January 2012 no.188 • £4.75 In association with By Dominic Musgrave PLANS to improve standards of social care in England to protect the elderly have been unveiled by the Government. They include an online ‘good care guide’ to allow family members to rate and review care homes and providers in a similar way as hotels or restaurants are scored on TripAdvisor. The ideas - proposed during workshops of care users and their relatives - will form plans for a new patients' rights group, Healthwatch. They will go on to form the basis of a white paper in the spring. Care services minister Paul Burstow said the plans would help to tackle ‘quality and mistreatment’. He added: “Measures like publishing social care comparison sites and opening care services up to greater scrutiny will revolutionise the way people and their loved-ones choose their social care. “It can't be right that you can find out exactly what a hotel or restaurant is like, in just a short time searching the web, but people have so much trouble working out the standards of different care homes and home care providers - when that choice is so much more important. The website would also include the latest information from inspections, plus any record of mistreatment or abuse by staff, as well as feedback from care users and relatives. Under the proposals, local Healthwatch scrutiny teams would visit and speak to residents about their experiences. Committees featuring relatives of care users will also be formed to scrutinise services that do not meet standards, although any formal inspection would still rest with the CQC The announcement has been welcomed by Oliver Thomas, director of Bupa’s UK care homes. He added: “We welcome any initiative that consistently and fairly identifies the thousands of excellent care homes across the country as well as those that are not performing well. “We would like to see the CQC return to giving each home a star rating as we believe this system offers residents and their families the best way of differentiating between a good and a great care home.” ■ Email healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave at [email protected]or telephone 01226 734407 with your thoughts. Online plans to improve care revealed Alzheimer’s Society’s ambassador Linda Bellingham officially opened Avery Healthcare’s Cliftonville care home in Northampton. Linda, whose adoptive mum Ruth was diagnosed with the condition and died in 2005, unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening. Avery has introduced three programmes: Connect, Optimise and Aries to ensure the wishes and requirements of residents and their relatives are fully acknowledged and acted upon. Developer picks up award A WEST Yorkshire property developer has picked up the award for the most outstanding retirement apartment development in the UK for its award-winning site in Holmfirth. Conroy Brook, which is also based in the West Yorkshire town, won the award for Holme Valley Court, beating off competition from more than 700 entries at a ceremony Held in Westminster. Chief executive Richard Conroy said: ““Achieving this success at Holme Valley Court confirms that our approach to designing and building retirement homes is working. “We aim to build on this achievement with our next proposed scheme, Prickleden Mills also in Holmfirth, which goes in for planning this month.” Holme Valley Court was built in the grounds of the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital. Facilities include full disabled access, eight person lift, communal lounge, patio and garden areas and two guest bedrooms for visitors. incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector
Transcript
January 2012
no.188 • £4.75
In association with
By Dominic Musgrave
PLANS to improve standards ofsocial care in England to protect theelderly have been unveiled by theGovernment.
They include an online ‘good careguide’ to allow family members torate and review care homes andproviders in a similar way as hotelsor restaurants are scored onTripAdvisor.
The ideas - proposed duringworkshops of care users and theirrelatives - will form plans for a newpatients' rights group, Healthwatch.
They will go on to form the basisof a white paper in the spring.
Care services minister PaulBurstow said the plans would helpto tackle ‘quality and mistreatment’.
He added: “Measures likepublishing social care comparisonsites and opening care services upto greater scrutiny will revolutionisethe way people and their loved-oneschoose their social care.
“It can't be right that you can findout exactly what a hotel orrestaurant is like, in just a short timesearching the web, but people haveso much trouble working out thestandards of different care homesand home care providers - whenthat choice is so much moreimportant.
The website would also includethe latest information frominspections, plus any record ofmistreatment or abuse by staff, aswell as feedback from care usersand relatives.
Under the proposals, localHealthwatch scrutiny teams wouldvisit and speak to residents abouttheir experiences.
Committees featuring relatives ofcare users will also be formed toscrutinise services that do not meetstandards, although any formalinspection would still rest with theCQC
The announcement has beenwelcomed by Oliver Thomas,director of Bupa’s UK care homes.
He added: “We welcome anyinitiative that consistently and fairlyidentifies the thousands of excellentcare homes across the country aswell as those that are notperforming well.
“We would like to see the CQCreturn to giving each home a starrating as we believe this systemoffers residents and their familiesthe best way of differentiatingbetween a good and a great carehome.”
Alzheimer’s Society’s ambassador Linda Bellinghamofficially opened Avery Healthcare’s Cliftonville carehome in Northampton.Linda, whose adoptive mum Ruth was diagnosed withthe condition and died in 2005, unveiled a plaque tocommemorate the opening. Avery has introduced threeprogrammes: Connect, Optimise and Aries to ensure thewishes and requirements of residents and theirrelatives are fully acknowledged and acted upon.
Developerpicks upawardA WEST Yorkshireproperty developer haspicked up the award forthe most outstandingretirement apartmentdevelopment in the UKfor its award-winningsite in Holmfirth.
Conroy Brook, which isalso based in the WestYorkshire town, won theaward for Holme ValleyCourt, beating offcompetition from morethan 700 entries at aceremony Held inWestminster.
Chief executive RichardConroy said: ““Achievingthis success at HolmeValley Court confirmsthat our approach todesigning and buildingretirement homes isworking.
“We aim to build onthis achievement withour next proposedscheme, Prickleden Millsalso in Holmfirth, whichgoes in for planning thismonth.”
Holme Valley Court wasbuilt in the grounds ofthe Holme ValleyMemorial Hospital.Facilities include fulldisabled access, eightperson lift, communallounge, patio and gardenareas and two guestbedrooms for visitors.
incorporating
The Number One magazine for the care sector
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3CARINGNEWS
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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.
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By Dominic Musgrave
A CARE group has blamed the cur-rent economic climate for its deci-sion to close one of its homes inLewisham.
Mission Care, a Christian charityestablished in 1904 which currentlyruns six care homes and has morethan 250 residents, plans to closeMorton House nursing home, whichis currently home to 22 people.
Jonathan Crisp, executive director,said: “This has been a very difficultdecision for the board of MissionCare given the legacy of care that hasbeen provided in Lewisham byMorton House. However, its financialsituation is no longer sustainable forthe charity.
“The board and senior manage-ment have spent several months con-sidering alternative solutions butunfortunately continuing to operatethe home in the current economicalclimate is no longer tenable.
“The board of Mission Care hasconsidered this question for a num-ber of months, and has only recentlytaken this difficult decision.”
He added that every provision will
be made to assist current residents inpreparing for their future care needs,as well as continuing to provide careat Morton House for the next fewmonths.
“Mission Care recognises theimpact this announcement will havefor the residents and families of thosefor whom we currently provide careat Morton House.
“Every provision will be made toassist our current residents in prepar-ing for their future care needs, as wellas continuing to provide care atMorton House for the next fewmonths.
“It is anticipated that the period ofclosure for the home will, if neces-sary, continue up to the end of March2012, however the home will not for-mally close as a provider of nursingcare until the future needs of all ourcurrent residents are satisfactorilyresolved.
“This could include moving toanother Mission Care home wherepossible and if desired.”
Jonathan added that the companywill seek to avoid redundancieswhere possible, but anticipates thatsome may be unavoidable.
Home ‘no longersustainable’ inclimate - charity
Childhood memories have been revived for resi-dents at a New Forest nursing home who nowhave their own Christmas grotto.Handyman Simon Woodland has converted a TVlounge at Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurstinto the seasonal attraction. The outside of thegrotto is decorated with Christmas lanterns whilethe inside boasts a full-size Santa sleigh, aChristmas tree and an armchair for Santa.Simon said: “I like to do something a bit differenteach Christmas. Last year I built a sleigh, thisyear is the grotto and who knows what it will benext.”
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Life exceeds residents’expectations, study findsBy Dominic Musgrave
THE majority of residents who tookpart in a study into their experiencesof living in a care home said it hadbeen better than they expected.
The residents interviewed for theresearch by the Personal SocialServices Research Unit (PSSRU) at theUniversity of Kent – once just aftermoving into their care home andagain three months or more later –generally found they had more sayover their lives than expected.
They also felt their quality of lifehad improved, their health and otherneeds were being met, and theirsocial life was as good as or betterthan it had previously been.
Results of the study show that,without exception across manydifferent aspects of their lives, theresidents believed they were more incontrol of what happened to them –and in some instances much more incontrol – than they had thought theywould be before moving to the carehome.
The study was carried out for theRNHA.
Chief executive Frank Ursell said:“The results show that, for themajority of care home residents whotook part in the study, theirexperience of living in a care home
generally exceeded theirexpectations.
“What is significant about this studyis that it explored the views of carehome residents themselves.
“It is clear that, for manyindividuals, going into a care homemakes a positive difference to theirlives.
“This challenges the assumptionmade by some commentators thatolder people would nearly alwaysprefer to stay in their own homes. Inmany instances, this is simply not thecase.”
Of the 69 residents in the study whohad not previously lived in a carehome, only 39 per cent had initiallybelieved that care homes in generalwere good, with a fifth thinking theywere bad.
In the follow-up interviewsconducted after they had been intheir new care home for three monthsor more, 84 per cent believed thatcare homes in general were good,with none of the participants nowthinking they were bad.
Relatives of residents considered toofrail to take part in the study werealso interviewed. They toldresearchers that, for a substantialnumber of residents, quality of lifehad changed from bad or very bad togood or very good.
In the initial study, only 17 per centof relatives thought care homes ingeneral were good.
However, this figure rosedramatically to 92 per cent ofrelatives who were followed up threeor more months after their loved onehad moved into a care home thoughtcare homes in general were good.
Almost 50 homes were randomlyselected for the study from sixdifferent regions of the country. Themix included some with three, two,one and zero star ratings.
Frank Ursell
‘Boutique’extensionopens atcare homeA NEW ‘boutique’ facility hasopened its doors at aCirencester care home.
‘The Lodge’ at Hunters carecentre was opened by mayorAndrew Lichnowski, and all ofthe eight rooms offer differentfeatures ranging from doublepatio doors leading out to thelawn, inglenook fireplaces andhigh beamed ceilings.
Each has been named afterone of the species of treesfound in the home's grounds,and have feature walls behindthe bed made of luxurious handpicked fabrics.
There is also a shared loungeand study to create acommunity feel and a sense ofa country home living.
General manager TraceyMcDonald said: “The rooms,accessed by a fob system, areunique in their style and eachroom has its own individuallook and feel.
“Bespoke care will bedelivered by a dedicated careteam.”
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By Dominic Musgrave
OLDER people living in their ownhomes are having their human rightsbreached because their care is so bad,an inquiry has found.
The Equality and Human RightsCommission’s final report ‘Close tohome: older people and humanrights in home care’ highlighted casesof physical abuse, theft, neglect anddisregard for privacy and dignity.
It says hundreds of thousands ofolder people lack protection underthe Human Rights Act and calls forthis legal loophole to be closed.
The report also questionscommissioning practices that focuson a rigid list of tasks, rather thanwhat older people actually want, andthat give more weight to cost than toan acceptable quality of care.
Sally Greengross, commissioner forthe Equality and Human RightsCommission, said: “It is essential thatcare services respect people's basichuman rights. This is not aboutburdensome red tape, it is aboutprotecting people from the kind ofdehumanising treatment we haveuncovered.
“The emphasis is on saving penniesrather than providing a service whichwill meet the very real needs of ourgrandparents, our parents, andeventually all of us.
“This inquiry proposes some stepsthat would make sure human rightsare protected in future – including
changes to the law so that, at aminimum, all people getting publiclyfunded homecare are protected bythe Human Rights Act. Currently thisis not the case.
“Most of us will want to carry onliving in our own homes in later life,even if we need help to do so. Whenimplemented, the recommendationsfrom this inquiry will provide securefoundations for a home care systemthat will let us do so safely, withdignity and independence."
Evidence given to the Commissionincluded a woman being left stuck onthe toilet in her bathroom, as the careworker said she was too busycompleting the list of care tasks tohelp her; and people with dementianot being prompted to eat or theirfood ‘hidden’ in the fridge, so they gohungry; and a woman who asked forhelp with her washing up and to beassisted to walk out into her gardenbut was given help washing herselfinstead.
The report also found that ways forolder people to complain about theirhome care are either insufficient ornot working effectively.
