April 2010 no.167 • £4.75 In association with By Dominic Musgrave THE inspectorate should replace its current star rating system with one similar to that used by the hotel industry, the head of an organisation has claimed. Registered Nursing Home Association chief executive officer Frank Ursell says the CQC is learning from the mistakes of its predecessor CSCI about the best ways of assessing the quality of services, but still has some way to go before it has establish- ed a reliable, accurate and fair method. He was responding to a consultation document from the regulator on changes it is thinking of making to the quality assessment system. Frank told Caring UK the associ- ation has been campaigning for years to persuade inspectorates to concen- trate more on whether or not resid- ents are benefiting from the care they receive, rather than on whether or not the office paperwork is in order. He added: “Let us hope that, when the ink is dry, the new inspection regime being promised will live up to expectations, and that the flaws we have endured under previous regulators will be dispatched to the bureaucratic dustbin where they belong. We have had serious concerns about the current star rating system because we felt it was a very blunt instrument, especially in the way that the regulator decided how many stars to award a particular nursing home. The criteria used are not altogether fair or logical. Nor is there consistency.” “We believe that a five-star system would be better than a three star system, partly because it would more appropriately reflect the different levels of quality achieved by care hom- es and partly because most people are familiar with the system of awarding between one and five stars to hotels.” Over the coming weeks the associa- tion will be discussing the proposals with nursing homes across the country in order to respond formally to the consultation. Frank added: “We also welcome in principle the suggestion from the CQC that ‘quality profiles’ of care providers should be built up from a range of sources of information, so that star ratings are not the only way in which quality is measured.” ■ Do you agree with Frank’s suggestions for a new five-star rating system? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing [email protected] or by ringing 01226 734407. Call for hotel rating system for industry Keith Chegwin has been lined up to host the Great British Home Care Awards in May. The television presenter will present the event, which celebrates excellence across the sector, and is taking place at the Guildhall, London on May 15. Residents learn art of folding RESIDENTS at a Sheffield care home were treated to an origami taster session as part of an ongoing volunteering project run by students at the city’s university. Six students took part in the session at Tapton Edge, which aimed to teach the residents the basic skills of the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures, and by the end of the session the residents had learned how to make jumping frogs and swans. The ongoing project involves weekly visits by a total of 17 student volunteers to the care home to provide stimulation and the opportunity to learn new skills together. Deputy manager Pat Bond said: “Residents always look forward to Wednesday afternoons, the students are great with them. We would never have thought of doing activities like origami, the interaction with the students is very beneficial and it’s great exercise for their fingers too.” incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
Transcript
April 2010
no.167 • £4.75
In association with
By Dominic Musgrave
THE inspectorate should replace itscurrent star rating system with onesimilar to that used by the hotelindustry, the head of an organisationhas claimed.
Registered Nursing HomeAssociation chief executive officerFrank Ursell says the CQC is learningfrom the mistakes of its predecessorCSCI about the best ways of assessingthe quality of services, but still hassome way to go before it has establish-ed a reliable, accurate and fairmethod.
He was responding to a consultationdocument from the regulator onchanges it is thinking of making to thequality assessment system.
Frank told Caring UK the associ-ation has been campaigning for yearsto persuade inspectorates to concen-trate more on whether or not resid-ents are benefiting from the care theyreceive, rather than on whether or notthe office paperwork is in order.
He added: “Let us hope that, whenthe ink is dry, the new inspectionregime being promised will live up toexpectations, and that the flaws wehave endured under previousregulators will be dispatched to thebureaucratic dustbin where they
belong. We have had serious concernsabout the current star rating systembecause we felt it was a very bluntinstrument, especially in the way thatthe regulator decided how many starsto award a particular nursing home.The criteria used are not altogetherfair or logical. Nor is thereconsistency.”
“We believe that a five-star systemwould be better than a three starsystem, partly because it would moreappropriately reflect the differentlevels of quality achieved by care hom-es and partly because most people arefamiliar with the system of awardingbetween one and five stars to hotels.”
Over the coming weeks the associa-tion will be discussing the proposalswith nursing homes across the countryin order to respond formally to theconsultation. Frank added: “We alsowelcome in principle the suggestionfrom the CQC that ‘quality profiles’ ofcare providers should be built up froma range of sources of information, sothat star ratings are not the only way inwhich quality is measured.”
� Do you agree with Frank’ssuggestions for a new five-star ratingsystem? Let Dominic Musgrave knowby emailing [email protected] or byringing 01226 734407.
Call for hotelrating systemfor industry
Keith Chegwin has been lined up to host theGreat British Home Care Awards in May. Thetelevision presenter will present the event,which celebrates excellence across the sector,and is taking place at the Guildhall, London onMay 15.
Residentslearn artof foldingRESIDENTS at aSheffield care home weretreated to an origamitaster session as part ofan ongoing volunteeringproject run by studentsat the city’s university.
Six students took partin the session at TaptonEdge, which aimed toteach the residents thebasic skills of theJapanese art of foldingpaper into decorativeshapes and figures, andby the end of the sessionthe residents hadlearned how to makejumping frogs andswans.
The ongoing projectinvolves weekly visits bya total of 17 studentvolunteers to the carehome to providestimulation and theopportunity to learn newskills together.
Deputy manager PatBond said: “Residentsalways look forward toWednesday afternoons,the students are greatwith them. We wouldnever have thought ofdoing activities likeorigami, the interactionwith the students is verybeneficial and it’s greatexercise for their fingerstoo.”
Group Deputy Editor:Judith HalkerstonTel: 01226 734458
Database enquiries to:01226 734695 E-mail: [email protected] every effort is made toensure the accuracy of all con-tent, the publishers do notaccept liability for error, printedor otherwise, that may occur.
www.caring-uk.co.uk
You can now follow us on Twitter at caringuk
TWO Swedish students have temporari-ly joined the team at a busyScarborough care home.
Staff and residents at St Cecilia’s wel-comed Minna Andersen and IdaJohnsen, who are studying health carein Sweden and are visiting the UK to getsome work experience.
Manager Jo Edmond said the pair willbe at the home for six weeks. She said:“They are a pleasure to have around. Weare more than happy to help in the stu-dents’ development. Getting the besttraining and experience in care is clear-ly as important in Sweden as it is herein the UK. At the same time it has beena pleasant change for the residents tohave some new faces, from a differentcountry, around the place.”Minna Andersen and Ida Johnsen with residents Joan Gregory, Nancy Spencely and Audrey England
A HELICOPTER ride, ballroom dancingand playing cricket are just some of thedreams coming true for care home resi-dents in Lincolnshire thanks to a newfund.
Set up by The Orders of St John CareTrust, the Wish Tree Fund uses moneyraised from selling raffle tickets at fundays to fulfill residents’ special wishes.
Seven have already had theirs granted,including Gwendy Cook from EresbyHall in Spilsby, who was treated to a pro-fessional dance lesson with DaleBennett, the twin brother of StrictlyCome Dancing's Darren, at his dancestudio in Sheffield.
And activity manager Anita Rudd, whoorganises the wishes along with Alison
Whitlock, said another 17 are in thepipeline this year.
She added: “Our residents often talkabout activities they used to enjoy whenthey were younger or even things theyalways wanted to do but never got thechance to, so we set up the Wish Tree inorder to make these dreams come truefor them.
“Life in a care home can be positive formany residents and achieving these veryspecial requests is just one way in whichwe as an organisation ensure specialtimes and special memories.
“We have had a fantastic responsefrom residents who have already partici-pated in the Wish Tree, as well as theirfamilies, who are often invited along to
enjoy the special day.”Anita said the only wish they have been
unable to grant so far was for an elderlyresident who want to go up in a hot airballoon, but was deemed to frail to doso.
“We managed to arrange for her to goup in a helicopter instead, which sheabsolutely loved,” she added. “Othersthat we have granted have been forthings the residents want to do or didwhen they were younger and wanted todo one more time. The individual homesare now getting involved more in thefundraising because they have seen thebenefits of the fund. Some are organis-ing coffee mornings and others aredoing their own raffles also.”
Wishes come true in Lincolnshire
Välkommen ...
03 16/3/10 16:49 Page 1
CARINGNEWS4
Care providerswarned notto cut cornersBy Dominic Musgrave
CARE providers must not cut cornersdespite increased pressure onbudgets, it has been claimed.
The warning comes from JoanWilliams, acting chair of the CQC,who says that safety and quality ofcare must not be compromised in thecurrent financial climate.
Joan told the audience at theannual Ageing PopulationConference that, after focusing onimprovement in its first year, anapproach focusing on individuals,carers and families is needed.
She added: “We have new powersfrom the beginning of April to actmore quickly against those providerswho are delivering poor care orservices that are not safe.
