April 2015

no.226 • £4.75

By Dominic Musgrave

THE role of Admiral Nurses inhomes has a significant impact onthe care and support offered toresidents living with a dementia,according to a new report.

The Orders of St John Care Trustcommissioned the research workafter obtaining a grant from theBurdett Trust for Nursing as part ofits ‘Delivering Dignity throughEmpowered Leadership’ funding.

The project, entitled ‘Maximisingthe benefit of the My Home LifeAdmiral Nurse specialist post in thecare home sector: perceivedbenefits for residents, informalcarers and staff; optimum case loadand identification of a businesscase’, examined the role of specialistAdmiral Nurses operating within thegroup’s 70 care homes.

The research was carried out bythe Association for DementiaStudies at the University ofWorcester.

Victoria Elliot, OSJCT’s principalcare consultant, research andinnovation, said: “Thiscomprehensive evaluation of theAdmiral Nurse role within carehomes has underlined the fact thatAdmiral Nurses significantlyimprove the quality of support thatcare teams are able to provide toresidents with a dementia and their

families. As an organisation, wecertainly recognise the added valuesuch a role brings to the personcentred care service we offer. Wehope the report will provide a usefulsource of information for other carehome providers who are seeking tosupport staff, improve links with thecommunity and, above all, improvethe quality of the care and supportthey provide to residents.

“We very much appreciate thework carried out by the team fromthe University of Worcester and ofcourse the funding provided by theBurdett Trust, without which thisevaluation project would not havebeen possible.”

The conclusions of the report are:� The need to transfer residentsliving with a dementia from onehome to another can be avoided,thereby strengthening the businesscase for the role of the AdmiralNurse.� Admiral Nurses by skilled use oftheir knowledge, expertise, support,and perceived independence had apositive impact on the culture of thecare home.� There is evidence of an upskillingof employees at all levels of theorganisation.� There is greater awareness of theservices provided by OSJCT andimproved interaction with the widermultidisciplinary team, as a result ofAdmiral Nurse driven activities.

Admiral Nursesimpact on care,research claims

A social care pioneer has been awarded Wales’s tophonour. Mario Kreft MBE, the proprietor of the awardwinning Pendine Park care organisation and chair ofCare Forum Wales, won the enterprise category at theSt David Awards. The award was presented by FirstMinister Carwyn Jones at a glittering ceremony at theSenedd in Cardiff. Appropriately, he was accompaniedby wife Gill who has played a major role in thedevelopment of Pendine Park since they set it uptogether in 1985. They established Pendine Parkbecause they both had elderly grandparents whoneeded care and the places they went to see didn’tmatch their requirements – so they set up their own‘family care home’.

incorporating

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LangleyHavenwins CareHome IdolLANGLEY Haven, whichcares for residents withdementia, has won CareHome Idol.

The residents of theSlough care home battledagainst numerous othersacross the UK to win thetalent contest with theirrendition of ‘Maybe it’sbecause I am a Londoner’.

Yogesh Patel, operationsdirector of the home, said:“We are obviously veryhappy for our team atLangley Haven who alwaysgo out of their way toensure that the residents ‘lives are made asentertaining and active aspossible.

“To win Care Home Idolagainst all the care homesin the UK is great news,and honest reward for alltheir efforts.”

The other finalists in thecontest were AshleyGardens Care Centre inKent, Forward Vision – acare home for adults withlearning disabilities andthe Oldest Choir in theWorld from St John’sHouse care home in KirkHammerton, York.

Langley Haven won atrophy, £500 and a Breezietablet.

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Group celebrates PoetryDay with book launchAN EAST Anglia care provider celebratedWorld Poetry Day by launching a compi-lation of original poems written by resi-dents from all 23 of its homes.

The book was officially launched at aspecial gathering at Healthcare Homes’Oaklands House, Southwold.

Residents from Aldringham Court, TheWhite House, Mill Lane, Foxgrove andMaynell travelled to Oaklands House tosocialise with other residents and heardtheir poems being read aloud.

Two celebrities were also in attendance:local poet Dean Parkin, who is currentlyinvolved in an arts project entitled, “Apoem for Suffolk” and former CoronationStreet actor Stephen Hancock.

World Poetry Day is an internationalcelebration of the importance of poetryand the oral tradition. It was introducedin 1999 by the United NationsEducational Scientific and CulturalOrganisation.

Healthcare Homes’ participation inWorld Poetry Day is part of its annual cel-ebration of the arts in 2015.

The poetry book launch follows closelyon the homes’ participation in the UK’sOlder People’s Day in October, which cel-ebrated the achievements and contribu-

tions that older people have made andcontinue to make to our society and theeconomy.

David Bates, chief operating officer forthe group, said: “The Healthcare Homespoetry book is a real testament to the cre-ativity, eloquence and humour of ourolder generation

“This project initially stemmed fromone of our recreation activities which are

planned by group activities co-ordinatorsSue Campbell-Bannerman and RitaColeman.

“Residents really got into the spirit of itand we realised that we had enough orig-inal work to create a compilation ofpoems for all to enjoy.”

300 copies of the poetry book havebeen printed and these will be availableat all 23 Healthcare Homes.

At Script Media, we try to get things right but occasionally, we make mistakes. If you have a complaint about a story featured in our magazineor on our website, please, in the first instance, contact us by email: dm@scriptmedia.co.uk We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice asdemanded by the Independent Press Standards Organisation. For details on the code and what to do should you be unsatisfied with the waywe handle your complaint, please visit www.ipso.co.uk

Residents read ‘Thinking in Verse’ at its launch at Oaklands House in Southwold.

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PEOPLE and their families who usecare services will soon be able tomake more informed choices abouttheir care by seeing first-hand if theCQC has judged them asOutstanding, Good, RequiresImprovement or Inadequate.

New rules mean health and careproviders will have to makearrangements to prominently displaytheir CQC rating from April 1.

Following a public consultation inFebruary that generated more than730 responses, the inspectorate’s finalguidance for providers on how todisplay their performance ratings hasnow been issued.

CQC has developed a suite ofposters that will be automaticallygenerated through the regulator’swebsite for all care services thatreceive a rating to download, printand display.

People can expect to start seeingperformance ratings on providerwebsites as well as across premises,public entrances and waiting areas ofcare services from 1 April.

In line with the regulator’senforcement policy, appropriateaction – including imposing a fine(fixed penalty notice) – can be takenshould CQC find providers are in

breach of the regulation.CQC chief executive David Behan

said: “We know our ratings are animportant source of information tosupport people’s choice of service,and the aim of this new requirementis all about helping to achieve betterawareness and greater transparencyfor members of the public aboutwhich services are Outstanding,Good, Require Improvement orInadequate.

“I am determined for CQC to be onthe side of people, and their families,who are receiving health and adultsocial care services so they can getaccess to safe, high quality andcompassionate services that theyhave every right to expect.”

Health secretary Jeremy Huntadded: “By making inspection ratingsmore visible, we are helping peoplemake more informed choices abouttheir care, celebrating success anddriving up standards.

“We want to have the safest healthand social care system in the worldand we know in the wake of MidStaffs that transparency is vital inhelping to improve standards of care.We have made significant changes tobecome safer and more transparent -this is another important milestone.”

Public to see CQCratings displayedacross services

A resident at a Northampton care homehas kept in touch via Skype with a formermember of staff who returned to hernative Poland to get married and start afamily. St Christopher’s resident NellieTugwell was thrilled to be able to see andtalk to Agata Wozniak and is currentlyknitting her baby booties for her firstbaby due in late summer. Estates co-ordinator Steve Clamp arranged theSkype call after the home recently hadthe computer installed in the library sothat residents can keep in touch withfamily, learn to surf the internet andreceive emails if they wish.

ONE of Manchester’s biggest stars ofcomedy and TV brought laughter to acare home as part of a stand-upmarathon to raise money for ComicRelief.

Smug Roberts, renowned for hisroles in Mrs Brown’s Boys and PhoenixNights took to the stage at EachStepBlackley as he took on the task ofperforming 20 gigs in 20 hours tocelebrate 20 years in the industry, andraise £2,000 for Comic Relief alongthe way.

It was a poignant reunion for Smug,real name Andy Wilkinson, whosemother was a resident at thespecialist dementia service for severalyears until her recent passing.

A packed out house of staff,residents and families turned out infull voice and ready for lots oflaughter – which Smug duly

delivered. Smug has remained apassionate supporter of the carehome to this day, choosing toperform there as a token of his thanksfor the care his mother received.EachStep Blackley is part of nationalsocial care charity CommunityIntegrated Care.

Home manager Michelle Phillipssaid: “Andy has always been sosupportive of our work at EachStep,and we were delighted that hethought of us as part of hisroadshow.”

“At EachStep, we’re always lookingfor new ways to welcome thecommunity to our service and findinteresting and novel activities for thepeople we support – they all had abrilliant time with lots of laughs, andwill be talking about this very specialnight for a very long time.”

Television star Smug bringscomedy to care home

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Cathryn to climb forAlzheimer’s SocietyCATHRYN Fewster, care managerwith Caremark (Barnsley) has set hersights on climbing MountKilimanjaro in aid of the Alzheimer’sSociety.

Cathryn has decided to take on thechallenge principally because she ispassionate about raising awareness ofthis illness and supporting theshortfall in funding for research intodementia.

“A lot of the people we care for arediagnosed with dementia and otherslive with undiagnosed cognitiveimpairments. I think this illness isheart breaking,” said Cathryn.“Imagine how frightened you feelwhen you are losing your memoryand nothing around you looksfamiliar. It is also very hard for familymembers who physically have theirloved ones there – just not as theyonce were.

“Research is underfunded for thisdisease and the support thisorganisation provides to people isinvaluable.”

Her decision to take on thischallenge is even more commendablebecause Cathryn has never climbed amountain before. In fact you aremore likely to find her in high heelsthan walking boots.

She will be travelling to Africa onher own and has not yet met theothers with whom she will be makingthe climb either.

The challenge itself is tough, with

seven full days of trekking on steepand rocky terrain at altitude. Thelower slopes can be wet and muddy,while higher up, barren and arid. Theroute passes through thick forest andscree en route to Uhuru Peak, thehighest point.

This is a challenging trek at altitude,climbing one of the most impressiveand well-known mountains in theworld.

The clock is now ticking for Cathrynto build up her fitness and strengthready for her East African challenge,and she is now training hard with heradventure set for next January.

