organisations who require durable and comfortable seating for their patients and staff. Rosehill specialise in seating and tables for care home lounges, dining rooms, visitor and waiting rooms, wards, staff rooms and FF&E packages. Options include bariatric seats, anti-microbial vinyl and fabrics for hygiene and infection control, high back chairs with head support and armchairs.
Product Highlights • High back chairs with head support and wingback models. • Chairs which have been tested for bariatric use. • Their upholstered chairs can be supplied with antimicrobial vinyl and wood finishes for hygiene and infection control. • Models are available with arms to assist people getting up and down from their seat. • Made to order products in a huge range of colours and finishes to fit in with your existing décor. • Lounge chairs, side chairs and coffee tables, which are designed to enhance your communal areas. • Dining chairs and armchairs with stylish and durable tables in a range of shapes and sizes. • Bedroom furniture with fitted items in high quality finishes. • Outdoor furniture and benches. • Complimentary breakout, modular and office furniture for staff areas and receptions Their furniture is available in a variety of styles and is designed and manufactured to help you provide a safe and comfortable seating option for your staff, patients and visitors. Their range is high quality and built to offer great comfort, and durability for furniture that lasts. Browse their wide range of furniture for your care home, clinic, ward or waiting room online at www.rosehill.co.uk, or call 0161 485 1717 to request a brochure or discuss your requirements with their helpful sales team. Visit www,rosehill.co.uk
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 45
FURNITURE AND FITTINGS
CCP Contract Furniture
CCP is an established independent supplier of products and furniture to the healthcare and leisure contract markets. CCP is proud to offer excellent customer service and where required we can offer an initial consultation to understand your exact needs. We can offer design ideas too. Visit www.cavendishcareproducts.co.uk to see our standard portfolio of dining room, bedroom, lounge, reception and occasional furniture. We also supply a full range of additional items including profile beds and mattresses and can supply all your sundry items including a full
range of towels, bedding and table linen. If you can’t see what you need on our website... tell us what you need & we’ll send you some ideas. If we don’t stock it... we’ll source it If we can’t source it... we’ll make it If you are looking to refurbish, update or require a full turn-key package for a new build than look no further than CCP. We are proud to offer quality products at competitive prices with delivery available throughout the UK. T: 01423 359242 sales@ccpuk.co.uk : www.ccpuk.co.uk
Skopos Fabrics, Meeting the Requirements for Caring Interiors Each year Skopos launch new collections, developed specifically with Care interiors in mind. In time for Care Show 23 Skopos will be launching 2 new collections aimed to provide a Boutique, relaxed feel for Caring interiors. Chamonix Deuxieme, a collection of 38 upholstery fabrics, includes our most popular designs, Slalom, Orelle and Marmotte, in a fresh new palette, offering an antimicrobial, impervious solution for Care home furniture fabric and hospitality settings. Alongside this collection we will be showcasing our new print, Treehouse. This collection evokes a whimsical, enchanting mood in an uplifting colour palette of brights and elegant neutrals, perfect for bedrooms or public areas. Designs, Milly (graphic petal), Eve (floral)and Guinevere (paisley) all bring something different providing choice for customers for cushions, curtains, bedding and upholstery and work well with Skopos’ accent plains. Skopos can offer a fabric-only service or a full serv-
ice; with site measure, product manufacture and installation. The Skopos team produce approximately 25,000 made-up items each year, including bed-throws, cushions and pairs of curtains, all manufactured by a highly-skilled team of machinists, cutters and pattern makers; items that are delivered and installed into different contract environments. As with all Skopos prints, customers are able to order designs across base-cloths for upholstery, curtains and bedding. Qualities include waterproof upholsteries, velvets, drapery linen-effect qualities and blackout/dimout fabrics. Skopos also offers a Bespoke design service, for statement interiors that require something different. Our design team will work alongside you to develop ideas which can make your caring interior personal, branded and unique. For samples of any of our collections www.skoposfabrics.com
PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING
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DEMENTIA CARE Music Charity Inspires Staff Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing Working In Dementia Care with New Free Resource A music charity with more than 25 years’ experience of working with care staff has released a new, free resource to inspire and encourage the use of music in dementia care. Music as Therapy International is a UK-registered charity which believes in the power of music to strengthen care. For more than 25 years they have worked alongside people on the frontlines of care, offering training and support to help them introduce and embed music into the care they provide. The charity is now sharing a free resource for caregivers of people living with dementia, in the hope it will inspire and encourage them to introduce music into their day-to-day care routines. The charity’s director, Alexia Quin OBE, said: “There’s a wealth of research which evidences the proven ways music can have a huge positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of people with dementia. As well as reducing agitation and distress, music can join a fragmented existence together, giving people a sense of who they are in the here-and-now and offer them ways to connect with those around them. “Caregivers tell us that incorporating music into their caring relationships not only benefits the person living with dementia, but makes a positive difference to their own well-being. That said, it can feel daunting, given a lack of time, resources and confidence. But it can be simpler than you think. “This new resource is an accessible introduction for people who are interested in using music in the care they provide. With simple prompts, tips and guidance on what to look out for when using music, we hope we can inspire caregivers to give it a try – and see for themselves the impact it can have.” The free resource, titled ‘Be inspired: The role of music in dementia care’ is designed to help readers explore the role music can play in the care of people living with dementia. It includes ideas, questions and inspiration for choosing the right music to use, as well as things to look out for to help make the most
of any shared musical experiences. The content of the booklet has been created as part of the development of a new online training course – titled ‘Music Helps’ - that the charity is aiming to launch later this year. Music Helps is an online training course created specifically to help caregivers working with people living with dementia. The interactive four-hour course comprises five chapters offering guidance, videos, exercises, and resources to give caregivers an understanding of the role music can play in the care they provide, whether at home or in a residential setting. Music Helps has already been developed and run with caregivers in India for over 12 months. The strong feedback from among more than 100 caregivers who have enrolled onto the course includes 100% of participants saying what they learnt from Music Helps has helped them get to know the person living with dementia better, and 97% feeling it has helped their own well-being. Anyone interested to learn more about the role of music in dementia care can view and download the new resource for free from the charity’s website, where they can also register their interest to be one of the first to gain access to the Music Helps online course when it is launched. For more information, please visit www.musicastherapy.org
In an effort to combat the nationwide issue of reduced mobility among senior citizens, an exciting game called "Rise & Shine" is making waves in healthcare and social care communities. Developed with the goal of encouraging physical activity in elderly individuals, this innovative game consists of 30 uniquely designed tiles, adorned with playful illustrations by renowned artist and sculptor Bob Olley. The game is designed to be played in group settings, with healthcare staff identifying participants who would benefit from engaging in physical activity. After receiving their tiles, participants join in activities suited to their needs, such as chair exercises or walking. Once the activities are completed, tiles are placed into the
"Rise & Shine Post-box." As the game progresses, a draw determines the winner, who receives a small prize. Rise & Shine has been trialled successfully at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital. Feedback from both patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with improvements in mobility and morale noted among participants. By incorporating Rise & Shine into their routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in keeping our elderly community active, engaged, and mobile, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and independence. www.riseandshinegame.com or see the advert on the front cover.
