June 2015 no.228 • £4.75 By Dominic Musgrave TIME is running out for you to book your place at the next two Caring UK annual regional conferences. This year’s events have the title Shaping The Future of Care, and the next two will be held in the Bristol Pavilion at the County Ground, Bristol and the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay on July 1 and 2 respectively respectively. Speakers confirmed for the Bristol event, which is being sponsored by Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day, include Nadra Ahmed OBE, chairman of the National Care Association. Medicines Management and Dysphasia is the title of Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’ Roger Hindle’s presentation, with James Sage, associate solicitor and head of social care at Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day rounding off the session with a look at Employment Law Essentials for Care Providers. After a break to view the extensive exhibition, which will showcase all the latest products and technology for your care home, CQC inspection manager Sue Burn will give An Update from the Inspectorate. This will be followed by Colin Sutherland from Wings of Freedom and Neil Hagreaves from apetito Limited. Following a break for lunch the final two presentations will be provided by John Kennedy, director of care services at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation called Care Home Inquiry and a representative from Skills for Care to be confirmed will also talk about ‘Supporting the Dementia Workforce’. At Torquay the following day, the only changes to the line-up of speakers will see Claire Martin deliver Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’ presentation instead of Roger. Matthew Mitten, director of Enrolsme, will also deliver a presentation entitled Pensions – ‘Automatic enrolment needs simplifying’. Tony Barry will chair the events. Group production editor Dominic Musgrave added: “I am sure these conferences will be as successful as our first one of the year we held at Wetherby Racecourse, and would urge any care home operators in these areas to attend to listen to these distinguished speakers.” ■ To find out more and to book your place at these must-attend events turn to pages 21 and 22. Last chance to book for conferences International opera star Lesley Garrett will be the special guest at a glittering gala dinner for dementia charity Lost Chord at South Yorkshire’s historic Wentworth Woodhouse. The celebrated Doncaster diva is a patron of the charity that provides vital interactive musical experiences for people living with dementia across the region and nationally. The September 26 event will include a drinks reception accompanied by Ampleforth Piped Band, a tour of the house’s famous state rooms and a four course meal with wine, as well as entertainment throughout the meal from Lost Chord’s professional musicians. And the highlight of the evening will be Lesley’s performance of some of the opera world’s greatest arias. incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector Residents get better connected with iPads RESIDENTS at a Glasgow care home are getting more technology to help them to be better ‘connected’. Glasgow credit union has donated two new Apple iPads to the residents at Darnley Court to help them to stay in touch with friends and family members who live further away. The home has a strong commitment to helping residents stay digitally active and has a range of tablets available alongside a 24/7 wifi connection. Home manager Tracy Barker believes the extra iPads are a great way to boost the technology available to residents in the home. She said: “We were pleased to receive the two new ipads – it was a really kind and thoughtful gesture from the GCU and residents will make the most of them. “Helping residents to learn digital skills means they can have better contact with relatives and friends who might not live in the area or even the country.”
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June 2015
no.228 • £4.75
By Dominic Musgrave
TIME is running out for you to bookyour place at the next two CaringUK annual regional conferences.
This year’s events have the titleShaping The Future of Care, and thenext two will be held in the BristolPavilion at the County Ground,Bristol and the Riviera InternationalConference Centre, Torquay on July1 and 2 respectively respectively.
Speakers confirmed for the Bristolevent, which is being sponsored byQuality Solicitors Burroughs Day,include Nadra Ahmed OBE,chairman of the National CareAssociation.
Medicines Management andDysphasia is the title of RosemontPharmaceuticals’ Roger Hindle’spresentation, with James Sage,associate solicitor and head ofsocial care at Quality SolicitorsBurroughs Day rounding off thesession with a look at EmploymentLaw Essentials for Care Providers.
After a break to view the extensiveexhibition, which will showcase allthe latest products and technologyfor your care home, CQC inspectionmanager Sue Burn will give AnUpdate from the Inspectorate.
This will be followed by Colin
Sutherland from Wings of Freedomand Neil Hagreaves from apetitoLimited.
Following a break for lunch thefinal two presentations will beprovided by John Kennedy, directorof care services at the JosephRowntree Foundation called CareHome Inquiry and a representativefrom Skills for Care to be confirmedwill also talk about ‘Supporting theDementia Workforce’.
At Torquay the following day, theonly changes to the line-up ofspeakers will see Claire Martindeliver Rosemont Pharmaceuticals’presentation instead of Roger.
Matthew Mitten, director ofEnrolsme, will also deliver apresentation entitled Pensions –‘Automatic enrolment needssimplifying’.
Tony Barry will chair the events.Group production editor Dominic
Musgrave added: “I am sure theseconferences will be as successful asour first one of the year we held atWetherby Racecourse, and wouldurge any care home operators inthese areas to attend to listen tothese distinguished speakers.”� To find out more and to bookyour place at these must-attendevents turn to pages 21 and 22.
Last chanceto book forconferences
International opera star Lesley Garrett will be thespecial guest at a glittering gala dinner for dementiacharity Lost Chord at South Yorkshire’s historicWentworth Woodhouse. The celebrated Doncaster divais a patron of the charity that provides vital interactivemusical experiences for people living with dementiaacross the region and nationally. The September 26event will include a drinks reception accompanied byAmpleforth Piped Band, a tour of the house’s famousstate rooms and a four course meal with wine, as wellas entertainment throughout the meal from LostChord’s professional musicians. And the highlight of theevening will be Lesley’s performance of some of theopera world’s greatest arias.
incorporating
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Residentsget betterconnectedwith iPadsRESIDENTS at a Glasgowcare home are gettingmore technology to helpthem to be better‘connected’.
Glasgow credit union hasdonated two new AppleiPads to the residents atDarnley Court to helpthem to stay in touch withfriends and familymembers who live furtheraway.
The home has a strongcommitment to helpingresidents stay digitallyactive and has a range oftablets available alongsidea 24/7 wifi connection.
Home manager TracyBarker believes the extraiPads are a great way toboost the technologyavailable to residents inthe home.
She said: “We werepleased to receive the twonew ipads – it was a reallykind and thoughtfulgesture from the GCU andresidents will make themost of them.
“Helping residents tolearn digital skills meansthey can have bettercontact with relatives andfriends who might not livein the area or even thecountry.”
3CARINGNEWS
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Care home provides treatsfor school’s breakfast clubBy Dominic Musgrave
PERRY Wood Primary School inWorcester received a boost from itsneighbours at Perry Manor care home, inthe form of a £1,000 donation towardsthe school’s breakfast club.
Pupils of all ages who attend the break-fast club were given the opportunity tovote on exactly what equipment thefunds from Perry Manor could be used topurchase and they decided on eightstate-of-the-art tablets.
The Perry Wood Primary School’s break-fast club, which operates from 8am tillschool starts every day, has been hailedin the House of Commons as a great ini-tiative which has helped unemployedparents get back into work. It has alsobeen acclaimed for drastically increasingpupils’ attendance – from 90 per cent twoyears ago, to 96 per cent in 2014, as wellas improving general behaviour.
Home manager Mike Dearn said: “Theteam at Perry Manor is keen to forge linkswith the local community and to get toknow our neighbours. We already have afantastic relationship with Perry WoodPrimary School – the children have visit-ed us in the past – and we wanted tobuild on this by lending a helping hand
with the breakfast club.“The club has already proven to be a
great initiative for the local communityand the school children also seem to loveattending every morning. I’m thrilled we
have been able to give the club a boostwith our donation. I plan to continue towork with the school on future projectssuch as the breakfast club and offer sup-port where we can.”
Perry Manor home manager Mike Dearn with customer relations manager Ben Walker, PerryWood Primary School head teacher Tracy Kelly-Freer and pupils who attend the school’s break-fast club.
CARINGNEWS4
By Dominic Musgrave
THE Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Societytook home the Green Award at thesixth annual Toast of Surrey BusinessAwards following efforts to cut itscarbon footprint and operate in amore environmentally friendly way.
The Awards, run by the SurreyAdvertiser and first held in 2009,bring together business leaders fromacross the county for a night ofcelebration and recognition.
In a competitive and new categoryfor this year, Royal Alfred wassuccessful in winning the GreenAward, which was sponsored by theWWF-UK. In judging this award, themain criteria included seeking outbusinesses which have reallychallenged themselves to operatemore sustainably and to managetheir environmental impacts.
Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society chiefexecutive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, said: “We are well on our wayto becoming a self-sufficient home.