She added: “I am moving outside ofmy comfort zone for an amazingcharity but I am determined tosucceed.”

Cathryn Fewster

Home celebrates top hygieneaward for fifth year runningA LANCASHIRE care home has beenrecognised for its outstanding foodhygiene standards for the fifth yearrunning.

Canterbury Care’s Riverside CareCentre in Sawley has been awarded afive-star rating by EnvironmentalHealth after an unannouncedrigorous inspection of its foodhygiene standards.

The Environmental Health officerawarded the home the highestachievement due to it demonstratinga ‘high standard of compliance withstatutory obligations and industrycodes of recommended practice’ andnoting that the home ‘conforms toaccepted good practices in the trade.’

Riverside Care Centre providesresidential care, including dementiacare, for up to 40 residents.

The home has 40 single bedroomsand four lounge areas, whichoverlooks its large garden that itsresidents can enjoy, as well as aconservatory.

Manager Gail Ainsworth said: “Weare delighted to have been awardedfive stars by Environmental Health forthe fifth year running.

“It is incredibly important that wecontinue to achieve the higheststandards of food hygiene and all themembers of staff at Riverside CareCentre are dedicated to upholdingour excellent standards.”

Riverside Care Centre cooks Susan Jones and Lyn Spencer.

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Residents of The Dynes gave the home’s chef a night off when they got together for anevening of socialising and culinary fun. The Kemsing residential home was transformedinto a pizzeria for the evening when the residents got together with staff in the diningroom to make homemade pizzas for dinner. Nicky Pett, home manager, said: “Theresidents had a great time making their own pizzas, it was a really different activity andenabled them to be sociable with one another. Many of them still like to assist withhousehold duties from time to time, as they would have done before moving in with us,so they really enjoyed getting involved.”

A WEST Lancashire care home haslaunched an initiative to encourageolder residents to spend more qualitytime with younger people in thewider community.

Last year staff at the Hillcroftresidential and care home in Aughtonspearheaded a campaign to makeolder people in the local communityfeel more involved by inviting themto join residents at free activities andevents held at the home and day tripsout.

Now manager Margaret Sutcliffe issupporting a project calledConnecting Generations aimed atbringing different age groupstogether.

Margaret was presented with aCommunity Involvement Award byWest Lancashire Older People’sChampion, Councillor May Blake, atthe Skelmersdale Library MemoryFestival in recognition of the workshe and the staff at the home havedone on behalf of older people in thecommunity, including the campaignto encourage care homes across theborough to invite local residents tojoin them for Christmas dinner.

That campaign was taken up byConnect 4 Life, a community projectbetween Lancashire County Counciland six local and national olderpeople’s charities, resulting in 16 carehomes taking part.

Margaret said: “The ConnectingGenerations initiative will involveresidents at the home and oldermembers of the public enjoying moreactivities and quality time withchildren and younger adults and,importantly, full family involvementacross all the ages.”

The home’s events organiser LeslieMalone added: “We can’t wait tolaunch Connecting Generations,bringing together all ages across thecommunity.

“To kick it off, West LancashireCollege horticulture students will becreating a whole new look at Hillcroft,transforming our gardens with beach,woodland and sensory areas, and theolder people will contribute their ownthoughts and ideas for the area.

“School pupils from across WestLancashire will also be invited to joinHillcroft to join in with activities andevents. We’re currently in talks withfive primary and high schools.

“And we have spoken to severalmums-and-tots groups who will beinvited to monthly sessions at thehome when our residents and visitorscan give the younger mums thebenefit of their wealth of knowledgeof bringing up their own children.

“We will also be running heritagesessions where families can gettogether to research their own familyhistory.”

Home aims to bridgethe generation gap

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Care provider on a missionto change industry’s imageA LEADING Welsh care provider is ona mission to change the image of thecare industry and says it shouldn’t beviewed as a deskilled industry withpoor working practices.

Abacare, which has offices inNewtown and Bangor, believes thecare industry is often perceived asbeing badly paid with few benefits forcare workers but it says this isn’t so.

Managing director Peter Angelidessaid: “Carers are often portrayed asbeing down beat, stressed and ashaving low self-esteem and we feelthis needs to be addressed as it isoften very far from the truth. Fromspeaking with the carers we employ,many of them say working in care is avocation and something they enjoy.

“We offer good rates of pay to ourcare workers as well as flexible hoursto fit around their busy lifestyles. Wealso offer a range of benefits andincentives including a staff discountscheme, various team away days andcareer advancement opportunities.”

Abacare was recently namedBritain’s ‘Most Outstanding CareAgency’ at the UK Over 50s HousingAward.

Peter added: “We really value all ofour team members and theextraordinary hard-work they put inevery day.

“The skills they have are extremelyimportant and we wouldn’t be able toprovide the excellent levels of care toour service users without them.”

Peter Angelides

CARE England, the largestrepresentative body for careproviders, has announced thatAvnish Goyal, managing director ofHallmark Care Homes, has beenelected as its new chair.

Chief executive, professor MartinGreen OBE, said: “Avnish has been

associated with Care England andits predecessor body for over fiveyears, and is a well-known figurewithin the social care sector. We aredelighted at his appointment aschair and are very much lookingforward to working with him overthe coming years.”

Association elects Avnish as chair

GOSFORTH-based Dene Park Housewelcomed a VIP guest to officiallyopen the newly refurbished carehome, which now includes a bar andhair salon.

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle,George Pattison, attended the grandlaunch of the refurbishment, which ispart of Akari Care’s £15millioninvestment programme in its homesthroughout the UK, and took part in aribbon cutting with manager JohnCollinson

George also took time to ‘pull a pint’in the bar and serve a drink toresident Gladys Howe.

The home, which specialises in carefor elderly residents, has benefitedfrom a refurbishment to both itsinterior and exterior, which hasenhanced the surroundings forresidents and visitors.

The work involved a redecoration of

the entire care home, includingbathrooms, communal areas andbedrooms fitted with new carpets,tiles, curtains, furniture and softfurnishings.

Two rooms, which were rarely used,have been transformed into a newbar and hair salon, so residents canenjoy a trip to the hairdressers and arelaxing drink.

John said: “A warm and homelyenvironment is so important for thecare and well-being of our residentsand this refurbishment has had a verypositive impact on them.

“This investment andrefurbishment has made a realdifference and the residents are reallyenjoying the new salon, bar and theirnewly redecorated rooms.

“The open day was a greatopportunity to show members of thepublic the services we offer.”

Mayor helps to launchnew-look care home

Dene Park House resident Gladys Howe with home manager John Collinson andCouncillor George Pattison.

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Six residents at Hammerson House care home in North London have submittedpaintings to the Royal Academy for a chance to have their work displayed at theirSummer Exhibition, the world’s largest open-submission exhibition. Each year the RoyalAcademy Summer Exhibition gives artists from all walks of life an opportunity to submittheir work for consideration to be showcased in the exhibition. The artistic residents,under the expert guidance of the care home’s art tutor Nigel Capel, have been workingover the past few months using acrylic paints to create their masterpieces.

Care provider paystribute to its staffwith new awardsNATIONAL care home operator MariaMallaband Care Group andCountrywide Care Homes are set tolaunch their first annual awards.

The awards have been created toacknowledge the efforts of staff andthe impact they have on the lives ofresidents and their families.

Residents, colleagues, relatives andvisitors can nominate those withinthe organisation who they feel haveshown a unique passion andwillingness to go above and beyondto deliver first class service and thebest quality care.

Finalists will then be invited to anawards presentation evening at theRoyal Armouries in Leeds on May 28.The ceremony will consist of a drinksreception and dinner followed by theawards presentation andentertainment.

There are a total of nine categoriesavailable for nomination, as well astwo special recognition awards.

The award categories were intendedto represent all areas across thebusiness from awards for frontlinestaff such as ‘Dignity in Care’ and‘Most Innovative Activity Programme’through to ‘Behind the Scenes’ and‘Head Office Hero’ for those whoprovide exceptional support to their

work colleagues. Phil Burgan, chairman and CEO,

said: “Unfortunately the nature of theawards can’t reflect every deservingindividual, but you all know who youare and you should be extremelyproud of yourselves.

“We are only as good as our staff.My job is to try to communicate ourcore values to every member of staffso that even the person with the mostmenial of jobs feels engaged and partof our family.

“It’s extremely difficult to do buthopefully these awards will go someway to thanking everyone for theirhard work and commitment.”

Phil Burgan

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THERE are of course many reasonsthat influence people’s decisionswhen making the choice of whichcare home is best for their lovedone…

However, according to recentresearch by YouGov, for over 70 percent of people, food is among theirtop priorities. When you considerthat mealtimes are – or certainlyshould be – a highlight of the day formost care home residents, theemphasis placed on food isunderstandable.

What was particularly interestingabout the research was that while itrevealed that ‘providing healthy,nutritious food’ was obviouslyimportant, for the vast majority (71per cent), ‘serving food that residentslike and enjoy’ was the most popularaspect of a home’s food policy.

After all, no matter how nutritiousthe menu may be – if a residentdoesn’t want to eat their meal in thefirst place, they won’t get enough ofthe nutrients they need!

So, how do homes reassureprospective residents, as well as theirfriends and family, that their menustick all their boxes – in terms ofpersonal preferences, culturalinfluences, special dietary

requirements and appetite levels?Sharing sample menus in welcome

packs and talking through typicalweekly options is useful, but at theend of the day there can be nosubstitute for letting your food speakfor itself…

We strongly recommend to all carehomes we work with that they hold ataster session, where potential newresidents and their family have theopportunity to try a selection ofmeals from their menu before makinga decision.

When you undoubtedly place agreat deal of thought and effort intoyour menu selection and preparation,

why not showcase it with pride? Notonly will this reassure your potentialnew resident that the food they willbe offered tastes and looks good, theywill also be reassured about the rangethey will be able to choose from.

Similarly, for homes looking tointroduce changes to the meals theyserve, holding a taster session forresidents and their loved ones offersan ideal opportunity to try out newrecipes and get feedback on newdishes before making thempermanent fixtures on their menu.

We encourage all homes to add asense of occasion to these sessions byhosting them for lunch or dinner,where relatives are invited to dinewith residents to give their views onnew options.

In fact, before we work with anynew care homes, we urge them tohost a tasting session in the firstinstance before they even considertaking on our services. After all, theintroduction of any change can seemdaunting.

