March 2011

no.178 • £4.75

In association with

By Dominic Musgrave

CARE standards could be suffering asa result of the abolition of star ratingsby the inspectorate last year, it hasbeen claimed.

And those operators who haveinvested heavily in a bid to get the‘excellent’ rating will suffer the most,according to Alan Firth, executivechairman of Meridian Healthcare.

The head of the North of Englandbased company, which has carehomes in the North West andYorkshire, was speaking at adementia seminar in Leedssponsored by DC Care, LuptonFawcett and Santander.

He said: “Care standards could dropas a consequence of star ratingsgoing. I am nervous about what theregulator is going to do insteadbecause I was a big advocate of theold system and didn’t think it wentfar enough. We all associate five starswith hotels and Michelin stars withrestaurants as a measurement ofquality, and it enables you todifferentiate between something thatis of poor quality and another that isexcellent.

“I thought the rating for care homesshould have been broader, and forthe CQC to do away with it is quite

bizarre. It wasn’t because the systemwasn’t working but because theycouldn’t administer it.

“I am worried about thoseoperators who have invested in largeen-suite rooms, staff training andfacilities for residents to ensure theyare providing good quality carebecause it may be that they will beinspected by tick boxes in future. Ihope the CQC introduces positive.”

And Martin Green, chief executiveof ECCA, said the regulator’s newapproach to inspections could alsohit those care homes at the tophardest. He added: “Star ratings wereaxed for no other reason than theCQC’s inability to deliver on it.”

The CQC looks like it is going totake a reactive approach to the way itinspects, and I can see those poorquality providers lying on theirforms.

“I can see there being a largescandal that will hit the nationalnewspapers and affect the wholesector, particularly those at the topbecause they will have invested intheir facilities and staff training toensure they are doing things right.”� Do you share Alan’s and Martin’sconcerns? Let Dominic Musgraveknow by emailing dm@whpl.net ortelephone him on 01226 734407.

Highest-ratedhomes couldbe hit hardest

Actors Alan Halsall (pictured above) and Lucy-JoHudson delighted residents when they visited two ofa care group's homes in the North East. Alan, betterknown as Coronation Street mechanic Tyrone Dobbs,took a break from the cobbles to attend coffeemornings at Ideal Homes' Wynyard Woods andMiddlesbrough Grange. At Wynyard Woods inBillingham he was presented with a cake modelledon the garage where he works in the hit soap, whilethe residents’ lounge was decorated like the RoversReturn. Picture: ITV Pictures

Bupasupportfor film A NEW film highlightingthe frustrations and joysof a wife trying toconnect with herhusband with advanceddementia has beenlaunched.

Ten Glorious Secondsfeatures Emmy-awardwinning actor DavidSuchet, best known forhis role as AgathaChristie's Poirot, andveteran British actorsPaul Collard andGabrielle Hamilton.

The production hasbeen supported byhealthcare companyBupa with director ofdementia care, DrGraham Stokes,featuring in a specialfilm alongside the mainfeature, offering adviceto people on how toconnect with loved onesin the advanced stagesof the disease. Writtenby Carol Younghusbandand Directed by theBBC’s Simon Pitts, TenGlorious Seconds isprivately financed byindividual donors in theUK, the US andworldwide.

It was filmed at Bupa’sThe Springs care homein Malvern.

incorporating

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3CARINGNEWS

AdvertisingSales and Marketing Director:Tony Barry

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PublishersWharncliffe Publishing Ltd.47 Church Street, Barnsley, SouthYorkshire S70 2AS.Email: info@caring-uk.co.uk

EditorialGroup Editor:Andrew Harrod Tel: 01226 734639 Fax: 01226 734478

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Database enquiries to:01226 734695 E-mail: circulation@wharncliffepublishing.co.ukWhilst every effort is made toensure the accuracy of all con-tent, the publishers do notaccept liability for error, printedor otherwise, that may occur.

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Criticised homehas improvedBBBByyyy CCCChhhhrrrriiiissssttttiiiinnnnaaaa EEEEcccccccclllleeeessss

A DUNDEE care home given a damningreport last year by the Scottish inspectoratehas already made dramatic improvementsto the standard of care it offers.

The Care Commission issued a highly-critical report of Moyness last October fol-lowing an announced inspection.

The Balhousie facility, which can lookafter 33 residents, was given the lowestmark possible in the report published lastOctober, a month after it had been black-listed by the city council's social workdepartment because of concerns over thetreatment of residents.

It had also been reprimanded for the"unacceptable" treatment of the late JohnFerguson, who died at the home in Junelast year, at he age of 86.

It was found Mr Ferguson has been left ina “dishevelled” state and that staff hadfailed to properly monitor his physicalwellbeing.

However, a surprise inspection carriedout in November following a complaintabout inadequate facilities in the carehome and the general health and care ofresidents found that the home was nowproviding ‘adequate’ care for residents.

It was also given the same rating for thequality of staffing, environment and man-agement – the third lowest out of six.

A spokesman for the inspectorate said:

“The Care Commission carried out aninvestigation and upheld this complaint,before making a number of requirementsagainst the service in order to improve thestandards of care being provided to resi-dents and their families.

“The investigation findings were providedto the service and we are now awaiting anaction plan detailing how these issues willbe addressed.

“We will agree this plan if it meets theimprovements required and we will contin-ue to work with the service provider andmonitor Moyness to ensure the standardsof care improve.

“Should the improvements not beachieved we will take further action if nec-essary.”

The improvements required includedkeeping relatives better informed about thewellbeing of residents and ensuring care-plans are up-to-date.

A spokesman for Balhousie Care Groupsaid, “We are pleased that the CareCommission has awarded higher gradesacross the board at Balhousie MoynessCare Home following its most recentinspection. We continue to work closelywith the Care Commission to address theirrecommendations and remaining pointsfor action as we move forward, and lookforward to continuing to build on theseimproved grades."

DOCTOR David Bellamy OBE offi-cially opened a care group's newWokingham site.

The well known botanist joinedAlexandra Grange general managerSam Ndlovu, care staff and HallmarkHealthcare managing director AvnishGoyal at the launch event, which wasalso attended by sector profession-als, prospective residents and coun-cillors Dianne King and Mo Larkin,the borough mayors of Wokinghamand Basildon respectively.

David unveiled an official com-memorative plaque before taking atour of the home and helping guestsplay on the Nintendo Wii games con-sole. He also had time to retreat tothe home’s complementary treat-ment room for a spot of therapy.

Other facilities at the 55-bed home,which offers residential, nursing anddementia care, include a café, sur-round-sound cinema room, therapyroom and relatives' bedroom.

David Bellamy with Dianne King andAvnish Goyal

Botanist opensnew site

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CARINGNEWS4

Errors are morelikely withliquid medicineBy Dominic Musgrave

CARE home residents are more thanfour times likely to get the wrongdose of medicine when it is in liquidform as they are when givenpills/capsules provided in adispenser, it has been claimed.

Research led by Dr David Alldred,from the Academic Unit of MedicinesManagement at Leeds University’sSchool of Healthcare, also found thatthe likelihood of a mistake was 19times higher when using a cream,injection or eye drop, and more than33 times as likely when an inhalerwas used.

David told Caring UK dosing errorswere picked up during the course oftwo drug rounds for each of the 233residents in 55 care homes.

He added: “Following an earlierstudy we wanted to know in moredetail what errors were occurring onthe drug round, and what influencethe different type of medicationbeing administered has.

“The results of the study weresurprising – mistakes in liquidmedicine were four times higherthan those in tablet form, and morethan 30 per cent when using an

inhaler. The rate was twice as high fortablets/capsules provided in themanufacturer’s original packing as itwas for pills provided in a dispenser.

“We are not looking to criticise carehome staff, but want to highlight theissue and push for more training andsupport for them in this area becausethose we have spoken to have said itis something they would beinterested in.”

The study found most care homesused two parallel systems of drugadministration because swallowingdifficulties mean some elderly peopleneed to take their medicines in liquidform.

Inhalers, injections, cancer drugs,and those requiring refrigeration,cannot be provided in monitoreddosage systems intended to simplifyrounds for staff and cut the risk ofmistakes.

David added: “Although dispensersseem to carry less risk of a dosingerror, they are not without theirdifficulties.

“They require the manual transferand checking of pills, which is bothlabour-intensive and expensive, andthis is not easy when several tabletsare needed for one compartment.”

RESIDENTS in Bupa care homesacross the UK enjoyed a day ofclassic tales and poems duringNational Storytelling Week, whichaimed to increase awareness of thevalue of sharing stories.

The company teamed up with TheReader Organisation, which has beenworking with care homes since 2006,promoting the links between readingand wellbeing.

Members of local communities andschool children were invited to takepart in the events, where extractsfrom “A Little, Aloud”, a collection ofshort stories and poems specificallychosen by the charity, were read out.

Community affairs managerSiobhan Drane said: “Storytelling isone of the oldest and most lovedpastimes there is. It captures imagi-nations and helps stimulate thoughtsand memories. Good old fashionedstorytelling really brings generationstogether, and this was a great opport-unity to reminisce, share stories andlet imaginations run wild.”

New chapter as Bupa homesintroduce reading days

Resident Charlie Hopkins with Bupa'scommunity affairs manager SiobhanDrane and Katie Clark from The ReaderOrganisation.

Nathan names new care schemeA CARE charity’s new £8.3m extracare scheme in Gravesend has beennamed by an eight-year-old from anearby school.

Nathan Sizer suggestion ofAbbeyfield Kent Society’s WatlingCourt was chosen from 100s of

suggestions, and originated from theA2’s original name of Watling Steet.

At a topping out ceremony theSociety’s chairman Robert Barnesclimbed 35ft up scaffolding to unveila weather vane, which was donatedby building contractor Osbournes.

A NORTH London care home hasbeen accredited with the GoldStandards Framework qualityhallmark for end-of-life care.

Sir Thomas Lipton residential homein Southgate is one of approximately180 homes nationwide to receive theaward, and the second owned byFriends of the Elderly.

All of the group’s 12 other sites arecurrently working on the programmeto enhance end of life care in carehomes.

Manager Noreen Ross said theaward demonstrates the ongoingcommitment to high quality care and

their understanding of theimportance of respecting the wishesof older people at the end of theirlives.

She added: “Not only has it enabledus to highlight the excellent caregiven by our staff, it recognises thatour residents are treated with dignityand respect, and their wishes andpreferences are listened to whereverpossible. Supporting residents andfamilies at end of life is an emotionalexperience for everyone involved,but we feel that respecting aresident’s choices at that time is animportant part of the care we offer.”

Sir Thomas Lipton manager Noreen Ross and her deputy Angela Caul receive the awardfrom Maggie Stobbarts-Rowland from the National Gold Standards Framework.

Home achieves gold standardhallmark in end-of-life care

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5CARINGNEWS

Animal-lovingcare groupmakes pet planA CARE group has launched a drive topromote the inclusion of at least one petin every home to improve the wellbeingof residents.

Sanctuary’s 42 homes nationwide boastmore than 15 cats, five guinea pigs, 15rabbits, a dog, 15 chickens, ten fishtanks, 15 other birds such as budgerigarsand cockatiels, and one hamster.

In addition, residents receive visitsfrom owls, rats, scorpions, donkeys, agiant snail and a water dragon.

Director of care Len Merton saidresearch shows stroking, playing with,feeding and looking after animals isgood for the health and can reduce stressand blood pressure levels.

He added: “It is all about creatinghomes from homes. Pets are very thera-peutic and particularly to elderly people.

“Many of our residents will have hadpets before and it just creates a very niceatmosphere to see a pet given a specialplace in a home. We are passionateabout ensuring our care homes arehomely, and having a pet is just one ele-ment of creating a nice environment.”

“We even produce care plans for ourpets to ensure they are given the same

loving care as our residents!”One of the group’s homes, Chadwell

House in Romford, Essex, which spe-cialises in residents with dementia,boasts six rabbits, four guinea pigs, twobudgies, 10 chickens and two cockatiels.

Manager Chris Gammons said: “Wefind it enhances residents’ wellbeing.They love stroking the animals and it isvery therapeutic for them.

“We have one guy who likes to go outto see if the chickens have laid any eggs.Many of our residents will have had ani-mals in their own homes so it helps tocreate a very homely effect here.

“We all muck in looking after them andhelping to clean them out.”

When it comes to pets, Sanctuary Carehomes for the elderly have provedthey’re top dog.

It also considers requests from peoplemoving into its homes who may want tobring a pet with them.

According to the Pet Health Council,pets can help prevent illness and aller-gies, lower blood pressure, aid recoveryand boost chances of survival after life-threatening illness.

Maxwell Craven officially opened Barchester Healthcare’s newest carehome in Derbyshire.The writer and historian unveiled a plaque at Bluebell Park in Chellastonbefore helping six-year-old Judith Wilks, a pupil from the nearbyHomefields Primary School, cut the celebratory cake. Judith gave the homeits name when the build began last year. The 64-bed facility opened itsdoors to residents in the autumn after taking just 10 months to build.Picture: Maxwell helps youngster Judith Wilks cut a cake to celebrate theopening of Bluebell Park.

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CARINGPEOPLE6

WHEN Zoe Bates’ grandmotherpassed away in 2007 her partnerand parents asked her whether shecould make a difference in elderlycare.

The former hospital matron wholater went on to become a generalmanager in the NHS drew up abusiness plan and, with help andinvestment from those around hershe purchased Valerie Manor onthe outskirts of Brighton.

She told Caring UK theexperiences she gained whileworking as a manager have provedinvaluable over the years,particularly when overseeing thebuilding of an eight-bed extensionwhich has been plagued byproblems.

“I haven’t really looked backsince,” she added. “Although therehave been some difficult times andit has been a huge learning curve Ifeel so privileged to have had theopportunity to fulfill my ambitionand be able to change some of thelives of the elderly who have tomake the difficult decision to moveinto a care home.

“It has been a hard slog andstressful getting the extension built,particularly with the residents insitu and, because I live on the site, Isee everything day in and day out.

“We began interviewing for newjobs last year and, because thecompletion date has been put backa couple of times, it has been toughgetting staff. Inevitably we have losta few who have needed to findjobs.”

Looking ahead Zoe says she hasno plans to acquire any furtherhomes, but would like to expand

the business once her currentproject is fully functional.

She added: “Because we havesuch a good reputation in thelocal area I wouldn’t want to dilute

what we have by expanding toomuch.

“People are constantly telling methat there is a need for dementiaservices, which is something we

may look at doing down the line,and I would also like to go out intothe community and start offeringhomecare from here, but that issome way off yet.”

The owner of a West Sussex care home has celebrated her third anniversary at the helm.Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Hard slog sees Zoeachieve her ambition

Zoe celebrates her third anniversary with staff

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7CARINGNEWS

Home closesamid concernsby inspectorateBy Christina Eccles

A LUTON care home has been closeddown after the inspectorate feared forits residents.

The CQC has said that it would havebeen forced to close the Griffin CareCentre had its owners, Southern Cross,not taken the decision to do so them-selves.

All 57 residents have been foundalternative accommodation after seri-ous concerns were raised about theway medicines were managed andadministered.

In one particular case the CQC’spharmacy inspector found two med-ications being given together, whichwas not in line with the details on theadministration sheet and the medica-tion label.

Regional director Frances Carey saidthis was raised with the operators, whowere asked to ensure that this practicestopped.

He added: "In our view, some ele-ments of the failings we found wereleaving people at continued risk.

"It is a significant concern that dur-ing a visit to the home the inspector

had to take direct action to preventtrained staff from administrating thesemedications at the same time.

