The Carer Digital - Issue #149

Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

It will come as a surprise to nobody that we here in the UK are currently facing a pressing challenge in the realm of adult social care This is something we report on weekly

One of the most pressing issues is a significant shortage of skilled workers in care homes and the wider adult social care sector Currently the solution is recruitment from overseas Overseas workers have been instrumental in filling the shortage of adult social care workers in the UK Many overseas workers already possess the necessary skills, experience, and dedication to provide compassionate care Adding overseas careworkers to the shortage occupation list recognizes the importance of recruiting workers from abroad to meet the specific demands of the care sector

As our front-page story reveals the sector has enjoyed a 58 000 boost in the workforce thanks to recruitment from overseas during the past year A welcome solution since I am sure these workers will bring diversity and enrich the cultural fabric of our society, while at the same time contributing significantly to the care and support of our aging population

Reliance on overseas workers however should not be at least in my opinion a long-term solution I have just returned from two care shows - one in Birmingham and one in Liverpool - and overseas recruitment was a significant topic of conversation at both shows That said so was training and the need to encourage young people into the sector promoting work satisfaction and career progression an opportunity

It is essential to invest in training programs to encourage younger homegrown talent” with the skills required to fill these vacancies Investing in training programs and incentivizing young people to pursue careers in the care sector will create enormous benefit and employment opportunities for local communities

However the shortage of adult social care workers will not be addressed without pay parity compared to other sectors And to highlight a very important part of what Professor Martin Green of Care England says: With more than one in three care staff leaving their role each year the current workforce situation is wholly unsustainable Whilst increases in net migration may help to fill vacancies within

the sector ultimately the workforce crisis will never be truly addressed until the Government provides the sector with the funding it needs to adequately reward the workforce with the pay and recognition they deserve”

One third of the workforce leaving each year to seek better paid roles in other sectors is absolute confirmation that the staffing crisis will never be addressed without addressing remuneration

Once more I would ask that you please do keep your stories coming in As you are no doubt aware we had an absolutely wonderful response to King Charles III Coronation which enabled us to publish two “Coronation supplements” sharing all the celebrations from care homes around the country

Watch out for our Afternoon Tea Week competition coming soon We had a wonderful response last year - nobody celebrates tradition like those in care homesand we will once again, we are delighted to say, be putting up a fantastic prize for a lucky winner!

So please keep them coming - we are always delighted to publish some wonderful stories from various homes around the country from birthdays to fund raising, from baking to growing vegetable, Anything you would like to share, please do send it to me at editor@thecareruk com

Overseas Workers ‘Invaluable’ to Adult Social Care but Additional Funding Vital says Sector Leader

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “The statistics published by the Home Office show us that net migration increased to 606 000 in the year ending March 2023 Despite increases in net migration, the adult social care sector continues to grapple with 165,000 vacancies, in addition to the 130 000 in the NHS It is clear from this that the Government s immigration policy is failing to address workforce challenges across our vital public services ”

CHRONIC UNDERFUNDING

The adult social care sector has long been characterised by years of chronic underfunding and the lack of a long-term workforce plan aimed at addressing recruitment, retention, pay and conditions With one in ten posts remaining vacant the Government s priority should be raising the bar for all workers and empowering providers to recruit the staff they need regardless of origin International recruits have always made an invaluable contribution to our sector and are crucial to its sustainability going forward

The Immigration System Statistics Report has revealed that in the year ending March 2023 there were 299 891 grants to main applicants on work visas largely due to increases in the ‘Skilled Worker’ visas Further Skilled Worker – Health and Care visa grants to main applicants have risen 171% in part due to the expansion for ‘Care Workers and Home Carers’ and ‘Senior Care Workers’ Despite this, Care England and Hft s Sector Pulse Check 2022 report published in March 2023 found care providers reporting an average vacancy rate of 21% in 2022, suggesting a worsening of workforce pressures

Martin Green continues With more than one in three care staff leaving their role each year the current workforce situation is wholly unsustainable Whilst increases in net migration may help to fill vacancies within the sector ultimately the workforce crisis will never be truly addressed until the Government provides the sector with the funding it needs to adequately reward the workforce with the pay and recognition they deserve Care England has long called for a care wage that sits above the NLW and supports the Trade Union Congress’ call to implement a £15 minimum wage for individuals in care worker roles fully funded by central Government and ringfenced for this purpose This would not only improve the workforce crisis in adult social care but give the English economy a much needed multi-billion pound boost

OVERSEAS “WORKFORCE BOOST”

The sector has however enjoyed a boost of 58 000 overseas staff over the past year according to government immigration figures

This increase in overseas staff joining the workforce is attributed to the government’s decision to add care workers and home carers to its shortage occupation list for skilled workers in February last year permitting providers to directly recruit from abroad to these roles for the first time

Social care staff accounted for 57% of health and care visas during the period 2022-23 up from 19% on the previous year Over half of health and care visas were granted to staff from India (29,726), Nigeria (17,596) or Zimbabwe (17,421), with all three nations seeing an increase in the number of their citizens moving to the UK to work in health and social care

The increase in the overseas workforce follows a 52% rise in adult social care vacancies in 2021-22 attributed to factors including a staff leaving for other sectors such as retail hospitality a fall in the number European staff following Brexit and post-Covid burnout among the workforce

PRIMARY CARE SKILLS SHORTAGE

as well as the adult social care sector struggling with staff primary healthcare (NHS) employers are also struggling to source the skills needed within the industry according tonew research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) the trade association for theprofessional recruitment sector

The data provided by Broadbean Technology, revealed that both job vacancies and application numbers continued to fall in April when compared to the same point last year

The number of vacancies recorded in April 2023 was the lowest reported at any point in the past 16 months marking an 18% decline from month-on-month In addition application numbers have also dropped significantly with the figures recorded in April 2023 down 53% on March s numbers

The data highlights that despite well-publicised strike action, talent shortages for nurses carers and other medical staff persist, which will be of concern to NHS hospitals and trusts that are still in dire need of specialist healthcare professionals

Ann Swain Global CEO at APSCo said The data shows that the continued strike action is influencing both recruitment and applications in the healthcare sector With ongoing disputes and a fall in applications as unrest continues hospitals and Trusts are facing significant resourcing difficulties that are showing no signs of easing While there has been some movement in pay negotiations, the damage to the healthcare labour market that has already been done will be difficult to reverse, suggesting that struggles will only continue in the sector

Nourish Care backs Keir Starmer’s Promise to Save the NHS by Harnessing the Power of Technology and Introducing Fair Pay to Carers

Nourish Care, the leading provider of digital care management software in the adult care sector backs Labour leader Keir Starmer’s mission plan to build an NHS fit for the future by moving to full digital patient records alongside recruiting more carers and paying them a fair wage

Nuno Almeida, Nourish’s CEO and founder is ideally placed to understand the impact of these measures because in addition to creating the country’s leading digital care management software he has spent time as a care worker

“I hid my CV from the people I worked with I was just a Portuguese chap with good enough English to come in and help What I saw was how passionate care workers are about the interactions they have with the people they’re looking after But they spent so long taking notes and writing reports they didn’t have the time to care in the personal way they wanted to I also saw that those in care had a lot being done to them without having any say in it This is what drove me to create Nourish,” he says Care is not respected as a sector and care workers don t get paid enough That has got to change if

we’re to achieve the joined up care in the community that Starmer says will keep people out of hospital Recruitment is a problem too Until 2017 migrant workers made up a large proportion of care staff Often qualified nurses from Europe would come here and work in care homes Brexit happened and now I have care home CEOs telling me that they’re sending people to places such as Ghana Sri Lanka and South Africa to find workers who are prepared to move to the UK

Starmer says that Labour will move to fully digitised patient records The current government has already issued guidelines on the digitisation of records in the adult social care sector and uptake is predicted to speed up in the light of the Care Quality Commission’s recent announcement made with the aim of achieving 80% compliance by March 2024

“Social care is very complex,” says Nuno “To do it well you need to understand the dynamics of care teams care providers commissioners how the sector evolved how it s regulated and how it s woven into other areas of healthcare Software products that work well are focused on the person receiving care and designed so that carers and managers have an intuitive and powerful set of tools at their fingertips that link in with other health platforms such as GP Connect It takes collaboration with everyone system-wide - local authorities, the NHS, the CQC, etc ”

Nourish also believes there s a role for AI in the adult care sector but it s not a magic pill Humans must always be relied on for decision-making, but we’ll increasingly rely on technology to deliver ancillary caregiving functions says Nuno

Care Village Turns Chocolate Factor y With Help of School Pupils

If there s one shared love that brings people of any and all ages together it has to be chocolate! Embracing an intergenerational experience with their primary school friends, residents at Belong Warrington care village have transformed their home into a Willy Wonka factory by becoming chocolatiers in the name of indulging their mutual affection for confection

The golden ticket guests aged between 5 and 11 from Stockton Heath Primary School, were invited for an afternoon at the Latchford dementia specialist care facility and kindly donated ingredients for use working alongside residents to whip up sweet treats

Year 4 pupil Frankie Gallimore said "I loved it! The residents made me smile and it was great to make cakes with them I can't wait to go back and plant flowers with them! Ronnie Cosgrove-Cousins from Year 1 added: They were just like us but older! And they loved chocolate too!

Arranged as part of Belong s intergenerational strategy for its care villages the initiative was led by the school's ‘Art Ambassadors' - pupils of all age groups tasked

with promoting creativity and voicing the arts preferences of their classmates both at school and when networking with the community

Their choice of edible art in the form of cake-making made the activity accessible to everyone including Belong s residents living with dementia Eager to be fully inclusive even dairy-free chocoholics were catered for

Louise Kelly Experience Coordinator at Belong Warrington said: "The pupils' visit was a real joy for our customers Intergenerational relationships form a huge part of our work supporting residents to live their lives as independently as possible build connections and look forward to new experiences

Hannah Bird teacher and Art & Design Leader at Stockton Heath Primary School also commented: "The best part of school life is enjoying extraordinary activities and getting to meet new people so it means a great deal to us that our pupils had the chance to mix with older generations and forge new friendships This has helped them to understand and respect different stages of life and even now they're still talking about all their new friends at Belong Warrington!"

Cygnet Ser vice Named Finalist In Housing With Care Awards

A family-run care group is looking to highlight the importance of inclusive and nutritious food within the care sector as it launches its own cookbook offering a collection of residents favourite recipes from across its care community

A collection of 28 mouth-watering dishes and drinks the book is now available on Nellsar’s website as an e-book as the South East care group looks to support the kitchen teams at all 13 of its homes as well as members of the public who may be caring for an elderly relative and struggling to find appropriate food options

Crafted by Cosmin Cirstea, Head Chef at Princess Christian Care Centre in Woking Nellsar s Head of Nutrition and Wellness Leni Wood and Head of Catering Services Adrian Silaghi ‘Nellsar Care and Cookery is a celebration of its person-centred care catering and nutritional expertise

The book contains a varied selection of seasonal recipes which outlines the ingredients, methods and a top nutritional tip for each dish, as it looks to both nourish and educate its readers Some of the recipes are adapted to fit differing dietary requirements and ensure that optimal nutrition is achieved, whilst remaining sympathetic to those living with dementia or diabetes

Commenting on the launch Cosmin said: What I most enjoy about my job as Head Chef is having the opportunity to cook for our residents and guests; seeing the satisfaction on everyone’s faces really makes me happy Cooking and baking have become my number one passion which encourages me to continuously

develop new recipes and work with new flavours This cookbook embodies everything Nellsar stands for in terms of nutrition and with the support of Leni and Adrian we are immensely proud of what we have created and hope it goes down as well as the recipes within it

Cosmin continued: “As one of the longest-serving Chefs among our group of Homes I hope to inspire with my work and shine a light on how fulfilling a culinary career in adult social care can be My future aspirations include finishing my Management NVQ developing my team and elevating our catering provision to a whole new level with new and innovative menus I have also cherished the opportunity to engage with residents in my Cooking with Cosmin classes From pan-frying fish to flipping pancakes or frying the perfect egg residents at the home are bustling with excitement at the opportunity to get cooking!”

Leni Wood added: When a resident moves into one of our Homes we ask them in detail about their tastes and food preferences and set about establishing their nutritional and clinical needs This is then followed by menu planning to ensure we cover all aspects of safe nutrition and ultimately, serve what our resident enjoys Within this, we cater for a range of special and sometimes complex diets, including diabetic coeliac and texture modified for example all the while ensuring all our food looks and tastes delicious! The cookbook is designed to cater for a variety of different requirements and highlights not only the complexity of care home catering but also the room for creativity ”

UK Inspection Body Announces New Name For Next Stage Of Growth

The UK s only registered and accredited care home inspection body is announcing a change in name to mark its next stage of development

Care Inspections UK, formerly Independent Care Inspections provides care homes with impartial evidence-based inspections which can be used to improve the home s position with regulators or be used to provide detailed information to stakeholders

Established in 2016 it is registered with the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) meaning it has been subjected to rigorous assessment of both standards and inspections, and its compliance continues to be monitored regularly

It uses a bespoke data processing system called CAREINSPECT to provide homes with analysis of their inspections, including areas of compliance and non-compliance

Last year in addition to providing comprehensive reports detailing the performance of care homes Care Inspections UK was also granted authority to award certificates to services compliant with the British Standard for Adult Residential Care –BS8606:2019

Kevin Groombridge chief executive of Care Inspections

UK said:

“Care homes play a vital role in society and it is right that they are inspected in an independent and evidence-based manner to ensure they are operating efficiently and appropriately

“We are launching our new name at this stage in our development journey because we wanted to demonstrate how we work to deliver inspections for care homes throughout the whole of the UK

We re already carrying out hundreds of inspections every year, and we feel positive about the number of services we ll be able to work with in the future ”

Chris Lane a director at Park Lane Healthcare said:

We ve been working with Care Inspections UK for many years and we have found the inspection process to be incredibly helpful

The support from CIUK has helped us to enhance all our services and we’re delighted to have been one of the first homes to have been awarded compliance certification for BS8606:2019 ”

Supporting Employees With Mental Health Issues

Recent research by the Care Quality Commission has highlighted that the range of challenges faced by health and social care staff during the pandemic has impacted on their mental health and wellbeing These have included: increased workload witnessing serious illness and death at unprecedented levels and feelings of guilt about not being able to do more In June 2021, a report by the Samaritans identified healthcare workers as one of five groups whose suicide risk may be exacerbated as a result of the pandemic

The impact of staff burnout, stress and staff leaving the profession can be seen in absence and recruitment data The ONS sickness absence rates show that workers in care had one of the highest rates of sickness absence at 3 8% (compared to 2 2% across all groups)

Equally at the end of June 2022 there were more than 132 000 vacant posts in the health and care sector, which was a vacancy rate of 9 7% the highest it has been for 5 years Further mental health issues in the workplace are estimated to cost £1652 per employee per year

Given these statistics it is important to consider what employers can do to spot support manage and help staff in a social care setting who are showing signs of suffering mental health issues

The first step is to ensure that managers and HR colleagues are alive to the warning signs of poor mental health Training managers to spot the warning signs which may include uncharacteristic behaviour lack of engagement, decreased productivity and withdrawal from social situations Frequent and regular engagement with employees will also assist to help staff feel valued and supported as well as building rapport so that they are more likely to be open about any difficulties they may be experiencing

Managers should also deal with concerns or issues that arise in a timely manner rather than letting them rumble on Be sure that employees know who they can raise concerns or worries with and encourage managers to be more visible in the workplace Managers also need to be proactive Where there are concerns that staff are struggling due to poor mental health consider a referral to occupational health at an early stage There is often a temptation not to ask too many questions but that approach is not helpful to the employer or the employee The more an employer understands about an employee’s health and its impact on their ability to do their job the more it can do to support that employee and prevent long-term absence from occurring

Care home managers and owners should also have in mind that an employee’s mental health condition may be a disability if it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person s ability to carry out their day-to-day activities (which is wider than work activities) Employers are under a duty to make reasonable adjustments for its disabled employees to remove disadvantages they may suffer in the workplace Examples of adjustments may include changes to duties or working hours or working patterns Engagement with the employee and with occupational health will be vital in knowing what support can be offered If the

employee is not disabled but struggling to manage a health condition, workplace adjustments might support them to stay in work or to return to work from periods of absence It is in both the employer and the employee’s interests to find ways to help them remain at work

Owners and managers should also consider the impact of mental health on an employee s conduct and/or performance The disruption and uncertainty of the pandemic the cost of living crisis and ongoing staffing crisis in the care sector will have had impact on employee performance Fatigue anxiety and trauma are all contributing to the workforce being more vulnerable than it ever has been

Where an employee’s performance or conduct slips, employers should consider all relevant factors before moving to a formal process While employers need the workforce firing on all cylinders to minimise the impact of high vacancy numbers it is important to recognise that many care home employees have been through a lot in the last three years and will need tolerance and understanding to avoid making a staffing crisis worse

Where an employee is not performing or is behaving badly employers should consider whether there are any external factors contributing to those issues That is not to say that employers cannot expect their employees to perform and behave appropriately, but they should engage with the employee, obtain medical advice at an early stage and consider making reasonable adjustments before issuing sanctions It is important to remember that there is a person at the end of the process Therefore if a formal process needs to be followed consider the wellbeing of the person concerned and asses what support will be required such as extra time to reach objectives or allowing the person to be accompanied by their spouse/partner at any formal meetings

Where an employee s performance or conduct is impacted by poor mental health there are no quick fixes and processes will take time Care home managers should consider every decision and step in the context of the employee s mental health condition and how it may be perceived or interpreted Small actions can make a big difference to a vulnerable employee so:

o consider training a pool of mental health first aiders’ that can be the first port of call for those who are struggling with their mental health

o offer a counselling line to employees or at least have a bank of useful resources to which employees can be signposted if they are in difficulty

o if you do have to tackle performance or conduct issues be compassionate in your approach Consider whether it is essential to send letters/emails which might be difficult to receive on a Friday afternoon or just before a holiday – can it wait until the following week?

o consider venue and times of meetings – an employee with depression may find early morning meetings difficult particularly if they have any distance to travel

o Acknowledge that things may take longer and you may have to agree to delays – while this will be frustrating it is often difficult to justify months later why something had to be done and could not be postponed for a week/2 weeks/ a month

Ultimately by investing in employees’ wellbeing you will not only make employees feel valued and respected but will also build trust and engagement This in turn may assist with retention and recruitment which given the current workforce crisis will be an important factor for any health and social care employer

Aylesbur y Home Credits Nurses By Hosting Party For Them As Thank You

An Aylesbury home hosted a party for all the nurses at the home as a thank you for their hard work

MHA Hillside organised a surprise party at the home for all the nurses as a token of appreciation for the work they do

The home provides nursing care with places for 68 older people those with a physical disability and younger people with a long-term medical condition

The party was part of the celebrations for International Nurses Day International Nurses Day is an international day observed around the world on 12 May each year to mark the contributions that nurses make to society

The domestic team decorated the home with decorations and cake was prepared by the kitchen staff

Every member of the nursing staff was presented with a capsule pen, a keyring and a thank you card

Bilgy Joseph deputy manager said:

“We wanted to show our appreciation for the hard work our nurses do here at MHA Hillside

“It was a surprise party I told them all to come in for an emergency meeting which probably scared them all!