“Not only are we providing energyto the home, powered on site, we’realso doing our bit to reduce ourcarbon footprint. There is so muchwe can do with the money we’re
saving, meaning we can continue toprovide the best care possible for ourresidents.
“We are overjoyed at the award winas it recognises the efforts of theentire team. We’re hoping to continueour green initiatives, following thecurrent refurbishment project takingplace at the home. We hope otherscan take ‘a leaf out of our book’ so tospeak, and do their part to cut theirown carbon footprint.”
The home’s campaign to work in agreener way includes its recentlyinstalled pellet-fired biomass boilerwhich has resulted in the home beingless reliant on gas, reducing usage tounder 20 per cent of previous levels.Solar panels installed in 2012 havesaved the home 15 per cent onelectricity bills to date.
A new 135-metre borehole providesthe home’s water supply withestimated savings of up to £8,000 ayear. The money saved from thesevarious initiative goes back into thehome, funding further projects,refurbishments and extensions forthe residents to enjoy.
The home also now has a compostbin on site, installed during a recentgarden revamp by local volunteers.
Charity takes homeaward for reducingits carbon footprint
Royal Alfred representatives Anne Kasey, Brian Boxall-Hunt and Karen Goddard receivethe award from Lucy Potashnick, environmental manager at WWF-UK.
CARINGNEWS6
CAREMARK’S head office staff worefunny hats in support of the group’sJOGLE cycle team who will be ridingthe 1,000-mile John O’Groats toLand’s End challenge in aid ofAlzheimer’s and dementia relatedillnesses.
Staff members started their fundraising effort for their JOGLE cycleteam with the promise to wear afunny hat for the day and donatesome money to the team’s Just Givingpage. Donations have already startedto come in from other supporters andthe team aim to raise £100,000 for theAlzheimer’s Society.
Caremark has a team of eight riderscurrently in training, preparing for
the major challenge early inSeptember. Riding with them will bethe two professional cyclists who arecurrently training them. A key factorin this training is ensuring the teamare both mentally prepared andphysically fit to complete thismarathon.
Two of the riders, professionalcyclists, will be riding with theCaremark team throughout thechallenge to maintain pace,motivation and monitorperformance, with a support vehiclecarrying essential bike parts, first aidkits, refreshments and other essentialsupport equipment following theteam.
It’s a ‘mad hat’ day atprovider’s head office
Caremark staff don funny hats in support of the group’s JOGLE cycle team.
By Dominic Musgrave
WHEN former door steward SimonAlgar swapped security for supportwork, little did he think he’d belanding his company’s top award.
Simon, 29, joined the Cheltenhamteam with Stroud-based homecareprovider DoCare two years ago andhas been named support worker ofthe year at the company’s annualceremony.
His colleague Rachel Ritchings, 28,joined DoCare’s Cirencester team in2014 and was named care newcomerof the year.
Simon said: “I’d been working insecurity but didn’t want to go back tothat, partly because of the unsociablehours. A friend of mine suggestedhomecare, so I thought I’d give it a go.
“I didn’t know whether it would befor me or not, but I really love goingout and meeting people, and hearingthe clients’ stories.
“One of them who sadly passedaway recently was a Liverpool fan,and I support Manchester United, sowe used to chat about football and I’dplay football with his grandchildren.
“It didn’t seem strange for me, as aman, to be doing this role – Icompare it to having male nurses –and the clients seem to have beenhappy with me. Even when I’vevisited one or two who have said they
prefer women support workers,they’ve turned out to like me.”
Rachel, from Kemble, switched tocare from a career as a beautytherapist.
She said: “I wish I had done it yearsago. I love DoCare and I love beingable to make a difference. We seesome quite poorly people, and to seetheir faces light up when we visit is ajoy.”
Change of career landsawards for caring duo
Simon Algar and Rachel Ritchings withtheir awards.
CARINGNEWS8
Fundraisers smash theircharity challenge goalSOME swam, some ran, some sangand others walked miles – but thehard work paid off for staff andresidents of a retirement village whohave raised more than £11,000 for aleading dementia charity.
Fundraisers at Middleton HallRetirement Village, near Darlington,took on a range of challengesthroughout the year as part of theirdetermination to raise £10,000 for theAlzheimer’s Society.
They were delighted to see all theirefforts were worthwhile after raising atotal of £11,420.20 for the charity.
Jeremy Walford, managing directorof the retirement village, started thefundraising efforts back in early 2014by competing in his first LondonMarathon and led others to take upfitness challenges of their own.
Swimming, walking, running, givingup smoking, losing weight were allchallenges achieved by individuals.Residents and staff organisedconcerts, fun days, photographyexhibitions, coffee mornings andmany took part in the TeessideMemory Walk in September.
Middleton Hall’s ‘Knatty Knitters’were also kept busy knitting a wealthof items to raise money. They evenknitted the grand total raised, withresidents and staff handing thecheque over to the charity during a
presentation at the award-winningretirement village.
Jeremy said: “We believed it wastime we raised awareness of thecritical importance of the work of theAlzheimer’s Society as well as raisemoney.
“We felt it was relevant to MiddletonHall and everyone connected with us.It was a cause close to the hearts ofboth residents and staff and they’veshown that by working so hard toexceed our target.”
A large proportion of the moneyraised will be spent on local projects.
One is ‘Singing for the Brain’ led byJenny Leeming, local dementiasupport worker.
Through Middleton Hall’sfundraising this popular localcommunity project will now continuein 2015.
Jeremy added: “We’re delighted thatour fundraising efforts will not onlybe used for continuing the pioneeringresearch undertaken by theAlzheimer’s Society but will also beused locally to fund this communityinitiative that people derive so muchbenefit and enjoyment from.”
Staff and residents hand over a cheque to the Alzheimer’s Society with the grand totalfigures knitted by Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s ‘Knatty Knitters’ group.
CARE England’s annualconference and exhibition‘What’s New? A year of change?’on November 12 at the ChurchHouse Conference Centre inLondon will take a close look atthe current social care landscape.
It will also look forward into2016, evaluate the Government’sprogress six months after theGeneral Election and assess iftheir strategy is on the right track.
Chief executive, ProfessorMartin Green, said: “Betweennow and our conference CareEngland will be challenging thenew Government to give clearcommitments about how they’regoing to develop services andimprove quality in the comingyear. The best time for decisiveaction is straight after an electionso I will expect more than arehash of strategies which provedineffective the first time round.”
Confirmed speakers include DrJane Martin, the LocalGovernment Ombudsman, DrClive Bowman, the distinguishedconsultant physician andgerontologist, and Ian Smith,chairman, Four Seasons. Furtherspeakers will be announcedshortly.
Subject forconferenceis revealed
CARINGNEWS10
Care workers craft theirskills for annual paradeBy Dominic Musgrave
CARE workers from across the NorthEast are entering a wonderland ofrabbits, baskets and bunting as theyprepare for one of the summer’sbiggest events.
More than 20 staff members fromleading specialist care provider,Careline Lifestyles, recently attendeda one-off workshop with acclaimeddesigner Paul Shriek, in preparationfor the South Tyneside FestivalSummer Parade 2015.
The parade, which takes to thestreets of South Shields on SaturdayJuly 4, will mark the 150thanniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alicein Wonderland, with a host of floats,themed-entertainment andcostumed characters.
More than 2,000 people areexpected to take part, includingrepresentatives from CarelineLifestyles, which is sponsoring thisyear’s event.
To help the company prepare for itsrole, the parade’s artist director, PaulShriek and his design partner MattFox, recently visited CarelineLifestyles’ Deneside Court care homein St Joseph’s Way, Jarrow.
There they met with activity co-ordinators from all 10 of thecompany’s facilities across the NorthEast, including Bishop Auckland,
Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle,Morpeth and Jarrow.
With the help of experiencedartists, Kath Price and Claudia VanLieshout Smit, the attendees weretaught how to create papier mâchéflowers and bunny ears, as well astopiary, bunting and decoratedbaskets.
They now plan to share these skillswith residents across the group’shomes, to create props that will beused in the South Tyneside FestivalSummer Parade.
Rahul Sharma, chief executive ofCareline Lifestyles, said: “We arethrilled to be sponsoring this year’sSouth Tyneside Festival SummerParade and are keen for our staff andresidents to be as involved aspossible.
“This workshop was a greatopportunity for our activity co-ordinators to learn from the expertsand they are now adapting thetechniques to suit the abilities andinterests of the residents in theirrespective homes.”
Designer Matt Fox and the South Tyneside Summer Festival parade’s artistic directorPaul Shriek (both front centre) with councillor John Anglin, chairman of SouthTyneside’s events steering group, Rahul Sharma, chief executive of Careline Lifestyles(both back centre) and participants in the workshop.