Reasons for their reluctance tomake a complaint about theirtreatment included not wanting toget their care workers into trouble,fearing repercussions such as a worsestandard of care or no care at all andpreferring to make do rather thanmake a fuss.
Human rightsbeing breached,report reveals
Tyspane carers from the Military Wives' Choir.
FOUR carers from a Devon carehome are part of the all-singingMilitary Wives’ Choir, which is in therunning for the Christmas singlenumber one spot this year.
The choir that has sung for theQueen and has celebrity backingfrom Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, couldbe a serious contender to top thecharts with their single, ‘WhereverYou Are’, written by Paul Mealor.
The carers all work at Tyspane carehome run by Barchester Healthcareare Sarah Wall, Hayley Flood, CarlyPearce and Kirsty Cunningham.
Hayley said: ‘We all wanted to get
involved to make others aware ofhow difficult it can be for the familiesof those soldiers deployed indangerous war zones and to highlightthe plight of injured servicepersonnel their wives and children.
“Being a member of the choir hashelped us wives meet other familiesin similar circumstances. It made iteasier to get through the six monthswhen our husbands and partnerswere away in Afghanistan.”
All of the funds raised will go toforces charities SAFFA and the RoyalBritish Legion which help to supportthose in need.
Carers eye number one
STAFF from a Prescot care home arecelebrating after receiving a nationalaward recognising their ‘GoldStandard’ end of life care.
John Joseph Powell received'Beacon' status, which is the highestaccolade of the Gold StandardsFramework (GSF) in Care HomesQuality Hallmark Awards.
Only a handful of homes applying
for the scheme achieve Beacon Statusnationally.
Manager Dot Pye said: “If we canhelp prevent inappropriate hospitaladmissions and help people to enjoytheir lives, receiving high quality careright up until the end we have doneour job.”
John Joseph Powell is owned byMeridian Healthcare.
Home’s end of life care recognised
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Fee framework wouldimprove quality, claim A NATIONAL fee framework that localauthorities can work to is needed toimprove the quality of the country’scare homes, it has been claimed.
Lawrence Tomlinson, who owns andruns Ideal Care Homes as part of theLNT Group, made the comments asthe final batch of care homes ownedby the now collapsed Southern Crosswere handed over to their new own-ers.
He called on a new framework to beaccompanied by the abolition of thirdparty top up fees - an issue which hesays the report by Andrew Dilnot intothe state of the sector earlier this yeardoes not address.
“The care home sector laboursunder an unnecessary complex andinconsistent financing structure,”said Lawrence. “What we as a societyneed is for the sector to focus on pro-viding good quality of care at a fairprice for all.
“Southern Cross had no reason orincentive to invest into improving thequality of their provision. SouthernCross failed because of poor qualitycare, leading to low occupancy notbecause of their rent.
“The call for tighter monitoring isalso not the answer to the recent carehome crisis. I am not totally againstmonitoring per se but, as the saying
goes “the pig doesn’t get any fatter byweighing it” more direct action isrequired.”
Ideal Care Homes currently has 26operating homes, with plans to openfurther ones across the North andMidlands in the next couple of years.
Lawrence, who was recentlyannounced as the ninth most influ-ential leader within the healthcareindustry in the Health Investor PowerFifty for 2011, added: “The solutionisn’t radical, it’s simple, it doesn’trequire a whole new department tomanage it, the departmental body isalready in place it just needs to refo-cus.
“CQC should continue to registerhomes, but the responsibility forensuring compliance with contractsand nationally agreed and transpar-ent quality terms should sit firmlywith the local authority – this is howthey will drive quality within theirlocality.
“If we sit back and continue to sim-ply monitor, then those quality careproviders that are out there will turntheir focus away from local authorityresidents and focus on private feepayers. This will leave the localauthority residents with an increas-ingly poor quality pool of care tochoose from.”
Lawrence Tomlinson
NEARLY 200 new jobs are to becreated in Hampshire with thebuilding of two care homes cost-ing more than £15m.
Colten Care, which operates 18care and dementia homes in thesouth, has already started workon one of the homes, StCatherine’s View in Winchester.
The £7m specialist dementiahome will employ 80 people andis due to open next spring.
Managing director Ian Hudsonsaid: “The building of the homesrepresents a major expansion forColten Care. Both will combinethe highest standards of carewith the latest technology andbuilding techniques.”
The second home is on the siteof the former Linden House resi-dential home in Lymington.
Demolition work is due tobegin shortly, with building ofthe new £8.5m home expectedto get under way early next year.
The home will be the largestcare home to be built by ColtenCare, which already operatesthree homes in Lymington.
It will create between 80 and100 new jobs and is due to openin the early summer of 2013.
Homes tocreate 200new jobs
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By Dominic Musgrave
PROVIDING an excellent quality careand support service is the mainpriority for care sector managers, asurvey has found.
Delegates at the NCF’s annualmanagers’ conference were asked todebate and vote on the issues whichwere most important for them, withthe starter question “As a manager inthe care sector, what matters to you?”
Attention to person-centred/individual support and thevalue of training, well-trained andmotivated staff completed the topthree. The top two issues accountedfor 34.9 per cent of the responses andthe top three over half.
Executive director Des Kelly said theresults were in stark contrast to lastyear, with funding, CQCcompliance/ratings and recruitmentand retention making up the topthree.
He added: “These results offer auseful insight into what motivatesmanagers in care settings. Managersthis year have articulated the valuesthat drive them rather than theexternal pressures they face.
“It is clear that quality and person-centred approaches are far and abovetheir main priority and I find thatgreatly encouraging.
“These results are very interestingas they provide some insight into thebalancing act at the heart ofleadership and management of careservices.
“Despite the competingexpectations, pressures anddemands, it is people managementissues and their underpinning valuesthat lie at the heart of theirconcerns.”
Making up the top 10 this year were:Contentment, well-being andhappiness of people receiving careand support; Dignity, respect andcompassion for people receiving careand support; Staff feeling valued;Relationships and communication:Creating positive change: Being agood listener and Confidence.
� Do you agree with the results ofthe ballot? Let Dominic Musgraveknow your views by [email protected] or telephone 01226734407.
Priority is qualitycare, survey ofmanagers finds
Resident Betty Bickerstaff presented HRH The Earl of Wessex with a posy when heofficially opened a new state-of-the-art new nursing home in Bristol.The purpose-built Mortimer House, which costs £3.3m to build, was 18 months in themaking, and has 28 bedrooms. The Milestones Trust owned site is unique in the city asit caters for people with both learning disabilities and dementia. The Earl of Wessex wastaken on a tour of the home, including its landscaped gardens, and met the chiefarchitect, several of the charity’s trustees and the chief executive of NHS Bristol,Deborah Evans.
Group celebrates with investmentA CARE group which celebrated its70th anniversary last month isinvesting in a new £8m building.
The ‘Saffron site’ in Bristol wasacquired by Brunelcare from thecity council in 1974 in order for itto be developed to provide housingand care for older people.
The final building will house 100
residents, along with thecommunity services for South Westand the charity’s head office alsobeing relocated to this site.
The care home will occupy theground floor, while the first floorwill have a number of flats sopeople with dementia can live anindependent life with a partner.
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By Christina Eccles
A MILTON Keynes care home is pilot-ing a a programme of assessment,evaluation and action to identifyearly signs of possible malnutrition inresidents.
Sue Lamming, lead nurse for nutri-tion at Milton Court, is implementingthe scheme which uses the MUSTuniversal screening tool to calculaterisk of malnutrition.
A resident with a MUST score of oneor above commences a fortified dietto increase calories without trying toincrease the amount of food given.
She told Caring UK the risk of mal-nutrition can be managed if weightloss is seen as part of the caringprocess, along with the entire med-ical and health needs of residents.
“Food and snacks taken by residentsis recorded on a food record chart,”added Sue. “Each resident at risk isweighed weekly and details recordedin their care plan.
“Between meals residents areencouraged to drink home mademilkshakes made with full fat milk,ice cream and fruit. Milk powder isalso added to further nourish thedrinks. In addition small chocolatebars or cheese and crackers areoffered.
“MUST charts are evaluated each
month, and a resident’s currentweight assessed against their previ-ously weight.
“Any resident at risk has informa-tion recorded on a chart that indi-cates, at a glance, the overall pictureof MUST scores, weight loss or gain.”
Sue assesses and reviews the posi-tion of residents at risk each monthwith a doctor, who follows the FoodFirst Protocol. A resident with aMUST score of one is prescribed mul-tivitamins.
Sue added: “If they continue to loseweight after two months the multivit-amins are stopped, the resident con-tinues to have a fortified diet and inaddition the doctor prescribes an oralnutritional supplement.
“If the weight is not stabilised, orincreased after six months the GP willrefer the resident to a dietitian.However the GP will refer a residentearlier than the six months period ifnecessary.
“This work is a pilot for our localarea and reports from multidiscipli-nary teams have been positive andthis may pave the way for similarpractice in other care homes.”
� Are you currently trialling a newscheme at your care home? LetDominic Musgrave know by [email protected] or telephone 01226734407.
Trial aims tospot early signsof malnutrition
Nation’s sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn officially opened a hobbies and craft fair at an EastSussex retirement village.Held to celebrate the arts and crafts created by the residents, the three-day event at StGeorge’s Park in Ditchling was attended by around 400 people.Sister Thomas and Mick Good from St George's Park are pictured showing Dame VeraLynn around the fair.
A NORTH West care home held atickled pink’ event to raise £65 forCancer Research.
Family, friends and members ofthe local community joined staffand residents at the CLS ownedGarswood House in Ashton-in-Makerfield dressed in pink attire to
raise money for the charity.The home’s dining room was also
turned into a pink paradise, withstaff, residents and guests alsoplaying games of bingo, chancingtheir luck on the tombola stall andraffle and feasting on cakes at thecake stall.
Home ‘tickled pink’ for charity
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THERE are several benefits ofattending one of the the care forumsorganised by the experienced DPEvents Management.
The events bring together both highprofile buyers and suppliers and areheld twice a year at luxurious venues,which create a relaxed yet highlyfocussed and professionalenvironment
At the recent two-day Care IndustryForum held at the luxury MillenniumGloucester Hotel, London, DP Eventshosted more than 65 buyers from UKcare operators and more than 150leading suppliers to the sector, in aseries of 20 minute face-to-facemeetings, along with key networkingfunctions, delegate mixed seamlesslyto achieve high level businessopportunities.
Sales director Stan Berry said the
forum is also designed to aid thedevelopment of strong businessrelationships.
He added: “In just two days you canmeet senior delegates, save 10,000miles on the road, a minimum of fourmonths in time, large fuel and hotelexpenses and the stress of that timeon the road its a no brainer.”
The next Healthcare IndustryForum takes place at the luxury five-star Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resortin Portugal between March 8 and 11.
There will be more than 45 buyersattending from the UK and are only60 supplier places available.
DP Events Management partnerwith Caring UK, the NCA and theBritish Contract FurnitureAssociation.
Forums designed to helpdevelop strong relationships
By Dominic Musgrave
DARING staff from a Tyneside carehome took the plunge into theNorth Sea to raise funds.
Dressed as everything from huladancers to bumble bees, the teamof hardy workers from ExecutiveCare’s Hillcrest facility in Jarrowdefied the winter chill and went fora dip.
Despite the blustery wind and icytemperatures they still managed tosmile as they submergedthemselves in the water at SouthShields beach.
Receptionist Judith Nicholson wasone of the staff who volunteered totake part in the sponsored dip.
The 40-year-old, who is nostranger to the delights of the NorthSea as she took part in the BoxingDay dip last year, says there’s achance they may make it an annualevent.
She added: “It was very cold but itwas still a good laugh. There werequite a few onlookers and well-wishers standing around watchingas we all ran in together and had abit of a splash about.
“Luckily we all had towels anddressing gowns waiting for us whenwe came out.
“It’s definitely an idea as we’realways looking for ways to raisemoney for the residents. The moneyraised will go towards all sorts ofthings like the Christmas party andentertainment.”
More than £500 was generatedthrough sponsorship of the dip,which will all go towards the home’sresidents’ fund.
Marion Redhead, supportmanager at the home, said: “Theresidents’ fund does not increase onits own. The dedication of the staffand support from the localcommunity all help to raise the
much-needed funds for ourresidents.
“It pays for all of the activities andentertainment that take place atHillcrest; something we areconstantly trying to keep on top ofand improve.”
Residents at the home take anactive role in deciding what
activities they would like to seegoing on with regular meetings withfamily and friends.