Once I explained why we invited them they were delighted and some of them shed a few tears

We ordered some pizzas had plenty of chatter and it turned out to be a wonderful event

We love all the nurses here at MHA Hillside they are all exceptional in the work they do and are a credit to the home ”

Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs

Collaborate to Test Staff for COVID-19 Antibodies

Award winning specialist care provider Cornerstone Healthcare has announced a collaboration with PremaLabs Diagnostics a leading provider of Point of Care Test (POCT) solutions to test their staff for COVID-19 antibodies This joint effort is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the virus and its impact on health and social care workers and the wider community

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world healthcare providers have been at the forefront of the fight against the virus Understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff is critical in ensuring their safety and the safety of the residents that they care for

PremaLabs Chief Scientific Officer Gary McLean Professor Emeritus at London Metropolitan University and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College London and his team will utilise its state-of-the-art testing capabilities to screen the staff at Cornerstone for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies The results of these tests will be used to gain insight into the prevalence of the virus among healthcare workers and help identify potential areas for enhanced infection control practices

We are excited to welcome the PremaLabs team to our services and to be collaborating with them on this important initiative said Johann van Zyl Cornerstone CEO By testing our staff for COVID-19 antibodies we can gain a better understanding of the virus We look forward to the valuable insights that this agreement will provide

We are honoured to be working with Cornerstone Healthcare on this study said PremaLabs CEO Adam Martin "Our advanced portable testing services will enable us to provide Cornerstone with accurate data on the prevalence of COVID-19 antibodies among their staff which will be crucial in implementing effective measures to keep their residents and employees safe

The collaboration between Cornerstone Healthcare and PremaLabs is a significant stride forward in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 Through this joint effort to gain a deeper understanding of the virus these two organisations are at the forefront of safeguarding the health and welfare of both health and social care workers and their vulnerable residents Cornerstone who cares for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological and mental health needs employs over 350 people across its three services - South Africa Lodge and Kitnocks House in Hampshire and Marula Lodge in Surrey

PremaLabs Diagnostics is a global medical device company offering advanced and comprehensive Point of Care (POC) diagnostic solutions This technology used in the care home environment can aid early and quick diagnosis of various conditions such as anaemia, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes For more information visit their website at www premalabs uk

Welcome for Labour Plans for Social Care… …but call for root and branch, bold reform

CARE providers have welcomed new Labour promises on social care but urged the party to pledge bold and total reform before the next election The Labour Party promised, amongst other measures to work towards a national care service and to set up fair pay agreements for social care staff

It also said it would require all care providers to show financial sustainability responsible tax practices and that they value their staff and deliver high quality care before they are allowed to register with the Care Quality Commission

Care provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG) has given a cautious welcome to the proposals which include a 10-year plan for social care

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said:

It was heartening to hear Labour talking about social care and the measures they have announced so far are sensible and positive

Cheers to 102 Years!

Celebrations have been in full swing at Tewkesbury Fields Care Home as one of its residents reaches her 102nd birthday in style

Elena was joined by staff, relatives, friends and other residents as she received over 105 birthday cards from local schools care homes staff friends and family in recognition of her landmark birthday An afternoon tea with live music entertainment was held at the home and guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by the home s chef Jane Elena, said: “I still can't believe I'm 102 years old! I've never seen so many birthday cards in my life! Thank

“We certainly agree that the direction of travel has to be towards an integrated National Care Service with NHS and social care provision brought under one roof

And we want to see social care staff paid properly on a par with their NHS counterparts to help us tackle the 165 000-employee shortage that is currently crippling the sector

As with so many of these things the devil will be in the detail particularly when we get to see in full the party’s 10-year plan for social care

What we want to see from that is a bold plan for action for total root and branch reform of the sector No half measures, no tinkering at the edges but a proper sustainable strategy to get social care the reform and the funding it needs to not only survive but grow and prosper

I was pleased to recently meet Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Shadow Health Minister Liz Kendall and am sending them our thoughts on what needs to be done in social care ”

you all so much what a fantastic surprise it s very kind of you all!

I’ve truly enjoyed my special day with everyone coming together to celebrate with me and not forgetting, with a glass of prosecco”

James Culley General Manager of Tewkesbury Fields added “We’re delighted to be celebrating a truly remarkable woman as she reaches this amazing milestone Elena is such a popular resident who always has an interesting tale to tell and we had such a wonderful day celebrating this special occasion!

How To Write A Social Media Policy For Care Staff

James Lintern, co-founder of staf f management software provider, RotaCloud (http://rotacloud.com/), gives us his advice on how to write a social media policy for care staf f, and how to use it to proactively minimise any potential disr uption social media can cause.

Social media plays a significant role in most people s lives nowadays, but for all its positives, it also contains risks, both for the individual and for employers From a business perspective one mistake can have the potential to devastate a company’s reputation so it’s important to have a policy in place to mitigate those risks

“From a poorly judged tweet to an inappropriate public comment things can quickly escalate and go viral and with people’s personal information easily available online including where they work it s important that staff know how what they post can affect them at work And while you never want to try to police what staff do in their own time it is important for them to know that their actions can affect their employment

This is why having a written social media policy is vital It helps you:

Ensure your employees understand their rights and responsibilities

Protects your business reputation

Helps avoid potential legal troubles like unfair dismissal claims in case of serious policy breaches

“The scope and complexity of your social media policy can vary depending on factors such as the size and nature of your business It could be a short section in your employee handbook or a standalone document that covers social media conduct on different platforms

No matter its format though you need to make sure the policy is easily accessible to your team members And if you're adding it to an existing handbook be sure to let your staff know about the new addition and ask them to formally acknowledge that it has been read

“A comprehensive social media policy should include the following key sections:

Introduction: Start with a clear explanation of why the policy exists and emphasise that it is not intended to control employees' behaviour outside of work hours Encourage open communication and address any concerns they may have

General guidance: Remind employees that even personal social media activity can reflect on their employer Reinforce company values, code of conduct, and discrimination policy Stress that employees are responsible for their online behaviour on all platforms including text audio and video content and that any behaviour such as bullying, harassment or illegal content will not be tolerated and could lead to dismissal

Confidentiality: Highlight that confidentiality agreements and data protection policies extend to social media use Link to relevant documents and explicitly state what kind of information should never be disclosed such as information about service users or colleagues

Self-identifying: Unless specified in their job description employees should generally not represent or advocate for the company online during personal time Encourage keeping work and private lives separate by not openly identifying as employees or using work email addresses for non-work-related activities and emphasise that company assets should not be shared without permission If staff do choose to identify themselves as employees advise them to include a disclaimer in their social media profiles stating that their opinions are their own

Remember these are general guidelines and the specific content of a social media policy may vary depending on the organisation's needs but these are a good baseline to start with

“Employers cannot (and should not) restrict their employees personal social media usage or online expression but it is important for businesses to protect their reputations from any potential fallout A clear thorough, and regularly updated social media policy should do that, by informing employees of their responsibilities and making them aware of the potential consequences

For more advice on how to write a social media policy for your care business read RotaCloud s blog here https://rotacloud com/blog/how-to-write-a-social-media-policy/

Neuro-Rehabilitation Care Provider Calls for Improved Provisions for Patients with Acquired Brain Injuries

A Surrey-based rehab care provider is calling for action on both community neuro-rehabilitation teams as well as better provisions for younger people needing 24-hour care as a result of an acquired brain injury (ABI) with the Government s ABI strategy set to be published next month

The call to action from CHD Living came as it marked ABI Week –the annual campaign by Headway the brain injury association which brings the topic of brain injury and the challenges faced by those who suffer from them to the forefront of conversation The theme for 2023 was ‘Every 90 Seconds’, relating to Headway’s statistic that one person is admitted to hospital with an ABI every 90 seconds within the UK Its study conducted between 2019-20 also uncovered startling statistics of an increase in hospital admissions by 12% in the last decade

With details of the government’s new ABI strategy due to be published in June 2023 Action for Brain Injury Week was also a timely opportunity for both those with ABIs as well as those who support them both personally and professionally to reflect and call for what needs to be seen in the strategy

CHD Rehabilitation part of CHD Living s award-winning group of care facilities provides rehabilitation for acquired brain injury in two of its centres; Bagshot Park and Kingston Focussed on enabling independence for its residents individual bespoke pathways are designed by the team to help its service users find a new pattern of life and continue to live their lives, their way

Alice Bruce Head of Clinical Services at CHD Living said

“Patient specific treatment is a critical part of the care we provide We want our residents to find new ways to engage with things they love since a brain injury can mean unimaginable change to a person’s life in a matter of moments

ATurning Point

In a care home environment the client as much as a patient in an acute environment benefits from regular turning Supported by the NICE guidelines it has been proven that regular turning regimes can prevent and in some cases can significantly contribute to the healing process of existing pressure injuries whether presented upon arrival or even acquired at the care home WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET A PRESSURE ULCER?

Anyone living in a care home can develop a pressure ulcer but some factors make it more likely:

Limited mobility/unable to change position

without help

• A loss of feeling in part of the body

“We see ourselves as a part of a whole multi-disciplinary team that includes a resident s family and friends as well as other clinical support services We feel it is critical that as part of next month’s strategy, we see the Government take real action on bringing care into the community with dedicated specialist community neuro-rehab teams, especially occupational therapy for cognitive rehab needs Most areas do now have specialist neuro physio in the community although the wait times can be long but we are missing a step as regards to occupational therapy needs Additionally there needs to be better resources for younger people needing round the clock care

Aside from the clinical aspects of supporting those with ABI patients would benefit greatly from more information on other support available such as financial assistance as they often have to try and navigate the system on their own which can be complicated and a barrier to receiving support which they are entitled to A key part of the new strategy should be around better signposting for additional help and services

Headway s 2018-19 study also showed that 977 hospital admissions per day across the UK were related to brain injury Of those 433 were head injuries and 376 were diagnosed with stroke The study also revealed that men were 1 5 times more likely to suffer a head injury than women, but the number of women admitted with ABI had risen by 28% since 2005

Alice added “People with spinal cord injuries have a very protected pathway and guaranteed access to all the support that they need for their condition however ABI patients who may have the same level of disability and dependency have very few resources they can access To be truly effective this new strategy needs to align ABI with other conditions which require similar support levels and help patients navigate the changes they face in their day-to-day lives

implemented in conjunction with an accurate risk assessment of the clients needs

History of pressure ulcers or having one now

Not having eaten or hydrated well for a sustained period

Thin dry or weak skin

A significant cognitive impairment

HOW DOES A PRESSURE ULCER OCCUR?

Pressure ulcers occur when an area of skin and the t ssues underneath it are damaged by being under such pressure that the blood supply is reduced; typically when people spend long periods in a bed or chair

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE TURNING & HOW CAN EQUIPMENT HELP WITH PREVENTION AND THERAPY?

Equipment that offers suitable pressure relieving or pressure redistribution qualities subject to the risk factors can reduce or even remove the prevalence of PI’s provided a suitable Care Plan is written and

All organisations recognise the need for regular turning but the pressures they face from reduced staffing levels, in a reducing labour pool, means that the demands on reduced staffing levels can sometimes mean that the ideological turning regimes are not always met, leading to the risk of acquired pressure injuries

The answer appears simple invest in highly motivated capable staff manage the client diligently and offer assistance in maintaining independent mobility But of course that s not sometimes possible staff may be slightly less motivated due to external factors and independent patient mobility is not always the case

Equipment however can assist with that issue especially when a high dependence for repositioning is required The Optima Turn Mattress System by Wellell has been designed to reduce the burden on caregivers aiding repositioning without having to necessarily touch the patient benefitting all parties the patient their family the carer and the care home

If you are facing these issues and need help? Contact: sales uk@wellell com

Online GP Registrations Reach 240,000

As New Digital NHS Ser vice Grows

GP practices are being encouraged to join a new national online service making registering patients quicker and easier

More than 900 GP practices – around one in seven nationally (14%) –have already enrolled for the digital Register with a GP surgery service, which is managed by NHS England Over 240 000 online patient registrations have been completed since its launch The service which enables patients or carers to go online to find and register with a local GP practice is now available in the NHS App – simplifying the process

GP practices process around 6 million registrations a year, with many still using paper forms so patients often have to visit surgeries to collect paperwork The new online service has been shown to save GP practice staff up to 15 minutes per registration by helping to reduce paperwork and admin time The service available to all practices has been rigorously tested with users and a wide variety of patient groups including charities who support homeless people and asylum seekers

Patients can access the service using individual practice websites and the NHS website’s Find a GP service which is also available through the NHS App Registration is quick and easy for patients with the service automatically checking they live in the catchment area for their new practice

The patient s information is then automatically emailed to GP practices in a structured format aligned to their IT systems helping reduce the time it takes staff to process registrations The service is fully integrated with NHS login which enables people to use one login to access several health and care services verifying their identity It also matches patients to their NHS numbers with a 90% first time match rate further cutting

admin for practices

Stephen Koch, NHS England’s Executive Director of Platforms, said:

This service reduces the administrative burden for general practice as well as making GP registration even more accessible to the public, offering patients more choice convenience and consistency

We re pleased to see a growing number of GP practices are coming on board helping them save time and money By recently integrating the service with the NHS App we hope even more GP practices will take advantage of this new digital tool ”

Dr Shanker Vijay Digital First Clinical Lead for London and a practising GP, is already using the service and also assists other practices to introduce it He said: We live in a one-click culture and we recognise that many busy people want online solutions

“Vulnerable patients and those with physical access needs don’t need to visit the GP surgery to register and people can access the service at any time including outside of working hours to fit around their other responsibilities ”

There are also plans to make the service compatible with a number of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions, which use bots to enable registration information to be automatically added into GP clinical systems at the touch of a button as an optional extra Full clinical system integration is also planned for next year

More information on Register with a GP surgery is available here

https://digital nhs uk/services/register-with-a-gp-surgery-service

Local Care Home Residents Cruising on the Canal

Residents of Ashcombe House in Worting road Basingstoke enjoyed a three hour trip along the Basingstoke canal on a sunny bank holiday Monday

Boarding ‘DAWN in Odiham , residents enjoyed the beautiful scenery, wildlife and wonderful weather sharing memories Canal Barge DAWN has wheelchair access and is run by Assessible Boating We were captained today by Volunteers Gordon & Jenny Keyte who gave us all a brilliant day

We set of West taking in the beautiful scenery cruised through the lock and moored up by odiham castle to enjoy a picnic lunch onboard The canal was busy on a sunny bank holiday Monday and residents enjoyed talking and waving to lots of people along the way

Michelle Martin activities coordinator said Its lovely for residents to be able to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery to enjoy the history of the canal and have a great time enjoying the sunshine, everyone has had a lovely time

Peggy Gary resident at Ashcombe was sharing her stories of the canal as her late husband was one of the many workers who helped to restore and dig out the canal back in 1977 “This trip has brought back lots of memories for me Today I was able to steer the barge to visit the castle I really have had a truly fantastic day with good music great food and lots of laughs along the way

Testing Could Help Prevent Further Strokes In People With Gene Variant

People who have had an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) should have a genetic test to find out whether they can be treated with a drug which reduces the risk of further strokes NICE has said

New draft guidance from NICE has recommended clinicians offer laboratory-based genotype testing to people if treatment with the drug clopidogrel is being considered

The genotype test would be used to find out who has these variants so they can be treated with an alternative drug

There are around 100,000 strokes every year in the UK, of which around 43 000 are recurrent strokes Each year 46 000 people in the UK have a TIA for the first time – a warning that they are at risk of stroke

At present no testing takes place to find out who is suitable for treatment with clopidogrel An estimated 32% of people in the UK have at least one of the highlighted CYP2C19 gene variants They are more commonly found in people with an Asian family background but can be found in people of any ethnicity Evidence has suggested that people with these variants have around a 46% increased risk of another stroke when taking clopidogrel compared to those without them

If the test discovers they have one of the CYP2C19 gene variants the person will be treated with another medicine which will be more effective at preventing future blood clots

Around 11 million items of clopidogrel are dispensed each year at a cost of around £16 million to the NHS

Mark Chapman interim director of medical technology and digital evaluation at NICE said:

“The recommendation is a step forward in ensuring people who have had a stroke receive personalised care thanks to a genetic test run after their DNA is sequenced using their blood or saliva

Treatment with clopidogrel is effective in preventing further strokes for the majority of people who don’t have the gene variant But until now doctors have not known who cannot be treated with clopidogrel until after they ve had a second stroke or TIA and that could be too late

“If the CYP2C19 variants are found, other treatment options can be used This test ensures we’re getting the best care to people quickly while at the same time ensuring value for money for the taxpayer

A consultation has begun on the draft recommendations and consultees can have their say via nice org uk until Wednesday 8 June 2023

Bromley Care Home Resident Reunited with her Sisters After Four Years

Braywood Gardens care

home in Carlton Nottingham held a fundraising event for Crohn s and Colitis on Tuesday the 23rd of May

Taking place between 10am and 4pm the care home opened its doors for those wishing to seek support or learn about the conditions

The Carlton community healthcare professionals, and family attended the day with demonstrations and discussions with the Home Manager (Leanne Armstrong) around Stoma/Ileostomy Care and Typical Stoma/Ileostomy

Kits and what is required day to day around with this care

The care home Manager shared her own personal experiences in an open discussion forum about Crohn s and Colitis treatments and shared her experience of the various methods that work and those that do not

An array of Crohn s friendly food and refreshments were available to all attendees as well as a general knowledge and food themed quiz

Presently there are over 300 000 people in the UK that have been diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis and on average there is a person diagnosed every 30 minutes throughout the UK

Leanne Armstrong Home Manager at Braywood Gardens has a personal connection to fundraising for

Crohn’s and Colitis UK, helping to fund essential research as presently there is no cure She said: I am truly proud to be a part of Runwood Homes It is heart-warming that they have supported and worked alongside me to create this event and to continue their support around my health and needs It is rare to find a company that embraces those with differences and do not look down on people but support to promote and raise awareness to varying health conditions

Today s event has meant so much to me and to see the staff at Braywood join in and ask questions makes me proud of the team I have around me Braywood staff understand my condition and embrace this as something to learn and understand It’s been a wonderful day with the team relatives and visitors including healthcare professionals and social workers attending to expand on their knowledge of Crohn’s and Colitis Having had Crohn’s for over 23 years, I felt proud of my accomplishments and for surviving this disease and that for one day I helped others to understand that there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel and there is also laughter and humour to be found ”

Deputy Manager Leona Richardson said: Today was a lovely event in raising awareness for Crohn s and Colitis at the home

Thank you to all those that attended donated and shared their personal journeys A special thank you to Leanne (Home Manager) in raising my own awareness into Crohn s and for her bravery in opening up and sharing not only with me but others in attendance today ”

Strictly A Wish Come True As Care Home Brings Ballroom Surprise To Maureen, 97

A 97-year-old lover of dance enjoyed a wish come true when her New Forest care home arranged ballroom dancers to perform for her as a birthday treat

Maureen Miller said she ‘couldn’t believe it when ten members of Southampton University s Ballroom and Latin Dance Society arrived at Colten Care s Woodpeckers to entertain her and fellow residents

The group performed a series of routines including waltzes and a jive in the lounge of the Outstanding-rated Brockenhurst home

I was blown away by the gesture said Maureen I couldn t believe the team at the home had done this for me ”

To add further Strictly-style fun to the afternoon four residents were given judging paddle boards and scored each dance out of ten with the top two pairs coming back and dancing again for the votes of all the residents

In the end, the jive won by a unanimous vote

Sian Harris Companionship Team member at Woodpeckers said: “Maureen and I have had many chats about how she used to dance

when she was younger as a hobby She particularly loved ballroom dancing and had many dance partners in her time

“She loves Strictly Come Dancing and this was all about bringing a bit of Strictly magic to her and to bring back all the memories of her dancing past

“It was lovely to be able to fulfil a wish for her and help her celebrate her 97th birthday

After the dancing, the young visitors presented Maureen with a birthday card and chocolates and then spent an hour chatting to her and fellow residents about dancing and their studies at university Sian added “All the residents really enjoyed the afternoon and were so grateful to this talented young group for giving up their time to come and see us ” Southampton University s Ballroom and Latin Dance Society teaches dance at both a social and competitive level It provides weekly classes for all standards and members compete regularly against other universities across the country

Act F.A.S.T. Campaign Additional Toolkit

NHS England in association with the Stroke Association has relaunched the Act F A S T stroke campaign, which highlights that a stroke is a medical emergency and urges the public to call 999 immediately if they notice any single one of the signs of a stroke in themselves or others

The primary audience for the campaign is people aged 50+ as this age group are more likely to experience a stroke The campaign is also relevant to a wider all adult audience of ‘stroke savers who may witness somebody showing one of the stroke signs be it a loved one or a friend

The aim of the campaign is to reduce the amount of time between someone having a stroke and arriving at hospital (and therefore receiving appropriate care including thrombolysis or thrombectomy, if appropriate) by increasing knowledge of the signs of a stroke and of a stroke as a medical emergency and increasing the intention to act quickly on the signs of a stroke by calling 999

The campaign provides a simple test to help people identify the most common signs of a stroke:

THINK AND ACT F.A.S.T. IF YOU SEE ANY SINGLE ONE OF THESE SIGNS OF A STROKE:

FACE – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? ARMS – can they raise both arms and keep them there?