BARCHESTER Healthcare iscelebrating the work its nurses dothroughout the UK by givingevery one of its nurses a fobwatch as a gift on InternationalNurses’ Day.
The group’s nurses have animportant role in ensuring thatresidents receive the bestpossible quality care daily.
Their approach is person-centred and with a variety ofcomplex care needs to attend to,their expertise and dedication iscrucial to delivering excellentservices.
Director for quality and clinicalgovernance, Trish Morris-Thompson, said: “Nearly 2,500nurses work for BarchesterHealthcare and I’m immenselyproud of them all.
“They are caring, talented andstrive daily to ensure theindividuals in our homes receivethe best possible quality care.
“To show our appreciation ofthe great job our nurses do, wewant to help celebrate this hardworking and incredibleprofession on InternationalNurses’ Day by giving a gift toevery one of our Barchesternurses.”
Care groupcelebratesits nurses
13CARINGNEWSAdvertiser’s announcement
GRAHAME Gardner Ltd has scouredthe international healthcare marketto find the best workwear optionsavailable, and found one of the bestin the form of the Landau.
One of the biggest names in work-wear for health within the US,Landau selected Grahame Gardner asthe ideal partner to bring their excit-ing brands to the UK.
Although their name may be unfa-miliar to some, they are the innova-tors behind conceptual scrubwearbrand, Urbane Scrubs, the stylish and
colourful scrubs that have been sucha huge hit with Care Homes.
They also created Scrubzone, classichardwearing traditional scrubwear,widely recognised as a brand to trust.
The newest addition to theGrahame Gardner range from Landauis Smitten, a phenomenal scrub rangewith textured fabrics and fashionablestyle detail. With such a varied selec-tion of brands within their portfolio,care home managers are sure to findthe perfect products to suit their staff,style and budget.
An international brandto suit your budget
By Dominic Musgrave
NAPA has teamed up with UnileverFood Solutions to inspire care homesacross the UK and Ireland to getinvolved in its new Fine DiningExperience award and make meal-times the highlight of residents’ days.
The award launches this year aspart of the annual NAPA awards. Bycreating unique and memorable din-ing experiences, care homes have achance of winning cash prizes pluslots of other goodies, including amasterclass with Michelin-starredchef Mark Sargeant.
Sylvie Silver, director at NAPA, said:“The Fine Dining Experience is anopportunity for care settings to show-case their culinary expertise. It giveschefs the chance to do somethingreally special with the food that’sbeing prepared.
“Everyone can get involved, fromthe gardener growing the peas thatare going on the table, to the activitycoordinators organising entertain-ment, to people from the local com-munity, who wouldn’t normally visitthe home. It’s all about giving the res-idents a real sense of occasion, some-thing special to do, something to lookforward to.”
There are six categories and homescan either enter one or all of them:1. Grow your own – for gardenersgrowing the food served at the table.2. Setting the scene – the décor usedto create a wonderful setting.
3. The chef’s masterpiece – the menuand its appeal to residents.4. Community connections – gettingthe community involved in the event.5. The whole home approach – usingthe talents of everyone on the staffteam.6. The overall fine dining challenge –A combination of all of the above.
To enter, homes need to host anevent between July 13 and 20. Eachcategory has a cash prize of £150, aswell as a bigger prize of £300 forhomes that take part in the wholechallenge.
James Allred, channel marketingmanager for care at Unilever FoodSolutions, said: “It’s so important forthose in care to socialise over foodand experience stimulating meal-times. The Fine Dining Experienceprovides a great opportunity for caresettings to really show off how theyhave combined tasty food, drink andactivities, and to feel proud of thewonderful experience they create.”
UFS has created activity packs andsupporting materials to help carehomes to put their Fine DiningExperience together. It is packed withinvitations, LED tea lights and con-versation starter cards to help set thescene, as well as a Fine DiningExperience apron, delicious recipesand PR hints and tips to help carehomes spread the word about theirevent.
To request an entry pack call 08007833728 (option 2).
NAPA teams up withUFS for Fine DiningExperience Awards
THEATRE Royal Stratford East hasdecided to honour one of its formerpatrons Jean Brown by naming itsdress circle in her honour.
Jean was a shareholder in SaharaCare, and loved to visit the theatre ona regular basis, until she passed awayfollowing a battle with cancer.
This shared love of the theatre hasbeen recognised by The Sahara CareCharitable Trust, an organisation setup in her memory, who have pledged£50,000 a year for the next four yearsto the theatre she once loved.
Terence Brown, Jean’s husband andchair of the Trust and Sahara Care,said: “The Theatre was an importantpart of Jean’s life and there was also astrong connection between the the-atre and West Ham United the clubJean and I have both supported sincechildhood.
“I am told the first play about ourfootball club took place at the theatrebefore the First World War. I do hopeour donation will go some waytowards helping the theatre continueits outstanding work and contribu-tion to the people of east Londonbecause I know that is what Jeanwould want.”
To mark the occasion two service
users from Sahara Care handed over acheque to the theatre’s artistic direc-tor Kerry Michael.
Sharon Kaur, trustee of the charityand managing director of SaharaCare, added “The theatre has provid-ed so much pleasure for our serviceusers over the years and this is oneway we can all say thank you to theTheatre Royal Stratford East. I knowJean would have been delighted.”
Dress circle renamed incare provider’s memory
Sahara Care chairman Terence Brown andmanaging director Sharon Kaur with KerryMichael, Theatre Royal Stratford East’sartistic director.
15CARINGNEWS
RESIDENTS and staff from CzajkaCare Group’s Fairmount Park retire-ment complex in Nab Wood nearShipley have raised £870 for YorkshireAir Ambulance after holding a seriesof fundraising events in the pastmonth.
Margaret Gledhill, who is part of theresidents’ and members’ social club,organised a ‘nearly new sale’ as wellas a race night in The Clubhouse atFairmount Park. In addition, JennyEastham, who is West Yorkshire’sevents and volunteer coordinator at
Yorkshire Air Ambulance, visited TheClubhouse and held a talk about theorganisation’s life-saving work and itsplans for the future.
Konrad Czajka, managing directorof the group, said: “The Clubhouse atFairmount Park has a fantastic socialcommittee that continually lends itssupport to a whole range of deservingorganisations and charities.
“Yorkshire Air Ambulance does anamazing job and changes peoples’lives every day, so it’s a superb charityto raise a great sum of money for.”
Fundraising efforts take offCzajka resident Jean Tempest, Jenny Eastham (YAA) and Margaret Gledhill who is partof Czajka’s residents and members social club.
17CARINGNEWS
Strength and balance solutionreduces falls in older peopleBy Chris Brown
FALLS among older people and theassociated costs are perhaps thebiggest challenges facing communi-ties today.
In March 2015, NICE publishedQuality Standard 86. It containsQuality Statement 5 which outlinesthe rationale for, and the referralpathways to, the provision of strengthand balance training programmes forolder people who have a known his-tory of recurrent falls.
Performance Health Systems, man-ufacturer and distributor of PowerPlate® devices, has launched a newstrength and balance solution, whichincludes software, specifically devel-oped with age related needs in mind.
Power Plate is the global leader inwhole body vibration equipment.Engineered precisely to apply the sci-ence behind a body’s naturalresponse to destabilisation, PowerPlate technology uses a vibratingplatform to amplify the effects of anymovement performed. It creates asafe, consistent, controlled level ofvibration that can help improve mus-cle tone and strength, balance, flexi-bility and circulation.
The Power Plate strength and bal-ance solution combines specific pro-gramming, training, measurement
and management tools with twooptions available. Key areas of theprogramming address falls preven-tion, strengthening gait, boosting cir-culation and supporting routine dailyactivities to encourage independentdaily living and health related qualityof life.
Older users can work independent-ly, or with the help of a staff member,using the touch screen and interac-tive video coaching. The primaryfocus of the new senior software is onlower body strength, balance andproprioception delivered with a safe,comfortable and precise harmonicwave to illicit the best neuromuscularresponse. With a footprint of less thanone metre, Power Plate can be locat-ed discretely in a dayroom ratherthan occupy other revenue generat-ing space, making a stylish additionto any facility, while ensuring itsaccessibility to residents in an envi-ronment they are comfortable in.
The package costs from as little as£2.74 per month (based on the aver-age cost of care in a 40-bed carehome). It launched at the Caring UKconference in Wetherby and will alsobe shown at the regional conferencesin Bristol and Torquay in July, andSouthampton and Canterbury inSeptember.
