May 2015 no.227 • £4.75 By Dominic Musgrave CANDIDATES of all the political parties contesting the 2015 general election have been called on by the Registered Nursing Home Association to sign up to five pledges on the care of older people. The RNHA believes the level of priority politicians give to the country’s older citizens says a lot about the kind of society we live in. It wants candidates who succeed in the election to pursue the pledges whether they are in government or in opposition. The RNHA is asking new MPs to: ■ Ensure there are enough nursing homes in the country to meet the needs of older people who need 24- hour care by qualified nurses. ■ Involve care providers and service users in planning services for the post-war baby boomer bulge in the over-80s that will come in the 2030s. ■ Create a new Department of Health, Care and Support in order to develop truly integrated care and pooled budgets both nationally and at local level. ■ Put a stop to cuts in public expenditure on services for older people and focusing on what is needed to enable providers to deliver consistently good care; ■ Ensure a level of funding that will enable nursing homes and other care providers to pay their staff the living wage. As well as an election briefing listing the five pledges, RNHA members around the country will be sending their local candidates a ‘20 key facts about nursing homes’ card to highlight the crucial role they play in looking after some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. “The number of people aged over 85 years old is expected to double in the next 20 years and nearly treble in the next 30 years,” added RNHA chief executive officer Frank Ursell . “Many of them will have health needs that cannot be safely and appropriately met by domiciliary care staff. There will need to be an expansion of the nursing home sector to deal effectively with the rising level of demand.” “According to a National Audit Office report published in 2014, over the five years from 2009/10 to 2013/14 the rates that local authorities pay for care home places increased by five per cent less than the costs the homes were incurring in looking after the older people placed with them. A survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services found that 45 per cent of local authorities had not increased their payments to older people’s care homes in line with inflation in 2013/14. That cannot go on.” Association in pledges call to elected MPs Popular soap actor Alan Halsall, who plays mechanic Tyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, brought a touch of the cobbles to three Ideal Care homes in the North East. Alan, along with his real life wife actress Lucy-Jo Hudson, best known for her roles as Katy Harris in Coronation Street and Rosie Trevanion in the ITV drama Wild at Heart, were guests of honour at various Coronation Street themed events at Wynyard Woods (Sedgefield), The Maple (Stockton-on-Tees) and Middlesbrough Grange (Ormesby). The actors mingled with residents and their families, signed autographs and had photographs taken. Residents also took part in a raffle to win Coronation Street goodies signed by the pair. incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector Edward is reunited with his wallet A SERVICE user at Ranc Care Homes’ Romford Care Centre has been reunited with his wallet 65 years after he dropped it at Lambeth Palace. In 1950, Edward Parker lost his wallet behind a bookshelf while he was working there as an electrician. The wallet stayed there until this year when a builder undertaking restoration work finally found it. The wallet contained pictures of family members, invoices, business cards, receipts, union cards, results of a chest X-ray, a national service card and a medical insurance card. Lambeth Palace and the BBC used the medical card to identify two places of residence in north London. From this, Islington Council found details of a marriage between Edward Parker and Constance Butler in 1947. That information revealed that Edward, now aged 89 and suffering with dementia, was at Romford Care Centre.
Transcript
May 2015
no.227 • £4.75
By Dominic Musgrave
CANDIDATES of all the politicalparties contesting the 2015 generalelection have been called on by theRegistered Nursing HomeAssociation to sign up to fivepledges on the care of older people.
The RNHA believes the level ofpriority politicians give to thecountry’s older citizens says a lotabout the kind of society we live in.It wants candidates who succeed inthe election to pursue the pledgeswhether they are in government orin opposition.
The RNHA is asking new MPs to:� Ensure there are enough nursinghomes in the country to meet theneeds of older people who need 24-hour care by qualified nurses.� Involve care providers and serviceusers in planning services for thepost-war baby boomer bulge in theover-80s that will come in the 2030s.� Create a new Department ofHealth, Care and Support in orderto develop truly integrated care andpooled budgets both nationally andat local level.� Put a stop to cuts in publicexpenditure on services for olderpeople and focusing on what isneeded to enable providers todeliver consistently good care;� Ensure a level of funding that willenable nursing homes and other
care providers to pay their staff theliving wage.
As well as an election briefinglisting the five pledges, RNHAmembers around the country willbe sending their local candidates a‘20 key facts about nursing homes’card to highlight the crucial rolethey play in looking after some ofthe UK’s most vulnerable people.
“The number of people aged over85 years old is expected to double inthe next 20 years and nearly treblein the next 30 years,” added RNHAchief executive officer Frank Ursell .“Many of them will have healthneeds that cannot be safely andappropriately met by domiciliarycare staff. There will need to be anexpansion of the nursing homesector to deal effectively with therising level of demand.”
“According to a National AuditOffice report published in 2014, overthe five years from 2009/10 to2013/14 the rates that localauthorities pay for care home placesincreased by five per cent less thanthe costs the homes were incurringin looking after the older peopleplaced with them. A survey by theAssociation of Directors of AdultSocial Services found that 45 percent of local authorities had notincreased their payments to olderpeople’s care homes in line withinflation in 2013/14. That cannot goon.”
Association inpledges call toelected MPs
Popular soap actor Alan Halsall, who plays mechanicTyrone Dobbs in Coronation Street, brought a touch ofthe cobbles to three Ideal Care homes in the North East.Alan, along with his real life wife actress Lucy-JoHudson, best known for her roles as Katy Harris inCoronation Street and Rosie Trevanion in the ITV dramaWild at Heart, were guests of honour at variousCoronation Street themed events at Wynyard Woods(Sedgefield), The Maple (Stockton-on-Tees) andMiddlesbrough Grange (Ormesby). The actors mingledwith residents and their families, signed autographsand had photographs taken. Residents also took part ina raffle to win Coronation Street goodies signed by thepair.
incorporating
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Edward isreunitedwith hiswalletA SERVICE user at RancCare Homes’ RomfordCare Centre has beenreunited with his wallet 65years after he dropped it atLambeth Palace.
In 1950, Edward Parkerlost his wallet behind abookshelf while he wasworking there as anelectrician.
The wallet stayed thereuntil this year when abuilder undertakingrestoration work finallyfound it.
The wallet containedpictures of familymembers, invoices,business cards, receipts,union cards, results of achest X-ray, a nationalservice card and a medicalinsurance card.
Lambeth Palace and theBBC used the medical cardto identify two places ofresidence in northLondon.
From this, IslingtonCouncil found details of amarriage between EdwardParker and ConstanceButler in 1947.
That informationrevealed that Edward, nowaged 89 and suffering withdementia, was at RomfordCare Centre.
3CARINGNEWS
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Lymington calling as carehome radio ‘reconnects’ By Dominic Musgrave
RADIO request shows specially producedfor residents of five care homes havebegun under a partnership betweenColten Care and New Forest HospitalRadio.
The bespoke programmes by volunteerDJs feature musical dedications for resi-dents at Linden House, Belmore Lodgeand Court Lodge in Lymington,Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst andKingfishers in New Milton.
Each home will have its own one-hourshow every month, available as a podcaston the station website.
Using flash drives, team members at thehomes will download the shows ontoportable, rechargeable stereo setsdesigned for ease of use by older people.
Residents will be able to listen in theirbedrooms or the homes’ lounges.
Mandy Stevens, activities organiser atLinden House, a dementia care home,said the shows are an ideal way for rela-tives and friends to suggest dedicationsfor their loved ones’ birthdays andanniversaries.
She added: “Music is a very big part ofour residents’ lives.
“Remembering songs and tunes you
knew well when you were younger touch-es heart and mind.
“That goes for all kinds of music fromtraditional classical pieces to wartimesongs, jazz, folk and pop.
“We already enjoy many sing-songs andwelcome live performers to our enter-tainments room which is equipped witha baby grand piano. Having individualdedications on a specially producedmonthly show just for our home is anoth-er great way we can champion person-centred care.”
New Forest Hospital Radio is based atLymington Hospital where the firstbroadcast took place in 1978.
Michael Robinson, president of the sta-tion and one of the presenters, recalled alandline broadcast the following year tothe former local authority home calledLinden House.
It was later demolished with the sitenow occupied by Colten Care’s purpose-built home of the same name.
He said: “It’s lovely to be reconnectingwith Linden House albeit in a differentguise and of course entertaining theother homes too. We receive wonderfulfeedback on our shows and we’re thrilledto be reaching more music lovers aroundthe area.”
In the entertainments room at Linden Houseare, from the left: Michael Robinson, presidentof New Forest Hospital Radio, Colten Careactivities manager Jo London and activitiesorganiser.
CARINGNEWS4
Ralph Cox celebrated his 100th birthday with a party at Sanctuary Care’s The Beeches.
Ralph is a socialmedia sensationA DECORATED war veteran hasbecome a social media sensationafter a story about his 100th birthdaywent viral.
Ralph Cox marked his centenarycelebrations recently with a party atSanctuary Care’s The BeechesResidential Care Home inBirmingham, where he has lived forover two years.
His story hit the headlines in bothlocal and national newspapers, butthe fame did not end there with anarticle about Ralph, who survivedbeing shot three times duringcombat, proving so popular it hasbeen shared by thousands of peoplevia Facebook.
His story has been liked by over6,500 people on Age UK andBirmingham Updates’ Facebookpages, shared by over 850 people andattracted over 670 positivecomments.
Meanwhile a post about thecentenarian by Sanctuary on
LinkedIn received 272,741impressions, 909 clicks and over 1,900likes.
Many of the comments applaud hisbravery during the Second World Warwhen he was stationed in France,Italy and North Africa as a Sergeantwith The Parachute Regiment, knownas ‘The Red Berets’.