By giving residents and theirfamilies the chance to try our mealswill reassure them that they, taste,smell and look as appetising as thefood they would enjoy eating in theirown homes.

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As new research reveals just how important food is to those choosing acare home, Ellen Brown, care homes divisional manager at apetito,shares her advice on how to reassure prospective residents and theirfamilies that the food you serve will make them feel right at home ...

A taste of things to come

Ellen Brown

A CARE home in Glasgow hasprovided an innovative form of“therapy” for its residents byintroducing a range of pets.

Bupa’s Darnley Court has seen aboost in the morale and mood ofits residents after the arrival ofthe animals.

The care home hosts threechickens named Snap, Crackleand Pop alongside two rabbitsand two budgies, which werepurchased at the request ofresidents.

The home now also has plans toadd to its growing collection ofpets by ordering incubators toallow residents to birth their ownchicks.

Tracy Barker, home manager,said: “The residents love havingthe pets in the home. It iswonderful to see the interactionwith the pets and how they helpto lift everyone.

“We are always trying to findthe best ways to give ourresidents the best possible careand quality of life and try to thinkoutside of the box on how wedeliver this.”

Tracy added that the animalshave also been a big hit withrelatives who have come to visitfamily members.

Care homeuses hensto find ‘Zen’

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A PERSON-CENTRED, integratedapproach to care is fast becoming apreferred model by healthcare profes-sionals and care home managersalike, and is now being adopted as apriority in the UK and part of theGovernment’s Putting People Firstprogramme for social care.

By offering care home residents anintegrated approach to care whichfocuses on their individual needs andrequirements healthcare profession-als and care home managers can real-ly engage with their residents, creat-ing meaningful relationships whichcan really work towards offering abest practice model of care.

Resident TV doctor and healthcareexpert with Repose Furniture, DrHilary Jones, recently took part in aquestion and answer session touncover how the CQC together withhealthcare professionals, care homeproviders, and specialist furnituremanufacturers, can work together toensure an integrated, person centredapproach to care, keeping best prac-tice at the forefront for care homeresidents.Question: Elderly people in care homesoften suffer from a variety of long termhealthcare problems, which require spe-cialist care and support. With this in mindhow could the CQC ensure that care homeresidents are receiving the care theyrequire? Answer: Today all care providers havea responsibility to care for and sup-port all older people including thoseliving in residential, nursing, respiteand rehabilitation care homes. Thisincludes a commitment to treateveryone with dignity and respectand to provide them with choice andcontrol over their own care. Specificindividual requirements should beprovided as far as possible in well-equipped facilities with speciallytrained, caring staff on duty 24 hoursa day.

The CQC can oversee this. They canensure that people retain as muchindependence as possible in comfort

and privacy. They can encourageproviders to provide personalisedaccommodation for individual tastetogether with pleasant communaldining and lounge areas. Specialistfurniture designed specifically for theneeds of the elderly, such as comfort-able bespoke armchairs and seatingmakes a huge difference. Specialisedseating, such as that manufactured byRepose Furniture, can correctly sup-port residents who may spend a largeproportion of their day seated; suchseats can also form the basis of anumber of exercise routines for thoseresidents with limited mobility.

Care home residents should beencouraged to engage in varied activ-ity programmes to keep their mindsbusy and prevent isolation. Byemploying an activities co-ordinatorto engage residents in the things theyare most interested, care homes canactively promote physical and mentalwellbeing.

Q: Who needs to be involved in order toeffectively achieve a person-centred, inte-grated approach to patient care?A: One important aspect of this kindof integrated approach is liaisonbetween care home managers, GPs,and other healthcare professionalswho should be working together tocoordinate patients’ needs in a singu-lar approach. The CQC clearly have aresponsibility to make sure that allmedications for example are handledin the safest way but these high stan-dards should reach out into otherareas and this holds true for specialistdementia and end-of-life careproviders also. Each healthcareprovider should know and under-stand what others are also doing. Forexample the GP, district nurse, hospi-tal consultant, chiropodist, occupa-tional therapist, pharmacist andphysiotherapist should be working inpartnership. Care home managers arein an excellent position to co-ordi-nate these approaches and to ensurethat residents obtain the very bestcare tailored to their personal needs.

Q: Can you outline some of the benefits asa result of offering a person-centred, inte-grated care plan as opposed to a moregeneralised approach?A: The traditional generalisedapproach to care for the elderly leftpeople feeling disempowered andrather helpless. Benefits of offeringresidents a person-centred, integrat-ed approach to care would includeputting residents and their families atthe heart of all decisions. The collab-orative team philosophy shouldensure that the residents enjoy asmuch independence as possible withas little conflict and as much compas-sion, dignity, and respect as possible.This personalisation approach is seento be beneficial to everyone and itsincorporation into health and socialcare is now being adopted as a pri-ority in the UK and part of theGovernment’s Putting People Firstprogramme for social care.

Q: Would an integrated approach to carehome healthcare give rise to better under-standing of a patient’s healthcare needs? A: Patients and residents come fromdifferent backgrounds and upbring-ings and maintain their own beliefsand interests. Each will have theirown set of social circumstances andmedical care needs. With integratedcare, patients and residents are seenas equal parties in planning, develop-ing, and assessing their care to ensurethat it is appropriate to their needs. Itrelies on the personal qualities ofeach person in care and the staff tobuild non-judgemental and empa-thetic relationships. A person centredcare plan can accommodate all ofthese individual requirements ensur-ing that staff are applying time andcare in a cost-effective manner and tothe maximum satisfaction of thepatient and their family.

Q: Do you believe that there are stepsmanagers at care homes can take to facil-itate an integrated approach to patientcare?A: Managers at care homes can takemany steps to facilitate an integratedapproach to patient care. By speakingto the patients themselves and totheir families they can build a pictureof that person’s past and present, andof their medical and social care needsand preferences. The resident them-selves can help decide which activi-ties they wish to be involved in and towhat extent. Their medical and nurs-ing requirements can be tailored totheir individual needs and eachhealthcare professional informed inturn as to what role is expected ofthem in the context of which otherservices are being delivered.

Depersonalisation, lack of control,and the removal of individuality wasonce the greatest fear for somebodyentering residential care. With anintegrated approach to person cen-tred care there is no reason why thesefears and apprehensions should notbecome a thing of the past.

Working together to ensure aperson-centred care approach

Dr Hilary Jones

Care home opens traditional sweet shopA BLACKHALL Colliery care home iscelebrating the addition of a newretro sweet shop.

Field View recently finished workon their traditional sweet shop andcelebrated in style by hosting agrand opening for residents andfamilies.

They were invited to try their handat popcorn and candy floss makingbefore treating themselves to a pick-and-mix from the shelves of tradi-tional treats and from the hand-made sweet cart dubbed “SweetField Treats”.

Joanne Chambers from SweetDreams, a traditional sweet shop inPeterlee, County Durham, donatedold-fashioned sweet jars and sup-plied Field View with many of thetraditional sweets on offer such as

mint humbugs, liquorice, and peardrops. It will also double as an activ-ities room and can be used for host-ing events such as birthday partiesand fetes.

The shop has been a labour of lovefor the home’s maintenance man IanNoble who painted and decorateditand built the sweet cart by hand.

Manager Michelle Howarth, whocame up with the idea, said: “Ourvintage sweet shop will improve ourclients’ sense of choice and inde-pendence, as well as stimulatememories with tastes of the past.

“We also hope the store willenhance the lives of our residentsliving with dementia through remi-niscence therapy and allowing themto maintain their freedom of choice,dignity and individualism.” Residents Dorothy Pitcher and Ann Parker with care manager Michelle Howarth.

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19CARINGNEWS

Meet our Wetherby speakers ...THE first of Caring UK’s series of con-ferences takes place at Wetherby onMay 13.

Alongside the Shaping the Future ofCare event, which is being held at theracecourse, will be an exhibitionshowcasing the latest products avail-able on the market.

This will include the likes of LeedsCare Association, Shackleton’s,Signature Aromas and Aidcall.

A stellar line-up of speakers hasbeen lined up for the conference,which is a must-attend event for alllocal care home and domiciliary careoperators and managers based in thearea.

NCA chairman Nadra Ahmed OBEwill begin proceedings, followed bySkills for Care’s locality managerFiona MacMillan’s presentation enti-tled ‘Supporting the DementiaWorkforce’.

Derek Breingan, head of health andsocial care sector for Clydesdale andYorkshire Bank Plc, who are kindlysponsoring the event, will round offthe first session with a look at ‘TheChanging Shape of Finance in theCare Sector’.

After the break, which gives dele-gates an opportunity for network andvisit the extensive exhibition, RosSanderson, head of inspectoratenorth at the CQC, will give an updatefrom the regulator.

Professor Martin Green OBE, chiefexecutive of Care England will thentalk about ‘A New Strategy for the

Future of Social Care in an Era ofIncreasing Dementia.

The morning session will be com-pleted by Neil Hargreaves from apeti-to Limited who will take a close lookat ‘Dining with Dignity’.

After lunch the event will bebrought to a close by John Kennedy,director of care services at the JosephRowntree Foundation.

All those who attend the day willreceive a certificate and a goody bag.

The day will be chaired by TonyBarry, sales and marketing directorfor Script Media.

Caring UK editor Dominic Musgravesaid: “As you can see we have onceagain put together a stellar line-up ofspeakers who will talk about a rangeof topics throughout the day.

“With the exhibition running along-side and the opportunity to network,this conferences is truly not to bemissed, and I would urge all carehome and domiciliary care operatorsand managers in the area to attendthis event.

Caring UK’s conferences are held inassociation with Care England andthe NCA.

Further events are planned to takeplace on July 1 and 2 at The BristolPavilion in Bristol and the RivieraInternational Conference Centre inTorquay respectively.

And on September 29 and 30 theconferences move to The AGEAS Bowlin Southampton and The SpitfireGround, Canterbury.

To find out more about sponsorshipand exhibition opportunities, or tobook your place at these must-attendevents, turn to pages 14 and 15 orvisit www.caring-uk.co.uk and followthe link.

Speakers lined up for the Wetherby conference include, from the left: Derek Breingan, Neil Hargreaves and John Kennedy.

19 17/3/15 16:29 Page 1

CARINGNEWS20

SIX learners from Whitway House in Dorchesterwho recently completed their IntermediateApprenticeships in Health and Social Care have hadtheir achievements recognised in an awardsceremony organised by their employer.