� Are you planning a fundraisingevent with a difference at your carehome? Let Dominic Musgrave knowby emailing [email protected] ortelephone 01226 734407.
Daring staff take the plungeto raise money for residents
The staff prepare to take a dip in the North Sea.
An Oxfordshire care home development and project management company has scoopedtwo major industry awards.Ian Holmes, property director of NorthStar, picked up the best projects director in thecare home sector at the UK Over 50s Housing Awards and went on to collect theinternational version of the same award at a ceremony which celebrated winners fromacross the world.Ian Holmes is pictured with fellow NorthStar director Danny Sharpe and the awards.
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By Dominic Musgrave
RESIDENTS at a Warwickshire carehome will have a stylish reminder of afriend who loved to look her best.
John Baldwin opened a new pamperroom at Mockley Manor in memoryof his late mother Ruth who died inJune aged 92.
Her family decided to donatemoney in her memory to create abright new room to help keep the 46residents looking lovely.
Clients will be able to relax in calmand comfy surroundings while theirhair is washed and styled, their nailsare manicured or they enjoy a sooth-ing massage.
There is also a portable washbasinwhich can be wheeled to other areasso residents who are poorly or bed-bound do not miss out.
He said: “My mother was a veryproud person and her appearancewas important to her. She loved tohave her hair and nails done at thehome but had remarked that the
hairdryer was old and needed replac-ing.
“There had been plans for a spon-sored walk by staff to raise cashtowards new equipment and motherhad made me promise to join in.
“But the walk had been postponedand after she died it seemed a fittingtribute to donate money in her mem-ory to create the new room. I'm sureshe would be very pleased.”
The room has been decorated acalming lilac - the colour represent-ing dignity - and equipped with anew backwash, dryers and towels inthe £1,000 makeover which has alsomade access easier.
A hairdresser visits the Alpha ownedfacility twice a week to offer treat-ments at reasonable prices to all resi-dents.
Manager Rachael Crocker said:“Ruth always looked really nice andsmart and we are delighted to beopening the pamper room in tributeto her.”
Stylish reminder toremember formerresident Ruth
John Baldwin opens the new room with manager Rachael Crocker, hairdresser MichelleSouthall and resident Betty Rowberry.
Group retains Investors statusA GLASGOW based care group hassuccessfully retained its Investorsin People status for another year.
Lambhill Court Ltd has five carehomes in and around the city, andemploys more than 350 people. Toretain the award,the company hadto demonstrate its continued com-mitment to achieving high stan-dards of care and career develop-
ment for its employees in allareas.Sunita Poddar, managingdirector, said: “We are honoured tohave retained our IIP status foranother year and I feel that ourgreatest asset here is our peoplewho have the skills, motivation,commitment and passion to under-stand and meet the needs of thepeople we look after.
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A SOCIAL care pioneer from Waleshas been honoured by the WelshGovernment.
Pendine Park owner Mario Kreft,who is also chair and a foundermember of the independent careproviders' representative body, CareForum Wales, received a specialrecognising achievement award fromFirst Minister Carwyn Jones during aceremony at Ruthin Castle.
He was one of 20 recipients whowere recognised for their innovativework in health and social care.
Mario, who last year was alsoawarded the MBE as part of theQueen’s Birthday Honours inrecognition of his services to social
care, said: “The achievement award isrecognition of the huge contributionof social care in communities rightacross Wales, including the teams atCare Forum Wales and Pendine Park.
“It’s a huge team approach and it’s areward for all the work that we’vebeen doing together over the years toraise standards in social care and topromote the profession of socialcare.”
Mario is also the founder of theWales Care Awards which celebratesthe skill and dedication of the unsungheroes and heroines of social care.The event will be celebrating its 10thanniversary next year.
Government honours MarioMario Kreft and his wife, Gill, with First Minister Carwyn Jones and Health MinisterLesley Griffiths after receiving the recognising achievement award.
LAMBHILL Court Ltd head chefGeorge Gray won the nutrition andeating well award at the Scottish carenational conference, exhibition andcare awards held at Glasgow’s HiltonHotel.
George joined the company 12 yearsago, and is currently head chef for thefive Glasgow care homes withinLambhill Court Ltd - a business witha turnover in excess of £10m.
Managing director Sunita Poddarsaid: “George goes above and beyond
the call of duty to ensure that ourresidents have everything that theyneed and that the service is perfectlysuited to their needs.
“It’s testament to all of the hardwork that George and his team haveput in. I have nothing but admirationand respect for George and amdelighted he has won such a fantasticaward.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland was themain sponsor for the event.
Nutrition award forgroup’s chef George
George Gray with Sam Poddar.
14 15/12/11 12:07 Page 1
15CARINGNEWS
By Dominic Musgrave
A NEWLY refurbished care home hasopened its doors to the public andinvited locals to come and see theresults of a £2m refurbishment of thebuilding.
The event at Balhousie’sAuchterarder site is well known local-ly as it was a family residence beforebeing turned into a hotel and later acare home, which was taken over bythe group in recent years.
The work was carried out byMuirfield Contracts Ltd and is part ofBalhousie’s wider plans for expan-sion, which includes a series of newbuilds and renovations.
The home, which can now care forup to 51 residents, will be managedby Ian Smallwood.
He said: “The open day was a greatopportunity for the local communityto come along and see all the workwhich has been taking place recently.
“We have extensively refurbishedthe home, although many of the orig-inal features have been retained, andcreated 17 new suites, which allowresidents to have their own homelyfacilities within the care home.”
The group’s Coupar Angus CareHome opened recently, and addition-al facilities are currently under con-struction in Arbroath and Huntly.
Ambitious plans to create a £14murban care community on the banksof the River Tay in Perth have alsobeen lodged, which include two carehomes, assisted care apartments anda number of residential properties.
Refurbished home opensBalhousie’s Auchterarder site.
15 15/12/11 12:08 Page 1
CARINGNEWS16
By Dominic Musgrave
A 97-YEAR-OLD former schoolsecretary is using the latest videocalling technology to see and speakher family 1,900 miles away after theShropshire care home where she livesinstalled Skype.
Accord Housing Association’sBennett House, in Telford, decided toinstall the video conferencingtechnology to help residents stay intouch with their loved ones moreeasily.
Grandmother-of-one Gwynne Hall,who has lived at Bennett House formore than two years, is the firstresident to use Skype to chat to herdaughter Jonquil Warbuton and son-in-law Dave, who live in Greece.
Now the care home is hoping tohelp other residents use videoconferencing technology to stay intouch with their families and friends,abroad and at home.
Bennett House manager Lisa
Johnston said: “We think it’s reallyimportant for residents, especiallythose with dementia, to have asmuch interaction with their familyand friends as possible.
“However, we understand that face-to-face contact isn’t always possiblewhich is why we decided to startusing Skype, so that residents whosefamilies or friends live further afieldcan still stay in touch.”
Gwynne said: “It’s marvellous to seemy daughter on screen and talk toher every Sunday. I can’t believe itsometimes.”
Bennett House is a bungalow-styleresidential care home for olderpeople, including those withdementia, run by Accord HousingAssociation.
The home uses the EdenAlternative approach to supportingresidents with dementia, which workswith plants, animals and children tocreate lively and interesting places tolive.
System enablesGwynne tokeep in touch
EAST Anglian care providerHealthcare Homes has reached amilestone after its 1,001st bedroomwas registered by the CQC.
The Colchester-based company hasinvested heavily throughout 2011 inan expansion and refurbishmentprogramme at many of its homesacross East Anglia.
With the most recent addition of sixnew bedrooms at The Hillings in StNeots, Cambridgeshire, the totalnumber of beds within the company
has passed the 1,000 mark.Executive chairman Richard Clough
said: “The creation of our 1001stbedroom is a huge milestone for us asa company.
“It is testament to the hard work ofall our staff in providing the bestpossible care for our residents.”
“We are very proud of what we haveachieved since we started HealthcareHomes. We now employ 1,500 stafflooking after residents at our 23homes. “
Provider reaches milestoneDirectors David Bates, Richard Clough and Graham Lomer.
Residents at a Shrewsbury care home were transported to the West Indies during a‘Caribbean Day’.To combat the cold December weather, staff at Morris Care’s Radbrook Nursing Homecreated an indoor beach, complete with palm trees and waves, bringing a touch of theexotic to Shropshire. For lunch, residents tucked in to Jamaican inspired Jerk Chicken,rice and peas and finished off the feast with a pineapple upside-down cheesecake.The afternoon was then spent tackling a Caribbean quiz and themed games, includingboules played with coconuts.Social life co-ordinator Margaret Kozyra is pictured with resident Jean Bedford.
MILL Lane Nursing Home has won atop prize in this year’s Felixstowe inFlower competition.
Minibus driver Kevin Read workedalongside handyman Frank Swannand residents including 88-year-oldJohn Davies to plant a balconydisplay including petunias andlobelias, amongst other flowers.
The result, which had a pink, blueand purple theme, was chosen byjudges to be crowned best floral
balcony.It was a double success for Kevin,
who also won best newcomer for hisown garden at home.
He said: “It’s the fifth year in a rowthat Mill Lane has won a top prize inthe Felixstowe in Flower competition.
“It’s perhaps even more special thisyear because we created the displaywhile lots of extension work wastaking place at the home.
THE current care system encouragespeople to cheat, causes inter-familystrains and leads to fear that could beovercome with proper reform, it hasbeen claimed.
Andrew Dilnot says it is crucial thatthe profile of the issue of theimpending care crisis is raisedurgently, with “modest” groupsinvolved in care turning up thevolume and making more noise.
Speaking at the Saga ThoughtLeadership Seminar in the House ofCommons, he said the sector needsto ‘raise the temperature’.
“There’s something about thegroups involved in care that meansthey are naturally rather modest,”Andrew added. “But this is not aminority sport – it will affect three-quarters of us. The big prize is theremoval of fear.
“The population, and politicians,faces a simple choice: either to allowthe most vulnerable groups in oursociety to be appallingly underserved,or to engage in proper reform.
“We need to get traction, we need toraise the temperature. This is a vastissue – three-quarters of us face this
issue before the end of our lives.“There are many people who are
not enjoying a quality of life – weneed to raise this up the politicalagenda. We need to get the messageto the PM, deputy PM, Leader of theOpposition that this is an issue youneed to deal with. Now.”
Politicians from all sides of bothHouses of Parliament were united incalls for a kickstarting of care fundingand support urgently proceeding with
his proposals presented togovernment in the summer.However, the Government has onlypromised a ‘progress report’ on thisissue, which Dr Ros Altmann,director-general of Saga, says is notgood enough.
She added: “For some reason theTreasury seems to want to avoidDilnot’s proposals, because they seemto involve spending more publicmoney.
“But that view is misconceived.Government will have to spend farmore money anyway, becauseinadequate care funding will merelypush added costs onto the NHS,which is likely to then run out offunds.
“The media is alive with scandalsand stories of appalling behaviourand service in the care sector - howmany scandals does it take to makeGovernment feel the urgency? Howmany people have to suffer or diebefore they take enough notice?
“This is not just aboutpersonalisation of care once it isneeded, it is about planning andpreparing beforehand – and theresimply seems to be no sense ofurgency.”
Andrew Dilnot
John Stanton, a Jewish Care volunteer at Rubens house in Finchley was presented with an award at the Health and Social CareVolunteering Awards ceremony, hosted by Age UK.The event was part of a one-off awards scheme made possible through funding from the Cabinet Office, as part of the European Yearof Volunteering 2011 (EYV). The awards recognised excellence of volunteers’ contribution to the delivery of health and social careservices for older people. Nominated by Christina Brago Nimako, social care co-ordinator at Rubens House, John was awarded acertificate of Commendation for Wellbeing.Joining John and Christina in the picture are Helena Herklots, services director, Age UK and Connie Stanton, John’s wife.
ONE of the country’s leadingcare providers has recruited anenergy and environmentmanager to drive forward its newsustainability agenda to reduceenergy consumption across itshomes.
Ben Collard has joinedBarchester’s property serviceteam as the company builds 13new facilities across the UK thatwill all open by the end of nextyear.
The company, keen to becomea market leader in developingenvironmentally friendlybuildings within the care sector,is also committed to modifyingthe properties in its portfolio.
Bill Wilson, director of propertyservices, said: “The major part ofthe role is to increase energyefficiency awareness across aspart of our carbon reductionpledge.