“We had previously taken action torestrict admissions to the home, andasked for a series of actions to be takento ensure that the home complied withessential standards of quality and safe-ty.

“These related to significant failingsacross a number of areas of care provi-sion.”

The CQC said it had worked closelywith Luton Borough Council and NHSLuton to make sure people living at thehome were found suitable alternativeaccommodation.

A spokesman for Southern Crosssaid: “Regrettably, we can confirm thatrecent CQC inspection visits highlight-ed concerns regarding the administra-tion of medicines within The GriffinCare Centre.

“We apologise for any concern or dis-tress this may have caused our resi-dents or their families.

“We have robust policies and proce-dures in place for the storage andadministration of medicines.”

A former award-winning breeder, trainer and racer of greyhounds was reunitedwith his favourite breed in a surprise visit to the Bournemouth care home where hehas lived for the last five years.A special visit to Care South’s The Fearnes was arranged for 80-year-old Kenneth Coulthwaite by Jenny Boyce, a volunteer for local voluntary group CaringCanines.Ken is pictured with Jenny Boyce from Caring Carines and deputy home managerLynne Rourke.

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CARINGNEWS8

By Louise Cordell

THE artwork of residents at anAbergavenny care home ishanging alongside the work ofRenoir, Monet and Cezanne in aCardiff museum.

The three-month ‘Treasures thatTravel – Birds 2010 project’brought together the 25 residentsfrom Penpergwym House and 30 pupils from two primaryschools.

The scheme was the brainchildof the home’s artist-in-residenceVicky Wilson, and the creations,which include paintings as well asscreen prints, clay models and instruments to mimicbirdsong, will be displayed in theNational Museum until the end ofMarch.

Vicky said she borrowed 21different species of bird for thescheme.

She added: “The main aim ofthe project was to link the carehome with the local community,and this enabled the residents torise and shine and take aninterest in something they maynot have done before.

“Life shouldn’t stop when anelderly person moved into a carehome, and for a lot of people that I have spoken to who mayhave been depressed when they first moved in it just getsbetter.

“There is no reason why they

should stop learning either, andthey loved being with theyoungsters each week on theirwork. Keeping them mentallyactive is just as important askeeping them physically active.”

The school pupils visited thehome each Wednesday, and were paired with a resident forthe project. Funding wasprovided by the Arts Council forWales.

Vicky added: “We have workedwith the schools on variousthings previously, and in the pastI have also run a variety ofdifferent arts and creative writingprojects in the home.

“Art is great for reducing stressand anxiety, and I have seenresidents grow in confidence overthe five years I have worked at thehome.

“One resident in particular, EnaYoung, really grew over the three-month period.

“She told me she hadn’t reallydone any art since she had leftschool, and she is 87 now.

“It was lovely to see therelationships grow between herand the other residents and theyoungsters.”

The residents have visited themuseum to see their workdisplayed, and blogs were alsomade during the project.

Ena Young with Penpergwm owner Priscilla Llewelyn and artist Vicky Wilson.

Residents’art hangs inillustriouscompany

Liverpool home finedover resident fallA LIVERPOOL nursing home hasbeen fined £18,000 after an 81-year-old resident fell to the ground whilebeing lifted out of bed.

Frances Shannon fell three feet andsuffered a broken shoulder as well asinjuries to her back and elbow at theCatholic Blind Institute runChristopher Grange nursing home.She died in the Royal LiverpoolUniversity Hospital the following day.

The home was prosecuted by theHealth and Safety Executive forfailing to carry out regular checks ofthe lifting sling being used. It pleadedguilty to the offence and wassentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard Frances was beingmoved from her bed to a wheelchairon December 4 2008 when the slingfailed.

Sarah Wadham, the investigatinginspector at HSE, said: “Mrs

Shannon's fall would have beenprevented if the Catholic BlindInstitute had complied with the lawfor using equipment to lift people.

“There should have been regularchecks of the sling and it should havebeen thoroughly examined at leastonce every six months. Sadly this didnot happen.

“I would urge care providers,including NHS trusts, primary caretrusts and care homes, to ensure thatthey carry out the necessaryexaminations and inspections oflifting equipment, to prevent similartragic incidents in the future.”

The Catholic Blind Institute wascharged with breaching Regulation9(3) of the Lifting Operations andLifting Equipment Regulations 1998.It was ordered to pay £13,876 towardsthe cost of the prosecution inaddition to the fine.

A NEW extra care housing scheme forolder people in Sunderland has beenofficially opened by councillor MelSpeding.

Bramble Hollow, which received£1.2m in funding from the Homesand Communities Agency, provides48 purpose-built apartments for theover 55s along with on-site care andsupport services.

The £7.1m Housing 21 developmentalso features a restaurant, shop,hairdressing salon, activity room andtreatment room.

The two bedroom apartments forrent or shared ownership have beenbuilt to wheelchair mobilitystandards and have under-floor gascentral heating, walk-in showers andfully fitted kitchens.

£7.1m housing scheme opens

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CARINGNEWS10

Failing homemust actimmediatelyBy Dominic Musgrave

THE owners of a Leicestershire carehome have been told they must takeimmediate action to ensure the safety ofpeople in their care.

Inspectors from the CQC have foundthat Saffron House in Barwell was failingto meet 12 essential standards of qualityand safety.

The main concerns surroundedsafeguarding procedures, the standard ofmanagement, systems for assessing andmonitoring the service, and support tostaff.

Owner Downing Barwell Ltd has beengiven 28 days to produce plans to showhow it intends to achieve compliance.

Andrea Gordon, regional director ofCQC in the East and West Midlands, saidher staff will monitor the home and takeaction if it becomes necessary.

She added: “It is clear that themanagement failures we found showedthat people who live at Saffron Househave not been receiving the quality ofcare, support and treatment which theymust have. We will be taking further

action to protect their interests.“We heard of numerous incidents

which were reported by staff in the dailyrecords for people. But there was noevidence that changes in needs followingthese incidents were investigated or thatthe incidents were passed on to therelevant agencies such as the localauthority, or dealt with properly.

“Every single person living in SaffronHouse is entitled to have their needsassessed properly and to be involved inimportant decisions about their care andtreatment. But they weren’t alwaysconsulted, care plans weren’t updatedand when things did go wrong the homedidn’t seem capable of takingappropriate action.”

The inspectors visited the home inresponse to concerns which were firstraised through the county council'sprocedures to safeguard people fromabuse. Since then CQC has been workingclosely with the council to ensure thesafety and wellbeing of the residents.

While there is no immediate risk to theexisting residents, the council has nowstopped new admissions to the home.

Residents at a Skelmersdale care home had a hoot when they were visited by ahost of feathered friends.Birch Green, which provides nursing and residential care for 74 people, played host to a visit from Wise Owl World, based in Barrow,Cumbria.Residents spent time getting up close and-personal with the three birds ontheir visit, which saw them perch on hands or shoulders.

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11CARINGNEWS

Pavilion planrecommendedfor refusalBy Louise Cordell

A WREXHAM care group’s plans tobuild an eco-friendly single-storeypavilion at its main site have beenrecommended for refusal.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Krefthas invited members of the countyborough council’s planning commit-tee to visit the site before reaching adecision.

He told Caring UK the idea for thepavilion came from a consultationwith the residents and their families,and will be a place they can visit at atime to suit them.

“We believe this is the first centre ofits type in Wales, and it doesn’t addanything to the business in terms ofexpansion,” Mario added. “It is pure-ly about well-being and trying to finda way to further enrich and fulfillpeople’s lives, to promote quality oflife.

“It’s an opportunity for them to gooutside the four walls where theylive, and is equally accessible to resi-dents in each of the different homes.

“We look after people with a wholerange of needs and essentially this isa community centre for them. Forsome of our residents, even gettinginto one of our mini-buses is aneffort.

“So, the ability to go with a familymember to another destinationwhere there will be therapy, theopportunity to have coffee or go to the cyber café seemed to be thetype of thing most people wouldwant.”

The new timber clad buildingwould have high insulation valuesand a flat roof to utilise solar heatingshould it be approved.

Mario added: “The pavilion wouldprovide people the opportunity to getout of their environment and have achange of scenery.

“In reality, it’s a relatively smallbuilding and people outside PendinePark won’t be aware of its existence.When it’s landscaped, you won’tknow it’s there.

“It is one of the most importantcare sites in Wales, and the onlylosers if the pavilion does not goahead will be the residents and theirfamilies.

Mario Kreft

Amanda Waring cuts the ribbon at Buckingham Lodge flanked by home manager KerrySmith and councillor Nigel Wilkin (left) and Priory Care Homes’ MD Sharon Butler and DrDan Nightingale (right)

ACTRESS, writer, director and pro-ducer Amanda Waring officiallyopened a care group’s newest homein Norfolk, which is expected to cre-ate up to 60 jobs.

Priory’s Buckingham Lodge inWatton can accommodate 70 resi-dents requiring nursing or dementianursing care. There is also a choice of

lounges and dining areas as well as asecure, enclosed landscaped garden.

The dementia house boasts the lat-est research into the condition,focussing on a person’s abilities.

All residents have access to careful-ly planned activities and a wide rangeof professionals including a hair-dresser, chiropodist, optician and GP.

Actress Amanda opens Norfolk home

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CARINGNEWS12

By Brenda Clayton

EVERYONE has an in-built need toparticipate in activity, and doing socan improve overall well-being andthereby quality of life.

Understanding residents’requirements is of paramountimportance, and a personal activityplan is essential, acting as aconstant reminder of theindividual’s needs, preferences andcapabilities of the client.

Finding out about the residents’likes/dislikes, background,previous jobs, family or thehobbies enjoyed before coming tothe home will give an indication ofappropriate activities, and thisshould be reflected in what isoffered.

While some may be happy toparticipate in social events, such asgroup sing-alongs, others mayprefer private, one-to-one sessionslike reading poetry – this, and allthe variations in-between, must becatered for.

It is vital to match the residents’abilities with a complementaryactivity – presenting something to

a resident they can no longer do orhave an interest in will leave bothresident and staff feelingdisillusioned, whereas offeringsomething they will findstimulating will have a positive anduplifting effect on both parties.

The general advice is to try andsatisfy five important componentsinto weekly event planning –incorporating physical, sensory,cognitive, emotional and socialbased activities.

The key to success is keepingcommunication channels open atall times – the activity coordinatormust thrive off resident interactionand must have the ability toquickly read a resident’s mood, andduly act upon it.

Offering flexibility is also reallyimportant as residents can changetheir minds about participation orinvolvement, depending on howthey are feeling. Voluntaryparticipation is also essential

For homes specialising indementia, recommendationsinclude: involving residents insimple games (using balls andballoons), dusting and rummaging

in reminiscence boxes (includingthings like lace, old danceprogrammes etc) to engage andstimulate the senses.

Nostalgia quizzes work really wellwhen questions relate to an erayou know will spark goodmemories with residents –something ascertained during theevent planning process.

This type of activity helpsstimulate the brain and, byworking in physical elements, suchas playing beanbag bowls, alsokeeps residents supple and active.

The most crucial aspect of anyactivity co-ordination is to knowthe person you are working withand 'rolling with their world'. Whatthey enjoyed many years ago maynot be what they enjoy now.

All groups – resident, carer andrelative – thrive from the positiveoutcomes brought about byactivities. Residents enjoy beingoffered a variety of events and gaina lot from voluntary socialinteraction and an increased senseof community within the home.For carers and relatives, residentsappear happier and more content

in their home and communicationis improved. � Brenda has been the activitiesco-ordinator at the CanfordHealthcare owned Barty House inKent for the last seven years.

Matching residents’ interests andabilities with activities is a must

Brenda Clayton

Centre of excellencewins major awardA NEW centre of excellence to lookafter people with dementia has wona major UK award and is in therunning for another.

The Bodlondeb centre at PendinePark in Wrexham, has been named asthe best new dementia care facility inBritain at the UK Over 50s HousingAwards.

The prize was presented toproprietor Mario Kreft during theceremony at London’s Methodist Hallin Westminster.

He said: “When we were designingBodlondeb, we took a great deal ofadvice, and we have tried to distillthe best ideas and best practice tocreate a new model of care.

“We believe it is not only innovativebut also affordable to families and

therefore sustainable to the broadercommunity in North East Wales.”

Bodlondeb has also beenshortlisted in the Pinders HealthcareDesign Awards, which will be held atLords Cricket Ground at the end ofMarch.

As a finalist, Pendine Park hasreceived £500 to give to a charity oftheir choice, which appropriately isthe Wrexham branch of theAlzheimer’s Society.

The £4m centre, officially openedby First Minister Carwyn Jones lastNovember, has been designed to lookafter 64 people with dementia whoneed day care, respite care orresidential services.

It is divided into eight small, family-like units.

Work begins on developmentTHE first sod was turned at aceremony to mark the start of workon a new £8.1m housingdevelopment for older people inBristol.

Representatives of Housing 21, thecity council, the Homes andCommunities Agency and theLeadbitter Group gathered togetherto celebrate the extra care scheme forover 55s in Stockwood, which willprovide 61 self-contained apartmentswith options to rent or buy on ashared ownership basis.

The development will also include ashop, restaurant and hairdressingsalon which will be open to membersof the local community.

Apartments at the new scheme,which has received £3.6m ininvestment from the Homes andCommunities Agency, will each havea fully fitted kitchen and walk-inshower with non-slip flooring to thekitchen and bathroom.

An on-site team will provide careand support, tailored to meetindividual needs.

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CARINGNEWS14

By Dominic MusgraveWORK has begun on a £5mredevelopment and refurbishment ofa Winchester care home which oncecomplete will more than double itsregistration.

The Leadbitter Group has beenappointed by Greensleeves HomesTrust to carry out the project at StCross Grange, which is expected tocreate approximately 30 new jobswhen it is completed in September2012.

The work involves replacing twoexisting extensions with a new unit,as well as bringing the existingbuilding up to date. All bedroomswill be en-suite.

Greensleeves chief executive KateJames said disruption to the currentresidents living there will be kept to aminimum. She added: “The carehome currently there is a typicalconverted building.

“It is a nice old house, but it iscausing us challenges for deliveringcare, particularly as residents movingthere have increased dependencies.Looking to the future it is in need ofdevelopment, and it is going to beparticularly costly because over the

years it has had two extensionsadded that have not been very goodand need to be pulled down andreplaced.

“The original building will still lookthe same from the outside, but theinside has been designed flexibly soat the moment half of the beds willbe for ‘ordinary’ care and the otherhalf for dementia, but that canchange.”

Planning for the work was initiallyrefused for several minor issues,which Kate said they could have dealt with had they known aboutthem.

She added: “We knew in advancethat we would have to move someresidents out, and the last thing wewanted to do was to move them outwithout prior warning.

“At another of our homes inWiltshire where we have just carried out a refurbishment the workhas become an issue ofentertainment.

“One resident made a photo recordof the progress of the building workso we will try and turn what could bea difficult and disruptive time intosomething fun.”

St Cross Grange

Residents setto double after£5m changes

Ceremony marks village relaunchMAYOR Peter Jordan OBE performeda special ceremony to relaunch anestablished retirement village inBoston.

The Minstrels has been renamedPark Place, while the two care homeson the site will now be known asElmwood House Nursing Home andThe Gardens Residential Home.

Retirement Villages acquired thesite, which has 28 independent livingapartments, a 47-bed residentialhome incorporating an 11-bedspecialist dementia suite and the 48-bed nursing home, three years ago.Since then an extensive programmeof refurbishment and redecorationhas taken place.