He was badly wounded after beingshot in the back, arm and leg. Afterhe recovered he continued with hisservice and received six militarymedals in total, including one whichreads 1939-1945 King’scommendation for brave conduct.
Lisa Thomas, Sanctuary Care’sregional manager – Midlands, said:“We are overwhelmed that there hasbeen such a positive response toRalph’s story.
“The power of social media is trulyastounding and we are so pleasedthat such a remarkable man hasreceived such widespread recognitionand so many birthday wishes.”
High tea and delicious goodies were served up at a Cramlington care complex as twocare homes celebrated the opening of their new coffee shops. Astor Court, which offersresidential care and specialist care for those with dementia, and Astor Lodge View, anursing care home for the elderly, both recently welcomed the addition of new moderncoffee shops and hosted a tea party for residents and families to celebrate. The coffeeshops are open for use of residents and guests to the home.Resident Marion Richardson and daughter Susan are pictured with resident John Reed.
CARINGNEWS6
Joan rides again thanksto Wiltshire day clubSTAFF at a Wiltshire day club wentthe extra mile after they discoveredthat a member had been a keenmotorcyclist in her youth.
Joan Keown is a member at the MillStreet day club in Trowbridge, run byindependent charity Alzheimer’sSupport, where staff regularly useiPad technology to help unlockmemories from the past.
When Joan first came to the dayclub she was chatting with managerGrant Newton “when for some reasonwe got onto the subject of transportand bikes. She said she used to ride amotorbike when she was 19.”
Grant added: “I know a bit aboutbikes so I went through all the namesof British bikes I could think of andwhen I said BSA she said Yes!
“She remembered it was green sowe got the iPad out and searched forimages of green BSA bikes from thatera and found the exact model sheused to ride.
“It had a great effect on her andwhen she went home, despite quiteserious memory problems, sheremembered enough to tell herdaughter about it.
“Next week she came in with acrumpled photograph of herself onthe actual bike which we now haveblown up hanging on the club wall. Itis something we do a lot in the club,
using technology to help locateimages that have meaning formembers from the past.”
Not content with just finding thepicture, the charity put the word outand were delighted when a local bikeenthusiast got in touch to say he hada green BSA bike from that era.
Grant added: “We wheeled the bikeinto Mill Street and recreated the
picture. Nearly 70 years on Joan got achance to sit on the bike again – wethink for the first time since herteens. She absolutely loved it.”
Joan, 86, relies on the Wiltshirecharity to help her continue to lead ameaningful independent life.
Her support worker Sally visits everyMonday and she goes to the MillStreet day club on Fridays.
Joan Keown on the BSA bike at Mill Street day club in Trowbridge.
Residents at Edward Moore House wereintroduced to a range of weird andwonderful creatures when Zoolab visitedthe home. With a range of excitinganimals from guinea pigs and snakes tosnails and tarantulas, Zoolab providedresidents of the Gravesend residentialhome with an unusual and interestingafternoon. Activity coordinator YvetteMoon said: “The residents were verybrave with all of the animals that wereintroduced to them but I think the guineapig was probably the favourite, he was sofluffy and soft.”
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Girls join residents for quizPUPILS of Rainham School for Girlsvisited residents at Rogers House resi-dential home in Wigmore for an after-noon of trivia, fun and friendly com-petition.
They visited the residential home tohost a quiz afternoon after choosingThe Abbeyfield Kent Society as thelocal charity they would like to sup-port.
The schoolgirls put together anentertaining quiz, based around theresidents’ era and younger days aswell as providing bags of sweets asprizes for the winners.
The residents had a great timeworking as teams and reminiscingabout their youth when the nostalgicquestions were asked.
Lorraine Laker, care coordinator atRogers House said: “The residentshave loved getting to know the schoolgirls and hearing about what they doat school, they enjoyed it so muchthey’re hoping for another visit soon.”
This was the schoolgirls’ secondvisit as they first met the residents atChristmas, when they delivered anumber of handmade festive gifthampers to the home.
Youngsters from Rainham School for Girls with Rogers House residents.
CARINGNEWS10
Dee is named Sheffcareemployee of the yearCARE support worker Dee Keyworthhas been named the Sheffcareemployee of the year.
Sheffcare is the registered charitywhich began operating as a not forprofit company in 1993 and now runs11 care homes in the city, providinghigh quality residential care for morethan 1,000 older people.
Dee is a care support worker atSheffcare’s Castelayn residential carehome at Gleadless.
“Dee is an essential part of our teamand one that we would findimpossible to replace,” said Castelaynmanager Jacqui Blaver. “No matterwhat is asked of her, Dee will muck inwith anything with a smile on herface.
“When our dementia unit was in theprocess of being created, Deestripped the rooms down to the bareshell and once all the work wasfinished and the rooms decorated,she deep cleaned them all and thenhelped dress the rooms ensuring thatthey were all ready for when weopened.
“Dee has a very bubbly personalityand our residents all think that she iswonderful – she always hassomething to say that will put a smileon their face.”
The runner up was Kharon O’Brien,a care support worker at Sheffcare’sPaddock Hill home, also in Gleadless.
“Kharon has dedicated her career to
caring for people and has built up awealth of knowledge, a knowledgewhich she shares with new andinexperienced carers to ensure thatthey, like her, deliver outstanding carewhere the needs of the resident areparamount,” said Paddock Hillmanager Nick Iwanejko.
“She is a powerful advocate forresidents and will always championbest practices.
“Kharon is highly valued by the staffteam and we all rest easily when sheis working a night shift in the home.Paddock Hill wouldn’t be the samewithout her!”
The pair received their accolades ata special lunch and presentationceremony at the Royal VictoriaHoliday Inn Hotel.
Dee Keyworth (left) and Kharon O’Brien.Twin lambs visited residents at Southlawns care home in Street. The lambs, Jenny andRonald, belong to the granddaughter of Phyllis, one of the residents, and staff enjoyedhaving them running around the home and some were even able to hold and feed them.Manager Catherine Brown said: “Some of the residents were fortunate enough to feedthe lambs and I’m sure this experience is something they will treasure.”
ONE of Scotland’s leading providersfor housing and care has continuedits winning streak for innovation byproviding its residents with a uniqueform of therapy.
Blackwood’s Maclehose Courtdevelopment in Greenock recentlyintroduced 10 chicks to the home aspart of a two week project set up byeducational company, Living Eggs.
Living Eggs ‘Ready Hatch’ scheme isa two-week comprehensiveprogramme providing the tools for
hatching chicks in schools, nurseriesand care homes.
Mary Chisholm, service manager atMaclehose Court, said: “The projecthas been a fantastic experience foreveryone involved and has gonedown a storm with all of theresidents.
“We’ve watched the chicks hatchand grow and develop over thecourse of two weeks and ourresidents have been mesmerised bythe whole process.”
Pet therapy for residents
CARINGNEWS12
STAFF at Stangrove Lodge inEdenbridge spoiled their residentswhen they treated them to aluxurious and therapeutic pamperafternoon.
Nail painting and hand and footmassages were just a few of theservices on offer when stafftransformed the lounge into anindulgent spa and treated residents toa fun-filled pamper day at the home.
Residents put their feet up andrelaxed with a cup of tea and biscuits,while staff gave them a range ofbeauty services, aiming to soothe theresidents and relieve any stress or
tension they may have.John Ogbe, home manager, said:
“We all love to be pampered everynow and then and our residents areno different. Just because they live ina care home, it doesn’t mean that it’snot important to them to look andfeel good. The relaxing activity leftthem feeling fully refreshed and theyare already looking forward to thenext pamper day.”
The activity had plenty of healthbenefits too as the massages reducemuscle tension, increase the mobilityof joints, as well as reducing stressand muscular pain.
Staff spoil residentswith spa afternoon
13CARINGNEWS
RESIDENTS from several FourSeasons care homes inNorthumberland revived the tradi-tional tea dance when they gottogether for a social afternoon at NewDelaval and Newsham Working Men’sClub.
They were joined by friends, rela-tives, staff and members of the localcommunity.
As well as taking to the dance floor,guests were invited to take part in asingalong session and play bingo.
A range of refreshments was servedand there was a chance to take part ina free raffle.
Tracie White, regional operationsmanager for Four Seasons inNorthumberland, said: “The socialafternoon is a great way for residentsto get out to enjoy themselves, tomeet people from other Four Seasonscare homes and to engage with mem-bers of the wider local community.
“We are planning to make the eventa regular monthly occurrence.”
Residents revive tea danceWansbeck Care Home residents Audrey Bell and Pat Blanchard with Joanne Mitchell.
A DEMENTIA support worker haskept the memory of her sister andfather alive as she continues to speedtowards her £1million fundraisingtarget.
Debbie Dean, who works for Bield’sflexi-care service in Glasgow, set her-self the challenge of raising £1millionfor various UK cancer charities afterlosing her sister, Roseann, and herfather, Billy Young to the illness.
Since embarking on her mission,Debbie has already raised an impres-sive £7,000, which she plans todonate to Breast Cancer Care.
Inspired by her sister’s own charita-ble nature, Debbie has raised the sumthrough various fundraising activitiessuch as The Great Scottish Run, agruelling 380km cycle through thefamous Yosemite National Park inCalifornia and a ‘Zumbathon’ whichraised £3,850.
With a dinner dance alreadyplanned for November, Debbie hopesthat this and other fundraising eventswill help her to sail past the £10,000mark by the time 2016 approaches.
Debbie said: “Once I raise £50,000for Breast Cancer Care, I'll change toa different cancer charity. But I'm notgiving up, I'm going to keep going.
“This year it would be great to raiseanother £3,000 so that we can getover the £10,000 mark, which wouldjust be wonderful.
