September 2011

no.184 • £4.75

In association with

By Dominic Musgrave

HOW care homes will be staffed infuture to cope with the everincreasing aging population mustbe addressed now, it has beenclaimed.

Sheila Scott, chief executive of theNational Care Association, saidwhere the extra carers are to comefrom should be made a priority bythe Government.

Speaking at a regional conferencefor care home owners and managersorganised by the association inDerby, she said: “I find itextraordinary that we know thenumber of people requiring carewill rise, yet no one at Westminsterhas got their head around this factthat this will happen.

“They seem to think these extrastaff are just going to materialise.The biggest challenge of all facingthe sector is where are the staff tocare for this rising number going tocome from.

“A colleague of mine says that atinterviews in years to come it willno longer be a case of asking thequestions about the job but simplywhen can you start?

“We have to make the careindustry an attractive place to work.There are a lot of graduates outthere at the moment who cannot

get a job, so what talents do theyhave that we can tap into. We needto open our minds to opportunities,but some times we just don’t andget on with it.”

Sheila also gave her views on thefees debate surrounding the careindustry, adding that she had ‘nosympathy’ for the Governmentbecause the extra £2bn it earmarkedlast year for social care should havebeen ring-fenced.

“There seems to be expectationsthat standards will keep rising, butthis has to be the year when localauthorities and PCTs get real andunderstand that the currentfinancial climate is no different forcare homes than everybody else,”added Sheila. “CRB checks havegone up, inflation has gone up, theamount the CQC charges carehomes to register has risen by up to40 per cent, and the minimum wagerises in October, yet most localauthorities have either cut or at bestfroze the amount they pay.

“Whatever happens, all carehomes have seen a cut in fees thisyear, and we have to look at whatwe are going to do to maintain thestandards of care.”

� Do you agree with Sheila’sopinions? Email Dominic Musgraveyour views at dm@whpl.net or ringhim on 01226 734407.

Staffing issueshould be apriority - claim

Actress Beverly Callard officially opened a new £4.5mcare home in Pontefract. Best known for her role as LizMcDonald in Coronation Street, she pulled a pint in thebar of the 64-bed Willow Park facility which has beenbuilt by North East based Eric Dixon (pictured above).

To find out more turn to page 22

Incentivescheme firstfor Torbaycare homesTORBAY is the first placein the country to use theCommissioning forQuality and Innovationpayment incentivescheme to improve careand quality withinhomes.

The local Care Trustand Care Quality Forum,which is made up of carehome providers acrossthe bay, developed sixkey indicators to assesscare homes against theCQUIN framework.

The national NHSinitiative rewardshealthcare providers forexcellence in providingquality services.

Hannah Hurrell, seniorcommissioner at TorbayCare Trust, saidincentives are linked to aproportion of thehomes’ income from theTrust and dependant onevidence submitted tomeet agreed indicators.

She added: “CQUINaims to ensure thatresidents will receive thesame high qualityservices, wherever theyare cared for. It alsomeans that homes areencouraged to continueto develop their qualityand innovate.”

incorporating

The Number One magazine for the care sector

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3CARINGNEWS

AdvertisingSales and Marketing Director:Tony Barry

Sales and product managerHeather WelshTel: 01226 734480hw@whpl.netNational Sales Executives:Rebecca Hazell Tel: 01226 734685 Email: rh@whpl.netMandy EdwardsTel: 01226 734333 Email: mandye@caring-uk.co.ukFax: 01226 734477

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

Healthcare Editor:Dominic MusgraveTel: 01226 734407dm@whpl.net

Group Deputy Editor:Judith HalkerstonTel: 01226 734458

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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Owner reunitesresident withfamily members

BBC TV presenter Harry Gration escaped thestresses and strains of his high-profile media jobwith a relaxing back massage when he officiallyopened a new Scarborough care centre.

And when he wasn’t having his muscles relaxedat Eastfield House he was loosening up in thekeep fit “chairobics” session and trying out thelatest mobility scooter.

Harry joined the Mayor of Scarborough andthe town’s MP Robert Goodwill for the officialopening at an open day to show how the centrehas been transformed into a modern venue forcare. They were joined by Susan Crookes, whosefather, Dr Eustace Evans, was the original GPwhen Eastfield House was opened as a doctor’ssurgery in 1956.

BBC television presenter Harry Gration

Harry opens new home

THE owner of a Bridlington carehome has reunited one of her resi-dents with members of her familythat she has not seen for more than30 years.

When Valerie Coe moved into RosePark from another care home almosta year ago her notes stated that shehad no known family.

But, through talking to her, PaulaFillingham and her staff quicklyrealised that she had a brother calledPhilip, who lived in the Wakefieldarea.

Using the internet, Paula hit thejackpot when the first of the three P.Coe numbers listed for the cityturned out to be Valerie’s uncle, whoput them in touch.

She said: “Valerie told us that shehad not seen her brother for years,and asked if we could try to find him,which we said we would.

“All we knew was that he lived inWakefield and was a couple of yearsolder than her. Two days after I spokewith Valerie’s uncle her brother tele-phoned us - it was a very emotionalcall.

“It turned out that he was coming to

Bridlington the day after for a coupleof weeks, and we arranged for him tocome here during his holiday, whichagain was very emotional.

“On talking to him we found outthey had not seen each other for 32years after they lost touch when theirmother died.

“Her father also died at a young agein a mining accident. Turns out Philiphad been trying to track Valerie downin Withernsea, where she had previ-ously been living, but had had noluck.”

A party has been arranged at thehome at the end of the month, whereValerie will also be reunited withthree of her nieces and a nephew andtheir families.

Paula added: “All of the staff and therelatives of the other residents livinghere have been invited to attendbecause we are one big family here.

“Everyone is very excited, and alocal baker is only charging us for theingredients for a cake that we haveordered for the occasion.”

Paula has previously put residentsin touch with other family they hadnot seen for years at other homes.

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A DOG who was given a secondchance of life by a Bromsgrove carehome after being rescued by theBlue Cross has been featured in theAugust edition of Dogs Monthly.