A WINCHESTER nursing homehas successfully trialled a new,non-pharmacological approachto reducing anxiety anddepression among its residents.

Westacre staff have found thatthe combination of personal twodimensional memorabilia such asphotographs, cards andcertificates playing on a DVD withan individual’s favourite musicused in conjunction withreminiscence therapy is a usefultool to tackle symptoms ofdementia.

Sylvia Morse-Carter, manager ofthe 50-bed Fernside Healthcarerun home, said: “The companycame into the home and, workingalongside both the residents andtheir families, created a DVD oftheir life story that we regularlyplay to them.

“A lot of our residents’ eyesightisn’t what it was, which meansthey struggle to see old

photographs. It was great to seethem watching the photos cometo life on the big screen, and I’msure it evoked a lot of happymemories. It is also nice for therelatives to keep a copy toremember their loved one once heor she has passed away.”

Anne Forrest, Memories UKfounder, came up with the ideaafter following the work of Bupa’shead of service development DanLocking.

She added: “To anybody who iscomputer literate Musical LifeStory Slideshows arecomparatively simple to organise,and perhaps the family couldcompile one before a futureresident enters a care home.

“It is very important that theyhave a positive feel, and that whatgoes on them will enable carers toinitiate conversations andunderstand the character of theclient.”

Home trials a newapproach to anxiety

SALLY Chilvers has been appointedthe new manager of a NeedhamMarket nursing home.

Before transferring to the ‘excellent’rated Barking Hall she was managerat another care home in the town,

Uvedale Hall, which is also ownedand managed by East Anglian careprovider Healthcare Homes.

Last year the home underwent anexpansion programme to increase itsnumber of residents to 49.

Manager appointed at nursing home

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CARINGNEWS16

Helping make somewherea true home for residentsSIMPLICARE offers far more thanjust the supply of rubber gloves orcleaning materials.

Though the physical environmentis very important there is more tomaking somewhere a true home for aresident.

Our catalogue includes a large range of sensory productsselected especially for the care homemarket.

They assist in making your clientslives more interesting and also assistsuch things as memory through theuse of sensory products.

“It is great that Simplicare haveproducts that really make adifference to the quality of life of carehone residents,” said operationsmanager Chris Sowerby.

“And we are constantly looking athow we can expand our range acrossall areas.”

Simplicare works with specialistsuppliers to tailor an offering thatmeets all the needs of the moderncare home industry, and allows youto choose all that you need from justone catalogue.

MOVING into a care home is animportant time, offering qualityservices and creating a homelyenvironment can help to make thistransition a smooth process forboth the resident and their family.Sky’s commitment to quality aimsto help you make a comfortableenvironment that will makeresidents feel more at home.

March is an exciting month forentertainment content, offeringtelevision programming for alltastes. The History channel’s‘Rome’s Lost Legion’ will initiatediscussion among factualentertainment lovers as it looks atthe fate of the Roman army’smissing Ninth Legion.

RSPCA Animal Rescue, a movingseries that follows dedicatedworkers as they endeavour to cometo the aid of animals in need fromSky Living It, and special UKeditions of the Dog Whisperer fromNat Geo Wild are sure to touchhearts.

Sports fans will gather incommunal areas to share theexcitement of the Cricket WorldCup, which sees one-day games inIndia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.March also brings the return of anew season for Premier LeagueDarts, featuring the top eight

players in the world, and live horseracing on At The Races showcasesthe Dubai World Cup, a headlineevent of the racing calendar.

Sky offers two packages to carehomes that are sure to meet theindividual entertainment needs ofresidents. The Sky Base packagehas a range of sports channels,music content, plus a variety ofentertainment channels includingcaptivating dramas andentertaining comedies from Sky 1and intriguing documentaries fromthe Bio and Discovery Channel.For the real sport enthusiastslooking to get more from the SkyBase package, why not subscribe tothe Sky Ultimate package whichalso includes additional sportingcontent on Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports4 and ESPN.

Sky is offering care homeswishing to take a subscription intheir communal areas introductoryprices of £90 per month/percommunal area (ex. VAT) for theSky Base package and £100 permonth/per communal area (ex.VAT) for the Sky Ultimate package.Both packages are available at afurther reduced price when takingSky content in-room, but this offeris only valid until March 31.

Sky in special March offer

Home to feature abest friends’ cafeSTEVENAGE MP StephenMcPartland performed a turf cutting ceremony to mark the startof a new care home for older peoplein the town.

The new facility is a partnershipproject between HertfordshireCounty Council and Quantum Care,and will replace the currentNewhaven care home.

It will open in the summer of 2012,and has been designed to care forolder people with a variety of short

and long term care needs.

The home is being constructed byGB Building Solutions Ltd and willhave specially designed living spaces for people with dementia, aswell as for those with physicaldisabilities.

It will also feature a best friends’café, which will enable peoplewithin the home, as well as the localcommunity, to enjoy coffee andcakes with friends.

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CARINGNEWS18

Carole marksdecade withcelebrationA CREWE care home manager's 10 yearsof hard work, success and innovationwere celebrated with a party for staff,residents, friends and family.

Carole Wardle has helped to make CareUK’s Station House nursing home, whichhas 69 residents, one of the best in thecountry, and her innovative andcompassionate approach to caremanagement has led to a string ofregional and national awards for thehome.

Last year she won the North West CareAward, impressing judges with hercommitment to developing care forresidents with dementia; staff membersKelly Harrison and Carol Clarke werefinalists in the regional care awards; andJamie Coppell won the Great British CareAwards’ best newcomer of the year.

Carole told Caring UK she was stunnedat her surprise party, where she receiveda presentation case for the home’sawards, along with champagne andflowers from staff and residents.

She said: “I was feeling emotional butwhen I was given a beautiful book of

memories of my time here, created bystaff and residents, I just burst into floodsof tears.

“I am lucky to have a great team. Wehave worked hard together to create ahome from home for the residents, aplace where they can really live their livesthe way they want to, enjoy theirfavourite activities and find newfriendships.

“I am so proud of everything we haveachieved together and I’m lookingforward to 10 more years and moretrophies in the lovely new cabinet.”

Carole is also north west training co-ordinator for Care UK’s Fulfilling Livesinitiative which helps staff across thecompany to explore how they can make areal difference to the lives of the peoplethey care for.

The home also won the company'snational award for its wide and variedactivities programme.� Is a member of staff at your care homecelebrating a landmark anniversary? LetDominic Musgrave know by emailingdm@whpl.net or telephone 01226 734407.

FOUR of a care group’s county training managers have beenaccredited by the Alzheimer’s Society.

Marion Grist, Cristina Pashmi, Dawn Sankey and Mark Turton, whowork for the Orders of St John Care Trust, received gold levelcertifications after successfully completing an assessment to becomeapproved trainers.

The accreditation allows each manager to deliver training to staffacross the Trust’s 73 homes using resources from the Society’s newEducation and Development training pathway, as well as being addedto the approved trainers database.

HR and training director Richard Durance said: “Recruitment andtraining is essential in enabling our staff to provide high quality,personalised care to those of our residents who have dementia, andas an organisation we have invested significantly in the continueddevelopment of our staff. Each home is assigned a dedicateddementia champion whose role it is to actively promote dementiacare within the home and to enrich the lives of the residents.”

County training managers Marion Grist, Cristina Pashmi, Dawn Sankey andMark Turton receive their certificates from HR and training director RichardDurance.

Four achieve accreditation

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19CARINGNEWS

TWO unlikely volunteers have been recognised for their workwith residents at two Oxfordshire care homes.

Sunny the spaniel, Tam, a seven-year-old Rottweiler and theirvolunteer owners each received an award for their dedication,enthusiasm and commitment to the care of elderly peoplefrom the Orders of St John Care Trust.

Sunny and her owner, Patrick Parry-Okeden, have both beenvolunteering at Marston Court since 1997, while Tam, previous-ly a rescue dog, and volunteer Mark Gregory started visitingresidents at Glebe House in Kidlington 18 months ago.

Both dogs have been assessed by a vet or a Pets As Therapyrepresentative to ensure they are friendly, have a good tem-perament and react well to strangers or sudden noises.

Activities and volunteers coordinator for the group in thecounty, Sharon Wheeler, said: “Having Sunny and Tam visit ourOxfordshire homes has been a fantastic comfort for the resi-dents, especially those who used to have pets themselves.

“It’s an important therapy for residents to have contact withanimals, especially those with dementia, as it stimulates con-versation and helps to recall past memories.”

More than 30 volunteers received awards at a ceremony tothank them for their commitment across the Trust’s 18Oxfordshire homes. A number of volunteers also received longservice awards for 10, 12 and 30 years’ service.

Patrick Parry-Okeden and his spaniel Sunny.

How Sunnybrightens lifefor residents

Care groupfined £150kafter Verais strangledby lap belt By Dominic Musgrave

A CARE group has been fined £150,000 following aprosecution by the Health and Safety Executiveafter a pensioner died at a nursing home inBirmingham.

Seventy-four-year-old Brigid O'Callaghan, knownas Vera, died after being strangled by a lap beltwhen she was left strapped in a wheelchairovernight.

Birmingham Crown Court heard that staff atBUPA Care Homes’ Amberley Court did not proper-ly check on Brigid on the night of October 27 2005,leaving her in a wheelchair in her room rather thanhelping her to bed.

She was discovered dead the next morning by amember of staff having slipped from the seat of thewheelchair to the floor, with the lap belt straparound her neck.

An HSE investigation into safety standards at thehome following her death found more than 15 fail-ings in her treatment.

Inspector Sarah Palfreyman said her death was a‘preventable tragedy caused by a shocking case ofmismanagement’.

She added: “The managers of this, and indeed allcare homes, have a duty of care for their residents.At the very least they should be making sure thatresidents are comfortable and safe at night, not leftin a wheelchair.

“There were some awful conditions for the elderlyresidents to live in and hazards that could easilyhave caused them serious injury.

“The home's managers were not given appropri-ate monitoring or supervision and as a result thestaff were not being properly trained or monitored.

“Working in a care home is a specialised job andit's vital that all employees have the correct trainingin place, which in this instance, they did not.”

The court heard that the home had failed to carryout a proper risk assessment and care plan forBrigid, did not communicate her needs to staff,failed to ensure she could call for help and did notmonitor whether night time checks were carriedout.

HSE inspectors also identified more than ten fur-ther potential hazards that put residents at risk,ranging from a cluttered corridor to dirty condi-tions.

The company was fined £150,000 in total andordered to pay £150,000 in costs after pleadingguilty to two breaches of Section 3(1) of the Healthand Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Restyle for dated hair salon in CumbriaA HOME for the blind in Cumbria is looking to trans-form its dated hair salon into a modern pamperingroom.

And Ostley House in Barrow in Furness is appealing tolocal businesses, residents’ families and friends to helpthem with donations of equipment as well as money.

The home’s administrator, Annmarie Taylor, said: “Thecurrent salon is very dated, with old fashioned hoodson stands, so we decided it was time to bring it up todate.

“We have a designer coming in to assess the room forus, and once he has let us know roughly how much itwill cost we will look to start fundraising.

“We already plan to have a raffle for Mothers’ Day andwill be hosting pampering sessions for families andfriends.”

� Are you planning to give a room or rooms at yourcare home a makeover? Let Dominic Musgrave know byemailing dm@whpl.net or call him on 01226 734407.

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CARINGNEWS20

By Tony Willson

EVERY care service has to train itspeople – fact.

However, is it done because it’swhat CQC demand or becausehaving well trained employeesenhances the quality of care – and therefore improves thebusiness?

In October we saw the newRegulations of the Health andSocial Care Act 2008 (RegulatedActivities) Regulations 2010.

CQC’s interpretation of it saysthat a service has to demonstratethat there are sufficient numbersof staff with the rightcompetencies, knowledge,qualifications, skills andexperience to meet the needs ofpeople who use services at alltimes.

It dropped both the minimumrequirement for NVQs/QCFs andmandatory training.

To identify what this means weneed to refer to the Skills for Care

‘Advice on Meeting CQCregulations’ where mandatorysubjects now come under ‘adviceand recommendations’ to ‘helpyou achieve this by highlightingkey areas of training anddevelopment that will help youassist your workforce in achievingthese goals.’

So this could be seen as a charterfor organisations to reducetraining if they can show that staffare competent but, if they do this, how might it affect theirbusiness?

I’m sure we have all been intosomewhere and have felt that thereis a ‘buzz’ present. What does thatdo for us? I know that when asalesperson in a shop takes aninterest in me, I will inevitably buymore.

In a situation where a service isto be provided and I feel thateveryone is motivated to give theirbest, my willingness to deal withthem is vastly increased.

In the care sector it is often a

service user, their relatives orrepresentatives of contractingauthorities who first come intocontact with the setting, and mostpeople can get a ‘feel’ for a servicewithin minutes.

If staff have not had training, ortraining is imposed upon them assomething that they must do, theymay feel that there is no interestbeing taken in their developmentand so they take no interest in theservice they give.

However, if training is seen assomeone investing in them, then itwill motivate them and they willgive better service.

So do the changes in theregulations mean that a serviceprovider can cut down the amountof training that they give theirstaff? In my view, the answer issimple – only if they wish to seetheir organisation stagnate, oreven fail.

� Tony Willson is managingdirector of Helmsman Services Ltdin Colchester.

What does trainingactually achieve?

Youngstersprove a big hitwith residentsTHERE was no hint of a generationgap when a Norfolk dementia carehome played host to a group ofyoung people from a communityproject.

Residents at Healthcare Homes’Claremont Lodge were visited three times by Right Directionmembers – pupils of Great Yarmouth High School who havebeen identified as needing extrasupport.

Acting manager Nicola Power saidthe youngsters were a big hit with theresidents.

She added: “The young peoplecame in to play bingo, participate incraft projects and do cake decoratingwith the residents.

“They also delivered a present toeach resident who was there on theirlast visit, which was very moving asthey had built up strong friendshipsby then.

“The residents really engaged in the sessions and were sad to see the youngsters go after-wards.

“Everyone involved has benefitedhugely and we hope we might be able to welcome back Right Direction again some time later thisyear.”

New addition to networkHOME-BASED care and supportprovider Carewatch Care Services Ltdhas acquired its largest franchiseoperation Graham Home Care.

This latest addition to its company-owned network of home carebusinesses further strengthens thepresence of the firm in GreaterLondon.

Operating in eight Londonboroughs plus Edinburgh, GrahamHome Care, founded by father anddaughter Ian and Sally Graham in1996, is the largest and mostestablished Carewatch franchisebusiness, delivering more than 13,000hours of care a week.

David Lyon, chief executive ofCarewatch, said: “Graham Home Carerepresents a significant step forward

in our delivery of high qualityservices to the population of GreaterLondon and Edinburgh.

“We aim to continue the work Sally,Ian and the team have put into thebusiness in order to maintain its highstandards and further build thecompany’s support network.”

The acquisition of Graham HomeCare boosts the presence ofCarewatch in Greater London, withoperations already established by thesupport provider in Ealing,Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow,Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea,Lambeth, Wandsworth andWestminster. Graham Home Careemploys more than 750 care workersto help service users with theirsupport needs.

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CARINGNEWS22

Group to bringin diabeteschampion forevery homeA CARE group has revealed theresults of a study it carried out intothe medical, psychological and socialneeds of people with diabetes livingin its care homes.