“So far for 2015 we have a danceplanned for November and mynephew's wife has suggested we takepart in the Kilt Walk, but we are yet tolook into that properly.
“This has been an amazing journeyand I can't thank people enough fortheir sponsorship and support. Myfundraising Facebook page has seendonations from as far as Americawhich is just incredible.
“I don't know how long it will takeme to reach £1m but I'm going togive it a good try for my beloved sisterand father.”
Debbie has also been raising fundsthrough her JustGiving page andthrough the sale of hand crocheteditems, which she sells in her localcommunity.
Debbie’s challengeis one in a million
Debbie Dean with her sister Janet.
15CARINGNEWS
Kathleen takes first master classA TADCASTER woman has taken herfirst cooking master class thanks toregional catering provider Cater Plus.
Retired carer Kathleen Horner fromPopple Well Springs, a Hanover ExtraCare scheme, was joined by fourCater Plus chefs who were recentlyawarded accolades for being the bestin their class during a national com-petition arranged by the cateringprovider.
Since moving to the estate in 2011Kathleen regularly takes part in manyof the activities and regularly holdssmall dinner parties for friends andfamily.
She particularly enjoys baking cakes
and fresh bread and has aspirationsto cook just like her favourite celebri-ty chef Marco Pierre White.
Kathleen said: “When I first heardthat I would be attending the masterclass I felt very excited but a littleintimidated. Over the last 20 years Ihave watched various television mas-ter chefs who often displayed very lit-tle patience with their students.
“They were very patient and havetaught me a few tricks of the trade,which I cant wait to put to the test.”
After the masterclass Kathleen andresidents from Popple Well Springswere treated to a three-course galadinner.
Kathleen Horner with chef David Hill.
19CARINGNEWS
Advertiser’s announcement
Who are we really discriminating against?By Jane Pollard
WHEN training for overseas staff incare specific English is discussed,managers often say: “It’ll look like Iam discriminating against this groupof staff”.
To which I reply: “But aren’t we dis-criminating against the service userswhen they can't talk properly to orunderstand their carers? Staff need tobe able to use role related English.”
During some training to assist ser-vice users to move or be lifted, I askedthe three Romanian carers if I couldgo over the appropriate English.
One of the carers answered enthusi-astically, “Yes, please, we don't learnthose expressions in class.” I thinkshe just proved the point!
The other common reply from man-agers is: “Other staff, whose first lan-guage is English, may feel we're pro-viding extra training unfairly.”
To which the answer must be: “Isn’tthis essential training to fulfil the car-ing role properly? The English used inthe care context is so different from
general English.” If this training need was identified
in the interview process, then thoseelements would become a mandatoryrequirement of the probationaryassessment.
Up to 50 per cent of healthcare staffin residential or domiciliary careorganisations speak English as a sec-ond or third language.
For the sake of service users, theoverseas staff themselves and theirfellow team members, not to mentionthe standard of care, why can’t wehonour the need for language train-ing? The onus to improve speakingand comprehension must fairly beplaced on both employer and staffmember.
If this problem is not addressed, thematter of achieving the new CareCertificate will be further complicat-ed.
Staff, whose English is not care spe-cific, will find completing the qualifi-cation, without the necessary expres-sions and understanding, very diffi-cult.
If they are initially supported at thelanguage level, the employer willspend less time, and money, assistingthem to complete paperwork.
Many employers say they are expe-rienced in medical and care mattersbut don't know how to approach thislanguage problem simply.
The problem is there but with asmall amount of advice they cansolve it systematically, often in thename of improving team communi-cation.
Of course, any staff training sessionsprovided must also be targeted, andbespoke, in order to make maximumuse of time and financial resources.
Good care needs good communica-tion and that means using languagethat’s readily understood by all con-cerned!� Jane Pollard is the founder of AboutEnglish, a company providing Englishand communication training forhealthcare staff. To find out more,email [email protected],call 07989 158539 or visit www.aboutenglish.co.uk
Jane Pollard
Maria Mallaband chairman and CEO Phil Burgan recently climbed the three largestmountains in Great Britain – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in The Lake District andSnowdon in Wales. Having completed the same challenge 44 years ago when he was 19,despite his £50 mini breaking down three times on the M6 with water in the electrics,Phil completed the feat in just short of 24 hours, raising money for The Prince's Trust inthe process.Phil is pictured with renowned adventurer James Ketchell, who did the challenge withhim. James has previously climbed Everest, rowed across the Atlantic and cycledacross the USA. This summer he is rowing across the Indian Ocean.
AN Ayrshire care home has scoopedthe top prize in a UK-wide postercompetition run by a leading charity.
Bupa’s Arran View care home inSaltcoats secured first place for its“Keep the party going all life long”poster as part of a competition for SixPoint Foundation.
For its winning effort the care homewill pick up a £500 donation towardsa charity of its choice which benefitsolder people – and will also receive a£200 voucher to use in a local shop.
Activity coordinator Dailin Spenceworked with residents on the Arran
View design, praised for its innova-tion and creativity.
Arran View manager Sue Kedleysaid: “Everyone at the home was overthe moon when we found out we wonthe competition. It’s a fantasticaccomplishment for the residentsand the home – and we can’t wait tohave our winning entry on display.”
The poster competition was set upby Six Point Foundation to give peo-ple the opportunity to think about,and celebrate, what is, and can be,done to make all older people’s (age70+) lives better.
Home wins UK-wide competition
TripAdvisor stylewebsite to putcare standardsunder spotlightBy Dominic Musgrave
RESIDENTS of care homes and theirfamilies are now able review the qual-ity of care they receive in a pioneer-ing new scheme to improve and cele-brate standards of care across Gwent– named ‘Think About Me: Good CareGuide’.
Launching the scheme, health andsocial services minister MarkDrakeford, said: “Choosing a carehome is a decision that sometimeshas to be made quickly and often instressful and difficult circumstances.
“I want to make sure that whenpeople move into a care home theydo so as the result of a positive choiceand that living there should be a posi-tive experience.
“I’m pleased to launch this new ini-tiative, which will encourage peopleto review the service they receive andenable them to contribute to the pro-vision of information for other vul-nerable people requiring care andsupport.
“This combines the active engage-ment of existing residents and theirfamilies in improving the quality ofthe service and sharing the benefitsof this information with others.”
The idea for the scheme was origi-nally driven by relatives of older peo-ple already living in care homes shar-ing their feelings with a volunteer ser-vice called Care Home ‘Ask and Talk’(C.H.A.aT).
They partnered with Good Care
Guide, the well-establishedTripAdvisor style website for the careindustry, to facilitate the scheme andmake it easy for families to reviewand research specific care homesonline.
Now families across the region willbe able to leave feedback on a homeat the click of a button and thoselooking for care will be able to makean informed decision based on oth-ers’ reviews.
The nine-month pilot scheme isfunded by the Health TechnologyChallenge Wales Awards with thehope that the scheme will be expand-ed across Wales.
Andy Major, director of Good CareGuide, added: “Finding care for aloved one can be a real minefield, sohaving a one-stop shop to turn towhere families and friends havealready given their genuine views onsomething is invaluable.
“This pilot will give older peopleand their families more of a say aboutthe care they receive. It will highlightto care homes where they can makeimprovements, whilst also lettingthem celebrate that which theyalready do well.”
The aim of the scheme is to improvethe quality and perceptions of elder-care provision in Gwent, as well asincreasing much-needed transparen-cy across the sector.
The scheme has already seen 78local nursing and residential homessign up.
CARINGNEWS20
Home’s hair salon turned into a‘tranquil paradise’ for residentsBy Dominic Musgrave
A ST Helens care home’s hair salonhas been transformed into a ‘tranquilparadise’ offering visiting clients theopportunity to experience hair,beauty and holistic treatments.
Originally used by visitinghairdressers for people living atStocks Hall St Helens, ‘The Salon’ waspreviously utilised for the cutting andstyling of hair.
It has now been transformed andprovides a unique, tranquil andpeaceful atmosphere. With the lightsdimmed, candles flickering and thesoothing sounds of relaxing musicyou are instantly made to feel at ease.
Laraine Prescott, events andactivities planner, said “The Salon hasreally come into its own, it is now ahive of activity, offering greatopportunity to socialise, reminiscewith others and relax.”
It offers a complete salon package,popular treatments includemanicures, nail design, facials andmassages. Typically quick butextremely relaxing, these treatmentsprovide a wealth of benefits such asimproved finger and wrist range ofmotion, enhanced circulation andrehabilitation of injuries.
Assisting in the overall well-being ofpeople living at the Home, The Salonalso provides Reiki Therapy and
Crystal Healing which are known toenhance a person’s health and well-being.
These types of holistic treatmentsare not intended to replacetraditional medicines which are vitalin the treatment of dementiasufferers, but can complementexisting treatments by helping toreduce depression, stress and anxiety.
Laraine added: “Reiki is a gentle, yetpowerful form of healing, utilisingsubtle energies to bring about healthand well-being for the receiver; it has
the effect of inducing deep relaxation.“In Alzheimer’s or dementia,
insecurity and agitation are commonstates affecting sufferer’s so usingReiki to bring about a relaxed state isvery beneficial.”
“Crystal Therapy combined withmassage promotes feelings of well-being which will bring about thedesired effect quickly and stablise itfor longer than other similartreatments, whether the goal isrelaxation, serenity, focused attentionor renewed vigour.”
Laraine Prescott in ‘The Salon’ at Stocks Hall St Helens.