Care home manager Dawn Blacknell was keen tocongratulate Loretta Bowen, Dannielle Townsend,Kylie Hansford, Laura Hamilton, Ellie Kerridge andDenise Murphy on their success, which alsoprovided Whitway House with the perfect excusefor a party.

Dawn said: “I wanted to reward the hard work ofour six learners and an awards ceremony seemedlike a great way to do this. We really appreciate allof the effort our apprentices have put into theirqualifications and are extremely proud of theirachievements.”

Whitway House delivered the apprenticeships inpartnership with Connect 2 Care, the national

training provider, which has played an integral partin the care home’s staff training provision since2013.

Dawn added: “We depend on Connect 2 Care tohelp our staff achieve their goals. The achievementsof these six learners prove just how successful ourstaff training programme is. It allows the home tohelp its employees progress, whilst also ensuringthat it offers the highest level of care to its serviceusers.”

All six apprentices are now looking forward toputting their new found skills to use in their rolesat Whitway house and many are undertakingfurther qualifications with Connect 2 Care in orderto further enhance their knowledge.Enquiries: To find out more about Connect 2

Care’s apprenticeships and short courses,contact Connect 2 Care on 0800 954 2803

or visit www.connect2care.net

Apprenticeships take centre stageat Whitway House

By Dominic Musgrave

UKHCA, the professionalorganisation for domiciliary careproviders, has released the nationaland regional picture of under-funding of homecare services forolder people across the UnitedKingdom, using data obtained underfreedom of information legislation.

The report exposes the level of riskthat councils in Great Britain (andhealth and social care trusts inNorthern Ireland) place on a systemintended to support older people.

Continued constraints on localgovernment funding can onlyexacerbate an already criticalsituation.

Just 28 councils (of the 203authorities where an average pricecould be established) paid theirindependent and voluntary sectorhomecare providers fees at or aboveUKHCA’s minimum price forhomecare of £15.74 per hour.

The average price for an hour forhomecare for older people in asample week was:� United Kingdom: £13.66 per hour.� England: £13.77 per hour.� Wales: £14.28 per hour.� Scotland: £13.68 per hour.� Northern Ireland: £11.35 per hour.

‘Heat maps’ in the report providegraphical illustration of prices paid by

individual councils across the UK’sregions.

The findings highlight the low ratespaid in Northern Ireland; a north-south divide across England; and theimpact of dominant purchasingpower of councils in Greater London.

UKHCA’s policy director Colin Angelsaid: “Low prices paid for homecareservices carry a number of risks,including poor terms and conditionsfor the workforce, insufficientresources to organise the service andinsufficient training for the complexwork that supports the increasinglyfrail and disabled individuals whoqualify for state-funded support.

“Unless this underfunding isaddressed, the independent andvoluntary sector will continue tostruggle to recruit and retaincareworkers with the rightdisposition, training andqualifications.

“Ultimately, the care market willbecome commercially unsustainablefor the providers who deliver most ofthe homecare purchased by the statewithin the UK.”

The report makesrecommendations for councils,providers and government in all fourUK administrations, includingeffective oversight of authorities’commissioning practices byindependent regulators.

Under-funding pictureis revealed by UKHCA

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21 Skills for care 17/3/15 09:15 Page 1

CARINGNEWS22

Joan Nixon, a resident at Colten Care's Winchester home St Catherine’s View, strokesLionel the raccoon. Holding him is handler Tilewa Ojo from The Creature Teachers.

Animal encounters delightcare home’s residentsWHEN Lionel, Echo, Zeus, Ernie,Fraggle and Gili spent an afternoonat a Winchester dementia care home,they gave residents a close-up lookinto the animal world.

The six visitors, led by theirexperienced handlers, delighted all atColten Care’s St Catherine’s View.

Lionel is an 11-month-old raccoon,Gili a three-year-old laughingkookaburra, and Ernie and Fraggle apair of ferrets.

Echo is a four-year-old barn owlwhile Zeus is a chinchilla.

The visit was organised as a

relaxing and therapeutic treat for theresidents. It was supervisedthroughout by Lisa Kiely and TilewaOjo from the animal encounterscompany The Creature Teachers.

They ensured residents enjoyedcoming face to face with the unusualcharacters in their midst.

Vanda Baker, home manager at StCatherines View, said: “It was lovelyto watch our residents see thisamazing wildlife close up. Theopportunity to look at and strokethese animals brought smiles out allround.”

Staff training reaches new levelsSTAFF at an East Lancashire carehome have embarked on aninnovative course which will enablethem to offer advanced support tothose in their care.

Eight healthcare workers atSpringhill Care Home in Accringtonhave enrolled on a 15-month courseleading to the assistant practitionerqualification.

The programme will closely adhereto many aspects of a registerednursing course, and will make amajor contribution to the life of the

residents and staff at this awardwinning home.

Theresa Swan, learning anddevelopment manager at Springhill,said: “This exciting innovation willnot only benefit the individual staffconcerned in increasing theirqualifications and experience, butwill ensure we remain focused on thequality standards of care we deliver.

“Everything we undertake isdesigned to assist us with theincreasing challenges for those whowork in health and social care.”

RESIDENTS at Parklands care homein Poynton were put through theirpaces by Age Active, an organisationaiming to encourage healthy habits inolder people.

Age Active managing directorAndrew Power led the residentsthrough a series of stretches,breathing exercises, and free-weightmovements, all carefully designed toincrease mobility, general fitness, andmental stimulation.

The sessions are part of CLS’scontinuing programme of activitiesdesigned to improve each resident’s,health, happiness and quality of life.

Staff have already seen animprovement in the health andhappiness of some residents,undoubtedly due to the sessions withAndy.

Denise Gleaves, activity coordinatorat Parklands, said: “We didn’t realisejust how much some of the residentswould enjoy these exercise sessions.

“Some of the quieter people at thehome have been getting involved andsocialising a lot more as a result ofAndy’s visits, and there are one or tworesidents who are definitelybenefiting health-wise. Andy is soenthusiastic and such a lovelygentleman, it is no wonder thatpeople are looking forward to his nextvisit.”

Age Active tailors exercise sessionsto the needs and abilities of theparticipants.

The organisation operates in thebelief that older people in the UK canbenefit a great deal by becomingmore active.

Age Active puts residentsthrough their paces

Stroke survivor creditsrecovery to his carerBy Dominic Musgrave

A FORMER professional footballerwho survived a stroked credited hisamazing recovery to his care workerwhose dedicated care helped him getback to better health.

Barry Moody who is 74, was leftwith no feeling down his left sidefollowing a stroke in 2007 and doctorsadvised him that they did not expecthim to be able to walk again. Barrywas devastated to receive this newshaving been very independent priorto his stroke and a keen boxer.

Initially his rehabilitation was slowbut life began to improve for Barry in2012 when he started to receive homecare from Caremark (Redcar &Cleveland).

His allocated carer, Sophie Hood,calls on Barry three times a day tohelp with his personal care, hismedication, as well as supportinghim with other daily living tasks.

Client and care worker have formeda good bond and Barry trusts Sophieimplicitly to support him with hisdaily life and values all theencouragement to keep positive andkeep improving.

“The rapport we have built up hasenabled me to progress much morequickly and remain happy. My familyand I are eternally grateful for hercare and kindness and without hermy whole positive attitude would bein jeopardy,” said Barry.

Although he spends some time in

his wheelchair, Barry attributes hisamazing progress to the kind anddedicated care he has received fromSophie, whom he calls “his rock”.Through her focused care Barry hasfelt encouraged and empowered andis still able to walk. In addition hehas regained some of the feeling inhis left side.

Sophie added: “I enjoy caring forpeople and getting such nice thingssaid about you makes the job sorewarding. I am glad I have been ableto play a little part in Barry’srecovery.”

Barry Moody with his care worker SophieHood.

A Welsh older people’s charity hasappointed Reg Noyes (pictured right) totake the lead on coordinating a new artsproject in care homes. Reg is Age Cymru’scARTrefu project coordinator and has abackground in film development forcompanies such as Universal Pictures andStudioCanal. cARTrefu is an arts projectfunded by the Arts Council for Wales andthe Baring Foundation. One of Reg’s keyaims is to set up eight-week residenciesin care homes in visual arts, words, musicand performing arts over the next twoyears. He said: “I’m looking forward toworking with an eclectic group of artistswho can bring a wealth of experience,ideas and enthusiasm to care homesacross Wales. I hope to establishcARTrefu as a lasting project at AgeCymru continuing our engagement withcare homes and artists across Wales.”

Firm to double its offeringA RELATIVELY new Shrewsbury carecompany is now able to double theservices it offers after registering withthe regulator.

Caring Angels had a successful visitfrom the CQC and has been approvedto carry out care services.

The company, set up last May byBecky Morris, had six customerswaiting for the homecare services.

She said: “We have been offeringservices like housework, takingpeople shopping and toappointments since we started but alot of people had been asking us forpersonal care.

“It was something I had intended tobranch out into but you have to be

legally registered to provide personalcare so we needed to wait until wewere able to.

“The CQC registration means wecan double the services we offer, wedo respite as well a range of personalcare, and we may need to increasestaff numbers in the near future.”

The company, which has sevenmembers of staff with a combined135 years’ experience, will have yearlyinspections and spot inspectionsfrom CQC officers.

It also offers a 12-week inductionprogramme for new staff and 22 in-house courses to help train anddevelop staff. Becky has worked inthe industry since the age of 17.

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25CARINGNEWS

Care home takes partin national tea partyHOLCROFT Grange care home inCulcheth, Cheshire, joined the nationfor a brew when it took part in thisyear’s ‘Time for a Cuppa’ campaign insupport of Dementia UK.

Residents at the CLS-run homeenjoyed an afternoon of high tea inthe company of friends and family,complete with bone china tea sets,homemade scones and clottedcream; followed by a challenginground of memory-testing, 1940s-themed quizzes.

Shirley Paton, home manager atHolcroft Grange, said: “It’s such a

great cause that we wanted to reallygo-to-town with the day.

“I was especially delighted by howmany members of the public camealong and took part as we’re alwayslooking to strengthen our ties withthe community. Most importantly ofall, however, the residents clearly hada ball.”