SPEECH – is their speech slurred?

TIME – even if you’re not sure, call 999

When Stroke Strikes Act F A S T Call 999

The campaign is also keen to promote alternative ways of contacting 999 for people who are BSL users deaf have hearing loss or a speech impairment via the 999BSL video call service, text relay or emergencysms All formats include this information

The campaign running in England includes TV, video on demand, radio, social media partnerships and multi-cultural activity To ensure the campaign messaging reaches disabled audiences who may be excluded from communications a range of alternative formats of campaign assets have been produced and engagement is also taking place with disability organisations

A Connection Close to Home: Fundraising for Crohn’s and Colitis at Braywood Gardens Care

Braywood Gardens care home in Carlton Nottingham held a fundraising event for Crohn’s and Colitis on Tuesday the 23rd of May

Taking place between 10am and 4pm the care home opened its doors for those wishing to seek support or learn about the conditions

The Carlton community healthcare professionals and family attended the day with demonstrations and discussions with the Home Manager (Leanne Armstrong) around Stoma/Ileostomy Care and Typical Stoma/Ileostomy Kits and what is required day to day around with this care

The care home Manager shared her own personal experiences in an open discussion forum about Crohn’s and Colitis treatments and shared her experience of the various methods that work and those that do not

An array of Crohn s friendly food and refreshments were available to all attendees as well as a general knowledge and food themed quiz

Presently there are over 300 000 people in the UK that have been diagnosed with Crohn’s or Colitis and on average there is a person diagnosed every 30 minutes throughout the UK

Leanne Armstrong, Home Manager at Braywood Gardens has a personal connection to fundraising for

Crohn s and Colitis UK helping to fund essential research as presently there is “no cure” She said: “I am truly proud to be a part of Runwood Homes It is heart-warming that they have supported and worked alongside me to create this event and to continue their support around my health and needs It is rare to find a company that embraces those with differences and do not look down on people but support to promote and raise awareness to varying health conditions Today s event has meant so much to me and to see the staff at Braywood join in and ask questions makes me proud of the team I have around me Braywood staff understand my condition and embrace this as something to learn and understand It s been a wonderful day with the team relatives and visitors including healthcare professionals and social workers attending to expand on their knowledge of Crohn s and Colitis Having had Crohn s for over 23 years I felt proud of my accomplishments and for surviving this disease and that for one day I helped others to understand that there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel and there is also laughter and humour to be found ”

Deputy Manager Leona Richardson said: Today was a lovely event in raising awareness for Crohn s and Colitis at the home

Hull Care Home Appoints Senior Clinical Nursing Lead

A residential care home in Hull has recruited a senior clinical nurse to lead its specialist nursing unit Raleigh Court owned and managed by not-for-profit organisation HICA Group, has appointed Becky Evans to lead the provision of nursing services across the home and manage a team of nursing staff Becky brings with her a wealth of nursing care experience that will ensure Raleigh Court’s nursing unit is operated to the highest standard and in line with other care provision at the home

During her 13-year career in nursing Becky has worked within accident and emergency units and has helped to set up an acute elderly assessment centre At Raleigh Court, she will provide leadership and support to all clinical care employees championing high quality delivery of safe and effective nursing care

She will develop strategies for continual improvement of nursing services and monitor the delivery of care to all residents A key aspect of her role is to provide training and development for nursing staff and ensure all care is effective and person-centred

Tom Armstrong, manager at Raleigh Court, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Becky to Raleigh Court in the role of senior clinical lead

Becky has the expertise and experience needed to deliver first rate nursing care services to our residents and will work alongside the senior leadership team at Raleigh Court to create and implement effective care strategies that continue to improve our excellent delivery of care

Providing person-centred exemplary care that improves the quality of life for our residents is our utmost priority and we’re confident Becky will enhance our care services and ensure we re continually striving for and delivering an exceptional level of care and support It’s great to have Becky on board ”

Raleigh Court is a 54-bedroom home that s located near the centre of Hull and provides a wide range of care services to residents Of the 54 rooms 24 are within a specialist nursing unit which Becky will lead supported by specialist nursing staff

Becky Evans the new clinical lead at Raleigh Court said: I m very excited to join HICA Group it’s a wonderful organisation with a great reputation and lead on clinical nursing services at Raleigh Court

I have always been highly passionate about the delivery of high-quality nursing care and I’m looking forward to leading on nursing care provision at the home and supporting the team in delivering excellence in care

Athena Care Homes Takes Another Step Towards Zero Waste

Athena Care Homes is taking another step forward in their mission to reduce their environmental impact The East Anglian care home company has committed to using eco-friendly non-hazardous cleaner OdorBac across all of their homes

Manufacturers 2Pure who produce the multi-use cleaner in the UK using renewable energy sources, operate a refill scheme They use LoopBox to reuse the five-litre containers – with customers simply repacking the empty containers in the boxes they were delivered in and returning them to be washed and refilled meaning it is a zero-waste closed-loop system Athena made the decision to switch from multiple other products to the multi-use OdorBac after seeing how progressive 2Pure is in its approach to protecting the environment The fluid is delivered as a concentrate and diluted on site to reduce transport costs and emissions and it is 100% biodegradable

The solution can be used as a cleaner degreaser sanitiser fabric cleaner carpet shampoo and odour

eliminator making cleaning processes more time efficient for housekeeping teams while still giving them the reassurance that they are cleaning effectively OdorBac provides 99 99% protection against coronaviruses and inhibits the growth of germs

Athena Care Homes is committed to protecting our environment and leaving a lasting legacy for their residents; planting five trees for each resident that moves in to one of their care homes

Katherine Foley, Group Operations Director at Athena Care Homes said: We are constantly reviewing our operations and looking at more ecofriendly options that allow us to continue providing a high level of service while also protecting our environment

For us OdorBac was an obvious choice It provides the effective cleaning in a variety of scenarios, while also reducing waste and offering efficiencies around our homes

For more information on Athena visit www athenacarehomes co uk

can be found at www 2pureproducts co uk

The number of nurses midwives and nursing associates registered to practise in the UK has grown to a record total of 788 638 This means the NMC register is now equivalent to 1 2 percent of the estimated UK population

Underlying this strong growth, 2022–2023 saw the highest number of new joiners to the NMC s register in a single year – 52 148 Almost half (25,006) were internationally educated, while the number of UK educated joiners rose by 8 5 percent to more than 27 142

With international recruitment continuing at a significant rate, professionals educated around the world now account for one in five nurses midwives and nursing associates who can practise in the UK

Most international joiners are from outside Europe and tend to be more ethnically diverse than the register they re joining UK joiners are also becoming more ethnically diverse – almost a third of last year’s domestically educated joiners are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds

The increasing ethnic diversity of new nurses, midwives and nursing associates whether educated at home or abroad means the profile of the NMC register is changing Over the past year the proportion of all registered professionals who are from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds has risen to 27 7 percent – more than a quarter of the register

Meanwhile the number of people leaving the professions fell slightly last year to just under 27 000 However the NMC s research raises con-

And

cerns for employers and leaders across health and care to tackle in their retention strategies

First more than half (52 1 percent) of those who left the register did so earlier than planned with almost a quarter leaving much earlier than they d expected to And most said they were unlikely to return to the professions including younger leavers

Secondly, there were five compounding workplace factors that frequently influenced people s decisions to leave burnout or exhaustion; lack of support from colleagues; concerns about the quality of people s care; workload; and staffing levels

Andrea Sutcliffe Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said: “At a time of rising demand for health and care services it s welcome news that our register has grown to a record level, due to an increase in domestically educated joiners together with the ongoing surge in international recruitment

These joiners are more ethnically diverse than ever This matters because NHS research in England shows that Black and minority ethnic staff are more likely to experience harassment bullying or abuse There s also clear evidence that discrimination impacts on the quality of care professionals give, leading to worse health outcomes for people Therefore it s

Exotic Animal Therapy

A MENAGERIE of miniature creatures entertained Tyneside care home residents during an animal therapy session

Flash the tortoise, Dexter the gecko and Coco and Pop the guinea pigs, were brought to Willowdene Care Home on Victoria Road West Hebburn by The Discovery Zoo

The animal therapy provider ran the workshop to allow elderly residents at the care home to meet both familiar and unusual critters

Resident John Samuels 82 enjoyed holding Dexter He said: “His little feet felt like sticky pads ”

Maureen Brown 70 said: “I was amazed by Flash ”

The tortoise was also a favourite of staff member Kelly Davison’s daughter, Hannah, 5 who was visiting to meet the animals Kelly said: She was so enthralled by him she asked if she

could get one ”

Meanwhile Coco and Pop enjoyed a stroke from all the residents, who said they felt very soft

Animal based activities have proven therapeutic benefits for residents, especially those living with dementia, according to the home manager Christopher Hogan-Hind

Chris said: “Animal therapy sessions can help to boost everyone s mood It was smiles all around when Flash Dexter Coco and Pop dropped by for a visit

“But as well as being a lot of fun animal therapy can help reduce feelings of stress and loneliness ease anxiety and improve overall wellbeing

You only need to see the residents interacting with the animals and talking about it for hours afterwards to know how beneficial these sorts of therapy session are ”

Associates

more important than ever for employers to foster inclusive cultures free of the racism and discrimination that profoundly affect people from minority ethnic communities

While recruitment remains strong there are clear warnings about the workplace pressures driving people away from the professions Many are leaving the register earlier than planned because of burnout or exhaustion, lack of support from colleagues concerns about the quality of people s care workload and staffing levels

“Our insight can support nursing and midwifery leaders across health and social care to focus on the right issues in their retention strategies Addressing those issues must be a collaborative effort aimed at improving staff wellbeing and retention for the benefit of everyone using services

RAISING THE STANDARD OF STAIR CLIMBING SOLUTIONS

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Online Sur veys Offer Efficient Approach To Vaccine Safety Monitoring

Web-based surveys are a feasible way of rapidly collecting drug safety data on novel vaccines when they are rolled out quickly over a large area, according to a new European study involving the UK s leading drug safety unit

The study conducted in seven European countries aimed to prospectively monitor the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines as they were rolled out at scale

Participants completed questionnaires for at least six months following the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Data on potential adverse reactions to the vaccine was captured, pooled and crucially, made available in near-real time to researchers This allowed current rates of adverse reactions to be regularly updated as the vaccines were introduced across Europe and in turn provided valuable safety data for healthcare professionals regulatory authorities and the general public

The study's authors believe that this approach to safety monitoring could be used for future vaccine rollouts providing rapid safety data to support expedited public health decision-making

The Drug Safety Research Unit was invited to lead the UK arm of the study

Professor Saad Shakir Director of the Drug Safety Research Unit said: When the first COVID-19 vaccines became available a large scale roll out was needed to ensure people received this vital medication To ensure this was done safely, the introduction of a monitoring system in multiple countries for rapid data collection was desperately needed

We have shown that online reporting is a feasible way of collecting data from people in real life conditions These patient reported outcomes are important because they include information on adverse reactions that would not be found in medical records as patients who experience short-term, non-serious

reactions would not typically consult a healthcare professional This approach is well suited to monitoring safety of vaccines at the start of roll-out when large databases suitable for retrospective safety studies are not yet available ”

In the study published in Drug Safety 117 791 participants from seven European countries were recruited

The majority of the respondents received the AstraZeneca vaccine (75 9%) followed by BioNTech/Pfizer (12 4%) Moderna (9 6%) and Janssen (2 1%)

Fatigue headache and injection-site pain were the most commonly reported adverse reactions

Rates of adverse events of special interest (AESIs) were 0 1–0 2% across all vaccine brands and serious reactions or AESIs were uncommon consistent with those reported on product labels

The study led by Monika Raethke of Lareb the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre had limitations which include relying on individuals to complete questionnaires and that participants who experienced an adverse rection would be more likely to continue their participation longer than those who experienced no adverse reaction They also recognise that due to the different speed with which vaccines were deployed in different countries data collection where vaccines had been rolled out before the study started led to certain populations that were vaccinated early on in the process not being included

The collaboration received funding from several sources, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) with data collection in some countries funded by the country s government

Final results and analysis from the study including data from subsequent vaccine doses will be published in due course

Care Group Launches New Cookbook as it Continues to Champion Person-Centred

A family-run care group is looking to highlight the importance of inclusive and nutritious food within the care sector as it launches its own cookbook offering a collection of residents favourite recipes from across its care community

A collection of 28 mouth-watering dishes and drinks the book is now available on Nellsar’s website as an e-book, as the South East care group looks to support the kitchen teams at all 13 of its homes as well as members of the public who may be caring for an elderly relative and struggling to find appropriate food options

Crafted by Cosmin Cirstea Head Chef at Princess Christian Care Centre in Woking, Nellsar s Head of Nutrition and Wellness Leni Wood, and Head of Catering Services Adrian Silaghi Nellsar Care and Cookery’ is a celebration of its person-centred care catering and nutritional expertise

The book contains a varied selection of seasonal recipes which outlines the ingredients methods and a top nutritional tip for each dish as it looks to both nourish and educate its readers Some of the recipes are adapted to fit differing dietary requirements and ensure that optimal nutrition is achieved whilst remaining sympathetic to those living with dementia or diabetes

Commenting on the launch Cosmin said: What I most enjoy about my job as Head Chef is having the opportunity to cook for our residents and guests; seeing the satisfaction on everyone’s faces really makes me happy Cooking and baking have become my number one passion which encourages me to continu-

ously develop new recipes and work with new flavours This cookbook embodies everything Nellsar stands for in terms of nutrition and with the support of Leni and Adrian we are immensely proud of what we have created and hope it goes down as well as the recipes within it ” Cosmin continued: As one of the longest-serving Chefs among our group of Homes, I hope to inspire with my work and shine a light on how fulfilling a culinary career in adult social care can be My future aspirations include finishing my Management NVQ developing my team and elevating our catering provision to a whole new level with new and innovative menus I have also cherished the opportunity to engage with residents in my ‘Cooking with Cosmin’ classes From panfrying fish to flipping pancakes or frying the perfect egg residents at the home are bustling with excitement at the opportunity to get cooking!

Leni Wood added: “When a resident moves into one of our Homes we ask them in detail about their tastes and food preferences and set about establishing their nutritional and clinical needs This is then followed by menu planning to ensure we cover all aspects of safe nutrition and ultimately serve what our resident enjoys Within this we cater for a range of special and sometimes complex diets including diabetic coeliac and texture modified for example all the while ensuring all our food looks and tastes delicious! The cookbook is designed to cater for a variety of different requirements and highlights not only the complexity of care home catering but also the room for creativity

Revitalise Respite Holidays Launches 2023 Summer Season

Revitalise the national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and their carers is celebrating its 60th anniversary with the launch of their 2023 summer season

Revitalise is a unique provider of respite holidays for those who need 24-hour care, supported by skilled care and nursing staff All centres are fully accessible with specialised facilities and equipment The group has two centres based in Southport and Chigwell, and caters for adults with a variety of different disabilities

Revitalise centres offer breaks in a relaxed holiday-style environment in which guests can unwind in beautiful settings with access to a wide range of daily activities and evening entertainment There are opportunities to visit new places make new friends participate in wellbeing activities like manicures and reiki or just enjoy some much-needed time off

Emily Sheardown Reservations Manager says ‘A Revitalise holiday offers an important lifeline to disabled people and carers who need a break and deserve a proper time away from the day-to-day

Summer prices start from £680 for a three- or four-night break Care support packages are priced additionally based on individual support needs Revitalise are launching a campaign in May to highlight the lack of respite care on offer and the urgent need for funding so that more people can take a break

Booking:

Call: 0303 303 0145

Email: bookings@revitalise org uk

Book online: www revitalise org uk/book-now/

The Cinderella Approach: Whole System Thinking and User Centred Design – Placing The User and Their Health and Care Professionals at The Heart of the Ser vice Re-Design Process

In the ever-evolving landscape of health and care services we believe at CGI that user centred design has emerged as a vital requirement for improving the overall experience and outcomes for service users and their families The Cinderella approach is a whole system perspective to patient and care service user centred design that seeks to transform healthcare delivery by placing the users and the workforce at the centre of the design process Just as Cinderella's transformation was not limited to her appearance but encompassed her entire life and those in it the Cinderella approach to integrating health and care advocates for a comprehensive overhaul and fully integrated health and care service ensuring wellbeing at every stage of the care continuum The process enhances experiences and outcomes for the service user families and the wider circle of care fostering staff engagement and collaboration among all stakeholdersultimately leading to better health and wellbeing for everyone Its key principles are:

• Patient Engagement

Care Coordination

Enabling Technology and Data

Continuous Improvement

The Cinderella approach to health and care user centred design recognises that transformation occurs through a comprehensive focus on whole system thinking with a complete overhaul of the concept of integrated health and care It emphasises a perspective that involves all stakeholders including service users and patients their families and the wider circle of care and communities and includes commissioners funders and policymakers

At CGI, we believe a fundamental principle of the Cinderella approach is the integration of user perspectives throughout the service re-design process – by actively seeking input from patients or service users understanding their unique needs, and incorporating their insights into the decision-making process – trans-

formation occurs through tailored services to individual preferences Engaging service users and the workforce in the design process fosters a sense of ownership and accountability Patients and service users become active partners in their care

Care providers welcome the change of ‘doing with’ rather than ‘to teams This collaborative outlook allows the system to gain a deeper understanding of our service users and patients values goals and priorities leading to more personalised and effective treatment plans The approach promotes informed and effective decision-making where those receiving the services and those providing them work together to make informed choices about care and treatment options This improves experiences and better outcomes for all

By bringing together diverse perspectives the approach enables a holistic open and transparent understanding of the complex challenges within the healthcare system

Collaboration among stakeholders allows for strengthening partnerships and a one-team ethos through the collective identification of systemic barriers the development of innovative solutions and the implementation of long-term scalable and sustainable improvements The benefits of this are improved satisfaction and outcomes The service becomes more dynamic, innovative and tailored

The integration of everyone’s perspectives enhances the relevance and effectiveness of care delivery Collaboration among stakeholders promotes a healthier workplace with better work life balance shared responsibility and accountability while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the new approach to whole system thinking

The Cinderella approach holds great promise and a positive outlook for a whole system strategy to health and social care integration by uniquely transforming the way we currently provide health and care services

We all know that building capacity into the process and enabling our health and care systems to be more operationally and financially sustainable in the long term is as critical as it is crucial For me, embracing the Cinderella approach enables health and care professionals to be at the heart of service redesign enabling transformation to continually evolve fit for future models of care through efficient effective models of care ensuring that someone in need is cared for by the right person in the right place and at the right time

Care Home Wash Cars To Raise Money For Charity

Staff and residents from Hugh Myddelton House care home in Southgate are fundraising to support their brave colleague as he takes on a gruelling cycling challenge

Hugh Myddelton House organised a car wash to help raise money to support colleague Wayne who will be taking on a mammoth cycling challenge All generations took part on the day cleaning cars including residents staff and their children They invited the local community to bring along their cars have them cleaned and join in the fun Head Chef Chris fired up the BBQ and laid on a lovely feast to keep every fed and their energy up The home raised a whopping £400

On Sunday 28th May Wayne Hughes Regional Director of Barchester Healthcare’s London Region will take part in the Ride 100 cycle race across London and Essex to raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation The Foundation

supports older people and other adults living with a disability or mental health problems by helping them to connect or re-connect with others in their local communities

Wayne will be using pedal power plus sheer grit and determination to complete the 100 mile cycle race from Victoria Embankment across London and out to Essex and then back to the finish line at Tower Bridge If you would like to donate please visit: Barchester s Charitable Foundation Wayne Hughes (enthuse com)

Regional Director, Wayne Hughes, comments “It is going to be a long old day in the saddle but I m really excited to take part and I m hoping to raise lots of money for the Foundation I know all the staff residents relatives and visitors are behind me and that they’ll be cheering me on come May 28th - it is their support that will keep me going and get me across the finish line ”

Activities Coordinator Michelle Nominated for A Place To Be Proud Of Awards

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Ashcombe House Care Home in Basingstoke are over the moon because their much-loved Activities Coordinators Michelle Martin, has been shortlisted in the Health & Wellbeing category of Basingstoke’s A Place To Be Proud Of awards which take place next month