“We have already been doing afair amount in this area and, as itis so important, we decided toappoint someone with a wealthof experience that can dedicateall their time to it.”
Before joining Barchester, Benworked as a director at northeast based gfw-Renewables,where he was instrumental inproject managing wind energy,solar photovoltaic andrenewable heat projects forlandowners and rural businessesacross the north of England.
He added: “Each home presentsits own challenge to reducingenergy consumption butidentifying and solving commonissues is vitally important.Implementing metering andmonitoring systems will be keyto cutting energy consumptionwithin the care environment.”
Ben is also studying for an MScin renewable energy andenterprise management at theUniversity of Newcastle, whichhe completes in 2013.
Environmentmanager tolower energyconsumption
18 15/12/11 12:09 Page 1
19CARINGNEWS
By Christina Eccles
A CARER who raised a safeguardingalert on behalf of a couple of clientsand acted quickly to protect theirbank accounts from further fraudu-lent use has won an award.
Connie Adams, who works forLongdene Homecare in Goldalming,scooped the Beyond the Call ofDuty accolade at the annual SurreyCare Awards, which were presentedby Richard Stilgoe, at EpsomRacecourse.
She helped support the clientsthrough the trauma of subsequentpolice investigations and taking theabuser to court.
Guest of honour was Deputy LordLieutenant of Surrey Corinna, LadyHamilton of Dalzell and master ofceremonies was BBC Surrey presen-ter Sylvie Blackmore.
Erica Lockhart, chief executive ofSurrey Care Association, which rep-resents the interests of more than700 providers in the county, said:“This year we had more nomina-tions than before, and it was anexceptionally difficult task tochoose the winners.
“Care workers are so often theunsung heroes and we want tochange that by recognising theirachievements.
“These awards are helping raisethe profile of adult social care inSurrey and highlight the rewarding
employment opportunities thatexist within the sector.”
Other winners: Ancillary worker -Sandro Marino (Whiteley Village,Walton on Thames); Beyond the callof duty (care home) - Dawn Grant(Queen Elizabeth Foundation BrainInjury Centre, Banstead); Beyondthe call of duty (learning disability)- Gayathri Porambage (RanmoreHouse, Banstead); Care newcomer -Rosanna Stevens (Ashcroft Supportfor Living, Horley); Chairman’s spe-
cial award - Pat Beswick (MeathEpilepsy Trust, Godalming);Dementia team - BUPA St George’s,Cobham; Excellence in workforcedevelopment - National Centre forYoung People with Epilepsy,Lingfield; Manager (care at home) -Kerry Edwards (The OrpheusCentre, Godstone); Most innovativeactivity programme (individual) -Sue Lee (The Grange, Bookham);Most innovative activity programme(team) - The Art House Team
(Meath Epilepsy Trust, Godalming);Nursing team - Broome ParkNursing Home, Betchworth;Outstanding contribution to socialcare - Merlyn Leacock (Broome ParkNursing Home, Betchworth);Volunteer - Sally Jones (Cedar CourtNursing Home, Cranleigh);Volunteer special recognition -Arthur Mitchell (Whiteley Village,Walton on Thames).
Award for whistleblower carer
Winners at the annual Surrey Care Awards.
19 15/12/11 12:09 Page 1
CARINGNEWS20
By Dominic Musgrave
A COUPLE who set up their ownhomecare franchise after listening toa radio programme about carestandards in Europe have scooped anational award.
Husband and wife team Mike andCatharine Chalton chose the HomeInstead Senior Care model in 2007after meeting with the company’smaster UK franchisor TrevorBrocklebank and deciding that waswhat they were looking for.
Their Wirral business, whichcurrently employs 140 caregivers andhas over 150 clients, delivers in theregion of 7,500 to 8,000 hours of careper month.
And their efforts have resulted inthem being named overall winners atthe national BFA HSBC Franchisee ofthe Year Awards.
Catharine said: “Winning this awardis fantastic recognition of the lengthsour whole team has gone to to makea positive change in the communitywe live in.
“To be named as the franchisees ofthe year is a great honour and a veryexciting reward for everyone at HomeInstead.
“We are extremely proud of thisachievement, which also helps toraise awareness of the company andits vision to change the face of elderlycare in the UK.”
Mike and Catherine’s work in theWirral has been recognised with otheraccolades including the NHS North
West Dignity in Care Award. Theywere also a finalist for the CeretasDignity in Care Award, while one oftheir caregivers also won the CeretasHome Care Worker of the Year awardfor the North West.
Before entering the care sector,Mike worked in pharmaceutical salesand marketing. Catharine trained as anurse in the army and was a
specialist nurse with experience inGeneral Practice Nursing, RespiratoryNursing and Health Research.
“It’s been really hard work, but sovery rewarding,” said Catharine.“Every day is different and there arechallenges, as I guess there are withany business, but we are part of awider team, the international ‘HomeInstead family’, and receive lots of
support and advice from our UKnational office and from the team inthe States.”
On a day to day basis Mike is thecompany’s business director, whileCatharine is the director of care.
� Have you or your company wonan award? Let Dominic Musgraveknow by emailing [email protected] ortelephone 01226 734407.
Couple scoop national award
Mike and Catharine Chalton receive their award from BFA director general Brian Smart and Cathryn Hayes and Ben Nealon fromsponsors HSBC and Express Newspapers respectively.
20 15/12/11 12:10 Page 1
21CARINGNEWS
AGE UK group chief executive TomWright opened a new extension atLynde House care home inTwickenham.
He was taken on a tour of the fourrefurbished en-suite bedrooms anddining space at the Barchester ownedhome by founder and chief executiveMike Parsons and the home’s generalmanager Lynda Garner.
She said: “Lynde House has beenopen for more than eight years nowand we are always looking for new
ways to enhance the quality of life forour residents.
“We have added and improvedmany features of the home includingadding en-suite facilities to four ofthe bedrooms. The dining room isoften the nerve centre of manyhomes and it is just the same here.”
Mike was recently pipped at thepost in this year’s HealthInvestorPower Fifty, which reveals the UK’smost influential leaders in healthcare.
Age UK chief opens extension
Residents Angela Atkins and Jeanie Gittins with Mike Parsons, founder and chief execu-tive of Barchester, Tom Wright CBE, group chief executive of Age UK and general man-ager Lynda Gardner.
21 19/12/11 15:31 Page 1
Mayfair fp 6/12/11 17:26 Page 1
23
Caring UK Commercesection brings you all the latest property,business and trainingnews every month.
In this issue:
� Minister lays firstbrick as workbegins at village
Another council losesjudicial review over feesBy Dominic Musgrave
LEICESTERSHIRE county council is thelatest to lose a judicial review hearingagainst care home owners over theamount of fees it pays.
It coincides with a report by the PublicAffairs Committee calling for more mon-itoring of care home finances followingthe collapse of Southern Cross earlierthis year.
The decision means the council willhave to re-open discussions with localcare home providers, many of whom arerepresented by and members of EastMidlands Care Ltd, to re-negotiate theirfunding agreement for 2011-2012, takinginto account the rising costs associatedwith providing their services.
The judicial review hearing concludedthat council was acting illegally byimposing a freeze on the fees it paid tocare homes for a second successive year.
In his ruling, the Judge commentedthat ‘at the very least’ the local authorityshould have sought to make itself awareof ‘the actual costs of care’ and that thereshould not be a significant imbalancebetween these costs and the fundingthat the provider receives.
Lisa Botterill, corporate partner atShakespeares’ recently opened Leicesteroffice, said: “Local authorities have astatutory duty to ensure that there is
adequate provision for the care of elderlyand vulnerable people.
“Based on this ruling, it may now beunlawful for them to contract out ser-vices to operators, based on arbitraryfunding agreements, without showingdue regard to the actual cost of care andthe impact that changes in provisioncould have on the individuals con-cerned.
“While the ruling will help to clarify thelegal duties facing local authorities, it isunlikely to be welcomed. Many councilshave been struggling to maintain fund-ing for elderly care in the face of majorpublic sector spending cuts and growingdemand from an ageing population.
“Local authorities could be forgiven for
feeling that they are stuck between arock and hard place, being responsiblefor the provision of elderly care but lack-ing the cash resources to meet demand.”
The news has been welcomed by ECCAchief executive Martin Green, who hasbeen leading the fight to ensure carehomes are paid fairly through the FairerFee Forum.
He added: “This judicial review is oneof many that have shown care providersare being abused by local authorities,who are using their monopoly commis-sioning power to pay unacceptable feesfor care services.
“This victory should serve as a warningto all local authorities that if they contin-ue to behave in a dictatorial way, with noregard for the true costs of care, they willfind themselves in court and be judgedas acting illegally.
“The money and time thatLeicestershire county council has invest-ed in defending unacceptable practicewould have been better used supportingthe development of care services to vul-nerable people”
� Are you currently fighting a judicialreview with your council? Let DominicMusgrave know by [email protected] or telephone 01226734407.
Lisa Botterill
Home extension creates six new jobsA £1M extension has created eight newen-suite bedrooms at a Stockport carehome.
The project at Southfield House, whichhas been funded by owners Niel andJoanna Lingwood and The Royal Bank ofScotland, involved the purchase andconversion of a property next-door tothe existing home to increase the num-ber of bedrooms from 15 to 23.
Seven of the new rooms are dedicatedto offering ‘assisted living’ accommoda-tion and the development has alsoinvolved the creation of a new kitchen,dining facilities and residents’ lounge.
The home has operated at 100 per centcapacity for several years and potentialresidents have had to register theirdetails on a waiting list until a placebecomes available.
Neil told Caring UK the extension andrefurbishment was completed in justfour months and, once fully occupied,they expect to recruit six staff.
He added: “We have operated at full
capacity for several years and it has beenfrustrating having to turn people away.
“The last extension took place almost20 years ago so this latest development isoverdue. Our goal at Southfield House isto help older people live as independenta life as possible whilst providing them
with the best possible care.”Southfield House was established in
1985 and bought by its present ownerseleven years ago. The home is adetached three-storey dwelling set in itsown acre of grounds and was convertedinto a purpose-built care home in 1992.
Niel and Joanna Lingwood in one of the newly created bedrooms with RBS relationshipmanager Stuart Davies.
GroupappointsassociatedirectorBEVERLEY Aldridge hasbeen appointed associatedirector responsible foroperations by Shrewsburybased Coverage Care.
She joined the company asan assistant manager atSummercroft in 1996, fol-lowed by managementappointments at Farcroft inWellington and InnageGrange in Bridgnorth,before moving on to promo-tion to the central office in2002 as operations manager,then head of operations in2005.
She said: “I have been veryfortunate to work for a pro-fessional care company witha varied and continuingcareer development path.
“The majority of our man-agers started as care assis-tants or support workersand have progressed by tak-ing advantage of the train-ing and career developmentopportunities available withCoverage Care.”
23 15/12/11 12:12 Page 1
CARINGCOMMERCE24
By Dominic Musgrave
ED Vaizey, minister for culture,communications and creativeindustries and MP for Wantageand Didcot, donned a builder’shard hat and reflective safetyjacket to lay the first brick of thefinal phase at Richmond VillageLetcombe Regis.
He was joined by managingdirector Paddy Brice and villagemanager Elisabeth Parker.
The final phase comprisesretirement properties ranging inprice from £310,000 for a largeone bedroom apartment to£620,000 for the largest, twobedroom apartment measuring1,460 sq ft.
All have a spacious kitchen andliving room, the choice of one ortwo bedrooms, and an en-suite tothe main bedroom.
All are generously proportionedand compare well against theaverage size of a three or fourbedroom new-build home.
Paddy said: “In the currentchallenging economic climate, weare delighted to have been able toestablish the Letcombe retirementvillage so quickly, and to the pointwhere we have the confidence topress on with the final phase sosoon.
“Securing off plan sales of over40 per cent in just a few dayscertainly bucks the trend in theproperty market at the moment,and underlines the importance ofhaving the right product at theright price and at the right time.
“These properties are ideal forthose thinking about livingindependently yet like the idea ofbeing in a safe and sociablecommunity with care andassistance close at hand ifrequired.
“We listened carefully to ourresidents, who told us theyparticularly want a large livingspace and up to two bedrooms,especially important if they aredownsizing.”
The retirement village nowemploys around 150 people and isrecruiting for care staff who livenearby.
Set in 36 acres, Letcombe Regisprovides residents with a wellnessspa with swimming pool, gym,health and beauty treatmentrooms and a hair salon.