The Well-being Suite The Well-being Suite was carefully designed to promote well being, foster connection and enhance engagement within a care facility. The innovative suite brings people together enhancing overall wellbeing – sharing enjoyment, nurturing a sense of belonging, creating friendship and cohesion. Unlock cognitive potential with a vast range of activities crafted to stimulate these abilities, engaging minds and maintaining mental agility. These activities foster memory retention, attention span and critical thinking skills. As well as allowing the residents to unlock their creativity and imagination, the activities give a sense of accomplishment, boost self
esteem and nurture personal growth. The Well-being Suite promotes social interaction, allowing residents to engage in group participation – sharing enjoyment, building connections, nurturing a sense of belonging, friendship and social cohesion. Activities have been designed to range from cognitive stimulation, creativity, multi sensory engagement and emotional well being. Guided breathing exercises, expressive art therapies and virtual nature journeys provide moments of tranquillity and emotional respite for residents. See the advert below for further information.
Top tips for decorating care homes
can appear as a step up or down – as this can be perceived as a hazard, so ensuring the flooring is a consistent tone is therefore crucial.
Other areas of consideration
Alongside critical surfaces, the furnishings of care homes should also be taken into account. They should contrast with critical surfaces so they can be quickly identified. Plus, furniture in a range of shapes and sizes helps increase the residents’ independence: variety provides choice and offers more options to suit needs and preferences.
Lighting should also be a consideration. With residents spending much of their time indoors, it is vital that lighting chosen helps stimulate and mimic sleep-wake cycles. Good lighting is also important in helping residents identify spaces and enjoy their everyday routines and activities, as well as reducing glare and shadows that can cause confusion.
The perfect paint
While the choice of colours is critical to the wellbeing of residents with dementia, it is the type of paint that keeps the surfaces in the best condition for longer.
Every September, people from around the world come together for World Alzheimer’s Month to educate people about the disease and how to care for those affected, all while challenging the stigma surrounding it. Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager for Healthcare at Dulux Trade, explains how designing care homes correctly can improve residents’ quality of life.
There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK1 and according to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years2”. To support residents living with dementia, it is important that those developing or reinvigorating care facilities know the key design concepts that can aid wayfinding and independence.
Colour is critical
While there is no right or wrong way to colour a healthcare setting, the shades used need to be carefully selected to ensure that critical surfaces – walls, doors, floors and ceilings – are all easily identifiable. This means choosing colours that are all 30 light reflectance value points apart. For example:
Main walls
Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls. The calm hue of the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet
EmbraceTM, is a prime example. It is a subtle, serene standalone shade that makes bolder tones used on other critical surfaces stand out.
In addition, the Colour of the Year was launched alongside three complementary palettes. For bedroom and living spaces, look to the soft blues and greens in the Calm palette (such as Serene Waters or Fresh Foliage) that can help to create a positive, soothing environment for residents.
The 2024 Colour of the Year, and the shades in its corresponding palettes, can be selected for products across the Dulux Trade range of paints. This means that no matter the project, there is a paint and colour suitable for it.
Feature walls
Feature walls should not just be added for visual interest, but to also aid wayfinding. Using more saturated hues – such as the warm terracotta and sand colours in the Warm palette, or modern ochres and lilacs in the Uplifting palette – at the end of corridors, behind kitchen serving areas, or at the front of the living room will act a clever visual prompt and help visually zone areas. A variety of these colours can also be used to visually differentiate each storey of a care home.
Doors
Bolder shades should be used on doors to make them more obvious against the softer tones of the walls. The deeper blues and greens in the Calm palette such as Sapphire Salute or Neptune Seas contrast well with Sweet Embrace™, while also remaining tranquil and easy on the eye. On the other hand, staff-only doors and supply cupboards should be painted in the same colour as the walls, so they blend in, and limit prohibited access.
Floors
Floors are also considered a critical surface, and the design of these is just as important as the walls enclosing them. High sheen should be avoided, as it can make surfaces appear slippery, and reflect light, which can create confusing shadows. Bold patterns and stripes can also be disorientating, and make the floor feel unstable. In addition, contrast between flooring in one room to the next
When designing or redeveloping care facilities, consider a durable paint that will stand the test of time, and limit the disruption caused by potential future redecoration work. The recently reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It also delivers additional resistance to oil-based stains, such as food or cosmetics, to help stop stains from being absorbed into the surface, making them easier to clean.
Healthcare environments could also be decorated with antibacterial paint. In such busy environments, fingers, liquids and vapours can often come into contact with walls, which can encourage the spread of germs. Reduce this risk by using a paint such as Dulux Trade Sterishield, which inhibits bacteria and reduces population of MRSA and E.coli, and, when combined with appropriate cleaning practices, helps achieve a more hygienic environment.
For more information about the Colour of the Year 2024, please visit www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ en/colour-of-the-year-2024
For further information about designing for dementia, please visit: www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/content/occd-hub
1 https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-stats-number-of-settings-population-workforce#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2017%2C100%20care,total%20number%20of%20care%20homes.&text=Figures%20correct%20as%20of%208%20August%202022 2 https://www.amaresearch.co.uk/report/care-home-construction-market-report-uk-2021-2025/
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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES C&S Seating Ltd C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes, hospices, medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991. With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls, in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material. These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying. Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes. C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower
limb is required. Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative, ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort. Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www.cands-seating.co.uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation, speak to an advisor or to place an order. See the advert on page 6.
Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants
Major Plants Limited specialises in providing costeffective and visually striking hanging basket maintenance services. This means we design plant arrangements to suit your business, using a combination of hanging baskets and window boxes.
We know that busy carers have enough work to do without trying to remember whether the flowers have been watered, fed, or tidied up. Calling in the experts like Major Plants Limited means that you can get on with your premises while we ensure that outside, your plant arrangements and presentation never let you down. Besides our regular floral display services, we also offer a full package maintenance plan for your grounds and gardens. Whether you are seeking an alternative quotation to compare with an existing supplier or are looking at external flower arrangements for the first time our flexible agreement and personal service will give you a piece of mind reliable support for your business. Please get in touch! 0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants.co.uk Or see the advert on page 15.
HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi
HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures. Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Used in the NHS since 2002, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective personal protective garments. Soft, comfortable, effective and compatible with incontinence protection, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are perfect for use in care homes and by elderly people living independently. HipSavers should be worn day and night for 24 hour protection and especially during physical and recreational activities, when accidental falls, slips and trips can lead to hip fractures. Available as comfortable underwear or long casual
pants in several sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to injuries and fractures. HipSaver TailBone models have an additional protective airPad over the coccyx on lower back for protection during swaying, accidental knocks, bumps and backward falling. Machine washable at high temperature and tumble drier friendly, HipSavers are practical, hygienic and durable. HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors - affordable protective garments for the elderly and disabled people! For more information see the adverts on the front cover and page 3 or contact Win Health Medical Ltd 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com
Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services Fire Doors are an imperative part of fire safety and are considerations of the design and maintenance of any building, but especially residential. Article 17 – RRFSO states fire safety provisions (includes fire doors) must be maintained in a suitable condition and working order. Yeoman Shield’s Fire Door Services can help to take the guess work out of fire door maintenance by providing fire door inspections, condition reports, remedial work and fire door installation all carried out by FDIS and/or FIRAS accredited team members Having a good maintenance routine will dispel some needs of fire door replacement therefore being more cost effective. The implementation of Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Protection products can also be in the long term
financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles. Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as, door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ, to the current standard required. Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming, repetitive need for repainting. For a complete repair and protect service contact the team today frdp@yeomanshield.com or visit www.yeomanshield.com or see the advert page 10.