The Care UK study of 3,294residents living in its 57 homesnationwide found that the 14 percent of those with the disease arewell supported, and that staff lookingafter them are well equipped toidentify symptoms, treathypoglycaemia, provide good footcare, measure and monitor bloodglucose levels and administer insulin.

But, in preparation for the expectedincreased number of residents withthe condition in future, a personfrom each home will attend a courserun by Diabetes UK, and act as alocal champion.

Clinical quality manager MichaelRedman is also working with CareUK’s training and development teamto add a new module on diabetes tothe e-learning package that isavailable to all staff.

He said: “We believe the demandfor residential care will continue toincrease, particularly at the acute endof the spectrum where residents willincreasingly have complex ormultiple health issues.

“Future care will need to bespecialised and personalised to copewith conditions such as diabetes anddementia, and I want to make sureour service is well equipped toprovide excellent care in thesesituations.

“The way forward is to ensure allour staff in residential homes have

the expertise and experience tosupport people with diabetes andprovide them with high quality care,as well as equipping them with theknowledge and skills to identify thoseother residents who may be at risk.

“Good staff training and awarenesscan have a huge impact onimproving the quality of life forresidents by preventing thecomplications of diabetes as well asreducing costs to the NHS ofunplanned hospital admissions.”

Management and employees inmost of the homes also reported tothe audit team that they felt wellsupported locally by GPs anddiabetic nurse specialists.

The study is part of an annualprogramme of auditing exercisesorganised by the company’s care andclinical governance team.

Michael Redman

Pupils drafted in to helpchoose home nameEDINBURGH school children are being tasked with drawing uppotential names for the city’slatest state-of-the-art care home.

The £8m facility, being built onthe site of the former Kings Inch Special School in the south ofthe city, is due to officially openlater this year, and will be thefourth new home to becommissioned by the city councilsince 2007.

Residents and staff from twocurrent care homes, BalmwellHouse and Craigour, will move to

the new building in the spring.

Pupils from Liberton PrimarySchool, which is next to the newhome, have been tasked to comeup with potential names whichwill be shortlisted.

Voting slips will then be issued toboth residents and staff from thetwo homes and the child with themost popular name will be thewinner.

GRAHAM Construction, who are building the care home,will also be donating £100 worth of book tokens to theschool.

22 15/2/11 16:33 Page 1

23

Caring UK Commercesection brings you all the latest property,business and trainingnews every month.

In this issue:

� How Miriam’s‘little’ businessflourishedPage 24

� Call to cut VATfor providersPage 25

� Contracts – timefor a spring clean?Page 26

� Family duo setfor investmentPage 27

Care providers criticiseplans to raise feesA GROUP of care providers have criti-cised the inspectorate’s plans to raise thefees they pay for registration as unfairand poor value.

The Care Providers Alliance, whichrepresents all the major nationalprovider bodies, said the £5.4m rise inoverall fee levels from April 2011 wasunjustified based on the level of servicethe CQC is offering.

The regulator issued the plans lastOctober, and they are designed toincrease the share of CQC's regulatorycosts borne by fees from 56 per cent to67 per cent.

Miranda Wixon, chair of the CareProviders Alliance, said: “Our membersare experiencing delays in registration ofmanagers, new services and variations,

and as a sector we feel communicationwith us is poor.

“Yet CQC are proposing considerablefee increases for some providers whichmeans they will be paying more for whatis, in effect, a reduced service which isnot working well.”

In its response to the proposals theAlliance calculated that residential carehomes with over 61 beds will see theirfees increase by 81 per cent.

The CQC plans to divide providers intobands to calculate their fee rate; cur-rently care home providers have theirfees worked based on the number ofbeds they provide.

The Alliance, whose members includerepresentatives from ECCA, the NCA,RNHA and UKHCA, said there was no

justification for this, and it would disin-centivise providers to expand into thenext band up as they would face largefinancial penalties for doing so.

Launching the proposals last October,CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower said:"We do not underestimate the impacton providers of paying fees, especially inthe current economic climate. We havelooked carefully at our costs and willcontinue to do so.

“We have a responsibility to collectfees from those we regulate and todemonstrate we are an efficient andeffective regulator.”� What do you think of the proposedfees rise? Let Dominic Musgrave knowby emailing dm@whpl.net or telephone01226 734407.

Bank of Ireland has provideddevelopment funding to con-struct and operate a 78-bedcare home in Nottingham,which will house nursing,dementia and residentialunits.The care home is to be devel-oped by Prestige Leisure(North East) Ltd, whose officesare based in Stockton on Teesand have a range of similarcare home developmentsacross the country.

Bank loan brings expansion and new staffA CARE home near Barnsley isexpanding and taking on new staff following a change of owner-ship, funded by a £1.1 millionEuropean Investment Bank loan,provided through Lloyds TSBCommercial.

Thornhill House, on ChurchStreet, Darfield was acquired lastyear by Huddersfield-based StrongLife Care.

Former financial services workerHarpreet Banwait, who launchedStrong Life Care to buy ThornhillHouse and other care homes, said:“When we first took over the run-

ning of Thornhill House, we didn’twant to make too many changestoo soon, as we were concernedthis would unsettle the residentsand the employees.

“Now, after a successful initialperiod, we are looking forward toexpanding the services offered bythe home, and the building itselfwith the addition of the new daycare centre and elderly mentallyinfirm facility.

“We have ambitious plans forThornhill House, and when wehave completed those we will even-tually look for future acquisition

opportunities, initially in the northwest of England but then potential-ly into the rest of the UK and possi-bly Europe.”

Strong Life Care has alreadyrecruited four new staff, added two new bedrooms and introducedshort term respite care in addition to the long term residential care the home has tradi-tionally offered.

It now plans to recruit five morestaff and add a further three bed-rooms.

Graham Scott, senior healthcare

banking consultant for Lloyds TSBCommercial, said: “ThornhillHouse has been established in Darfield for a couple of decadesnow, and is a vital resource for elderly people in the area.

“The changes already made byHarpreet, and those in the pipeline,further strengthen the home’s offer-ing and will lead to increased ser-vices and capacity for care.Harpreet’s plans for the Strong LifeCare business are ambitious butachievable.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE24

MIRIAM Warner created Miracle Workers15 years ago to supplement her husband’sArmy pension.

A disagreement with the manager of thehomecare company where she workedprompted her to set up her own type ofcare business.

Miriam, a former cook who turns 70 thisyear, told Caring UK she never believed herbusiness, which provides carers to helpwith everything from shopping and mealpreparation to housework andcompanionship, would be so successful.

“I only set up the business because Iwanted to do something where I could stayat home and look after my husband,” sheadded. “I felt I could do better than thecompany I was working for at the time, butI went down the live-in care route becauseI felt it was easier to manage than drop-inas there was always a problem such asvehicles breaking down.

“I worked from my dining room table andonly had a computer and some paper andbrochures that I had done at first, and Isent them out to everybody I knew andwaited to hear.”

After two years Miriam had a client baseof 10, which she steadily grew to 18, and ifshe could not find a suitable carer for anindividual she did it herself.

It was only when she employed a caremanager that the company really took off,with the client base doubling in just sixmonths. Previous clients have included

Dame Barbara Castle and Sir JohnMortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey.

She added: “We moved to biggerpremises at Llanover in Monmouthshire 18months ago, and I now have between 110and 130 clients, a team of eight core staff,six assessors and a nationwide network of150 carers.

“In the past we have looked after people,usually British ex-pats, in Switzerland,Greece, France and Monaco, and my mottois that I will never say no to a requestunless it is absolutely impossible.

“I never believed we would be sosuccessful, and didn’t have money in mind.All I wanted to achieve was a goodsecretary’s wage so I could put bread andbutter on the table and go for a holiday ortwo each year.”

Despite her age, Miriam says she has noplans yet to retire, although she didappoint her three sons and brother to theboard when she made it a limitedcompany in preparation for when the timemay come.

She added: “As long as my health keepsup I will carry on working. The joy ofworking for yourself is that I can go onholiday when I need one or take a longweekend.

“We have received several substantialoffers to buy the business in the past, but Iam not interested in selling, and I hope myfamily carry on my work long after I havegone.”

A live-in care company whose founder expected to earn her no more than £500 per week isnow turning over almost £1.5m. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

How Miriam’s ‘little’business flourished

Miriam Warner

A LINCOLNSHIRE-based house builder and developmentcompany has launched a new ‘age exclusive’ development ina Cambridgeshire village.

Spinney House is located within an existing residential partof the Yaxley and consists of seven one-bedroom and seventwo-bedroom apartments that are all marketed for peopleover 55 years of age.

After beginning work on site last year, Larkfleet willcomplete the development by autumn 2011. The siteincludes many existing mature trees and the firm also plansto provide allotments and cycle storage with each apartment,within the grounds, for use by like-minded residents.

New ‘age exclusive’ site

Housing provider Anchorseeks sites to develop new‘villages’ in the south By Louise Cordell

RETIREMENT housing provider Anchor islooking for new sites across the south ofEngland to build 1,100 new homes during thenext four years.

The new schemes will be based on thecompany’s flagship Denham Garden Villageproject in Buckinghamshire.

The villages will typically house around 150people, and will contain a combination ofapartments or houses and a specialist carehome.

Chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “Withnearly one in five of us expected to reach 100,our ageing population provides realopportunities for forward-thinkingorganisations to develop groundbreaking

housing and care.

“In a tough economic climate it will alsoprovide a real boost to the jobs market.”

Anchor is working with Keith Cockell,who formed ECV Partnerships two yearsago to advise organisations on the carevillages market, on finding sites,design direction and developing the villageconcept.

The team is currently identifying sites across the south of England and the homecounties.

Keith added: “We share the visionthat the time has come to create exceptionalhomes and communities for older peoplein this country; communities that inspireand reward by giving a superb second phaseof life.”

24 15/2/11 16:34 Page 1

25CARINGCOMMERCE

THE Government is being urged toreduce the VAT rate to five per centfor social care providers.

Care Forum Wales says it wouldmake paying for care more affordablefor local authorities and the NHS –while helping to stimulate the econo-my at the same time.

According to the main organisationrepresenting the social care sector inWales, the latest 2.5 per cent hike onVAT to 20 per cent adds up to anunfair tax on vulnerable people.

Honorary chief executive MarioKreft said the Government shouldadjust the VAT rules at the nextBudget.

He added: “We believe theGovernment has missed the opportu-nity to be really progressive by stimu-lating the social care economy as wellas the wider economy.

“We are calling on the Governmentto make a special case for reducingVAT in relation to social care down tofive per cent.

“Reduced rates of VAT already existfor things like listed buildings – sure-ly caring for vulnerable people is

even more important.

“This would have the effect ofencouraging people to invest in capi-tal items. As things stand, VAT at 20per cent is a tax on care which makesit prohibitive; to improve quality.”

The idea has received the backingof chartered accountant PeterMcVeigh, a director at Wrexham-based Coxeys.

“As well as providing a much-need-ed fillip to the economy, this wouldalso be great news for the 500,000working in the sector and the 450,000who receive support,” he said. “Whilethe economy is in a particularly diffi-cult phase, there is an opportunityover a period of one or two years tooffer special dispensation to thesocial care sector to invest.

“It would kick start the economyand provide a boost for local com-munities, while at the same timeimproving social care in a more pro-gressive and enlightened way.

“The current situation is daftbecause it amounts to a tax on bettercare because these businesses cannotreclaim VAT in the way that mostpeople can.”

Call to cutVAT forproviders

Barchester Healthcare has received the keys to its newest care home in Basingstoke.Maureen McDonaugh, the newly appointed general manager of Marnel Lodge, acceptedthe keys to the 62-bed property from construction manager, Carl Martin. This is the firstdevelopment project Barchester has worked on with long-term design and build part-ners, Castleoak.

25 17/2/11 15:39 Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE26

By Keith Lewin

IT is perhaps difficult for people tomuster much enthusiasm to reviewcontractual documentation at anytime; perhaps it is even more difficultwhen in tough times when survival ofbusiness month-to-month isregarded as an achievement.

Contract review is inevitablythought of being of low priority; careproviders are no different.

It is, however, vitally important tokeep appraised as to recent changesin legislation, processes andprocedures (eg the new LocalGovernment Ombudsman Procedurefor investigating complaints) which,frequently, will call for subtle updatesin key arrangements, placementcontracts in particular.

However, this year more than ever,Brunswicks is encouraging all careproviders to engage in a throughcontract review.

Most providers have a heavyreliance on services beingcommissioned from them by localcouncils; we all know that the budgetreview process is now underway.

It seems that a message has beensent to many contract managers toput care providers under pressure toreduce fees; they say the cuts havehad a serious effect and the effectsneed to be passed on. Having madea bargain, sometimes many yearsearlier, does not entitle the council todemand price cuts, especially asthere may have been cuts or ‘frozen’fees for some years already. Thecouncil cannot insist on a feereduction. In fact the contractsdepartments are doing all sorts ofthings, visiting care providers toconduct ‘contract compliance’inspections, demanding all mannerof documents and date. Some ofwhich they are not entitled to.

So, careful and regular reviews ofcontractual documentation haveclear benefits because the they go tothe heart of the provider’srelationship with the council ascommissioner of services and thosedocuments govern, amongst otherthings, what the council can do –frequently, they do not have the legalentitlement to do what they claim is

their right.Courts and tribunals are reluctant

to determine that any specific termsshould be implied into any givencontract; they prefer the parties tothemselves to record, in clear terms,whatever their contractualarrangements are intended to be.

Those who seek to assert that therewas a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ on anygiven matter are unlikely to receivemuch sympathy from the courts –unless there is good evidence todemonstrate existence of theagreement and its principal terms.

Effective contractualdocumentation has clear commercialbenefits not least because itminimises exposure tomisunderstandings, complaints,disputes and litigation through thecourts. It also enhances the value ofall businesses.

If one intends to sell or dispose of abusiness the business will onlycommand ‘top dollar’ if it has all ofits contractual documentation inplace so that the acquirer can becertain of what is being bought.

Sound contracts also assist with thesmooth running of the business asthey create a regular and reliableincome stream. Again, this issomething which will enhance thecapital value of the care provider.

Good contract and documentmanagement go together and createa virtuous circle.

� Keith is a partner at Brunswicks LLPsolicitors.

Contracts – timefor a spring clean?

New luxury home tobring 70 new jobsA NEW luxury care home inGateshead is set to create over 70new jobs in the latest of a majorbrand roll out from a leadingNorth East care home provide.

Hadrian Healthcare’s The ManorHouse is the latest developmentof the group’s Manor House Livingbrand, which will see the £6mdevelopment open its doors nextmonth.

The 70-bed care home will host

a traditional-style newspaper andsweet shop, a fully equippedresidents’ bar, cinema room andballroom, a village cafe andlibrary; giving the feel of acommunity village. The ManorHouse will be managed by LizDixon, and will be the first of twonew care homes the group willopen this year, with plans forfurther three in the north ofEngland by the end of 2012.

Bigger HQ for operatorA STOCKPORT care home operatorhas moved to new, biggerheadquarters in the town.

Borough Care Ltd, which operates12 care homes throughout the region,is also growing the amount ofcommunity-based services it offers,and has bought the purpose-built

headquarters as it is closer toStockport's town centre and hasbetter transport links.

The company was advised on thepurchase, for an undisclosed sum, by property consultancy GVAand law firm Squire SandersHammonds.

New funding for Housing 21BARCLAYS Corporate has provided a£65m three-year revolving creditfacility for Housing 21.

The new funding will enable thecompany to carry out improvementsand developments of both existingand new housing schemes.