Email [email protected]
CARINGNEWS18
New Dudley extra care schemewelcomes its first customersBUILT at a total cost of £16.2m, LimeGardens provides affordable, qualityhomes for over 55’s, comprising 120homes to rent or buy, combined withextensive health and leisure facilitiesand 24-hour care and support forthose who need it.
Already over half full, the modernfacilities and quality of care areproving popular with local peoplekeen to take full advantage of allthat’s on offer.
The range of on-site facilitiesavailable to residents include aconvenience shop, hairdressers, gym,craft and hobbies room, bar/caférestaurant and an events area.
The on-site gym facility is verymuch at the heart of the scheme.Once trained, customers can use theequipment at any time, or join in oneof the many gym-trim group sessionssupervised by our personal trainerand activities co-ordinator.
The comprehensive facilities haveproved popular with customers,partly in thanks to their innovativedesign, catering for the needs of oldercustomers.
Supplied by HUR, the equipmentfeatures a pressure resistancemechanism that means there are noheavy weights involved.
A user simply dials in the desiredpressure resistance and the
equipment automatically adjusts tosuit. This means fewer sprains orstrains as the equipment is tailored tothe specific needs of each individualuser.
A number of customers suffer fromarthritis or are recovering fromorthopaedic or cardiac procedures.Again, the equipment has provedexcellent in aiding recovery through agentle exercise programme, helpingto regain movement and improvefitness. Two other features have alsoproved popular.
The equipment is very quiet tooperate, meaning normalconversations can be maintained,even while sessions are in progress. Inaddition the computerised set-up
means that measuring individualcustomer progress is easy, fostering asense of achievement and wellbeing.
The landscaped gardens reflect theparkland environment that surroundsthe scheme, which was named bylocal residents after a row of nearbylime trees, honouring the local warheroes of WW!.
The scheme has been developed bythe region’s largest housing and careorganisation Midland Heart, inpartnership with Dudley Council, theHomes and Communities Agency andbuilt by contractor William Davis Ltd.
Wynne North, mother of newresident Gill North (pictured) said:
“This is a fantastic scheme and theperfect home for Gill and her
individual needs; nothing is too muchtrouble for the team and I can restsafe in the knowledge that Gill isgetting the best possible care.”
Ruth Cooke, CEO at Midland Heart,added: “This is a truly magnificentscheme, providing outstandingquality care and support for oldercustomers. We have a great staffteam, great facilities and I’mconfident our customers will be veryhappy here in a safe, secureenvironment.”
John Millar, acting strategic directorfor economy, environment andhousing at Dudley Council, said:“This is the third extra care schemethat we’ve developed in partnershipwith Midland Heart and representsthe future of housing for olderpeople. It really is first class, both interms of the physical build, quality ofcare and the fantastic range offacilities on offer.”
Matt Colloby, group businessdevelopment manager for developersWilliam Davis Limited, said: “TheLime Gardens development is aclassic example of collaborativeworking, the whole project teamfocussed on the ultimate goal ofdelivering this quality scheme, ontime and within budget, everyoneinvolved should be very proud oftheir achievements.”
Advertiser’s announcement
CARINGNEWS20
Ellen Brown, care homes divisional manager at apetito, shares her advice on how care homescan bring restaurant quality to their residents …
Give your residents therestaurant experienceWHEN talking to care homes aboutthe challenges they face in cateringto residents, quality, presentationand variety emerge as top concernstime and time again.
Yet, each are easy to achieve andare key to giving residents thedining experience they deserve.
Here are my top tips on howhomes can help residents feel likethey’re ‘dining out’ at everymealtime:1. Engage the senses This is key in stimulating appetite,so think about smell, sight andflavour – food should look and smellas appetising as it tastes. Servingfood in the dining room is one wayto enhance this.
By using a service trolley with ahot plate, the smell of the food givesresidents the chance to use more oftheir senses when picking whichmeal they’d like.2. Master your menu Good presentation starts withdesign of your menu, so be sure to
include appetising descriptions ofeach dish, plus pictures to make iteasier for residents to visualise thechoices on offer.
Create a list of simple hints andtips for each menu option and stickit up in the kitchen as a quickreminder of how meals should lookwhile plating up. Remember – weall eat with our eyes.3. Toy with textureWhile residents with chewing andswallowing difficulties must beserved food that is safe for them toeat, for all others, the incorporationof different textures within the samemeal will be more visuallystimulating as well as moreinteresting in the mouth. 4. Get colourfulUse a minimum of two colours inevery meal – preferably three. Theaddition of vegetables is a simpleway to bring colour – and flavour –to dishes.5. Change things upHow often do you change your
menu? Introducing variety is key toencouraging residents to enjoymealtimes and the changes of theseasons offer an ideal opportunityto do this.6. Use odd numbersWhen arranging food on a plate, usean odd number of ingredients as anunsymmetrical approach is morevisually stimulating. So, use threepotatoes instead of four, forexample.7. The right crockeryRemember, plain white dishes arethe most simple backdrop forvariations in food colour. Servingthe right amount of food on theright size plate is also important.Overloading a small plate with anormal portion of food can beoverwhelming.8. Include garnishA simple garnish immediatelyelevates the appearance of a meal.
In fact, creating a small herbgarden for residents to grow and cutthemselves is a simple, cheap and
enjoyable way to involve residentsin the preparation of meals(although, again, for residents on atexture-modified diet, it isimportant to consider the impactany garnish will have on the textureof their food).9. Work round the clockAdopting the conventional ‘smileyface’ method of plate presentation(whereby starchy ingredients areplaced at 10 o’clock, meat at twoo’clock and vegetables at six) is aneasy way to present food in anuncluttered, appetising manner.10. Aim highPlaying with shape can instantlymake a meal more appetising.
For example, consider a quenelleof vegetables, try using a ring toshape mash or stack food itemsvertically.� To book a free tasting session withthe apetito care homes team, visitwww.challengeapetito.co.ukFor more information call 0800 5422631.
23CARINGCATERING AND NUTRITION
PROFESSIONAL training for cateringin the health and social care sectorhas taken a step forward with thelaunch of the NVQ Level 2 Diploma inProfessional Cookery in Health andSocial Care Catering.
The first professional qualificationfor the sector, the ground-breakingcourse is being piloted at Barnet andSouthgate College in North London.
The 20-week course and qualifica-tion is the result of the collaborativevision and work of the NationalAssociation of Care Catering, theHospital Caterers Association andBarnet and Southgate College.
The programme addresses theabsence of a recognised formal pro-fessional catering qualification dedi-cated to the health and social caresector.
The pilot course is open to chefsand cooks working in hospitals orresidential care homes who are ableto attend Hospitality House, NorthLondon’s state-of-the-art trainingfacility, for the duration of the course.
Students will gain the necessaryunderstanding and specific skillsrequired for effective catering in thehealthcare, social care and communi-ty meal sectors, raising excellenceacross the board and further safe-guarding the health and wellbeing ofpatients, residents and service users.
The diploma will cover the core cur-
riculum required by any professionalchef, including effective teamwork,hygiene, the maintenance of healthand safety, and cookery units focus-ing on fish, meat and poultry prepa-ration as well as vegetable dishes.
Additional specialised topics specif-ic to the health and social care sectorwill cover the vital areas of nutritionand hydration, fortification, texture-modified foods, and allergies anddiets.
Neel Radia, national chair, NACC,said: “The absence of a professionalqualification in health and social carecatering has been a huge concernand injustice for the sector and thoseworking within it. I’m thrilled that byworking together with our associationpartners we are one giant step closerto redressing the balance.
“Caterers within the sector arealready doing a great job and theexamples of excellence we see dailyare inspirational. However, theendorsement that this qualificationbrings will ensure that standards con-tinue to rise by giving caterers thetraining, recognition and pride theydeserve. It will also broaden the sec-tor’s appeal for school leavers,attracting new talent and flair, andthis is incredibly exciting for us all.”
The long-term aspiration, followingthe pilot, is to roll out the course tocolleges nationwide by 2016.
Professional cateringdiploma is launched
New sustainablepackaging goesdown a stormNESCAFÉ®, which has been sup-porting the care sector to reducewaste to landfill with its innovativenew refill format that uses 87 percent lighter packaging than cater-ing tins1, has seen growingdemand from care home business-es, with significant new contractsalready being won.
The refill packs offer the sametaste and aroma that makesNESCAFÉ® the UK’s favourite cof-fee but in a soft pack format.
Marking the brand’s continuedcommitment to driving sustain-ability in the Out of Home coffeemarket, the refill packs uses lessmaterials during production.