‘Time for a Cuppa’ is a nationwidecampaign run by Dementia UK tohelp increase awareness arounddementia, and raise funds to provideexpert care and support to people liv-ing with or affected by the condition.

Residents Margery Crockett and Lillian Benson enjoy high tea with CLS activity coordi-nator Nicola Newens.

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26 CQC 17/3/15 16:40 Page 1

27CARINGCLEANING, LAUNDRY AND HYGIENE

FOR B&Bs, care homes, sports clubs, schools andsmaller hotels, laundry can be a big problem.

Domestic washing machines can not cope, com-mercial ones are too big and expensive, and out-sourcing can be costly and difficult to manage.

That is why Samsung has developed theProfessional Laundry range. It’s big enough to dealwith awkward loads like king size duvets or theteams muddy away kit, but small enough to fit inthe utility room. It also has a sanitize programmethat meets CQC standards.

The Samsung Professional Laundry washer,model WF431, has a 14kg capacity. Although itretails at up to 60 per cent less than competitors’models, it is packed with clever energy-saving andperformance-enhancing technologies.

In addition it is backed by a comprehensive two-year parts and labour warranty.

One of the smartest features is the digitalinverter motor. Because it is direct drive it hasfewer moving parts and, being brushless, it createslittle noise or vibration.

Compared to conventional motors, it uses 50 percent less energy and delivers a reliably long servicelife.

The washing process uses Samsung’s establishedEco Bubble technology, which manages theremarkable double-bubble benefit of improvingwash results and reducing energy consumption.

Enquiries: For more information visitwww.franciscopro.com or

www.uropa-distribution.co.uk

Professional range is ideal for sitesneeding to launder bulky loads

NEW research has exposed the hassle that on-sitelaundries are causing to care homes, with over 60per cent reporting that machine breakdowns arecausing the most trouble to residents, care homestaff and owners.

Over half of care homes across the UK suffermachine breakdowns as often as every six months,with the average home experiencing at least twoper year – but several reporting as many as four ayear.

With wash cycles being operated 24/7 acrosscare homes, the effects of a breakdown on bothcost and time are significant.

One in seven care homes do not consider theirlaundry services to be particularly effective, with alarge number of homes also reporting that theirlaundries are too time-consuming for their staff.

Nearly two-thirds of care home managers wouldlike to make changes to their laundries.

Many have highlighted the benefits of partner-ing with a laundry services provider, including free-ing up both staff time and valuable space as well asreducing costs and hassle.

The research was conducted by Market MeasuresLtd and commissioned by Berendsen, the leadingprovider of textile services to care homes and thehealthcare sector.

410 care homes were interviewed betweenJanuary and February.

Enquiries: To learn more about Berendsen’sservices visit www.berendsen.co.uk/care

On-site laundries gettingcare homes into a spin

New ranges savinghomes thousandsOVER the last 12 months GompelsHealthcare Ltd has introduced arange of new products that have beenmaking waves in the care home sec-tor. With an emphasis on cost reduc-tion, each new line can cut costs by10 per cent or more.

Perhaps the pick of the bunch,Gompels no fuss ConcentratedCleaning System delivers a 750mltrigger spray for only 20p.

This is a real breakthrough in thesector, exceeding the requirements ofBS EN 13704 and BS EN 1276 andoffering massive cost savings of up to90 per cent against some branded

trigger spray cleaners on the market. Zyaad Khoyrutty, facilities and com-

pliance manager at Chiswick NursingCentre in London, said: “Gompelsintroduced us to trying their concen-trates system, it’s simple, easy to use,very cost effective and the staff loveit.

“The unit promotes compliancewith its easy instructions. I wouldstrongly recommend trying the unitsand see the savings for yourself.”

Why not get on board with Gompelsand try some of these products foryourself, and see how much youcould save.

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29CARINGNEWS

NRS Healthcare launch newproduct catalogue

THE new NRS Healthcare catalogue features thelatest range of equipment suitable for care homesuse, such as: � Moving and handing equipment.� Dementia care solutions.� Infection control products.� Specialised furniture.� Toileting and bathing solutions.� Eating and drinking aids.� Mobility and access equipment.� Care call systems.

Many of our products are exclusively designed inhouse with input from our team of occupationaltherapists, who also operate a free product adviceservice, should you require it. Email productad-vice@nrshealthcare.co.uk or call 0845 121 8113.

With a 67-year heritage, NRS Healthcare is com-mitted to supporting the needs of older people, dis-abled adults and their carers.

Enquiries: Request your free catalogue bycalling 0845 121 8111, emailing

customerservice@nrshealthcare.co.uk orvisiting www.nrshealthcare.co.uk/prof

Residents at a care home in Stockton-on-Tees were spun a tall tale thanks to the chil-dren from St Patricks Primary School who visited as part of National Story Telling Week.Fourteen children visited Mandale House with their favourite novels in hand. The resi-dents were then treated to some classic tales when the children split into pairs andread to them.

CARE home organisation NightingaleHammerson has been awarded£10,000 by the Big Lottery Fund tosupport its music therapy pro-gramme for residents suffering withdementia at Nightingale House.

Most residents living at the SouthLondon-based care home have someform of memory impairment; withmany of them living with dementia.

The fund for music therapy withinthe care home will enable the charityto build upon its pass success withthe program and to expand, havingmore frequent sessions and reachmore residents.

People with dementia can often feelisolated and frustrated with the lossof communication and motor skills.

Music therapy is a therapeuticallyrecognised technique which encour-ages older people to express them-selves creatively through listening,singing and moving to music.

This type of therapy has beenproven to be particularly beneficial inimproving the health and wellbeingof dementia sufferers.

Not only can music therapy alleviatethe stresses and frustrations of living

with dementia but, listening to famil-iar songs has been found to unlockmemories and encourage verbal andnon-verbal expression, which canincrease important social and cogni-tive interaction amongst dementiasufferers.

Leon Smith, executive vice presi-dent of Nightingale Hammerson,said: “People living with dementiahave a special ability to be able toremember songs and tunes.

“We cannot thank the Big Lotteryenough for supporting us with ourmusic therapy project whichenhances the lives of our residents sogreatly. This is a wonderful therapywhich provides a stimulating, engag-ing and reassuring environment forour residents.”

Nightingale provides specialisedperson-centered care to all residentsand house a state-of-the-art demen-tia ‘Wohl Wing’ which is home to over40 residents with dementia.

Nightingale also had successfulpartnership with the dementia groupat the University of Bradford, andtheir research has been put into prac-tice throughout the wing.

Operator givengrant for musicprogramme

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31CARINGNEWS

Residents and their families at Belong Crewe celebrated Dignity Action Day in style witha nostalgic 1950s themed party. Staff at the care village dressed in their best outfitsand the bistro was transformed into a 50s American diner, serving hot dogs, burgersand milkshakes. The party was completed with dancing and a name that famous tunecompetition, while people living in the village had a competition to design themedboards representing what the 50s had meant to them. Ray Knott from Belong Crewe ispictured with experience day support workers Mandy James and Julie Kenworthy.

Dementia charity anduniversity join forcesfor music projectBy Dominic Musgrave

SOUTH Yorkshire dementia charityLost Chord is joining up with theUniversity of Sheffield for a researchproject examining the impact ofmusic on the lives of people livingwith the condition.

Lost Chord provides interactivemusical experiences with profes-sional musicians for people livingwith dementia in care homes andday centres across the region andnationally.

But the new research project willtake a look at how the charity worksand give a greater understanding ofhow music can have a major impactin dementia cases.

Heading the project is Dr VictoriaWilliamson, Vice Chancellor’s Fellowfor the Arts and Humanities at theUniversity of Sheffield and a VisitingFellow at the School of AdvancedStudies at the University of London.

She said: “Evidence demonstratesthat musical interventions such asthose provided by Lost Chord canimprove the physical and mentalstate and provide vital emotionaland social connections for individu-als with dementia.

“My team and I will observe andrecord the development and deliveryof interventions on site in carehomes in the South Yorkshire areaand this will allow us to build aknowledge repository for planningfuture investigations into the effectsof music provision on the lives ofpeople with dementia.

“This project will provide a firmfoundation for a long-term external-ly funded study programme of musicin dementia care.”

Lost Chord chief executive HelenaMuller added: “We are delighted tobe strengthening our links with theUniversity of Sheffield and are equal-ly pleased that our work in dementiacare is being recognised in this way.

“I know from 15 years of personalexperience as chief executive of LostChord just how great an impactmusic can and does have on the livesof people living with dementia.

“Anything we can do to help unlockthe mysteries of this condition andhelp to enhance the lives of peopleliving with dementia is somethingwe are extremely keen to be a partof, and we look forward to workingwith Dr Williamson in the monthsahead.”

RESIDENTS, staff and guests at FourSeasons’ care homes across the UKtook part in a fundraising event toraise awareness for Dementia UK.

Care homes nationwide hosted a‘Time for a Cuppa!’ day to show sup-port for Dementia UK and theAdmiral Nurses who work closelywith those who live with dementia.

Homes opened their doors to theircommunities and hosted variousactivities, such as tea parties, tea cosyknitting sessions and tea tastings.

Some of Four Seasons’ care homesalso organised informal drop in ses-sions during the week for people inthe local community who are livingwith dementia, together with theirrelatives and friends. These sessions

provided an opportunity to meetinformally to share experiences andto obtain advice from one of FourSeasons’ dementia specialists.

Alistair How, chief operating officerat Four Seasons, said: “We believe it isvery important that people are ableto access information about demen-tia freely and easily. Our free drop-insessions give people the chance toask any questions they may haveabout dementia in a relaxed setting,and are not linked to whether peopleare looking for a care home. We weredelighted to take part in ‘Time For ACuppa’ to raise awareness aboutdementia and show our support forall the good work that Dementia UKand the Admiral Nurses do.”

Homes open their doors

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33QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BYwww.requiredsystems.com

Helping you to comply with the regulatorIT IS not just CQC that require services in the caresector to be able to evidence compliance.

Your bank and local authorities placing serviceusers are becoming more demanding.

The two major failures in CQC inspections arepoor record keeping and drug administration.Required Systems Ltd has all the quality systemsyou need to be compliant, incorporating all theforthcoming changes from CQC.

To find out more call 01236 782477 or visit www.requiredsystems.com

FOR A smart less formal look for care staff, why nottake a look at the new tunic just launched by cloth-ing specialist, Meltemi.