Caremark (Barnsley) has celebrated careworker Susan Winter receiving herDementia Champion qualification andcertificate. Susan’s training was deliveredby Barnsley Council’s WorkforceDevelopment Team and her qualificationfollows a year of hard work and training.Of the original 15 candidates on thetraining programme, only four qualified,one of which was Susan. She said: “It hasbeen a fantastic experience for me. Ihave found it very challenging andincredibly rewarding; I am passionateabout this subject and making adifference to people’s lives in ourcommunity.”Susan is pictured with her certificate.
CARINGUNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR22
Uniforms create identity anda professional staff image By Gilly Storer
WEARING uniforms in residentialcare has often been debated, withopinion ranging from a non-uniformapproach to a more formal image.
Those that prefer the non-uniformapproach often cite a desire to createa home-from-home environment.For others, uniforms play animportant role in staff protection andidentity and can be tied into theendorsement of an organisation’sbrand image.
Clearly uniforms are an effectiveway to create staff identity helping toprovide clarity for residents, visitorsand other staff members. In turn,this often helps to confirm a staffmember’s role and general areas ofresponsibility, leading to improvedconfidence and trust.
Like other garments, uniforms havecome a long way and the range ofstyles, fabrics and colours is evergreater.
An important choice is between aclinical appearance, using tunicstraditionally worn by nursing staffand a growing range of less formaloptions which offer a more relaxedlook while retaining a smart,distinctive identity and staffprotection.
Fabric is another choice. Polycottonremains the best solution for costeffectiveness, ease of maintenanceand longevity.
Many styles are now available in aFlexi-Stretch polycotton foradditional movement and in eitherregular weight fabric or a lightweightpolycotton which is particularlyuseful to help keep staff cool andcomfortable in a warm environment.
Sourcing garments from aprofessional uniform provider willensure that they have been designedfor the role. This means that they canbe laundered at high temperature foreffective cleansing and infectioncontrol, and in fabrics that willmaintain their appearance despiteconstant wear.
Your supplier will also ensurecontinuity of supply and offer a widerange of sizes to clothe your entireteam and future new starters.
To help make an informed choiceyou can request samples to discusswith your team and to see the qualityof the garments prior to purchase.Your provider will also be on hand toadvise on the best way to size yourteam and ensure orders are accurateto avoid disappointment.� Gilly Storer is head of sales andmarketing at Meltemi Ltd.
DENCOWEAR teamed up withJosiane Souma of Leeds University togain insight on the importance ofmodern uniforms for care homes.
Throughout the study, it was foundthat the modern uniform for carehome staff is becoming increasinglymore important and hugely impactswhere people choose to place theirfamily members.
The research report concluded thatit is essential for care homes to investin branding in order to improve theappearance of staff and differentiatethemselves from the competitors.
Josiane’s research also found that
job satisfaction and performance in acaring role is influenced by theinvestment in staff uniforms andsuitable equipment to perform theirfull capacity.
She said: “Our study found that staffwith modern uniforms are happierand more satisfied with it; positivelyinfluencing their mood andperformance.”
The research undertaken by Josianesaw her gather data by use of indepth interviews and focus groupswith care managers, staff andresidents from a cross section of carehomes in the Leeds area.
Dencowear joins forces withstudent for uniform research
The complete uniform solutionWELL established provider of nursesuniforms and workwear since 1861,British Uniforms Direct (Sales) offerthe complete solution in workwearand nurses uniforms.
All garments are quality made andimported garments are finished in
the UK to the highest standard.After discussing your requirements
British Uniforms Direct (Sales) areprepared to send you a garment for anominal price, postage paid, for youto inspect. Quality can only be seento be believed.
Award winning door signs – directFOR award winning, top quality roomand Resident’s door signs be sure tolook at the Badgemaster range. It’salready the choice of 1,000’s ofResidential & Nursing Homes.
There are gold or silver plates withsmart, replaceable engraved inserts –clear, durable and easily changed.Choose from two sizes (25mm x200mm or 50mm x 200mm), now
with handy end-stops that make forsecure, tamper-proof identification ofroom use or occupier.
Just let Badgemaster know yourrequirements, e.g. name of room orname of room user. Your handsomedoorplates should be with you in fivedays or less. If room use or detailschange, the service for replacementinserts is just as quick and efficient.
23CARINGUNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR
Partnership approachto cleaning can beatcross-contaminationMAINTAINING consistent standardsof cleanliness and hygiene acrosshealthcare facilities can be a chal-lenging task. This is even more so fororganisations such as the NHS, whereindividual Trusts are made up of mul-tiple sites, often serviced by the samecleaning provider. Ensuring a suitablelevel of hygiene is imperative forhealthcare providers, not onlybecause of the need to implement anefficient process throughout all sites,but also due to the specific cleaningrequirements and dynamics that eachclinical or patient area embodies.
It might be assumed that the pro-curement of products and services isclear-cut when dealing with multiplesites, with products being centrallysourced and delivered as part of aunified approach. However, theprocess can be more complex thanthis as the individual requirements ofeach site means they run almost astheir own entity, taking into consider-ation the various opinions and feed-back from staff working at ward leveland on the ground. Here there is arisk that single sites deal directly withlocal suppliers on a one-to-one basis.
However, for larger consolidatedsuppliers, there is still an opportunityto service multiple sites as part of onecontract and also sufficiently meetthe needs of separate departmentsand facilities. Nevertheless, achievingthis requires suppliers to pro-activelymake efforts to forge direct relation-ships with decision makers at eachsite (as well as the wider procurementteam) to ensure their needs can beanticipated with timely suggestedsolutions and recommendations.
Achieving this also requires an in-depth understanding of how theoverall healthcare sector works andthe issues it faces with regards tomaintaining hygiene. Just one exam-ple of this can be found in a recentstudy that showed 49 per cent of hos-pital professionals did not wash theiruniforms at the recommended tem-perature of 60 °C.
This has been found to significantlyincrease the risk of cross-contamina-tion where bacteria are carried inworkwear textiles from one area to
another, which can cause the spreadof infections. Washing at the temper-ature required to eliminate this bac-teria is therefore vital.
Of course, the issue of cross-conta-mination applies to far more thanjust workwear, with regular and thor-ough hand washing being crucial toprevention. The transfer of harmfulbacteria from the kitchen to wardareas and vice versa, as well asthrough the re-use of medical instru-ments that have not been sufficientlycleaned, are just two of the numerousways in which cross-contaminationcan take place.
Suppliers with contracts coveringmultiple healthcare sites must there-fore recognise the key role they canplay in ensuring that cross-contami-nation doesn’t occur as a result of theway in which their cleaning opera-tives work, or indeed anyone within ahealthcare facility using their prod-ucts. Primarily, it is vital that regulartraining on the correct way to useproducts is implemented by the sup-plier. The survey above suggests thatfor those that did not wash theirworkwear at the right temperature,the correct guidance had been issuedbut clearly not followed through.
As well as bacterial spread, cleaningoperatives should also be well awareof spread of disease and appreciatethe importance of using recommend-ed disinfectants. Simple processessuch as changing gloves or washinghands thoroughly with anti-bacterialsoap before moving onto clean any-where or anything else must also befollowed.
However, as part of a system ofopen communication between thecustomer and supplier, healthcareproviders must play their part byrelaying ‘insider’ advice to theircleaning suppliers on how to use spe-cific products in the best way possi-ble.
For suppliers, instigating this levelof dialogue allows them go beyondsimply supplying products or a ser-vice as part of their offering, and inturn become known as a companythat can assist their customers inmeeting key objectives.
25CARINGLAUNDRY, HYGIENE AND CLEANING
RAYNER House is a residential care home next tothe Spire Parkway hospital in Solihull, whichopened in 1984.
The laundry at the home is equipped byArmstrong Commercial Laundry Systems on a fixedrate (ie: inflation proof) hire agreement.
It is generally operated by a laundry assistantduring the working week, but carers will also oftenput a wash on if it’s needed in the evenings or overthe weekends, so the equipment is generally work-ing around six hours a day.
It handles all the laundry generated by thehome, including bedding, towels, table linen andresidents’ personal laundry. The needs of some ofthe residents mean that some laundry requires adisinfection cycle. In addition, the laundry hasrecently started offering a paid-for service to theresidents of Yew Trees, a supported housing devel-opment of 40 studio flatlets on the same site who,some of whom, although having their own facilitiesprefer to have their laundry done for them.
The laundry comprises an Amazon HSF 8kgwasher, a Schulthess 7kg washer and a Huebschtumble dryer.
Enquiries: Telephone 01635 263410 or visitwww.armstrong-laundry.co.uk
Home relies on Armstrong to keepits laundry working
MILLERS (UK) Ltd has been established for over 23years and is a national organisation providing adedicated service to the commercial and domesticcatering and laundry industry.
A single point of contact for the customer, man-aging all aspects of electrical or gas catering, laun-dry equipment, detergent sales, service & repairsthroughout the UK.
We are committed to continuous improvementand positive innovation within your industry andare confident in providing all new and existing cus-tomers with a reliable, courteous and value formoney service.
Millers offer a wide range of products and appli-ances and are now very proud to be able to alsooffer MIELE appliances having been awarded the
MIELE Professional Dealership.Enquiries: Telephone 0800 0853 573
or call www.millersuk.co.uk
Established company providesdedicated laundry service
WITH over 40 years’ experience, PHSLaundryserv is one of the UK’s lead-ing providers of commercial on-sitelaundry equipment.
Supplying anything from coin oper-ated washers and dryers in variouscapacities, to auto-dosing detergentsystems, finishing equipment and awide range of laundry supplies, wehave an option to suit your needs, nomatter the size of your care home’slaundry.
With our flexible purchase, leaseand rental options, combined with a24/7 customer support helpline,
seven day service cover and eight-hour response, we provide a com-plete, reliable service, minimisingequipment downtime and cuttingbusiness costs in the long run.