EAIS - The Ideal Solution
EAIS is a leading Manufacturer and Supplier of storage and transportation products supplied both to the Foodservice and Healthcare industries. Proud to be based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk we are renowned for our innovation and ability to offer solutions which not only meet the customer’s demands, but their expectations as well. Whether you are looking for food storage shelving, racking systems, trolleys and fabrication, or maybe its healthcare shelving and medical trolleys or even
Wippet For Care Wippet For Care is the simplest and most versatile way to procure everything you need for your care home. Wippet is your gateway to fair prices from known and trusted suppliers. Wippet is not a supplier, we have sourced many different suppliers onto our platform. Any healthcare business, small or large, can buy from Wippet. At Wippet, our purpose is to provide fair market prices to all care operators. So, we have pre-negotiated prices from known and trusted suppliers to the care sector giving instant savings across your purchases. Our platform and 3 unique services, designed by care procurement specialists, Club, Partner and Fuse are adaptable to the smallest and largest care operators. - All suppliers routinely, independently checked and vetted. - Care procurement specialists negotiating with suppliers on behalf of our customers. - Bolt-on functionality and additional services as you need them. - More than 50 suppliers and 50,000 products and services already available. - One login, one basket, one invoice.
WIPPET CLUB
bespoke design products. With the combination of our ability to hold vast stocks of our key product lines, combined with our hugely experienced and award winning customer service it has made EAIS the number one choice within the Industry. Why not put us to the test and let EAIS become your Ideal Solution? Contact our sales department on either 01553 765205 or sales@eais.co See the advert on page 13 for details.
Wippet Club is our core service offer, we provide the power and technology to make extraordinary prices accessible to all our registered and approved customers. Our ongoing commitment to work with suppliers negotiating fair prices for you is what we do best.
WIPPET PARTNER
Through Wippet Partner you will turbo-charge your procurement with support from our care procurement experts as and when you need it. From simple benchmarking, via our range of suppliers and partner affiliations, to multiple category tenders. Using the Wippet platform technology to manage your procurement projects more efficiently allowing you to focus more time on other areas of your business.
WIPPET FUSE
Wippet Fuse is the simplest, yet most powerful, purchasing platform for care. Take your procurement to the next level with powerful technology that brings you P2P functionality at a fraction of the cost. Register to gain access to our 3 services and improve all aspects of your procurement. Find out more and register today at: https://wippetforcare.com/ info@wipet.com or see the advert on page 8.
Enabled Heaters to LST Range Consort Claudgen's innovation in the electric heating industry takes another leap forward by introducing Wi-Fi-enabled heaters to their low surface temperature (LST) range. These cutting-edge heaters offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency. The heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi, enabling users to control heating through the digital control panel on the heater or via the Consort Connect app. With a comprehensive 7-day timer, which allows 24 individual heating periods per day, and features such as a lock function, open window detection, and custom automation, users can tailor their heating needs to their preferences. Adding to the ease of use, users can view the ener-
gy consumption statistics of all connected heaters, providing insights into usage patterns and potential savings. The LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensors have a self-learning control ability. They utilise in-built occupancy sensors to detect and learn a user's weekly presence in a room, creating an intuitive heating schedule. When the space is unoccupied, the heater conserves energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode. BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects for the heaters are available for download from Consort's website. 01646 692172 | sales@consortepl.com | www.consortepl.com or see the advert on page 19.
Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh® The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cuttingedge technology Micro-Fresh® to help keep healthcare workers safe whilst maintaining unrivalled comfort. The garment fabric, which is 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2 per cent. With wash resistant antibacterial protection, MicroFresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoal-
lergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly. The exclusive scrubs are available in two fits – unisex and female – the scrub top is available in six colourways: Oasis, Navy, Eau de Nil, Bottle, Smoke Grey and Blue 18 each with a classic contrasting white trim, the trousers are available in core colours Navy, Bottle and Black. Grahame Gardner also offer all six scrub colours in their Made to Order range with a bespoke choice of trim colour. The scrub top design features multiple pockets, including two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket, which also has a pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers have a drawstring waist, and also side and a back pockets. The range is exclusively available to purchase here: www.grahamegardner.co.uk/healthcare/ microfresh-scrubs.html www.grahamegardner.co.uk info@grahamegardner.co.uk See the advert on page 7 for further details.
Cutting Operating Costs & Lowering Carbon Emissions In One Move The growing trend for selfcontained single-room bed spaces, including either en-suite bathrooms or preferably a wetroom, which not only make the most of smaller spaces but is a practical solution for people with restricted mobility, is driving daily demands for hot water in care homes. Heating the water for more than 17,000 residential care and nursing homes in the UK, their estimated 400,000 residents and a further 750,000 staff means the sector’s energy demands for this service alone are considerable and potentially a key contributor to both operational costs and carbon emissions. Understanding and addressing hot water generation should therefore be an important part of a care home’s daily operation, especially if the sustainability of the care home environment is being challenged. Adveco Live Metering of the hot water demands of a building is a quick, non-invasive, and extremely cost-effective means of gauging needs. It also provides application design which enables owner/man-
agers to develop realistic and sustainable development strategies which deliver active results today with low to no impact on ongoing operations. Unless a new build, which will be electrical-based, most refurbishments will look to either improve on existing gas systems or aim to completely replace them with electrical alternatives, typically heat pumps and/or direct-electric heating. This comes at a cost, in terms of capital and especially operational expense, but does reduce carbon emissions. Solar thermal can help further reduce carbon, but crucially also reduces the expense associated with operating on both gas or electric, reducing annual energy requirements by typically 30% although it could be more. With a less than 10-year return on investment now possible, solar thermal, as a proven renewable should be on any list of net zero technologies being considered as part of a care home’s sustainability strategy. www.adveco.co or see the advert on page 5.
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 49
NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT
Lotus Care Technology The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot. Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, The Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents. This Nurse Alert Mat can be placed typically at the bedside or at the door threshold and plugged into the call socket of the Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor. It can then alert staff for example before the resident is up and about, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate. Need to add a pear push lead in the same call point then add a 2-1 adapter
In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable. And carries a 12 Month guarantee Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls. Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs. They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier. Visit our NEW WEBSITE at www.lctuk.com for details.
Frequency Precision - Sensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment. These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives. They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you. They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies.
If you’re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home, Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and mobility monitoring, ranging from bed, chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems. Phone: 01837 810590 Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com Website: www.frequencyprecision.com
Nurse Alert Mats Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents. When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.
• Nurse Call Systems • Fire Alarm Systems • Door Access • Staff Attack • CCTV • Infection Control • Dementia Care • Electrical Contracting
In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.