Peter Lawson, a manager os aBarchester care home, said therefill packs have helped him toreduce waste management costs.
He added: “Cost is such animportant factor in all our pur-chasing decisions, but we don’twant to have to compromise onthe quality of what we offer ourresidents. In NESCAFÉ® we havefound a great partner, that offers agreat product that delivers on taste,is value for money and the refill
packs are a core part of our greencommitment now.”
The refill packs are available tobuy in NESCAFÉ® Original 600gand NESCAFÉ® Gold Blend 600gformats and are a key product inthe NESCAFÉ® catering range.
25CARINGCATERING AND NUTRITION
The ChefAlarm® – colour-codedcooking thermometer and timer
THE ChefAlarm® professional cooking thermometerand timer, is now available in five food safe colours– blue, green, red, white and yellow.
The unit incorporates a fully programmablecount up/down timer and includes a multi-func-tional LCD display which simultaneously indicatesthe elapsed time, the current and the min/maxtemperatures during a cooking cycle. Its loud audi-ble alarm sounds when the food reaches the pre-determined temperature or programmed time.
The ChefAlarm measures temperature over therange -50 to 300 °C, with an accuracy of betterthan ±1 °C, utilising the units ‘CAL’ feature it is pos-sible for the user to fine-tune the thermometersaccuracy to better than ±0.5°C; ideal for criticalfood safety areas.
The loud audible alarm with its adjustable vol-ume (92dB) can be heard in the noisiest kitchen orproduction area.
The main temperature digits are big and easy-to-see from a distance, plus the one-touch back-light button allows the user to read the display inpoor light conditions.
Enquiries: Call 01903 202151, [email protected] or visit www.etiltd.com
Sustainable packaginggoes down a stormNESCAFÉ®, which has been support-ing the care sector to reduce waste tolandfill with its innovative new refillformat that uses 87 per cent lighterpackaging than catering tins1, hasseen growing demand from carehome businesses, with significantnew contracts already being won.
The refill packs offer the same tasteand aroma that makes NESCAFÉ®the UK’s favourite coffee but in a softpack format.
Marking the brand’s continuedcommitment to driving sustainabilityin the Out of Home coffee market, therefill packs uses less materials duringproduction.
Peter Lawson, a manager os a
Barchester care home, said the refillpacks have helped him to reducewaste management costs.
He added: “Cost is such an impor-tant factor in all our purchasing deci-sions, but we don’t want to have tocompromise on the quality of whatwe offer our residents. In NESCAFÉ®we have found a great partner, thatoffers a great product that delivers ontaste, is value for money and the refillpacks are a core part of our greencommitment now.”
The refill packs are available to buyin NESCAFÉ® Original 600g andNESCAFÉ® Gold Blend 600g formatsand are a key product in theNESCAFÉ® catering range.
27CARINGNEWS
SURPRISED tenants at an Edinburghretirement housing developmenthave been paid a visit by VladimirPutin’s top diplomat in Scotland,armed with a prestigious war medaland a large bottle of Russian vodka –to award a long standing tenant.
Alex Ramsay, 88, was part of the1944 Arctic Convoy – a treacherousmission in freezing conditions, todeliver vital supplies to the SovietUnion as they battled the axis powersat the western front.
The veteran of the Merchant Navywas recently awarded the ‘UshakovMedal’ by Andrey Pritsepov, theRussian Consul General who visitedMilton Court Retirement Home inPortobello.
Alex said: “I am thrilled to receiveanother medal for my involvement inthe war effort – it gives me a reason toreflect on the time I spent in the mer-chant navy. My main memory of theconvoy was the camaraderie and thegreat team-spirit on the boat – whilstwe battled the enduring and bitterlycold weather.
“The team at Milton Court threw agreat party, and we all had a shot ofRussian vodka – something which theAmbassador said was ‘to celebratethe efforts of brave men’ like me.”
Recognised as an integral part of thewar effort which helped mount pres-sure on the enemy from all fronts –the arctic convoys suffered heavy
losses, with 85 merchant vessels and16 Royal Navy warships tragically lostduring the missions.
Linda Mason, retirement managerat Milton Court, said: “We are all sovery proud of Alex’s achievements –he is an unassuming and modestman but his story is truly inspiring.
“His three older brothers enrolled inthe army, and at just 16 Alex wastechnically too young – but wasdetermined to play his part – againsthis mother’s will and contribute tothe war effort.”
Alex became a bus conductor in1950 before eventually going on todrive buses in and around Edinburgh.He has been a resident at MiltonCourt since July 2006 and has twochildren, Christine and Stuart, fourgrandchildren and four great grand-children.
War hero Alex receivessurprise Russian medal
Alex Ramsay receives his medal fromAndrey Pritsepov.
A LANCASHIRE care home hasbrought in further helpings of adviceto families, friends and interestedparties on the issues surroundingdementia.
The initiative at Birch Green CareHome in Skelmersdale aims to easethe burden experienced by familiesand friends whose loved ones havethe disease, all centred in theDementia Bistro.
Now it has also received supportfrom the Help Direct organisation,which adds community-based well-being services.
Birch Green general manager CarolNickeas said: “The Help Direct team
came to the Bistro to see it for them-selves and to signpost informationand providing advice at a difficulttime for the families of those withdementia.
“The bistro environment is alsoideal as it’s more relaxed and every-one can benefit from the extra dis-cussion and information sessions.
“It is becoming a real hub whereeveryone can meet and talk about adifficult subject and the issuesaround it.”
Joe Sherville, a Birch Green demen-tia friend, also attended the eventwith Help Direct at the bistro to shareinformation and provide guidance.
Care home gets Help DirectBirch Green Care Home in Skelmersdale.
29CARINGNEWS
Homecare agency ratedas one of Wales’ finestA NORTH Wales home care agencyhas been rated as one of the best inWales.
Family owned Hollybank HomeCare based in Flinsthire is celebratingafter securing a place in the Top 10Recommended Home Care AgenciesIn Wales Awards for 2015.
The homecare agency was launchedthree years ago as an extension to theJones family’s existing care homebusiness and in that short time hasbecome the sixth most recommendedagency in Wales according to websitehomecare.co.uk.
The homecare.co.uk Awards high-light the most recommended agen-cies in each region of the UK. TheAwards are based on recommenda-tions received from service users,their family and friends. The highranking for ‘Hollybank Home Care’relates to the number of positivereviews the home care agency
received on the site.Owners Jacqui and Brian Jones and
their daughter Natalie Marshall, whois the manager, are thrilled with theaccolade which they say is testimonyto the high standard of care deliveredby their team.
Natalie said: “We are delighted thatour hard work and person centredcare has been recognised. We put ourservice users at the heart of every-thing we do and focus on improvingtheir quality of life. We have a fantas-tic team who are dedicated to theirjob and want to make a difference tothe lives of our service users. ThisAward reflects this and is a fantasticendorsement of the high standards ofcare we offer.”
The agency cares for adults andolder people across the Deeside areawith a range of support needs whichinclude those with physical disabili-ties, mental health conditions,
Staff from Hollybank Home Care celebrate finishing in the top 10.
Dawn’s skydive sponsorsdig deep for day tripsACTIVITY funds for residents of acare home in Rugby took a giant leap,quite literally, from an aeroplane.
Dawn Hulley, who works at WillowTree Nursing Home, raised £600 forresidents to go on day trips by doinga sponsored skydive.
The 48-year-old is the activities co-ordinator at the 47-room home,which isset over an acre of privategrounds.
The sponsorship money is goingtowards taking residents on outingsto the Cotswold Wildlife Park,Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Parkand Twycross Zoo, as well as helpingthem to bond with each other andenjoy an enhanced quality of life.
Dawn said: “I have to be honest, Iwas terrified. And there were a fewmoments where I wondered why Iwas doing it.
“But once I was in the air it was soexciting and the adrenaline was
pumping. I was also thinking of allthe wonderful residents at WillowTree Nursing Home and how much itmeans to be able to take them onsome fantastic days out. So when itcame to the moment to jump, I wasmore than ready to do it.”
Dawn’s family, friends, colleaguesand resident’s relatives all dug deepto sponsor her to do the dive atHinton Airfield, Brackley, Northants.
Trisha Judge, home manager, said:“Dawn really has gone above andbeyond the call of duty with this. It’snot many people who are so passion-ate about what they do they’d jumpout of a plane.
“This isn’t just going the extra mile,it’s going 3,500ft straight up. We’re soproud of Dawn and the money she’sraised will make an enormous differ-ence to the residents who will get toenjoy some great activities as aresult.”