Skip was adopted by OldfieldResidential Care Group’sBluebrooke facility for thoseresidents who had to give up theirpets when they moved in and,consequently, missed their four-legged friends.

It was the idea of manager LianneSturmey to have a dog for the homeand, since his arrival, Skip hasproved a huge hit.

She said: “Skip has been brilliantand has really made himself part ofthe family here. The home wouldn’tbe the same without him.

“Skip has a special place in thehearts of all the residents and staffhere and we would definitelyrecommend having a pet to otherhomes in the area.”

“Money can’t buy the pet therapyhe gives, and the residents faceslight up whenever he wanders intoone of the lounges. It never fails toamaze me that those residents withdementia remember him and stillsay ‘Morning Skip’ every day.”

Prior to having Skip, the staff had

thought about getting a pet therapyorganisation in, but the waitinglists are often so long that settingthe activity up is a lengthy process.

And, by having him, as well asgiving a rescued animal anotherchance, delighting the residentsand staff and getting them out andabout when they take him for awalk, it has led to some people whodid not communicate very well tobe more confident and come out of

themselves.Skip used to stay at the home all

the time, but it led to the problemof him having 'too many owners'and he now goes home with Lianneeach night and comes back eachmorning to give him a bit morestability.

Tracy said Skip being at the homewas one of the factors which led tothe daughter of another residentchoosing Bluebrooke for her.

Skip with residents at Bluebrooke.

How rescue dog Skipbecame part of family

Hope helpstheatre groupcelebrateA BIDEFORD care home played hostto the Westward Ho! Youth TheatreGroup to help celebrate its QueensAward for Voluntary Service.

Founded in January 2005, the groupgives children between the ages ofeight and 21 the opportunity to sing,dance and act and stages two shows ayear. It is the only volunteer group inNorth Devon to receive the award.

Four members of the group wereinvited to Buckingham Palace toreceive it and attend the Queen’sgarden party, but the group wantedall its members and volunteers to beincluded in the celebration.

Care South's Kenwith Castle matronRae Vanstone said: “We were asked tohelp give the children a sense ofbeing at the palace by providing asplendid venue for them to have theirown celebratory picnic in thegrounds.”

National awardA LONDON nursing home hasreceived a national awardrecognising end of life care.

Broadlands Nursing Home inCheam received a Commend statusas part of the Gold StandardsFramework (GSF) in Care HomesQuality Hallmark Awards.

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Sweet shopgoes down atreat in PooleRESIDENTS at a Poole care homehave opened their very own shopselling traditional sweets, gifts andhomemade cakes.

Treats and Sweets has been built atCare UK’s Mitchell House by thehome’s maintenance man after theidea was suggested at a meeting bymanager Diana Wiltshire.

As well as selling fudge, Turkishdelight and candy shrimps, the shopalso has its own traditional till andweighing scales to encourage the res-idents to get involved.

Diana said: “We look after peoplehere with a severe level of dementiabut always aim to offer them as manyactivities as possible.

“Our team of activities co-ordina-tors treat them as individuals and wealways look at what they can do with-out our assistance rather than whatthey cannot do.

“In a meeting I just happened to saythat I would like to see a shop. Weused to have a volunteer who ran atrolley selling a variety of thingsaround the home but she has retired.

“When the idea was suggested it

was like giving them £1m and theywere very enthused by the idea.”

The residents were asked what theywould like to see on sale in the shop,and their relatives were alsoinformed of what the home plannedto do with the money they haddonated at various events.

Diana added: “Any money madegoes back into purchasing goods forthe shop or into the residents’ fundas we like to take them out on asmany trips as we can.

“The residents enjoy pricing up thegoods and getting involved in anyway they can. Serving one another inthe shop is something to put on thecare plans, but because of theirdementia they tend to only be able todo it for 20 minutes at a time.

“It is a big part of the home and wenow intend to turn it into a focalpoint and paint a mural of othershop fronts so the residents can sitoutside with a cup of coffee and apiece of cake and enjoy the area.”

The shop was opened by the localtown crier David Squires and 92-year-old resident Win Beyer.

Residents at an Aberdeen nursing home were treated to an afternoon of music to markits silver jubilee. As part of the celebrations at Hawkhill House, the Robert Burns WorldFederation NE Federation put on a variety of performances that included a bagpiper, aselection of Burns and Scottish songs, recitals, cello, violin, piano and clarsach music.The performers are pictured with Hawkhill House owner Rona Tayler

ECCA launches new online shopECCA has launched a new onlineshop that is open to care providersthroughout the UK.

The shop contains an extensiverange of more than 3,500 indepen-dent living and dementia aids thathave been sourced from reputablemanufacturers, fully guaranteed andNHS tested where necessary toensure fitness for purpose.

The shop also offers dementia signage and related specialist prod-ucts.

Chief executive Martin Green said:“This shop has been launched withthe care provider in mind.

“It brings together range, qualityand low prices all in one place and,more importantly, it’s easy to use.”

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WITH the Olympics less than a yearaway residents at a Woking carehome are showing that sports are notjust for the young with the launch oftheir new gym.

Residents and day centre visitors toCare UK’s Kingsleigh facility canmaintain life-long passions forcompetitive sport with equipmentand exercises specially designed tokeep them physically and mentally inshape.

The gym equipment includes atreadmill, mini seated steppers andexercise bikes. As well as using themachines, residents are also takingpart in seated netball, softball tennisand indoor golf.

Activities co-ordinator PaulineDolan said many residents arecarrying on the sports they lovedbefore they moved into the home –and introducing them to others.

She added: “Keeping active is vitalto overall well-being as we get older.By keeping suppleness and strength,the risk of falls can be greatlyreduced.

“Exercises that promote hand-eyeco-ordination and boost circulationare also good for keeping the brain intip-top shape.

“We have several keen hockeyplayers. We clear out the furniturefrom the lounge and dining roomand play three or four-a-side. Theyhave a whale of a time and otherresidents join in, cheering from theside lines.