INCLUDES A 12 MONTH GUARANTEE
sales@lctuk.com 0800 8499 121 www.LCTUK.com
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NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Your Fall-Encompassing Care Solution: How Vayyar Care is Shaking Up the Sector There are plenty of reasons why 17 local authority care homes (at the last count) have embraced a new approach to data-driven care. But two stand out: ensuring rapid response to resident falls and accurately assessing risk in order to prevent falls from happening. Achieving those long-standing goals has been made possible thanks to two types of transformative technology: cutting-edge radar-on-chip sensors and a new generation of connected care platforms capable of analyzing reams of behavioural data and generating actionable insights that enhance outcomes.
FAILSAFE FALL DETECTION The first of those technologies is Vayyar Care. The solution, produced by the world leader in 4D imaging radar and distributed by installation and support experts Panacea Healthcare Group, provides 24/7 monitoring – even in pitch darkness and steamy bathrooms. The sensors deliver instant, exceptionally accurate and fully automatic fall detection without the resident having to push a pendant button – which they might have failed to put on that morning. Crucially, Vayyar Care ensures the right balance between the detail that care providers need and the dignity residents demand. Less intrusive than video cameras and more precise than acoustic monitoring, it provides full visibility while respecting personal privacy. As Natasha Corness, TEC Innovation Lead and Essex County Council, puts it: “Vayyar gave us the opportunity to have a non-intrusive way of monitoring our customers across Essex and maintain dignity and respect. It was-
n’t a camera that was monitoring them, you don’t have to remember to put on a pendant alarm. I’d definitely recommend Vayyar Care to other councils because we believe this technology is the future.”
FORWARD-LOOKING FALLS MANAGEMENT Care providers don’t want only to prevent long lies. They also want to mitigate fall risk. That’s where connected care platform providers such as Anthropos come in, providing advanced software that pulls in data from a range of smart devices in order to reveal exactly what’s going on with every resident. Vayyar Care is at the core of the Anthropos ecosystem. “We wanted a device that we could easily integrate with in our platform, because we need to have a device that we can trust the data that it provides. That is what Vayyar did for us. It’s almost the equivalent to being there with your client 24/7, when no-one is there,” explains Frances Morrison, Chief Customer Officer at Anthropos Digital Care. The combined offering’s activity tracking features show where residents are in their suites over any defined period, highlighting risk factors including loneliness, disturbed sleep and higher-than-usual bathroom usage, all of which increase the likelihood of falls. “It’s pretty impressive technology. I would definitely recommend the system to any care home in the country. It is definitely a life-saver,” says Michelle Wood, Care Home Manager at Dryfemount in Lockerbie. To find out more about how Vayyar Care and Anthropos can enhance resident safety, reduce caregiver workload and support your organisation’s digitisation journey, email collaboration@vayyar.com
Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment. Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum. Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home. These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call. In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone”. Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tran-
quil environment for residents. Pagers have been around for many years, are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise, and can be added to most Nurse Call systems. Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning, e-medication, etc. Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system. With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home. For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.
Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers, through its intelligent software, which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them. Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care. Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM, so call bell data is linked straight to care plans. This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents, which ultimately promotes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance. The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into
your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm. Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations, which is why we’ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions. Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product. "We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!” To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www.blaucomm.co.uk/healthcare See the advert on the front cover for more details.
www.nursecallsystems.co.uk
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NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care ARQUELLA, a leading care technology provider, offers solutions to enhance the quality of care in nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Arquella is passionate about making a difference in the quality of care provided to nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Through the power of technology, we have developed cutting-edge solutions that are accessible and supportive, putting people at the forefront. As part of a nationwide initiative driven by a £25m UK government funding pledge to enhance the quality of care and support individuals’ independence, Arquella is proud to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in the care sector. Falls in care homes are a significant concern in the UK, with residents three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Arquella’s innovative solution, Arquella Sense, utilising sensor-based technology, and Arquella Call, a digital nurse call system, will improve reactive care and reduce risk. Arquella Sense uses discreet wall or ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor fall risk behaviour 24 hours daily,
Medpage Falls Management Products Medpage Limited has been at the forefront in patient care product innovation for almost four decades. During this time, we have invented alarm clocks to wake deaf people, monitors for people with epilepsy to detect night-time seizures and alerting carers by radio pager, Calendar Clocks with memory prompting for people with dementia, bed and chair leaving alarms with pager warnings for a carer, and a vast array of electronic sensors. Our philosophy is always to produce products that people can afford, not just dream of. Certainly, the way world has been for the past few years that philosophy makes more sense today. Our latest range of bed and chair sensor alarms for example, cost a fraction more than they did 10 years ago. Mainly due to the good old microprocessor replacing a bucket load of analogue components. Does anyone remember op-amps and tran-
alerting carers via mobile handsets. The technology aims to intervene before falls occur, increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution to cumbersome mats. Arquella Call is an app-based digital nurse call system that delivers in-depth digital records and future-proof functionality. It integrates seamlessly with other software applications, offering actionable data to help shape care delivery and adjust staffing levels. Arquella is at the forefront of a digital transformation revolution in the care sector. Technology is more important than ever in providing insights and actionable data to inform decisions and improve lives. For more information about Arquella’s products and how they can benefit your care home, please call 0333 242 7505 or visit their website at www.arquella.co.uk
sistors? There are close to 100 Medpage branded products to aid care of people who may be; a falls risk, live with epilepsy, suffer from stroke, are a full-time carer, professional healthcare worker, living with dementia. Our products are designed, manufactured, and distributed governed by an audited quality management system. You can trust us to delivery on every count. People generally these days are not so concerned with the past, mainly what can we have today and what could we have tomorrow. Simple answer. Today you could visit our website and explore the vast array of Independent Living Aids, Hospital Discharge Patient Home Support product packages, Domestic and Professional Carer Support products. Better planning today will bring better outcomes for tomorrow. Take a look at www.easylinkuk.co.uk See the advert on page 27 for further details.
Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.
FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR
Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions! Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices. BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts
TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD
The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor
sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors. FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.
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TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Revolutionary Software Solution, Direcht LD, Empowers Self-Care Within Learning Disability Environments Sidqam UK is proud to announce the launch of Direcht LD, a cuttingedge Software Solution designed specifically for Learning Disability Environments. With a core mission of empowering self-care within individuals, Direcht LD promises to revolutionise the way we support and enhance the lives of those with learning disabilities. Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This innovative software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of learning disabilities.
Key features of Direcht LD include: • Empowering Self Care: Supporting people living in LD care, MH care or supported living by completing Daily Questions each day.
• Carer support : Decision making made easy by completing soft signs, vitals, and generating pre-built SBARD’s for reaching out to external healthcare professionals. • Audit tracing – Past records can be utilised to assist care home managers when being audited. • CQC inspection assurance: Every interaction is logged, saved and easy to reach for when care homes have inspections from CQC. No more panic during those surprise visits. • Tailored for Learning Disability Environments: Direcht LD is uniquely designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities, making it a valuable asset for caregivers, educators, and support professionals. • User-Friendly Interface: Direcht LD boasts a user-friendly and intuitive interface that ensures accessibility for all users, regardless of their level of technical proficiency. • Comprehensive Learning Resources: The software includes a vast library of lessons, assessments, and educational materials, all designed to cater to diverse learning needs and styles. • Robust Support: Direcht LD is backed by a dedicated team of experts who are committed to providing top-notch customer support and continuous
software updates to meet evolving user needs. Sidqam invites individuals, organisations, and institutions in the field of learning disabilities to explore the possibilities that Direcht LD offers. This innovative software solution aligns with the mission of enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence for individuals with learning disabilities. For more information about Direcht LD, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk or contact Lawrence Chadwick-Smith at lawrence.chadwicksmith@sidqam.co.uk and 07920067737
About Sidqam: Sidqam is a leading healthcare technology company that offers cuttingedge solutions to healthcare organisations across the UK and beyond. These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, elevate the quality of patient care. In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of patients across the country and beyond.