There’s also a restaurant, avillage shop and a café, IT andcraft rooms, a library, bowlinggreen, nature reserve with lakeand a kitchen garden andgreenhouse for green-fingeredresidents.
Paddy Brice, managing director of Richmond Villages, Elisabeth Parker, villagemanager and Ed Vaizey MP.
Minister lays firstbrick as work beginsat retirement village
By Ben Stepney
THE care home industry is having atough time. The majority of localauthorities have either frozen orreduced the amount that they pay forcare home placements.
This will lead to increased pressureon a care home’s profit margins andhas led to concern that some mayend up going insolvent. It is not alldoom and gloom though, and thereare buyers out there who will see carehomes as attractive businesses if theycan be purchased as a going concern.
If a care home is insolvent then anadministrator may be appointed totry and rescue the business or, worsecase scenario, a liquidator would beappointed to wind it up. If a carehome is put into administration thenthe administrator takes control of thebusiness and the employees continueto be employed and paid by thecompany, albeit under the directionof the administrator.
Where an administrator is able tosell the business as a going concernthen the employee’s employment willautomatically transfer to the buyerunder the Transfer of Undertakings(Protection from Employment)Regulations 2006 (TUPE). Once thebusiness is sold the seller companyhas no further liability towards theemployees.
The buyer will inherit any liabilitiesfor unpaid wages that the seller oradministrator failed to pay to theemployees, although it will not takeon liability for the amountsguaranteed by the NIF describedabove.
When a care home is put intoliquidation, a liquidator will beappointed to distribute the assets tothe creditors and close down thebusiness.
Depending upon the exact type ofliquidation, the employee’s contractswill either automatically terminatewhen the liquidator is appointed orbe terminated by the liquidatorshortly afterwards.
Unfortunately for employees anymoney owed to them, includingwages and statutory redundancy
payments, are unsecured debts andrank low in the order by which theliquidator must distribute the assetsof the company to its variouscreditors. In practice this is likely toyield, at best, a few pence of everypound that the company owes them.
The exception to this is that anyunpaid wages prior to insolvency, upto £800 per employee, will rank aspreferential debts, meaning thatemployees are far more likely toreceive these amounts.
Also, the Government, through theNational Insurance Fund (NIF), willguarantee up to eight weeks’ pay,statutory notice pay and holiday payfor each employee, each capped at£400 per week.
Not surprisingly there are fewwinners in a liquidation scenario andemployees are likely to findthemselves out of a job and withmoney owed to them.
If an administrator can rescue thebusiness and sell it as a goingconcern then the liability foramounts due to the employees will bespread among the outgoingemployer, the buyer and the NIF,according to what items are due, andthe employees should not findthemselves out of pocket.
This article assumes that theinsolvent employer is a company, notan individual, partnership or LLP.
� Ben Stepney is a solicitor withThomson Snell and Passmore.
What happens toemployees when ahome is insolvent?
Ben Stepney
Mayor opens new homeA NEW multi-million pound carehome complete with its own cinemaand residents’ bar has officiallyopened its doors.
Ronnie Campbell MP together withthe mayor of Blyth Robert Parker andGena Nicholson, the first resident ofRidley Park, performed the ceremonyat the home which has been built onthe site of a former school.
The £4m development built byHadrian Healthcare also provides ahair salon, traditional-stylenewspaper and sweet shop, a bistroand library for its residents and hascreated more than 60 jobs for thearea. The 59-bed developmentincorporates specially designed suitesto provide residential, nursing anddementia care.
Tax reclaims for care home owners...CAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable and leastexploited methods of reducing property owners’ income tax orcorporation tax liabilities.
Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure onpurchasing or constructing a new property along with extensionsand refurbishments.
We comprehensively survey the property which allows us toidentify any qualifying items that, for numerous reasons, havepreviously not been claimed.
Don’t delay as the government are considering closing thisopportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your freeappraisal.
Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim.
We will quickly identify the validity of a claim withoutobligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee.
Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com
24 15/12/11 12:12 Page 1
25CARINGCOMMERCE
By Paul Birley
THE last few months have seenthe care sector gain unprecedent-ed newspaper column inches and,although it cannot be denied thatthings sometimes do go wrong,we must not forget there aredozens of thriving operators pro-viding an excellent standard ofcare for those that require theirservices.
Good care can produce incredi-ble results in the improvement ofthe quality of life of those thatreceive the services.
In most cases this is down to thesheer dedication, innovative andinvestment of care home opera-tors.
While healthcare is a steadystate business which does not suf-fer from huge highs and lows, it iscyclical.
Trends develop slowly over aseven or eight year cycle, enablingsuccessful operators to identifythese trends and adapt their offer-ings accordingly.
Understanding the trends andplanning for the cyclicality isimperative for successful opera-tors.
One clear trend has been theshift by providers towards the pri-vate-pay market, reducing theirreliance on local authority fundedresidents. It is also easy to forgetpeople have a choice.
Offering excellent care homefacilities to an ageing populationdoes not mean to say domiciliarycare does not have a place in themarket.
However, it is not the completesolution - it is beholden onproviders to flex their services inlight of prevailing conditions anddemand to provide care that peo-
ple want. This requires operators to con-
tinually review their services andthe way they operate.
In a recent survey conducted byBarclays, over 70 per cent of theoperators surveyed were “veryconfident” about their business’futures and, from the many visitsI’ve made to care homes up anddown the country, I regularly seeand hear great examples of opera-tors providing tremendous care.
Care remains high on the politi-cal agenda with the Dilnot Reportand the new Healthcare Bill stillbeing discussed.
I am hopeful these ongoingdebates will keep healthcare inthe public domain because it isonly with concerted action will wesee the changes needed to ensurewe can continue to look afterthose that aren’t able to look afterthemselves.
� Paul Birley is head of health-care at Barclays Corporate.
Paul Birley
Bad headlinesovershadow thegood operators
A WARWICKSHIRE care home hasrealised its expansion plans withfinancial support from BarclaysCorporate.
Long Lea Care Home in Nuneatonused the £220,000 funding package tocreate a nine bedroom extension atits premises on The Long Shoot,enabling the home to now offer careservices for 35 elderly individuals.
The home, which is owned by DwellHoldings Limited, first opened in1986 and is managed by TraceyHarris, a qualified nurse and midwifewho spent a number of years in NHSmanagement.
She said: “We have always endeav-oured to provide the highest level ofcare for our residents, previouslyearning us three stars from CQC.
“This expansion is going to allow us
to extend our offering to more elderlypeople in the local community. “Itwill add another dimension to care,by offering better services for thosenearing end of life and better facili-ties for bereavement care.”
The business employs 41 staff, mostof whom are trained to a NVQ LevelIII standard and staff retention at thehome is high.
Long Lea has great links with manyareas of the community, oftenfundraising for local charities, andresidents are encouraged to take part,giving something back to the com-munity they live in.
Recently they have been knittingsquares to make blankets for theCyrenians charity, while residents’daughters have been sewing themtogether.
Home’s expansion complete Manager Tracey Harris with Barclays Corporate relationship director Greg Allen.
Bupa Care Homes is investing £7m to build a new flagship nursing and nursing demen-tia care home in Glasgow.Mugdock House Care Home will be a purpose built 64-bed nursing facility which willprovide care for people with general nursing needs, and is also specifically designed toprovide specialist care for people living with dementia. The investment will also createmore than 90 new jobs in the local area. The flagship care home will include specialfeatures such as distinctive reminiscence activity areas, secure sensory gardens andmemory triggers to aid connections with the past.
25 15/12/11 12:13 Page 1
CARINGCOMMERCE26
By Dominic Musgrave
CARE provider Voyage has re-designed its approach to qualitymanagement, recruitment and staffdevelopment and made two seniorappointments to reinforce itsreputation for quality serviceprovision.
Karen Sands has been appointed ashead of quality development, whileEllen Parker becomes head of peoplemanagement.
Karen re-joins the companyfollowing two years at NottinghamCommunity Housing Associationwhere she was responsible for theoperational delivery of care andsupport services across the EastMidlands.
Before that, she was employed byVoyage for four years as an operationsdirector.
In her new role Karen will take afresh look at the company’s policiesand processes to ensure that they allenhance quality of life for people inVoyage’s care.
She will also lead an enlarged teamof five quality assurance managers.
Ellen Parker re-joins Voyage
following almost two years as HRmanager for Care UK. Before that,she spent eight years as part of theHR team at Voyage.
Her role will be primarily focusedon ensuring that all new members ofstaff share Voyage’s passion forquality care and outstanding service.
Both Karen and Ellen will report toMark Douglas, Voyage’s director ofquality. Previously responsible forquality alone, Mark has recentlytaken on additional responsibility forhuman resources, training, staffdevelopment and health and safety.
This is an unusual move for thesector, but one that demonstratesVoyage’s commitment to ensuring aconsistently high standard of care forthe people it supports.
Under the new structure, Voyage’shead of people development, SallyAnn Tommy, will also report intoMark.
She has responsibility for deliveringa programme of training anddevelopment which results in a teamof employees who embody thecompany’s values and qualityapproach.
Head of people development Sally Ann Tommy, head of quality development KarenSands, director of quality Mark Douglas and head of people management Ellen Parker.
New appointmentsreinforce provider’sservice provision
Nicola Copeland, formerdeputy manager ofYeovil’s Somerset Careat Home office, hasbeen appointed thefirm’s communityservices manager.She joined SomersetCare At Home inJanuary 2009 as aninitial response worker,and was shortlypromoted to deputymanager.In recent months Nicolahas been awarded forher commitment anddetermination with asenior managementaward at the group’sannual awards.
New chief announced byScottish care regulatorANNETTE Bruton has beenappointed the new chief executive ofScotland’s regulator.
Currently director of education,culture and sport with Aberdeen CityCouncil, Annette will join the CareInspectorate early in the New Year.
She will lead the organisation as itdevelops new proportionate, targetedand intelligence-led approaches tothe regulation and inspection of careservices.
Annette joined the city council in2009, having previously worked as ageography teacher and chiefinspector for HM Inspectorate ofEducation.
Speaking about her appointment,she said: “This is a crucial time forthe organisation as we developtargeted, proportionate and
intelligence-led scrutiny andinspections.
“There are real challenges andopportunities for us. Care of olderpeople has been identified a nationalpriority by the Scottish Government,the integration of health and socialcare is a major strategic change andworking with other agencies toimprove care has never been moreimportant.
“The Care Inspectorate has a strongrecord of making a real difference tothe lives of people the length andbreadth of the country and I amconfident we can build on that strongrecord.”
The new regulator was formed inApril of this year and has been led byinterim chief executive JacquieRoberts since it was established.
The Somerset Care Group has appointed a new manager at Sydenham House residentialhome in Bridgwater.Becki Bidgood has been appointed to the position from her current role as deputymanager at Oak Trees, also run by the same company. She had been in her previous rolefor the past three years and replaces Jeanette Martin, who has been appointed to therole of operations manager.
MICHAEL Doolin has joinedCountrywide, the sister companyof the Maria Mallaband group, asarea manager.
He will look after the group’s
homes in Scotland, while MelissaWormald, Pam Tatler, Tony Hobbs,Faye Crabbe and Hannah Dudzikhave also been added to theaccounts team.
Area manager role for Michael
26 15/12/11 12:13 Page 1
27CARINGNEWS
By Dominic Musgrave
A SPECIAL ceremony has been heldto mark the official opening of theMadeley Centre and the adjacent LeaCourt extra care scheme.
Commemorative plaques for bothschemes were presented and a cakedecorated with a picture of the devel-opment was shared among theguests.
Accepting the plaque on behalf ofthe Lea Court residents was 67-year-old Thalia Wright who, with her 71-year-old husband Michael, was oneof the first to move into the ground-breaking £8.2m development to pro-vide villagers with purpose-builtaccommodation as well as a newcommunity hub.
Another Lea Court resident, JoanBell, 90, who has lived in theStaffordshire village for many years,accepted the plaque on behalf of theMadeley Centre.
Joining residents in the celebrationwere representatives from the projectpartners – Housing 21, MadeleyVillage Hall Charity, Newcastle-under-Lyme borough council,Staffordshire county council, Madeleyparish council, Thomas ValeConstruction and the Homes andCommunities Agency, who con-tributed £3.1m towards the develop-ment.
Kris Peach, regional business devel-opment manager for Housing 21,said: “This has been a particularlyexciting development and it’s good tohave the opportunity to see theimpact that this unique initiative hashad on the village.”