The ‘A Place to Be Proud Of’ Awards are organised by Destination Basingstoke, they recognise the contributions made by individuals groups organisations places and initiatives that make Basingstoke a diverse, vibrant community and a great place to live and do business

Local girl Michelle Martin joined Barchester s Ashcombe House in 2018 and she has never looked back She has been nominated because she goes above and beyond every day to ensure her residents have the best possible time Throughout the pandemic Michelle kept everyone at Ashcombe House going with a smile on

her face and her infectious laugh – she is the life and soul She makes a difference to everyone she meets General Manager of Ashcombe House Louise Lambert, comments “We are all delighted for Michelle she is a wonderful member of the team and all our staff and residents love her She works incredibly hard and she absolutely loves what she does so we’re very happy to see her commitment recognised It is so very well deserved Ashcombe House Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals Ashcombe House Care Home provides residential and nursing care

Forbes Professional Helps Care Homes Ensure Optimal Protection

Laundry equipment is a critical investment for any care home extending way beyond the delivery of immaculately pressed shirts for discerning residents By choosing specialised commercial appliances the healthcare sector can efficiently process the requisite wash volumes whilst maintaining a safe environment and adhering to stringent regulatory requirements The Association for Applied Hygiene and Robert Koch Institute stipulate that combining disinfection programmes with appropriate segregation of clean and dirty laundry is required for infection control Care homes must also choose a reliable partner for the provision service and maintenance of laundry equipment If a machine breaks down it is imperative to know it will be repaired or replaced urgently as machine downtime can be highly impactful

Forbes Professional carefully select manufacturers in order to deliver the highest standards of product and service A national distribution partner to Miele, they install and maintain laundry and dishwashing machines to care homes across the UK Miele is renowned for producing highly energy, water and user efficient appliances Their heat pump dryers reduce energy consumption

by an astounding 70% when compared to standard vented dryers making them a great choice for any care home Furthermore the employment of impressive array of hygiene and safety functions enables Miele s intelligent appliances to continually monitor the parameters that are crucial to disinfection Miele washing machines offer thermal and chemo-thermal disinfection programmes and recent models have received the highly coveted Seal in Black as a testimony to exceptional hygiene standards, with special recognition for deactivating more than 99 9% of all viruses

Forbes works closely with clients to deliver a hygienic, efficient solution that meets budget and space requirements and fully complies with WRAS and CQC regulations Their inclusive maintenance and repair services eliminate unexpected expenses and reduce machine downtime Forbes enables invaluable support and adaptability so that care homes can respond to changing resident populations or regulatory guidelines and focus on providing high-quality care, knowing that their equipment is in capable hands forbespro co uk | info@forbes-professional co uk | 0345 070 2335

More Geriatricians Needed to Meet the Needs of the UK’s Ageing Population

The British Geriatrics Society today launches a new report, The case for more geriatricians: Strengthening the workforce to care for an ageing population Geriatricians are specialists in healthcare for older people While many professions are involved in the care of older people geriatricians provide leadership of geriatric medicine services particularly focusing on those patients with frailty and complex long-term conditions

The publication reveals significant variation across the UK in the number of geriatricians available to care for older people The report indicates that while there are 282 geriatricians for approximately every million people over the age of 65 years old in London there are only 96 for a similar population in the East Midlands This means that there are parts of the country where the lack of geriatricians results in older people waiting longer to receive a level of care that is inferior to what they would expect and to what their clinicians would wish to provide

It is commonly accepted that there is a major workforce shortage within the NHS A key part of the solution must be to increase recruitment In particular there are not enough skilled healthcare professionals to respond to the needs of older people who are the most frequent and numerous users of health services

The also report puts a number on how many more geriatricians are required in the NHS to meet the increasingly complex needs of an ageing population The BGS is calling for a UK-wide target of one consultant geriatrician per 500 people aged 85 and over to be used as the basis of consultant workforce and training projections The figures in the report, derived from the Royal College of Physicians Census published in 2022 show how many new geriatrician posts would be needed to bring all regions up to this national benchmark by 2030

The BGS report outlines some of the barriers affecting recruitment in the UK such as current limitations on medical school places and training numbers It makes six calls for Governments across the UK to address in terms of workforce planning and investment in order to achieve the increase in geriatricians so urgently needed

While recruiting geriatricians will play a key role in addressing the workforce crisis this must go alongside increased investment in the wider multidisciplinary team and upskilling the entire workforce to care for older people with frailty

As the number of people with frailty and long-term conditions increases the BGS is calls-ing on the Government to plan ahead for an ageing population We urge them to take action to boost numbers over the next ten years and to address regional disparities in the deployment of geriatricians This must be part of a workforce strategy that not only considers recruitment but also investment in the retention, development and support of NHS staff The report calls for the wider NHS to be adequately resourced to provide high-quality care for all people in the UK when and where they need it

Professor Adam Gordon President of the British Geriatrics Society commented:

Despite staff working flat out the NHS is now providing the worst care for older people since metrics began A major limitation is that in many parts of the country there is a shortage of professionals who specialise in care of older people This means that we struggle to deliver both existing services and the new models of care needed to make things better If we fix the NHS for older people, we fix it for everyone The BGS calls on the government NHS education providers and health service leaders to urgently act to recruit and train more geriatricians This is a matter of existential importance for our health service ”

Excelcare Secure 6 Shortlist Spots in the Stars of Social Care Awards

Six Excelcare Team Members have been named in a recent shortlist announcement for the Stars of Social Care Awards

This annual awards event shines a light on the stars of the social care sector and pays tribute to people who have shown dedication commitment and go the extra mile to help the people living in care homes or receiving care in their own home

With 24 award categories the Stars of Social Care Awards aim to award people working in a variety of different roles, from volunteers, all the way through to people in management positions This means people working in the sector can nominate their colleagues at all levels for the outstanding commitment they show

After nominations closed back in April the Stars of Social Care Awards recently announced their shortlist which named six Excelcare Team members across six different categories

THE INSPIRATIONAL CARE HOME WORKER AWARD – ANNA ZWIERZANSKA –BUCHAN HOUSE CARE HOME

This award recognises outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a passion to promote independence, choice and dignity through high-quality personcentred care

THE EXCEPTIONAL CARE HOME NURSE AWARD – MALLORY BOLTON – HUNTERS DOWN CARE HOME

This award recognises an exceptional nurse who delivers outstanding care A nurse who demonstrates the values as well as the skills needed to provide person centred care in a care home setting

THE AMAZING ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR AWARD – LINDSEY STANTON – ST GEORGE’S COURT CARE HOME

This award recognises amazing activity organisers and teams who go above and beyond in providing a meaningful and person-centred activities programme Judges will be looking for energy creativity and

The Care

passion Examples of community integration and intergenerational activities will also be welcomed

THE MOTIVATIONAL TEAM LEADER AWARD – ROSIE WARD – HUNTERS DOWN CARE HOME

This award recognises Team Leaders who motivate their colleagues to achieve excellence and constantly improve the care they deliver THE JOY MAKER AWARD – SIOBHAN BLYTHE – ST GEORGES COURT

This recognises a special individual who spreads joy and happiness amongst their colleagues and residents This person will have a unique infectious enthusiasm and will go above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of colleagues and residents

THE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AWARD – SIMONA PETREHUS – EXCELCARE SUPPORT OFFICE

The award recognises an individual, team or organisation that have used technology to improve the wellbeing and safety of residents An innovative approach that ties in with the overall strategy of delivering outstanding person-centred care should be evidenced

To reach the shortlist is a massive achievement and is a true reflection of the hard work they have each put in to ensure the people who live in our Excelcare homes receive the very best support and days filled with meaning and smiles

In response to the recent shortlist announcement Excelcare Chief Operating Officer Sam Manning said I was delighted to see six of our wonderful family members named in the shortlist for the Stars of Social Care Awards Each of these team members are stars and truly deserve to be awarded for the dedication and unwavering support they provide each and every day

Winners of the Stars of Social Care Awards will be announced at a star-studded ceremony in London on Saturday 17th June Watch this space for updates on how our team members get on!

& Occupational Therapy Show, 12th July 2023, Westpoint Arena, Exeter

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is the ultimate destination for healthcare professionals from across the UK looking to learn about how the industries are changing

This event provides a platform to explore the latest advancements in care and occupational therapy From technology innovations, to the latest hygiene products, this event has it all

Taking place on the 12th of July at the Westpoint Arena in Exeter and is a mustattend event for anyone in the industry

With over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest products services and technologies attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the newest and most innovative healthcare solutions available The show is designed to connect healthcare professionals carers and occupational therapists with experts in the field providing a unique opportunity to network share knowledge and gain insights into the future of the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is also set to feature an extensive CPD-accredited seminar programme with presentations from leading experts in the field

The event will also feature a range of live product demonstrations providing attendees with hands-on experience of the latest technologies and products This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in healthcare and gain practical experience in their application

The event is expected to attract a large audience, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, care home managers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals This provides an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and build valuable connections within the industry

The Care & Occupational Therapy Show is an unmissable event for anyone in the healthcare industry Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field or an exhibitor looking to showcase your products and services to a highly engaged audience this event is not to be missed

Head to www careexhibition co uk to learn more and secure your free tickets for the 12th July at Westpoint Arena Exeter

Parkinson’s AI Proves Accuracy in Clinical Studies

The results of a multi-site clinical study analysing the performance of PDMonitor a pioneering Parkinson’s Disease monitoring device from PD Neurotechnology that uses wearables and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to track and assess symptoms, have been published in Frontiers in Neurology, a leading peer-reviewed clinical neurology journal

The study compared PDMonitor s automated assessments of Parkinson’s patients at three European hospitals with physicians clinical evaluations and symptom diaries to help determine whether the device provided a reliable and feasible means of informing treatment plans PDMonitor uses five sensors worn on the patient’s trunk and limbs to gather data about the timing and severity of symptoms and machine learning algorithms to complete its assessments

Statistical analysis demonstrated a high level of accuracy in symptom detection and a strong correlation with expert evaluation when assessing their severity PDMonitor achieved accuracy and specificity levels of 99 per cent or more when detecting mild to severe dyskinesia, gait impairment, wrist and leg tremor, and at least 96 per cent when detecting Off periods when Parkinson s symptoms re-emerge between medication doses

A second study details of which were also published in Frontiers in Neurology confirmed that PDMonitor can be used effectively and easily by patients and caregivers taking just five minutes on average to attach the sensors even for patients at later stages of the disease Automatic recording and identification of each sensor s location on the patient s body were found to further improve the ease of using the device

These peer-reviewed papers are part of a growing body of evidence highlighting the accuracy and efficacy of PDMonitor Preliminary findings from the analysis of data about 267 patients in Greece provide evidence that continuous telemonitoring in clinical practice can lead to the alleviation of Parkinson’s symptoms

The average Off time experienced by patients in this study fell for two consecutive quarters following the introduction of PDMonitor

In January 2023 PDMonitor was one of four devices to be conditionally recommended for remote monitoring of Parkinson s disease to inform treatment by NICE the National Institute for Health and Care

Excellence This decision opened the door to the use of PDMonitor by NHS patients and their physicians in the UK

Nikos Moschos, Managing Director of PD Neurotechnology, comments “Our monitoring device is a gamechanger in the fight against Parkinson s Studies confirm that it is effective and easy to use and we have seen time and again how it facilitates better treatment decisions for patients based on real-world data By providing accurate and continuous data on symptoms together with an ecosystem to collect and present effectively we are always aiming to help improve the management of Parkinson s and hopefully enhance patients quality of life ”

Professor K Ray Chaudhuri Head of Parkinson s Foundation Centre of Excellence at King s College Hospital, who has been piloting PDMonitor with private patients since March 2022, comments: “Parkinson’s is the world s second most common neurodegenerative disease and a significant cause of disability at a huge societal cost Patients’ quality of life and wellness strongly depend on the consistent, prompt monitoring of disease progression and optimal timing and dosing of the prescribed therapy

“PDMonitor is supporting an emerging paradigm shift in Parkinson’s care by moving from traditional short lived face to face consultations to be augmented by home monitoring which has many advantages similar to monitoring in diabetes and cardiac disorders

"Monitoring patients at home continuously while they conduct everyday activities allows treatment decisions to be made more frequently and physicians to respond faster to changing symptoms

"A major advantage of PDMonitor is its ability to provide a self monitoring platform for patients in addition to monitoring gait and risk of falls gait and bone health being a major feature in the recently described 'dashboard of vitals of Parkinson's Disease

While you cannot reverse Parkinson s one can delay the deterioration of symptoms and possibly decrease the risk of falling Mobility falls and related fractures remain a major cause of morbidity and hospitalisation in Parkinson s Disease Prudent use of PD Monitor data therefore means accurate assessment with snapshot of home activities so as to provide a dashboard based bespoke personalised care

Trip to Seaside for Lytham St Annes Resident Who Wanted to Feel “Sea Air And Sunshine” on Face

A resident at a Lytham St Annes home was treated to a trip to the seaside as part of her seize the day

Marylka Flegg lives at MHA Starr Hills and wanted to feel the “sea air and sunshine” on her face when asked what she wanted to do for her Seize the Day

The initiative encourages residents to re-experience activities or events from the past or to do something they would like to do for the first time

Camille Cutter the activity coordinator at the home then arranged and accompanied her to Fairhaven Lake which is a short walk away from the home

The pair had a cup of coffee and just watched the tide whilst Marylka basked in the sun

Camille said Marylka was like a different person after the trip and thoroughly

enjoyed it

She added: Marylka is usually a very quiet person who keeps herself to herself but when she visited Fairhaven Lake she was completely different

“When I asked her what she wanted to do, all she said was to feel the sea air and sunshine on her face

She was talking throughout the visit and even when she returned home she was very chatty

“It was a glorious day the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful occasion

“We went down the lake, saw the dogs, and had a great time

Seeing Marylka enjoying the moment was such a great feeling and I am very happy to have been a part of that

Scottish Charity Powers Short Breaks

For Unpaid Carers Using Local Gift Cards

Unpaid carers can use the Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards for all types of Short Breaks including quality time with their family lunch with a friend, or a night away

A charity in Dundee is supporting unpaid carers using an innovative local gift card initiative

Dundee Carers Centre aims to improve the lives of unpaid carers of all ages by giving support advice and access to learning As part of their Short Breaks Service, they are providing unpaid carers with Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards allowing them to take time for themselves, recharge, or reconnect with a hobby

A unpaid carer is an individual who provides unpaid care for another individual A carer could be caring for someone of any age with a physical or learning disability elderly mental illness drug or alcohol dependency or who is living with cancer or any other critical or chronic illness

Carers can use the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card to access a variety of products and services including food and drink, shopping, accommodation and leisure activities

Dundee Carers Centre said their Short Breaks offering is personal to the carer with the local gift cards used to offer flexibility and choice to people

Marthe Hastie Team Leader at Dundee Carers Centre Short Breaks Service said:

Our main objective when supporting a carer to access Short Breaks is that the break must be personal to that carer Caring means something different for everyone and so it’s no surprise that breaks’ mean something different for everyone too; it could perhaps be to discover a new hobby spend quality time with family time on their own, a night away, or even just lunch with a friend

The Short Breaks team supports unpaid carers to access funding and help make a break a reality When the Centre received a small amount of funding which was ring fenced to provide Short Breaks with the criteria that it was to be spent locally we started using the Dundee Gift Card part of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative as carers identified they wanted to do something that was available through the card such as going for coffee and cake at a local café

There are over 200 businesses where the Dundee Gift Card can be used which means we can offer carers choice and flexibility Our goal is to make a short break as stress free as possible and having the gift card

supports that, while supporting local businesses in Dundee

These businesses support carers and it is important to us that we support the businesses in return Many large brands are part of gift card programs but we like the fact that the Dundee Gift Card includes smaller businesses who would not ordinarily benefit Dundee Carers Centre is a Respitality Delivery Partner a Scottish Government supported project coordinated nationally by Shared Care Scotland They connect hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses who are willing to donate short breaks free of charge to unpaid carers

The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative was introduced in 2021 as a means to direct spend to local communities and power economic recovery delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership (STP) and Perth based fintech Miconex

Working like a regular debit card, the gift cards are available for regions across Scotland including Dundee Glasgow Aberdeenshire Argyll and Bute and South Ayrshire and can be spent locally with all types and sizes of local businesses in that area A

Government Set to Fail its Commitment to Protect Patient Care by Not Fully Funding the Staff Pay Award

Without additional funding for organisations contracted by the NHS to cover the cost of the Agenda for Change pay rise in England the government s promise that patient care will not be affected is set to be broken according to health and care leaders

Amidst continued uncertainty around central funding for the 2023/24 pay award and which groups of staff are eligible for the raise leaders have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to ask for clarity and to set out their fears that some providers such as those in the voluntary sector could face closure without additional financial support

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that all staff on Agenda for Change contracts will receive the pay rise following agreement by the NHS Staff Council last month; however, non-statutory organisations delivering NHS services are currently excluded from the central funding in place to support that uplift

This means organisations contracted by the NHS that use the Agenda for Change pay scale – which include charities primary care services social enterprises Community Interest Companies independent healthcare providers, nursing and care homes – will have to cover costs from tight budgets already stretched to the limit by inflationary pressures which could limit the level of activity they are able to deliver in return for patients

It also leaves a funding gap for NHS staff employed by trusts working to deliver key public health contracts commissioned by local authorities The joint letter from NHS Confederation, Social Enterprise UK, NHS Providers Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) the Association of Directors of Public Health and the Local Government Association calls on the government to ensure that additional funding is available to all providers to cover the shortfall

Leaders warn that without extra money many non-statutory providers will struggle to cover the increased costs and retain the staff needed to sustain a diverse range of critical services, with patients ultimately pay-

ing the price

With some providers facing bills of nearly £6m to pay for the uplift local leaders are now facing tough choices that may result in cuts to services – undermining the government’s guarantee that there would be no impact to frontline services because of the pay offer

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said

While the 2023 pay uplift has been welcomed and may with help with retention issues it must be fully funded for all staff

“The NHS is more than just hospitals consisting of a range of vital services patients rely on including mental healthcare primary care district nurses and therapists, all of which are contracted indirectly

The current arrangement for central funding might see staff at these services miss out and risks the creation of an unequitable, two-tier system for different staff Providers are currently facing the unenviable choice between finding additional savings – likely through cuts to services – to fund the rise or not implement the raise and risk staff leaving leaving patients worse off

A similar oversight was made with the pay rise in 2018 but the government eventually solved this by agreeing to cover it via central budgets We urge the government to review its position and agree to fund the pay award for all staff on AfC terms and conditions including those on local authority contracts Failure to do so risks undermining the pledge that patient care will be unaffected ”

Miriam Deakin director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers said:

“Trusts will welcome the fact that all trust staff on Agenda for Change will receive a boost to their pay

But questions remain about how the increase will be funded for staff employed by NHS trusts working for services commissioned by local authorities such as public health and children s services Trusts say they may have to pull out of key contracts or stop investing to improve services if the uplift isn’t funded nationally This also means a lack of parity for voluntary and social enterprise sector providers in the community often delivering vital NHS services ”

Blessing Celebrates Achieving Her Goal At Amberley Hall

A nurse who is always looking to challenge herself has become the latest Athena recruit to pass her qualifying exams

Blessing Noah joined the team at Amberley Hall Care Home one of five homes run by Athena Care Homes as a senior carer in February 2022

Alongside her work has been studying so she can put her nursing skills into practice and has been supported by the whole Athena family

The 32-year-old qualified as a nurse in Nigeria then moved to the UAE in 2014 where she worked as a home care nurse

She decided to relocate from the UAE because she wanted to experience a new culture and further develop her skills but in order to practice in England she needed to pass the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC’s) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

On hearing she had been successful in her exam she said: I am so excited to be able to work as a nurse it means I have achieved something and I can do something I am passionate about doing

“I wanted to challenge myself,” she added “Now I have passed the OSCE I can be the best version of myself and that is being nurse

She continued: “When I first joined the team at Amberley Hall I was working on the dementia community and that was my first experience of working with people living with dementia

I have learnt so much about why people exhibit certain behaviours and understand what is the cause of these behaviours I have undergone a lot of dementia training at Amberley and I understand so much more my whole perception has changed