“There are still organisationslagging behind that are not able toget themselves out of a situation. Ifthey are less than a ‘good’ rating thenthey need to think differently abouthow they are going to bring aboutchange.
“We want to ensure that peoplehave high quality experiences, andwe can only do this by working withothers in partnerships.
She also called on operators tomaintain high standards at all times,which she conceded can be difficultin the current economic climate.
Joan added: “One of the biggestchallenges facing providers is how toprovide a good service when budgetsare getting tighter.
“There are huge financial pressures,but one thing that should be avoidedis cutting corners when it comes tosafety or quality of care.
“People who require specialistattention should receive care to meettheir requirements. Not only is therean ageing population in the UK butthere is also a changing one, butquality should always remain thepriority.”
She also called on a shift inattitudes towards the elderly with theintroduction of the Personalisationagenda.
“A feeling of worth for the elderlyshould be at the heart of the newagenda,” she added. “There has beengood progress but lots still to do interms of cultural change.
“There needs to be a belief thatelderly people have a contribution tomake, and I will do all I can to ensurethat the patronising and insultingattitude that some people havetowards them stops.”
Joan Williams
Resident Bill Sly plays on the Wii with activities coordinators Jane Stokes and HeatherPenny.
Wii keeps Bromsgrove residents activeELDERLY residents at a Bromsgrovecare home have been keepingphysically and mentally active thanksto a new games console.
Regents Court Care Home has beengiven a Nintendo Wii to aid residents’mobility and to keep them mentallyalert, and staff are hoping the gameswill benefit residents, particularlythose with dementia.
Residents aged in their 80s and 90shave been enjoying playing on theWii and Wii Fit board, which featurebalancing activities, brain training
games and simulated sports.Manager Karen Hancox said: “The
Wii has been a great success with theresidents. The variety of games helpsincrease mobility, maintain hand-eyeco-ordination and keep the brainactive. People can play individuallyor in groups so it has had a reallygood impact on the residents’ socialinteraction.
“The residents have been havinggreat fun since it arrived, playingbowling, cycling, walking and a hostof other games.”
04 17/3/10 10:24 Page 1
5CARINGNEWS
THE event asked health and socialcare workers to run an activity wherethey work and was aimed at promot-ing dignity.
It also asks members of the publicto do what they can to promote dig-nity for people in their communities.
In Gloucestershire, Parton House inChurchdown ran a ‘Breath of Spring’session, planting spring bulbs withresidents and having a discussionabout gardening, while the activityco-ordinators at The Grange inStonehouse organised a poetry after-noon with tea, cakes and music.
At The Hollies in Dursley residentsmade bookmarks, while at HollyHouse in Cheltenham they made aheart wishing tree with staff and theirfamilies.
Activities coordinator facilitatorAnita Miles said: “The idea behindthe day is to promote people living incare homes being treated as individ-uals, being given choice and toensure they are treated with dignityat all times. It’s also to give them areally memorable day.
“Providing stimulating activities iscrucial to that and I’ve been delight-ed with the response I’ve had fromcare homes all over the county. Manyof the activity co-ordinators havereally embraced the idea and put alot of effort and thought into organis-ing some really interesting activities.”
Two council-run homes in theCalderdale also got involved in theevent.
At Ferney Lee care home in
Todmorden everyone living or stay-ing at the home was offered reiki,reflexology, body massage, foot spasand manicures.
And at Heathy House, Halifax, aguest entertainer was brought in anda special tea laid on for residents.
The council's director of adulthealth and social care, JonathanPhillips, said: “By signing up to thedignity campaign, our staff havedemonstrated their strong belief thatolder people are entitled to dignityand respect, both in care settings andin their own homes.
“Dignity is not simply about not tol-erating abuse – it's about makingsure that we treat our older people inthe way we would wish to be treatedwhen we get old.”
And at Bracebridge Court inAtherstone, Warwickshire, residentscompiled their own versions of thefamous red book, with imagesincluding a racing pigeon shed, theStoke potteries and a public house.
Christine Jenking, who works as anactivity coordinator for the countycouncil, said: “Life story work is aneffective way of promoting dignity incare because rather than the olderperson only being associated withthe time that they are admitted intocare, a picture is built of their wholelife. Our residents are very proud oftheir books and the lives they haveled. Each page reflects a whole chap-ter because they enhance so manymore memories.”
From pamper days to poetry, bulb planting and bingo, carehome residents nationwide enjoyed fun activities to celebrateDignity Action Day. Dominic Musgrave reports.
Homes celebrateDignity day with activities
05 16/3/10 16:51 Page 1
CARINGNEWS6
By Dominic Musgrave
A SPECIALIST dementia care homein Bradford has been rewarded for itssupport and investment in staffdevelopment.
Spring Mount, which is run bymother and daughter Janet Bell andJacqueline Smith, has received aspecial 10-year achievementcertificate from Investors in People.
The home, which first opened in1987, has had plenty of mediaattention over the years due to itsapproach to dementia care.
Janet, a former nurse, said: “Iopened the home because I felt therewas a need to change the standardsfor dementia care.
“Here I have created a haven forthem to be themselves without theneed for tranquilisers. Theenvironment is very important, andwe give them free access to theoutside so they can go in and outthrough any number of doors.
“We have a high ratio of staff toresidents, 30 to 24, and signed up toInvestors in People 10 years agobecause we are committed to tryingto develop the staff. We have atraining manager and have createdour own full induction for allmembers of staff.”
The home’s approach to dementia
care was featured on Panorama in2007, having previously appeared onWorld in Action.
Janet added: “I hope the NationalDementia Strategy will make a bigdifference to the way the condition isperceived in this country.
“It has taken a very long time to getthis far, I know I have beenhammering away for the last 20years. It is about giving them asnormal a life as possible, so we takethem to the post office, park orsupermarket if they want to go.
“In the past we have thought aboutextending the business further, andperhaps buying another home, but Idon’t want to dilute the philosophy ofcare that we offer here.”
The home also recently receivedfive stars for its kitchen hygienepractices at its latest Scores on theDoors inspection carried out by thelocal council.
Janet Bell and Jacqueline Smith, owners of Spring Mountcare home in Bradford
Home rewardedfor its staffinvestment
“I opened the homebecause I felt therewas a need to changethe standards fordementia care.”
06 17/3/10 10:20 Page 1
7CARINGNEWS
£6m care homeboasts its owndementia unitBy Dominic Musgrave
A NEW £6m care home whichboasts its own dementia unit hasopened in Gloucestershire.
HRH The Duke of Gloucesterofficially opened Chestnut Court,which is to be operated by TheOrders of St John Care Trust inpartnership with the countycouncil and bpha.
The 80-bed care facility pro-vides nursing care and alsoincludes a specialist dementiawing, which includes a numberof features to promote reminis-cence as therapy, includingposters from the 1950s, a redtelephone box and an old fash-ioned washing line in the gardenso residents can see washing onthe line as it would have been ‘athome’.
Care home manager TraceyNurding said the decoration,
lighting and furnishings in the40-bed dementia unit have beenspecially designed to help resi-dents maintain as high a level ofindependence as possible.
She added: “It has been a verybusy two years since the start ofthe project, and I am extremelyproud of the new team here atChestnut Court.
“The new dementia wing hasbeen designed to facilitate ahigher degree of independencefor those suffering with demen-tia, by providing light guidancetechnology in each room,increased signage throughoutwith varying colour schemes andsecure sensory gardens.
“Guidance was sought from theUniversity of Stirling who at thetime of the design project wereinnovative in their approach tonew buildings.”
A red telephone box is one of the reminiscence features at the home
Care Show introduces new featuresNEW features have been introducedto the forthcoming Care Show atBournemouth.
‘Gardening for Therapy’ and the‘Occupational Therapy Zone’ aim tobroaden market coverage and offermore opportunity for visitors tointeract with service and productsuppliers.
The Occupational Therapy Zonetakes a broad view on the use ofoccupational therapy and comprisesa full two-day programme withdemonstrations and talks.
Silvie Silver, strategic director ofNAPA, will take a fresh look at‘Activities in residential care’ and newideas on the ‘Importance of postureand pressure management’ will bepresented by Mark Fowles, health-care director of Kirton Healthcare.
Sue Robathan, local director ofMusic for Health, will run a participa-tory workshop to explore musicalinvolvement to address physical,emotional, cognitive and socialneeds of people in care, while SonjaWaara-Conway, managing director ofNordic Care Services Ltd. will look at‘Cost effective turning solutions inbed’ and the importance of ‘Exercisefor Dementia’ will be discussed byMark Jones, director of LiverpoolPCT. Gardening for Therapy’ is thesecond new feature to the Show. Theadditional features will run alongsidethe Seminar Theatre, the DementiaCare Theatre, Fitness Focus and theSensory Zone.