The development, which was com-pleted earlier this year, provides 63two-bedroom apartments for olderpeople. Residents enjoy independentliving along with 24 hour on-site care.
They have easy access to the facili-ties at the adjacent Madeley Centre,which boasts a 200 seat capacity
recreational hall, a café/restaurant,information centre, healthy livingsuite, children’s centre and multi-usemeeting spaces for various localgroups.
The Madeley Centre features ther-mally insulated floors, walls and ceil-ings, passive solar thermal panels forwater heating and photovoltaic pan-els to provide the majority of the elec-tricity requirements.
Additional features include rainwa-ter harvesting, a ground-source heatpump, a ‘natural’ ventilation systemand a ‘green’ roof.
Ceremony marks openingof new centre and scheme
Residents Michael Wright, Thalia Wright and Joan Bell with Madeley Village Hall Charitychairman of the trustees Roger Godwin at the official opening.
Care homesgather forconferenceand awardsCARE homes from acrossEngland will gather for theannual Gold StandardsFramework conference andawards ceremony in January.
The event is an opportunity forcommissioners, health andsocial care professionals, aswell as care home managers, toshare best practice and the suc-cess of the latest homes toreceive accreditation.
Ninety homes have applied forthe coveted quality hallmark,joining the 250 to have alreadybeen accredited.
Speakers at the event includeBarbara Pointon MBE,Alzheimer’s campaigner, DrClive Bowman, medical direc-tor, Bupa Care Services, Dr NickWarner, consultant psychiatristand dementia specialist AndrewMakin, nursing director atRNHA.
The event takes place onJanuary 25 at Mary Ward Housein London,
27 15/12/11 12:46 Page 1
CARINGDEMENTIA28
By Christina Eccles
THE need for greater emphasis onthe individual dominated a careprovider’s dementia conference.
Speaking to representatives fromthe Orders of St John Care Trust’s 77care facilities, keynote speaker,professor Dawn Brooker, a leader inthe field of dementia studies fromthe University of Worcester,discussed the VIPS, anindividualised system of care andhow this can be implemented.
The model values people, providesindividualised care, looks at servicesfrom the perspective of the personliving with dementia and providesthe supportive social-psychologicalsupport to compensate for thedisability of cognitive loss.
Diane Bowden, servicedevelopment director for the group,said: "The event aimed to highlightthe importance of person centreddementia care as well as givingpractitioners the opportunity tolearn about new topics and shareideas with their colleagues fromacross the Trust’s homes.
“It also gives us the opportunity to
showcase some of the fantastic workthat is already being done in ourhomes.”
NAPA director Sylvie Silverdiscussed the importance ofunderstanding the activity needs forpeople with dementia and how staffcan enable older people to enjoy arange of activity while living in caresettings.
Dr Rosalind Ward, old agepsychiatrist, highlighted painmanagement in dementia and howa lack of communication skills withthe individual can have significantnegative impact on a resident’sbehaviour.
The idea of using creative artsactivities to recreate episodesrelating to residents’ life stories wasdiscussed by Jude Sweeting, trainer,coach and development consultantfrom Ladder to the Moon, a socialenterprise using coaching, trainingand creativity to support careproviders to improve the quality oftheir services.
Over 250 delegates, includingmanagers, activity coordinators anddementia champions from thegroup’s 72 care homes and five extra
care schemes, alongsiderepresentatives from TheAlzheimer’s Society, StrokeAssociation and Dementia UKattended the conference inSwindon.
A demonstration of ‘Singing ForThe Brain’, a service provided by
Alzheimer's Society was alsoperformed, following a short film ofthe support aid in action.
The service uses singing to bringpeople together and provide a wayfor people with dementia to expressthemselves and socialise with othersin a fun and supportive group.
VIPS system showcased atgroup’s annual conference
Dr Simon Manchip, consultant in old age psychiatry for OSJCT; professor DawnBrooker, from the University of Worcester; Diane Bowden, service developmentdirector for OSJCT and Andy Bradley from Frameworks 4 Change.
28 15/12/11 12:15 Page 1
29CARINGDEMENTIA
A SERVICE is being developed by theCity of Edinburgh council that usessatellite technology to prevent peoplewith dementia becoming lost.
Two women in the north of the cap-ital, both in their 70s, have startedusing the GPS devices in the pastmonth as part of the Safe Walking ser-vice, which aims to help clientsaccess their local communities,reducing the risks of them becominglost or getting into difficulties.
The small electronic devices, eitherworn on the wrist or carried in pock-ets, trigger an alert to a call handlingcentre if the client go out of the pre-determined geographical area.
This service provides relatives andfriends an opportunity to identifywhere their loved ones are ensuringthey are not lost or in difficulty,bringing peace of mind.
Coun Paul Edie, health, social care
and housing leader for Edinburgh,said the city’s university is also carry-ing out a research study into the pilotto find out more about people’s expe-riences and the benefits of using thedevices.
He added: “The families of the olderpeople using the devices have told usabout the dramatic differences thatare having in their daily lives.
“They have a greater peace of mindknowing that their loved one is safewhether it’s in their own home orbeing out and about in the local area.
“We used this technology to helppupils at special schools travel inde-pendently to school and using thesedevices to help those with dementiais a natural progression.
“This council has really embracedthis new technology, which is trans-forming people’s lives and making areal difference to them.”
Satellite technologyused to track people
RESIDENTS with dementia oftenexperience distress if they cannotfind the clothing that they are famil-iar with and, as with all residents, it isimportant that an individual’s gar-ments are correctly returned to themafter washing.
With new clothes being given forChristmas and over 1,200 garmentsgoing through the care home laundrythis is not an easy task, especially ifthe garment is not named adequately.
Attach-a-Tag is a simple, cost effec-tive method of labelling clothing andsoft objects and is an ideal way toquickly label short term and respiteresidents clothing as well as normallaundry.
Replicating a button, it attaches inseconds to the garment seam or laun-dry label, making it discreet and com-fortable to the wearer. The patenteddesign is easy to attach but difficult toremove, and cannot be taken off byaccident or come off during the laun-dry process.
Each tag has the owner’s nameetched onto it, which is guaranteednot to wear off in the wash. This com-bined with the unique fixing methodof Attach-a-Tag means the owner isidentified every time.
Suitable for industrial laundry andiron proof, Attach-a-Tag is reusable,making it even more cost effective foryour care home.
The quickest way tolabel residents’ clothes
ACTOR Robert Powell and former XFactor contestant Laura White helpeda national care charity raise almost£10,000 for a ground-breakingdementia service.
The masquerade ball at TheMonastery in Manchester was organ-ised by CIC Group, and the moneyraised has contributed towards theinclusion of specialist health andexercise facilities in a specialist £5mdementia care service the charity isopening next spring.
The service will incorporate a carehome, which will provide 24-hourresidential and nursing support for 48people; a short-term respite servicefor 12 people; as well as a day servicewhich will give people with the con-dition the opportunity to spend a daywith company, enjoying engagingactivities.
The charity has launched the firststage of the integrated service - a spe-cialist dementia domiciliary care ser-
vice that supports people with thecondition across Greater Manchester.
Ingrid Smillie, director of strategicprojects, said: “In offering all fourtypes of support (home care, daycare, respite and residential support)from one location, CIC will be able tosupport people with dementiathroughout every stage of their con-dition.
“Our integrated service will givepeople with dementia a far greaterquality of life and because of this, wereceived incredible backing from thelocal community and beyond.”
The fundraising event attractedsupport from a host of local andnational businesses, and included anauction featuring items donated bythe likes of Rory McIlroy, Colin Firth,Victoria Wood, Manchester Unitedand Manchester City. The charity wasalso given an exclusive donation of apair of tickets to the X Factor final.
Robert Powell with Laura White.
Event raises moneyfor ground-breakingnew dementia service
A NORFOLK activities co-ordinator iscelebrating after scooping a nationalaward.
Billy McKee, who works at CaringHomes Group’s Oak Manor carehome in Dereham, was named bestactivities co-ordinator for people withdementia at the National DementiaCare Awards held at the CrownePlaza Hotel in Liverpool.
In 2011 he set plans in motion for areminiscence area, which will befilled with retro furniture, outfits andsensory items.
Activities that Billy has put in placeinclude ‘A Grand Day Out’ where resi-dents take a variety of trips out andabout in the local area and ‘MovieMondays’, a cinema club where resi-dents can watch their favourite films.
National accolade for Billy
29 16/12/11 09:48 Page 1
CARINGNEWS30
Generating income through land salesBy Andrew White
UP UNTIL recently when a personmoved into a care home, greatemphasis was placed on the outdoorspace and extensive landscapedgardens and grounds were animportant criteria when choosing acare home.
But times have changed. Over thelast few decades life expectancy inthe UK has risen and this year theaverage age of RMBI residents hasreached 88 years.
Older residents need morespecialised care facilities and are lessphysically able to enjoy extensiveoutdoor space. So, although notobsolete, gardens need to be smallerand more secure to protect the safetyof residents, particularly those withdementia.
Selling off land that is surplus torequirements could provide asolution for care home providerslooking to rationalise costs. Moneyfrom this sale can be re-channelledinto the home to provide specialist
care facilities or increase serviceprovision.
Over the past five years the RMBIhas sold off surplus land at four of itssites. An impressive 65 houses havebeen built on one plot of the landsold, which has generated astaggering £5.5m in revenues.
This significant contribution willhelp the charity to maintain itsexcellent standard of care andprovide residents with the resourcesand assistance that they deserve.
It has enabled a number ofrenovation projects such as JamesTerry Court in Croydon and BarfordCourt in Hove to go ahead. Both willoffer enhanced services to residents.
However, the road to selling orleasing the surplus land is notwithout its pitfalls, especially as thefinal buyers or developers will befuture neighbours. If you areconsidering a similar deal, thefollowing advice may be useful:
Planning permission is the key, butbe warned: the process can belengthy with no guaranteed positive
outcome. Awareness of the localenvironment - birds, bees, even bats -could protect your interests in thefuture so do your homework.
Gain some supporters in yourcorner. The Charity Commissionsafeguards the commercial interestsof charities in these situations.Engage with them as early as you canand involve them in the project.
Trust your surveyor. A stringentqualified surveyor’s S36 report willprotect trustees and ensure the bestvalue is achieved. Offers on the table,subject to planning permission,should be compared against realisticprojections on the open market.
The best offer. Carefully consideroffers and select preferred bidders.Price isn’t the only factor in the longrun. Consider the best offers using avariety of criteria. Remember that thesuccessful buyer will be a neighbourso think about future implicationssuch as shared access roads andinfrastructure.
The RMBI chose to sell its land tohousing providers in all of its recent
land sales. It was decided by RMBI board
members housing would provide thebest ‘window’ for our propertiessharing similar community focusedinterests. It has been a bumpy ridebut hugely rewarding for theorganisation. It has been sosuccessful in fact that we are nowconsidering the sale of land at leastfour other locations.
� Andrew White is property directorat the RMBI.
Resident has a hair raising experience for homeA RESIDENT at a Cheshire carehome has shaved his head to raisemoney for the Residents’ ComfortsFund, which pays for trips out andactivities. Trevor Johnson, 78, aresident at the CLS owned Parklandsin Poynton, wanted to raise money
so the residents could adopt adonkey from the nearby ElizabethSvensden Trust. The sanctuaryprovides therapy visits and riding forolder people and children withspecial needs, and a short while agoRusty the donkey paid the residents
a visit. Family and friends wereinvited to watch Trevor have his headshaved, which raised £145.
Manager Chris Machin said:“Trevor was a fantastic sportvolunteering to have his head shavedto raise money. The residents and
family members enjoyed watchingthe ‘show’ and Trevor was making uslaugh the whole way through –especially when his hair was styled ina mohican. This money raised willallow us to sponsor a donkey of ourown.”
THE regulator has revealed it is tocarry out a themed inspection pro-gramme of homecare services nextyear.
The CQC says the programmewill help it develop new ways toensure these services meet theessential standards people have aright to expect and that people arebeing treated with dignity andrespect.
It will start in April and coverapproximately 250 providers ofdomiciliary care services. It will runalongside CQC’s planned reviewsof these services and focus onthree outcomes:
� Respecting and involving peo-ple who use services
� Care and welfare of people whouse services
� Supporting workers.The inspectors will be joined by
professional experts and ‘expertsby experience’ – people who have apersonal experience of using homecare services.