“As a nurse you give medication to heal people but when someone is living with dementia it is a different type of nursing Learning that has helped me to grow as a nurse

It has made me see that in the future I would like to work in mental health nursing ”

Athena Care Homes has supported a number of nurses from overseas working towards their OSCE, with eight passing their exams since the start of the year

Jenni Rowan Resourcing Manager for Athena Care Homes said: We have taken a pro-active approach to recruitment at Athena Care Homes to address shortages that have been felt across the industry

“We have worked with talented nurses like Blessing, who were looking to relocate and supported them through their study programmes We are delighted to see that so many of our new team members have now passed the OSCE and are able to progress in their careers by working as qualified nurses ”

Brenda’s Forty-Two Years of Dedication

To Older People’s Care and Wellbeing

Brenda Broadberry has served the community of Gainsborough currently as a senior carer at Foxby Court for over 42 years She joined the care home’s previous incarnation Oakdene House in 1980 and stayed when Foxby Court opened in 1982 then run by Lincolnshire County Council The home which cares for up to 46 residents, has been run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) since 1992

Brenda became a Carer after leaving college, having completed a Home Management and Family Care course She explained: I wanted to look after the elderly to make their last years comfortable and enjoyable Now I’ve had the privilege to do that for hundreds of residents over the years Through all this time I ve found my job fulfilling and worthwhile and I ve had a great deal of fun along the way ”

I ve worked with many wonderful people who have become lifelong friends and met lovely families whilst caring for their loved ones ”

FOXBY COURT EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS

Brenda lists residents outings as sources of fun which have included trips to the seaside to cafes to the Lincolnshire Show and to see Bransby Horses The home regularly organises entertainment with local singers and Brenda loves to see the joy these events inspire in residents Keen to spread the word about Foxby Court and fundraise for the residents’ amenities fund, Brenda organised a tombola stall at the Christmas market She said I have fond memories of running the stall, we wore fancy dress and ran a tombola at the Gainsborough Christmas market One year we won the best dressed stall

Brenda enjoys joining special celebrations for the residents at the care home which have included birthday milestones such as 100-year birthdays and on one occasion a wedding between two residents at the parish church

BRENDA’S CAREER

Brenda progressed from Carer to Acting Matron (as it was called in those days) Care Leader, Acting Head of Care and Acting Manager She has an NVQ 2 and 3 in health and social care and has an NVQ Assessor Award In 2009 Brenda received an OSJCT Chair’s Award for Meritorius Service at Lincoln Cathedral and in 2021 she was recognised with a 40 years Long Service Award with a celebration at Foxby Court which took place during Covid-19 restrictions

Brenda, who is married and has 2 daughters and 2 stepsons, and lives in Gainsborough has found that working in care requires and offers flexibility She said: “I am fortunate that my family have always supported my work in care They realise that it s not 9 – 5 and that I sometimes work unsociable hours weekends and over holidays such as Christmas or Easter Not that I ve regretted being with residents during special celebrations

“The Trust has been supportive to me when I’ve needed to swap shifts or organise my time around family members who I’ve needed to spend time with ” Lyndsey Watson Home Manager at Foxby Court said: Brenda is a fantastic member of the team She brings a wealth of experience and personal qualities

She is a special favourite of our residents here

Creating Data-Led Legacy In Residential Care

The possibilities of improving the lives of people living in residential care are vast, but data is key to unlocking this, says Rachelle Mills, Director of Par tnerships & Innovation, KareInn (www.kareinn.com)

If it is the sector s mission to create better happier more dignified care for its residents then we need to make more impactful use of the data care homes are continually producing to drive innovation forward for better care outcomes

Picture the scene it’s a familiar one At the end of their shift the care assistant says goodnight to residents and quickly writes up the shift notes in key handover documents before going home In the night one resident becomes agitated and the night care assistant who is new struggles to calm them down and understand their needs The lever arch folder is stowed away in the admin office and whilst it s easy to see the last interaction digging further to find clues as to why or how this agitation may be happening is not feasible in the moment Whilst the night s events are captured in the handover notes the next morning, from the paperwork point of view a pattern is not emerging The day begins again

Leaving a legacy is something many of us hope for – in work, with loved ones, or in history

In residential care, the staff are a huge part of what sets one offering apart from another When those people move on they leave two kinds of legacy Often residents will feel loss at losing someone they have grown to trust and like so that role needs to be replaced by a person of

the same standard to keep residents feeling equally safe and supported Secondly, there is a legacy of collected information on individuals' preferences, habits, experiences and medical needs

Half the care sector still operates using pen and paper and 30% of care homes are still hanging on to an entirely paper-based resident care record system It could be so much more useful if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of collecting information and the repurposing of it to improve care

systems Regardless of whether it’s a storeroom of lever arch files or a cloud system of care records, care assistants and their residents are continuing to generate data and it could be so much more impactful data if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of caring We can t change the fact that the paper records of the last few generations of care home residents are mostly inaccessible to researchers and scientists but we can proceed positively and change the modern legacy of residential care

TREATING RESIDENT RECORDS AS A LEGACY – THE GIFT

TO FUTURE CARE

This legacy of information for just one team member could be years long and contain observations noted from caring for hundreds of people When residents leave care or pass away the capture of experiences of their emotional and physical needs doesn t just have to be a record of the care they have received The information can be structured into data and then used for predicative analysis or insight – it s a gift for the future care of others and that s the legacy we must leave behind

Data is simply information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing In the social care sector specifically, the information is the input we are already gathering for our residents, it might be MUST assessments, accident and incident forms, or how someone has slept, all captured on paper forms during and at the end of the shift The problem with paper is it’s hard to draw correlations and spot insights for one resident let alone across hundreds of thousands of people which is the volume needed for things like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to work

Once this information is in a more efficient form for processing we can use tools such as data analysis which deal with huge volumes of data to draw insights and yield learnings

PROCEEDING POSITIVELY AWAY FROM PAPER-BASED RECORDS

As part of its Better Care Fund (BCF) policy framework the Government has allocated £100m to accelerate digitisation in social care £50m to improve data as well as £35m for the creation of an innovation and improvement unit This investment is much needed because it encourages the move away from paper-based resident care record

GIVING CARE HOMES THE VISIBILITY THEY NEED

If we recorded data effectively the scene of the care assistant we looked at earlier would be very different When they say goodnight to residents, they take out their phone and record into a dedicated app, noting that one client was agitated because she was missing her pet and that there s a photo of him that helps her stay calm This information is there for the night shift team alongside a picture of the pet so that they can comfort the woman when she wakes up feeling upset

The care assistant also tells their colleagues that another resident has a reduced appetite again adding the notes to their personal care record on the app This then becomes a measurable data point against all the other times that meals have been declined When you filter and sort this information, a trend could emerge, which will then help you action the appropriate care

Care homes and researchers alike get the visibility they need and residents receive better care It s much harder to spot a pattern if its spread over lots of separate sheets of paper but with the right platform in place it can aggregate the data providing actionable insight ICS funding is available to support the wider adoption of digital social care records (DSCR) across England and to ensure data is recorded at the point of care and can be shared between care settings

The information that we are gathering right now for our residents, for their families and for the regulator could be put to much better use Now is the time to create and capture better data and create a modern legacy that changes the future shape of residential care We can be the generation that does not miss the opportunity to better utilise information we can transform it and yield the benefits for the future

Schoolchildren Raise £400 To Help Care Home’s Garden Project

Children from St Katharine s Primary School in Savenake Forest Marlborough are helping to make everything in a care home’s garden look lovely

Four schoolchildren with headteacher Niki Jones visited Brendoncare Froxfield care home on Tuesday (23rd May) to hand over a cheque for £400 which they raised from a bake sale The proceeds from their baking will go towards Brendoncare Froxfield s garden project

The four children all from Year 5 are very pleased of how much they have raised and had great fun baking the cakes for the sale their favourite being rocky road

The care home will use the money to install new features such as raised flowerbeds and replace the existing benches where residents and staff enjoy the glories of their lovely garden

After the presentation the children met the care home’s resident rabbit Rolo and played boules with some of the residents

Niki Jones said afterwards: We are very proud of our children s efforts in raising money for Brendoncare s Froxfield garden project They thoroughly enjoyed their visit especially meeting the residents and Rolo

“They are really looking forward to their next visit to see how their money is being spent on the garden

Maria Wegner Brendoncare Froxfield’s Manager commented: “We are all very grateful to St Katharine s School for raising this fantastic amount of money to help us with our garden project

“All our residents really enjoyed meeting and talking to the children We always love to see children in our care home and we hope this will be the first of many visits from the school ”

Brendoncare Froxfield provides care for 44 residents including a specialist 16 bed dementia care household

It is one of seven care homes run by the Brendoncare Foundation Brendoncare also provides extra care housing and community clubs for older people across the south of England

Bournemouth Care Home Residents Were The Front-Runners At The Salisbur y Races

Staff members from Care South’s Castle Dene care home in Bournemouth took residents on a day out to Salisbury racecourse to watch the horse racing and enjoy a picnic made by the home’s Chef before a winning conclusion to the day

Residents and staff members made fruit scones for the day trip the previous day with everyone enjoying them at the racecourse with clotted cream and jam whilst sitting in the sunshine

When each race was due to start residents watched the horses go to the starting gates and picked their favourite horse Once the race started residents moved to the fence to be as near as possible to the action and cheered on the horses they had chosen For the last race of the afternoon one of the staff members husbands paid for everyone to place a bet on a horse with their favourite name Between residents and staff members they backed the winning and second placed horse! The winnings were

taken back to the home for everyone to enjoy

Two residents from Castle Dene used to own a horse and said about the day: "What a wonderful day it was It meant the world to us to watch the horses race

Another resident from Castle Dene said: “My dad used to be a Carter, making carts for the horses I have been surrounded by horses for most of my life and what a fantastic day I had ”

Lesley Wheal Activities Organiser at Castle Dene commented: What an incredible day out this was for residents in our care It was lovely watching everyone in their element getting involved in picking their favourite horses and cheering them on It bought back some wonderful memories for residents who have had close connections with horses in their lifetimes

Everyone said that they had a fabulous day and have already asked to return again next year ”

New Care First Health & Social Care Company In UK To Receive Prestigious HR Registration

New Care is the first health and social care organisation in the UK to receive the ISO 30415 certification from the Centre of Assessment (cfa) for Human Resource Management – Inclusion and Diversity

The award-winning care home operator has dedicated six months to achieving this prestigious HR registration initially starting the process last November The first assessment took place in January and then a full assessment was conducted last month, which included a tour of seven New Care facilities over the course of two days and meeting several staff from all 14 homes both physically and via Teams

The cfa Assessor John Mulholland was extremely impressed with his findings citing that ‘New Care is a well managed well led organisation demonstrated through a strong leadership team’ and ‘New Care is regarded as a good place to work as a result of good HR policies and practices where staff feel very well supported ’

New Care was also applauded for investing heavily in sponsoring staff from overseas, providing extensive packages

Feedback from New Care staff to the assessor was equally as impressive with individual circumstances accommodated and ‘a strong sense of inclusion; the organisation employs individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures ’

Staff also reported that there are great opportunities for progression and that New Care continually invests in innovative technology and systems that support the team in consistently delivering high quality standards of care

Helen Brown HR Manager at New Care comments: I am one very proud HR Manager I have championed this accreditation and have worked extremely hard for the last six months to achieve it To be the first health and social care organisation in the country to receive the ISO 30415 certification is a testament to the company and the team who supported me throughout the process and allowed me to push for it way ahead of other organisations To be formally recognised for inclusivity and diversity is fantastic We really are ahead of the game!”

Chris McGoff CEO at New Care adds: “This is an exceptional achievement and to be the first care home operator to receive the accreditation just shows how forward-thinking and advanced we are as a company We aim to always employ experienced care professionals and are committed to supporting each and every employee on their journey We want to provide the highest standards of care for our residents and enable them to live their best lives and to do this we need to continually support our residents their relatives and our staff I am incredibly proud of Helen and the whole team ”

Care Home Launches Memor y Lane For Dementia Action Week

Hazel Lodge care home, in Battle has officially opened their Memory Lane community by holding a Dementia Information Event during Dementia Action Week which aims to raise awareness of dementia

Representatives from Hastings Dementia Action Alliance Care for the Carers Association of Carers DISC Dementia Trading Standards Rural Rother PCN were all on hand to offer advice and information to visitors who may be living with dementia or caring for someone who is

Councillor and Chairman of Hastings DAA Nigel Sinden joined forces with Caroline Pulleyn General Manager to cut the cake and officially open their

Memory Lane Community Caroline also presented Nigel with a cheque for £143 60 for Dementia UK, which was raised by residents, staff and visitors at their recent Time for a Cuppa Coffee morning

Caroline Pulleyn General Manager at Hazel Lodge said Everyone here has enjoyed celebrating Dementia Action Week and raising awareness about this disease which affects so many in the community We are so pleased to be welcoming new residents into our Memory Lane community the person-centred care provided in these communities can bring out the best in those who live there and offer much-needed quality dementia care to the wider community ”

“Graceful” Snake Grips Holmes Care Residents

Heatherfield Care Home in Armadale turned into a jungle, as residents got up close and personal with an exotic set of animals

While rabbits and meerkats offered conventional cuddles, it was a royal python which got particularly comfortable curled up in the lap of a resident

Anne Savage resident at Heatherfield said I was fascinated not frightened The snake had beautiful markings and moved so gracefully”

Surprisingly it was the reptiles that proved the most popular New resident Sam Perry took to a tortoise called Shelley, while another resident found herself face to face with a blue tongued skink

Anetta Watson resident at Heatherfield said: “I grew up on a farm so I had no end of

unusual pets, but the skink was remarkable I want to keep one, it would make for an interesting companion

The animals visited the care home from Cool Creatures a local business based in Livingston and residents learnt about their habitats and species

Heatherfield Care Home, part of the Holmes Care Group, organises animal therapy sessions as part of an activities programme designed to encourage health and happiness amongst the residents

Roz Smith Activities Coordinator at Heatherfield said: The animals were beautiful and residents adored handling them We’re looking forward to the next great experience!”

MoliCare® Celebrates 40 Years of Incontinence Protection, Ever y Day

MoliCare® the global incontinence brand, is celebrating 40 years of supporting people carers and healthcare professionals with solution-based pads pants and skincare products The product range has been designed to help the everyday needs of those living with incontinence and bladder weakness with the care of the skin at the heart of the MoliCare® brand

Incontinence is a condition that affects 1 in 4 women in the UK For a condition which is so common there is still a sense of embarrassment and isolation that leaves people feeling lonely and unsupported In fact, 68% of those living with incontinence feel that it has had a negative impact on their quality of life and just over half believe that urinary incontinence is a taboo subject Therefore it is vital that there is an increase in societal support as well as a wide range of simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® has developed a range of pads and pants which feel like underwear Over the last forty years, the brand has continued to focus on protection, security, and comfort as the core criteria for its product performance MoliCare® believes in plain talking backed up by their healthcare professional expertise, to create simple solutions for people living with incontinence

MoliCare® continually strives to address the needs of its customers; from nurses through to care givers family members and people living with incontinence They have developed an easy to remember acronym

SAS - to simplify the product selection process

S – Style There are various styles such as large and small pads or complete pull up mobile pants to suit various levels of mobility There are also products for men and women based on anatomical differences and urine flow

A – Absorbency MoliCare® s droplet guide makes selection straightforward

– Size, MoliCare®’ s in-depth sizing guide ensures that products selected are a comfortable and secure fit

HARTMANN, the company behind MoliCare®, continues to invest in and develop in their products

This includes the introduction of new technology to the MoliCare®

Premium Form range of large shaped pads that now features a new absorbent core known as ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer) The ADL layer contains super absorbent polymers treated with Citrate which neutralise the urine for better skin health In addition, the ADL layer now features a new channel, set within the pad to help to distribute urine Both innovations improve the feeling of dryness by over 70% again demonstrating MoliCare®’s commitment to skin care

As part of MoliCare® s holistic approach to incontinence the brand has developed a range of specialist skincare products which are skin friendly pH balanced and are gentle on delicate sensitive skin Used together MoliCare® provides a complete skin care and incontinence management solution

Amy Jaworska, MoliCare® B2C Channel Manager comments; “as a global manufacturer and expert in the field of Incontinence and Bladder Weakness we are delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the MoliCare® brand, supporting people living with incontinence MoliCare® invests in the research design and development of our premium incontinence products to ensure they meet the highest quality reliability and protection for people living with incontinence We also support loved ones carers and healthcare professionals alike with the right support for the people they care for because the individual s wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do MoliCare® is a leading global brand of incontinence products manufactured by the HARTMANN Group MoliCare® works in partnership with Healthcare Professionals to develop clinically effective products advice, and innovative Home Delivery service solution packages to meet lifestyle needs

For more information and to order please call 0800 028 9470 or Visit www hartmanndirect co uk/incontinence-products

Commercial Kitchen and Laundr y Solutions (CKLS)

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

Cash’s Labels- “The Name Behind the Name”

Cash s Apparel Solutions have been trading since 1846 and have built up a reputation for superior value for money quality personalised and non-personalised items for many different outlets We supply to Nursing and Residential Homes Schools Scout Cub Guide and Brownie Groups as well as to the small or large business entrepreneur Our range of Designer name tapes add a professional look to garments crafts or other hobby items

Many of us have loved ones relatives or friends who need specialist care in a Nursing or Residential Home In this busy environment clothes and personal items can easily get misplaced if they are not

named, otherwise this can become very stressful for the resident relatives and the Care Home itself

Our woven clothing name tapes are extremely robust and are sewn on to garments to ensure that they stand the rigorous washing processes necessary Self-adhesive labels are easily applied to name shoes and books and make marking treasured items effortless to most other non-fabric items

We have recently introduced several new items such as magnetic name tags and personalised hi-vis jackets along with updated gifts such as personalised mugs and mousemats Check out the ad on page 9 for our offer code

Visit www cashslabels com

Essential Insurance Covers For Your Care Home

often determined by best practice to ensure the resident or patient is as comfortable as they can be Unfortunately this means mistakes can creep in A single mistake can result in a negative impact on your patient whether that be from medical treatment or advice This can lead to a potential claim for medical malpractice

Medical malpractice cover is not only a legal requirement to anyone providing professional healthcare services but also offers peace of mind by covering the cost of any losses that arise from defending and settling a claim This means that during a claim, your business can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible

BUILDINGS AND CONTENTS INSURANCE

As a care home owner or manager you will offer a variety of services to meet the needs of your residents

Typically the care you provide is likely to vary with anything from basic care and accommodation through to respite end-of-life and specialist care for dementia patients

Providing the very best care for your residents will be at the heart of everything you do, but the care you deliver is not without risk and therefore having the right insurance in place is something that should be high on your list of priorities Not only does your insurance need to be tailored to protect the care services you provide but you also need to consider the regulatory bodies you adhere to protection for your staff as well as covering the premises and its contents

Here are some covers you must consider

LIABILITY COVER

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) states that all care and nursing homes require insurance, and without it they are unable to operate The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Public and Employers Liability cover Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own Public Liability Insurance will cover the cost of compensation to third parties in the event of death bodily injury or damage to their property which occurs because of your business activities for example if a resident’s family member slips on an upturned carpet

Unlike Public Liability Employers Liability cover is a legal requirement for anybody employing staff including volunteers It covers you financially for any compensation costs or legal fees that may occur because of company negligence Employers Liability Insurance will also cover you for employees that have long left your business and may only now bring a claim against you

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Your carers will be skilled in what they do and usually have several qualifications but their decisions are

Of course your business is home for your residents or patients Ensuring ample furniture is provided should be a necessity If they are accidentally damaged you may need to replace them The building itself is just as important If, for instance, the premises suffer a flood, how would the building hold? In extreme cases such as a fire or explosion a total rebuild may be necessary which would cost a considerable amount

Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing damage to the structure of your property and provided that accurate sums insured are declared it should cover the cost to rebuild the entire property Contents insurance covers the cost of replacing or repairing your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen It includes everything you would take with you if you moved premises for example your furniture kitchen appliances and computing equipment

ARE YOU AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE?