“We also have a demon table tennisplayer who enjoys taking on allcomers. When he runs out of players,we put the table against the wall andhe plays against himself. He can goon for hours – it’s no wonder he is sofit and such an excellent player.”

The home is committed to helpingresidents maintain their interest andhobbies, and the group hasdeveloped Activity Based Care to

ensure they remain fit, active andindependent.

Manager Wendy Dodimead said:“We want to show that age is no barto keeping up your favourite hobbiesand staying fit. If a resident has aninterest, we will do our best to

nurture it.”The home also provides short-term

respite care if residents’ usual carersare temporarily unavailable, or aregoing away on holiday, or theresident wants a time for rest andrecuperation.

New gym provesage is no barrierto keeping fit

Residents Valerie Bensusan and John Battye show age is no bar to staying active.

Summer fayre goeswith a swing ...THE swinging sixties returned to aHorncastle care home for its annualsummer fayre.

Staff, residents and visitors dressedin 60s fashions and danced to musicfrom the decade at the event atTanglewood, while attractionsincluded a raffle, a bottle stall andchocolate tombola.

Activities co-ordinator at the home,Cherry Wilkinson, said: “The 60stheme was a great hit. The day wentreally well and we had a real partyatmosphere.”

The event, opened by formerHorncastle mayor Jack Simpson,raised more than £500 for theresidents’ activities fund.

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THE owner of a Kent care home thatwas closed down after its registrationwas cancelled has withdrawn hisappeal against the decision.

The registration of Sea View Lodgein Herne Bay, owned by partnersShahid and Nelofa Sheikh, was can-celled in June after the CQC made anurgent application to CanterburyMagistrates’ Court to protect thesafety of residents following seriousconcerns about people’s welfare.

Shahid originally appealed but hassince withdrawn it which means itremains cancelled and the ownerscan no longer offer care services.

Roxy Boyce, regional director for theinspectorate in the South East, saidthe eight residents were all placed inrespite care or other nursing homes.

She added: “We acted quickly toprotect the safety and welfare of peo-ple at Sea View Lodge as soon as staffcame forward with their concerns.

“All services must meet essentialstandards of care and we will take

action where services are failing peo-ple.

“Closing a care home is never adecision taken lightly. These areplaces where people live and whichthey consider as their homes. But theonly way to properly protect resi-dents at Sea View Lodge was to closethe home immediately, and moveresidents to other locations wherecare is of a better standard.”

CQC gathered evidence thatdemonstrated people experiencedpoor standards of care whichamounted to neglect following con-cerns raised by staff whistleblowers.

They also found that there was afailure to manage long term healthconditions, low staff numbers andpeople were cared for by staff whodid not have the training, knowledgeand skills to meet their needs.

The safeguarding allegations at thehome, which was two-star rated at itslast inspection last summer, havebeen referred to the police.

Appeal overclosure iswithdrawn

Local news reader Sangeeta Bhabra joined the mayor of Tonbridge and MallingBrian Luker and his wife Joy Luker at a care home’s annual summer fete.More than £1,000 was raised at the event at The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s StMartins residential home, which included a tombola, fancy dress competition, adog show, a dance show and stalls from local suppliers.The money will fund days out for St Martins residents later in the year, while adonation was also made to Abbeyfield Kent’s Who Cares? Initiative, which helpsgive older people peace of mind by offering a bursary fund to help keep them intheir home when they can no longer afford the cost of care.Sangeeta Bhabra is pictured with residents at St Martins fete

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Landlords turn toexperienced carehome operatorBy Dominic Musgrave

ONE of the UK’s most experiencedcare home operators has revealedthat he has been approached bythree landlords to take over 11Southern Cross homes throughoutScotland.

Robert Kilgour, who founded FourSeasons Health Care in Fife in 1989,building it up over 10 years into aUK-wide group with over 100 carehomes, has pledged to ensure thecontinuity of care for residents andtheir families and also to provide jobsecurity to all the staff.

In 1999 he left Four Seasons aftersuccessfully spearheading the public-private takeover of Crestacare Plc in adeal worth £127 million.

Robert currently owns and runsthree care homes in Edinburgh andthe Lothians under the RenaissanceCare brand, consisting of 80 beds and120 staff, and expects to be operatingthe Southern Cross facilities by thebeginning of October.

He said: “In recent weeks it has

become apparent that manylandlords do not have the experienceand track-record to provide the highquality of care that residents andtheir families expect and deserve.

“Word in the industry has obviouslyspread and we’re receiving a steadystream of enquiries from otherlandlords looking for help in

ensuring a smooth transition awayfrom the difficulties experienced bySouthern Cross.

“I expect we’ll be making furtherannouncements about additionalScottish homes in the near future.”

Robert and the landlords herepresents have pledged that all 11homes will remain open and willbenefit from a seven figure capitalinvestment programme to refurbishthe facilities that improve residents’experience.

He added: “I have an establishedteam of experienced and trustedfigures within the care home sector,many of whom I have worked withfor years and trust implicitly.

“It is clearly a very complex anddelicate situation but one in whichwe have the right skills, experienceand resources to undertake.”

“Our aim has always been toprovide residents with a good qualityof life within a pleasing and safeenvironment and we will ensure thatthis approach is reflected across allthe homes that we manage.”

Robert Kilgour

Care homeparty marksaward winsA MANCHESTER care homeheld a party for staff, residentsand their families to mark theofficial presentation of twoawards.

Greater Manchester Policeassistant chief constable TerrySweeney, who holds the Forcesportfolio for vulnerable adults,presented the dignity in careaward to Dover House seniorcarer Penny Rooney, whileAmavi Attisso received the five-star food hygiene award fromTrafford’s environmental healthofficer Nigel Smith.

The home, which is owned byCathy Conchie, is one of onlyeight care homes in theborough to have received theaward, which was achievedafter residents, families andstaff ware interviewed andobserved by a number ofassessors.

Amavi, Rachel Davidson, ClareHicks, Mary Gough and GinaMcIntyre were also presentedwith their NVQ level threecertificates at the party byhead of Trafford police,Chief Superintendent MarkRoberts.