This is all made possible with ourprofessional, Gas Safe registered engi-neers operating throughout the UK,offering a coverage that’s trulynationwide.
We serve thousands of satisfied cus-tomers, from care homes and hospi-tals to hairdressing salons and laun-derettes, so why not see what we cando for your laundry.
Experienced firm is a leadinglaundry equipment provider
CAMBRO released its new Allergen-Free product range during the recentAllergen Awareness Week.
It is estimated that one in four peo-ple in the UK are affected by allergies.The elderly are often more suscepti-ble and, as such, allergen avoidanceis essential for managing potentiallylife-threatening reactions and thecare industry needs to comply withnew regulations to ensure the safetyof their customers.
Brian Lavelle, Cambro UK salesmanager, said: “At the end of 2014 theEU brought in new food labelling leg-islations that requires food providersto declare the presence of allergens intheir products. With Cambro’s newAllergen-Free range you can separate
food before and after the preparationprocess, allowing care homes easilyto meet legislation and incorporateallergen-free options into theirmenu.”
Cambro offers food operators a sim-ple way to meet their customer’s spe-cial dietary needs. By identifying andisolating allergens from non-aller-genic food ingredients and products,the colour-coded system allows chefsto easily implement food allergencontrol.
The extensive Allergen-Free range isavailable now and designed to pre-vent cross-contamination, includingpersonalised containers, measuringcups, allergen-free dissolvable labelsand trays.
New Allergen-Free range
27CARINGNEWS
Belong Macclesfield residentschallenge staff to keep fitBy Dominic Musgrave
PEOPLE living in Belong Macclesfieldhave experienced such positiveresults from their exercise pro-grammes in the community care vil-lage that they issued a challenge forstaff to join them in the gym and tryto keep up.
Over 50 members of staff so far havevisited the exercise studio and tried tomatch the efforts of the customersthey are caring for, highlighting thefitness levels that regular users of theservice have achieved. Caroline Ray,general manager at BelongMacclesfield, exercised with JoeSmith, who is 90 years old and nowlives in the care village.
Barbara Tait, fitness instructor atBelong Macclesfield, said: "Part of theBelong exercise service is to educateresidents, their families and the staffthat work with them about the bene-fits of regular exercise, because peo-ple that understand the value of ourprogrammes have a better motivationto keep fit. That was where the idea ofthe challenge came from.
“The best way for staff here to fullyappreciate the effort that we'reexpecting of residents in the exercisestudio is to experience it for them-selves. Staff that feel the benefits ofregular exercise are better empow-
ered to encourage residents to do thesame.”
The exercise studio in BelongMacclesfield is equipped with spe-cialist equipment for older people,and sessions are supervised by spe-cially qualified instructors.
Proven benefits of regular exerciseinclude decreasing stiffness and pain,
lower blood pressure, improvedmemory, sleep patterns and mood.Regular exercise has also been provento delay the onset of dementia.
The Belong Macclesfield exercisestudio offers a friendly, person-cen-tred approach to exercise, designedfor mature customers as an alterna-tive to traditional gyms.
Resident Joe Smith and general manager Caroline Ray.
Care provider Barchester Healthcare hasappointed Caroline Baker its new directorof dementia services. Formerly director ofdementia care at Four SeasonsHealthcare, Caroline brings with her awealth of experience and specialistknowledge. Her numerous achievementsinclude winning the lifetime achievementaward in 2013 at the National DementiaAwards and publishing a book inNovember 2014 on developing excellentcare for people living with dementia incare homes. She said: “Everyone I havehad contact with so far at Barchester hasbeen so welcoming and shares the sameperson-centred ethos that is central to myapproach to dementia care.”
29CARINGNEWS
Company to roll outmore services afterappointing managerA LEADING care company is to rollout more services across Merseyside.
SureCare Merseyside is to offer per-sonal care and support, live-in careand respite and holiday care to peo-ple living in the area.
The company, which only launchedin October last year, already provideshome services including companion-ship, cleaning, gardening and DIY, aswell as childcare services such asbabysitting and mobile crèche forweddings and similar events.
Managing director Keith Hume hasalso appointed Elaine Edwards as hisregistered manager and will be look-ing to recruit further over the comingweeks. Prior to joining SureCare,Elaine held a similar position withfellow care company Bluebird.
Keith said: “We are delighted tohave brought Elaine on board. She isa vastly experienced care managerwho was impressed by our stronghead office support team, communi-cation and commitment to deliverhigh quality care.
“We have been extremely pleasedwith the response we have had to ourhome services, babysitting andmobile crèche services since launch-ing in October. A number of localhotels have made us their preferredpartner for babysitting.
“As soon as our Care QualityCommission accreditation is in place,we will be rolling out further servicesincluding personal care and support,live-in care and respite and holidaycare.”
Keith, whose office is in Waterloo,decided to become a SureCare fran-chisee after carrying out researchwhich revealed there was a gap inMerseyside for a high quality, innova-tive care provider.
Keith added: “Our team has theexperience and flexibility to be ableto tailor our services specifically tothe needs of the individual client.”
SureCare Merseyside MD Keith Hume.
Daniel Evans with his achiever of the year award.
Daniel scoops top awardA FORMER Shrewsbury bar man whoswapped the pub for a care home hasscooped a pair of top awards afterworking his way from being anapprentice to an assistant manager injust three years.
Daniel Evans, who works atCoverage Care’s Coton Hill House inShrewsbury, was named achiever ofthe year in the inaugural SBCTraining annual awards.
The 29-year-old has also won aMedal of Excellence from the Cityand Guilds examination board thathe will receive in Manchester shortly.
Daniel joined Coverage Carethrough an apprenticeship schemewith Shrewsbury based SBC Trainingin April 2012 after deciding he want-ed a more rewarding career.
After working as a care assistant at
Barclay Gardens in Donnington,Telford, and Briarfields inShrewsbury, Daniel was appointed asassistant manager at Coton HillHouse in May last year.
He has completed NVQs in Healthand Social Care at Level 2 and 3 andwill receive the Medal of Excellencefor his achievements in the latterqualification.
Daniel said: “It was really unexpect-ed to win the Achiever of the Yearaward from SBC.
“The organisation has been verysupportive and I am very grateful forall their help. Starting the apprentice-ship was a great way to develop a newcareer.
“I love my work and would like tocontinue in the care sector, with theaim of running a home one day.”
CARINGNEWS30
In light of the recent Allergy Awareness Week, Ellen Brown, care homes divisional manager atapetito, considers the difficulties faced in catering to residents with special diets …
How does your care home caterfor residents with special diets?CAMPAIGNS such as the recentAllergy Awareness Week – and thismonth’s Dementia Awareness Week –are timely reminders of the increasedneed for catering for residents whomay require special diets.
Both food allergies (where thebody’s immune system reacts tocertain foods) and intolerances(where the immune system isn’tinvolved in a food reaction) are onthe increase.
Similarly, barely a week goes bywithout a national news report on thegrowing prevalence of dementia, withup to 80 per cent of people living incare homes now having a form ofdementia or severe memoryproblems.
These factors have had a majorimpact on the dietary needs of carehome residents.
In fact, we find that help in cateringfor special diets is among the topreasons why homes are turning tocompanies like ours for support.Accounting for allergiesWith food allergies and intoleranceson the increase, care homes must not
only include options that are freefrom ingredients that mostcommonly trigger them, it’sabsolutely vital no cross-contamination occurs during thepreparation of food. Not surprisingly,this can prove quite difficult in atypical care home kitchen.
Offering residents options from amenu specially prepared for thosewith specific allergies andintolerances provides reassurance toboth residents and their carers.
Making mealtimes easier to swallowMany care home residents withdementia sadly experience chewingand swallowing difficulties(dysphagia). Our award-winningrange of texture-modified meals notonly appear appetising and as closeto ‘normal’ food as possible, theyinclude options for residents atvarious stages of dysphagia to safelyeat – something that is incrediblydifficult for in-house chefs to achieve.
Options for smaller appetitesAs dementia can have an impact on
eating habits and appetite levels,offering calorie dense meals andsnacks is a useful way to ensure thosewith smaller appetites take in enoughcalories throughout the day. apetito’srange of energy dense meals allowresidents with smaller appetites toenjoy mealtimes without beingdaunted by a large plate of food.
Expert supportRecent research by YouGov found that50 per cent of those who may need toconsider a care home for their lovedones in future believe the availabilityof specialist nutrition will be animportant factor in their choice ofhome.
At the end of the day, by usingtrusting experts to provide food thatmeets these particular needs will easeany added stress involved inpreparation.
This not only frees up homes tofocus on the many other challengesin offering the very best care forresidents – but also reassures theirfriends and family that all their needsare fully catered for.” Ellen Brown
33QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BYwww.requiredsystems.com
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North East care homeoffers top level careA NORTH East care home has beengiven a near perfect score for thequality of its services, following aninspection.
Hadrian House at Wallsend, part ofthe Prestwick Care group, recentlyunderwent its annual quality pay-ment inspection, carried out by NorthTyneside Council.
And the home – which cares for 50residents with dementia and otherspecial conditions – received a markof 98.44 per cent for the care it offers,making it one of the highest scoringin the area.
The quality payment inspectionsare carried out by local authoritiesaround the country on care homeswithin their boroughs, involving anintensive two-day examination of allservices.
Areas which come under scrutinyinclude the physical environment,the communication with the familiesof residents, the accuracy of all docu-mentation and the general quality ofwhat the home offers.
The inspection includes a visit byindependent observers who also havesome input into the final score.
Sylvia Dixon, manager at HadrianHouse, said: “We are a very dedicatedteam who offer our residents thehighest standard of care.
“And this is borne out by getting thisincredibly high score.