The new Universal tunic comes in a range ofbright colour combinations and in a lightweightfabric, ideal for those working in a warm environ-ment and styled to provide a professional but lessclinical appearance.

Their new brochure is full of great ideas forclothing staff. With more colours and a greaterrange of matching male and female garments,Meltemi have the ideal collection to clothe staffacross your organisation.

This now includes a range of workwear andcatering garments, perfect for maintenance staff orthose involved in food preparation.

As specialist uniform suppliers to care providersacross the UK, Meltemi provide a fast and reliablesupply of high quality clothing at competitiveprices.

Enquiries: For more information, a copy oftheir new brochure or to request samples,

call 01603 731332, emailsales@meltemi.co.uk or visit

www.meltemi.co.uk

Meltemi launches newuniform brochure

Changing the PACE ofpalliative care in homesA TEAM of researchers fromLancaster University are setting up anew research study which will becollecting data from care homes inEngland over the next 12 months.

The ‘PACE’ study will explorewhether or not care home residentshave better outcomes when formalpalliative care structures are inplace.

The project is being led by profes-sor Sheila Payne and professorKatherine Froggatt from LancasterUniversity, and aims to recruit 50care homes, residential and nursing,across England.

The study will compare homes incountries with formal palliative carestructures to those in countries with-out structures across the EU.

Information will be collected on allresidents that have died in the carehomes over the past three monthsand will look at:� Patient outcomes; such as qualityof life, quality of death and quality ofpalliative care.� The characteristics of the care

home; such as number of beds andservices offered.� Care home staff knowledge, prac-tices and attitudes in relation to endof life care.

Care homes that agree to take partin the study will be asked to identifya contact person, such as a matron,who will be visited by a member ofthe research team.

At the visit the contact person willbe asked to complete two question-naires and provided with three infor-mation packs to send out to thedeceased residents’ nurse/profes-sional care giver most closelyinvolved in the resident’s care at thecare home, their GP and their closestrelative or friend.

The visit should last around onehour and care homes that take partin the study will receive full supportfrom the research team.

The research is funded by the EUFP7 Seventh Framework Programmeand is being conducted in six coun-tries: Belgium, Finland, Italy,Netherlands, Poland and the UK.

Charity launches ToolkitISLE of Wight charity IndependentArts has released its debut publica-tion Getting Creative In Care: AToolkit for activities co-ordinatorsand carers.

The Toolkit has been written by thecharity’s project manager CarolineAsh, who has a wealth of experienceprogramming arts based activitiesand music performances in carehomes across the Isle of Wight.

Designed for activities co-ordinatorsin nursing and care home settings,The Toolkit highlights the importanceof creative and stimulating activities,creative activities for dementiapatients, and offers a clear insightinto procedures and safeguarding forvolunteer recruitment.

The Toolkit features more than 75creative activity ideas, for both groupand one-to-one scenarios, and

includes templates, prompt sheetsand easy to follow instructions mak-ing it a handy and cost effectiveresource.

The Toolkit links to CQC Outcome 4and the provision of meaningfulactivity to residents in care homes,and supports NICE quality standard50; the mental wellbeing of olderpeople.

Kate Ball, chief executive ofIndependent Arts, said: “IndependentArts has been delivering creative artsactivities in care settings for 28 years,and so it is really exciting that wehave now compiled all our experi-ence and knowledge into the Toolkit.

“It allows the charity to increase thereach of our work, and ensure thatcare home residents across the UKare able to access meaningful creativeactivity.”

THE Stocks Hall Nursing & CareGroup collected two awards atCentral Lancashire's Got TalentProvider Awards 2015.

The celebration event took place atthe Gujarat Hindu Society Temple inPreston. The Lancashire CountyCouncil-run event is a showcase ofthe county's care services across arange of categories. The day is inrecognition of the various groups andsocial care providers within the coun-ty who have achieved successthroughout the services they provide.

Award categories includedInnovation, Partnership, Wellbeingand Prevention, People andWorkforce, Community, Technologyand Personalisation.

Stocks Hall Nursing and Care Groupwere awarded a Highly

Commendation status in ‘the Peopleand Workforce Category’ and outrightwinner status of the ‘CommunityAward’.

The Stocks Hall Group wasdescribed as a “leading Lancashireprovider and a great example for oth-ers to follow”.

Sue Lace, managing director, said:“We believe that quality care can onlybe achieved through well motivatedstaff that are committed to our corephilosophy and values.

“The Stocks Hall Group places suchvalues high on recruitment, nurturingand development of all staff.Receiving these awards acknowledgesour commitment to quality care anddrives us on to continue to be a pio-neering, leading, provider of care inLancashire.”

Group wins two awards

Residents at The Elms in Crewe havebeen delighted to find their garden alivewith the sound of birdsong thanks to agenerous donation from a group of localIT apprentices. Working under a citizen-ship project led by the learning and train-ing organisation Escalla, the group cametogether to build a number of nest boxes– two of which have been installed at theCLS-run care home. Home managerNicola Brennan said: “Everyone’s delight-ed with the boxes. Especially as, at CLS,we do all we can to actively support ourresidents to remain active and indepen-dent for as long as possible. ”

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34 CARINGNEWS

Wheelchair accessible vehicles: whichis the right one for a care home?By Dave Jones

BUYING the correct wheelchairaccessible vehicle for your care homeis one of those financial decisionsthat you absolutely must get right.

Due to the necessary modifications,WAVs can be more expensive thanregular models, and once you startfactoring in running costs you mightfind your WAV eating up more of yourbudget than you initially anticipated.

Do not let this happen. Our guidewill help you to make the right deci-sion, and avoid regret.1. What will your WAV be used for?In order to choose the right WAV, youneed to know what you’ll be using itfor on a daily or weekly basis. In themonths before you make a purchase,take note every time that a residentcould benefit from access to a WAV.

Mark how often this takes place, thedistance that they would like to trav-el, and how many passenger seats areneeded. This way when the timecomes to make a purchase, you’llhave all the necessary information atyour fingertips.

Think twice before buying a largervehicle for those ‘just in case’moments. Using a large vehicle for asmall trip is less convenient and moreexpensive than you might think. Itmakes much more sense to buy yourvehicle for the trips you’ll be makingmost often.

2. Who’s going to drive it?You might be the one who is buyingthe vehicle, but you should also sparea thought for the person who’s goingto drive it. Ask your driver whetherthey prefer a manual or an automatic,and check whether they have experi-ence with larger vehicles. You mightwant to consider the costs of anadvanced driver.

If possible, it can be a good idea totake your driver along with you whenmaking the purchase. Are they goingto be comfortable driving this type ofvehicle? Driving a large WAV is verydifferent from driving a Nissan Micra,so work with your driver in order toreduce the possibility of bangs andscratches, or worse. The CitroenBerlingo and Renault Kangoo areboth smaller WAV models which areeasy to drive and park.

3. Where are you going to park?The majority of WAVs are accessed bythe rear of the vehicle via a fold downramp. You’ll need to be sure that thereis adequate space to fold down theramp at the designated parking spaceat the care home. Smaller vehicleshave smaller ramps, which tends tomake it much easier to enter and exitthe vehicle.

Extending a ramp is simple enoughfor anyone to manage, but the carerwill sometimes need to push thewheelchair user up the ramp and intoposition. With this in mind, it isimportant to have a carer who isphysically able to handle an occupiedwheelchair on a slope. Losing controlof the wheelchair on the ramp couldbe dangerous.

If you are concerned about this pos-sibility, then you should considerlooking into a WAV that comes with amechanical lift, such as a PeugeotBoxer and the Renault Master, or hav-ing winch assistance on the vehicle.

4. What’s your monthly budget?Buying a WAV isn’t just a one-off pay-ment. Just like all vehicles, certainrunning costs and maintenance costswill be incurred over time. As a gener-al rule of thumb, remember that thesmaller the vehicle, the lower thecosts. If you need a vehicle with lower

than average running costs, then Irecommend taking a look at theRenault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo, CitroenBerlingo, Peugeot Partner and the FiatQuobo. These days petrol tends to bethe more economical choice thandiesel, but all of these vehicles comein both varieties. If you wish to fixyour monthly budget, a contract hireagreement with a specialist on eithera new, or for a particularly lowmonthly fee a used vehicle.

5. What experience does your car dealerhave with wheelchair vehicles?It’s important to evaluate the creden-tials of your dealer before making asignificant purchase. Wheelchairaccessible vehicles come with a dif-ferent rule book to conventional vehi-cles, so your average car salespersonwon’t be the best person to ask.Instead, try to find someone withspecialist knowledge of WAVs to helpyou make the right decision.

Check how many years’ experiencethey have had with WAVs, and makesure that they have a large range ofvehicles on offer, so that they can sellyou the vehicle that is right for yourneeds, rather than simply the onethat they have in stock. This is wherethose notes you’ve been taking willcome in really useful, the more infor-mation that you’re able to give yourspecialist, the better equipped they’llbe to find you the right car.

I’ve left the most important thinguntil last. It is essential that your resi-dents and staff feel confident, calmand comfortable in your wheelchairaccessible vehicle. An experiencedWAV specialist will be able to find youa vehicle that suits your needs, what-ever your budget.� Dave Jones is the director ofMobility Nationwide, a family-runbusiness who are dedicated to help-ing people find the right wheelchairaccessible vehicle for their lifestyle.

Dave Jones

Mayor helps firm in double Chester launchSURECARE has officially launched itsChester branch and SureCare Localmicro franchise in the city.

The Lord Mayor of Chester,Councillor Bob Rudd, and MPStephen Mosley were present to openthe dual service which will provide awide range of care and home servicesto people of all ages.

Services include adult health andsocial care, home services, respiteand holiday care and childcare.

Rachel Gallagher is the branch reg-istered manager of SureCare Chester,while mother and daughter teamCarole Southgate and Clare Potter areheading up the Chester SureCareLocal. SureCare also has its headoffice in Chester, where its manage-ment team looks after the company’sextensive network of franchises andbranches across the UK.

The company is led by managingdirector Gary Farrer, who acquiredthe business from previous ownerHousing & Care 21 in November.

Gary said: “We are delighted to beable to offer SureCare’s ever growingrange of care and home services to

people in Chester and Wirral.“We have expanded our service

offering considerably in recentmonths and are now able to meet theneeds of the elderly, children, work-ing parents, families and the dis-abled.”