If a business is underinsured in any capacity it could leave them with a financial burden should a claim be made While large corporations may be able to recover from the financial losses incurred because of underinsurance small to medium sized businesses may feel the effects of the loss more keenly owing to their sometimes already tight profit margins

Underinsurance may happen for many reasons e g using out of date estimates of your building sums insured having inadequate or unrealistic indemnity periods or not reviewing your level of cover as your operating models change

The most effective way of overcoming the risk of underinsurance is by talking to an experienced and knowledgeable insurance broker

The friendly team at Barnes Commercial can review your policy and make sure you have the correct level of cover in place

Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker co uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

The social care and care home sector in the UK is an essential industry that provides care and support to some of the most vulnerable members of society Within this sector, uniforms and workwear play a vital role in maintaining a professional and hygienic environment In this article we will explore the importance of uniforms and workwear in the UK social care and care home sector highlighting appearance comfort design branding health and safety infection control contamination care, maintenance, and laundering

APPEARANCE

One of the primary functions of uniforms and workwear in the social care and care home sector is to ensure a professional appearance Care workers wearing a uniform can help to establish a sense of authority and professionalism which can be reassuring to patients and their families A uniform also helps to create a sense of unity and can help to build a strong team spirit

COMFORT

Care workers spend long hours on their feet and engage in a range of physical activities that require a high degree of mobility As such, it is essential that uniforms and workwear are comfortable and allow for ease of movement The materials used should be breathable lightweight and flexible ensuring that workers can move freely and remain comfortable throughout their shift

DESIGN AND BRANDING

The design and branding of uniforms and workwear play an important role in creating a sense of identity and promoting the values and ethos of a care home or social care provider Uniforms can feature the company logo name and colors creating a visual representation of the brand A well-designed uniform can help to establish a sense of pride and belonging among employees and can also help to create a positive impression on patients and visitors

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Uniforms and workwear must adhere to strict health and safety standards to ensure the safety of care workers and their patients Materials used in uniforms and workwear must be flame-resistant non-toxic and non-allergenic Clothing must also be designed to minimize the risk of injury, such as by incorporating reflective strips to enhance visibility in low light conditions

INFECTION CONTROL AND CONTAMINATION

Infection control and contamination are critical concerns in the social care and care home sector Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind with materials that are easy to clean and disinfect Clothing must be able to withstand frequent washing and must not shrink or lose its shape over time Uniforms and workwear must also be designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination with separate clothing for different areas of a care home or hospital, such as clean and dirty areas

RECOMMENDED LAUNDRY TEMPERATURES

The temperature at which uniforms and workwear are laundered is an essential factor in preventing the spread of infections and crosscontamination The recommended laundry temperature for healthcare uniforms and workwear is typically between 60-90 degrees Celsius Washing at these high temperatures can help to kill bacteria and viruses and prevent the spread of infections

PROFESSIONAL LAUNDRY SERVICES

To ensure compliance with legislation and maintain high standards of hygiene many care homes and social care providers opt to use professional laundry services These laundry services have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the laundering of healthcare uniforms and workwear Professional laundry services use specific deter-

gents and washing programs that are designed to kill bacteria and viruses

SEPARATING CLEAN AND DIRTY UNIFORMS

It is essential to separate clean and dirty uniforms to prevent crosscontamination Dirty uniforms and workwear should be placed in designated laundry bags or containers and clean uniforms should be stored separately Staff should be trained to handle soiled uniforms and workwear with care to avoid spreading any potential infections

PRE-TREATING STAINS

Pre-treating stains is an essential step in maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms Staff should treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in It is best to use a pre-treatment product that is safe and compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear Pre-treatment can help to remove stubborn stains and prevent them from becoming permanent

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DETERGENT

Choosing the right detergent is critical to maintaining clean and hygienic uniforms It is best to use a detergent that is effective at removing stains and bacteria and is safe for the environment Many detergents contain antibacterial agents that help to kill bacteria and viruses It is also essential to choose a detergent that is compatible with the type of fabric used in the uniform or workwear

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The UK social care and care home sector is subject to a range of legal requirements and recommendations related to uniforms and workwear The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including uniforms and workwear in healthcare settings Care homes and social care providers must also comply with infection control guidelines set out by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

In conclusion uniforms and workwear play a critical role in the UK social care and care home sector ensuring a professional appearance promoting comfort and mobility, and ensuring the safety of care workers and their patients Uniforms and workwear must be designed with infection control in mind and must be properly cared for and maintained to ensure cleanliness

UNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR WHEN QUALITY AND MAINTENANCE IS VITAL

CiCLO® Fabric Technology

An Innovative Way To Combat Plastic Waste

Did you know that over 60% of today s textiles are made from synthetic fibres which are not biodegradable? Almost all fabrics shed tiny microfibres during manufacture use and care When we wash these materials they shed millions of these plastic microfibres that pass through wastewater treatment and into the sea unless they are made with CiCLO® technology

CiCLO® is an invisible sustainable additive blended into the garment fabric at the manufacturing stage The non-toxic technology is permanently embedded, so will never wash out

It enables the synthetic plastic-based fibres to behave more like natural fibres such as wool but improves on natural fibres by biodegrading faster and helping to reduce the accumulation of plastic waster in landfill and plastic in our oceans

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this

Your One Stop Shop For Branded Uniforms

innovation CiCLO® technology

An exciting addition to the healthcare scrubs portfolio not only are these textiles eco-friendly and kinder to our planet but are also designed for style comfort and adaptability

The premium scrub collection offers six activewear-inspired styles that include scrub tops and bottoms zip jacket and a modern crew-neck base layer In addition to the sustainable element of the fabric the Forward collection also boasts 4-way stretch fabric, flexible side panels for added movement and modern ribbed trims on necklines waistbands and cuffs for enhanced optimum comfort and styling For practicality the scrubs are moisture-wicking include plenty of pockets and are also fade and wrinkle resistant www grahamegardner co uk

Info@grahamegardner co uk

0116 255 6326

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Concealed

High-quality 195gsm 65/35 polyester/cotton

• Generous sizing with action back

Front left and right chest pockets

• 2 lower pockets

Sizes: 8–30

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ACCESSIBLE BATHING

Introducing The New Pressalit Matrix Height And Sideways Ad justable Washbasin

In any accessible bathroom space is key and with Pressalit s new height and sideways adjustable MATRIX washbasin, creating space quickly and hygienically has just got easier

The world leading manufacturer and designer Pressalit has introduced the MATRIX washbasin bracket with a choice of integrated basin styles the MATRIX MEDIUM or MATRIX ANGLE DEEP featuring a new simple to use discreet adjustment for both height and sideways movement

The ultimate in functionality and hygiene the MATRIX washbasin makes the best use of space in the bathroom whilst accommodating the changing needs of both users and caregivers Supporting self-reliance space optimisation and a sense of security in the bathroom the new adjustable washbasin has been designed for use in a wide variety of installations from a private home care setting institution or a hospital

Whether for a seated or standing user or when a carer is assisting the new MATRIX washbasin offers a flexible solution and safe working environment offering the commitment to quality practicality and design that Pressalit makes its priority

The easy-to-move washbasin can be adjusted smoothly sideways to a range of 500mm to create greater access when using the shower or toilet for a wheelchair user and carer, by means of a discreet handle located underneath the basin Adjustment can be carried out safely with one hand and requires very little hand strength to operate

The vertical rise and fall allows for a variation of 300mm with options available for either a manual han-

dle or intuitive electric power button

The latter is recommended for a care or hospital setting where frequent adjustment is required, offering huge time saving benefits and improved working conditions for staff whilst the manual solution is suitable for a bathroom where there’s only one user or multiple users with the same needs

The MATRIX MEDIUM AND MATRIX DEEP ANGLE washbasins both feature integrated handles for additional user support

With both hygiene and aesthetics in mind the discreet MATRIX bracket s operating panel fits tightly against the wall and snugly against the washbasin, preventing dust and dirt from settling in hard-to-reach places All surfaces are large smooth and easy to wipe

Andrew Lowndes Sales Director for Pressalit in the UK says Some people need a lot of help in the bathroom others little or none

The new MATRIX basin bracket is a flexible solution taking into account the specific needs of the user at any given time By simple adjustment for height or to create space sideways for greater access to the shower or toilet for wheelchairs this helps create situations that boost self-reliance and help provide a greater degree of freedom ”

Pressalit has many years of experience and expertise in the field of designing accessible bathrooms The company will provide advice on everything from space optimisation to rules and guidelines for design and the choice of solution and installation creating the best conditions for the user and where needed a carer or health professional

https://pressalit com/en-uk/products/matrix-adjustable-washbasin-solution/

Reval - Leaders in Assisted Bathing

Reval have been manufacturing assisted bathing and showering products for more than 46 years Reval has a wide and varied range of high-end equipment uses and available and used extensively is all healthcare sectors Our range includes

Assisted bathing systems

Ceiling track and mobile hoists

Assisted showering appliances and wet room equipment

• Shower and sluice systems

Hydro-therapy pools and changing room

As a manufacturer, we can offer a direct service - delivering best value for our customers All services are delivered by our highly trained product specialists and tech-service teams Our aim is to deliver a seamless service based on careful planning process expert-

ise and our unravelled “Know How”

The truly unique thing about Reval is its business model To explain; unlike all other equipment providers in our sector Reval strategy is based on delivering quality products designed to be long-term-reliable which only require preventative maintenance annually

Our three year no-quibble warranty policy provides clients with peace of mind Reval and ensure your costs are minimised We are not interested in tying customers into expensive service contracts This is not our strategy! Our strategy means we can be leaner and more controlled thanks to Just – in – Time parts sourcing process making parts immediately available improving our service to our clients

Reval design and manufacture highly innovative products to improve lives outcomes, and working environments This approach to design-manufacturing enables care operators to limit their risks and optimise their services and patient outcomes Our team of fieldbased product specialists are highly trained and competent in all the disciplines required to conduct holistic product assessment technical building surveys and commercial aspects of product provision

Our strategy and emphasis are on undisrupted service over the lifetime of your appliance Reval s spare parts business is less than 10% of its total business proving further our company’s commitment to quality and reliability and we are constantly working to develop new ways to reduce our aftersales business because in doing so we pass on savings and service continuation to you over the lifetime of your product

Most of all; Reval is renowned for its innovation and its ability to design products that make a difference To improve your service and profitability or if you are looking for that products which truly makes a difference give us a call today there nothing to lose

+44 01656 721 001 | sales@revalcc com | www revalcc co uk

Adapting Cleaning and Infection Control Practices for the Residential and Social Care Setting

Legionella Risk Assessments

generally be flu-like and may dissipate without treatment The more serious illness can involve hospitalisation including ICU and even death Public Health England confirms there were 503 cases of Legionnaires' Disease in 2019 for England and Wales – an average of almost 10 cases a week (Latest available data)

and then a suitable water management scheme is put in place and followed This will include monitoring of outlets and water tanks and may include regular water sampling and disinfections The Legionella risk assessment needs to be carried out to BS8580 by a competent, i e trained person

The bacteria is ingested by human beings in the form of an aerosol and then infects the lungs the symptoms are similar to flu and also Covid 19 The mild illness is called Pontiac fever and will

The most common sources are from showers or other equipment such as cooling towers that produce an aerosol Stagnation is also a major factor in increasing the risk to mitigate this any low use/seldom used outlets should be run off weekly Temperature monitoring is also advisable both of these actions MUST be recorded

In summation: A current Legionella risk assessment and appropriate water hygiene management and monitoring scheme will prevent the bacteria proliferation within the systems and therefore significantly reduce the risk to Staff and public health Steve Dillon

(Advanced WMSoC Legionella Risk Assessor) Managing Director Stokefield Water Treatment Ltd

See the advert on this page for details

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Omnitex Hygiene Products

Omnitex represents all round protection and hygiene products Launched in 2015 it has quickly become a brand synonymous with high quality used everyday by thousands of individuals and healthcare facilities throughout the UK and Europe

All products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO13485 certified facilities Omnitex Body Cleansing wipes are a large size, which the ideal thickness for a comfortable cleaning experience Bulk pack of 80 wipes, with our unique enriching formula and microwaveable Microwaveable for a warm bed bath Lightly fragranced and with a honeycomb texture on Wipes facilitating better cleaning coverage absorbency and hygiene

Swiftclean Support for Care Homes

Running a care home

each

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce 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

and you are protected from any liability for negligence

Contact us now to book in your free care home assessment on 0800 243 471 or email info@swiftclean co uk www swiftclean co uk

Chiltern: Expert Water Ser vices, Tailored To Your Needs

Legionnaires disease is caused by Legionella Pneumophila bacteria This is found in nearly all water systems but is normally limited to low safe levels However, in domestic or man-made water systems, legionella bacterial levels can rise and become unsafe possibly causing infection to those exposed

Duty Holders of all commercial and public building premises are legally required to assess the risk from legionella to anyone using the water systems and put in place legionella control measures if required

At Chiltern Water & Environment, we offer legionella control services nationwide including:

A legionella risk assessment that can identify and assess the risk from each open water system

If significant risks are identified then we offer:

• A control scheme must be established to monitor the r sks remediate any issue identified and ensure the system is adequately maintained to prevent future risks

• A competent, responsible point person is nominated to ensure the above is carried out effectively

Some systems may require additional water sampling especially where susceptible people are present, there has been a history of legionella issues or the control scheme cannot be adequately maintained

For further information visit www chilternwater co uk or see the advert on the following pages

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Sustainable Products Inter view with High Green Development Trust

High Green Development Trust manages The Campus which is an inclusive community centre and business hub for people to go and meet others do business learn and participate in sports and other leisure activities

Recently the Trust came to Killis for help about their need to improve their sustainability

Both Lucy Whitehouse Killis Janitorial Sales Manager and Gail Sutton HGDT Campus Manager worked alongside each other to ensure that needs were met and that High Green were able to incorporate the sustainable products without any difficulties

Lucy caught up with Gail about the new products installed how they were getting on with them and how it’s helped contribute to their sustainability and environmental policy to reach their goals

Did the focus on sustainability following the government sustainability targets speed up the deployment of such solutions?

No it didn't I already had a plan that when I took over here and saw some of the products we were utilising It didn't fit in with my sustainability plan or the environmental pol cy we developed as a leadership team As such I wanted to progress as quickly as I could so the government sanctions

didn t come into it

Can you tell us why you chose these products over other less sustainable alternatives?

I have chosen the products two-fold One the relationship that predecessors had with Killis wasn t what I d call working in a business partnership which I want to develop Two I wanted to utilise Killis products in their portfolio that fit in with our environmental policy and what we want to achieve as a charity campus for the community

Why are these sustainable products impor tant to High Green Development Tr ust?

We are a charity working in the community on-site, we have respite centres, sense schools and nurseries We must lead by example to develop the environmental plan sustain our planet and do our part to play and support our local environment

What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products?

How has High Green benefitted from switching?

By moving over we have the confidence that the items we ve had are either from recyclable sources or recyclable or they don t damage the local environment

Did you have any reser vations about switching to all sustainable products?

Absolutely not Firstly it s about the environment and also it's about the space-saving of products particularly of the soaps How did these new sustainable products integrate with your cleaning team?

edencleen from Cleenol

Over the course of our history we at Cleenol have always produced products that offer a perfect balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an attention to reducing the environmental impact that our products may carry edencleen our latest brand reaffirms our commitment to our credentials for environmental guardianship and represents an evolution of what has been an integral part of our DNA Edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner safer world that touches not only the environmental aspects of sustainability but has as an aim a social ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of and for future generations As such with edencleen Cleenol looks to ensure transparency in our approach which may on occasion result in some counter intuitive elements

The range covers the essential needs to cover 80% of daily cleaning and include a washroom cleaner and toilet gel cleaner and urinal deodoriser an all-purpose surface sanitiser a degreaser and a washing up liquid a no rinse floor degreaser a window cleaner and a laundry detergent and fabric softener edencleen products have been developed around the following principles and ingredients

• RSPO certified palm oil derivatives

With over 30 years of experience, CWE can help you provide safe water systems for your care home, including:

• Water sampling

• Legionella compliance

• Asset inspection – tanks, calorifiers etc.

• Remedial works

• Swimming and spa pool testing

Tel: 01844 347678

Email: info@chilternwater.co.uk

www.chilternwater.co.uk

They ve really taken to them They were a little apprehensive at first, thinking particularly of the soap How can a small item deliver the cleanliness of what we need and the hygiene in our toilet environments they were amazed What's your favourite sustainable product that you buy from us?

I think my favourite has to be the soap It saves space cuts costs, the packaging it comes in and that s from a recyclable source and it s recyclable So it s a one-stop-shop It completes the circle

In addition to the soap being a favourite product I also have to add Zoono In a community campus environment, it's essential to have confidence in the products Zoono sanitises touchpoints and is available at hand sanitising stations It is user friendly and kind to hands while providing longlasting protection against germs

What would you say to other organisations considering using more sustainable alternatives?

Personally I think it s a no brainer It supports the environment and if as a business you have sustainability and environmental policies then decreasing the amount of chemicals that you use throughout the business is a winwin

If you would like any further information, a little guidance or advice on the best products to help reach your goals and how your organisation can benefit from more sustainably conscious cleaning products and alternatives please reach out to Lucy Whitehouse at lucy@killis co uk

Lastly, we would like to thank Gail at High Green Development Trust for taking the time to take part in our interview

See the advert on the facing page for full details about Killis

No animal derived products

Cruelty free

Minimal petrochemical derived products

No parabens formaldehyde, CMI/MIT triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners quaternary ammon um compounds

VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free

Recyclable / recycled packaging

100% bio-based surfactant - made by using bio-based ethylene oxide which is manufactured from biomass ethanol

Bioethanol, naturally der ved acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, low impact preservatives

Combining carefully formulated products with appropriate packaging, using recycled material or recyclable componentry, the range’s mostly colourless liquid and low fragrance usage are designed to convey a transparency and straightforwardness of our approach which will be a hallmark of all edencleen products and associated services

Careful use of enzymatic formulations and more traditional chemistry brings a portfolio of products that’s finely attuned to delivering effective cleaning which when used as instructed helps maintain a neutral environmental impact edencleen s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customers expectations See the advert below for further information

Re-booting Dementia Care DEMENTIA CARE

Orchard Care Homes has long been an advocate of quality innovative Dementia Care Lately it has set the bar even higher with the introduction of its group-wide Dementia Promise This sets out to provide equitable care for those living with the condition and level-up training for all staff – using evidencebased practices Hayden Knight CEO of Orchard Care Homes discusses the importance of pioneering change for those living with Dementia

The issue of dementia provision across the care sector has never been more prominent The number of those living with dementia in the UK is growing Sadly more people are arriving at our care homes with acute levels of dementia and increasingly complex needs – many having been referred from social settings who are unable to support them As a result of this trend and concerns from families seeking support for loved ones we have made it our mission to help and guide by setting the wheels in motion for genuine change to dementia support

Our Reconnect communities don t cater to mass needs – instead our activities and care plans are finely tuned to the personal requirements and interests of each person We believe in equitable care for all and those with Dementia should be no different By putting an element of positive risk in place we can fully support people with hobbies and tasks that keep them meaningfully occupied – be it gardening assisting with small tasks in the kitchen like washing up or visiting the local pub for lunch

Our Dementia Promise is not a token gesture – but a group-wide commitment to change With a background as a specialist having previously worked in expert Mental Health Provision my ethos for the group is to widen our offering to become the very best in our sector

Generally, the care sector is making a shift towards training staff in dementia support needs, but there is still a gap Orchard s strong team and capabilities aim to fill that We are currently implementing a ‘Step Up to Dementia Support Worker’ programme, which follows the success of our ‘Step Up to Seniors’ model With a shortage of carers coming to the sector with the required abilities needed, we have devised an intensive training model which will see a greater number of recruitment prospects for us and opportunities for our existing team to develop their chosen careers

For several years now we have recognised these growing needs

Over 55% of those arriving at an Orchard Care Home have some level of dementia support need – and this figure is on the rise Whilst we will always cater to the regional demographic of our homes we can t ignore these statistics Earlier this year our Dementia Promise was launched with both specialism and understanding in mind The initiative doesn’t merely pay lip service to progressing our dementia care offering It’s a huge investment for the group with over £500 000 spent annually on dedicated training programs and mentoring of our staff benefitting everyone from domestics to the CEO