Transform Your Care Business with Advanced Care Cloud Are you tired of juggling multiple systems and struggling to stay on top of your care organisation's operations? Look no further! Advanced Care Cloud is here to revolutionise the way you manage your care business. With Advanced Care Cloud, you can say goodbye to the complexities and limitations of outdated software. Our innovative cloud-based solution offers a true, single, integrated platform that empowers you to efficiently manage any type or size of care and support organisation. Imagine having all your key information at your fingertips, accessible in one central location. No more searching through countless spreadsheets, paperwork, or disjointed systems. Advanced Care Cloud brings everything together, allowing you to see and do what you need, exactly when you need it. Why choose Advanced Care Cloud? Here are just a few reasons: 1.Streamlined Operations: With Advanced Care Cloud, you can streamline your day-today operations, eliminating time-consuming manual processes and reducing administrative burden. From scheduling and staff management to client records and billing, everything is seamlessly integrated for enhanced efficiency. 2.Comprehensive Care Management: Whether you provide residential care, domiciliary care, supported living, or any other type of care, Advanced Care Cloud has got you covered. Our solution is designed to meet the unique
needs and requirements of various care settings, providing comprehensive care management tools tailored to your specific workflows. 3. Real-time Insights: Gain valuable insights into your care business with Advanced Care Cloud's robust reporting and analytics capabilities. Track key metrics, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement and achieve better outcomes for your clients. 4. Anywhere, Anytime Access: Advanced Care Cloud is accessible from any device with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to manage your care business on the go. Even in situations where the connection is lost, Advanced Care Cloud remains accessible. You can continue working offline and rest assured that any updates made will be automatically synced once the connection is re-established. So, whether you're at the office, visiting clients, or attending conferences, you can stay connected and in control. To experience the power of Advanced Care Cloud firsthand, visit our stand G74 at the Care Show on the 11th and 12th of October at the NEC Birmingham. Our team of experts will be available to provide live demonstrations, answer your questions, and showcase how Advanced Care Cloud can transform your care business. For more information on Advanced Care Cloud and to schedule a personalised demo, visit our website www.oneadvanced.com/products/care-cloud or call us on 0330 311 6077 today.
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TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE
Technology Enabled Care:
The Next Generation of Care Provision
At The Access Group we are aware of the challenges of maintaining quality care facing the care industry. It is estimated that there are 1.98 million social care requests made every year and with limiting budgets and staff recruitment at a all time high it is getting increasingly difficult to ensure care providers are constantly delivering better person-centred care. We are delighted to announce our latest solution which will sit within our Workspace for Care, Access Assure. Our Assure ecosystem will sit at the centre of our care offering to prevent, monitor, and react to social care needs as they change. Here our technology enabled care and digital telecare goes further than just a digital social alarm. We combine both traditional reactive alarm functionality with proactive digital monitoring to deliver better proactive and preventative care. Our digital monitoring tools allows for continuous data capture and analysis for care providers and clinical consultants, aggregating the data collected and transforming it into actionable insight. In just a matter of 14 days our Assure ecosystem can learn individual daily routines to notify
care providers and loved ones of any changes before something more critical takes place. The Assure ecosystem supports people recover across the care continuum to prolong independence, provide reassurance, delay future care needs, and reduce hospital discharge delays to help budgets stretch further and help reach the demand easier. Technology Enabled Care is more than just a single component or sensor it’s the combined sum of all its parts. To enable this Assure integrates with 3rd party sensors and devices and a variety of our other care solutions. This ensures we can deliver a level of intelligence and can help join up data to provide insight on wellbeing to deliver a preventative approach to care and improve care planning, care management, and care delivery to give individuals the freedom to do more. To find out more about how our digital telecare helps deliver better proactive and preventative care, contact us today at www.theaccessgroup.com/engb/health-social-care/form/digitaltelecare-demo-contact-form/
Introducing Caregraphy: Transforming Social Care Management In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology drives progress across industries, the field of health and social care is no exception. Caregraphy is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering an innovative software solution that revolutionises the way care organisations manage their operations. At Caregraphy, we understand the challenges faced by care providers in delivering high-quality services while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our mission is to empower care organisations with the tools they need to enhance client outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. What sets Caregraphy apart is its user-centric design that places care providers and clients at the heart of every feature. From comprehensive client assessments and personalised support plans to secure communication tools and real-time reporting, our software is built to simplify your daily tasks and elevate your service quality.
With Caregraphy, gone are the days of manual paperwork, inefficient communication, and disjointed processes. Our platform seamlessly integrates all aspects of care management into one unified system, enabling you to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of those you serve. We are not just a software provider; we are your partner in progress. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that Caregraphy works to suit your unique needs, evolving alongside your organisation. By harnessing the power of technology, we enable you to unlock new efficiencies, achieve higher standards of care, and drive positive outcomes. Experience the Caregraphy difference – where innovation meets compassion, and where your organisation's success is our top priority. Discover more at www.caregraphy.com and book a demo to find out how you can start your journey with Caregraphy today. See the advert on page 46 for details.
Pass Profile 2023
• Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes
PASS supports over 1,000 care providers every day, giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team. Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate, PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan, record and evidence the care you deliver. The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable, exportable reports.
CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched , bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform. As a result advanced staff scheduling, payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems. As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to:
INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect. PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records. It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes: • Visibility of allergies, vaccinations and medications, especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information • Using medical information to inform care planning • Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner. In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user’s swift recovery from infection Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response. It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone. Get in touch: www.everylifetechnologies.com hello@everylifetechnoloiges.com
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TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE
Sidqam - Software Solutions for Community Care Sidqam is a health technology company that offers cutting-edge solutions to health and community care organisations in the United Kingdom. These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes and staff confidence, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, improve the quality of patient care. In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the wellbeing of patients across the country and beyond. Fardeen Siddiqui, CEO Sidqam Ltd. says, “Our software solutions are a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence within community care. We understand the profound impact that technology can have on the lives of both caregivers and the individuals they support. In the realm of care homes, Direcht Care streamlines administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time and attention to residents. We prioritize enhancing the quality of care, ensuring that each individual receives personalised support tailored to their unique needs.
For those with learning disabilities, Direcht LD creates opportunities for independence and growth. It fosters a supportive environment that encourages skill development and empowerment. We believe that technology should serve as a bridge to inclusivity, enabling individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities” Lawrence Chadwick-Smith, Head of Operations added, “Our software solutions for community care are driven by a shared passion for enhancing lives, it's a sector we are immensely proud to serve. We understand that the well-being of individuals in care homes, those with learning disabilities and domiciliary care hinges on the quality of care they receive, and we are here to set new standards of excellence and compassion.”