While SureCare has almost 30 fullfranchises in England, Chester is onlythe second SureCare Local microfranchise to be launched. The micromodel opens up the opportunity formore people to become franchisees,covering a small territory (typically apopulation of 100,000).

SureCare was the first care companyin the UK to launch micro franchiseopportunities last year with the firstopening in York.

Gary added: “During the comingyear, we will be adding to the numberof franchises we have across the UK,as well as rolling out additional ser-vices.

“The care requirements of people ofall ages has never been greater and itis imperative that companies likeSureCare are able to fully meet theneeds of its clients.” Rob Parsons, SureCare MD Gary Farrer, Rachel Gallagher, Councillor Bob Rudd and MP

Stephen Mosley at the opening of SureCare’s Chester branch.

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Development given a nameA NEW housing with care develop-ment in Stamford Hill has been givena name in a ceremony.

Limetree Court is a HanoverHousing Association extra care hous-ing development, created in partner-ship with Hackney Council. The pur-pose-built facility, formerly namedBuccleuch House, is situated inClapton Common, close to StamfordHill.

A naming ceremony for the newdevelopment saw Hanover's head ofoperations (extra care) David Hankshand over a commemorative limetree plant to Hackney Council.

The facility is a partnershipbetween Hanover, Hill Residentialand Agudas Israel HousingAssociation. It will have a total of 107new apartments.

The project is unusual as it will besplit into three distinct parts of the

building, harmonised externallythrough an attractive contemporarydesign.

The development includes a pur-pose-built extra care housing devel-opment of 43 one and two bedroomflats for older people at social rent,designed to Housing our AgingPopulation: Panel for Innovationstandards.

Residents of the new developmentwill have access to a range of servicesincluding an estate manager serviceand 24-hour care team, as well as alounge, guest room, and electricscooter store.

Each apartment will have a modernfitted kitchen, a stylish shower roomand an emergency response alarmwith assisted technologies.

David said: “Lime Tree Court is anexcellent example of partnershipworking and we have been deeply

committed to supporting this land-mark development, which providesan extensive support structure tai-lored to the needs of people in thecommunity.

“We are delighted that we will pro-

vide housing solutions to older peo-ple in Hackney with care needs thatcan be met by 24-hour support.”

The first residents are expected tomove into the Lime Tree Court extracare development in May.

Partners celebrate Limetree Court with a commemorative lime tree.

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37CARINGCOMMERCE

Care home’s firstphase completedPHASE one of a residential anddementia care environment inBedford has been completed.

Bedford Citizens HousingAssociation’s Charter House project,which now has CQC approval, con-sists of a 72-bed new build residentialand dementia care home to replacean outdated 64-bed facility, which isdue for re-development into 42 extracare apartments later this year.

The new care home features anadditional 1,000sqm of space toaccommodate the latest in leisurefacilities for residents which include arestaurant, gym, cinema, and spa andbeauty facilities.

The development was no mean featfor care home development companyNorthStar, who had to overcome alogistical issue of considering how anArmy cadet building, placed in themiddle of the proposed developmentsite, could fit into the design plans forthe new care home.

Director Ian Holmes said: “We didn’ttake the easy route and build aroundthe old Army cadet building.Preferring to take a pragmatic view ofthe project, we worked with theEstates Department at East Anglia

Reserve Forces and CadetsAssociation and provided them with anew development in a better positionwith several classrooms, up-to-datefacilities, a hall and new parade

ground.”The new cadet building was official-

ly opened by The Lord Lieutenant ofBedfordshire Helen Nellis, along withrepresentatives from East AngliaReserve Forces & Cadets Association.

Dick Wilkinson, chair of trustees atBedford Citizens Housing Association,Vanessa Connolly, CEO of Bedford CitizensHousing Association, The Lord Lieutenantof Bedfordshire Helen Nellis, andIan Holmes, director at NorthStar, markingthe official opening of the Charter HouseProject.

DC Care has completed the sale of a former care home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Theproperty was owned privately by a family and has been sold to an experienced operatorwho has plans to re-open the home in the near future.

SPECIALIST property adviser Christie+ Co has sold the former CroftNursing Home in Wallington, Surreyin excess of the asking price.

The substantial 22-bedroom prop-erty has been purchased by RedbrickWealth, an international propertyinvestment firm, who made an offerwithin an hour of viewing .

The property comprises twoattached dwellings with a link build-ing and was run as a care home untillast October. The new owner haspurchased the premises with a viewof converting it into residential apart-ments.

William Langton of Christie + Co’sLondon office handled the sale. Hesaid: “The Croft generated tremen-dous interest and we are delighted tohave ensured a smooth and quicktransaction for our client.

“We arranged two open viewingdays which were both very wellattended, reflecting the high level ofinterest in the care sector. Our recentBusiness Outlook report revealed thataverage care property pricesincreased by 9.8 per cent during 2014,with demand particularly strong inthe hotspots of London and thesouth-east.”

Former home set to be converted

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39CARINGCOMMERCE

Insure your reputation,not just your home ...By David Waters

ALL care home owners know that acomprehensive insurance policy isindispensable to protect their carehomes, their staff and their residents.

Fewer, perhaps, would considerinsurance as a means of protectingtheir reputation; a means of buildingand safeguarding a positive profileand providing protection fromunwarranted or unfair attacks.

A care home owner and clientrecently contacted us after a localnewspaper published false accusa-tions in its online edition relating toan incident in which a resident sus-tained injuries.

The article was littered with misin-formation and consequently themanaging director of the care homeapproached CHIS to see if we hadany recommendations.

Fortunately, the legal expenses sec-tion of our client’s CHIS insurancepolicy covers circumstances such asthese, and we immediately put him intouch with a specialist PR company.

Liaising with the care home’s man-agement team, the PR companydrafted a document detailing the alle-gations in the article that were incor-rect, before communicating them tothe newspaper’s editor.

These included the assertion thatthe care home had not followed cor-rect procedures, despite the local

council clearing it of any wrongdoing. Just 24 hours later the newspa-per published a written apology andcorrection, much to the care homeowner’s relief.

The PR company cost just over£1,000, which was fully covered bythe client’s insurance policy. This casehighlights the benefits of choosing aninsurance broker that thinks laterallyand creatively and having a highquality insurance cover in place.

Insurance is much more than just anumber game. In this litigious societywhere care homes often find them-selves under the glare of the mediaspotlight, it’s worth remembering therole that good insurance can play inpreserving your reputation.� David Waters is MD of CHIS.

David Waters

WEYBRIDGE residents joined Anchorand construction partner Castleoakto celebrate the care group’s new£12.4m residential retirement devel-opment becoming watertight.

With the design and build pro-gramme at Austin Place on schedulefor the 65 one-and two-bed luxury

independent living apartments, theproperty will handover in October.

Anchor’s director of sales and mar-keting, Howard Nankivell, said: “Thisis a proud moment for Anchor as thedevelopment is now really starting totake shape. People will be able tomake the most of living in a spectac-ular setting with the peace of mindthat there are a range of housing and

support options available to them. “Austin Place is Anchor’s latest

example of how we find solutions toour customers’ aspirations andchanging needs; our developmentsoffer a supportive and secure envi-ronment for the over 55s withoutcompromising their independence.”

Anchor’s Austin Place will have awealth of on-site facilities, includinga hair and beauty salon, treatmentroom, coffee shop, lounge, readingroom, tranquil rooftop retreat andbeautiful landscaped gardens. Theretirement properties are beingoffered exclusively for sale throughHamptons International EstateAgents.

Castleoak on schedule withtopping out ceremony

The Anchor team and Castleoak are joined by local residents Celia and Ian Evans. Fromthe left: Paul Watkins, construction manager; Howard Nankivell, Anchor sales and mar-keting director; Simon Greenstreet, Castleoak customer partnerships director; JonSchofield, Anchor head of construction.

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CARINGCOMMERCE40

A COMPANY providing home care topeople in the Cardiff area has got offto a flying start, attracting clients andcreating jobs for the area.

Just weeks after opening, HeritageHealthcare Cardiff has expanded intonew premises, with better facilities tocope with demand for its services andenable the business to grow further. Anumber of clients are already takingadvantage of the services and 13 staffhave been recruited, with moreexpected to follow.

Jameela Rangoonwala, owner and

director, said: “We now have afantastic team of carers in place andare delighted to be working withclients to support them to lead as fulland independent life as possible.

“We are looking forward to workingwith many more people in the Cardiffarea providing a high quality of carethat makes a genuine difference topeople’s lives and the new officespace will help to facilitate this.”

Heritage Healthcare Cardiff workswith clients in the city andsurrounding towns and villages.

Cardiff firm off to a flyerJan Marshall with carer Joanne Fisher.

A SPECIALIST dementia facility inHarrogate has become the first in theUK to be awarded ‘outstanding’ bythe inspectorate.

Vida Hall achieved the highestpossible rating, and is also the firstcare home in the region to achieve an‘outstanding’ award under the CQC’snew, more rigorous inspectioncriteria, which was introduced lastOctober.

Debbie Westhead, deputy chiefinspector for adult social care in theNorth, said: “We found that Vida Hallwas providing an outstanding serviceto the people it supported and totheir families, and the team thereshould be extremely proud of thework they do.

“It is particularly pleasing to notethe many positive comments frompeople and the systems and processin place to identify risk to people’shealth and wellbeing.

“It is very clear that Vida Hall hasadopted some ground-breakinginitiatives.

“Staff act with utmostprofessionalism and managementwas dedicated to providing a safe,compassionate and high quality

service. It is for this and many otherreasons why the service has receivedthe highest rating we can give.”

Vida Hall is owned by Harrogate-based Vida Healthcare, which was setup in 2010 by father and son teamChris and James Rycroft with a viewto developing a pioneering new carehome for people living withdementia.

James said: “We set out to be acentre of excellence and to changeperceptions about dementia care andthat aim runs through everything.

“We are very proud of our amazingteam who are very passionate aboutwhat they do and this CQC report is afantastic endorsement of them andall their efforts.”

Vida Hall is the company’s firstfacility. The 70-bed home providesresidential and day care for peopleliving with dementia and opened inFebruary 2013, creating 120 new jobsand having taken three years to plan,design and develop.

Plans for a new 125-bed secondfacility, also in Harrogate, wererecently approved by planners andcould see the first residents moving inlate spring/summer 2016.