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Racy success for carehome manager Mandy By Dominic Musgrave

THE manager of a Bromsgrovecare home has proved she is stillfastest and best when it comes tostock hatch racing.

When manager MandyKennedy joined Regents Court inMarch, her new colleagues weresurprised to discover her passionfor life in the fast lane.

And the 39-year-old retainedher national ladies’ stock hatchtitle for a second successive yearin her Fiat Punto at Ashbournein Derbyshire.

Self-confessed ‘petrol-head’Mandy took up the sport threeyears ago after her eldest son, Lee, began competing and encouraged her to have a go.

Her latest triumph behind thewheel was not all plain sailing asterrible weather conditionsmeant up to four inches of wateron parts of the track.

As if that wasn’t bad enoughher throttle got stuck meaningshe couldn’t slow down for thelast four laps.

She was able to keep threecorners tight but then on every

fourth the car would drift outwide giving other competitorsthe chance to take the lead.

Mandy, who says the sport is a‘great stress buster’, added: “I wasalmost taken out on the first lapby an eager new driver, and thelast corner was completely underwater and the car just wouldn’tslow down, but I managed tokeep control.

“I’m thrilled to have retainedthe title.

“The car was completelyunrecognisable by the end of therace though, as it ended up adirty brown all over due to themud and rain.

“In my role as Regents Courtmanager, I’m able to bring awealth of experience in dementiacare and I’m really enjoying therole so far. But the stock hatchracing certainly makes a changeto my day job.”

� Does a member of staff at yourcare home have an unusualhobby or talent? Let DominicMusgrave know by emailingdm@whpl.net or telephone01226 734407. Mandy Kennedy

Cellists hitright notefor residentsLIVE performances by a pair ofcellists at a Suffolk nursing homehave been music to the ears of itsresidents.

Aldringham Court welcomed Emily Robinson and Jenny Bullockfrom ‘Musicians on Call’, which takes music to people who areunable to go to concerts and otherlive events.

Activities co-ordinator SharronWatson said: “The pair playedclassical music and took requestsfrom residents, who asked for songsfrom the Sound of Music and Disneyfilms.

“The residents loved their visits –it’s something different for them asthey don’t get to hear live musicplayed very often.”

Some residents from theHealthcare Homes run facility alsorecently enjoyed a visit to the SuffolkPunch Trust in Woodbridge.

Among the features was a displayof agricultural machinery.

The home has recently undergonea major expansion programme,which includes the addition of 11new en-suite bedrooms to take theregistration up to 45.

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GREEN-FINGERED residents at anaward-winning Northamptonretirement village are keeping fit andenjoying each others’ company whilegrowing their own food on theirallotments.

As part of National AllotmentsWeek, residents at RichmondNorthampton have been busygrowing a variety of produce,including potatoes, onions, sweetcorn, apples, pears, lettuce and lotsof soft fruits.

Two further allotments are alsobeing prepared by the company –one will have a fruit cage and theother a traditional Victorian kitchengarden with raised beds.

The six allotments are just a shortwalk from the retirement village, andresidents pay Grange Park parishcouncil an annual rent of £25 perallotment, or half that for a smallersized plot.

Head gardener at RichmondNorthampton Nick Ives said: “Thelandscaped grounds and gardens atthe retirement village are carefullytendered for the residents to enjoy sothey don’t have to get involved withany work.

“However, some people weremissing their gardens and the thrill of growing their own seasonalfruit and vegetables, so we arrangedfor them to have access to localallotments.

“We did all the heavy work toprepare the ground, and built apagoda for them to sit and chat whiletaking breaks from gardening.”

Richmond Northampton has wonthe Daily Express New HomesGarden Award and, along with otherthe firms other sites, has beenawarded ‘Best RetirementDevelopment’ by both the WhatHouse? Awards and the Daily MailProperty Awards.

Resident Derek Maurice tends to a rhubarb crop

RESIDENTS at a care home nearBognor Regis will soon be enjoyinghome-grown vegetables after itsgrounds had a makeover.

Ten members of the local branch ofthe Prince’s Trust aged between 16and 25 spent two weeks transformingthe gardens at Chalcraft Hall, digginga pond, making a wheelchair rampon the lawn and creating raised bedsso the residents can get involved.

Marilyn Francis, manager at the 20-bed home, said the produce grownwill be used by the chef in thekitchen.

She added: “As part of their self-development scheme the youngstersneeded a project in the communitythat the would design from thebeginning, source the materials andcomplete the work. We initiallysuggested they could make us a pondbut they did a lot more for us andwhat they have created is anotherfocal point for the residents to enjoy.

“The beds have been raised to waistheight so those residents thatenjoyed gardening before theymoved here can once again getinvolved. Many of them hadallotments so have been very keen tostart planting.”

Carrots, beetroot, peppers, lettucesand tomatoes will all be planted overthe next few weeks, with theresidents then able to eat what theyhave grown.

Marilyn added: “We have chosenvegetables that grow quickly so thatthe residents can watch them growfrom start to finish and can regularlykeep an eye on their progress. Beingable to eat them in sandwiches orsalads will also give them a real senseof achievement.”

Prince’s Trust project co-ordinatorRoy Newnham said the work is thecommunity placement of the 12-week course.

He added: “The young people havehad to find the right project, plan it,source the materials and then workout how to complete it.

“So it gives them planning skills,teamwork and communication skills.

“Those who are on the coursetypically suffer from low esteem andself-confidence, so the idea is to getthem in a position to go on to highereducation or jobs.”� Are you currently working on aproject similar to this? Let DominicMusgrave know by ringing 01226734407 or email dm@whpl.net

Makeover allowsresidents to growtheir own food ...

Friendships andfitness grow invillage allotments

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Develop your staffso you get the bestout of your teamBy Brinda Bungaroo

TO HAVE charisma in leadership isalways a bonus, for it’s more aboutwhat you do and how you do it inorder to achieve the best results.

As managers we have visions asto how we want our home tofunction and run on a daily basis,while we also have futureambitions on how we want tofurther develop and improve ourservices.