Glenn Sargent, relationship director

at Barclays Corporate, said: “Housing21 has a robust operational andfinancial model, and we wereimpressed with the management’sclear understanding of the industryand its appreciation of adapting to itschanging needs at this challengingtime.”

Tax reclaims forcommercial property

ownersCAPITAL allowances are among the most valuable andleast exploited methods of reducing property owners’income tax or corporation tax liabilities.

Capital allowances arise from capital expenditure onpurchasing or constructing a new property along

with extensions and refurbishments.We carry out retrospective, current year, and new

build capital allowance claims, both for individuals andcompanies in relation to commercial properties rightacross the commercial sector.

Most retrospective capital allowance claims that wehandle lead to a significant tax refund for the client. Wewill quickly identify the validity of a claim withoutobligation. If a claim does not proceed, there will be nofee.

We comprehensively survey the property which allowsus to identify any qualifying items that, for numerousreasons, have previously not been claimed.

Enquiries: Telephone 01246 293011 or visit www.salmon-business.com

26 15/2/11 16:35 Page 1

27CARINGCOMMERCE

KEITH and Adam Hutchison planto extend Edendale ResidentialHome in East Sussex over the nextyear, taking its registration from31 up to 42.

The £500,000 development ofthe previously ‘adequate’ ratedspecialist dementia care home inSt Leonards-on-Sea will see thejoining of two Victorian proper-ties, and will include a day centreand kitchen as well as the installa-tion of a new lift.

Adam, who joined the businesswhich trades as BelmontSandbanks and has two other carehomes in Kent two years ago, saidthe aim is to make it a flagshipfacility for the area.

He added: “We were activelylooking for a new site for a daycentre, but as time went on wethought it would be more effectiveif we bought an active care homewith a niche for dementia that wecould grow.

“We also looked to move out ofour current catchment areabecause Kent County Council iscutting a lot of funding.

“Many weren’t suitable and,although Edendale doesn’t have agood rating, that is mainly due tothe paperwork, which is some-thing we pride ourselves on andwe knew we could quickly makechanges.

“Although the day centre we arecreating on the ground floor willnot be profitable, we have foundat our other sites that it is effec-tive as a feeder, with 60 per centof our clients coming through it.When families have to decidewhere to put their relatives whenthe need arises, where else arethey going to put them?”

Adam says he wants to build thebusiness over the next few yearsso that it eventually has a portfo-lio of seven or eight, although headmits that in the current finan-cial climate this may not be possi-ble.

He added: “We went under theradar when we bought Edendalebecause in the past when we havebeen looking to buy three-starhomes we have been gazumpedby the larger groups.

“We would be looking at pur-chasing another care home on thesouth coast within a couple ofyears of the building work beingcompleted on this one, but timesdo change.

“We don’t want to move tooquickly, and down the line I wouldlove to build a home from scratch.I think the key is to keep residentsand their families involved duringthe building process so they feelpart of it as it is very people to putthem off.”

A father and son owned care group plan toinvest heavily in their latest acquisition.Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Family duoset for majorinvestment

27 15/2/11 16:35 Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE28

Poor knowledge iscosting agenciesclaim solicitorsPOOR knowledge of the system oflasting powers of attorney is leavingcare home and homecare agenciesout of pocket, solicitors claim.

Solicitors for the Elderly, a specialistassociation of lawyers, believe manypensioners seeking long-term careface delays and other problems,because banks have been refusing toaccept the authority of peopleregistered as LPA for a client, relativeor friend.

This, SFE members say, has led todelays in arranging and processingpayments for long-term care.

The SFE has compiled a list ofcommon problems along with theOffice of the Public Guardian and theLaw Society, and has met with theBritish Banking Association, Barclays,Northern Bank, Lloyds BankingGroup, RBS, HSBC and the BuildingSocieties Association to discuss theproblem.

Chris Horlick, managing directorfor long term care at Partnership,said representatives from the bankshave admitted there is a ‘lack ofknowledge' about LPA legislationamongst their staff.

He added: “It is important anyconfusion surrounding the rights of apower of attorney and theirrelationship with banks must be

resolved as a matter of urgency.“People with powers of attorney

typically are responsible for thefinancial affairs for most peopleentering into residential care. This isa stressful time for all members ofthe family at a time when peoplewith powers of attorney are seekingto make important decisions aboutwhich care home to place theirrelative in and how to fund their care.

"Any additional stress caused bydelays or failure to receive the rightlevel of service is an unwelcome andunnecessary additional burden forthem."

He said the lack of awarenessaround LPA has led to banksdemanding to see irrelevantdocuments or refusing to acceptothers, delays in obtaining passbooksand cheque books, inappropriatelylinking personal account details ofprofessional deputies with accountsof vulnerable clients, and banksissuing incorrect information to thepublic.

SFE has produced a letter for clientswho act as delegated decision-makers for friends or relatives, whichexplains different types of powersand authority and can be given tobanks.

MEDICARE Systems’ appointment ofDerek Gray (formerly Aid Call’stechnical director) as technicaldirector has sparked a developmentprogramme that MD Derek Timoneybelieves will result in the benchmarkfor all nurse-call systems.

“We have always taken the viewthat nurse call systems need to besimple to use and very robust andthat concept remains at the core ofour designs,” he said.

“However, the care industry ischanging rapidly and call systemsneed to keep pace with thosechanges.

“Care standards now place greatemphasis on recording informationto provide ‘duty of care’ evidence;however that evidence cansometimes highlight weaknesses instaff response and checking theresidents on a regular basis.

“We have addressed these issues bycreating an environment where carestaff can be automatically remindedto visit individual residents or evenall.”

Further, staffing may be different atnight than in the day, thereforeautomatically changing the zoning ofthe call system, or automaticadjustment of the volume to reducedisturbance will be useful features tomany care managers.

Private care facilities need to attractclients and the ‘institutional look’ ofmany call system panels, alongsidean intrusive, unpleasant tone can bedetrimental to the ‘feel’ of a carehome.

To overcome this we havedeveloped a panel that iscomplementary to the ambience ofthe home and when there are no callson the system the panels are discreetand in keeping with the decor.

There are many new features thatwill aid in the provision of care aswell as providing protection for caremanagers, staff and residents.

The initial launch of the system willbe on stand W85 at the BournemouthCare Show on March 29 and 30, andfurther developments will be addedduring the summer and autumn.

Advertiser’s announcement

‘The care industry is changingrapidly and call systems need tokeep pace with those changes’

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29CARINGNEWS

Tai Chi treat for residentsRESIDENTS at an Ullenhall carehome enjoyed a spot of exercise witha difference as they learned Tai Chitechniques.

Qualified instructor Jacqui Fishervisited Alpha Care Homes’ MockleyManor to show residents the possiblebenefits of the meditative exercise aspart of the group’s New Year ‘keepactive’ drive to help them stayhealthy and mobile.

The residents already take part inyoga and regular chair-based exercis-es to music, and recently tried outZumba, which is a mixture of Latinrhythms and easy-to-follow moves.

Activities co-ordinator Kerry Hant,

who is a qualified fitness instructorfor the elderly, said Tai Chi helps resi-dents develop strength, balance, pos-ture and calm.

She added: “Exercise is reallyimportant to our residents as it helps to keep them fit, mobile andwell.

“We hold regular exercise classes atMockley Manor, and try to introducenew ways of exercising as often aspossible to keep the sessions inter-esting.

“The Tai Chi sessions should be alittle bit different.

“Our residents should really benefitfrom the new exercises.”

Louise wins topaward fortraining projectA NURSE facilitator who implement-ed an innovative and bespoke inten-sive end of life care training pro-gramme in nursing homes through-out Torbay has received a top award.

Louise Davis from the care trust hasbeen awarded the prestigious title ofQueen’s Nurse, which is annuallyawarded to around 20 nurses nation-wide. It is given in recognition ofcommitment to improving standardsof care, learning, and leadership.

Louise, who is one of three Devonnurses to be honoured, has con-tributed to improvements in the endof life care skills and knowledge ofthe staff undertaking the pro-gramme, which has led to the devel-opment of new end of life careassessment tools.

She said the programme has playeda key role in ensuring seamless andequitable care for all patients at endof life regardless of their home set-ting.

“The scheme has looked at thelearning and educational needs with-in a care home with regards to end oflife care because the service a lot ofthese facilities are providing is

becoming increasingly complex,”Louise added. “Staff are now dealingwith this difficult subject on a day-to-day basis, and we are asking thehome and individual staff within it todo a portfolio of themselves basedaround several key areas.

“Feedback we have received has allbeen positive, with staff saying theyparticularly enjoy learning as a team.

“What we want the staff to be ableto do is to help the resident in theircare achieve a good death in theirown environment, surrounded bypeople who know them.

“Staff can have plans in place for upto a year to ensure a resident dieswith dignity.”

The project has been running for 18months, and Louise visits threehomes over a six-month period onceeach week. She says the training isalso also likely to stop unnecessaryhospital admissions.

Queen’s Nurses work at a nationallevel influencing policy and practicein primary care. Louise will collecther award at an official ceremony inLondon on 12th May 2011.

Louise Davis

29 15/2/11 16:36 Page 1

CARINGCARE SHOW PREVIEW30

WITH more than 160 exhibitors andthree seminar theatres packed withfree content, Care ShowBournemouth offers guidance andadvice to care professionals.

Catering for providers in the south and south west, the event takesplace at the BournemouthInternational Centre on March 29and 30, and provides an insight intothe latest developments in the caresector.

Informative free seminar sessionsaimed will take place throughout the show, with leading expertsdiscussing a wide range of industryissues including: compliance and legislation, training, finance and the effect on the care industry as a result of government proposals.

One of its three seminar theatreswill be dedicated to dementia care.

Produced in association withAlzheimer’s Society, the programmeoffers educational sessions exploringthe latest care techniques.

Topics covered include: the impactof good training, medication amongsufferers and the use of books and

pictures in dementia care.

Additional highlights include:

� MyBusiness seminar theatre –Offering guidance on a range oftopics such as legislative advice,funding issues and local authorityfees.

� Keynote seminar theatre –Presenting an inspiring selection ofseminars addressing the challengescurrently affecting care professionalsacross the UK.

� The Secret Garden brought to youby Living Leaves – Featuring livedemonstrations on how to build agarden that encourages engagementand interaction and illustrates howgarden therapy can be used withinyour care home.

Show willprovideinsight intonew developments ...

Informative free seminar sessions aimed willtake place throughout the show, with leadingexperts discussing a wide range of industryissues including: compliance and legislation,training, finance and the effect on the careindustry as a result of government proposals.

One of its three seminar theatres will bededicated to dementia care. Produced inassociation with Alzheimer’s Society,the programme offers educational sessions exploring the latest care techniques.

Knightsbridge’s portfolio for dementia care homes on displaySEATING, cabinets and tables designed specifically for the dementia care sector will feature on the Knightsbridge Furniture stand at the

Care Show Bournemouth in March.The stand will include examples of furniture supplied to the recently re-fitted Stonehouse Manor dementia care home in Dewsbury,

where the Knightsbridge approach attracted high praise from the staff involved. “Knightsbridge have been innovative, proficient andprofessional,’ said Bev Dyrlaga of Plus Care Homes. “It is wonderful to find a company who care about developing a range of furniture

which meets the needs of people with dementia, who listen to customers and who act on suggestions for improvement.”Central to the re-fit was the décor, and the Plus Care Homesteam turned to Knightsbridge, having been impressed by the

company’s expertise in designing seating, tables, bedroomstorage and occasional furniture specific to the needs of

dementia patients. Every room at Stonehouse Manor has been fitted out withfurniture from the Knightsbridge Care portfolio, including

the dining room, cafe and activity areas, the library, lounge and the foyer. Each bedroom has been equipped with a new-style package ofCaspia cabinets, plus chairs in sizes and styles to suit the needs of the residents, whilst the corridors feature Knightsbridge tub chairs and

occasional tables.Fundamental to the decision to consult Knightsbridge Furniture was the company’s innovative approach to care home furniture design.

Advocating the positive role which furniture can play in supporting the confidence and orientation of dementia patients, productdesigner Catherine Hawcroft trained alongside care professionals and clinicians to develop her ideas in line with the latest research into

person-centred dementia care.Enquiries: Visit stand W143 at the Care Show Bournemouth or telephone 01274 731442, email enquiries@knightsbridge-

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

30 15/2/11 16:41 Page 1

31CARINGCARE SHOW PREVIEW

Suppliers to the careindustry for over 40 yearsNATIONWIDE Nursing HomeSupplies has more than 40 years’ experience of providing con-tract furnishings to the care environ-ment.

The move away from institution-alised care environments to homes which provide attractive,homely, comfortable and safe surroundings is something mosthome owners cannot fail to havenoticed.

We carry one of the largest selec-tions of fabrics in the country, from

impervious contract fabrics in con-temporary colourways alongsideclassic designs.

Nationwide always has thousandsof Queen Anne chairs, dining chairs and beds in stock for immediate delivery, whether it be a single item or a full turnkey service.

We are proud of our quality and ser-vice, and we feel assured that ourprices are unbeatable, with savings ofup to over 40 per cent on new buildsand individual items.

FIRECO will be demonstrating its range of simple, effective fire safety solutions at the Care Show Bournemouth on stand W54.

These include new productsDorgard X, Deafgard X and Freedor –the unique, ergonomic solution for

holding fire doors open safely andlegally while improving access.

Fireco can also assist care homeowners and managers to meet their responsibilities for Fire Risk Assessment through the com-pany's training and consultancy ser-vices.

Fire safety solutionsto be demonstrated

Carpets that care BRITISH fibre bonded carpet manufacturer Heckmondwike FB

has been manufacturing and supplying the care industry for over40 years.

Its Care Range of tufted carpets, Pure Care and Total Care,boasts superior properties specific to the care industry and arecommonly used in bedrooms, where appearance and performanceare equally important to create a homely environment for resi-dents, but with superior durability, easy maintenance, acoustic andthermal properties.

Whereas heavy-traffic areas such as corridors and communalrooms are commonly carpeted with the Supacord and Montageproduct ranges.

The bespoke logo service and specialist entrance areas can cre-ate a great first impression to visitors, residents and staff and helpkeep the rest of the flooring clean and dry.

Heckmondwike FB will be exhibiting at the Care Show, standW102. Enquiries: For more information visit www.heckmondwike-

fb.co.uk Enquiries: For more information visitwww.heckmondwike-fb.co.uk

31 15/2/11 16:43 Page 1

32 fowler 15/2/11 13:58 Page 1

33CARINGNEWS

By Dominic Musgrave

INDEPENDENT care homes who won alandmark High Court victory may have toresort to a second court battle, it has beenclaimed.

They warn that local authorities are stillfailing to meet legal obligations in theaftermath of the case.

The judge ordered Pembrokeshire countycouncil to recalculate what it pays to pri-vately-run care homes supporting elderlyand vulnerable residents.

As a result, the council has increased thefees by £58 per person per week, from £390to £448, after a judge in Cardiff said theway they worked out fees in the countywere “unlawful”.

Mike Davies, a director of the four homeswhich took the legal action, said: “It is agood result and a positive step forward butwe now have to analyse our current situa-tion.

“For example, fuel and food costs havegone up considerably.

“I have spoken with other providers whoworked closely with the legal team andnone of us is flying the flag and saying thisis a fantastic result in terms of keeping our

homes going for the medium to long term.“The figure of £450 a week was the figure

the banks said homes needed to operate atbreak even back in April last year, and wethought the figure was nearer to £480 aweek.”