OUR PRODUCTS Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserve the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This innovative and fit-for-purpose software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of caring for people with learning dis-
abilities. Direcht Care empowers care providers with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to streamline and enhance resident care. Our software offers intuitive care plan creation and management tools, enabling care teams to develop personalised care plans that cater to each resident's unique needs, preferences, and medical history. Additionally, incorporating Direcht Restore enables comprehensive deterioration monitoring and escalation. Direcht Restore is the ultimate monitoring deterioration and escalation software that helps care homes provide the best care to their residents by empowering care workers with the support they need. Co-developed with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (the original creators of the paper RESTORE2™), Direcht Restore is the only fullstandard deterioration monitoring solution on the market. For more information about the Sidqam range of software solutions for community care, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk, email direcht@sidqam.co.uk or call 0161 818 4614
WhosOffice Online success Helps Care Sector with Shift Planning and Staff Leave Management Kent -based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online. WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge, has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like coordinating staff time off and shift patterns. “All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”
“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, onsite or on the move.” Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks. “The switch to digital shift planning is driving investment in HR tools like WhosOffice because there can be less face-to-face interaction between staff. Its easier to have an online system that gives everyone from the ground up a clearer picture of who’s on shift, who’s available and qualified to take on tasks that must covered. Particularly in the care sector you can’t just lean across the desk and ask someone if they’ve booked next week off or when they are next on shift. “There’s also a need for companies to provide a good employee experience. When recruitment is a challenge, you can’t afford to lose your most valuable people – and a basic mistake like miscalculating someone’s holiday allowance or not logging their time off request can have a huge impact on people’s loyalty to your business.”
“Likewise, it’s important to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce, to mitigate the risk of someone going off long-term sick. We’re seeing more companies using the WhosOffice absence management feature to track staff sick leave, so they can identify people who may be struggling with their physical or mental health and offer appropriate support.” Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people. “Fortunately, essential HR tools have become much more affordable in recent years, which means SMEs can use the same, sophisticated software as much larger companies.” Contact details WhosOffice.com +44 (0)1227 812938 support@whosoffice.com
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TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Cyber Attack On Social Care: A Case Of ‘When, Not If’ By Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Delivery Manager at Better Security, Better Care In the modern world, cyber attacks are a case of ‘when, not if’, and social care is no exception. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, Better Security, Better Care will be encouraging all care providers to check and improve their cyber security arrangements. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 reports that 59% of medium sized businesses recall breaches or attacks in the last year. Smaller organisations are identifying them less, but this may reflect that managers in smaller organisations view cyber security as less of a priority in the current economic climate, so are undertaking less monitoring. As most care services are small or medium sized businesses, with valuable data such as staff, clients’ and the company’s bank details, they can be particularly vulnerable. The impact can be significant and costly such as: • loss of access to care plans and rosters, putting care delivery at risk • financial losses due to theft from bank accounts, fake requests for payments, and ransomware demands • the time lost through having to fix systems. Many more care providers are using the free Data Security and Protection Toolkit
(DPST) for social care to assess and improve their arrangements. That is real progress. The challenge is to be continuously alert to less obvious or emerging risks. For example, if a software supplier is the victim of a cyber attack, it can impact on organisations using their systems. This happened last summer when a cyber-attack impacted NHS and social care software systems. One care provider had all the appropriate cyber security infrastructure in place, but they were still disrupted because the attack on the software company blocked access to their system. Fortunately, the care service had a strong business continuity plan in place. As the manager explains: “We had already been backing up and downloading our employee rosters as part of this plan, so when the attack happened, we were able to check our downloaded rosters and move these over to a spreadsheet.” We strongly encourage providers to take up the benefits of going digital – and plan for the potential risks. The DSPT brings you through all the issues you need to consider. And you don’t have to do it alone. You can access free support from the Better Security, Better Care programme – including 28 support organisations across the country. Visit www.digitalsocialcare.co.uk/bettersecuritybettercare or see the advert on page 9.
Elevating Care Standards: A Revolution in UK Residential and Domiciliary Care Auditing In an era of ever-evolving healthcare regulations and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care, auditing and compliance have never been more critical in residential care and domiciliary care settings. The spotlight on transparency, accountability, and patient safety shines brighter than ever before. That's where our state-of-the-art auditing tool comes into play, paving the way for a new standard of excellence in care provision.
A NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION IN CARE AUDIT PROCESSES Traditionally, auditing processes for care providers have been time-consuming, paper-heavy, and prone to errors. The burden of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and delivering exceptional patient-centred care can be overwhelming.
THE POWER OF CARE AUDITS Customisable Templates: Tailor audit templates to your specific care setting, ensuring that the auditing process aligns perfectly with your care protocols and regulatory requirements. Time and Cost Efficiency: Say goodbye to the days of sifting through mountains of paperwork. Care Audits streamlines the auditing process, saving time and reducing costs.
Real-time Tracking: Stay ahead of compliance requirements with real-time tracking and reporting. Our system allows you to monitor, manage, and report on audit findings instantly, reducing the risk of compliance gaps and penalties. Improved Care Quality: By identifying areas for improvement quickly and efficiently, Care Audits empowers your team to enhance care quality and patient outcomes. Comprehensive Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that you maximize the potential of Care Audits.
JOIN THE FUTURE OF CARE AUDITING Embrace innovation, elevate your care provision, and ensure unwavering compliance with Care Audits. It's time to leave behind the challenges of outdated auditing methods and embrace the efficiency, accuracy, and quality improvements Care Audits offers. Invest in your residents, clients, and the future of care. Contact us today to schedule a demo or experience Care Audits first-hand with our free 14-day free trial. See the advert on this page for further details.
Patient Handling and Moving
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 61
PATIENT HANDLING
Patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is an essential activity that needs to be carried out safely and efficiently to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Handling and moving patients can be a physically demanding task, and staff must be trained and equipped to carry out this activity safely.
LEGISLATION
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that governs health and safety in the workplace, including residential and nursing care homes. This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their work. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on this act, requiring employers to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to eliminate or control the risks identified. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 also relate to patient handling and moving and require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever possible. If this is not feasible, employers must assess the risk of injury and take steps to reduce it, such as providing training, equipment, and other aids. The regulations also require employers to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with manual handling and the measures in place to minimize them.
TRAINING
Training is a crucial aspect of patient handling and moving in residential and nursing care homes. Workers must be trained in the safe use of equipment and techniques to prevent injury to themselves and patients. The training should cover the risks associated with manual handling, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and how to minimize them. Workers should also be trained in how to use patient handling aids and equipment, such as hoists and transfer belts. Training should be provided to all new employees and repeated periodically to ensure that all staff are aware of the latest techniques and equipment. The training should also cover the specific needs of different patient groups, such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It is essential to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care to all patients.
RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk assessment is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of patients and caregivers in residential and nursing care homes. Employers must
conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or control them. The risk assessment should cover all aspects of patient handling and moving, including lifting, transferring, and repositioning. The risk assessment should consider factors such as the patient's weight, mobility, and any medical conditions that may affect their ability to move. It should also consider the environment in which the patient is being moved, such as the presence of obstacles or uneven flooring. Based on the risk assessment, employers should implement measures to reduce the risk of injury, such as the use of patient handling aids and equipment or changes to the layout of the care home.