Dementia home gains‘outstanding’ rating

Celebrating the outstanding rating are Vida Hall’s registered manager BernadetteMossman, Andrew Jones MP and resident Carrie Holt.

Barchester holds key to futurecare at Tennyson WharfBARCHESTER Healthcare hasreceived the keys to Tennyson WharfCare Home in Burton Waters,enhancing the independent carehome provider’s portfolio.

Debra Owen, general manager atTennyson Wharf, was delighted toaccept the keys to the latest 60-bedproperty from Frank Butler, finishingmanager at specialist care homeconstruction company Castleoak.

Tennyson Wharf, commissionedfrom Castleoak by BarchesterHealthcare and Cinnamon CareCapital, will meet the demand forhigh quality nursing and residentialservices, including dedicateddementia care in the localcommunity.

During the build more than 50,000bricks were laid and 11,962 plants,trees and shrubs were used to createthe landscaped grounds.

Debra said: “We are delighted topartner again with Cinnamon, andCastleoak has done a fantastic jobconstructing a stunning care homeopposite the Burton Waters marina.Our expert interior design team hasalso added flair with brightfurnishings and homely finishingtouches.

“Our intention is to create a homethat offers quality to our residents,where we can provide person-centredcare to meet their individual needs. Ilook forward to welcoming our firstresidents this month.”

CARE Home Insurance Services andPrimeCare Insurance, the UK’s onlydedicated insurance brokers for thecare sector, have negotiated areplacement insurer for Hiscoxfollowing its withdrawal from the careinsurance market.

New and existing CHIS andPrimeCare Insurance clients nowhave access to RSA plc, previouslyRoyal Sun Alliance.

David Waters, CHIS and PrimeCareInsurance MD, said: “I am delightedthat in these tough times, with anumber of insurers withdrawing fromthe care sector, we have successfullysecured extensive insurance cover forour clients with one of the UK’s

leading and most financially secureinsurers.”

RSA plc is replicating the policywording previously used on CHIS andPrimeCare Insurance’s Hiscoxinsurance policies.

This means care homes anddomiciliary care providers insuredthrough CHIS and PrimeCareInsurance will receive the samecomprehensive levels of cover andservice which they have enjoyedhistorically.

The claims service will be market-leading, with a prompt settlementfacility for material damage claimsand dedicated lawyers for liabilityclaims.

CHIS and PrimeCare establish newinsurance market for care providers

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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.

Typical claims: 50 beds –£240,000; 40 beds – £170,000; 287beds – £1.25m.

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

SNUG Positioning Pillows are uniquely shapedcushions designed to secure stable and comfortablebody positioning in bed and armchair.

Intended to improve quality of life, SnugPositioning Pillows help to redistribute andminimise pressure on vulnerable body areas,helping to prevent sores and irritations.

Durable, comfortable, washable and flameretardant, Snug Positioning Pillows secure patients’stability and improve carers’ accessibility forwashing, changing, feeding and medicating.

Perfect for use in care homes, Snug PositioningPillows facilitate patients’ alertness, self-awarenessand perception of surroundings.

Alertness enhances interaction with carers andparticipation in rehabilitation, recreation and otheractivities for faster recoveries and better quality oflife.

Snug Positioning Pillows help people with brain

injuries, apallic syndrome, dementia, visualimpairment, hemiplegia, limited mobility, people atrisk of pressure ulcers, elderly and terminally ill.

Available in several shapes that meet differentpatients’ needs, Snug Positioning Pillows improvestandards of care and quality of life.

Enquiries: Call Win Health Ltd on 01835 864866 or visit

www.win-health.com

Snug Positioning Pillows

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 sales@beaucare.com

or visit www.beaucare.com

THE future of Bradford-based KnightsbridgeFurniture is in safe hands following announcementof a buy-out by the company’s managing directorAlan Towns and operations director Peter Denham.

Knightsbridge Furniture has been producingseating, tables and cabinets for the internationalcontract arena for over 80 years, with specialistdivisions now covering the healthcare, residentialcare, hospitality and corporate sectors.

The company continues to balance traditionalcraftsmanship with advanced manufacturingtechnology and a commitment to sustainability,and holds preferred supplier status with the NHS,the SHS, HSE Ireland and key providers of privateand charitable healthcare.

Alan and Peter extend an invitation to allexisting Knightsbridge customers as well as topotential new clients.

“We’d love to give you a personal tour of thisfabulous – and historic – plant, so please do get intouch,” said Alan. “We’re all very proud of ourworkplace here, and are keen to demonstrate in

person how we can help you with your furniturechoices.”

Enquiries: To arrange a visit call 01274731442, e-mail Alan.Towns@knightsbridge-

furniture.co.uk or visit www.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

Management buy-out ensuresKnightsbridge is in safe hands

IN A double-blind peer reviewed article regardingfalls prevention in healthcare organisations, GibsonC et al (2011) finds that patient falls are the mostcommonly reported safety incidents in hospitals,leading to injury in around 30 per cent of cases.

The conclusion of the article is that, incollaboration with: a falls prevention programme;sensor alarms; and training, low profiling beds arefundamentally important in reducing the£15million per year costs to the NHS of patient fallsin healthcare.

Alpine HC has developed an entirely new bed

for the healthcare market named the Opera®ProSafe.

The new Opera® ProSafe ranges from 180-700mm meaning, in contrast with most profilingbeds, it removes the need for separate low andstandard beds.

Not only does the Opera® ProSafe reduce inheight to become one of the lowest beds on themarket, but it also extends up to a similar height asmost standard beds, allowing for care without theincreased risk of manual handling accidents.Enquiries: Call Alpine HC on 01482 210021.

Reducing both patient falls and manualhandling risks with one bed

AS providers of fall prevention equipment,Ramblegard was founded in early 1996 introducingits flagship ‘Floorgard’ system, a simple and reliableproduct which has enjoyed widespread success formany years.

This was the foundation on which Ramblegardwas built becoming a now established reputableplayer in the marketplace.

The continuous development of the Ramblegardrange has embraced the benefits of many excitingnew technologies.

Systems now offer complete wirelessfunctionality and various sensor options includinginfra-red, pressure and proximity devices creating a

unique and complete range. This has allowed Ramblegard to guarantee a fall

preventative solution in your care environment.Along with this comes the support of dedicatedtechnicians and distribution centres throughout UKand Ireland, delivering solutions to your door thevery next day setting Ramblegard apart in its field.

Ramblegard also have the ability to design andinstall bespoke solutions to your individualrequirement. Our commitment to you is…”To assistcarers stay a step ahead in monitoring patients,with the primary focus on prevention of falls.”

Enquiries: Please view our advert on page nine.

Ramblegard guarantees a fallpreventative solution

Touchsafe Pro range tolaunch at Care ShowAIDCALL is proud to announce therelease of their newest innovation:The Touchsafe Pro.

Building on the success of theirTouchsafe range, The Touchsafe Pro isthe product of over thirty-five years ofindustry-leading experience, anincreased investment into researchand development, and the invaluablefeedback of our loyal customers. TheTouchsafe Pro has been designedwith the care home market in mind.

Its wireless configuration allows for

complete flexibility, facilitatesindividual resident requirements andprovides cost savings into the future.

Powerful features will improve thespeed of call responses and increasethe depth of information available toboth staff and management.

This will heighten teamperformance and support staff inproviding the most effective care.

The Touchsafe Pro range will belaunched at Care Show Bournemouthon March 25 and 26.

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42

Signs

Signs

SAFEHANDS Holidays offer afantastic choice of two hotels TheNew Mayfair Hotel, Blackpool or thenewly opened Esplanade inLlandudno.

Both of our hotels are situated onthe promenade at each resort and arefully accessible with specialistfacilities. So if you need a holiday andrequire a bit of assistance,reassurance or want to have a breakaway with your family or carers thenlook no further.

The New Mayfair in Blackpool hasbeen a popular destination for guests,old and new, their

friends, families and carers for overfour years. Its success has led to theexpansion of Safehands Holidays,with an investment of £3.5millionseeing the grand opening of thesecond hotel The Esplanade,Llandudno.

Boasting an enviable position onLlandudno’s elegant Victorianpromenade, this listed property hasbeen carefully renovated over the

past year and has now opened itsdoors to the public, offering holidayswith a difference.

Fully accessible facilities in a hotelenvironment where you will betreated with dignity and equality bystaff, who along with their own jobswithin the hotel, are trained in careand first aid so you can rest assuredthat you are indeed in ‘Safehands’

Bedrooms in both hotels havemodern level access shower facilitiesand many boast panoramic seaviews.Many of the rooms also featureelectric profiling beds, ceiling trackhoists and shower chair commodes.Twins, singles, adjoining suites andfamily rooms are available acrossthree floors.

With both hotels offering nightlyentertainment and holiday packagesincluding bed, breakfast and eveningmeal you can relax and unwind in theground floor restaurant and loungewhile taking in the serene andtranquil sea views these resorts haveto offer.

Safehands Holidaysopens second hotel

By Dominic Musgrave

RESIDENTS at Claremont Care Homein Whitletts, Ayr, are enjoying a brightnew facility thanks to a £500,000refurbishment programme.

The home has been redecoratedthroughout as part of Bupa’s multi-million-pound commitment toproviding better services for olderpeople.

All bedrooms have been fullyredecorated and the majority fittedout with new furniture.

The redevelopment has also seenthe creation of 32 ‘premium’ roomsoffering larger rooms or stunninggarden views.

Elsewhere, new furnishings andflooring have been installed in thecorridors, shared lounge and diningareas, while a number of bathroomshave been equipped with specialistbaths.

Claremont – which is made up offour separate units – is equipped tolook after people with nursing carerequirements and also offers

dementia and respite care, alongsideproviding support for residentsdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The care home has also introduceddementia friendly destination points,to help residents living with thecondition feel more at home.

These include a library, oldfashioned kitchen, farm theme,country and western theme and oldfashioned bar.

The new look was officially unveiledby the Provost of South Ayrshire,Councillor Helen Moonie.

She joined residents, families andlocal people at a ceremony to markthe completion of the work.

Carol Barr, home manager atClaremont, said: “We have a greatteam here and we’re all really pleasedto be able to offer even betterfacilities and a smart new look for ourresidents.

“We’re grateful to CouncillorMoonie for helping us to mark the bigday – and we are grateful to families,friends and local people for attendingthe celebration.”

Refurbishment tobenefit residents

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