In order to translate and transfersuch vision and ambition onemust gain trust of the workforce sothat the goal can be achieved. It’snot an easy task to make yourambition visible to the people youwant to influence.

It requires good leadership withinspiration to motivate and havethe ability to influence andtranslate that shared vision.

In this current economic climate,it is crucial to drive forward staffteam and improve the quality ofour services. As managers we havean immense responsibility toprovide a clear concept to thecommitment we have towards theprovision of good standards ofcare.

To do so it is about supportingour staff to develop their skillsthrough coaching, mentoring anddelegating responsibility that willenable them to contribute to theimprovement of the services.

Delegation of task is not justshifting responsibilities, it’s alsoabout giving staff the opportunityto shine and further develop theirskills. It’s about giving them theautonomy, listening to them andrespects their views.

This exercise has provensuccessful in our team, my stafffeel motivated, confident andhappy in their work. They are morewilling to take on training andfurther develop their skills, whichfor me as their manager I feelmotivated to invest in theirtraining.

The concept of goodcommunication cannot beunderestimated, as it’s the drivingforce towards making all thedifference. As home managers wehave the commitment towards all

the people who use our services,but most importantly towards ourstaff team.

It is important to spare time tolisten and talk to staff. Show themyou care about them and their wellbeing matters to you. Workalongside them withoutdemeaning them and remindthem from time to time that youare there for them as much as youare for the service users.

Staff are the greatest asset of anyorganisation, therefore they needto be valued and acknowledged fortheir efforts and dedication.

Keeping your staff team happyequals having committed staffwho will stay in your organisationfor a long time which meanscontinuity of care for your serviceusers and improving the servicesand providing quality in the care.

It all stems from the recruitmentstage of choosing the right personfor the right job. It’s aboutidentifying the person with theright attitude and abilities towardscaring for people. This must becontinued with a proper inductionprogramme alongside monitoringof performances and supervision.

It is an ongoing process whichinvolves true commitment with agenuine passion and integrity inmotivating and building the team.

� Brinda is manager of NevaManor care home in Weston superMare.

Brinda Bungaroo

Home’s blooming happyRESIDENTS at a Solihull care homeare feeling rosy after being presentedwith a donation of plants from therecent BBC Gardeners’ World Liveexhibition.

Silver Birches, managed by not-for-profit Accord Housing Association,has received a selection of shrubs,plants and flowers left over from theshow, which took place at

Birmingham’s NEC in June.The care home in Chelmsley Wood

was chosen to receive the donationas part of a project with SolihullSustain, a support service forvoluntary and community groups inthe area. Sprucing up of the SilverBirches’ garden was carried out bymembers of ‘Team NEC’ led byestates manager Ross James.

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WHEN Rosevale Care Homemanager Nikki Durrant noticedresidents were asleep shortly afterthey had eaten breakfast she askedthe staff why?

And once it soon came to lightthat they were bored and hadnothing to do she decided tochange things at the Wellburn CareHome run facility, which has led toactivities now being run three timesa day.

She told Caring UK that thechanges have proved beneficial foreverybody, although some staffwere a little opposed to the idea atfirst.

“It was quite a radical change tothe way we worked, but there is noreason why a resident must have abath in the morning and not theafternoon,” Nikki said. “Had theswitch caused major headaches forthe staff then I would have donesomething about it such as gettingan extra person in, but it hasn’t.

“Residents are not forced to joinin any activities if they don’t wishto, but by having the extra activitieswe have found that they sleep a lotbetter at night and we don’t have

residents wandering about becausewe are keeping them active in theday.

“We do a wide variety of thingshere from pottery and exerciseclasses to trips out to the shops andwalks around the village to thenearby duck pond.

“We also have a residents’ requestbook that we try our best to act onif possible. One resident wanted togo on holiday so while her room isbeing redecorated she has movedto another of the group’s homes inRichmond.”

The home was bought byWellburn four years ago, and Nikkihas been there for eight, workingher way up from team leader todeputy manager to her current role.

She added: “I must admit that Ifelt quite dubious at first when Iheard that the home was being soldbecause I didn’t want it to lose itsfamily feel, but it is totally different.

“The firm’s motto is ‘Care WithoutCompromise’ and they really do putthe residents at the centre ofeverything they do. The ownerstrives for 110 per cent in all that he

does.

“I see ourselves as extendedfamily to the residents, and if arelative wants to come and visitsomeone at 9pm then they aremore than welcome to do so.

“As part of the family feel at thehome we also have a PAT dogcoming to visit us regularly. I alsobring my dog and cockatiel in whenI’m on holiday and the staff are alsoencouraged to do the same.”

Life at a care home on the outskirts of York has been transformed after the manager changed theactivities plan. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Activity switch is beneficial for all

Rosevale Care Home

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A NEW garden created to delight the sensesof residents living at a care home nearWalsall has been officially opened.

The garden at Lakeview features sweet-scented, colourful plants such as roses andlavender, and has been created by twomembers of staff.

Activities co-ordinator Marian Preece, whois due to retire next year, decided shewanted to create the garden as a lastingretirement gift for the residents and, withcolleague Lyn Newell, the pair set abouttransforming the outdoor space into asensory garden.

The pair, who work with residents withdementia in the home’s Ullswater andLoweswater units, have held various eventsto raise £5,000 over the past two yearstowards the project, including a sponsoredwheelchair push.

Marian said: “I wanted the gardencompleted before I retire next year, as myretirement present to the residents to saythanks for what they have brought to mytime here.

“I have worked here for five-and-a-halfyears now and I have loved it. Lyn and I

work together as a good team and we loveour residents to bits.

“We knew this garden would bring somuch to their lives.”

The Preece and Newall Sensory Garden –named in honour of Marian and Lyn – wasopened by local councillor Cath Perry andblessed by Reverend Mark Thomas, whocarries out services at the home. Familieswho had helped contribute towards thegarden were also in attendance.

Lyn said: “It’s a very special place for theresidents and their families. The residentsare going to be able to do their activitiesoutside in their new surroundings, and it’s abeautiful place for their families to spend alittle time with them.