The Care Show runs on March 30and 31 between 10 am and 4pm atthe BIC, Bournemouth.
07 17/3/10 10:15 Page 1
CARINGNEWS8
Technologyboost forresidentsBy Dominic Musgrave
RESIDENTS at a Leicestershire carehome are learning how to use theinternet and send emails thanks to agrant awarded to a charitableorganisation.
Learning for the Fourth Age hasreceived almost £60,000 from theDepartment of Business, Innovationand Skills (DBIS) for its Care HomesAnd New Technologies project(CHANT).
And one of the first care homes toget involved in the scheme isAigburth in Oadby, which isregistered for 32 residents.
Manager Angie Boyes told CaringUK the home has had a computer,laptop and a Nintendo Wii installed.
She added: “The Nintendo Wii hasgone down a storm with theresidents, and they play it all thetime.
“A lot of them here have alsolearned to email, and we recentlywere talking to another care home inthe county using Skype.
“We now plan to start using it forthe residents to keep in touch with
any families and friends they mayhave abroad.”
Three of the home’s residents, 90-year-old Irene Branston, 93-year-oldHilda Spencer and 86-year-old JeanMalen also visited the Houses ofCommons recently to see a film thatLearning for the Fourth Age had puttogether about the scheme.
Angie added: “Melissa March, co-founder and director of the company,asked if they could come in and filmthe residents using the equipment,which they said they could.
“We were then invited along to seethe documentary they had puttogether so we took the residentsdown to see what they had puttogether.
“I never thought in all my time herethat I would see the residents on theLondon Underground or usingcomputers, but they have reallyembraced it with both hands andhave really got involved.”
The home has also been asked tofeature in a documentary for TheNational Institute of AdultContinuing Education.
A CARE group has come up with anovel way of keeping people up todate on its new home project.
Cornwall Care wants to build a newfacility in St Ives and, following aseries of consultation events, hascreated the a dedicated page on itswebsite to provide people withinformation about the plans.
The company wants to build asmall retirement community whichwill include a care home andindependent assisted livingaccommodation.
Chief executive Douglas Webb saidthe website has sections forfrequently asked questions, locationmaps, images of the current sites, e-newsletter registration and a homepage that gives a full overview of theplanned development.
He added: “We wanted to providepeople with as much information aspossible regarding our plans. Thenew section of the website enables usto regularly update information andseek feedback and comments frompeople.
“Our consultation events providedus with a great insight into views andconcerns expressed by those whoattended, and we hope to have haveaddressed these in the FrequentlyAsked Questions (FAQ) section of thesite.”
The proposals are based on thedevelopment of an 80 bedroom care
home which would include 60residential bedrooms and a further20 nursing care rooms. The additionof the nursing care would be a newservice for the area.
The home will be divided up intosix separate self contained suites and25 to 30 self contained extra careunits.
The planning application will beput forward to Cornwall council bythis month.
Group turns to internetto pass on project news
AussieRules athomeIT was ‘Aussie Rules’ at aDevon care home as staffand residents got togetherto celebrate Australia Day.
Residents at the 64-bedHeanton Nursing Homein Braunton celebratedwith a lunch includingAnzac biscuits, a selectionof Australian wines and acake baked by the home’schefs.
There was a digeridooplaying session led byactivities coordinator JoLailey and a quiz on allthings antipodean fromthe home’s own ‘EdnaEverage’ played by careassistant David Allen.
Manager Jo Rutherfordsaid the event was one ofthe home’s best ever.
She added: “Wenormally celebrate Burn’sNight at this time of yearbut our staff andresidents wanted to bringa bit of sunshine to theproceedings.
‘Dame Edna’ David Allen celebrates Australia Day withresident Betty Davis
08 17/3/10 10:23 Page 1
09 Medicare 16/3/10 16:41 Page 1
CARINGNEWS10
MIKE Vaughan is the thirdgeneration of his family to run RedRocks nursing home in Hoylake.
His grandparents opened thefacility at the end of World War IIwhen they returned to the area,having previously run a fruit andveg shop and a fishmongers innearby Wallasey.
Mike, who took over the reinsfrom his mother 23 years ago,having trained as a hotel andcatering manager, said he hadhappy memories of the home as ayoungster.
He added: “From an early age Ihad an interest in the home, and Iremember doing different errandsfor my mother and the residents asa youngster.
“The home was one of the first inthe Wirral to offer care for theelderly, but it has beentransformed over the years fromhaving bleached floors and sacksfor curtains to the high end facilitywith hotel-type services we are
today.”The three-star 22-bed home has
recently been named the best inthe north of England following acompetition run on a listingswebsite.
Mike added: “We always strive forvery high standards, and havingspoken to the CQC they told us wescored ‘excellent’ in every category.
“We have a great team here andare well supported by our GPs andother local healthcareprofessionals, who make it that biteasier for us to keep raising the barto meet people’s expectations.
“It’s the little things that make thedifference, and it is nice when theresidents and their families noticewe are going the extra mile.”
A host of varied activities areregularly organised for theresidents, who have begun holdingmeetings to discuss what eventsthey would like to have at thehome.
He added: “Food plays a vital part
in their lives, and we do our best tosource as much food locally as wecan from the best suppliers.
“We have recently introducedrestaurant evenings to the home,with the residents deciding withthe two activities coordinatorswhich country they would like to
have food from, and they thendesign the menu with the kitchenstaff.
“I have looked into building some apartments on the site, but Iwant to focus on what we aredoing well and don’t want to waterit down.”
A Wirral proprietor who was born on the premises says he is confident the home willremain in the family for years to come. Dominic Musgrave found out more.
Red Rocks nursing home and matron Ruth Mellors receiving the award fromDebbie Harris from Best-Care-Home.co.uk
Why third generation ownerkeeps raising the bar ...
10 16/3/10 16:55 Page 1
11 Safelincs fp 16/3/10 16:58 Page 1
CARINGNEWS12
Pets in carehomes Bill getssecond readingA BILL aimed at increasing thenumber of care homes and shelteredhousing which allow pets to live withtheir owners has had its secondreading in the House of Commons.
The Bill, which has been brought byEastbourne and Willingdon MP NigelWaterson, aims to reduce thenumber of pets that are put downevery year because there is no otheroption, which is currently estimatedat around 38,000.
A further 100,000 have to be givenup and put in rescue centres, withmany being distressed by theirabandonment and having to be putdown as well.
Nigel, the shadow minister for olderpeople, said the Bill has had cross-party support. He added: “Pets are animportant source of physical,emotional and social support forolder people. They have provenhealth benefits for the elderly andcan improve cardiovascular andmental health. They are also a greatantidote for loneliness, which canafflict so many older people.”
Elizabeth Ormerod, chairman ofthe Society for Companion AnimalStudies also backed the Bill, sayingthat only a third of homes in the UKhave any formal written policy onpets, despite research supporting thepsychological and physiologicalbenefits of pet ownership.
She added: “The number of older
people in Britain is increasing and itis vital that we ensure the oftendifficult transition into residentialcare is as painless as possible.”
“There is a frustrating lack of policyto support older and more vulnerablepet owners who arguably have themost to gain from owning a pet, yetin many cases are prevented fromdoing so.
“We hope that the second readingwill encourage more flexible petpolicies among public and privatehousing providers in the UK as manyother countries have alreadysuccessfully addressed this issue.”
Nigel Waterson MP
RESIDENTS at a West Midlands carehome held a special event to saythank you to two four-legged friends.
Willow Grange in Olton raised £120for the Pets As Therapy charity, aprogramme which sees volunteerspay therapeutic visits with theiranimals. Vicky Brown and her BorderCollie dog Mouse have been visitingthe home for four years, while PatJarret and her Sheltie dog Deanohave been attending for two.
Activities coordinator Rosemary
Hennessey said: “Many of theresidents used to have pets of theirown so the PAT programme is a wayfor them to build that emotionalbond again and enjoy an animal’scompany. We are very lucky to havetwo PAT dogs who visit us every weekso we decided to hold a fundraisingevent to say thank you for thevaluable work they do.”
The day included a raffle, tombolaand a guess the weight of the cakecompetition.
PAT on the back for dogs
12 16/3/10 16:55 Page 1
13CARINGHYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL
Company is official UKdistributor for airdisinfection unit rangeENVIRONMENTAL HygieneSolutions are the official UK distributor of the Health ProtectionAgency certified SANYO VirusWasher range of air disinfectionunits.
Specifically designed for thehealthcare environment to combatthe transmission of airborne viruses and bacteria such asNorovirus and Influenza, the equipment constantly cleans the air
using patented Electrolysed WaterTechnology, making them 100 percent safe for use in occupied roomsand areas.