RESIDENTS at Ayresome Court carehome in Yarm enjoyed a visit fromlocal school children who taughtthem the technologies of the 21stcentury.
Year seven and year eight pupilsfrom Conyers School in Yarm taughtresidents how to use iPads andiPhones, while other residents whopreferred more traditional funenjoyed games of dominoes andConnect Four with the youngsters.
The visit was part of a communitycohesion and active citizenship out-reach programme run by ConyersSchool. The residents were so thrilledwith their new friends that several ofthem pleaded for them to stay, with
one resident showing her apprecia-tion of the visit by singing a tradition-al Irish folk song.
Lin Cordey, manager at the Akaricare owned home, said: “We’d like tosay a massive thank you to the staffand students from Conyers Schoolwho visited us. We were overwhelmedto see how maturely the studentsinteracted with the residents, assist-ing them to get around and chattingto them about their pasts – who saidanything about a generation gap.
“We’re more than happy for the stu-dents to visit us whenever they like asit was an extremely valuable experi-ence for both residents and stu-dents.”
Staff and students from Conyers School with Lin Cordey, manager at Ayresome Court(centre back).
Children visit residents
31
Royal opening for new care centreRESIDENTS at the new HaywardCare Centre in Devizes were thrilledto have a visit from HRH The Duke ofEdinburgh.
His Royal Highness met residentsand staff as he toured the £8m carecentre run by charity The Orders of StJohn Care Trust. He watched a gameof skittles/curling, and was offeredsome home baking before popping into the residents’ bar for a chat. Hethen joined assembled guests for theunveiling of a commemorativeplaque to mark the official openingof the care centre.
His Royal Highness was shownaround the new care centre byWiltshire area operations managerAlison Stenning, who said: “We’re allabsolutely delighted that The Duke ofEdinburgh has done us the honour ofcoming to open Hayward CareCentre to recognise the link with alocal hero. All our residents and staff
have been really looking forward tomeeting him and to show off ourbeautiful new home.”
The care centre is named in honourof local hero Reginald Hayward, whoserved throughout World War I and,in addition to the Military Cross andbar, was awarded the Victoria Cross,the highest military award for valour,for his actions in 1918 when servingin 1st Battalion the WiltshireRegiment. To recognise the honour,a special feature of the visit was theparticipation of members of TheRifles Regiment of which The Duke ofEdinburgh is Colonel in Chief.
During his visit, His Royal Highnessmet representatives of the organisa-tions involved in bringing this projectto fruition. These included architects(Hunters), developers (BrackleyInvestments) and the constructioncompany (Stepnell Construction), aswell as the design specialists respon-
sible for the innovative “household”layout and interior design to helpenhance the living environment forolder people living with dementia.County dignitaries and representa-tives from local and regional commu-nity organisations were also presentto celebrate this special occasion.
His Royal Highness was also able to
meet several residents, one of whom,Betty Key, invited him to look at herroom. After unveiling a plaque tomark the official opening of the carecentre, and wishing everyone livingand working at Hayward Care Centrethe best of luck in their new home,His Royal Highness concluded hisvisit by signing the visitors’ book.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh unveils a plaque at Hayward Care Centre in Devizes.
CARINGCOMMERCE32
Insure your reputationnot just your home ...By David Waters
ALL care home owners know that acomprehensive insurance policy isindispensable to protect their carehomes, their staff and their residents.
Fewer, perhaps, would considerinsurance as a means of protectingtheir reputation; a means of buildingand safeguarding a positive profileand providing protection fromunwarranted or unfair attacks.
A care home owner and clientrecently contacted us after a localnewspaper published falseaccusations in its online editionrelating to an incident in which aresident sustained injuries.
The article was littered withmisinformation and consequently themanaging director of the care homeapproached CHIS to see if we hadany recommendations.
Fortunately, the legal expensessection of our client’s CHIS insurancepolicy covers circumstances such asthese, and we immediately put him intouch with a specialist PR company.
Liaising with the care home’smanagement team, the PR companydrafted a document detailing theallegations in the article that wereincorrect, before communicatingthem to the newspaper’s editor.
These included the assertion thatthe care home had not followedcorrect procedures, despite the local
councilclearing it ofany wrongdoing.
Just 24hours laterthenewspaperpublished awrittenapology andcorrection,much to thecare homeowner’srelief.
The PRcompanycost justover £1,000,which was fully covered by the client’sinsurance policy.
This case highlights the benefits ofchoosing an insurance broker thatthinks laterally and creatively andhaving a high quality insurance coverin place.
Insurance is much more than just anumber game.
In this litigious society where carehomes often find themselves underthe glare of the media spotlight, it’sworth remembering the role thatgood insurance can play inpreserving your reputation.� David Waters is managing directorof CHIS.
David WatersACTING on behalf of outgoingowners, Paul and Helen Hutson,specialist property adviser Christieand Co has sold Stinchcombe ManorNursing Home in ruralGloucestershire.
The care home, which is situated inStinchcombe, has been acquired byStroud Care Services, who plan todevelop the Grade II listed formermanor house into a flagship facility.
Stinchcombe Manor is registered toaccommodate a maximum of 36clients in 28 bedrooms, 18 of whichhave their own en-suite facilities.
Simon Harvey, director of Christieand Co’s South West healthcare team,said: “We are delighted to haveassisted Paul and Helen with the sale
which will enable them toconcentrate on their care businessesin Cornwall and equally, we arepleased to have facilitated theacquisition thus allowing Stroud CareServices to expand their operation.
“This is the third care home Christieand Co has sold in Gloucestershire inthe last few months, following hot onthe heels of the Old Vicarage atFrampton-on-Severn and WoodstockNursing Home in Gloucester, all ofwhich continue to show that demandfor care homes in the county remainshigh.”
The freehold interest inStinchcombe Manor was sold for anundisclosed sum off a guide price of£1.75million.
Established home soldStinchcombe Manor Nursing Home in rural Gloucestershire.
CARINGCOMMERCE34
CASTLEOAK, the specialistconstruction and developmentpartner for care and retirement living,has handed over a £7million extracare development of 57 apartmentsin Worcester to Fortis Living fourweeks ahead of the constructionprogramme.
Specifically designed for over 55s,Meadow Court offers one and two-bedroom apartments to rent orpurchase through shared ownership.
Tailored care and domestic servicesare available and facilities include ahair salon, assisted bathroom, diningarea, library, hobby room and coffeeshop.
Duncan Smith, assistant director ofgrowth and development at FortisLiving, said: “This development isextremely important for Fortis Livingand contributes towards ourexpanding portfolio of extra careschemes. The key objective was todeliver a product that would behighly attractive to both rental and
shared ownership clients. In addition,we were keen for the scheme to bedelivered on time and on budget.”
As a Castleoak development project,the company’s specialistdevelopment team identified andacquired the land and obtainedplanning permission. In 2013Castleoak revised the planningconsent to meet Fortis Living’sspecific requirements and then soldthe land to them, who entered into abuilding contract.
Meadow Court is supported by theHomes and Communities Agency.
Castleoak chief executive MelKnight added: “This is our first extracare development for Fortis Livingand the beginning of what we hopewill be a long-term partnership. Welook forward to continuing to workwith the development team.”
Meadow Court is adjacent toLatimer Court care home, whichCastleoak developed for BarchesterHealthcare in 2012.
Extra care developmentdelivered a month early
Meadow Court in Worcester.
35QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BYwww.requiredsystems.com
The new Essential Standardsare available NOW
IT IS all change from CQC and at Required Systemswe have updated our Systems to enable you tosimply demonstrate compliance.
All our Policy /Procedures have been brought intoline with the new 2014 Legislation and to make iteven easier to demonstrate compliance we havedeveloped a module that shows you how to meeteach of the five new categories.
This combined with our Provider ComplianceAudit Tool will allow you to devote more time towhat you are here to do CARE.
Please come and visit our stand at the ‘ShapingThe Future of Care’ care providers conferencesorganised by Caring UK’s parent company Script
Media at Bristol and Torquay on July 1 and 2.Enquiries: To find out more call
01236 782477 or visitwww.requiredsystems.com
Credit where it’s due ...THE NHS and local authoritiesshould be given credit for leading theway in improving healthcare throughearly intervention in the expectationof reducing subsequent hospitalcosts.
Pressure care and positioning forstroke sufferers and those sufferingfrom neurological and physical con-ditions has received a boost fromBetter Care funding and merginghealth and social care responsibilities
in co-ordinated/complex care.Care home owners and managers
are also looking at residents’ disabili-ties before support services’ visits.