INJURIES
Injuries resulting from patient handling and moving are a common problem in care homes. Staff who handle patients regularly are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain and strain injuries. Patients may also experience discomfort, pain, and pressure sores if they are not handled correctly. These injuries can be prevented by following safe handling techniques and using equipment such as hoists and slings. Patient handling aids and equipment play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers in UK residential and nursing care homes. These aids and equipment are designed to assist with patient handling and moving, which can often
be physically demanding and potentially dangerous without proper equipment and techniques. One of the most commonly used patient handling aids is the hoist. Hoists are devices that use a lifting mechanism to move patients from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair or a bath. Ceiling hoists are often used in care homes and are mounted on a track system that allows them to move across the ceiling, while mobile hoists are freestanding and can be moved from one location to another. Transfer belts are another type of patient handling aid that is widely used in care homes. These belts are placed around the patient's waist and are used to assist with transfers from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair or a toilet. Transfer belts are particularly useful for patients who have some mobility but may need assistance with standing or walking. Slide sheets are also commonly used in patient handling and moving. These sheets are placed under the patient and are used to slide them from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher or a wheelchair. Slide sheets are particularly useful for patients who are unable to assist with their own transfers. Other types of patient handling aids and equipment include standing aids, turning discs, and lifting cushions. These aids and equipment are designed to provide additional support during patient handling and moving, reducing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers.
DISCOMFORT AND DIGNITY
Patient handling and moving can be uncomfortable and undignified for patients if not carried out correctly. Care homes should ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times and that their privacy is protected. Patients should be involved in the handling and moving process as much as possible and should be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences. In conclusion, patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is a vital activity that requires careful planning and execution to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Care homes should ensure that all staff involved in patient handling and moving receive regular training, and that they have access to appropriate equipment and aids. Risk assessment should be carried out before any handling activity takes place, and patients should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.
Lento Neuro - Elevating Neurological Patient Comfort and Care Unmatched Comfort and Support Lento Neuro is a therapeutic solution, engineered to meet the unique needs of patients with neurological conditions. With its emphasis on supportive seating and ergonomic design, it the chair ‘hugs’ patients and provides a secure and calming “cocooned” feel when in the chair.
Widely Adjustable We recognise that every patient is unique. That's why Lento Neuro offers a wide adjustability that means this chair can be change in size as a patient’s condition progresses. Find the ideal fit for a patient with: • Removable armrests • Adjustable seat depth and width • Adjustable back angle and incremental recline.
Seamless Mobility and Safety Mobility and safety are crucial in a healthcare environment, Lento Neuro features lockable wheels on the chair and footrest allowing you to easily adjust the chair's position.
Pressure Care Materials Throughout The Lento Neuro is designed with built in pressure care solutions that prioritise the health and safety of your patients. We've incorporated Dartex, a leading pressure care material that allows moisture to pass through, into Lento Neuro's skin contact surfaces. This provides additional support by preventing skin breakdown, crucial for patients with neurological conditions who may be at greater risk. The breathable back cushions also allow air to pass through the chair and maintain patient comfort.
Accessories Whether it's choosing from various postural cushion options or utilising the chair's intuitive adjustable positions, you can personalise the seating experience to optimise patient comfort and well-being.
A Partnership for Progress Vivid Care are not just a supplier; we're your collaborative partner in delivering exceptional patient care. With this innovative chair, you can elevate care standards and enrich the lives of patients facing neurological challenges. Join us in shaping the future of neurological disease patient care.
enquiries@vivid.care 01423 799960 www.vivid.care
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PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT
Navigating Nursing Shortages: Legal Responsibilities & Recruitment Strategies Brendan Wincott is the managing director of Guardian Support, an HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy (www.guardiansupport.co.uk) The care sector is facing an unprecedented recruitment challenge which is being compounded by high staff turnover (31%) and increasing vacancies (currently 8%). While UK employers are increasingly relying on overseas workers, this is not enough. It is unlikely that the NHS or government will be able to solve this issue themselves. In this blog, we focus on employers, their legal duties towards nursing staff and how they can potentially increase the recruitment and retention of nurses.
WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES IN THE UK?
area where nurses may not work. Employers should take care when including such clauses, as they should aim to protect the interests of the business while still being fair to the employee and any future work opportunities they may be presented with.
NAVIGATING POOR WORK PERFORMANCE IN A NURSING SHORTAGE During a crisis such as this, it can be difficult for employers to navigate the way forward. Should employers be dealing with issues like poor performance more leniently? And should the criteria for nursing recruitment change? Ideally, employers should always strive to attract and retain top talent. One of the first courses of action you should take is to conduct a background check on your nurses. This will help you determine whether
There are many factors that have influenced the nursing shortage. The Covid-19 pandemic put immense pressure on the healthcare system, ramping up nurse demand. This resulted in significantly heavier workloads, burnout and mental health issues. When you couple these poor working conditions with the severely low pay, one can understand why these professionals are choosing to leave the healthcare sector or not enter it at all.
should use the opportunity to understand why this is the case and provide the training and support needed
WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS' LEGAL DUTIES & HOW CAN THEY HELP NURSES?
to improve a nurse's performance.
UK employers are legally required to adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In terms of the nursing sector, employers must do everything in their power to ensure a safe working environment for nurses. This includes assessing risks (such as patient handling, use of equipment, and exposure to infectious diseases) and implementing preventative measures. Additionally, nurses must be supplied with the correct personal protective equipment, as this will prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.
HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT NURSING STAFF?
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR NURSING STAFF Employment contracts should be fair to both parties. Something that has been increasingly seen in nurses' employment contracts is restrictive covenants, which are more commonly known as non-compete clauses. With these clauses, an employee agrees to refrain from competing against the employer, poaching colleagues or inducing customers away from the employer. Often, these clauses also stipulate a geographical
they are fit to work with vulnerable adults and other groups. Additionally, you should ensure they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council) and hold a relevant associate or bachelor's degree. During the duration of the employment contract, it’s also essential that you conduct appraisals with your nursing staff. This will help you to determine if they are still performing at a satisfactory level. If not, you
Many nursing staff have left their jobs in the past year, citing reasons such as anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues. As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your nursing staff, and apart from ensuring their health and safety, you should also take steps to support their welfare. Providing mental health support as well as training can assist nurses with the skills needed to work in such a taxing environment.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NURSING SHORTAGE The nursing shortage is a crisis for the UK sector, and in such a climate, employers are faced with the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled nurses while still ensuring legal compliance. Providing employment contracts that are fair to both employer and employee can help with attracting and retaining skilled nurses. Additionally, employers should look to support staff welfare through mental health assistance and training.
In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse? JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the healthcare industry, such as health care assistants, senior carers, and nurses from overseas. We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices. WHY JJ? • We have very minimal processing fees. • We assist you to get a sponsorship license. • Qualified and experienced candidates from overseas.
Tel: 01704 808227 www.jjcarerecruitment.co.uk admin@jjrecruitment.co.uk See the advert on the facing page for details.
Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance. We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further. From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in
size we assist at every stage of your business expansion. Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements. Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net
FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU, SIGN UP AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP
THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166 | PAGE 63
PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT Transforming Care Services: How Interim Managers and Mock CQC Inspections Can Save Providers Money, Stress and Their Reputation As a provider, we have encountered our fair share of challenges. From staffing shortages to regulatory hurdles, the road to providing good care can often be rocky. However, through our journey, we’ve learned of two invaluable tools that can save providers money, stress, and their reputation.
THE POWER OF INTERIM MANAGERS Interims are seasoned professionals who step in during times of crisis, transition or growth; bringing a fresh perspective. Their expertise can range from operations and compliance to financial management and staffing. Here's why they are an asset to providers: • Problem Solvers: They quickly assess the situation, identify problems, and implement effective solutions, preventing issues from escalating and incurring more significant costs. • Regulation: They ensure services remains compliant,
avoiding costly penalties. • Staff Development: Interims excel in reducing staff turnover, agency cost and supporting staff. • Efficiency: Hiring an interim may seem like an added expense, their ability to streamline operations can result in substantial cost savings.
THE VALUE OF MOCK CQC INSPECTIONS Inspections led by experienced professionals help providers improve, preventing costly regulatory fines and reputational damage. Mock inspections demonstrate commitment to and evidence of people’s lived experience, attracting more clients and investors.
THE PATH TO SUCCESS Given our experience as provider who have weathered numerous storms, we can attest to the transformative power of these tools when they are led people like the Jiggle team, who know the sector. By embracing interim support and mock CQC inspections, you too can embark on a journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future. Nicola Brookes Head of Social Care & Interim Support www.jigglestaffing.com or see the advert on page 11.
Immtell - Navigating Immigration, Delivering Solutions Filling roles in the care industry has never been more challenging. The need for experienced staff to provide vital care services is increasing and it’s crucial we find solutions to bridge this gap. Immtell is your ally in this journey, guiding care homes through the process of acquiring and maintaining a Home Office Sponsor Licence and sourcing talent globally through the Health and Care Visa route. As a care home, it’s paramount to have robust procedures in place to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Beyond Sponsor Licence application and management, we assist with Sponsor Duties, Compliance Audits, Right to Work Checks and provide immigration staff training. Our services mitigate
the risk of fines and reputational damage from employing illegal workers. For overseas nurses and carers aspiring to work in the UK, Immtell offers specialised UK immigration support with initial visa applications, extensions, family dependant visas and more, simplifying the path to new opportunities in the UK care sector. Our work at Immtell is making a real difference, helping to resource care homes with the experienced personnel they need and enabling caring professionals to take up these critical roles. For more information, contact Gavin Webster, Director at Immtell, at info@immtell.com, or visit our website at www.immtell.com.
PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING
PAGE 64 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 166
PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT
Creating Caring Communities: A Chat with Kata Care's MD, Fae Mell Interviewer: Let's dive right into it, Fae. Can you give us the lowdown on Kata Care and what got you started on this journey? Fae: Kata Care is all about making a positive impact in social care. My co-founder and I saw a need for expert support that could adapt to the ever-changing demands of the sector. We wanted to be that helping hand for care providers, whether they're struggling with leadership, quality improvement, regulations, or growing their business. We wanted to be the onestop shop for all their needs, whether it's a specific project, an interim contract, or a long-term care quality partner. I: That's fantastic! So, what's the secret sauce that sets Kata Care
apart? F: Well, it all comes down to personalised support. We get that every care provider is unique, so we offer tailor-made solutions. Our team includes a whole bunch of experts - Registered Managers, Directors, CSuite pros, and former regulators. Plus, we've got national coverage of close to 100 experts, so we adapt to whatever our clients need, and quickly. I: What do you look for in the professionals you bring into Kata Care? F: We seek people who share our passion for excellent care, who are compassionate, adaptable, and always eager to improve. Our team are experts in their fields, but they're also great collaborators. Most of them have been in the sector for over 20 years - they're all incredible. I: Collaboration and empathy, that's what it's all about. Speaking of collaboration, what's your vision for Kata Care's role in encouraging collaboration within the care community? F: We see Kata Care as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge
exchange. We're all about connecting care providers, consultants, suppliers, job seekers, and specialist experts. We want to share best practices and spark innovation. Our network of interims and consultants is bursting with talent, and together, we're raising the bar for social care. For those who know me, they know I'm a strong advocate for collaboration. The world would be a better place if we all worked in harmony. I: Love the community spirit. Before we wrap it up, any advice for those looking to make a difference in social care? F: Easy. Follow your heart, believe in the positive change you can make, and surround yourself with a supportive crew. Together, we can make the world of care brighter and better for everyone who needs it. I: You're spreading some serious positivity, Fae. Thanks for sharing this with us today. We're rooting for your mission to uplift social care standards! F: Thanks so much for having me :) See the advert on the facing page for details.
Are You Looking For Trained Healthcare Professionals? At Nurse 365 we provide experienced and fully vetted agency support workers and nurses on a temporary and block booking basis. We are based in Whitchurch, Shropshire and supply care staff to the West Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Wirral areas. Our lines are open 24/7 365 days of the year, with a team dedicated to your staffing solutions. Nurse 365 has a high number of care staff who are available to cover shifts as and when needed, to the highest quality. Every candidate is trained annually in numerous courses (some of which are; dementia awareness, epilepsy, positive behaviour support, learning disabilities and autism
awareness) and many, many more. We have helped numerous care, residential and nursing homes combat their staffing solutions with our high quality staff and are now No.1 on their PSL/suppliers list. Our care is second to none – you can rely on us to provide professional and reliable care staff to be a part of your team. Get in touch today for all enquiries: Tel: 01948 808833 Email: nurse365@mail.com Web: www.Nurse-365.co.uk
Elevating Healthcare Staffing with Meridale In the complex world of healthcare, the backbone of any healthcare facility is its dedicated team of nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, and many others. The quality of care provided to patients hinges on the expertise and commitment of these professionals. At Meridale, we understand this fundamental truth and have made it our mission to revolutionize how healthcare recruitment is handled.
EXCEPTIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES
Meridale stands at the forefront of healthcare staffing because we recognize that the heart of healthcare lies in the people who provide it. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond mere lip service; it’s embedded in every facet of our recruitment services. We specialize in connecting healthcare facilities with the finest talent available.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS We understand that every healthcare facility has unique needs and constraints. Meridale takes the time to listen, comprehend, and collaborate with you to find solutions that align with your budget and meet your specific requirements. Our commitment to tailoring our services ensures that the candidates we recommend are highly skilled and a cultural fit for your institution.
FULFILLING STAFFING GAPS EFFICIENTLY
In healthcare, time is of the essence. Staffing gaps can disrupt operations and impact patient care. With Meridale’s extensive network of healthcare professionals, we can swiftly and adeptly fill these gaps. Our goal is to ensure that your facility operates seamlessly and that your patients receive nothing short of the best care possible. In these challenging times, when the healthcare industry faces unprecedented demands, having a reliable and dedicated team is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Meridale stands ready to support healthcare facilities in their mission to deliver exceptional care. We are more than a recruitment agency; we are your partner in elevating the standards of healthcare staffing. Contact 01902 240019 or see the advert below for details.