The programme will be support-ed by an advisory group, withmembers drawn from a range oforganisations including theEquality and Human Rights
Commission, Age UK, the UKHCAand ADASS.
CQC chief executive CynthiaBower said: “Often the people whouse home care services find them-selves in vulnerable circumstancesand the operation of home care isnot as transparent as care in hospi-tals and other sectors because theinteractions happen behind closeddoors in people’s homes.
“We know decisions made aboutcommissioning are critical to those
who provide and receive homecare. External issues such as pres-sures on council budgets and thedesire of people to remain in theirown homes as long as they can,create challenges for those provid-ing services, and may increase risksof unsafe care.
“This underlines the need for usto thoroughly analyse service deliv-ery in this area.
“We will use a range of ways ofchecking up on these services,including going into people’shomes, contacting people who useservices and their families, talkingto local groups who represent theusers of home care services, andwe will also ask people to fill inquestionnaires.”
As well as producing an inspec-tion report for each agency, theregulator will also produce anational report that will set outwhat it has found about qualityand safety in these themed inspec-tions.
The inspections follow a pilotprogramme of 30 domiciliary careagencies, where CQC has been tri-alling different methods to makesure inspectors clearly hear theviews of people who use the ser-vices and their families.
Regulator turns its focusto homecare services
Cynthia Bower
THE regulator’s announcementthat 250 domiciliary care providerswill be inspected next year is a‘positive step for the care sector’, ithas been claimed.
Jo Guy, managing director of AJCommunity Care, called on theindustry to support the CQC’s pro-posals and, where appropriate,should sharing new ways of work-ing and learning, which are high-lighted from the findings of theinspections.
She said: “Despite changes to theway that the CQC now measureperformance within the care sec-tor, the new approach will still pro-vide our service users and theirfamilies with the confidence theyneed to know that we put their carefirst, which as a responsible busi-ness is of paramount importanceto us,” added Jo.
“As a business which championsthe care industry we want to see
best practice encouraged and inorder for this to make any differ-ence at all it needs to impact onthose who rely on the service weprovide.
“It therefore makes sense that theCQC would steer towards thosewho can feedback on the provisionof care first hand.
“This news shouldn’t be consid-ered as a negative, it should be apositive step forward. With somuch negative news in the mediaabout care we should all be focus-ing on what can be done to makethe business less process drivenand more personalised.
“As a sector which is heavily regu-lated and relies on approved andagreed policies and practices I ampleased to see that the experienceof the service user is now centralinto that evaluation – after all it isthem who rely so heavily on theservice that we all deliver.”
Announcement is a ‘positive step’
Jo Guy
Hundredshelped bycommunitymeals plan
Providerexpands
A £220,000 community mealsservice set up to support theelderly and vulnerable inWalsall has helped more than350 people since it waslaunched a year ago.
Taste for Life, run byCaldmore Housing Associationand Age UK Walsall, waslaunched in partnership withthe council.
The service was originally setup to help former meals-on-wheels customers get hot andcold meals delivered to theirhomes and attend lunch clubs.
Since then it has expanded,offering services such as Safeand Well calls, where staff visitor call people to ensure they aremanaging on their own, andcooking help for customerswho want to prepare their ownmeals.
Mike Hew, chief executive ofCaldmore Housing Association,said: “We are now doing somuch more than helping peo-ple with meals; we are support-ing people to remain active andindependent by working withsome fantastic lunch clubs andproviding cooking help in thehome.”
CITY and County HealthcareGroup Ltd has expanded itsdomiciliary care operations inthe North West with the acquisi-tion of Springbank CommunityCare.
Springbank provides a numberof homecare services for Stoke-on-Trent city council,Staffordshire county council.and several other trusts. Thebusiness, which was establishedin 1995, employs over 100 mem-bers of staff who deliver around2,700 hours each week.
Managing director Gary Collierwill remain with the companypost-acquisition.
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Miele fp 6/12/11 17:26 Page 1
33CARINGPRODUCT NEWS
THE life expectancy of a new bornBritish girl is 100 years.
As medical science keeps advancingwe can and should expect to reachold age, and the number of patientswho will require residential or nurs-ing care will grow exponentially overthe coming years.
Health economics mean will have totry and keep our elderly populationin good ocular health to reduce thenumber of falls associated withreduced vision and the decreasedquality of life associated with blind orpartial sight.
This in turn means we have to beprepared for these changes now.Visioncall is already investing in newequipment to measure potential indi-cators of eye disease so early inter-vention can occur.
An example of this is a Domatovisual field screener to record periph-
eral loss associated with Glaucoma,an insidious progressive disease moreprevalent in the elderly.
We also have to train our staff ingerentology so they can identify con-ditions which may affect the outcomeof the eye examination.
Dr Scott Mackie has been workingalongside Visioncall on a consultancybasis and is looking forward to shar-ing his 30 year knowledge base in theoptical world to assist in deliveringthe core mission statement “a funda-mental right to sight”.
He has introduced a forum “Ask theDoc” to allow practitioners to interactwith professional queries. Going for-ward he is also arranging peer reviewContinuing ProfessionalDevelopment (CPD) in his new roleas director of professional services forall optometrists and optical assis-tants.
Forum allows practitionersto interact with their queries
ON average an elderly patient is pre-scribed eight medications and almosta third of these may not be required.
During the ordering process, resi-dents are often out of sight of thecarer and unable to inform them ofchanges, should they no longerrequire a medicine.
If residents play no part in this cru-cial process how can the need foreach repeat prescription be verified?
Carers may not be able to decidewhether or not a resident with achronic condition such as hyperten-sion needs an antihypertensive med-ication, but they are in a key positionto establish continued need for treat-ments such as laxatives and seda-tives, in particular those prescribedfor ‘prn’ (i.e. when required) adminis-
tration. Carers and nurses may play a vital
role in medication reviews by closemonitoring of residents, their rou-tines and behaviour.
Carers can significantly help miti-gate the financial loss (£300m worthof wasted medicines each year) andimprove care for patients ensuringthey are not dosed with unnecessarymedications.
GP Dr Clive Barker said:“Circumstances may change i.e. aprescription a GP may have writtenmay no longer be the most appropri-ate way of the patient taking themedication, and the only way we’regoing to know that is if the carers tellus.”
Why involve residents in themedication ordering process?TECHNOLOGICAL advances have
enabled Badgemaster to offer new,lower prices.
For over 20 years the company hasplaced keen emphasis on investing inthe most up to date manufacturingand order processing systems which,coupled with consistent volumegrowth, has always enabledeconomies to be passed on to cus-tomers.
“We’re now in a position to com-plete even the shortest runs extreme-ly cost-effectively”, said MD John
Bancroft. “We’ve overhauled our pricelist to make lower quantities ofbadges accessible at the same dis-counted rate previously reserved forhigher volumes and are able to offerfurther significant savings for largerusers - and the product quality is bet-ter than ever.”
John believes competitors will behard pushed to match Badgemaster’scombination of product quality andpricing and invites buyers to checkout their current deal against his owncompany’s offer.
Firm offers lower prices
IN response to customer feedback,Active Minds has developed its lat-est activity product for people liv-ing with dementia.
The range of customisable wood-en jigsaws act as a powerful remi-niscence activity that stimulatesmemories and conversation timeand again.
By using a personal image of fam-ily, friends, pets or weddings forexample, Active Minds is able toproduce a jigsaw tailored to the
individual.Puzzles are available in three lev-
els of difficulty, making them suit-able for individuals at varyingstages of dementia.
Each has been tested to helpusers of all abilities complete thepuzzles unassisted.
Launched last year, they provedan extremely popular Christmaspresent for residents across the UK.
Dementia puzzles launched
33 19/12/11 10:05 Page 1
34
Beaucare® now stocking Clinell®
BEAUCARE® Medical Ltd is the UK leadingsupplier of hygiene, medical supplies andequipment to individual care homes, carehome groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Beaucare have added the Clinell®Universal Sanitising Wipes to ourcomprehensive nursing disposables range.These wipes are NHS approved, developedby doctors and used by professionals. Theycan be used to clean and disinfect hands,surfaces and equipment.
The wipes are proven to kill at least99.999 per cent of germs according toEuropean Standard tests EN1276 and prEN12054, effective in 10 seconds.
They contain a mix of biocides withdifferent mechanisms of action preventingbacterial resistance and super bug formation.
Our extensive hygiene and janitorial range provides a solution for all situations, ensuring high levels ofcleanliness and infection control.
Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email [email protected] or visit www.beaucare.com
Pods can make your home more profitable
MAKE 2012 more profitable by turningyour existing kitchen and laundry spacesinto extra bedrooms.
The PKL KitchenPod and LaundryPodare permanent modular buildings whichenable you to maintain a full catering andlaundry service, while turning existingfacilities into revenue-generating space.
They are available in a wide range ofexternal finishes, including custom coloursand brick or wood cladding, so they cancomplement surrounding buildings.
Both come fully equipped with high-quality professional equipment to suityour requirements, and are available oneither a purchase or contract rental basis.PKL also provides inclusive service, parts, labour and preventative maintenance visits, both for the buildingand the equipment inside.
Ready within just six weeks of order, KitchenPods and LaundryPods arrive on-site fully equipped andready to connect to services, and can be up and running within a matter of hours. What’s more, if yourneeds change, they can be relocated, moved or extended as required.
Enquiries: Telephone 0845 840 4242 or visit www.pkl.co.uk
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based,Richards Residential Supplieshave concentrated uponsupplying simple solutions tocommon nursing home problems.
The new WACMAT® adheresstrongly to this tradition.
With its ultra absorbent cottonpile and 100 per cent waterproofbacking, the remarkableWACMAT® is an ideal accessorywhere spills may occur.
Used as a commode mat, inbedrooms or bathrooms, theWACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use, simplymachine wash and tumble dry!It’s that simple...
The WACMAT® will then beclean and odour-free, ready toperform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat,saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749
Simple solutions
Versatile Ticino seating offers diversity of options
THANKS to its smart, understated styling andwide selection of product options, the Ticinocollection of seating by KnightsbridgeFurniture has applications in a diversity ofsituations across the residential care sector,from reception areas and foyers to residents’bedrooms and communal spaces.
Inspired by timeless geometry, Ticinoincludes club chairs in easy and compactstyles, together with a classic uprightarmchair. Complementary armchairs andsofas in both twin and triple formations boastuseful extra-wide arms and are available witheither plain or buttoned backs.
All Ticino seating can be upholstered in awide range of fabrics, including anti-bacterialfinishes: customer-specific requirements can also be accommodated. Six standard show-wood finishes areavailable to complement the upholstery - Cherry, Wenge, Bleached Beech, Oak, Natural Beech or Walnut.
Ticino chairs and sofas are manufactured in the UK using materials from renewable sources.
Telephone 01274 731442 or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk
Freedor’s the easy solutionFIRECO’S award winning Freedor, the world’sfirst wireless, electrically powered free-swingdoor closer, is proving to be a great success inthe healthcare sector.
At Grimsby’s Carisbrooke residential carehome, where residents and staff had foundheavy fire doors difficult to navigate, Freedorhas proved to be an excellent solution thathome manager Dean Smith says was easy toinstall, with none of the expense anddisruption to occupants or the buildingassociated with the installation of hard-wireddoor closers.
Installed at the top of a fire door andallowing the door to swing freely, Freedor letsusers hold open fire doors at any angle,automatically closing them when the firealarm sounds to prevent the spread of fireand smoke around the building.
Features include Fail-to-safe technology; Complies with BS EN 1154, BS EN 1155, BS 7273-4 categoryB.
Enquiries: Telephone 0845 241 7474 or visit www.firecoltd.com
Urgent medication delivered in three hours
HAVE you ever been in a situation where thedoctor has had to come in on a Sunday or a BankHoliday to attend to a critically ill resident?
The doctor has issued a prescription and thepatient needs to start the medication as soon aspossible. But your chemist is not open and youmay have to wait until the next day or sometimeslonger.
We can delivery 365 days a year and on mostdays we aim to deliver urgent medication such asanti – biotics within three hours.
All of our care and nursing homes have accessto on call pharmacist who can help out of hourswith emergency dispensing.
Enquiries: Telephone 0116 2988739 or visitwwwyakubchemist.co.uk
Girbau adds to popular range of washersGIRBAU UK has added enhanced LOGI PRO control to its popular 6Series range of washers to offer even greater operational flexibility andlower consumption of energy and water for a wide range of commercialon-premise laundry applications including care and nursing homes.