“We pride ourselves on the servicesat Hadrian House and how we lookafter our residents and this has obvi-ously been recognised by the inspec-tion panel.”
The home is also involved in a rangeof other initiatives, including workingclosely with occupation therapy stu-dents at Newcastle University andwith Northumbria Health Care Truston a piece of research around thetherapeutic value of medication.
Hadrian House is one of 10 homesowned by Prestwick Care, part ofMalhotra Group PLC, with an addi-tional 67 bed home opening atMelton Park, Gosforth, Newcastle inAugust.
Hadrian House at Wallsend.
CARE England has appointed twospecial advisors on nursing, who willstrengthen the organisation’s net-works and help to develop policy onnursing and care issues.
Both professor Trish Morris-Thompson and Deborah Sturdy haveworked at senior levels in theDepartment of Health, the NHS andthe independent sector.
Chief executive, professor MartinGreen, said: “There is a crisis in nurs-ing recruitment across the indepen-dent care sector and Care England isdetermined to look for solutions andfind ways to support nurses who arecurrently working in the independent
sector. These nurses make an enor-mous contribution to the health andwell-being of people living in careservices and are clinical leaders with-in their sector. Trish and Deborah areboth consummate professionals wholive the values of health and socialcare and are passionate about ensur-ing that there is a good quality of lifefor people living in care services.
“They are both creative and innova-tive thinkers, who are prominentnurse leaders and opinion formers,and it will be of enormous benefit toCare England and the independentsector to have their expertise, experi-ence and input into policy.”
Two new faces at Care England
CARINGNEWS34Advertiser’s announcement
Dome skylight transforms care home
Since his success in using a Solardome skylight to improve quality of life for residents at a carehome in Wales, architect Tim Worsfold has picked up more work in the healthcare sector. Wespoke to him about the project at Brindaavan Care Home to find out exactly what he did andwhether he would do it again…
What was the care home like before thework?When the owner bought the carehome in 2014 he was presented witha series of dayrooms, and theproblem he had was that the staffwere dotted around all over the place.
But the main area requiringdevelopment was an enclosedcourtyard with the building runninground it on three sides and a leakingglass conservatory.
What was the owner’s vision?The owner wanted to bring togetherthe dayrooms by building a roof overthe whole of the courtyard, whichthen produced a room of about 106square metres.
But being enclosed, he needed tobring in more natural light into themiddle of this area. After someresearch he found SolardomeIndustries and in particular theirskylights.
How has the skylight dome helped youdeliver the project?A six-metre diameter skylight seemedhuge, but now the work is done theowner has a large flat roof with ageodesic glass dome right in themiddle of it, and when the sun shinesit’s like being outside.
Add to that the actuators for ventingand underfloor heating, and theresidents are in the perfect constantenvironment.
How important do you think access tonatural light is for health and wellbeing?Incredibly important, it’s paramount.I’m sure that if anybody wanted to goand see the dome for themselves thecare home would be more thanhappy to show them around.
What other benefits has the domebrought?
The dome does two things. Firstly itlights up at night because of theambient light and also a colouredlight ring, which we put in to runright around the circumference of thedome. That light ring actuallychanges colour so the residents canenjoy the stimulation of the shiftingcolours, which is therapeutic andcalming.
The second thing it does is work asa brand recognition tool. When it wasfirst installed they had an audienceoutside. People stopped in the streetto admire it.
When anybody locally asks whichone the Brindaavan Care Home is,they are told: “It’s the one with thecoloured dome.” So it has createdquite a good marketing avenue forthe owner who can now say, as far asI’m aware, it’s always full with awaiting list.
What are the other economic benefits ofthe building work?The local authority is delighted, andis actually putting more money intothe home and financing moretraining for staff because it is exactly
the kind of unit that is needed in theborough.
What has been the reaction from staff?They love it. They think it’swonderful.
They like the owner. He puts moneyinto it, he listens to what they say,and it’s all working well.
One piece of feedback was: “Wethink it’s fab.”
As an architect who didn’t dream upthe idea of the dome, I’m pleasantlysurprised that it has turned out evenbetter than anyone could have hopedfor, and of course the client isdelighted.
Would you use Solardome Industriesagain?Since completing this project I’vegone on to get more healthcare work,so it’s been very good for me. If aclient rang up and wanted a skylight Iwould be more than happy torecommend Solardome. I did likeworking with them.
I got on well with everybody and Iknew where they were coming from.They were receptive to changes, soyes, I would do it again.
Work on new home completedWATES Construction has handedover the keys to Signature SeniorLifestyle’s newest luxury senior livingcommunity in Hertford.
Work on Bentley House began in2013 and has seen Wates create afive-storey, 5,000 sq m registered carehome featuring 85 private studioapartments and one-bedroom suites.
Now open to residents, BentleyHouse also includes 18 specialistdementia suites, shared lounge areasand spa bathrooms on each floor.Additional facilities include a cinemaroom, hair salon and private diningareas.
Set in courtyard-style grounds, thenew development also includes pot-ting gardens, raised beds and agreenhouse for residents’ recreation-al use, all of which create a comfort-able, friendly and home-like environ-ment.
Ian Vickers, managing director,Wates Construction Home Counties,said: “The Wates team has spent thepast year breathing new life into aformer office building to create anurturing care home that offers com-fort and luxury.
“Signature’s ambition is to providesenior living communities thatenhance quality of life and we arevery proud to have been the contrac-tor entrusted to deliver on this visionat Bentley House.”
Throughout the project, Wates andSignature have fulfilled a joint pledgeto ensure that the development workbrings with it a benefit to the region-al economy, including the appoint-ment of £600,000 worth of supplierand sub-contractor packages to localSMEs.
Wayne Pryce, director of develop-ment and construction for Signature
Senior Lifestyle, added: “Wates hashelped Signature provide what wethink is the best care home in thearea.
“This has not been a straightfor-ward project, but with Wates’ support
the office conversion has exceededour expectations.
“Our new home is filling quicklyand our residents are now enjoyingthe best care in an amazing environ-ment.”
Signature Senior Lifestyle’s Bentley House in Hertford.
37CARINGCOMMERCE
Agency presents awardto East Yorkshire homeDC CARE was a major sponsor of thePinders Healthcare Design Awards forthe fourth year running.
Specialist business appraisersAlison Taylor and Andy Sandel werepresent at the annual ceremony heldat the Lancaster Hotel in Londonrecently.
Alison presented the best new carehome – elderly award to MagdalenPark Nursing Home in Hedon, EastYorkshire, which was chosen from ashortlist of worthy finalists.
After presenting the award to pro-prietors Yorkare Homes Ltd, Alisonsaid: “All the finalists showed just how
much attention goes into the provi-sion of care and the standards gethigher every year. Congratulations toall at Magdalen Park and at YorkareHomes Ltd.”
Helping present this year’s awardswas Armenian comedian Kev Orkian,fresh from his piano performance atlast year’s event.
Summing up the day’s events, Andyadded: “The Pinders HealthcareDesign Awards celebrate good designin care facilities, which is somethingto be encouraged. We would like tocongratulate all the award winnersand finalists.”
Representatives from DC Care and Magdalen Park at the ceremony.
By Dominic Musgrave
STOURBRIDGE-based Ephraims CareGroup, an established care homeoperator with four care homes acrossthe West Midlands, is to open a newluxury facility in Worcestershire fol-lowing a newly funded partnershipwith Santander Corporate andCommercial.
Ephraims Care Group, a family runbusiness started by owners Roger andMargaret Ephraims, was founded in1995 with the purchase of AllenbrookCare Home.
The business then purchased TheVicarage in Shrewsbury, which pro-vides specialist care for residents withsevere dementia and Alzheimer’s; fol-lowed by Oriel Care Home inStourbridge; and The Shrubbery CareHome in Kidderminster. In total, thebusiness now caters for 156 residentswithin the four homes.
The extra funding package fromSantander Corporate andCommercial has enabled EphraimsCare Group to purchase the CadmoreEstate in Worcestershire and trans-form it into a luxury care home.
Cadmore Estate will house 29 gueststo begin with and will benefit from a
nine-hole golf course, fishing lakesand river frontage, as well as a work-ing mill.
The home is due to open shortlyand will create 40 new jobs for thelocal community.
Marie Claire Stringer, acquisitionmanager, Ephraims Care Group, said:“Our family business has gone fromstrength to strength in recent yearsand we believe the offering of high-end accommodation is the naturalnext step in our portfolio.
“The funding and support fromSantander has been excellentthroughout the purchase and we areconfident that, once up and running,we will soon be adding wings to theestate to cater for extra guests.”
Mike Gascoigne, education, health-care and communities team,Santander Corporate & Commercial,added: “Ephraims Care Group is anexample of an excellent local busi-ness which, through dedication andambition, has become a real successstory.
“The new care home will not onlyoffer something different in terms ofluxury care in the local area but willalso provide employment for a signif-icant number of local people.”
Group to open luxurycare home as part offunding partnership
CARINGCOMMERCE38
Demolition work begins on siteof new Shrewsbury care homeWORK has begun to demolish theformer Territorial Army centre inShrewsbury to make way for a multi-million pound care home withnursing facilities.
Specialists have moved onto the siteto pave the way for turning theformer MOD base into a 90-bedhome for Shropshire’s largestindependent care provider, CoverageCare Services.
The proposed £8m project is thelatest in a series of new build carehome developments by not-for-profitCoverage Care, as the county beginsto see the impact of an ageingpopulation and an increased demandfor both residential and nursing care.
The Sundorne home, which will belocated next to the Severn FieldsHealth Village, is scheduled for a 2016opening after receiving detailedplanning approval at the end of 2014,and is expected to create 120 full andpart-time jobs.