As a result there has been a substan-tial increase in the use of the Medorispositioning and pressure care prod-ucts, hand grips, arm supports, seat-ing cushions, and roll pillows, partic-ularly in multi-product use as a cost-saving alternative to expensivemoulded systems.
First accreditation ofindependent homeinspections awarded THE United Kingdom AccreditationService has granted the UK’s firstaccreditation for private organisa-tions that perform inspections of carehomes to RDB Star Rating Ltd.
The UKAS voluntary accreditationscheme is for organisations that per-form inspections of adult social careproviders. The scheme’s main aim isto improve the standard of care. TheCare Quality Commission is consider-ing how it would be possible to takethe result of UKAS accredited inspec-tions into account as part of its moni-toring of care homes.
UKAS assessed RDB Star Rating forcompetence, impartiality and perfor-mance against the international stan-dard ISO/IEC 17020:2012(Conformity assessment –Requirements for the operation ofvarious types of bodies performinginspection). RDB Star Rating is thefirst organisation to successfully gainaccreditation for inspections of resi-dential care homes.
Sue Brand, managing director ofRDB Star Rating, said: “RDB StarRating was established in 1997 todevelop an independent assessmentsystem specifically for the CareSector, to identify and promote ‘qual-ity’ providers to the public and todrive up standards. Over the last twoyears we have been working closelywith UKAS and are delighted to haveachieved this award. We feel it willgive great reassurance to both thepublic and quality providers.”
RDB Star Rating’s award follows suc-cessful implementation of a pilot pro-gramme that was first announced in2013 and will continue until all theparticipants are assessed and areview of the outcome of the pilot isconcluded.
Other participants in the pilotscheme are Healthcare ManagementSolutions Ltd and CHKS, both ofwhom are on course to completetheir assessments by UKAS later thisyear.
Firm to create jobs in YorkA CARE company is to create up to100 new jobs in York to meet thedemand of the UK’s ageing popula-tion.
SureCare is looking to recruit careworkers to provide personal careand support to a mix of council andprivate-paying clients in andaround the city.
The company wants to hear fromcare workers with a range of experi-ence to provide support during theday, evenings, weekends and forshort visits. SureCare’s recruitmentdrive in York is part of a UK-wideexpansion plan which will see hun-dreds of new jobs created over thecoming months.
Shayla Arnold, SureCare York’sregistered manager, said: “We areincredibly busy meeting the grow-ing demand of older people and
other vulnerable adults living in theYork area. Our care workers providequality care to both local authorityand private clients.
“We pay our staff above averageindustry rates and, as an estab-lished company, are also able tooffer career progression, ongoingtraining and development and theopportunity to become a valuedmember of the SureCare family.
“The care sector is one of thefastest growing sectors in the UKand it is up to leading care compa-nies like SureCare to ensure we areable to meet the growing needs.”
In addition to personal care andsupport, SureCare also offers homeservices, respite and holiday careand childcare including babysittingand a mobile crèche service forweddings and other events.
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS36
OVER the past few months Gompelshave been working to develop a rangeof premium quality laundry productsthat offer outstanding performance,are as effective as sector leadingbranded goods, but without theprices that support those expensivebrand advertising campaigns.
Having completed development,extensive testing, and trials, thoseproducts are now available to you.
The Premium Fabric Conditionerhas been specially formulated toinclude a breakthrough patentedantimicrobial action that givesadditional protection againstmicrobial and fungal build-up.
A key feature of this product is thatthe technology is not affected by therinse cycle: the protection continueseven after drying, and will work evenwhen the laundered items are wornor used.
Testing carried out to AATCC Testmethod 100-2004 confirms a 99.999per cent reduction in activity against
both gram positive and gram negativebacteria such as S.Aureus andKl.Pneumoniae.
These tests have also proved thatthe fabric conditioner leaves anantibacterial finish that ensures thatthe protection is still working onstored laundry up to three monthsafter the wash cycle, a promise thatno other autodose fabric conditionercan make.
The range also includes a PremiumLaundry Detergent which has beenspecifically designed for thechallenges of a care environment, aLow Temp Stain Remover which ishighly effective, even at 30 degreesand lower and Gompels Bactisanwhich utilises active oxygentechnology to brighten whites andkills germs at 30 degrees.
Together this new range has beenexclusively designed to care for yourfabrics, prolong linen life and leaveall your laundry clean, fresh andhygienic – even after washing.
White whites and brighterbrights with new products
BVS launches inductiontraining packagesSINCE April 1 all health and socialcare staff must now complete trainingto the new Care Certificate Standardswithin 12 weeks of starting work.
To help managers provide theappropriate training, BVS Traininghas produced two new CareCertificate induction trainingpackages – one for care home staffand one for domiciliary care staff.
They are video based trainingresources containing 24 and 21 DVDsrespectively.
Each resource comes with extensivesupporting materials available fordownload, including lesson plans, aninduction workbook, a CareCertificate – certificate, a CPDcertificate for each subject covered,handouts, assessment quizzes,assessor document, guidancedocument, mapping document, andself-assessment tool.
The care home induction packagecosts £1,995, representing a saving of£685 on individual DVD prices, and
£2,250 for the domiciliary care packwith a saving of £570.
The video training is filmed in realcare homes and domiciliary careenvironments, portraying real lifescenarios.
This enables new staff to see howthey should be providing care to therequired standards. BVS also has atrain the trainer DVD resource to helpdevelop your staff to be able todeliver effective in-house training.
A revolution in patient turningTHE Stand & Turn Easy, exclusivelydesigned by NRS Healthcare, is easyto use.
It provides a number of standingand turning options for users withdifferent or varying capabilities –ideal for care home use.
The user can push up using the sidehandles, or pull themselves up usingone of the horizontal handles (theheight adjustable kneepads can beremoved). The wide base frame helpsto counterbalance the user,minimising the risk of injury to thecarer. Single carer transfers may bepossible (subject to risk assessment).
Simply squeeze the spring-loadedlever to unlock the frame and rotatethe person.
All hand holds have a smooth finishfor comfort and are easy to clean.
Carers will also find it easy tomanoeuvre – simply tilt onto wheels.
The new NRS Healthcare cataloguefeatures a wide range of moving andhandling equipment suitable for carehome use – including the new Stand& Turn Easy.
WRIGHT Care Solutions Ltd is aconsultancy company in its 10th yearof operation which supportsresidential, dementia and nursingcare homes providing care for: olderpeople, adults with learningdisabilities and adults with mentalhealth issues.
Wright Care services include: crisismanagement and performing mockinspections in line with CQCrequirements/KLOEs, giving full face-to-face feedback, plus a fullinspection report and action plan.
We also assist with existing
CQC/local authority complianceissues a service may have, monitoringand compliance visits, undertakingquality audits of your service andproducing comprehensive actionplans.
You decide which areas of yourservice we audit (be it one or allareas), and how often we visit.
Other services include:investigations, marketing/improvingoccupancy, staff management, reliefhome manager service, helpcommissioning of new homes; fromplanning opening.
10 years supporting care homes
The Care Act 2014:protecting fees andcharging top ups By James Sage
CHANGES to the rules on third partytop ups (which came into effect on 1April 2015) will make it more difficultfor care providers to charge top upsand providers should move now toprotect their income. When can you charge top ups?Under the Act, third party top upsmay only be charged where: theservice user’s preferred placement ismore expensive than the amount intheir personal budget; they haveexpressed a preference for thatplacement; and a third party iswilling and able to pay the difference.
Before agreeing a top up the localauthority must ensure that there is atleast one other provider that canmeet the service user’s needs, withintheir personal budget. If not, the localauthority should increase thepersonal budget and fund the moreexpensive accommodation. It shouldnot agree a third party top up.
The personal budget is “the cost tothe local authority of meeting theperson’s needs”. The local authoritymust not automatically default to thecheapest rate or use an arbitraryfigure.
However, this won’t offer muchcomfort and there will be continueddebate between providers andfunders as to what the true costs ofcare actually are. Providers need to beprepared for this with evidence oftheir costs.
If charging top ups it will be in yourinterests to evidence why placementsare more expensive than the local
authority rate. It will be easier toagree top ups if they are for ‘extras’provided beyond the standard carepackage, such as premium rooms. Who should you contract with, and who isliable?The Guidance recommends that localauthorities contract directly withproviders for the full fees, includingthe top up. However, providers arenot prohibited from contractingdirectly with the third party payee(which is currently common). You willneed to find out what is requiredunder your local authority’s policy.