Recent independent testing has shown that the perfectly safe hydroxyl radicals produced by the Virus Washers also act on surfaces, permanently inactivatingover 99.8 per cent of settled contaminants within 30 minutes.
Online training courses launchedBVS Training has launched a new training tool for those who wish to deliver training online.This cost effective alternative to traditional training allows learners to spend time training on chosen
subjects in their own time and at their own pace. Each course provides learners with the required information about each subject, as well as activities,
Q&A sessions and an end of course certificate. Individual learners will have personal log-in details and can track their own learning from start to fin-
ish. The first courses to be introduced are:
• Fire Safety 1: Hazards and Prevention• Fire Safety 2: Drills and Evacuation• Fire Safety 3: Risk Assessment• Mental Capacity Act• Health and Safety in the Care Home• Food Hygiene in the Care Home• Develop as a Worker• Infection Control in the Care Home • Nutrition and Well-being• Each course costs £17.50 per learner.
Enquiries: Telephone 0845 644 2866.
Total Hygiene makes it realCHOOSING independent living aids
is being made more personal with aninnovative approach from TotalHygiene, the company behind theClos-o-Mat ‘wash and dry’ toilet.
The firm has developed a novelexhibition display, receiving its firstmajor outing at Naidex 2010, whichaims to help people better picture theequipment in their own home, and seehow it works.
Fully functioning Clos-o-MatPalma ‘wash and dry’ toilet, Lima Liftheight adjustable ‘wash and dry’ toilet,Aerolet toilet lift and a selection of thecompany’s new range of heightadjustable fixtures are displayedagainst a backdrop showing a bath-room/ washroom environment.
Marketing manager Robin Tuffley said: “We have extended our range of independent toileting aids sig-nificantly, and want to make people aware of the diversity of options now available to make carrying outthis basic daily function as pleasant and dignified an experience as possible.”
Enquiries: Telephone 0161 969 1199.
Legionella testing and risk control madeeasy with Aquacert
AQUACERT operates a postal ser-vice which enables care homes totest for legionella bacteria in watersystems easily and cheaply.
The company offers a simplethree-step solution:
Aquacert send out sterile bottles.The bottles are filled by the care
home from hot water outlets.Aquacert collect by courier for
delivery to their UKAS accreditedlaboratory.
All for £44.50 + VAT per bottle(one bottle is normally sufficient fora home of up to 20 beds).
Aquacert can also offer adviceon control measures to minimise the risk of having legionella in your water systems free of charge.
Managing director Duncan Hollis said: “Aquacert now has over 4,000 customers in the care sector usingthis service. I don’t want to see any care home featured on the national news due to a legionnaires dis-ease outbreak, and neither do our customers.”
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 783 5226 or visit www.aquacert.co.uk
13 16/3/10 16:57 Page 1
CARINGNEWS14
Advertiser’s announcement
USED in care homes across the UK,Attach-a-Tag is a simple and costeffective method for labellingclothing, slippers and other softobjects.
The discreet tag replicates a sparebutton and attaches in seconds tothe garment seam or laundry label,making it inconspicuous and barelydiscernable to the wearer.
Unlike others, Attach-a-Tag cannotbe taken off by accident or come offduring the laundry process.
Each tag has the owner’s nameclearly etched onto it, which is alsoguaranteed not to come off in thewash.
Combined with the unique fixingmethod, this means you can identifythe owner every time, correctly. It isalso reusable, making it even morecost effective for your care home.
Simple and cost-effective labellingused by care homes across UK
Star celebrationat care homeafter inspectionBy Dominic Musgrave
AN ESSEX care home which waswarned it may lose a star followingchanges to its registration iscelebrating.
Christine Greenwood, manager ofGrandville Lodge in Leigh on Sea,threw a party for the 19 residents andstaff after receiving an ‘excellent’rating from the inspectorate for thesecond consecutive time.
But, prior to the inspection, shesays she was warned by the CQC thatbecause one of the partners whoowned the home was selling theirshare it would be treated as a newone.
Christine added: “The inspectionwasn’t due until this year, butbecause of the change in registrationit was brought forward to last yearinstead.
“We were told that we would nowbe treated as a new home, whichmeant the highest rating we couldget would be ‘good’, which I thoughtwas grossly unfair as I was still goingto be the manager and the quality ofthe care wasn’t going to change.
“We were very lucky that theinspector was very helpful, and sherang me a couple of weeks later tosay she had looked into it and wecould keep the three stars.”
The report particularly praised thehome for its activities, health andpersonal care and management andadministration, while Christine saidit was down to “a wonderful teameffort”.
And the party was also a doublecelebration to mark her 11 years atthe helm.
She added: “We wanted to celebrateme being here 10 years last year, butnever got around so organisinganything but, after the good newsfrom the inspectorate, it seemed likea perfect time to throw a party.
“I originally came here as a carer 16years ago, and have worked my wayup to deputy manager and managerover the years. Looking back thehome has changed massively, and wehave built two new extensions ashere as well as making many internalimprovements. The clientele has alsochanged, and is getting a lot olderand frailer.”
Staff celebrate Christine Greenwood’s anniversary and the three-star rating
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15 Miele 16/3/10 16:40 Page 1
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17
Caring UK Commercesection brings you all the latest property,business and trainingnews every month.
In this issue:
� One fifth ‘unaware’of new legislationrequirements
Page 18
� Home will boast‘sustainable’ features
Page 20
� Pair complete firstphase of extension
Page 21
South West care homesreport fall in profitsMORE than a quarter of care homes inthe South West saw their profits fall bymore than 10 per cent last year, it hasbeen revealed.
And the study by accountancy firmBishop Fleming also found that smallerhomes, with less than 25 beds, are mostvulnerable to commercial viability.
The first ‘benchmarking’ report whichenables care home owners to comparetheir business to competitors within theregion found that that almost two thirdsrely on public-sector funded fees fortheir residents.
86 per cent receive less than £400 perweek, with more than 20 per cent receiv-ing less than £300.
Tim Godfrey, head of Bishop Fleming’s
care homes team, said almost half arecharging between £400-£500 per weekfor self-funding residents, with morethan a third charging more than £600.
He added: “In our experience, thehomes commanding above average pub-lic funding are those that shout the loud-est and provide the highest quality care.
“Care homes that are able to moveaway from state-funded residents cancharge fees that reflect the true costs ofproviding hotel quality accommodationand 24 hour care.”
“The balance of cost-control and quali-ty-delivery is crucial to profitability. Thenew star-ratings have a massive impacton people’s choice of homes, and arevital for ensuring high occupancy rates,
which will make or break smaller homeswith up to 25 beds.”
The report also found that almost halfthe region’s care homes are enjoying 95per cent occupancy rates, but 14 percent are less than 80 per cent full.
“The new star-rating assessment sys-tem will be pivotal for those smallerhomes, which should be driving upoccupancy by driving up quality.
“They should consider dual registra-tion (residential and nursing services), orsole focus on nursing or dementia care.
“But there will be winners and losers.The winners will be the homes that canattract the self-funding residents andcommand the higher public-sector feesby delivering the best quality.”
RESIDENTS from a care home visit-ed the construction site of a newone the group is developing to burya time capsule.
The group from Tandridge Heightsin Oxted made the trip to HurstGreen to commemorate the occa-sion of the start of the building workof the new Barchester Healthcarecare home.
The time capsule included every-day objects that sum up the year2010 such as CDs, photos and falseteeth, and was buried to be dug upin 50 years’ time.
The 60-bed facility, which is set to open in the autumn, is beingbuilt by Castleoak and will benamed by children from a localjunior school.
Tandridge Heights general manager John Lavan with resident William Mundy andnurse Jean Hiley.
Residents bury time capsuleat site of new home
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CARINGCOMMERCE18
By Dominic Musgrave
ONE fifth of all care managers in theUK are unaware of the requirements tovet staff introduced by theGovernment’s new legislation, it hasbeen claimed.
Twenty per cent of care managersquestioned in a survey by care insurerEcclesiastical said they did not knowabout the requirements, with thisfigure rising to a quarter in domiciliarycare.
The study also found that almost athird of managers believe the vettingand barring legislation will make carehomes more willing to employ jobcandidates who have already beenthrough the checking process.
Care managers are also not fullyconvinced that vetting and barring willhave the impact the Government isseeking, with more than a third sayingit would not improve protection forvulnerable groups compared with 41per cent who said it would.Management in nursing homes werethe least convinced by the changes,with almost a half saying it would notimprove the situation.
Ecclesiastical managing directorSteve Wood said: “We wanted to see
how care managers are dealing withthe new vetting and barring rulesbecause failure to implement themcorrectly could lead to litigation andsignificant costs for careestablishments.
“While awareness of therequirements is high, particularlyamong domiciliary care providers,there is still a significant group ofmanagers who’ve yet to get to gripswith the implications of the schemefor their organisations.”