Financial backing for the project isbeing provided by The Royal Bank ofScotland and was arranged by MikeHarris, relationship director at thebank.
Chief executive of Coverage Care,David Coull, said: “We are veryexcited to be undertaking the firststage of the new Shrewsburydevelopment.
“We were able to illustrate our
detailed vision for the new homewhich will bring a much needed, highquality new facility to the town. TheRoyal Bank of Scotland has been agreat supporter of previous buildsand we have developed a greatworking relationship throughdelivering such projects together.”
The proposed new home will have90 large en-suite bedrooms over twofloors, with a third storey frontage as
part of the overall design, two wingson each floor, each with its ownlounge and dining area, sharedcommunal rooms and a privategarden area to the rear of thebuilding.
The new home is being built byCastlemead Group, which is an expertin delivering care homes. This will bethe third property the two companieshave developed together.
Coverage Care chief executive David Coull, Mark Andrews from RBS and Ken Bean,chairman of Coverage Care, examine the plans for the new site.
Castleoak has completed a £40m care home reprovisioning programme for HousingSolutions, working in partnership with care operator The Fremantle Trust andBuckinghamshire County Council. The programme, known as Project Care, waslaunched to improve the quality of accommodation for older people and people withlearning disabilities across Buckinghamshire. This included the reprovision of seven oldcare homes and the addition of a further care home. Castleoak was appointed to designand build 600 new bed spaces in eight care homes, each ranging from 60 to 90 beds.
NORTHSTAR, in conjunction with theCastlemeadow Group, has beenselected as the preferred careprovider and developer of a cuttingedge elderly health care vision for thetown of Halesworth in Suffolk.
Working in partnership as the leadconsultants with Halesworth Healthand various voluntary and sportinggroups, NorthStar will design andproject manage the replacement ofexisting elderly healthcare provisionto develop a rejuvenated carecomplex which will provide asheltered housing scheme of 64 extracare apartments.
These will offer dementia careservices, intermediate care, carersupport initiatives, and an advice
centre for people with life limitingconditions.
Danny Sharpe, director atNorthStar, said: “After an eight-monthselection process working with CastleMeadow Care on the designs for thisinnovative concept, we are incrediblyhappy to have been selected todeliver this vision for the future ofelderly healthcare in Halesworth.”
All bodies will be working togetheron a service delivery model inconjunction with local people, GPsand the current incumbent providerof health services at the PSH, EastCoast Community Healthcare.
Design and planning has begunwith construction expected to start inthe summer of 2016.
New vision for care success
New brandlaunchedby groupLNT Group has launched a newbrand, LNT CarehomeDevelopments.
Bringing together their offeringto the care home market underone brand identity consolidatesthe success of LNT’s Turn of Keyand Turn of Key Plus products.
Lawrence Tomlinson, chairmanof the LNT Group, said: “LNTConstruction and the LNT Groupare renowned in the care marketfor their excellent builtenvironment and comprehensiveTurn of Key offer.
“We’ve built and filled over 100homes since the millennium, andin 2014 we launched our new‘Turn of Key Plus’ package whichincludes everything needed toopen a care home like assistancewith CQC registration and eventrained staff. As we expand ouroffering, it makes sense to bringeverything together under onesimple brand name.”
Having secured a £30mcommitted facility from OmniCapital, the new finance isenabling LNT CarehomeDevelopments to ramp upactivity.
They are actively looking forsites across the UK with theintention to be building on up to20 sites per year.
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS40
DO you spend far too much of yourtime checking that your residents’care records are up to date?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you hada system that showed at a glance ifany details were missing or recordsneeded updating?
If that sounds too good to be truethen you need to know aboutCareDocs.
All the necessary information –including daily notes and care plans –is constantly monitored to check thatit’s being updated and nothing is outof date. If a resident’s records are notupdated within 24 hours of the lastnote then it automatically generates awarning message.
The system will also ensure thatessential details such as the doctor’s
contact details are recorded andupdates to journals and short-termcare plans are constantly monitored.
A common criticism from CQCinspectors is that care plans are notreviewed on a regular basis.
CareDocs can be programmed toautomatically produce a reminder soyou never have to worry that yourcare plans are out of date.
You can update care plans with anychanges in circumstances as often asyou wish and then evidence regularreviews of care plans quickly andeasily.
As well as residents’ records,CareDocs can monitor daily checkssuch as fridge and freezertemperatures and equipmentservicing schedules.
CareDocs system soundstoo good to be true ...
IS YOUR existing lender still offeringthe most competitive terms?
The end of your loans commitmentperiod is an opportunity for you toensure you are getting the mostcompetitive funding that is available.
As more lenders target theHealthcare sector, 2015 is the time tonegotiate the right deal for you.
Terms include:
� Monthly repayments as low as£4,361.31 (per £1m borrowed)� 75 per cent loan to value.� 25-year commitment.
Company celebrates 20 years
KNIGHTSBRIDGE Furniture has accepted aninvitation to be the main sponsor of the Design inMental Health (DiMH) conference and exhibition inMay, recognising the company’s commitment tothe importance of furniture design withinchallenging environments.
In response to increasing demand for itsexpertise in fitting out hospitals, residential homes,prisons and other facilities accommodating peoplewith mental health issues, Knightsbridge Furniturehas recently extended its specialist ‘ChallengingEnvironments’ collection.
Comprising a portfolio of seating, tables andcabinets which are intrinsically safe and robust, andyet which are also stylish and practical, the rangehas grown out of the company’s pioneering workwith staff, patients and residents over the last
decade, and examples of the latest additions to thecollection can be seen on Stand 103 at the DiMHexhibition.
The Knightsbridge Challenging Environmentscollection is manufactured at the company’s plantin West Yorkshire: Knightsbridge Furniture is anApproved Supplier to the NHS and carries NHSMental Health Contract Number 2012/S 38-061381.
Enquiries: Copies of the new ChallengingEnvironments catalogue will be available on
stand 103 at the DiMH show at the NationalMotorcycle Museum on May 19-20 .
Sponsorship recognises Knightsbridge’scommitment to design in mental health
WITH falls in hospitals and carehomes high in media focus, nowwould be a good time to look intoviable solutions to reduce yourexposure and improve patient care.
Each year, a typical nursing homewith 100 beds reports 100 to 200 falls.Many falls go unreported.
Medpage Limited T/A Easylink UK
is one of the leading suppliers in theUK of patient fall preventionproducts with over 30 years of tradingexperience, and currently supplyingin excess of 10 thousand systems perannum.
Our range of bed and chair risealarms offer competitive pricingwithout compromise on quality.
Competitive pricing without compromise
Hospice revamp meetsneeds of patientsST PETER and St James Hospice &Continuing Care Centre has benefitedfrom an interior re-vamp afterinterior design companyHomeSmiths partnered withShackletons to create a centre ofwellbeing.
Based in Lewes, East Sussex, theout-dated hospice provides palliativecare and required a scheme of worksthat would meet the needs of bothexisting patients and those whomight use the Centre in the future.
Through focus groups with Hospiceemployees, and patients, designproposals and mood boards weredeveloped and turned into reality as
and occasional furniture that wouldreflect the very tranquil and gentlenature of the facility.
Jacqui Smith, director atHomeSmiths, said: “Developing adesign scheme everyone would behappy with was a challenge, but dueto our previous working relationshipwith Shackletons, we knew theywould understand the complexitiesand provide us with a consideredsolution that would meet the briefperfectly.”
Shackletons has been in thebusiness of creating comfort for over50 years and are the UK’s leadingdesign and manufacturer of specialist
contract furniture for the healthcaresector.
Tyne and Wear homeopens dementia caféBy Dominic Musgrave
HOWDON Care Centre opened itsdoors to the local community for thelaunch of its new dementia café, TheTyne Teas Pitstop.
Guests at the launch included RayLaidlaw, the drummer from theBritish folk rock band, Lindisfarne,and Tommy Mulvenna, the chair ofthe North Tyneside Council.
Amanda Cunningham, managingdirector for Four Seasons in the NorthEast, delivered the opening speech.
Open every day, the café willprovide a comfortable and relaxingenvironment in which residents andvisitors can sit with their loved onesand enjoy tea and light refreshments.It has been decorated to reflect thehistory of the area to reinforce thehome’s connection with the localcommunity and help trigger positivememories.
The café will also be a place whereresidents and their families can learnmore about dementia. Members ofthe home’s staff who are experiencedin dementia care, together withrepresentatives from Alzheimer’s
Society and Age UK will be on-handto provide information and there willalso be books for children to learnmore about dementia.
In addition, the café will hold twoopen days each month to offer adviceand support for people from the localcommunity who may be moving intothe care home and their relatives.
Ruth Todd, home manager, said“Our dementia café will give residentsthe opportunity to spend quality timewith their families in a calm setting,which will help to enhance theirwellbeing. It will also provide a spacein which people can learn moreabout dementia and receive anysupport or advice that they mightneed.”
Hunter Hall and Swan Lodge CareHome have joined together asHowdon Care Centre in order toprovide a wide range of services,including specialised dementia care,residential care and palliative care.
This means that as people's careneeds change, the well-trained andexperienced team will be able tocontinue to care for them withoutneeding to find a new home.
TV presenter and antiques expert John Bly officially opened the doors of BuckinghamLodge, Anchor’s newest care home, and was joined by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor ofAylesbury. John met almost 100 influential members of the local community for aspecial launch event, ahead of the first residents being welcomed to the 64-bed carehome. The famed auctioneer and antiques dealer enjoyed a guided tour with the Mayorand Deputy Mayor of Aylesbury Town Council, before raising a glass to BuckinghamLodge and cutting the ribbon to declare the facility officially open.