“It’s not only a sensory garden, it’s also amemorial garden dedicated to thoseresidents who have passed away. A lot offamilies have donated quite large sums ofmoney towards the project, which we haveused to buy plants and flowers in memoryof their loved ones.

“It’s taken two years of blood, sweat andtears but we’re very proud of what we’vecreated.”Activities co-ordinators Marian Preece and Lyn Newell

Colleagues toil todelight residentswith new garden

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21CARINGNEWS

Care home toclose amidrent struggleA HEREFORDSHIRE care home is toclose because it can no longer affordthe rent charged by the county coun-cil.

The Chestnuts in Ross-on-Wye ishome to 24 elderly people and hasbeen run by volunteers as a non-profit charity association for 20 years.

The trustees of The Chestnuts (Rosson Wye) Housing Association Limitedhave said the lease, due to expire inSeptember, can only be renewed atmore than double the rent.

A spokesman told Caring UK thedecision has been both “difficult andpainful”.

He added: “The impact of closureon residents, staff and their familieshas been uppermost in the minds ofthe trustees, who have come to thisdecision mindful of their duties to acharitable housing association.

“With current local authority fund-ing set well below the true cost ofprovision, and the risk that this willworsen, it would be irresponsible toattempt to continue to operate in anenvironment where volunteer charitytrustees are being asked to set fees

for privately funded residents at arate to substantially subsidise thosewith personal budgets.

“Consultation with residents, staffand The Wye Valley NHS Trust hasbegun in order to facilitate closureand resettlement in a well orderedfashion.

“Liquidators have been appointedto conduct the winding up of thecharitable association. Efforts will bemade to find parties willing to takeover the home subject to termsacceptable to the local authority.

The council said it had worked hardwith the trustees to reach agreementand was saddened by the decision.

A statement from them said itwanted to ensure that residentsreceive the care they need.

It added: “Our social workers areworking very closely with familiesand professionals to make sure theneeds of all residents continue to bemet.

“We will ensure that every care istaken to minimise disruption andmake sure all transfers are as smoothand stress-free as possible.”

A Hampshire care home hosted its 20thannual garden party with entertain-ment provided by Lockerley SilverBand.Caroline Noakes MP and Lockerley car-nival queen Leila Shaw hot footed itfrom Romsey Town Carnival to join for-mer Test Valley mayor Brian Page and

his wife Dorothy at GreenviewResidential Care Home.More than 200 people joined the resi-dents at the event, with a group of vol-unteers assisting people with transportand other support issues.Picture: Greenview owner Ian Bradfordwith carnival queen Leila Shaw

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CARINGNEWS22

WILLOW Park in Pontefract boasts itsown bar, cinema, cafe and beautysalon, as well as 64 en suitebedrooms for people requiringresidential, nursing or specialistdementia care.

Built on the site of a former pub ofthe same name, it is the brainchild ofEric Dixon, who helped to build upSilver Stream before it was boughtout in 2007 after 10 years.

Eric, who personally has more than20 years’ experience in the sector,said the £4.5m facility is the first ofseveral he plans to build in WestYorkshire over the next few years.

He added: “The first home I builtwas designed by the same architect

that has designed this one. I usedhim in Ireland and he has done morethan 90 since.

“This is probably the best one Ihave done to date. We are alwayslooking to improve and it is verymuch a learning curve.

“But it is all about the care andmaking sure the residents are as welllooked after as possible.

“With all the homes I have beeninvolved with I always try and get the residents and their familiesrunning the home as much aspossible.

“We will be asking them to overseethe cafe and bar, as well as getting

involved with other activities, andthey will all be invited to participatein some of the training going on,particularly those with dementia,because it is an uncertain time forfamilies.”

More than 500 people applied forthe 60 jobs available at the home,and Eric head-hunted both managerPat Green and her deputy AnnWilding.

He added: “I believe that the homeis only as good as the manager incharge, and if you have a high qualitymanager at the top that filters down.

“I like to think that with myexperience I am able to spot a goodmanager, which is why I went for Pat.

Both she and Ann are fairly local tothe area, which I think is importantas a care home should be at thecentre of the community.

“I want us all to take pride in whatwe do because I care about what Iam doing. Building a home in the UKwas something I considered doingfor a while, but because of therecession finding the funding wastough.

“We will build other homes in WestYorkshire in future but will neverbecome a big company because Inever want to get to the stage where Idon’t have full control.”

Funding for Willow Park wasprovided by NatWest.

The man behind what was one of theRepublic of Ireland’slargest care homecompanies is nowbuilding his first carehome in WestYorkshire. DominicMusgrave reports.

Eric Dixonwith carehomeadministrator GailEvans andmanagerPat Green.

Eric makes a Yorkshire move

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RESIDENTS at a Northern Irelandcare home have taken a vote toimprove their orientation within thehome.

Sunnymead residential home inArmagh was established within aprivate Victorian house and has beendeveloped and grown in size overrecent years, meaning it now has sixcorridors to negotiate.

At a meeting residents decided theywould like to name each one with anindividual street name, which willhelp them, new staff and visitorsbecome familiar with the home’slayout more quickly.

Voting took place with all residentsenthusiastic to have their say andvote for their favourite areasthroughout the county of Armagh.

Manager Amanda Leitch said: “Inour lifetimes most people will live invarious houses, but each house is our‘home’ because of the rituals,routines and personal touches wedecide to bring to the space. Eachhouse has its own unique address.

“When residents choose to live inSunnymead they simply move house,in order to ensure that they cancontinue to live happy, fulfilled andpurposeful lives.

“The naming of each corridor willenable every resident to have theirown ‘personal’ address within

Sunnymead, and will promoteindividuality and belonging withinthe community. It gives them a senseof purpose.

“All of their mail is now directed tothem at their own address care of thehome, and some residents have evenput knockers on their room doors.”

The home worked in partnershipwith Saints and Scholars’ IntegratedPrimary School on the sharedlearning initiative to reminisce andinvestigate the history of the corridornames which residents voted for. Theaim of the initiative was to enhanceintergenerational relationships,promote understanding andlearning.