Regulation is also an issue for caremanagers the Ecclesiastical surveyfound. Asked about theappropriateness of the degree ofregulation applied to their business,one third said it was excessive, while57 per cent felt the regulation wascorrect.
The Vetting and Barring Scheme wasintroduced by the Government inOctober 2009, and requires anyoneworking with children or vulnerableadults to have a criminal record check.
The study for Ecclesiastical wasconducted during November 2009 andsurveyed 140 care facilities includinghospices, children’s homes, nursinghomes and domiciliary care in GreatBritain.
One fifth ‘unaware’of new legislationrequirements
A care group’s new centre in Tameside will create 40 new jobs once complete.Meridian Healthcare has received planning approval to build on the site of a formerschool in Millbrook, and completion of the building is scheduled for autumn 2011.One of the main characteristics of the new building, which will have 45 en suitebedrooms, is the use of the existing façade of the old school. Construction is due tostart in early summer.
Refurbishment scheme underwayA SIX-MONTH refurbishmentproject to transform a disused listedbuilding into a state-of-the-artnursing home has begun.
The Grade II listed Penlee NursingHome on the site of the RoselandParc retirement village isundergoing extensive work to turn itinto a specialist dementia unit.
Two years ago residents weremoved out of the original buildingto the purpose-built RoselandNursing Home at the same location.
Retirement Villages Ltddevelopment director JamiPuckering said: “The next phase of
work will see this old buildingbrought to life again.
“The redevelopment of Penlee intoa specialist dementia unit will allowus to offer another strand of care,and the home will have its owndedicated staff while also being anintegral part of the village.”
Once finished, the house will have17 bedroom suites along withcommunal lounge, dining facilitiesand a sensory garden
Bodmin based T and D Carterhave been contracted to undertakethe work, which is set to becompleted in the summer.
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19 DC Care 16/3/10 16:39 Page 1
CARINGCOMMERCE20
Care providersto be allocatedapplication slotBy Linda Hutchinson
PROVIDERS of adult social careservices will recently have receivedthrough the post the latestinformation about registering withthe CQC.
The process of applying forregistration will begin shortly. Eachprovider is to be allocated a four-week period in which to submit theirapplication, and this ‘window’ will besomewhere between April 1 and 30September. All providers must beregistered by October 1.
Each provider will be notified of thedates for their application window.
Under the new registration system,which we are introducing across thewhole health and adult social caresector, people can expect providersto meet essential standards of qualitythat protect their safety and respecttheir dignity and rights wherever careis provided – in someone’s home, in acommunity setting, or in a hospital.
Earlier this year we produced ourguidance about compliance with thenew standards, which for social careservices replace the current NationalMinimum Standards. The guidance isfocused on outcomes for people thatapply across all care services, but italso contains specific outcomes forparticular service types, includingresidential care and domiciliary careservices.
As we approach the registrationapplication period, providers shouldbe using this guidance now to checktheir services are meeting theessential standards.
Existing providers already registeredunder the Care Standards Act 2000will not be required to pay a ‘joining’fee for being brought into the newsystem. All providers will continue topay an annual registration fee,however, we have stated that thecurrent fee levels will remainunchanged for the period up toMarch 31 2011 (although we will stillcarry out a technical consultation onthis).
We plan to introduce a long-termapproach to fees for all care providersfrom April 2011, and this will be thesubject of further consultation laterthis year.
We want to make this wholeprocess as smooth as possible. Aswell as through mailings, updates willalso be available in our monthlyemail bulletin, which you can sign upto from our website:www.cqc.org.uk/newsandevents/newsletter.cfm
More information on how to applyfor registration, and the guidanceabout compliance, can be found onthe website at:http://www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceforprofessionals/registration/newregistrationsystem.cfm
If you have any queries, pleasecontact our national contact centreon 03000 616161 [email protected].
Providers who wish to get moreinvolved with CQC’s work can joinour online ‘provider reference group’,which tests and develops theprocesses for our new assessmentsystems before they are published.Sign up by [email protected]� Linda Hutchinson is director ofregistration at the CQC.
Linda Hutchinson
DC Care has completed the sale of Summerfield Court care home in Leeds. The 19thCentury home is registered for 15 service users, and comprises 13 bedrooms with anadditional one bedroom flat on the second floor. It has been converted and extended byprevious owners, Mr and Mrs Lehan, who are now retiring after 23 years in thebusiness. Suvia Care Ltd has purchased the home for an undisclosed sum.
Home will boast ‘sustainable’ featuresCONSTRUCTION work has begun ona new £3m care home in Perthshirewhich will boast several ‘sustainable’features.
Due to be completed in December,the 41-bed facility being developedby the Balhousie Care Group, willcreate around 40 jobs and have solarwater and under-floor heatingsystems along with rainwaterharvesting.
Commercial director GrahamOgilivie said the home will alsofeature a highly insulatedconstruction system and triple glazedwindows for sound and thermal loss
reduction. He added: “We have asked our
architects to place majorconsideration on making our newcare homes as environmentallyfriendly as possible, even if thisincreases our total build costs,because we believe it's vital to makethat investment for the future.
“The home will benefit from thevery latest innovations in buildingdesign to make it extremelycomfortable for our new residents, aswell as providing the very bestresidential care that people havecome to expect.”
VAT reclaims continue to be a lifeline forcare operators
IN A climate where care home operators are still sufferingrising costs, reduced placements and great uncertainty abouttheir future, the opportunity to recover up to nine years ofVAT is greatly needed.
Cost reduction specialists Salmon Business Group canhelp operators reclaim retrospective VAT for nursing andresidential homes.
Despite the ruling taking place back in 2002, manyoperators have failed to avail themselves of the opportunitythinking that they could not make a claim.
You may not have all the records but this does not matter,as we can work with minimal information to secure asuccessful outcome.
We can assess your claim free of charge and advise as towhat the next step should be, and take this through tocompletion and funds in your bank account. If we are notsuccessful there is no charge to you the customer - you havenothing to lose.
Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visitwww.salmon-business.com
20 17/3/10 10:25 Page 1
21CARINGCOMMERCE
Christies has sold the freehold interest of Camelot House care home in Plymouth, Devon, to local operatorMannamead Care Ltd, for an undisclosedsum.The 40-bed care home is housed in asubstantial Victorian-style building, which
closed 16 months ago, and has beenbought by Phil and Tonya Gerry, who alsooperate the Charlton House care home inthe area. They have started an extensiverefurbishment of the home, which willculminate in a quality 35-bed facility witha day centre.
By Dominic Musgrave
BUSINESS partners Nick Meyer andDavid Henson have completed thefirst phase of an extension to one oftheir recently purchased care homes.
The pair, who now trade as SherveyLtd, bought Newgrange ResidentialHome in Cheshunt last year to add to The Three Corners in Brixham, Devon, which they boughtin 2007.
The project at the home involvesthe construction of two extensions toadd 13 bedrooms, an extendedlounge, conservatory and diningroom facilities, which will increasethe home’s capacity to 30 single, ensuite bedrooms.
David said: “The new extensionenhances the care, facilities andaccommodation that we can offer toresidents, and we are very pleasedwith the finished results.
“We have built a new day spacealso, which we have broken up intodifferent areas. We have put a largefocus on activities because we feel itis a really important aspect of care.
“Phase two of the plans, whichshould be completed by the end ofMay, will include us extending thelength of the building, which will cre-ate another four bedrooms.”
The increased capacity atNewgrange, which has also recentlybeen graded as ‘excellent’, will alsoincrease the total staffing from 22 to32.
Total funding of £6m, which alsoincludes the purchase of a thirdhome in Dorset, is being provided byNatWest’s specialist healthcare team.
David added: “It took us a while tofind the right home, but we aredelighted with the one we are buyingand look forward to expanding thecompany into the county.”
Pair completefirst phaseof extension
David Henson and Nick Meyer from Shervey Ltd with Newgrange resident LouisaWilliams and Steve Morris from NatWest
Jobs hope in £5m extension planA £5m extension to a Shropshire carehome could bring 50 jobs to thecounty if planners give the projectthe go ahead.
The number of staff at WoodcoteHall near Newport could double asbosses look to build an extra 90 bed-rooms and health spa as part of themulti-million pound revamp.
Owner Select Healthcare has lodgedits application with Telford andWrekin Council for the plans for thehome, which can be traced back asfar as the Domesday Book.
Brett Bernard said the investmentinto Shropshire was a sign of the company’s commitment to the
county. He added: “Select Healthcare has
submitted a planning applicationwith the purpose of providing 90brand new bedrooms and replacingand refurbishing some of the existingaccommodation.
“We also plan to provide high speci-fication facilities which we believewill benefit the people of Telford andWrekin. As part of our extensive ren-ovations we plan to bring the Hallback to its former glory.”