Ultimately, the local authority isresponsible for the full fees (includingthe top up) and any right of action fornon-payment would be against thelocal authority, not the third party. Itis therefore possible that localauthorities will discourageplacements in homes where top upsare required and drive fees down. Top tipsFind out how your funders intend toapproach top ups and ensure youhave the right contracts in place. Inthe meantime, a) obtain theagreement of the local authority toeach top up and b) ensure you have acontract with the third party.
Evidence why your placements aremore expensive than the localauthority rate and specify any ‘extras’provided beyond the standard carepackage.
Make sure you understand what thetrue costs of your care provision are.� James Sage is head of the healthand social care team atQualitySolicitors Burroughs Day.
The annual presentation of the ‘achievers award’ for going the extra mile at The ManorHouse Nursing Home, Chatburn in the Ribble Valley was awarded this year to two carerson the staff team. Everyone involved with the home had the chance to vote for themember of the team they felt deserved to win the prestigious award. When the voteswere counted, it turned out to be a tie between Stephanie Campbell and Haley Shipston,who between them have worked at the home for 26 years. Katie Pratt (last year’swinner) handed over the shield.
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS 37
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, RichardsResidential Supplies have concentrated uponsupplying simple solutions to common nursinghome problems.
The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to thistradition.
With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 percent waterproof backing, the remarkableWACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills mayoccur.
Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms orbathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use, simply machine washand tumble dry! It’s that simple...
The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again.Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be usedas an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of poundsin rental costs alone.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Simple solutions
Beaucare launch new medical catalogueOUR most comprehensive catalogue to date ispacked full of all the everyday medical equipmentand consumables a care home requires.
We have broadened our product offeringswithin a number of ranges, including introducingnew nursing profiling beds, which were showcasedat the Birmingham Care Show last year, anddementia care products to mention a few.
We guarantee a one stop shop policy, withorders placed by 5pm being delivered next day atno extra cost.
Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992,is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medicalsupplies and equipment to individual care homes,care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email [email protected]
or visit www.beaucare.com
QUALITY Compliance Systems provides high qualitybespoke Care Quality Commission policies,procedure and toolkits for adult social careproviders.
No matter whether you’re a start-up or anestablished service provider. QCS is the simple wayto meet the new Fundamental Standards andprepare you for the new CQC inspection regime.
QCS can help you:� Provide evidence to meet the five Key Questions.� Meet all your KLOEs.� Support your PIR.� Survey your stakeholder.s� Coordinate your risk assessments.� Develop care plans and much more.
Our policies and procedures are continuously
updated in order to provide you with the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and user-friendlydocuments available.
If you’re not a QCS customer, what are youwaiting for? We offer a no-obligation free trial. Enquiries: Call us on 0333 405 33 33 to find
out why we are the go to resource for over9,000 users nationwide or visit us on
www.ukqcs.co.uk
The simple way to meeting thenew Fundamental Standards
KC HEALTHCARE has introduced Beamz into the UKcare home market.
Beamz is an interactive music system thatenables residents to ‘play light’ with the laser beamcontrols and is designed to help improve cognitive,physical and social skills.
Music is a great contributor for improvingoverall quality of life., and just listening to itprovides great benefits for engagement,socialisation, brain fitness and memory care.
By introducing Beamz into your care home itwill provide opportunities for residents to interact
and make great sounding music made withmovement. The benefits for overall wellbeing andaccelerating therapeutic outcomes areextraordinary.
Medical research has confirmed that consistent,long term participation in cognitive stimulation isassociated with a significant reduced risk ofdementia by more than 60 per cent.Enquiries: If you have any questions or would
like a free demonstration contact KCHealthcare on 01202 233463 or visit
www.kc-healthcare.co.uk
KC Healthcare introduce Beamzinto UK care home market
SHACKLETONS was chosen by designconsultant Three Percent Ltd to assistwith the contemporary look of theGeoghegan Group's purpose-builtcare centre in Guilford.
Specialising in respite care, ThreePercent was looking to create acontemporary environment thatwould provide a comforting feelingfor orthopaedic rehabilitation awayfrom the domestic confines ofpatients’ homes.
Tommy Cairns, designer and projectmanager at Three Percent Ltd said: “Ihave used Shackletons before andhave always been impressed withtheir knowledge and service.
“It’s incredibly reassuring to knowyou are working with team thatunderstands the technicalities offurnishing a care environment – itisn't just about making things lookpretty.”
The Clavadel is a purpose-built
short stay care centre specialising inpost-operative, rehabilitation andconvalescent care. Catering for alltypes of orthopaedic rehabilitationwith an expertise in post-operative
knee and hip replacement.Shackletons provided seatingthroughout the facility specifying theright seat heights, foam density andfabric treatments to support theCentre's services and clients.
Tommy added: “Shackletonsprovided a product that works withinthe timescales discussed. They werealways there to discuss any concernswe may have had. It was a pleasure towork with them again, great
relationship and a job well done.”Shackletons has been in the
business of creating comfort for over50 years and are the UK's leadingdesign and manufacturer of specialistcontract furniture for the healthcaresector.
Shackletons Furniture offersrespite to the convalescing
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TWO members of staff from StocksHall St Helens have completedtraining in partnership withWillowbrook Hospice to make adifference to the lives of the peopleliving in the home.
Kath Callan, registered mental nurseand Kelly Harrison, healthcareassistant, recently completed a two-day course in hand, arm and footmassage at the Merseyside basedhospice.
The course focused on practicalhand massage techniques, theory of
therapeutic touch and the correct useof essential oils.
Kelly said: “Hand massage is a reallyeffective technique for offeringcomfort and touch in a non-threatening, non-invasive way.
“These massage techniques arebased on simplicity and gentlenessand aimed at reducing stress andtension, providing relaxation to thebody and mind. It was a veryinteresting and informative course,taught with a caring and sensitiveapproach.”
Staff complete qualificationKelly Harrison provides a soothing hand and arm massage to a resident.
LEADING care home operator AkariCare is putting the recruitment ofhigh calibre nurses at the heart of itsQuality Strategy.
To attract the very best qualifiednurses Akari has enhanced its termsand conditions and has already seenthe number and quality ofapplications rise.
The improved package includes:� Minimum rate of £12.19 per hour.� A sick pay scheme for medicallycertified absences of two consecutiveweeks or more with a defermentperiod of three days, paying twomonths at full pay followed by twomonths at 50 per cent pay.� RN’s to be provided with up to£1,000 for Post RegistrationEducation and Preparation forPractice (PREPP) over a two-yearperiod.
� Payment of the £100 annual re-registration fee.
Lynn Fearn, managing director,said: “We are convinced that therecruitment of good nurses is centralto our Quality Strategy and that wecan offer dedicated nurses theopportunity to really make adifference to the lives of elderly andvulnerable people.
“It is important that the rolequalified nurses play in deliveringconsistently high levels of specialistcare is recognised and we havedeveloped terms and conditions thatacknowledge this.
“The care sector is a challengingenvironment with stagnant fee levelsand this initiative, along with thesignificant capital programme beingimplemented demonstrates Akari’sabsolute commitment to quality.”
Recruitment at heartof provider’s strategy
Is your lender offering themost competitive terms?THE end of your loans commitmentperiod is an opportunity for you toensure you are getting the mostcompetitive funding that is available.
As more lenders target thehealthcare sector, 2015 is the time tonegotiate the right deal for you.
Terms include:
� 1.5 per cent over base.� Monthly repayments as low as£4,238.54 (per £1m borrowed).� Five-year, 10-year, full-termcommitment options.� No up-front fees.
Chandler & Co – celebrating 20years supporting the sector.
Loan at base plus 1.95 per centNEARLY £1m over 20 years with amargin at bank base plus 1.95 percent and just a one per cent settingup fee.
That was the deal negotiated byMark Widdows of Global BusinessFinance for his clients when theywanted to buy the site adjacent totheir care home.
The clients had made directenquiries to several banks but,without the ‘buying power’ of a
national broker behind them, werebeing offered much higher borrowingrates despite only needing a 40 percent advance.
But within three days of engagingwith Global as their brokers, Markhad negotiated the much lowerinterest rate and set up a bankmeeting.
An offer was received by the clientsshortly after and a swift legal processled to a quick completion.
Claim VAT back on your home evenif you are not VAT registered
IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worthabout £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayedin your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for bythe local authority.
You don’t have to be VAT registered to make aclaim. We can usually find the information requiredwith minimal disruption to your business.
How is this possible? Well in 2002 a careprovider called Kingscrest challenged the view heldby HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unlesswe are successful.
Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds –£170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m.
And the best part is that you get the money inyour bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget
the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
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