“If the way Pembrokeshire council haveset the fee at £448 is not in accord with theway the court wished, we would have toconsider a second judicial review.”

Barry Latham, policy advisor for CareForum Wales, said for many years he hasasked local authorities to take account ofcare homes’ legitimate costs when settingfee levels.

He added: “We will be looking closely atthe rationale used by the council in arrivingat its new fee levels to establish whetherthey have fully taken account the implica-tions of the judicial review judgement.

“We are, however, deeply concerned thatmany local authorities in Wales have settheir fee levels substantially lower thanPembrokeshire county council have con-sidered necessary in order to comply withtheir statutory duties and Welsh AssemblyGovernment’s commissioning guidance.”

THE head of Pembrokeshire county council claims thehigher fees it is going to pay around 30 care homes will costit an extra £1.5m this year.

Payment will be backdated to the beginning of the finan-cial year, and the council will also make an additional one-off payment to reflect the loss of interest which could havebeen earned if this fee had been originally paid from thestart of the financial year.

John Davies said as a result of the review only four othersin Wales now pay more.

He added: “This will inevitably result in a significant chal-lenge to the council in ensuring that it continues to meet itsstatutory obligations to vulnerable individuals who havebeen assessed as requiring support.”

Care home directors Mike Davies and Sue Mason

Home boss warnssecond legal battlemay be necessary

‘Higher fees will cost extra £1.5m’

Care homes recognisedfor end-of-life provisionTHE latest batch of care homes havebeen recognised for their end-of-lifecare provision.

Thirty seven of the 52 facilities thatapplied for the Gold StandardsFramework (GSF) in Care HomesTraining Programme were presentedwith Quality Hallmark awards to takethe overall total to 200.

The scheme aims to reduce thenumber of inappropriate hospitaladmissions and increase the num-bers of residents dying in their pre-ferred place, their care home, whiledelivering significant savings to theNHS at The awards were presentedby National Care Forum executivedirector Des Kelly.

He said: “Supporting people at theend-of-life has become an increas-ingly important role for staff in carehomes.

“The development of the GSF, andits use within care homes, has helpedto establish a nationally recognisedstandard for end of life care.

“The practical emphasis onimproved coordination supported byclear standards of quality assurance,underpinned by a programme oflearning and training ensures thebest outcomes for individuals – the GSF is beneficial in so manyways.

“And, in addition, it helps to make itpossible for people to choose thecare that best meets their needs inthe place of their preference.”

The National GSF Centre hasreceived the endorsement of theNational Skills Academy, in recogni-tion of the training and developmentit delivers in adult social care.

Home brought out of administrationA SHEFFIELD nursing home hasbeen brought out of administra-tion after it was purchased byCountry Court Care Homes.

The sale of the converted Grade 2listed Abbey Grange, an 87-bednursing home providing elderly,residential, nursing and dementiacare, was financed by SantanderCorporate Bank and backed byEuropean Investment Bank fund-

ing.Country Court Care, run by the

Kachra family, owns seven nursingand care homes and a domiciliaryservice in the South Lincolnshireand North Cambridgeshire area.

The home is currently beingmanaged by the company’s opera-tions manager Suria Webb, whohas been with the group for 12years.

33 15/2/11 16:43 Page 1

CARINGHOMECARE34

Extra £162mfundingwelcomedBy Dominic Musgrave

THE care sector has welcomed theDepartment of Health’sannouncement that an extra £162mis available to local health and careservices to spend on front lineservices.

The extra money this financial year will be spent on helping peopleto leave hospital more quickly, get settled back at home with thesupport they need, and to preventunnecessary admissions to hospital.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said the funding will bring forward the plans being put inplace by health and local authoritiesto work together using NHS funding to support social care, as announced in the spendingreview.

It will also enable local services torespond to pressures this winter.

Martin Green, chief executive ofECCA, said: “At a time when budgetsare under such great pressure,ministers are to be congratulated for ensuring that some of the money that has accrued fromefficiency savings will go into directservices.

“The independent sector provideshigh quality care and excellent value

for money and this extra resourceshould be going into the sectorwhich has a record of delivery forboth citizens and the Exchequer.”

The money has come from savingsthe Department of Health has madein its budget, and will be allocatedto Primary Care Trusts, for them totransfer to councils to spend onsocial care support.

Additional short-term residential,respite or intermediate care places or more capacity forhomecare support and investmentin telecare are some examples of what the money could be spenton.

Caroline Bernard, acting chiefexecutive at Counsel and Care,added: “This initiative highlights theimportance of health and social careworking closer together to ensurethat older people, who are after allthe biggest users of the NHS, areable to have a smooth transitionfrom hospital to home.

“We see this funding as crucial tothe delivery of the government’svision for social care, and as a keypart of the drive towards a fairer,more sustainable care system forolder people, their families andcarers.”

Special cafes to bein new £50k serviceA LEADING housing associationprovider has launched a new£50,000 service that will see a hostof special cafes set up across aWest Midlands borough tosupport people with dementia andtheir carers.

Accord will unite with otherorganisations in Sandwell to hostthe dementia cafes, which willbring people with dementia, their families and healthprofessionals together to providesupport to those affected by thecondition.

Health and wellbeing managerNicole Beeching said: “The greatthing about these cafes is thateveryone there has an awarenessof dementia so visitors don't haveto worry or feel embarrassed,instead they can relax in a friendly

and warm environment withpeople in similar positions tothemselves.

“This opportunity to socialise,and get help and support, is vitallyimportant to people withdementia and their carers as manyof them become socially isolatedand cut-off from theircommunities as a result of thecondition.”

A dedicated dementia café co-coordinator will be available ateach monthly two-hour session togive out information about localservices and signpost people towhere they can find help andadvice.

The dementia style café wasoriginally pioneered by clinicalpsychologist Dr Bère Miesen inthe Netherlands in 1997.

34 15/2/11 16:44 Page 1

35CARINGHOMECARE

Retirement village companycomes out top on websiteBy Dominic Musgrave

RETIREMENT Villages Ltd’s sitesclaimed six of the top seven placeson an independent website whichrates the best places to retire.

Cedars Village in Hertfordshire tookthe top spot on the list compiled bybestretirementdestinations.com with a 100 per cent score, withRoseland Parc in Truro just behind in

second. The company’s Castle Villagein Hertfordshire was third, withThamesfield in Oxfordshire fourth,Elmbridge in Cranleigh fifth and Lime Tree in Warwickshire sev-enth.

Retirement Villages’ sales and mar-keting director Sarah Burgess said:“As the population ages, the livingoptions in retirement are expandingand the market is getting more com-

petitive. In these conditions, we arevery proud to have held onto the topfive places.

“Our aim is to provide the very bestin retirement living for our residentsin some of the country’s most stun-ning settings. Our position in this listis testament to the fact we deliver onour promises.”

Each community was reviewed

against a list of criteria which included residential options, visualappeal, recreational activities, social networking, and safety andsecurity. The overall experience forresidents was also taken intoaccount.

Richmond’s sites completed the top10, with Painswick in sixth, LetcombeRegis in eighth, Northampton ninthand Nantwich 10th.

CHARLES Folkes was named franchise ownerof the year at Caremark’s annual conference.

The managing director of the Redcar andCleveland franchise was presented with hisaward by the company’s CEO Kevin Lewis andnational operations director Sean Cragg.

It was presented in recognition of the growthof his business, standards of care delivery,adherence to the Caremark process and sys-tem and also acknowledged the qualities of abusiness leader.

The conference, which was entitled‘Excellence through leadership’, was held at theBelfry Hotel in Birmingham.Pictured: Charles and his wife Julie at the awards

Charles takes awardat conference

35 15/2/11 16:44 Page 1

36 Required Systems 15/2/11 13:58 Page 1

37CARINGNEWS

RESIDENTS from New MiltonHouse joined forces with primaryschool pupils to learn how to playthe African drums in a series ofworkshops arranged by MbollouMusic.

Funded by the Co-operative andCheshire east council, the inter-generational project at the CLSowned 39-bed facility aimed tointegrate people of different agesand ethnic backgrounds, whilealso promoting awareness andappreciation of traditional Africantribal music and culture.

The assembled group of residentsand pupils from Excalibur, withages ranging from seven to 95,enjoyed weekly drumming lessons,

with Mbollou members providingtraditional clothing to wear as theypractised their percussion skills.

They also taught the group theart of African beadwork to makecolourful jewellery and bracelets.

Manager Julie Lawrence said thesessions have proved so successfulthe home is hoping to purchase itsown set of drums to enable thosetaking part in the project to con-tinue with their new hobby.

She added: “We were delighted toget involved with the project whenwe were approached by Mbolloubecause many younger peopledon’t have grandparents so havenever really had much contact

with elderly people.

“It is important to build up thatrespect and share knowledge, andfor our residents it gave them theopportunity to experience some-thing new. I would definitely rec-ommend a project like this toother homes.

“Also, a number of researchershave confirmed the benefits ofusing musical activities as a formof therapy for people living in aresidential care setting.”

Julie said the project was alsobeneficial for those residents withdementia.

“Our residents with dementiareally enjoyed the project because

they relate better when they don’thave to struggle to communicate,”she added. “We had run eventswith the schoolchildren previously,but this has definitely brought thetwo closer together, and I’m surewe will look to doing somethingagain in future.

“Our activities co-ordinatorswould like to incorporate eventslike this into their programmes,and we plan to do a bit offundraising to purchase a set ofdrums in future.”

� Have you forged close links withyour local schools? Let DominicMusgrave know by ringing 01226734407 or email dm@whpl.net

New Milton House resident Ernest Hansell showcases his drumming talent with teacher Sheikh Nije and two pupils of Excalibur Primary School

A Cheshire care home has demonstrated how the power of music can unite not only different generations, but also people from different cultures. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Drumming bridgesthe generation gap

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CARINGDEMENTIA CARE38

Quick fix for labelling clothesATTACH-A-TAG is a simple, costeffective method of labelling clothingand soft objects, and is an ideal wayto quickly label short term andrespite residents’ clothing, as well asnormal laundry.

Replicating a button, it attaches inseconds to the garment seam orlaundry label, making it discreet andcomfortable to the wearer. Thepatented design is easy to attach butdifficult to remove, and cannot be

taken off by accident or come offduring the laundry process.

Each tag has the owner’s nameetched onto it, which is guaranteednot to wear off in the wash. Thiscombined with the unique fixingmethod of Attach-a-Tag means theowner is identified every time.

Suitable for industrial laundry andiron proof, it is reusable, making iteven more cost effective for your carehome.

FORMER Manchester United andNorthern Ireland footballer NormanWhiteside returned to his roots toofficially open the Priory’s latest carehome in the country, Cairnmartin.

The purpose-built Belfast facilityboasts 62 beds for residents needingnursing or dementia nursing care.

The group already operates BenMadigan care home in Newtonabbeyand Bannview House in CountyDown, and has plans for at least 17homes in Northern Ireland by theend of 2012, providing around 1200beds, 1,000 jobs and representing aninvestment of £50m.

Norman Whiteside signs a Northern Ireland football shirt at the opening of Cairnmartinalongside Sharon Butler, managing director of Priory Group’s care homes division.

Former footballer openslatest Priory care home

Staff createown projects aspart of trainingBy Dominic MusgraveA DEMENTIA training programmewhich involves staff creating theirown project has proved to be a big hitat a London care home.

Appletree Court, Edgware managerPatricia Waldron devised theAlzheimer’s Society accredited‘Tomorrow is another day’ schemeafter she completed the DementiaCare Matters course run by DavidSheard.

Ten staff including the chef andadministrator as well as carersattended several on-site training days over the year run by specialist consultant trainer AnneMcKensie, and at the end they sat anexam.

Patricia told Caring UK the staffcame up with a variety of ideas ofways they could enhance theexperience of the residents.

She added: “Each participantdecided on an individual project,and this formed part of their coursework.

“In between the study days theteam did a lot of practical work, and they got a real sense ofachievement seeing their projectcome to life.

“One member of staff turned part ofthe hairdressing salon into a nail barand was offering manicures andother treatments, and another took a

group of residents to the laundryroom where they were doing their own ironing under super-vision.

“One of the carers came up with a1950’s musical area and, for thoseresidents who are bed bound, focalpoints were created in their ownrooms. We also held activities in theevening such as pizza and cinemaand a drinks trolley.”

Ten more staff have been chosen totake part in the training programmethis year, and Patricia said she hasnoticed a big improvement inresidents’ behaviour since it wasimplemented.

She added: “We do so much in theday that most of the residents aresleeping a lot better at night time,and we no longer have to sedatethem.

“The relationship between the staff, residents and their relatives hasimproved because they have learned a wealth of knowledge about the individual, which allowsthem to get into their dementia‘bubble’.

“Families and friends have lovedgetting involved.”

This year’s projects include thecreation of a 1950s sitting room, alibrary reading area and a bar whereresidents can go and have a drink inthe evening.

THIS year 156 care and nursing homes across the country took part in Time for a Cuppa day.The event is an annual awareness raising and fundraising initiative from the national charity Dementia

UK, and takes place on the first Monday in February.We ask professionals, supporters

and carers to Take Time Out and hostan event, which is as simple as one,two, tea.

Zoe Fairbairn said: “We had anabsolutely fantastic day today at our' time for a cuppa' day at AshleighManor in Plympton.

“We had three musicalentertainers donate their services forfree, fantastic support from the staff,residents and families. We had cakes,hands of hope cookies andquiches…and it was the perfect day.”

Enquiries: To register yourhome’s interest for 2012, email

us attimeforacuppa@dementiauk.org with your contact details. For further information and

inspiration visit www.timeforacuppa.org.uk

Time for a Cuppa day in aid of Dementia UK

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39CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

‘More moneyis neededfor training’DEMENTIA services and trainingrequire further investment, the headof a specialist live-in care agency hasclaimed.

The call by Nicola Warner, manag-ing director of Christies Care, followsthe publication of a report by theAlzheimer's Society which says50,000 people with the condition willbe forced into care homes early as aresult of substandard care.

Research undertaken by the Societyhas shown that 50 per cent of peoplewith dementia are not getting thecare and support they need, withmore than half of all carers statingthey feel they have not had enoughsupport and guidance to fulfil theircaring role.

A further one in 10 carers has alsoadmitted that poor care has resultedin unnecessary hospital admissions.

Nicola said: “Over the past fewyears we have worked closely withThe Alzheimer's Society to developcomprehensive training for all of ourcarers working with people sufferingfrom dementia.

“We know that comprehensive carecan only be provided by fully trainedcarers, and we would support anyinitiative which would provide fur-ther investment into dementia ser-vices and training.

“We strongly believe that furtherinvestment into dementia servicesand training is needed. In today'sageing society the number of peoplesuffering from dementia-related con-ditions will continue to rise, so it isimportant that we act now, to easethe growing burden on local authori-ties and the NHS.”

In the report, The Alzheimer'sSociety has spoken of the desire of

many dementia sufferers to remainliving at home in comfortable, famil-iar surroundings, with 83 per cent ofcarers stating that living at home isvery important to the individual.

Nicola added: “With the right helpand support, staying at home is anideal choice for those with dementia-related illnesses.

“Research has shown that familiarsurroundings can help ease the con-dition and it is vital that people areaware that this is a genuine option,which can be a cost-effective alterna-tive to many care homes.”

Christies has more than 70 clientswith various stages of dementia relat-ed illnesses, who live in their ownhomes and have a carer 24 hours ofthe day.

Nicola Warner

RESIDENTS with dementia in SouthStaffordshire Housing Association’ssupported living schemes are toreceive additional support from localcare provider Care Plus thanks to theappointment of two communitymental health specialists.