The planning application comes asseven staff from the home receivedpalliative care qualifications for theirexcellent standards in end of life care.
Sales team increases to meet demandSIGNATURE Aromas has
increased its sales team to meetthe demand for its air treatmentand air purification products.
With systems which can treateverything from small areas likewashrooms to large publicspaces such as hospital waitingrooms, the company can justifi-ably claim to have COSHHapproved, non-toxic and envi-ronmentally friendly air treat-ment systems for each applica-tion.
The latest breakthrough forSignature Aromas is itsacclaimed Purazone air purification system, which the NHS Trust in Wolverhampton has independentlytested and evaluated.
New salesmen Tom Ranford and James Hemmings joined colleagues for an intensive product trainingcourse at Himley Hall prior to studying the various applications for the company’s range of natural airfreshening systems
Signature Aromas also supply air treatment and air purification systems using natural oils to for offices,transport, education and retail premises as well as for the healthcare sector.
Enquiries: Visit www.signaturearommas.co.uk or call 01902 678822.
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CARINGINTERIORS22
THE new owners of a Stoke-on-Trentcare home threatened with closurehave given it a major facelift sincetaking over four months ago.
Goldendale House is LynneScarlett’s first venture into theindustry as an owner, but she hasworked in care homes for more than17 years.
Since getting the keys to the facility,which is registered for 19 residents,she and her team have transformedit, decorating and refurbishing manyof the rooms and installing a newheating, water and lighting system.
Lynne told Caring UK that a CQCinspector said the home was set to beclosed down shortly before she tookover.
She added: “I wish I had been in aposition to buy a home soonerbecause I have worked for someoneelse for years, building up theirbusinesses.
“It was a massive challenge takingon this home because it had 23requirements on it, but with myknowledge of care I decided to give ita go because I want to make theresidents’ lives better.
“When we took over there were 11residents, but within three weeks of
speaking with my contacts at socialservices we were full.”
Lynne says the residents and theirfamilies have been complimentaryabout the changes made so far,which include the ditching oftraditional uniforms in favour of amore modern look, and that a seriesof others are planned for the future.
She added: “I brought several othermembers of staff with me from theprevious home where I managed,including my manager Lorna Jones,and had to dismiss several peoplethat were working here.
“Those that remained haveundergone a lot of training, and wehave also appointed an activitiescoordinator because the residentswere sat watching television all day.
“We now want to turn a massivegarage underneath the home into athird floor which will have a kitchen,dining room and lounge, and are justin the process of getting thenecessary planning permission inplace.”
Lynne says she has no plans topurchase further homes in future,opting instead to run just the one toa high standard.
Goldendale House
Closure-threathome gets amajor revamp
Altro Timbersafe II impresses atStaffordshire care home
MHA Weston Queensway Care Home in Staffordshire hasbecome one of the first locations in the UK to benefit from newimproved Altro Timbersafe™ II.
The 48-bed care home found its previous wood effect vinylflooring looked good straight after it was installed, but wasdifficult to maintain.
Altro recommended the centre try new Timbersafe II, whichcomes with the latest generation Easyclean technology to offersuperior appearance retention and cleanability.
Customers can now chose from nine different designs andimproved cleanability, while still benefiting from Altro’sunrivalled technical support, a seven-year warranty and superbproduct quality.
Flexible and easy to install, Altro Timbersafe II is perfect foruse in any area where a safe walking surface with a warm, non-institutional feel is required.
All designs combine detailed wood graining and theauthentic effect of jointed wooden floor boards to give arealistic finish, with none of the maintenance and performanceissues of real wood.
Enquiries: Telephone 01462 707 600.
New catalogue for healthcare furnituresector
KNIGHTSBRIDGE Furniture has published a new catalogueto present details of the company’s entire portfolio ofseating, tables and cabinet furniture for hospitals, nursinghomes, residential care facilities and community housingprojects.
Intended as a single-source reference guide for designers,buyers and specifiers within the healthcare and care arena,the 200-page Knightsbridge Collection catalogue providesdetailed product descriptions and technical specifications,supported by lavish photographs and pertinent case-studies.
Twenty colour-coded sections allow swift access todifferent product areas: recent additions to the collectioninclude furniture for children’s rooms, ‘extreme’ specificationtables for residents demonstrating challenging behaviour, anew generation of recliners which embraces models forbariatric users and the versatile Affinity series of modularand island units for bespoke seating solutions.
The catalogue concludes with a useful guide to options inupholstery fabrics, wood finishes and soft furnishings.
Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731442 or visitwww.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk
Ten million pound scrappage dealA NURSING home
furniture supplier is set tolaunch a new £10mscrappage deal similar to theon the Government has runon cars.
this means you canrefurbish your nursing homewith savings of up to £75 perbedroom package, £10 perlounge chair and £5 for adining chair.
This has been set tobenefit home owners all overthe UK, and would seem tobe the perfect solution to
disposing of your old unwanted items, while saving one newcontract care furnishings.
This means no new contract care furnishings, relieving youof the hassle of having unsightly and costly skips on yourpremises.
Recycle a room with huge savings at Nationwide NursingHomes Supplies today.
Enquiries: Telephone 01274 593555.
22 16/3/10 17:05 Page 1
Services for ageingsociety need tobe re-engineeredBy Dominic Musgrave
A SHIFT in attitudes and a morecoherent care system is needed totackle the UK’s ageing population, it has been suggested.
Pensions and ageing society minis-ter Angela Eagle MP told the audi-ence at the Ageing PopulationConference in London that servicesfor an ageing society need to be ‘re-engineered’.
And she said the fact that n the UKthere are now more people over 65years of age than under 16 should becelebrated rather than seen as a‘black cloud’ over the country.
Angela added: “We have to putolder people at the centre of what wedo and put them in control, and it’simportant when we think about poli-cy making that we think about re-engineering society.
“We are in the middle of shiftingaway from getting people into nurs-ing homes like in the 1980s. I acceptthe longer you can keep people sup-ported in their homes, the better, andcan also prevent the need for nursingcare. It is also a much cheaper way ofdoing it.
“We have to re-engineer our ser-vices. We have to realise we have anad-hoc system and we have to turn itinto one that is much more coherent
than it is at the moment.”She also called for PCTs, local
authorities and social services towork closely together to put an endto the ‘postcode lottery’ of care.
“The way things are at the momentdrives carers up the wall becausethey are having to deal with so muchbureaucracy.
“Care can vary from place to placeand we need to think closely how we
are going to develop a National CareService that can deliver.”
Angela also said more flexiblemethods of housing to be developedthat meet the needs of the elderly.
She added: “Accommodation mustreflect the needs of the people livingin it, and new designs that cater forall in one place rather than themhaving to move if their conditiondeteriorates should be explored.”
A PROVIDER of home care servicesin Harrow has won two stars in its first inspection by the regulator.
Caremark supplies personal care,live-in care, palliative care, and sitting, escorting and domesticduties to 23 residents across the borough.
Experts from the CQC examinedsample files and spoke to customers and their relatives togauge how well the company hasserved its clients since starting inJune last year.
Because the evaluation was itsfirst, the maximum overall rating itcould have achieved was the two-star, or 'good' score it earned.
Managing director GirishKhubchandani said: “We have fullytaken on board the Caremark net-work’s aim of delivering excellentcare.
“This means not only giving ourcarer’s the right training and tools toenable them to deliver the higheststandards of care, but also to backthis up with a very professionalapproach from our office staff intheir recruitment and documenta-tion.”
The CQC report gave special men-tion to the franchise’s staff training,care plans and medication proce-dures.
Home careprovider winstwo stars infirst inspection
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24 Carefree 16/3/10 16:38 Page 1
25CARINGHOMECARE
Top 5 scoop for leading providerONE of the country’s leading retire-ment community providers hasscooped the top five placings in aUK chart.
Retirement Villages, the longestestablished operator of retirementvillages in the UK, has been devel-oping and managing purpose-builtage-exclusive communitiesthroughout for over 25 years.
Inspired originally from Americanlifestyle developments often builtaround golf courses and leisurefacilities, the idea was adapted tomeet the different needs of the UKmarket, and the first village wasbuilt in 1981.
The company’s villages took all topfive placings as well as numberseven in the list compiled by bestre-tirementdestinations.com – anindependent authority on ‘whereyou should retire’.
Cedars Village, on the fringes ofChorleywood, scored an unbeatable100 per cent across the several cate-gories to secure its top spot, nar-rowly beating Roseland Parc inTregony, Cornwall into secondCastle Village in Berkhamsted,Hertfordshire came third, in fourthwith 94 per cent was Thamesfieldwith Elmbridge in Cranleigh, Surreyat number five. Lime Tree Villagenear Rugby in Warwickshire securedthe number seven slot.