We are also committed to investing in our clinical support team Again with a shortage of workers in this field coming to care we want to be able to offer the very best chances and to develop quality staff across our group By rewarding them for their skills and dedication both with an uplift in pay and options to advance their careers with Orchard we are hoping to further strengthen our support across the group For example we have just brought in two care and clinical practitioners to deliver face-to-face clinical training to up-skill staff and provide supervision and support with revalidation

When people arrive at care homes with complex needs it can be a very daunting experience

To address this and to provide a solution for local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) who have limited quality provisions to support people with higher levels of acuity, we have introduced specialist Reconnect Communities We now have five Reconnects amongst our 23-strong group, with more planned later this year With an expert care team, offering individualised support, we can be truly people focused

To further invest in our staff and create career progression models we have introduced a new Student Nurse Strategy Allowing new nurses to the sector to learn from our experienced staff will bring a huge benefit to our homes by allowing clinical placements to be fulfilled which will strengthen our team and the level of care available Student nurses working in conjunction with their university will gain valuable mentoring from our homelevel nurses who will also provide sign-off for coursework The outcomes of these partnerships will not only develop new nurses in the sector, but it’s hoped that they will encourage newly qualified nurses to join the Orchard team long-term

Continuing to challenge ourselves and others will only build on the momentum of our Dementia Promise

After a positive response from families and healthcare professionals, we feel confident that our work will make a significant impact both for our group and eventually the wider sector

Recognii Offers New Way To Entertain Residents With Later Stage Dementia

The first film created especially for people living with later-stage dementia is offering care homes an inexpensive and accessible new way to entertain residents

‘Treasure Box by Recognii is an hour-long series of uplifting plot-free and visually engaging short clips all set to some of the nation s best-known music songs and theme tunes

Each scene has been designed to capture short attention spans and specially adapted to overcome the common visual and cognitive processing problems associated with the condition

The company s founder Sarah Harrison says Treasure Box was designed to be an essential resource for dementia care providers providing safe engaging entertainment for communal relaxation areas or a flexible tool for more focused one-to-one or group activities

She explained “Treasure Box can be enjoyed as a complete film, but there are also deliberately slow transitions between each of the clips to allow for sensory readjustment and to give staff time to pause the film and reminisce or chat with residents about what they have just seen ”

Recognii contains the sort of content the company’s research showed had most universal appeal among sufferers from happy children appealing animals and gentle humour to musical interaction the natural world iconic people and places puppetry and lots more

Treasure Box is available on USB stick for use in Smart TVs and laptops and also in traditional DVD format They retail at £23 99 for the USB stick or £19 99 for the DVD

Dr Lucy Pollock gerontologist and author of bestselling The Book About Getting Older said This is just lovely Treasure Box is the sort of thing that can be watched over and over by people living with significant dementia In the same way that small children like replaying their favourites these images with music become very soothing with familiarity Even those with significant dementia can find repeated routines comforting

To accommodate the visual processing problems experienced by many people with advanced dementia the team took a deliberate approach to the way the content is filmed

Sarah explained: “To make everything as visible as possible we filmed against plain backgrounds, with high

colour and tonal contrast and predominant use of red and those primary colours research shows are most easily recognised We also took care not to feature unnecessary detail busy patterns shadows or reflective light sources ”

Each plot-free clip contrasts strongly from the last to draw wandering attention back to the screen and in keeping with the visual approach music and vocal arrangements are simple and dialogue is kept to a minimum

CASE STUDY:

Acacia Lodge Care Home in Oxfordshire is a purpose-built residence in the centre of picturesque Henley-On-Thames with 55 en-suite rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens

It is part of The Future Care Group a leading residential nursing and dementia care provider with 18 high-quality homes across the UK

Acacia Lodge lifestyle assistant Alex Owens purchased Recognii to use on their dementia floor after read ng about the innovation in The Daily Telegraph

Lifestyle lead Wendy Fricker said At Acacia Lodge quality of life is at the heart of everything we do and we are continually looking for new and varied ways to ensure each of our residents stays engaged happy and relaxed

“We were very impressed with the Recognii concept The short, simple clips helped a great deal, holding our residents attention and keep ng them watching eagerly for the next scene The content is very well thought out, and they loved the mix of singalongs, smiling children, animals and bright, colourful images Thirteen out of our 16 residents with dementia engaged and joined in with every sequence which was just amazing to see ”

Wendy now uses Recognii as part of a cinema-style’ experience handing out popcorn tea cakes and fizzy drinks for residents to enjoy while they settle down to watch with care staff She also uses t as a discussion and reminiscence tool with smaller groups or for focussed one-to-one activit es

Wendy said: Recogn i is a welcome addition to the stimulating and diverse programme of activities and events at Acacia Lodge We can t wait for the next volume and will be putting in our order asap!

More information and demos are available through the Recognii website at www recognii co uk

Focus Games - Game Based

Training for Ever y Situation

Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are:

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

4 Customizable learning experience

5 Collaborative learning

With over 20 years of experience we have developed games aimed at improving knowledge and outcomes and have won numerous awards for our innovative approach

Visit our website to learn about over 150 existing games or get in touch to discuss creating a unique game or simulation to meet your needs We also have a unique commercialisation model which means your game idea can also be a revenue generator Find out more at www focusgames com Or email melvin@focusgames com

Designing for Dementia: How to work with decorators to create supportive spaces

same colour as the walls so that they blend in, helping to avoid unauthorised access

• To highlight obstacles such as pillars, handrails and radiators, use brighter colours to make them stand out

• Outside of the realms of paint and colour, floors should avoid high sheens and patterns to prevent disorientating residents

Calming colours

As well as colour, the specific type of paint used should be a key consideration Care home managers should speak to their decorator to identify the types of paint that will be needed in different areas as products are optimised for varying purposes

Each year, the Alzheimer ’s Society holds Dementia Action Week – an awareness campaign that aims to highlight the indicators of dementia and the support available to all impacted by it This year, the campaign is running from 15th – 21st May, with a focus on raising awareness and encouraging people to get a diagnosis

Last year ’s Dementia Action Week resulted in a 43% rise in calls to its dementia support line during the week Campaigns like this are therefore vital to raise awareness of the symptoms of dementia and support available to those living with the condition and their families

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for larger and betterequipped care homes has increased 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 years ” For this reason, care home managers need to consider how to accommodate more residents and ensure premises are effectively designed to meet their needs

Perfecting the palette

Correct colour choice and location can aid independence and wayfinding for those living with dementia It is therefore crucial that care home managers work closely with decorators to ensure the right colours are chosen for the space

Dulux Trade, alongside the British Research Establishment, created the Dementia Friendly Colour Palette Following years of experience in design and medical research, it is recommended for use in spaces catering for those living with dementia The palette recommends the following:

• Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls, with only small hints of colour to help aid wayfinding

• Critical surfaces – including walls, floors and doors –should have contrast between them To make doors obvious against neutral walls, bold hues such as navies, sage greens and burgundies should be used

• More saturated colours such as yellows, muted purples, oranges and teals may be used on feature walls to add interest, such as in a living room, or walls that need to be highlighted to support residents with wayfinding, such as the kitchen serving areas or end of corridors

• Staff areas and supply cupboards should be painted in the

For example, Dulux Trade Scuffshield is a tough, waterbased matt emulsion containing ultimate scuff-resistant technology to protect walls against scuff marks made by shoes and bags This makes it ideal for high traffic areas such as corridors, stairwells and hallways It is also cleanable, with great stain resistance, keeping walls in top condition for longer

In addition, Dulux Trade Diamond Matt includes stainrepellent technology that is ideal for settings like dining areas that often need cleaning The Diamond Matt paint formula has been tested to ensure it can withstand up to 10,000 scrubs, meaning walls can withstand daily wear and tear and regular cleaning

On the other hand, Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt and Dual Active Matt contain additives that reduce populations of harmful bacteria – key for environments occupied by vulnerable people Dulux Trade Sterishield Diamond Matt is a quick drying, water-based coating with an in-film bactericide which reduces populations of MRSA and E coli Additionally, Dulux Trade Sterishield Dual Active contains in-film antimicrobial additive, which inhibits bacteria and viruses within the paint film, and thus reduces populations of MRSA, E coli, Coronaviruses and Human Herpesvirus Using both paints alongside appropriate cleaning practices helps to promote more hygienic, safer environments

On-site conduct and considerations

Care home managers should work closely with the decorating team to ensure works are completed in a timely manner – and cause minimal disruption to staff and residents For example, the care home staff should be aware of what areas are out of bounds and ensure residents are relocated to other areas of the premises It is also important to work with the decorating team to schedule deliveries and ensure staff and emergency services can access the site as needed

For more information on best practice when it comes to decorating care homes, please visit www duluxtradepaintexpert co uk/en/content/occd-hub

To help find the best decorator for your job, please visit: www duluxselectdecorators co uk or https://connectdirectory dulux co uk

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 w th two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems

A variety of options including Call button Pager

Floor sensor mat

W reless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR

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 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 www lctuk com for details

CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes

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 There are many environmental factors that can affect those sensitive to their surroundings particularly those suffering from dementia these can be fluctuations in ambient temperature light and of course noise Repetitive and high levels of noise can originate from a number of internal and external sources for example telephones ringing loud conversations in corridors and call bells sounding, often one of the

largest contributors to increasing the levels of stress and discomfort in residents

A published study by the University of Stirling stated that unanswered Nurse Call (Call Bell) alarms can be one of the most common causes of stress in dementia sufferers The University recommends fitting call alarms which alert nurses but do not resonate throughout the whole building Alarms can be particularly disconcerting as they may encourage the person with dementia to respond or investigate what the matter is At the very least the loss of sleep will compromise a person’s ability to concentrate It can affect their attention levels and capacity to cope as well as being detrimental to their overall state of wellbeing Personal paging systems are preferable to bells and buzzers 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 tranquil 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

Calmer residents ultimately means that staff are less stressed also this creates a happier workplace where morale is greatly improved, staff are retained and CQC ratings improve Clearly the positive ramifications of a quiet Care Home run deep Get in touch today to find out how we can help your home become a quieter calmer and more tranquil environment

For more information email us at: info@c-t co uk

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

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 have a range of nurse call systems at different sites and the NMS system integrates to them and allows us to compare response times between sites In addition the integration to Person Centred Software is revolutionary 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

Ssee the advert on the front cover for more details

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

Locàite.me - The Latest Personal SOS and Fall Alarm Solution from Càite Ltd

Locàite me is the latest personal SOS and fall alarm solution from Càite Ltd that helps you support care for and communicate easily with loved ones enabling them to live independently at home for longer

Designed at every stage with the wearer in mind the simplicity of Locàite me is one of its key strengths Simply press the large SOS button to make a two-way voice call to a family member or carer if help is needed Other alarms including the fall alarm are activated automatically You and others with whom you choose to share access receive smartphone notifications for all alarms and can instantly see whereabouts on the map along with recent movement history Then saved emergency contacts are dialled in turn until one answers

With the familiar appearance of a key fob for the wearer coupled with our exceptionally user-friendly app for carers

Medpage Falls Management Products

Medpage is a family ran company with a huge heart and resources gathered over our 38year trading history The majority of the technologies we design manufacture and distribute originate from enquiries received from healthcare professionals and personal family care observations Our product portfolio provides a wide variety of care solutions for epilepsy dementia senior care special needs and sensory loss

Our latest innovation currently in use in several Hospitals presents an effective fall monitoring detection and reporting solution The MPCSA11 is a complex software driven sensor monitor made to be user and operator friendly This device has already proven successful in hospital and care home trials

by reducing patient falls while also reducing false positives from a safe patient The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products

In use, a patient or resident rising from their bed would be considered a falls risk, but what if they are simply moving to sit in a chair close to their bed? A standard bed monitor would raise an alarm alerting care staff who would arrive to find the person safely seated The MPCSA11 would only generate an alarm if the person was out of their bed or chair for a selectable time duration Learn more www easylinkuk co uk/mpcsa11

See the advert on page 7 for details

as possible There’s no in-home installation required as the small battery powered Room Locàite beacons are simple to place in as many rooms as you need The Locàite me pendant records the nearest beacon and the app records and displays this on a handy 7 day chart Locàite me gives reassurance and peace of mind to families who support loved ones to live independently It costs £129 99 and the associated monthly SIM plan is just £14 99 which includes 100 minutes of SOS voice calls and 60 optional SMS messages each month It s a straightforward 1 month contract and you can cancel any time from within the app Our accessory Room Locàite beacons come in packs of 3 for £49 99 Visit www Locaite me for further details or to contact us and be sure to read our 5 star reviews on Trustpilot and Amazon to hear how Locàite me has helped so many other families

Frequency PrecisionSensors 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 Contact us or come and see us at the COTS on Stand 36

Phone: 01837 810590

Email: contact@frequencyprecision com

Website: www frequencyprecision com

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Don’t Get Lost On Your Digital Journey

The next 12 months is going to see big changes in the residential care sector With around 50% of homes still using a paper system to plan and record care The NHS Transformation Directorate have big ideas which whilst exciting are daunting to those without the proper tools to make these ideas a reality

So where to begin? Finding the right software provider might appear to be the ideal starting point Will the provider meet all your requirements within budget and customise the software to fit with your own processes? It’s only once you have made this decision that your journey will really begin

There is little information and guidance out there on how to implement a new system into a residential care setting where do you start?

As with any journey you need a route plan

At Ablyss, we know one size doesn’t fit all We understand there are requirements

unique to our customers and are committed to working together to provide the best service for them We understand that the care landscape is always changing and improving whether via new processes or new technologies We keep up to date with what our sector needs to ensure we are providing the best, and most cost effective service possible

Again let s ask: So where to begin? Now we know the answer Find a system provider who will share their experience and knowledge with you and get you to your final destination smoothly and safely

From implementing systems into homes for over 20 years, we not only know how to help plan your journey but we ll be there as your co-pilot too Every step of the way So jump on board and get ready to take off!

For further information on the Blyssful Cloud Care System, visit www ablyss co uk

Digital Social Care Appoints The Access Group to the Assured Supplier List Intended to Help Care Providers Meet 2024 Digitisation Target

Digital Social Care the membership organisation tasked by NHS England to create and manage a list of assured suppliers who can help care home providers roll out a digital social care record (DSCR) by 2024, has appointed The Access Group to its roster

The company s care management solution Access Care and Clinical (AC&C) has been assessed against NHS England’s criteria and accredited against their three key categories; core capabilities and standards; ongoing assurance to required standards; and local assurance

The list launched in April 2021 by the NHS Transformation Directorate, is intended to help providers navigate the supplier market and identify organisations and their digital social care record solutions that have already undergone comprehensive due diligence

In turn giving them peace of mind about the functionality and capability of the technology in achieving their digital goals and making it quicker and easier to make purchasing decisions

Providers have the ability to filter suppliers based on their specific needs to ensure they select the right care planning tools for them And with AC&C tried and trusted by over 500 care providers it s well placed to help care homes meet the government s ambition to digitise

records by next year

On the appointment Steve Sawyer Managing Director Access Health Support and Care said: Care home providers can feel like they are facing a daunting task, navigating the supplier landscape and determining which solutions are best for them and their staff The assured list is vital in streamlining this process, making it simpler, easier and more cost-effective for the individual provider to make decisions

“As a leading provider of care management solutions across the UK and one of the few assured suppliers on the list that offer solutions specifically tailored to residential care home providers, we’re delighted to be appointed and to have the opportunity to support care homes on their digital journey ”

Care providers can also benefit from central funding via their Integrated Care System to support their transition to digital health and care records if one of the assured suppliers is chosen from the list

Further details on The Access Group and AC&C are included on the supplier assured list and can be found at www theaccessgroup com

Creating Data-Led Legacy In Residential Care

The possibilities of improving the lives of people living in residential care are vast, but data is key to unlocking this, says Rachelle Mills, Director of Par tnerships & Innovation, KareInn (www kareinn com)

If it is the sector s mission to create better happier more dignified care for its residents then we need to make more impactful use of the data care homes are continually producing to drive innovation forward for better care outcomes

Picture the scene it s a familiar one At the end of their shift, the care assistant says goodnight to residents and quickly writes up the shift notes in key handover documents before going home In the night one resident becomes agitated and the night care assistant, who is new, struggles to calm them down and understand their needs The lever arch folder is stowed away in the admin office and whilst it s easy to see the last interaction digging further to find clues as to why or how this agitation may be happening is not feasible in the moment Whilst the night s events are captured in the handover notes the next morning from the paperwork point of view a pattern is not emerging The day begins again

Leaving a legacy is something many of us hope for – in work with loved ones or in history

In residential care the staff are a huge part of what sets one offering apart from another When those people move on they leave two kinds of legacy Often residents will feel loss at losing someone they have grown to trust and like so that role needs to be replaced by a person of the same standard to keep residents feeling equally safe and supported Secondly there is a legacy of collected information on individuals' preferences,

habits, experiences and medical needs

Half the care sector still operates using pen and paper and 30% of care homes are still hanging on to an entirely paper-based resident care record system It could be so much more useful if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of collecting information and the repurposing of it to improve care

TREATING RESIDENT RECORDS AS A LEGACY – THE GIFT TO FUTURE CARE

This legacy of information for just one team member could be years long and contain observations noted from caring for hundreds of people When residents leave care or pass away the capture of experiences of their emotional and physical needs doesn’t just have to be a record of the care they have received The information can be structured into data and then used for predicative analysis or insight – it s a gift for the future care of others and that s the legacy we must leave behind

Data is simply information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement or processing In the social care sector specifically the information is the input we are already gathering for our residents it might be MUST assessments accident and incident forms or how someone has slept all captured on paper forms during and at the end of the shift The problem with paper is it s hard to draw correlations and spot insights for one resident let alone across hundreds of thousands of people which is the volume needed for things like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to work

Once this information is in a more efficient form for processing we can use tools such as data analysis which deal with huge volumes of data to draw insights and yield learnings

PROCEEDING POSITIVELY AWAY FROM PAPER-BASED RECORDS

As part of its Better Care Fund (BCF) policy framework the Government has allocated £100m to accelerate digitisation in social care £50m to improve data as well as £35m for the creation of an innovation and improvement unit This investment is much needed because it encourages the move away from paper-based resident care record systems Regardless of whether it s a storeroom of lever arch files or a cloud sys-

tem of care records, care assistants and their residents are continuing to generate data and it could be so much more impactful data if the systems used were more fit for the purpose of caring We can t change the fact that the paper records of the last few generations of care home residents are mostly inaccessible to researchers and scientists but we can proceed positively and change the modern legacy of residential care

GIVING CARE HOMES THE VISIBILITY THEY NEED

If we recorded data effectively the scene of the care assistant we looked at earlier would be very different When they say goodnight to residents, they take out their phone and record into a dedicated app, noting that one client was agitated because she was missing her pet and that there’s a photo of him that helps her stay calm This information is there for the night shift team alongside a picture of the pet so that they can comfort the woman when she wakes up feeling upset

The care assistant also tells their colleagues that another resident has a reduced appetite, again adding the notes to their personal care record on the app This then becomes a measurable data point against all the other times that meals have been declined When you filter and sort this information a trend could emerge which will then help you action the appropriate care

Care homes and researchers alike get the visibility they need and residents receive better care It s much harder to spot a pattern if its spread over lots of separate sheets of paper but with the right platform in place it can aggregate the data providing actionable insight

ICS funding is available to support the wider adoption of digital social care records (DSCR) across England and to ensure data is recorded at the point of care and can be shared between care settings

The information that we are gathering right now for our residents for their families and for the regulator could be put to much better use Now is the time to create and capture better data and create a modern legacy that changes the future shape of residential care We can be the generation that does not miss the opportunity to better utilise information we can transform it and yield the benefits for the future

• Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

Pass Profile 2023 TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

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

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect The first product of its type to offer this feature PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration, and is the only one offering it to the home care market

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:

Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

The CAREAudits System

The CAREAudits compliance auditing tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland in numerous locations by all care service providers

Carers and managers are checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety to Medication Audits, Training and Maintenance as well as service

users quality and wellbeing

The system allows care providers to audit or check just about everything and manage all areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in its Web

Portal Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system Management see in real time exactly were best to focus their attention and resources and how they are meeting their compliance requirements

The system has over 150 easy to use example audits to select from which you can easily add to or edit your own audits in minutes ensuring simple instant updates of ever-changing requirements App care auditors can use CAREAudits with virtually no training it s that simple The Care

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

Auditor’s Hands Free Operation guides the user through each audit, each question and answer with its own help text standard answers and standard actions required ensuring that the least skilled operative becomes the care expert WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

Steven Tegart from Talbot Group likes reporting and says “I wish all my other systems were as easy to extract data for management reports as the CAREAudits Excel links Andrew Wood of Wood Care Group says “It is easy to use and our management team complete audits daily which and very customisable giving you the reporting and monitoring you require to ensure risk mitigation in our services

Customer support is excellent and we have never had any issues ”

Steve Smith regional manager at Care Homes UK says We were able to implement the system ourselves and are now benefitting from management having all the information we need at our fingertips in real time wherever we are”

CAREAudits apps are a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group

Users can download the app for a free trial and be up and running with the full system in minutes w: www careaudits co uk e: care@careaudits co uk t: 01482 238887

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

W&P Training

W&P Training supply comprehensive sets of CQC care policies and procedures that are personalised to your business Whether it s Residential Care Homes Domiciliary Homecare Nursing Homes Learning Disabilities or Supported Living – We cover it all

RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME POLICIES

Are Your Current Policies Up To Date?