LOGI PRO programming is now available as an option on Girbau UK’stop-selling 9kg capacity HS-6008 high-speed washer and all fourmodels in the 6 Series Medium Spin range from the MS-610 to MS-623.For optimal control of water levels, mechanical action and chemicaldosage, LOGI PRO allows the creation of up to 25 programs. Eachparameter can be separately programmed across eleven phases exactlyas required.
All LOGI PRO washers come with Girbau’s Just in Load feature, whichallows the user to quickly and easily adjust the consumption of water and detergent according to theweight of the load and the wash program.
Other new features of the Girbau 6 Series LOGI PRO models include Rinse Hold and Delay functions. TheRinse Hold button halts the machine on the final spin cycle, leaving the load to soak. This can be used toprevent creasing if the machine cannot be unloaded immediately.
The Delay function allows the user to delay the machine start to a chosen time to take advantage ofoff-peak energy tariffs. The Delay and Rinse Hold functions can be used together to start the machine inthe evening. The first wash of the day can then be completed with the final spin on arrival in the morning.
Telephone 01462 427780 or visit www.girbau.co.uk
DATIX is the leading supplier of patient safety software for healthcare risk management, incident reportingsoftware and adverse events.
Datix gives care home managers the information they need to build a complete picture of risk in theirorganisation. The firm can help to improve safety for residents and staff, while reducing administrativeoverheads. From small care homes to large groups, Datix plays a key part in the corporate governance ofthe organisation.
Key features for social care include:Management dashboards which display information on the organisation’s risks in a clear, simple format.Sophisticated alerting mechanisms that give care home managers early warning of potential trouble
spots.Flexible views of risk management information, allowing risks to be shown by particular care home,
department or even an individual resident.Security of access to information, restricting managers to viewing only data that is relevant to their care
CANTON Rehabilitation and Care Fair, which is approved by the Ministry of Commerce ofthe People's Republic of China, is one of the leading events of products and technologiesfor people with special needs and those requiring care.
It is also the only professional event located in southern China with exhibits related todaily living aids, personal care and hygiene, mobility equipment, auxiliary communicationaids, barrier-free construction and housing, orthopedic aids and other products.
There were hundreds of renowned companies from USA, France, Denmark, Singapore,Japan, South Korea, China mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan province showcasing theirwide range of products and new technology in the most recent event, attracting 18,390visitors from 11 countries and regions, 20 provinces and 72 cities across China in thethree days.
The exhibitors released their new products and also interacted with the visitors in thefair, supporting the idea that technologies make the life more healthy.
Companies from Turkey, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysiaand Taiwan have already signed up for next year.
Can you prove your water is free fromlegionella bacteria?
ARE you aware that should one of your clients contract Legionnaires Disease and subsequently die,the care provider can be prosecuted under The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homocide Act2007? Scary but true nevertheless.AquaCert can assist with legionella control from providing an L8 Risk Assessment (each care/nursing homemust possess one by law) through to water screening via our postal/courier service (please see our mainadvert). Testing costs as little as £44.50 + VAT for a 20 bed home – all you have to do is fill the bottle and Aquacertdoes the rest.
Enquiries: Ring Freephone 0800 048 1737 or visit www.aquacert.co.uk
Safe and shineCONSORT has added the TRF25C chromeheated towel rail to its ever expanding andpopular Low Surface Temperature productrange.
This 25 watt heater comes completewith three chrome wall mounting brackets,fitted cable and is a double insulated classII appliance, thereby eliminating the needfor supplementary bonding.
Its compact size H: 410 D: 86 W: 465makes it ideal for small bathrooms and itprovides the luxury of warm, dry towels –all day, every day – economically andsafely.
The Low Surface Temperature rangealso includes a variety of wall mounted fanheaters and the 30 watt TRF30 white finishtowel rail.
Consort’s Low Surface Temperature products are especially suitable for care environments, having amaximum surface temperature of 430C to comply with Department of Health guidelines and Europeansafety standards.
Enquiries: Contact Consort Equipment Products Ltd on 01646 692172, fax 01646 695195,email [email protected] or visit www.consortepl.com
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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS36
DISPOSABLES represent the thirdhighest category of expenditure in acare home after food and staff. Theprices of these products varies overtime, sometimes going up quiteconsiderably, but also coming down.
Take vinyl gloves for example, theyare currently around £1.80 per packetof 100 but they have been down to£1.20 in the not too distant past. It istempting to think that we are seeinginflation in prices and that they willnever come back down again.
The prices you pay for vinyl glovesare heavily influenced by the price ofoil, but this is not the onlycomponent.
The oil has to be converted into PVCand at times there can be a shortagein capacity to carry out thatconversion. Oil (and gloves) arepriced in US dollars.
This means that the price is also
heavily influenced by the exchangerate between our pound and thedollar.
Additional factors come into play.The cost of sea freight from Chinacan vary by 10p per box depending
on availability of space on the ships.At various times, the factories inChina can have ‘local issues’ such asthe shut down while the BeijingOlympics was being held or, morerecently, a shortage of electricity.
The outlook for vinyl glove prices isprobably reasonably good if youbelieve that oil prices will not gomuch higher and the pound is fairlyvalued.
When our Government startsprinting money (quantitative easing),the value of the pound decreases andthe price of gloves goes up by about20p per box in the space of a week.
This is what happened this autumn.Now it takes a bit of time for that toreach the market, but it is a very realincrease that has to be ultimatelyborne by you the user.
Over the last 18 months, there have been unprecedented fluctuations in the price ofdisposables. Sam Gompels, managing director of Gompels Healthcare Ltd, takes a look atsome of the factors that are causing these changes.
What is determining the prices of yourdisposable supplies at the moment?
Sam Gompels
PATIENT safety is the highestpriority for healthcare providers.Patients and their families deservethe peace of mind that comes withknowing that care is being providedvigilantly at all times.
The problem of patient falls incare is growing, particularly inelderly care and mental health.Consequently institutions areputting measures in place to assistin preventing the risk of a fall.
Falls prevention systems, mostcommonly bed and chair sensorsystems, are used to provide peaceof mind to patients, carers and
family. The SensorCare bed and chair
systems are place discreetlybeneath the patient’s mattress andchair cushion; when the patientvacates the bed or chair withoutassistance, the system audiblyalarms informing the carer that thepatient is at risk and is in need ofimmediate assistance.
The carer using the SensorCaresystem is allowed the freedom tocontinue with their daily taskswhile still providing the highest andmost vigilant level of care.
The SensorCare falls prevention
system can be used as a stand aloneunit, with a paging system givingthe carer additional freedom orthrough integration with existingnurse call.
The pressure sensing panels aremade from robust stainless steeland are fully protected with anti-microbial silver treatment, reducingthe risk of cross infection.
SensorCare is the only long lastingfalls sensor system available on themarket and provides a solution tothe problem of limited usagesystems that are offered by others.
System prevents residents’ falls
IT IS now widely recognised thatdisposal of pads and pulp items is farmore effective in the fight againstinfection than traditional washingsolutions.
The Incomaster™ and SOLO® fromHaigh are used extensivelythroughout the UK in care homesand Hospitals of all sizes.
Haigh equipment is proven andtested on all market leading pulpproducts, making the transition evenmore straightforward. With a free sitesurvey to scope out your needs, ourteams will be able to advise you onthe best solution for your individualrequirements.
Our qualified engineers will cometo your premises and manage theinstallation process to include sitesurvey to locate best position formachine prior to installation.
Installation procedure will consistof the following:
� Position machine into designatedroom.
� Fix machine to floor taking intoaccount under floor heating.
� Connect inlet water to mainswater supply via suitable isolationvalve.
� Connect waste drainage to soilpipe.
� Electrically connect to mainisolator supplied by others.
� Fully commission.� User training.
Equipmenteffective ininfection fight
WITH financial challenges facing thecare industry, there has never been agreater need to offer more costeffective solutions.
The Aid Call wireless nurse callsystem brings flexible and powerfulfeatures that allow you to focus onthe most effective care delivery,rather than the limitations of thetechnology.
As budgets and costs areparamount, Aid Call also offereffective maintenance solutions tokeep the system working effectively
for longer, extending the longevity ofthe product and enabling you toprotect and look after yourinvestment.
Maintenance service packages givepeace of mind as standard. Yournurse call system provides vitalassistance at times of need, and it isimperative that your system ismaintained to the highest standardby a dedicated team of trained serviceengineers.
The benefits of the package includeguaranteed service call out to site
(within 24 hours for critical calls and48 hours for non critical calls), cost ofsite visit, inclusive of all labour andmaterials, and unlimited service callouts within the 12 month contract.
As a customer of Aid Call, you canbe assured of a high level of after-sales support and service. All ourproducts are backed by acomprehensive 12 month warranty,after which Aid Call can continue togive support by providing amaintenance contract.
Aidcall offers cost effective solution
NURSING homes are forever facedwith increased running costs and thetemptation to cut corners can betempting.
Finding solutions that are costeffective and save money withoutcompromising any legislative issuesare hard to find. However, there isnow an effective solution to reducethe cost of fire extinguisherinstallation and maintenance.
Fireworld extinguishers aremaintenance free for their 10-year lifespan. They do not require a registeredextinguisher engineer to come out toservice them on a yearly basis or todischarge and re-fill after five years,as is required with a standardextinguisher. All you need to do is toappoint a person within theorganisation to carry out a yearlyvisual inspection.
When you purchase a maintenancefree fire extinguisher, Safelincs willcarry out a free site survey to ensurethat you have the correctextinguishers and give you ademonstration of the yearly visualcheck.
Changing to Fireworld extinguisherscould save you up to £300 over thelifespan of an extinguisher.
Reduce the cost of installation and maintenance
HEALTHCARE professionals arebeing given the opportunity to writetheir own ‘personal prescriptions’courtesy of a leading healthcarefurniture and equipmentmanufacturer.
The initiative is being developed byJames Spencer & Co Ltd followingfeedback from delegates,predominantly occupationaltherapists, who visited the company’sstand at an exhibition at the DisabledLiving Centre in Nottingham.
The scheme allows busy OTs andother healthcare professionals tocomplete an assessment formspecially designed to meet theirneeds when sourcing James Spencer’spurpose-built bariatric furnitureproducts on behalf of their clients.
A professional who may beinterested in the company’s Pentirebariatric chair is given the option tohighlight their preferred choice ofchair back, wings, arm pads, seatdepth, width and height, and ifadjustable height is required.
James Spencer’s chairman RichardSpencer said: “This new initiative ispurpose designed to help relieve theburden. It’s simple, it’s quick and it’seffective – in reality a ‘prescriptionform’ that the assessor can use tohelp them explore all options andrecord all relevant details regardingindividual needs – then leave the restto us.”
Professionalscan prescribe
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Occupancy specialist
Computer Software
Alarm Systems
Fitness equipment
Signs
Consultants
Care Home Software
Business Solutions
Transport
LEADING supplier of everyday con-sumables for care homes, GompelsHealthcare Ltd, is offering free cus-tomer purchasing reports in theirnewly published ‘Guide to theServices We Offer’ which aim to givebuyers greater control of their expen-diture on bulk buys such as tissues,protective gloves and cleaning prod-ucts.
Purchasing reports - one of a num-ber of special services featured in theguide - show a detailed review ofexpenditure on individual accountsfrom various aspects including quan-tity, category, expenditure and region.
Gompels’ customers can accessdetails of their own purchases onlinewith an option to double click into aparticular figure for even more detail.
Other customer services include anextended cut-off time of 4pm to placeorders for next day delivery, freeweekly and monthly task sheets toease the monitoring of care homecleaning, and downloadable COSHHsheets.
Also available are conversion chartson main ranges, including inconti-nence pads, which allow you to com-pare your current manufacturer toone that will bring savings.
Supplier launches guideSIMPLYUNITE has launched Version2.0 for their Gem computers. Amongthe range of additional features aretwo exciting add-ons: SimplyUniteVolunteer and the SimplyUniteFamilies App.
SimplyUnite Volunteer makes it easyfor care homes to link to local volun-teers from a range of organisationsand all through their Gem touch-screen. The volunteers themselves
register through the SimplyUnitewebsite and can search for, and makecontact with, care homes.
The SimplyUnite Families App is setto revolutionise the way families andfriends interact with the Gem service.Instead of using the families portal onthe website, smart-phone users candownload the Families App to linkwith their loved ones’ accounts, sendphotos and messages.