Sales and marketing director SarahBurgess said: “I think one of thesecrets to our success is that we lis-ten to our residents.
“We work hard at the recreationalside of what we offer, with every-thing from luncheon clubs and soci-eties to exercise classes.
“Our aim is to provide the verybest in retirement living for our resi-dents in some of the country’s moststunning settings. Our position at
the top and in a further five placingsis testament to the fact that we aredelivering on our promises.”
Each community was reviewedagainst a strict list of criteria whichinclude residential options, visualappeal, recreational activities, socialnetworking, and safety and security.The overall experience for residentswas also taken into account.
Sarah added: “Something we havebeen offering to potential residents
for the last couple of years is a trybefore you buy scheme.
“People can come and stay with usfor a day or two and touch and feelthe products, as well as meet resi-dents who live there.”
The company are currently build-ing 11 new villages nationwide, andare improving facilities at theirexisting sites.
Sarah Burgess One of Retirement Villages’ sites
A DOMICILIARY care provider says ithas received record numbers ofenquiries as a result of the nationaldebate on the future of social care inEngland.
Hampshire-based Bluebird Care,which has offices across England andIreland, believes the ongoing debateis good news for the public as it ishelping people understand the rangeof care options available to them andtheir families.
Managing director Paul Tarsey said:“Understanding the current care sys-tem in England can be complex, aspeople are naturally unsure of whatoptions are out there – and what theymay be entitled to by way of state-funded support.
“As a result of all the media cover-age, people are getting a better
understanding of what’s currentlyavailable – and that can only be goodnews in the longer term.
“We have received record numbersof calls during the first couple ofmonths of this year – both frommembers of the public looking at var-ious care options, and also from peo-ple looking to open care-at-homefranchises that offer what customerswant, and are sustainable, economi-cally.”
Bluebird Care featured onNewsnight recently when directorSimon Dalziel joined other experts asthe BBC programme put social careunder the spotlight and examined theissues facing future governments inpaying for older people’s care.
One of its customers, a formerwartime fighter pilot, also appeared.
National debate leads torecord number of enquiries
ManagingdirectorPaul Tarsey
Project wins special awardHOMECARE developments by aScottish council have been recog-nised with a special award.
City of Edinburgh council’s re-able-ment service received a silver prize atthe Convention of Scottish LocalAuthorities (COSLA) ExcellenceAwards.
The project was nominated in theservice innovation and improvementcategory for the work being carriedout by health and social care staff.
The model, rolled out during thepast year, centres around helpingthose in need get back on their feetby gaining confidence at home andre-learning life skills after an illnessor hospital stay.
Councillor Paul Edie, health and
social care leader for Edinburgh, said:“The health and social care staff whohave implemented this ground-breaking service fully deserve theaccolade.
“Re-ablement is one of those pro-jects that really does make a differ-ence to people’s lives and shows thatour commitment to helping peoplelead independent lives is paying divi-dends.
“It maximises people’s long termindependence, choice and quality oflife while responding to the growth indemand for home care services.
“It helps them regain their indepen-dence by helping them re-learn lifeskills and boosting their confidence.”
Innovations that give a new lease of lifeFOR OTs and healthcare pro-
fessionals part of the job is advis-ing on products and adaptationsthat can make everyday living athome easier.
And it has just become easierwith Homecare, from care profes-sionals, The Consortium.
Homecare is the first compre-hensive online shop for elderlypeople who want to enjoy livingin their own homes. It includeshundred of products, includingmany sourced from countrieswith more advanced and innova-tive aids than the UK.
Homecare products have help-ful icons for each condition ordifficulty experienced to makefinding products easy, and experthelp from the occupational therapist is available to site visitors.
GP and health columnist Dr Ellie Cannon said: “The psychological boost that it can give a person, or theircarer when a difficulty is made easy, the ability to do something independently is restored, or a pastime isonce again an option, cannot be underestimated.”
Enquiries: Visit www.homecare-products.co.uk or telephone 0843 224 1200.
25 16/3/10 17:07 Page 1
26&27 Nationwide 16/3/10 16:36 Page 1
26&27 Nationwide 16/3/10 16:36 Page 2
CARINGNEWS28
Abbott Nutritionlaunches new Ensure Plus
ABBOTT Nutrition has launched new Ensure Plusmilkshake style flavours, reformulated for an even bettertaste.
Don’t just take our word for it as new Ensure Plus issupported by SUSTAIN, the largest independent studyinvestigating sensory and compliance factors in oralnutritional supplements, involving over 1,700 participants infour countries.
Numerous factors affect compliance, which is a majorbarrier to achieving nutritional goals. Latest research showsthat taste is the most important factor, having a greaterimpact on likelihood to drink than volume.
New Ensure Plus performed significantly better than othernutritional drinks for all sensory factors tested.
The improved taste of new Ensure Plus can also help to aidcompliance, so patients continue taking their nutritionaldrinks.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 252882 or visit www.abbottnutritionuk.co.uk
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs)based, Richards ResidentialSupplies have concentratedupon supplying simple solutionsto common nursing homeproblems.
The new WACMAT® adheresstrongly to this tradition.
With its ultra absorbentcotton pile and 100 per centwaterproof backing, theremarkable WACMAT® is anideal accessory where spills mayoccur.
Used as a commode mat, inbedrooms or bathrooms, theWACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use,simply machine wash and tumble dry! It’s that simple...
The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again. Alternativelythe flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costsalone.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Simple solutions
Customisable controls that work toperfection
MIELE’S Octoplus washer-extractor(PW6080) and tumble dryer (PT7186) offer morethan 70 washing and 40 drying programmes.
These can be packaged into bespokeprogrammes upon installation to suit thespecific needs of business’ laundry carerequirements.
Programme options not activatedimmediately can be added later as businessdemands evolve, and likewise, can bedeactivated if they are no longer needed.
Programmes are packaged togetherspecifically for care homes, and include thermaland chemo-thermal disinfection programmes atup to 85°C to help homes conform to therequirements of The Care Standard Act 2000.
Octoplus machines offer short programme running times even in disinfection programmes. Anadditional self-cleaning hygiene programme is available to ensure the machine itself meets the utmoststandards.
The intelligent machines also offer ‘Flexplus’ - a series of five customised wash and drying programmeswhich can be put together from pre-defined options to suit individual needs.
Enquiries: For further information visit www.miele-professional.co.uk
Rockfon is a healthy choice for ManchesterRoyal Infirmary
MANCHESTER Royal Infirmary hasundergone major expansion andrefurbishment as part of a £500m PFIdevelopment that also provides four newstate-of-the-art hospitals for the city.
Rockfon’s Medicare ceiling tile is speciallydesigned for healthcare environments andwas selected for the new wing, where over130,000m2 have now been installed.
Due to their stone wool core, all Medicaretiles are resistant to ubiquitous bacteria andfungi, in particular Staphylococcus aureus,including its Methicillin resistant strain(MRSA), making them fully compliant withHTM 60 ceilings.
For more sensitive areas such as highdependency and clinical rooms, Rockfon’s Medicare Ultra was used. Designed for more specialist areas it iscompliant in category 2 of HTM 60 and features an enhanced surface that can withstand high pressurecleaning.
All the Medicare ranges feature a smooth, imperforate surface to give an aesthetically pleasing finish,with acoustic properties that contribute to a peaceful, healing environment.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 389 0314 or visit www.rockfon.co.uk
Heligan by MosaicTHE restoration of the lost gardens of Heligan has
inspired this beautiful new nursing home collectionfrom Mosaic by Skopos design.
Elegant, nostalgic bouquets and trailing blossomscomplement exotic and contemporary flora creating afresh and exhilarating collection.
Co-ordinated with semi-plains and stripes, wovenupholstery fabrics and sheers, Heligan rediscovers theexcitement of the outdoors, providing endlesssophisticated combinations for nursing homeinteriors.
Printed on inherently FR, washable furnishingfabrics, it is a practical and beautiful choice, perfectfor public rooms and bedrooms.
Mosaic by Skopos is an ISO9001 accreditedcompany and, as the healthcare division of SkoposDesign Ltd, Mosaic has over 30 year’s specialistexperience in the design and manufacture of highperformance FR contract fabrics for the healthcaresector.
Enquiries: Telephone 01924 465191.
Tax reclaims forcommercial property
ownersCAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and
least exploited methods of reducing property owners’income tax or corporation tax liabilities.
Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure onpurchasing or constructing a new property along
with extensions and refurbishments.We carry out retrospective, current year, and new
build capital allowance claims, both for individuals andcompanies in relation to commercial properties rightacross the commercial sector.
Most retrospective capital allowance claims that wehandle lead to a significant tax refund for the client. Wewill quickly identify the validity of a claim withoutobligation. If a claim does not proceed, there will be nofee.