Amanda added: “There are lots ofmisconceptions about care homesand we wanted to show theyoungsters what life is like livinghere. You never know, some of themmay be recruited as carers here oneday.

“The school was so happy that theyare going to design another projectfor the next academic year, which wethink will be around healthy eatingand lifestyle.

“We think it will start off by usplanting a variety of vegetables whichwe will then eat as a big meal at the end of the project, but the final details have not beenconfirmed yet.”

Saints and Scholars primary school children Becka and Darragh with Sunnymeadresident Mildred McStraw and one of the new street signs.

Decision gives every residenttheir own ‘personal address’

Transformationfor retirementvillage clubhouse WORK has begun on theremodelling of the clubhouse at aBath retirement village.

The three-month programme atAvonpark Village near Bath willsee the communal facilitiestransformed. The entire receptionarea will be opened up, extraseating areas created and furtherdining options added with theaddition of a new servery.

The current library and loungearea will be remodelled, resultingin a larger, more functional area,while the conservatory will beredecorated and new furnitureadded. Administration and staffareas will also be improved.

“This is the next phase in ourwork to improve Avonpark Villageand ensure residents have thevery best surroundings,” said PaulWalsh, managing director for thecare and operations division ofRetirement Villages. “We have putin place temporary facilities forresidents and their guests to useduring the work which we expectto take until October.”

Avonpark Village was acquiredby Retirement Villages lastNovember and comprises 99studios, apartments, cottages andhouses, a 27 bed residentialhome, a 15 bed nursing home anda 32 bed dementia unit.

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25

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

In this issue:

� Annual State ofthe Industry Report

Page 26

� Southern Crossclosure ‘will be feltacross the industry’

Page 27

� Small andefficient providerscan show a wayout of the carehome ‘crisis’

Page 28

Thousands of homes withouta manager, new figures revealTHOUSANDS of care homes across Eng-land do not have a registered manager,according to new information obtainedunder the Freedom of Information Act.

And hundreds have significant breach-es of standards which place thousandsof older people at risk of poor care andworse, according to figure obtained byAction on Elder Abuse.

They show that at the start of July morethan 3,000 active care homes had condi-tions placed upon them by the regulatorrequiring them to have a registeredmanager in place, (the person legallyresponsible and legally accountable forevery aspect of running the home), with16 per cent of them waiting for CQCclearance.

Action on Elder Abuse chief executiveGary FitzGerald said: “At a time whenserious questions are being asked about

the quality of care provision for olderpeople and whether or not the regulatoris ‘fit for purpose’, and when theGovernment is considering a wider rolefor the private sector in health and careprovision, these figures demonstrate afrightening picture of the state of resi-dential care in England. The registeredmanager holds a crucial role in estab-lishing and maintaining standards ofquality and to have so many homes withrequirements of this type is appalling.”

CQC has confirmed that there were10,856 inspections of care homes betw-een April 1 2009 and March 31 2010,while in the following year there wereonly 3,805.

Gary said inspectors were diverted tothe registration process, away from theirprimary function, but the public werenot told. He added: “Given the frighten-

ing reduction in the number of overallinspections – some 65 per cent in a year– it is hardly surprising to see so manysignificant breaches of standards nowoccurring. Face to face inspections, notdesk top reviews, are the only effectiveway of monitoring compliance and theregulator has been quietly withdrawingfrom these methods, leaving many localauthorities struggling to fill the gap cre-ated. CQC information in June may havegiven the impression that SouthernCross was the major problem in the sec-tor but, as these figures show, this wasmisleading. We are witnessing a sectorwide problem and it is worth notingthat, with the closure of Southern Cross,many of their care homes are just trans-ferring to other existing care providercompanies, some of whom have seriousbreaches of standards.”

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CARINGCOMMERCE26

By Jeremy Huband

WE have seen few business transferstaking place, and the facilities we seeon the market tend to be smallerunits or those with some kind ofissue which require a certain type ofoperator to run.

Not always the case but a trend.Where we are asked to fund smallerunits we draw upon our recentexperience of softer occupancy levelsand adjust our appetite for debtaccordingly.

As each home is different what debtwe are happy to support will changeand reflect sustainable occupancywill sustain. You will hear EBITDA(income before interest, taxes,depreciation and amortsation)mentioned and available debt as amultiple of this.

As a rule well-run, well-located andwell-laid out homes will attractivethe higher levels of debt: highermultiples of EBITDA.

We are seeing smaller homes inwealthier areas usually enjoyingbetter fee rates and a closer followingfrom the local community they servethan possibly you would expect.

These areas are often ones wherethe corporate operators would like tobuild new homes but find obtainingsites difficult and planningproblematic. So this may leave thelocal home unopposed.

Currently, we are funding a numberof such care homes to either extendtheir units or build new ones in the40-bed range. While 40-beds appearsub-optimal to some, the fee ratesgenerated compensate for the fewerrooms and make for attractive carehomes and lending propositions.They tend to cater for private payers,

so side step the state funding issuesfaced by many.

The other area we are seeinginterest is in specialist units lookingat care in the ‘difficult to do unlessyou are in it already’ areas. These arebespoke units complementingexisting homes catering for theirniche. We are keen to backexperienced operators growingestablished businesses models.

An area where I have seen littleactivity this year are large homessupporting local authority fundedresidents suffering from dementia.While demand for these units mustbe on the increase uncertainty on feerates and recent press have reducedactivity.

Going forward I believe statefunding for elderly residents will beagreed and minimum fee levels set.Homes are required to serveresidents who can not be supportedin their own homes and we should beseeing more funding requests tosupport this demand.

I also wonder whether nursinghomes will need to be reviewed and anew category introduced to allownurses to just cover waking hours.This would allow fees to be reducedwhilst retaining a business modelwhich can survive and grow whilstproviding a satisfactory level of care.

Over the next 12 months I wouldexpect to see good operators doingmore of the same, expanding intomarkets they know and improvingwhat they have already. That said,everyone has one eye on how statefunding develops as this will steerfuture developments in the sector.