There have been many recent changes to employment law vaccinations covid-19 guidance plus the CQC’s new strategy and regulatory approach W&P s team track these changes for you to ensure customers receive up to date CQC compliant documents

DOMILICIARY HOMECARE POLICIES

Over 130 comprehensive Domiciliary Care Policies and Procedures for Homecare / Domiciliary Based Services that are researched and written to meet all the CQC regulatory, legislative and good practice guidance within the Health and Social Care sector

ASH Healthcare Training

CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR NURSING HOMES

CQC compliance for new and established Nursing Homes

W&P’s clinical procedures include 70 comprehensive and up-to-date documents for your nursing home These clinical procedures complement our full set of Care Home Policies and Procedures

SUPORTED LIVING / LEARNING DISABILITIES POLICIES

Designed for Supported Living and Domiciliary providers that deliver CQC regulated activities to adults with Learning Disabilities and/ or Autism W&P’s Policies and Procedures for Supported Living Services will assist with your CQC compliance

Looking for Supported living Policies with NO Personal Care? Visit https://www wandptraining co uk/policies-andprocedures/non-registered-care-policies/ W&P s policy and compliance team are constantly scanning and reviewing all the statutory websites and regulatory publications to track the very latest developments in the Health & Social Care Sector

Policies and Procedures are updated every 4 months or immediately if there is a critical change to regulation good practice guidance case law outcomes or just feedback from customers

To find out more about what we offer go to www wandptraining co uk or see the advert on page 2

Ever ything You Need To Know About Mock CQC Inspections

When you redecorate your house you quickly get used to your new environment

Sometimes it takes a visit from a friend you haven t seen for 6 months to remind you that yes you spent a lot of time and effort finding the right curtains to match your sofa

was done today Your inspector will highlight what you re doing well so you can keep doing it and find opportunities where you could improve your service

At ASH Healthcare Training, we specialise in providing a wide range of healthcare training courses to meet the needs of your business Our courses are delivered using a variety of training techniques to make learning fun and informative All of our trainers are experienced highly qualified nurses and professionals with practical experience in their field With courses ranging from Manual Handling, EFAW to Verification of Expected Death, Venepuncture and Catheterisation training, our healthcare professional training is CPD approved and you will receive

accreditation upon completion CARE HOME ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER TRAINING

The only accredited CHAP training in the UK The Care Home Assistant Practitioner role is still relatively new but is growing in popularity amongst business owners and care staff For business owners it provides a skilled workforce able to support the nurses in Nursing Homes where recruitment of nurses is now a serious problem by supporting the nurses you enable them to do more 'nursing' and less of the paper based tasks that can take them away from providing the care your residents deserve 0844 800 9223 info@ashhct co uk www ashhealthcaretraining com

The same principle applies to mock CQC inspections When you live and breathe your business you simply don’t see it the same way as someone who’s just walked in the door

While it feels great to be complimented on your great taste 6 months after redecorating, it doesn’t feel so good if that same friend spots a stain on the rug that you’ve stopped noticing

Luckily we re not all rating each other on interior design What you are being rated on however is your care business Specifically how safe effective caring responsive and well-led it is IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OUTSTANDING

A mock CQC inspection is carried out by a current or former inspector They ll use the latest methodology and criteria to assess your business in line with CQC requirements – ie against those five quality statements

They gather evidence based on client experiences feedback from your team and other stakeholders, observation, paperwork and process reviews CQC inspectors play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe and setting high standards for care Naturally, that’s something they take very seriously But if you’re focused on managing your team and taking care of clients it can be hard to know whether you re ticking all the boxes that the CQC will look at That s why a mock inspection is a great way to benchmark your business and find out how you d be rated if the inspection

If you re aiming for Outstanding don t risk missing out when it s so quick and easy to arrange a mock CQC inspection and find out if you re on track

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET A LOW RATING

Your friend has spotted the stain – and what’s worse, it’s even bigger than you thought! Fear not We don t leave you high and dry after a mock CQC inspection We can match you with the person with exactly the right knowledge to deal with that particular stain

Most care providers don’t have the budget for a full-time quality team – and if they did they d probably spend it on more front-line carers – but with Kata Care Solutions you don t need one Think of us as your virtual quality team as and when you need us

Our care quality consultants will create a bespoke action plan to address any areas of concern and help you establish best practices long before your real inspector comes a-calling

If you’ve already had a disappointing inspection we can also work with you to turn things around as quickly as possible And don t worry, we’ll be helping you to establish a repeatable framework and navigate any complex paperwork or ambiguous wording so you feel completely confident that you’re on the right path in the future

So if you don t have any further questions all that’s left to do is book your mock CQC inspection and get your care business on the journey to Outstanding

Visit www katacare co uk to book

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels for Drug-Free Pain Relief

benefits of BIOFROST® Relief include lasting pain relief improved joint movements comfort during sleep fewer cramps calmed nerve pain reduced joint and muscle discomfort and faster post-activity recoveries

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Ser vices Taking the Guess Work out of Fire Doors

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

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

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

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are natural drugfree topical cold therapy gels for muscular and joint pain chronic arthritic pain post-activity muscle tension general aches and overuse disorders Easy to use and fast acting BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels relieve pain reduce inflammation and swelling without drugs and drug-related side-effects

BIOFROST® Gels:

BIOFROST® Rel ef Cold Gel for pain relieving cold therapy

BIOFROST® Active Dual-Action Cold Gel with Heat Sensation combining cold with natural heat effects to treat back pain

BIOFROST® Relief provides instant pain relief and activates body s own healing through an optimal combination of natural ingredients including ethanol menthol eucalyptus, peppermint and MSM Reported

BIOFROST® Active is a dual-action fast-acting cold gel with heat sensation for effective relief of muscular and joint pain Containing 10 natural herbal extracts (i e Arnica Burdock Roman Chamomile Garlic Watercress Ivy White Nettle Pine Rosemary Menthol) BIOFROST® Active relieves chronic pain releases muscular tension loosens stiff joints and effectively treats back pain Benefits of BIOFROST® Active include easier joint movements effective pain relief in treated areas discomfort-free sleep fewer cramps and reduced post-activity muscular and joint fatigue

BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are usable standalone or alongside other pain relieving therapies (i e medication physiotherapy etc ) BIOFROST® Cold Therapy Gels are suitable for people of any age, including elderly and disabled people living independently or in nursing care

See the advert on page 3 and the front cover

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd

environment

We offer a full survey service with designs drawings, location plans, manufacture and delivery or installation of door signs, lift directories, as well as directional and wayfinding signage

Kodak

New Vision Signs and Graphics Ltd are a leading supplier of innovative dementia-friendly signage and visual tools that are especially suited for use in hospitals and care homes

Our Dementia-friendly signage is available in different styles and colours and we take great pride in working closely with clients to create bespoke solutions that are suitable for their particular healthcare

and

Anglia Crown - Popular Dishes for Ever yone

Anglia Crown offer a wide range of hot and cold desserts that are ideal for a wellbalanced, nutritional diet including choices that do not contain gluten Our Crown Choice and Advantage ranges include some fifty-eight dishes, including our new warming Ginger Chocolate Chip Sponge and delicious, comforting custard that goes with almost any hot dessert

Our Crown Choice cold dessert includes the perennial favourites such as Chocolate Cake whilst our Crown Advantage range also offer reduced sugar desserts All individual Crown Advantage desserts come in packs of eighteen whilst the Crown Choice desserts come in packs of 3 and 6 allowing accurate portioning and cutting down on any potential waste

Many of the Anglia Crown dishes can be teamed up with fresh fruit allowing for additional choice Items such as our Carrot Cake or Vanilla Cheesecake can be accom-

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the

Raising the Standard of

The Stair Climbing Company is one of the leading providers of powered Stair Climber solutions which have been specifically designed to assist those struggling with mobility and independence issues facing people with disabilities

The Stair Climbing Company offers an excellent range of compact easy to use powered Stair Climbers that are ideal for use in both home and commercial settings Offering innovative designs all of the company’s Stair Climbers can be separated into two pieces for safe storage and are easily transported and charged In addition all of its Stair Climber’s come with a two year manufacturer s warranty

The Stair Climbing Company maintains one main

See the advert on page 13

Stair Climbing Solutions

mission; to improve quality of life through its range of high-quality and custom devices with built-in seats

The safety and comfort of its customers is of the utmost importance to the company and it ensures that each wheelchair carrier model is designed to cater to individual customers’ specific needs and works with all stair types Furthermore the company provides Stair Climbers for all ages making them suitable for everyone and offers a free assessment for customers

If you would like to find out any more information please see the details below: T 01787 379160

www thestairclimbingcompany com

See the advert on page 13

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

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 business 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

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 businesses have enough work

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 the front cover

panied by whipped cream garnished with seasonal fresh fruit

Our hot desserts are high in energy, our hot portions of 170kcal and above provide energy and protein dense options and when served with custard provide over 250 kcal per serving Our cold desserts of 250 kcal and above also meet the energy guidelines in the British Dietetic Association (BDA)

Nutrition and Hydration Digest (2017) requirements

VEGAN SUITABLE CHOICES

At Anglia Crown we pride ourselves with the array of vegetarian and gluten free dishes that we offer including an impressive range of desserts This was recognised with us being named at the Vegetarian Wholesaler of the Year 2022 at the VfL Awards for Excellence in Veg n Care Catering

All the Anglia Crown hot desserts are suitable for vegetarians Most of the Anglia Crown vegan products have been registered with the Vegan Society including some thirteen of the dessert dishes ”

Anglia Crown are here to help take the strain out of your menus throughout the year Visit www angliacrown co uk for further details or see the advert on page 9

Making the Most of the International Recruitment Fund

Care providers need to act quickly to secure their share of the £50 million International Recruitment Fund which is only available across England until 2024 This fund has been created by the Government to help ease the costs of hiring from overseas and cut unnecessary red tape and whilst it might seem like a short-term solution to the longstanding issue of crippling staff shortages, care providers should seek to understand exactly what it covers to maximise the opportunity 88 per cent of home care operators and 87 per cent of care home providers have reported recruitment challenges

These challenges have been caused by a multitude of factors including the end of free movement following Brexit the lasting effects of the global pandemic, poor long-term planning from the Government and the cost-of-living crisis are piling pressure on the sector As a result, existing staff are having to take on more internal responsibilities as the scope of their role stretches potentially placing those who need care at risk The Health and Social Care Committee predicts that if staff shortage trend continues 500 000 jobs will need to be filled by 2030

The International Recruitment Fund plans to alleviate these pressures and can be used for administrative costs that will help facilitate a person’s move to the UK, including support with sponsorship licences and

worker visa applications In addition it can also be used to help with the logistics of settling the employee in a new country including finding them affordable housing helping to pay for a UK driving licence DBS check or National Insurance number

The funding will be granted by local authorities who in collaboration with care partnerships will distribute it to care providers in their areas Care providers should therefore proactively reach out to Local Authorities to ensure that they will be considered for funding, as while a £50 million sounds plentiful with thousands of care providers across the UK competing over the same pot it ultimately may not stretch too far The first round of funding has already been allocated across regions with the South East and North West assigned £2 5 million and £2 million respectively

The Fund itself is not unlimited and the government is yet to announce further measure beyond 2023 if at all This means it is vital to for care provider to understand the the financial support available to them to increase the chance of being successful Care providers should consider seeking professional immigration advice to help their international recruitment drive to ensure that the legal immigration requirements are met first time to avoid costly mistakes

The International Recruitment Fund is intended to give the sector a boost by cutting bureaucracy and unnecessary complexity within the process The biggest hope however is that it attracts the talent that the sector so desperately needs by making the positions more appealing if employers can help with settling an employee once they have relocated While the Fund will certainly go some way to support the sector in the short term more needs to be done to ensure there is a long-term strategy that will lift the burden from the sector and help to end the shortage

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 health-care 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

the healthcare sector is invaluable We can provide end to endsolutions for nurses and clients across the country due to our many offices across the country (Liverpool Sheffield Burton on Trent and our head office on the Wirral) We have our own in-house training facility and are leading the way in OSCE preparation with innovative and proven strategies which result in first time passes This allows us to now offer a complete service ensuring all the requirements needed to join the UK NM register are met as quickly and effectively as possible

Whether you require 1 or 100 nurses we will ensure that they meet all your requirements and are ready to interview as soon as you need them with emphasis being on the quality and relevant experience of the nurses Our online courses are consistently being updated to reflect the changes made to the OSCE practices To ensure all our clients, have access to the most suitable candidates we work with reputable recruitment partners around the globe With the advanced systems we have in place we can track each individual nurse every step of the way providing all our clients with regular updates on the nurse’s progress We monitor and check in with all our candidates every step of the way making sure they have been given excellent training and support throughout their journey This allows us to ensure that we can provide you with a candidate that will pass their OSCE journey first time

SERVICES

WE PROVIDE

We will help arrange your sponsorship license

We will source the best candidates

We will fully screen each candidate

We arrange accommodation

What to Consider When

When considering whether to buy a care home business while you will no doubt have taken account of apparent profitability and potential, it is vital that you establish as far as possible likely costs (e g legal fees due diligence costs, post completion costs (tax, investment)) during and after the buying process as well as having a realistic idea of the timescales involved

INVESTMENT

It may sound obvious but you must always check the numbers carefully Has the bottom line been enhanced by underinvestment? This will go hand in hand with the due diligence exercise but what will the business require going forward whether it be property repairs/renovation (whether in terms of practicalities or statutory requirements) or investment in staff and facilities? You need to establish what needs to be spent after completion of the purchase in order to sustain and/or enhance profitability

This will no doubt form part of your business plan which, where funding is being obtained, your lender will want to look at

FINANCE

If you need to obtain finance for your deal consider the additional steps and costs that will be involved

An investor or lender will likely have specific requirements in terms of structure (creation and/or involvement of group companies) documentation (occupational leases) and/or due diligence (additional searches/checks) that may affect timing and expense

ASSET/SHARE PURCHASE

In most cases, a care home will be owned and operated by a limited company rather than an individual

Therefore usually one of the initial critical decisions to be made is whether to proceed by way of an asset or share purchase Advice should be sought on a case-by-case basis as there are a number of things to consider in terms of for example tax or financial implications Essentially with an asset purchase you are buying those “items” (e g the property the employees etc) which you consider to be vital to the continued running of the business With a share purchase you take on all assets and liabilities of the owning company

a Care Home Business

DUE DILIGENCE

While the documents dealing with the specific transaction are important, these will be negotiated in line with the due diligence exercise This process like other aspects takes time and costs money Where possible obtain an indication as to costs up front

Existing and potential future liabilities need to be considered whether in terms of property repairs tax considerations disputes etc

If development of the property is required (e g to extend the property) you must obtain advice from a planning perspective and your solicitor needs to advice on any title issues that may affect any intended development and/or the required use of the property (e g and covenants or restrictions affecting the property)

If the property interest you are taking or inheriting is leasehold, your solicitor will need to advise on any consents that may be required (in terms of the transaction (so that the lease may be transferred to you or the lease contains “change of control” restrictions) or your future plans (e g consent to carry out alterations) and any obligations and/or restrictions in the lease that may affect your plans Is the length of the lease sufficient? Do you have rights to renew the lease at the end of the term? Are you inheriting costly repair obligations?

PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCE

The Eden Alternative - What Is It?

The Eden Alternative is a modern ‘philosophy of care designed to enhance the wellbeing of residents and staff in care settings the quality of their lived experience and their fulfilment

It aims to build a truly positive culture; underpinned by close partnership working between residents the team and family members

How does it work? It provides training to Care Homes, management and staff and encourages Homes to train their own in house trainers to run the training Eden has been running in over 20 countries on 5 continents for nearly 30 years and started in the USA It began operating in the UK in 2005 Eden UK runs both face-to-face training and online courses which both lead to the accreditation of candidates as Certified Eden Associates of which there are over

Phoenix Learning and Care Set For Future Growth Following £20m Bespoke

Loan from OakNorth Bank

2 000 in the UK and 20 000 worldwide

The Certified Eden Associate Courses online course run over 7 weeks x 1hr each week using the same material as the 3-day Eden Associate courses and comprise 5 elements (online training with Eden trainers digital workbooks video clips assessment of learning and development of a project to develop implementing innovative ideas) Courses run continuously and a new one starts at the beginning of each alternate month e g March May July etc

For Homes or Services that choose to become an Eden Accredited Home annual validations of how Eden features with the life of the Home/Service are undertaken In recognition of the progress achieved by the care provision an award of Platinum Gold Silver or Bronze can be achieved Eden UK is based at 11 Plantation Terrace, Dawlish Devon EX7 9DS and can be contacted on 01626 868192 or 07483359472

The key advantages to the Eden approach are:

It improves occupancy

It improves recruitment and retention

It improves team and resident wellbeing Geoffrey Cox LLb MSc

OakNorth Bank, the digital bank for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs, has provided a £20m loan to Phoenix Learning and Care, a leading provider of specialist education and residential care for children and young adults with a range of additional needs

Established in 2006 and now employing over 500 people, Phoenix Learning and Care Group operates 41 sites including residential children s homes specialist education schools & colleges and ongoing adult care (in the form of residential homes and supported living settings) across the South of England and Wales Its mission is to meet every individual’s social and educational needs enabling young people to flourish by always putting them at the centre of its thinking and practice Regulated by Ofsted CIW Estyn and CQC the Group supports children and young adults cope with their life experiences providing them with the skills to be effective productive and valued members of society The business is also backed by Ashridge Capital who specialise in partnering with ambitious management teams and providing private equity capital Founded in 2009 by David Sherratt Ashridge Capital has a proven track record in helping build successful and market leading businesses

The £20m loan from OakNorth Bank will be used to support Phoenix Learning and Care Group s acquisition of new residential care and education sites as well as refinancing existing debt Situated throughout the South West of England, South Wales and having recently increased its presence in Berkshire

recent new sites include the Grange, Neptune and Ty Monmouth Schools located in Thatcham Bristol and Newport respectively

François Delbaere CFO of Phoenix Learning and Care Group commented: “Every member of the team at Phoenix is passionate about improving the quality of life and outcomes for the people we support From our headquarters in the South West of England we continue to grow across the South of England and Wales, this bespoke funding from OakNorth will help further accelerate our growth This was our first time working with OakNorth Bank and we found their approach dynamic and entrepreneurial throughout the entire lending process It was great to see Stewart and his team take time to really get to know our business and its key drivers – an approach we haven t seen from other lenders we’ve worked with previously ” Stewart Haworth Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth Bank added “Following the launch of Phoenix Learning and Care 17 years ago it has built up such a positive reputation across the South of England and Wales The level of experience that the business has to offer coupled with its hugely talented team puts it in the perfect position to capitalise on the growing demand for specialist education and care services With over 260 children and young adults benefiting from Phoenix’s services we re delighted to have been able to support such a wellrenowned and established provider of specialist education and residential care and we look forward to watching their growth story going forward

For further information on Oaknorth Band see the advert on the facing page

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