We comprehensively survey the property which allowsus to identify any qualifying items that, for numerousreasons, have previously not been claimed.
Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visitwww.salmon-business.com
By Dominic Musgrave
A CARE home in Northern Irelandhas forged close links with anearby school.
Residents from MassereeneManor Nursing Home first visitedAntrim Primary School last year tohelp create some flower beds inthe grounds.
And those with a particularinterest in gardening, includingone in particular who used towork in a garden centre, regularlyvisited the school with theirfamilies and the home’s staff tomaintain them.
Nurse manager Olive Hall toldCaring UK the relationship hasgrown much closer over overrecent weeks.
She added: “Following on fromthe work we did in the grounds atthe school we wanted to continuethe relationship so have set up apen pal scheme.
“The pupils keep the residentsup to date with how the flowersare growing, and it makes themfeel that they are part of thesociety because we want to createa community feeling here.
“Because many of the residentshere suffer from dementia, we sit
with them and help to put a lettertogether for the school, tellingthem all about what we aregetting up to at the home.”
Olive said there are also plans todevelop the relationship further,with pupils possibly visiting thehome in the coming months.
The home has also signed up tothe My Home Life Project,designed to improve the quality oflife for people who live, work, visitand die in care homes.
Olive added: “As part of theproject we have really developedour life story work, which we haveused to help us to understandhow the residents behave the waythey do, and to piece togethertheir identities.
“We also use it to ensure theactivities we do here aremeaningful and person centred,and we are currently searching forvolunteers from family membersto help us run some moreactivities to improve the residents’quality of life.”
� Have you close links with yourlocal school or community? LetDominic Musgrave know byemailing [email protected] or ring01226 734407.
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@CaringUK
29For Sale Pilot helps people with
dementia remain at homeA PILOT scheme has been launchedto help people with dementia to liveat home rather than go into residen-tial care by assisting them with day-to-day tasks.
The At Home Project being trialledby Accord Housing Association willwork with people with the conditionand their families to arrange visits today centres and adaptations to theirhomes to make them safer.
The team will also help with taskssuch as setting up direct debts so thatresidents do not forget to pay theirbills and rent, putting their tenanciesat risk.
Project manager Dora Scott toldCaring UK they will also encouragepeople to get involved in communityactivities, prompt them to take med-ication, eat healthy and maintain
their home.She added: “It is critical that we put
projects like this into place to sustainthe wellbeing of people.
“Supporting people with dementiato stay in their own homes allowsindividuals to have more choice andcontrol about their own futures, andencourages people to remain inde-pendent for as long as possible.
“This is hugely beneficial, not onlyto them and their families, but also tothe country as a whole as it can save avast amount of public money whichcould reduce the burden on the tax-payer.”
The project is being piloted in EastStaffordshire, including Cannock,Lichfield, Stafford and Tamworth. Ifsuccessful the free and confidential itcould be rolled out to other areas.
29 Classi 17/3/10 10:05 Page 1
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS30
Updated Therma 20thermometer now available
THE improved Therma 20 thermistor thermometer has beenspecifically designed for use in the food production and cateringindustries, with HACCP, due diligence and health and safetyprocedures in mind. The new, ergonomic case includes 'Biomaster'additive which reduces bacterial growth. The low batteryconsumption electronics are powered by three AAA batteries,giving the instrument exceptional battery life of a minimum offive years. The auto power-off facility turns the instrument offafter 10 minutes.
The Therma 20 displays temperature over the range of -39.9 to149.9°C with a high system accuracy of ±0.4 °C. This hand heldthermometer can be used in low ambient working temperaturesdown to -20 °C, which meets the requirements of the EuropeanStandard EN13485 for temperature monitoring of quick frozenfoods.
Each Therma 20 incorporates a Lumberg connector, allowing awide range of interchangeable probes to be used for a specificpurpose. The thermometer is priced at £65 excluding probe, VATand carriage.
Enquiries: Telephone 01903 202151 or visitwww.etiltd.com
HAVE you ever been charged anextortionate amount for one smallextinguisher seal and other ‘little’extras? Have you ever been tied intoan extinguisher servicing contractyou were not happy with?
While extinguisher servicing is amust for care and nursing homes,you still want to be able to chooseyour servicing supplier freely, and onthe base of a clearly understood priceand service level. Many servicingcompanies are trying to tie you into alengthy contract and are avoiding togive you a clear, undisputable quotefor fixed yearly costs, includingspares and replacement parts.
Safelincs offers a very quick onlinequote for your extinguishers, and willstick to its very competitive price –every year. You can cancel wheneveryou wish.
Very competitive prices
DO you need a chair, to carpet aroom or to refurbish your care home?
If so, Ollerton Hall Decor ofKnutsford can meet all yourrequirements.
The company has a huge range of
impervious carpets, flame retardantcurtains and co-ordinating bedding,chairs, furniture, work wear, tablelinen and towels, all top qualityproducts at an exceedingly goodprice.
Meeting all your requirements
IMAGINE what it would be like if every assessmentyou had to do became no more than having toanswer a series of multiple choice questions.
And that then a mere click on a ‘Prepare CarePlan’ button would automatically produce fullypersonalised and detailed care plans. And thewhole process taking no more than 15 to 20minutes.
Imagine then being able to switch on yourcomputer wherever in the world you are, andbeing able to see at one glance everything that’sgoing on in your care home.
You can with CareDocs.CareDocs is a unique care planning and home
management system that will save time, money,safeguard or improve your CQC rating and changethe way you work forever.
Designed by care home owners for owners,CareDocs concentrates on all those activities thattake the most time and cause the greatestheadaches.
Care plans and reviews, risk assessments, stafftraining, supervisions and reviews, the keeping ofmandatory records and maintenance schedules,all centralised and simplified.
Care plans madeeasy with CareDocs
FIONA Phillips will present the Great BritishNational Care Home Awards, in partnership withECCA.
The television presenter will host the event atGuildhall London on June 5, which are acelebration of excellence throughout the caresector. Winners from the regional events held lastautumn have been invited to attend, butnominations are still required in several categories.To find out more visit www.care-awards.co.uk andgo to the National Care Home Finals page.
Fiona to present awards
ENTRIES are open for theannual Skills for CareAccolades which celebratebest practice in social care workforce develop-ment by employers acrossEngland.
There are 14 awardcategories, including ‘Mosteffective recruitmentinitiative’ and ‘Best qualityprovision of social workpractice placements’.
For the third consecutiveyear the Accolades will be
presented in partnership withthe Department of Health,and category winners will beinvited to a glittering awardsceremony, usually attended bythe Social Care minister inoffice at the time, to be held atthe Dorchester Hotel inNovember.
CEO Andrea Rowe said:“Achieving an Accolade provesyou are improving the lives ofpeople using social careservices through workforcedevelopment, and over the
seven years we’ve run thisevent the number and thestandard of entries has risendramatically.
“The Accolades are afantastic and very welcomeopportunity for us tocelebrate the excellence andinnovation in our sectorwhich we all know is outthere.”
Last year’s event were hostedby TV presenter Fiona Phillipsand saw a record number ofentries.
Entries invited for Skillsfor Care Accolades
Machines with customisable technologyTHE new Miele Octopluscompact commercial laundryappliance range offers a larger8kg load capacity whilstcontinuing to deliver excellentlaundry results from fabric careand stain removal to energy andcost efficiency.
The Octoplus washer-extractor(PW6080) and tumble dryer(PT7186) offer more than 70washing and 40 dryingprogrammes which can bepackaged into bespokeprogrammes upon installation tosuit the specific needs of thebusiness laundry care
requirements. Programmesgrouped together specifically tomeet the needs of care homesinclude thermal and chemo-thermal disinfectionprogrammes at up to 85°C tohelp homes conform to therequirements of The CareStandard Act 2000. Themachines also offer shortrunning times even indisinfection programmes andthe bedding package ensuresexcellent cleaning results andthe best care for pillows withfeather, down or syntheticfillings, down and synthetic
duvets, and natural fibreblankets.
Octoplus machines are Miele’smost economical commerciallaundry machines to date,featuring fast programmes andinnovations such as thePerfectDry moisture-sensingtechnology. The washer-extractor also uses 30% lesswater and 16% less electricity ona standard ‘60°C Cottons’programme than previousappliances – reducingoperational costs as well ashelping businesses reduce theirenvironmental impact.
A BERKSHIRE care home hasreceived the highest possible ratingfollowing its latest inspection.
Caring Homes’ Dormy House,which has undergone extensiverefurbishment since the grouppurchased the former family
residence in 2003, has gone fromtwo stars to three.
The home’s newest facility is theSurrey Wing, a purpose-built self-contained specialist dementia unit,which was opened by mayor ofWindsor Jesse Grey.