Community mental health nursePat Leahy and support worker CarolRobotham have joined the team atthe company, which was launched inJune, thanks to the successful appli-cation for a grant from the countycouncil as part of its SupportingPeople Innovation Scheme (SPINS).

Care Plus head Jo Grainger said:“South Staffordshire is a region whichhas the fastest growing elderly popu-lation in the UK, and the appoint-ment of both Pat and Carol is a sig-nificant and essential boost.

“The funding is crucial to us to continue our programme of help and support to not only residentswho want to live independently and have a good quality of life but, also provides peace of mind tofamilies knowing that their lovedones are being cared for by specialistcarers.”

Pat Leahy and Carol Robotham

New members join team

Partnership looks toestablish blue printTHE UK's largest Jewish care homehas joined forces with the interna-tionally recognised BradfordDementia Group centre for excel-lence to establish a blue print forcare provision for its residents withthe condition.

The new partnership will not onlymean that Nightingale can add totheir provision of care, but also thatthe two organisations can jointly setguidelines for dementia care acrossthe country.

The South West London home willwork with Bradford Dementia Groupover the next two years to create amodel and service design for olderpeople living in care homes.

Paul Edwards, head of training andpractice development at BradfordDementia Group, said the model will

challenge the current provision andlead and inform the sector in whatexcellence in care should look like infuture.

He added: “This project will trans-form care services for people withdementia and provide a blueprint ofhow we can develop, deliver andevaluate a model of excellence indementia care.

“Both organisations are united inthe belief that we can make a differ-ence to the lives of people withdementia and those who care forthem.

“This is an exciting venture that willbenefit the lives of people withdementia and those who care forthem at Nightingale, and will raisethe bar in what we can expect of careorganisations in the field.”

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CARINGNEWS42

Lady Gass cuts the 20th anniversary cake with Somerset Care chief executiveAndrew Larpent OBE and group chairman Barrie Dale.

Care group parties tocelebrate 20th birthdayTHE Somerset Care Groupmarked its 20th anniversary witha party for current and formermanagers, commissioners andother invited guests.

Attendees included Lady Gass,Lord lieutenant of Somerset,councilor John Edney, chairmanof Somerset county council andcaptain Mike Moreland, thecompany's first chairman.

During the event chiefexecutive Andrew Larpent OBEconducted Skype sessions withfour of the organisation’s 31homes, culminating in a chorusof ‘Happy Birthday’ to residentHannah Valentine, whocelebrated her century on thesame day at Pulsford Lodge inWiveliscombe.

He said: “Our first two decadesas a modern social and publicservice enterprise have provedbeyond doubt the success andthe potential of our businessmodel and, despite the economicpressures facing all providers ofpublic services, we have everyreason to look ahead withconfidence.”

The Taunton-based companyoperates 27 care homes inSomerset and Gloucestershire,which provide residential andnursing care for more than 1,400residents. The group's homecareservice provides more than45,000 hours of community careevery week to people in theirown homes in 15 local authorityareas.

Home ownersstruggling tocope in TorbayBy Dominic Musgrave

FUNDING for care and residentialhomes in Torbay is falling behind andowners are struggling to cope, claimsthe town’s care association.

The Torbay Quality Care Forum hasraised concerns that the fees paid bythe town’s Care Trust do not enablethem to meet the rising costs ofminimum wages, energy, food,repairs, medication and utilities.Together these account for aroundtwo thirds of a care home's operatingcosts.

Recent increases in fees have failedto keep up with inflation, with anincrease of just one per cent last yearand the same proposed for next year.

Claire Hunter from the Care Forumsaid Torbay is one of the lowest feepaying authorities in the South Westfor both nursing and residentialhomes. Five years ago it was mid-table. She added: “The everincreasing drive for quality is counterto a cost saving environment. Whataspects of care service quality shouldgive, in order to operate withinfunding constraints?

“As most good homes will have amixture of public and privatelyfunded clients who pay far higherfees, public fees are well below thetrue cost of care.

“Without private fee payerssubsidising public fees good andexcellent homes would close.”

Claire criticised the trust’s proposedbudget of £40.3m next yearcompared with £42.2m this, addingthat residential care is a substantialcontributor to the local economy,with over 80 per cent of fee incomebeing spent on staff wages andlocally sourced products andservices.

She added: “Although in the shortterm a reduction in bed capacitymight seem desirable, demographictrends suggest that demand forresidential and nursing care willincrease substantially.

“A loss of supply now will meanshortages and high prices in thefuture. The trust’s budget reports onthe implications of the provisionalspending target cites a 13 per centincrease in the over 65 populationover the next five years.”

Company gets go-aheadfor redevelopmentHUNTER Healthcare Property hasbeen granted planning permissionto redevelop its Trinity LodgeNursing Home in Edinburgh.

The site was acquired in 2006 and aplanning application was lodged lastNovember to fully redevelop it, inpart behind existing facades, toincrease the number of bedroomsfrom 24 to 60.

Iain Leheny, of Hunter PropertyFund Management, who manage the

home, said the existing site is nolonger fit for purpose.

He added: “When construction iscomplete we will have created thebest care home in Edinburgh, andthe number of jobs, both full timeand part-time, is likely to nearlydouble to 90.”

The firm is seeking a partner todevelop and operate the new home,and work is likely to start later thisyear.

New guidelines on dehydration launchedNEW guidelines have been releasedto help those who work in carehomes tackle the problem ofdehydration and malnutrition.

The NACC has worked with localauthorities to develop aninformation sheet helping those who work in the care catering sector spot the signs before it is toolate.

The launch follows a reportreleased by the Office of NationalStatistics which found that 650 carehome residents in England and Walesdied of dehydration between 2005and 2009, with 157 dying of

malnutrition in the same period.

NACC chairman Derek Johnsonsaid approximately 40 per cent ofelderly people arrive at hospitals andcare homes already malnourished forvarious reasons.

He added: “Many older people haveto rely on those working in ourindustry to provide proper care andwe must make sure everyone strivesto provide them with the care theydeserve

“We hope they will act as achecklist, enabling all those workingin the sector to spot the warningsigns of malnutrition and/or

dehydration in older people at theearliest opportunity. Investing in thecare catering sector rather thancutting these services will actuallyhelp save money in the long termand reduce the number of elderlypeople transferred to hospitals andcare homes.”

The new advice will be issued bythe NACC through its members, andis available to all staff working in thesector via the website.

Topics covered include:

� What is malnutrition?

� Who is at high risk of malnutrition?

� Spotting the signs and symptoms

� How to improve access to food

� What is dehydration?

� Who is at high risk of dehydration?

� Spotting the signs of dehydration

� What to do if you are concerned

A recent report published by theNACC ‘Personalisation, Nutrition andthe Role of Community Meals’identified people working in the carecatering sector as being in an idealposition to monitor the health of theelderly and encourage them to eatwell, lowering the risk ofmalnutrition.

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CARINGNEWS44

RESIDENTS at a Durham care homeare now enjoying a variety oftreatments including full body andIndian head massages.

Bowburn Care Centre managerKeith Garside decided to transforman indoor gardening room into abeauty therapy facility after thevoluntary services of Sonia Carlin,daughter-in-law of one of theresidents, proved so popular.

Keith told Caring UK the home hasemployed qualified beautician Soniain an activities co-ordinator’s role.

He added: “Sonia first started goingaround the residents offeringmanicures and other simpletreatments, but she has proved sopopular that we decided to take heron and have given her a room.

“She has transformed this into ahealth spa, and there is a lovelyatmosphere in there as she hasdecorated it to create a very relaxingenvironment.

“Her services have proved sopopular that she is fully booked fivedays a week between 9am and 5pm,and all the money she takes goes intothe residents’ fund.”

As well as providing a relaxingatmosphere around the Guardiancare owned home, Keith said he has

noticed a big change in many of theresidents.

“The residents love going downthere and come out feeling a milliondollars,” he added. “We have a 94-year-old gentleman who regularlygoes for a head massage, while a 90-year-old woman who rarely left herroom is down there twice a weekhaving things done.

“Before the room opened we had a

very good relationship with theresidents’ relatives, but this has beenenhanced even more, and they arealso using Sonia’s services eitherbefore they leave or together withtheir loved one.

“It gives them a change of scenery,and adds another purpose to thevisit.”

Further developments ongoing atthe 65-bed home include the

creation of a shop stocking a varietyof goods for the residents topurchase, and a pet therapy room.

Keith added: “Out gardener hasbuilt a mobile pen so staff can takethe guinea pigs to visit thoseresidents who cannot get out of bed,and he is now creating a dedicatedroom to house the hamsters,terrapins and fish we have here.”

Sonia spreads massageto Durham residents

Sonia Carlin treats carer Melissa Hann

TWO Somerset care assistants whosewhistle-blowing led to a nursinghome manager being jailed for manslaughter have beenpresented with awards for theircourage.

Sarah Barnett and Kathleen Sladeresigned from jobs at Parkfieldsresidential home, at Butleigh, nearGlastonbury, after becomingconcerned about how Rachel Bakerwas caring for residents.

They reported their fears to the

Commission for Social CareInspection, and following a lengthypolice investigation, Rachel was jailed for 10 years formanslaughter, possession of Class Aand C controlled drugs andattempting to pervert the cause ofjustice.

The pair were presented withWaley-Cohen awards during aceremony at Avon and Somersetpolice headquarters.

Kathleen Slade and Sarah Barnett

Whistle-blowing assistantsawarded for their bravery

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CARINGNEWS46

By Dominic Musgrave

THE distraught family of a 96-year-old woman who died in adeliberate fire at a care home inLancashire last year have spokenfor the first time.

Officers were called to theCleveleys Park Rest Home ataround 6pm on October 18. Sixpeople were taken to hospital, butEdith Stuart died from herinjuries the following day.

Police have revealed how Edith’sbed was purposely set on fire asshe lay in it.

Daughter Shirley Fish said:

“They set fire to mum’s bed andwalked away, leaving her there – itmust have been so frightening.She must have been terrified.These are the thoughts which gothrough our minds.

“I would beg that person to givethemselves up. It would help all ofus. It will never go away, thattrauma will always be therebecause it’s happened.”

A 29-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl both from Cleveleyswere arrested on suspicion ofattempted murder but laterreleased with no charge.

Det Ch Insp Andrea Barrow, who

is leading the investigation,added: “The murder investigationinto the death of Edith Stuart isstill very much on-going, wecontinue to work on a number oflines of enquiry.

“This is a difficult investigationin which a fire was deliberatelystarted within a small rest home,but there are people out therethat will know what happenedthat night, and the person orpersons responsible for Edith’sdeath. I would urge anyone withany piece of information thatcould assist us to please comeforward for the sake of Edith’sfamily.”Edith Stuart

Fire death familyin appeal to killer

Firm secures £16.9m contractGB BUILDING Solutions has won a£16.9m contract to build a new carehome in Surrey that will featureground source heat pumps,photovoltaic cells and sedam roofing.

The 117-bed Anchor development,known as West Hall, will comprise ofthree cluster buildings set inlandscaped gardens and containingindividual bedroom suites and a

shared living and dining space. The communal areas in each

cluster will help foster a realcommunity feel, and an existingbuilding on the site will be convertedto create a central ‘heart’ facility toprovide reception, dining room andhair salon. The work started on site atthe beginning of January and isexpected to take 68 weeks.

THE hard work of staff from 23 ofShaw Healthcare’s care homes in theMidlands was recognised at anawards ceremony in Solihull.

Prizes were given in a variety ofcategories, with CEO Jeremy Nixeyproviding the closing speech.

East Midlands winners were: Caresupporter (joint first) - LorraineMerrill and Glenda Tyers (Longlands,Daventry, joint second - MarlynnBlack (Sandalwood Court, Corby) andAngie Cuthbert (Ashfield House,Raunds), third - Peter Bell(Spinneyfields, Rushden); Carer -Kathy Loake (Beech Close,Desborough), second - DanielJourneaux (Spinneyfields), third -Julie Barry (Ashfield House); NVQchampion (care support) - JulieWalker (Turn Furlong, Kingsthorpe);Cook - Louise Wade (Thorndale,Kettering), second - Kerry Mitchell(Spinneyfields), third - SuzanneMoore (Abbott House, Oundle);Deputy manager - Lisa Duffy(Longlands, Daventry), second -Sandra Cairney (Thackley Green,Corby), third - Suzanne Moore

(Abbott House, Oundle); Manager -Anne Thompson (Spinneyfields);Regional star - Janet Williams(regional manager, Northants.

West Midlands winners were: CareSupporter - Rita Lewis (TheHawthorns, Evesham), second -Linda Crampton (Barton Mews,Barton Under Needwood), third -Julie Fulford (Orchard House,Withington); Carer - Giji Thomas(The Hawthorns), second - Joyce Ince(Ledbury NH, Ledbury), third -Richard Baughan (Leadon Bank,Ledbury); Cook - Beryl Marshall(Woodside Day Care, Ross-on-Wye),second - Sue Overthrow (TheHawthorns), third - Karen Febery (Leadon Bank); NVQ champion (caresupport) - Michelle Harrison(Froome Bank, Bromyard); Deputymanager - Jane Eversham (LedburyNH), second - Alan Riley (WaverleyHouse, Leominster), third -Bernedette Simmonds (St Johns,Droitwich); Home manager - MaryTasker (The Hawthorns); Regionalstar - Jane Harris (regional marketing,Midlands).

Winners with their awards

Healthcare firm recogniseshard work of employees

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47CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

Consultants

If you would like to adver-tise in Caring UK pleasecontact: 01226 734479

Simple-to-use monitoring systemMYAMEGO is an intelligent monitor-ing system designed to enable increa-sed independence and choice for resi-dents of care homes and extra caresettings, while supporting care teams’delivery of enhanced person-centredcare.

Of critical concern for care homemanagers is having the confidencethat residents receive appropriatebedroom visits, particularly at nighttime. MyAmego’s comprehensive sys-tem not only sends automaticreminders for care tasks such as med-ication or bed-turning, but is aninvaluable safeguarding tool for resi-dents and staff.

Auditable data providing evidence ofthe time and duration of individualcarer’s visits to rooms is a feature of

the unique system. This data can alsobe used to review team operations,evidence increasing levels of caredelivery to commissioners, or to sup-port inspection requirements.

MyAmego is simple to use and idealfor people with dementia and othercognitive impairment. It requires nopushing of buttons or pulling of cords– being passive to the user and auto-matic for the carer.

The system encourages independentmobility, only alerting for assistancewhen required – where, for example, aperson enters an area of risk, is atsocial risk, or stays too long in placessuch as a toilet or garden. MyAmegomay also be used in a nurse callcapacity.

Its customised alerts, reminders and

reports facilitate evaluation andproactive management of an individ-ual’s care. In dementia care, mobilityassessment and reports are usefulindicators of well being with out-comes including medication manage-ment, reduction in falls and highlight-ing of conditions such as UTIs.Information is delivered securely on-line, in a simple, user-friendly format.

MyAmego is used by local authori-ties, private care homes and large careprovision groups throughout the UK.Its wireless technology is quick, inex-pensive and non-disruptive to install –whether in an older building, refur-bishment or new build.

The system is available to buy orlease, with possible tax benefits avail-able.

Gerflor’s healthcare solutions now in onenew exciting brochure

GERFLOR has launched the new SPM International brochure. The brochure showcases SPM’s well respected and reliable range

of products including protective panels, wall protection, ergonomichandrails, as well as door and corner protection.