CARINGPRODUCT NEWS 41
Claim VAT back on your home evenif you are not VAT registered
IT is true, care providers can reclaimVAT worth about £3,000 per bed forany residents who stayed in yourhome between 1993 and 2002 paidfor by the local authority.
You don’t have to be VATregistered to make a claim. We canusually find the information requiredwith minimal disruption to yourbusiness.
How is this possible? Well in 2002a care provider called Kingscrestchallenged the view held by HMRCand won. There is no cost to youunless we are successful.
And the best part is that you getthe money in your bank accountbefore you pay us. Don’t forget thetax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.
Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, RichardsResidential Supplies have concentrated uponsupplying simple solutions to common nursinghome problems.
The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to thistradition.
With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 percent waterproof backing, the remarkableWACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills mayoccur.
Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms orbathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use, simply machine washand tumble dry! It’s that simple...
The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again.Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be usedas an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of poundsin rental costs alone.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Simple solutions
Beaucare launch new medical catalogueOUR most comprehensive catalogue to date ispacked full of all the everyday medical equipmentand consumables a care home requires.
We have broadened our product offeringswithin a number of ranges, including introducingnew nursing profiling beds, which were showcasedat the Birmingham Care Show last year, anddementia care products to mention a few.
We guarantee a one stop shop policy, withorders placed by 5pm being delivered next day atno extra cost.
Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992,is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medicalsupplies and equipment to individual care homes,care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email [email protected]
or visit www.beaucare.com
Have you noticed the populationgetting heavier?
THE rising levels of obesity in our nation have beenin the news increasingly over the last 10 years, butthe statistics that often go unreported are theimpact of obesity on the over 75 age group.
Health & Social Care Information Centre is thegovernment statistics provider sponsored by theDepartment of Health. Its data from 2014 showsthat inpatient obesity in the 75+ age group hasrisen by four times in the last 10 years.
According to HSCIC data, there are now anestimated 431,040 more overweight/obese/morbidly obese 75+ year olds in the UK today than10 years ago. These numbers are startling, andwhilst they encourage good debate on how toimprove the health and wellbeing of the elderly inthe future, there are very practical measures weneed to take today.
The everyday care of the elderly requires bettermanual handling training and more extra wide orbariatric equipment than ever before.
Alpine HC, a manufacturer and supplier ofmedical equipment across the UK, has noticed anincrease in the demand for its extra wide andbariatric equipment. Due to the nature of the
increase in weight of the elderly population, mostsituations don’t require expensive bariatricequipment, but instead beds and mattresses thatare available in a 4ft/120cm width with a slightlyhigher maximum user weight. Alpine HC hasresponded to these requirements with special extrawide bed and mattress packages.
Enquiries: Call 01482 210021 to find moreinformation about extra wide bed and
mattress packages.
SKILLS for Care launched the Care Certificate onApril 1, which is now the expected evidence ofcompetency for support workers across England.
The Care Certificate introduces new staff to theresponsibilities of their role as a social care worker,and aims to benefit all workers as well as care users.The standards for the certificate cover a wide rangeof knowledge, skills and behaviours which areessential for staff to ensure a competent andconfident workforce.
Care Certificate by Laser Learning delivers theCare Certificate course online using the highlypraised Laser® learning programme, blending highquality filmed tutorials, reading, and quizzes foreach learning outcome of the course. Learners canaccess their learning on multiple devices andorganise their learning around their own schedule.
Managers and business owners can use theirown account on the Laser® learning programme totrack their staff’s progress through the course,giving them information about each staff member,
as well as an overview of learners across multiplesites.
Enquiries: To find out more visitwww.lasercarecertificate.co.uk or email
[email protected] for a free demologin to see the programme in action.
Laser Learning delivers the CareCertificate course online
HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors HIPSAVER Soft Hip Protectors protect elderlypeople from fall related hip fractures.
Designed to protect elderly people from fallrelated hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brandof soft hip protectors. Tested, validated and proveneffective in clinical studies and in practice,HipSavers are user and carer friendly, affordableand cost-effective.
Soft, comfortable and effective, HipSaver SoftHip Protectors are perfect for use in nursing orresidential care and by active older people livingindependently at home.
HipSavers can be worn day and night for 24-
hour protection or just at times of physical andrecreational activities, when accidental falls, slipsand trips can lead to hip fractures.
Available as comfortable underwear or longcasual pants in seven sizes for ladies and for men,HipSavers feature soft protective airPadspermanently sewn into the garments.
Machine washable at high temperature andtumble drier friendly, HipSavers are practical andlong term durable.
Enquiries: Call Win Health Ltd on 01835864866 or visit the website
www.win-health.com
THREE Ascot hi-lo baths and three Windsor bathswith powered seat have been installed at the new66- bed care home in Manningtree, Essex.
Completed in December 2014, Mistley Manorrepresents the new flagship development for theStour Valley Care Group.
Nearly £7million has been invested into this newbuild project to ensure the very highest standardsof care provision can be delivered. A 150-strongcare team will support over60 residents, includingsome individuals with conditions like dementia andAlzheimer’s.
In addition to the main building complex whichaccommodates 60 residents over three floors, fourseparate bungalows have been built to provideindependent living accommodation for selectedresidents.
Construction of Mistley Manor began in 2012and owners Mike and Jacqui Volf were responsiblefor not only the project management but also thespecification, design and co-ordination of theconstruction for this new development.
Above all, Mike and Jacqui were keen to createa place of complete luxury and comfort for their
residents, and so they set about designing a ‘carehotel’. Essentially, it is a residential careenvironment with a stylish more sumptuous,aspirational feel compared to a conventional carehome setting.
After intensive research of several specialistbathing manufacturers, Gainsborough wasidentified as the perfect bathing partner for thisinnovative new-build project.
Crucially important was the need to minimisemoving and handling risks. It was essential Jacquiselected the most suitable products to match theneeds of both the residents and the on-site careteam.
Gainsborough’s wide range of specialist bathsensured she was able to tailor her choice to createa safe, comfortable and pleasant bathingexperience for Mistley Manor’s residents.
Following a thorough consultation process,Gainsborough was selected to assess, survey, designand install six assisted bathing systems within themain building complex and four adjacentbungalows.
Enquiries: Visit www.gainsboroughbaths.com
Care group specifies power-assistedGainsborough baths for new home
42
Signs
Signs
Andrea Sutcliffe and Halsey House manager Sally Mills.
Legion’s home winsaward for dementiacare in Norfolk
THE Norfolk Care Awards haverecognised Halsey House, The RoyalBritish Legion’s care home in Cromer,for its teamwork in dementia care.
The staff at the home’s 16-beddementia care wing Danbury Lodgebeat two other finalists to win the‘Together Everyone Achieved More’Award. Supporting ex-Service peopleand their dependants, the team werecommended for their ethos andapproach in delivering excellence indementia care.
An estimated 16,400 people inNorfolk have dementia, or one inevery 53 people, and this is expectedto almost double over the next 20years.
Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector forsocial care at the CQC, visited HalseyHouse following the awards to learnabout its person-centred care based
on each resident’s life history andstories. She was taken on a tour of theLodge and learned about the dailyactivity programme, which includesgardening, art classes and dancing tokeep residents active.
Care home manager Sally Mills said:“We have an innovative approach tocare which has been recognised bythe Norfolk Care Awards.
“Every team member, resident andrelative is respected and encouragedto put forward ideas that help shapeour dementia care ethos. We arealways looking to improve by sharingexperiences and discussing what wecan learn from them.
“There’s a shared bond at HalseyHouse because each resident has aservice connection. It means there isa team spirit and a feeling thateveryone looks out for each other.”
Dame Esther Rantzen DBE visited HC-One’s Chorlton Place Care Home in Manchester tomeet residents, their relatives and members of the care team. She also formallylaunched a special consultation of residents and relatives, the outcome of which willdetermine what refurbishments will take place at the care home over the coming year.These may include themed rooms (such as games and beauty rooms) and improvedgarden areas. Scheme boards were displayed in the home and residents and relativeswere invited to vote for their favourites.
Finalists revealed for cookof the year competitionTHE talented line-up of finalists forthe National Association of CareCatering Care Cook of the Year 2015competition has been announced.
The finalists pulled out all the stopsin the regional heats to impress thejudges in order to secure a place inthe national final and move one stepcloser to being crowned NACC CareCook of the Year 2015.
The challenge was to produce thedelicious and nutritionally-balancedtwo-course menu, main and dessert,created specifically for thecompetition in just 90 minutes.
The menu had to be suitable forservice users in a care setting andhave the combined food cost for bothcourses of no more than £1.50 perhead based on four portions.
The competitors also had todemonstrate innovation, costing,suitability for the environment,adherence to nutrition guidelines,taste and overall menu balance.
On June 10 the finalists willcompete in a live cook-off for theannual coveted title at Barking &Dagenham College’s Technical SkillsAcademy.
The finalists are:Scottish region:� Paul Burton, Parklands Care Home,Meallmore Ltd, Alloa,Clackmannanshire.� Margaret Stewart, MethilhavenCare Home, Fife Council.Northern region:� Matt Gomersall, Donisthorpe Hall,Leeds.� Oliver Smith, Wetherby Manor,Wetherby.Midlands region:� Paul Burch, Dukes Court CareHome, Wellingborough.� Samantha Smallwood, SunriseSenior Living of Edgbaston.Welsh region:� Gareth O’Hara, Sunrise SeniorLiving of Cardiff.South West region:� Gary Ford, St Monica Trust, Bristol.� William Marsh, Brandon Care Ltd,Exmouth. South East region:� Becky Allcorn, Hanover HousingRotary Lodge, Worthing.� Matthew Dodge, Coombe HillManor, Kingston-upon-Thames,Surrey.