It is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with tabs for each part ofthe brochure making it easy to go straight to the relevant section.

The brochure reinforces how widely applicable SPM products arein the healthcare industry; from hospitals to care and retirementhomes. Lifestyle photography demonstrates examples of the protec-tive and decorative elements of the product portfolio.

As well as showing the extensive range of versatile product SPMhas to offer, it provides critical information about the ranges interms of their safety, easy maintenance and optimum hygiene prop-erties.

Gerflor’s extensive portfolio of vinyl floorcoverings is also recog-nised and installed in the marketplace for extreme durability, highdesign options, ease of maintenance and high performance slipresistance.Enquiries: Telephone 01926 622600, visit www.gerflor.co.uk

or email contractuk@gerflor.com

Pressalit care brackets for height adjustablebasins

PRESSALIT Care’s height adjustable basin brack-ets have been designed to bring flexibility for userswith limited mobility, enabling them to carry outeveryday washroom tasks with increased indepen-dence.

For use in installations such as school hygienerooms and changing places facilities, as well ashome adaptations, the company produces a rangeof brackets suited to both frequent and periodicuse.

As specialists in providing bathroom and kitchensolutions for those with limited mobility, PressalitCare’s basin brackets have been designed for func-tionality and ease of use, allowing standing orseated users to choose the individual height theyneed to use a washbasin in comfort.

Where frequent adjustment is required – such asmulti-user bathrooms in schools, hospitals, carehomes or public places – gas assisted or electric brackets are recommended.

Operated by means of a lever control or remote control, height adjustment of up to 300mm is achieved. Enquiries: Visit www.pressalitcare.co.uk or telephone 0844 880 6950.

AT the RCN we value HCAs and APs as an integral part of the nursing team, and are passionate aboutsupporting them in their work to ensure that they can provide a high quality service for patients.

We offer much more than other unions:An ever-growing range of resources to help HCAs and APs in their education and development includ-

ing the largest nursing library in the worldNumerous e-learning opportunities including an online induction training resource ‘First Steps for HCAs’.The first HCA and AP network to inform of topical health care news and share best practice. A dedicated team providing professional and emotional support and advice.

Enquiries: Visit www.rcn.org.uk/hca or telephone 0345 772 6100.

HCAs and APs: Why they need to be a partof the RCN

New wipes designed to help reduce the riskof infections

REFRESHENING ProfessionalCaring Moist Wipes are specifical-ly developed to help reduce therisk of healthcare associatedinfections by cleansing and pre-venting cross contaminationthrough hand contact.

The wipe is perfect for remov-ing germs from hands, ideal forpersonal hygiene and guaranteeseffective cleansing, the profes-sional way.

These unique moist wipes areindividually wrapped for that per-sonal touch, infused with a natural Aloe fragrance and balanced to the skins natural pH.

Caring Moist Wipes can also be personalised to your requirements upon the outer wrapping. Every wipewill be covered with your brand, your advertising message and what you have to offer.

Give your business an edge by employing this unique product direct into your clients hands.No soap, no water, no problem.

Enquiries: Visit www.refreshening.co.uk or call free on 0800 032 77 32.

If you would like toadvertise in CaringUK please contact:01226 734479

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48

SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs)based, Richards ResidentialSupplies have concentrated uponsupplying simple solutions tocommon nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheresstrongly to this tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cottonpile and 100 per cent waterproofbacking, the remarkableWACMAT® is an ideal accessorywhere spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, inbedrooms or bathrooms, theWACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use, simplymachine wash and tumble dry!It’s that simple...

The WACMAT® will then beclean and odour-free, ready toperform time and time again. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat,saving you hundreds of pounds in rental costs alone.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749

Simple solutions

Personalised linen for care homesTOWELSDIRECT has been supplying the care sector forthe last 20 years, and are providing premium Turkishquality towels that last up to 150 washes.

Most towels that you see in a retailer will only last60 washes. We also provide minimum iron bedlinenthat is constructed of easy care polycotton, againdesigned to last longer than your average bedsheetand save your staff time.

Bespoke embroidery designs are available, alongwith matching bedlinen and curtains. Please call freefor a no obligation discussion.

Since Towelsdirect’s inception, we have alwaystried to focus on our uniqueness. Customers arereminded that we offer free

delivery on orders over £150, operate a nominimum order policy and next day delivery fromstock. We

recognise that our customers’ needs are everchanging, and it is with this in mind that we areupdating our website daily.

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 018 6935 or visitwww.towelsdirect.co.uk for our online

catalogue.

Beaucare launches new eCommerce websiteBEAUCARE Medical Ltd, the UK’s premier supplierof hygiene, medical supplies and equipment toprivate care homes, hospitals and individuals, haslaunched a new eCommerce website.

It follows significant growth in online sales forthe company, and reflects an increasing demandfor online features and benefits from bothBeaucare’s business and private customers.

The site, which was originally launched in2002, now benefits from easier and fasternavigation through product categories; better insite search functions; more online special offers;links to social networking tools includingFacebook and Twitter.

Managing director Jonathan Brown said: “As acompany, we are constantly striving to improveand expand on the products and services we offer and, having consolidated our range of both medical andhygiene products, we are now concentrating our efforts on improving the way we showcase them to ourcustomer base.”

All online payments will continue to run safely and securely.Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

‘Power within the hour’ resolves problemsfor Larne Care Home

NORTHERN Ireland’s Wilson Group Nursing Homes is ensuring essential services keep functioning at itsLarne Care Home should a power cut occurwith standby power provided byshentongroup’s unique, Powercall ‘powerwithin the hour’ service.

“Larne Care Home is in a relatively remotelocation,” said financial director Colin Nimmon.“When being built the project managerinvestigated the best option for standby powerand suggested Powercall.

“Although we have not had to use theirservices, it provides us with peace of mindknowing that if a power cut occurs ourresidents will not be inconvenienced.

“It is also a cost effective solution andmeans we can ensure our homes continue toprovide our residents with essential servicessuch as heating, lighting, security systems,safety equipment and electrically operatedbeds if a powercut occurs.”

Enquiries: Telephone 0844 888 4445, fax 0844 888 4446, email: info@shentongroup.co.ukor visit www.shentongroup.co.uk/powercall

Armstrong reliability right for Bridge HouseTHE Parnell family has been running Bridge House

residential home in Bristol for almost 20 years, and caremanager Jane cannot remember a time when the laundryequipment was not supplied and supported by ArmstrongCommercial Laundry Systems.

“We work our laundry hard,” she said. “We need a highstandard of support and that’s what we get fromArmstrong.”

When Bridge House needed new equipment last year,Armstrong recommended a 7kg Schulthess high spinwasher extractor, a complementary Schulthess tumbledryer and a Schulthess stacking kit.

Jane added: “Our laundry does absolutely everything,and the medical cycle in particular is a blessing. We run itat least five times a day, seven days a week.

“We rarely have a problem, and when we do, Armstrongare always here to help us very promptly.”

Enquiries: Telephone 01635 263410, emailenquiries@armstrong-laundry.co.uk or visit

www.armstrong-laundry.co.uk

Alfamax looks after all your catering needsIF you are looking for any new

catering equipment, whether it is anew dishwasher, refrigeration orcooking equipment, you can rely onAlfamax.

We are able to supply standard orthermal disinfection dishwashers,and provide a full installation serviceand ongoing service contracts onyour new or existing equipment.

Alfamax can supply standard refrigeration or BioLine medical refrigeration units, with three-year partsand labour warranties.

Whatever your requirements, Alfamax can supply the ideal products for your operation.Enquiries: Telephone 0844 357 4030, email info@alfamax.info or fax 01276 62696.

LEVEL Dec Advance from Impey, the leadingauthority of specialist showering products and wetfloor showers, is the easiest way to create a wetfloor shower.

Fitted into the floor, the moulded base createsthe ‘fall’ for the water to drain away successfully,and is the perfect way to create a wet floor showerwhich looks fantastic, is completely waterproof andis backed up by a lifetime warranty with the Impeyno leak guarantee.

Level Dec Advance is a dream product forinstallers as it is suitable for all floor types – timber,concrete and floating, and it incorporates arevolutionary drainage feature which can rotate by360 degrees to avoid timber joists, which makes itincredibly easy to install.

Available in a range of preformed sizes, Level-Dec Advance can give a showering area of 1000mmsquare, 1150X850mm, 1450X1150mm and1600X700mm allowing plenty of space for awheelchair if required.

Enquiries: Telephone 01460 256080 or email info@impey-uk.com

Creating wet floor perfection

IMPEY will be showcasing new products,branding and literature at the forthcoming Naidexexhibition.

New products will include the new and patentedLevel-Dec Advance Range, which allows easyinstallation of a wet floor shower, creating the ‘fall’for easy drainage, waterproofing and incorporatesa revolutionary drainage feature which can rotateby 360 degrees to avoid timber joists, allowing awet floor shower to be easily installed onto anytype of flooring.

A new Level-Access Shower Tray which is verylight weight with a textured surface to improvegrip will be available in five different sizes including900mm square, 1000mm square, 1200X750mm,1200X900mm and 1500X750mm.

The design team at Impey have also created arange of new grab rails with a co-polymerextrusion, which feel fabulously soft yet easy togrip so that the rails offer comfort as well as thenecessary support.

Impey will be on stand B60 at the NEC between April 5 and 7.

New products from Impey at Naidex

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CARINGNEWS

Transport

49

Alarm Systems

If you would like to advertise inCaring UK please contact:01226 734479

Fitness equipment

Occupancy specialist

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS50

MedicationtrainingRESEARCHERS have highlighted thefact that the majority of teamsworking in more than 20,000 carehomes across the UK do not includepeople with clinical training.

Yakub Chemist provides medicationadministration training on site,accredited by the National PharmacyAssociation and The College ofPharmacy.

After an interactive training sessioncarers complete an assessment underexam conditions. With a 90 per centpass rate and no charge to the carehome, Yakub Chemist hopes toincrease the confidence and abilitiesof carers throughout Leicestershire.

Providing a wide range of MDSsystems such as Biodose, Manrex andElectronic, Yakub Chemist canprovide a personalised solutionbased on the needs of your carehome.

Wireless nursecall systemUNDERSTANDING the encountersfacing today’s care homes is crucial,especially when developing smarterways of working, for example,through reliable, efficient and safenurse call technology.

Aid Call offers a unique wirelessnurse call system which combinessafety critical features and leadingedge, innovative technologies tomeet these demands.

These include the development ofan advanced, two-way, class one,safety critical radio nurse callsolution. All touchable elements ofthe system are embedded with anti-microbial additives to help combatthe spread of infection.

Through this state-of-the-artapproach, high quality and servicestandards, Aid Call will provide thebest wireless nurse call solution tomeet operational needs and deliverbetter value-for-money.

Full design andfit packagesORIGINALLY involved in thedomestic appliance sector, Fowler UKbranched out into the commerciallaundry and catering sector 25 years ago, and are still going strongtoday.

We offer full laundry and kitchendesign and fit packages to suite everypocket, be it through leasing, rentalor outright purchase.

All our machines are fullywarranted, either by ourselves or themanufacturer, and come with WRASapproval.

We have access to all manufacturersof quality commercial catering andlaundry equipment at highlycompetitive prices, so we can alwayssource the correct product for yourneeds.

RESEARCH carried out in threecountries has found that inbusinesses and customer facing staff,something as simple as wearing aname badge can make a huge andimmediate difference to customersatisfaction levels.

The study, carried out by ShopperAnonymous, found that when arange of businesses introduced name badges for all staff, satisfaction ratings rose by 12 percent almost overnight, in comparisonto those that did not require staff to

wear badges.The figure came out of the study of

116,000 mystery shopper reportscarried out over the last eight years inthe UK, Australia and New Zealand.

John Bancroft, managing director ofEurope’s largest name badgemanufacturer, Badgemaster, said:“We can manufacture custom-madebespoke name badges, in line with acompany’s corporate identity.”

Badgemaster provides the namebadges for the customer facing staffat the NHS, Bupa, Nuffield, Southern

Cross, Hallmark and BarchesterHealthcare and are approved by boththe NCA and RNHA.

Badges can improve customer satisfaction

New staff app is releasedTHE UK’s leading workforcemanagement software supplier, TheWebroster Group, has released thelatest version of webroster.net

The online application is usedwithin the health and social careindustries to automatically roster,manage and track staff, negating theneed for manual rosters, timesheets,

mileage forms and worksheets bystoring all the necessaryinformation in one easy to useonline application.

The upgrade includes a uniquenew booking enquiries facility thatgives staff members more controland input into their own rosters.

Whilst booking a requirement to a

staff member, users can now chooseto send an 'enquiry' message to staffmembers requesting whether theywould like to accept the booking.

This message can be sent to eitherone or multiple staff members,meaning the first person to ‘accept’the enquiry is booked to therequirement.

Email yourway to£100,000giveaway

REQUIRED Systems has teamed up with Caring UK for a £100,000 giveaway that is free toenter.

All you have to do is to reply tothe email you will receive fromCaring UK and you will get aninstant reply telling you how muchyou have won.

It will be at least £50 and could beas much as £600 that you can puttowards any of their CQC

Outcomes Systems.

Required Systems has produceddevices for the care sector for morethan 10 years, and are endorsed bythe NCA and several other wellknow associations.

Systems for the care of theelderly, adults aged between 18and 65, domiciliary care, infectioncontrol and compliance audit toolsare all available, with full details atrequiredsystems.com

Unique radiatorthermostat coversparticularlyrelevant to homesCW TECHNOLOGIES’ unique thermostatprotection covers are designed to restrict who canadjust the heating controls.

This is particularly relevant to nursing and carehomes as thermostat heating controllers arefrequently positioned in public or multi-occupancy areas.

Starting from just £13.86 and available from thecompany’s websitewww.SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk, these lockable, tamper-proof Thermostat Protectors aremade from tough, transparent polycarbonate sothe dial can easily be read without removing thelid.

Importantly, each Thermostat Protector featuresa robust lock. Supplied with two keys, additionalkeys are also available should more than two care home managers or members of staff need to gain access – perhaps during an activenight-shift.

Supplied with standard fixings, the ThermostatProtector is easy to fit and available in fivedifferent sizes to cater for all thermostat controller types.

Each protector also features ventilation holes toensure the thermostat continues to operatenormally, even if it is a wireless device.

YTM Furniture has a newwebsitewww.ytmfurniture.com.

The site has a completelynew design, forming the finalstage of YTM’s corporate re-branding scheme launched in2009.

It provides a comprehensiveand easy-to-use tool whereusers will benefit from a clear

product display andstraightforward navigation, aswell as detailed productinformation and regularlyupdated news pages.

Case studies demonstratehow YTM Furniture has helpedcare homes throughout the UKto create a supportive andcomforting environment fortheir residents.

New website,new design ...

Trading pounds for poundsCHARITABLE care home staffin Otley are trading pounds forpounds for its local hospice.

The group of women fromAnchor Trust’s Teal Beck Househope to lose five stonebetween them over 16 weeks,and raise £500 for the SueRyder Wheatfields Hospice inthe process.

Team Leader Tracy McKeownsaid they have already lost a

stone-and-a-half betweenthem. She added: “We arecurrently on target to raise themoney for the hospice, a bene-factor we all chose as many ofour family and friends affectedby illness have benefitted fromthe work it does.”

Local gym Club Energy hasoffered free weekly trainingsessions to help the groupachieve the goal.

Have you got a story for Caring UK? Contactour healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on01226 734407 or email dm@whpl.net

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