� Jeremy Huband is director commercialbanking of RBS Healthcare London.

MORE distressed care homebusinesses will come to market viaadministrators in future, with someof them of a decent size and qualityand very saleable, it has beenclaimed.

Anita Allen, director of DC CareProperty Agents, told Caring UK thathistoric over-gearing and poormanagement are often the reasonsfor the failure of these businesses.

She added: “The appetite ofinvestors is strong, with excellentlevels of interest in the care homeunits we are marketing for insolvencypartnerships.

“Moving forward it is vital that thebanks increase their support of thequality buyers in the sector, as manyhave been restricted in theirexpansion plans.

“If funding is even slightly moreattainable we believe this willimprove the overall market, withincreased business sales and morenew build developments being

implemented.”

But NCA chairman Nadra Ahmedsaid the need for social care withinthe 'Big Society' will become evermore crucial as we ‘hurtle toward thedemographic time bomb’.

She added: “We currently face thiswith a fractured regulator, a cashstrapped commissioner and adisparate workforce.

“Social care is undervalued and yetit is the only industry which can andwill support hundreds and thousandsof individuals in their chosenenvironment.

“The challenge of how to fund thisessential service remains a hot topicand one which the governmentneeds to commit to resolve.

“I believe we have the opportunityto get this right; the regulator mustregulate, the commissioner mustcommission based on actuallyfulfilling the needs of the individualand the sector must be enabled to invest and innovate so together

we can face the future withconfidence.”

Julie Wright, managing director ofWright Care Home Solutions, saidthat while some care providers stillhave issues to address, standardswithin the industry are muchimproved on recent years.

She added: “It appears there are stillhomes struggling to fill beds, whichmay result in difficulties in payingmortgages and rents.

“This will continue for someproviders, particularly where careoffered is not in line with localauthority perceived need or where owners/managers are relianton ‘old style’ marketing of theirhomes.

“One of the changes impacting onoccupancy is mobility.

“Key promoters of homes such associal workers, care managers anddistrict nurses who stayed in oneplace and one job for many years, arenow less static.

“In the past a good relationshipwith outside agencies almost securedthe filling of beds. With peoplemoving jobs and areas, this is nolonger the case and homes need tomarket actively to ensure that theystay on ‘the radar’ in order toincrease occupancy.”

She added that marketing is keyskill that managers need but not allhave as their role continuallychanges, with many needing to leadthe business and so delegating careto other grades of staff.

THE state of the UK care industry isby no means unique in the world, ithas been claimed.

But Tony Upward, managingdirector of LNT Software, says thatthe Government is cutting everycost it can and ‘waving its deficitreduction figures around like awinning lottery ticket’.

He added: “Where will therequired £2billion a year comefrom? If we raise NI contributionsfor care this year will the situationbe resolved? I personally do notbelieve so, capacity will certainlynot be increased and how wouldquality be tested.

“It will mean that we the publichave accepted another precedent,so when we need more money forpolicemen to control rioting theGovernment could happily raise itagain, much like fuel – it hit 70pand the blockades were out. Nowwe are watching fuel creep up to£1.50 a litre in some places, butwhat action is taken by the Govern-ment – a 0.01p decrease compared

to the almost £0.60 tax HMRCdutifully collect on each litre.”

He said that to generate therevenue required to reform socialcare, the government has no optionbut to tax us in some way.

“But rest assured, like fuel, whatgoes up does not come down,”added Tony. “Andrew Dilnot’ssuggestion of a £35k cap is asensible step towards making thecover of long term care insurable.

“However, if the cap in individualcontributions is set much higherand the tax free lump sum on allpension funds is extended for thosethat buy the long term care cover, itshould be cheaper for theGovernment and stimulate insurersto offer policies for purchaseagainst the risk.

“Unfortunately there will alwaysbe big news stories in the media,but that should not affect thecountry’s ability to apply pressureto the Government to carry out (orat least begin) reform within thepostcode lottery care sector.”

‘How state funding developswill steer future developments’

‘No option but to tax us’

Variations to the CQC and inspections, the bedding down of The Health and Social Care Act, Government policy changesto care funding, and issues with fees, are just some of the challenges facing care homes. Dominic Musgrave spoke toseveral leading figures about the state of the industry.

What does the future hold?

Nadra Ahmed Julie Wright

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Don’t delay as the government are considering closing thisopportunity for retrospective claims. Call now for your freeappraisal.

Have you made a Vat reclaim? If you were operating between1993 and 2002 call now to start making your claim.

We will quickly identify the validity of a claim withoutobligation. If it does not proceed there will be no fee.

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

26 18/8/11 10:59 Page 1

27CARINGCOMMERCE

Southern Crossclosure ‘willbe felt across the industry’SOUTHERN Cross’ closure will be feltacross and have wider implicationsfor the care industry, it has beenclaimed

Marcel Bradbury, a solicitor special-ising in the sale and purchase of carehomes at Adams and Remers LLP,said it will affect those owners run-ning individual and small multiplesof homes.

He told Caring UK there could be afunding gap as some banks arepulling back from lending to the sec-tor.

“I have been approached by a num-ber of clients who have expressed aninterest in buying some of SouthernCross’ failing homes,” said Marcel.“But they are going to find fundingthese purchases impossible unlessthey have significant assets and canafford to service a higher cost of bor-rowing.

“They are also very worried thatthere may now be a perception of aproblem in the care home market asa whole, which will affect them andbusiness opportunities such asexpanding and buying more homesin the future.”

He predicted that some SouthernCross homes could be sold off forother uses, adding that the ‘wholeepisode has potentially set the indus-try back a couple of years’.

“We know already that lenders arenot keen to lend money for the pur-chase of care homes with a low occu-pancy level or regulatory problems,”said Marcel. “Prospective buyers

could have previously considered aleasehold arrangement where theywere able to take over the home andmake the necessary improvementswith a contract in place to allowthem to buy the property after a cou-ple of years. Such arrangements maynow be more difficult to fund.

“There is now likely to be some ofthe Southern Cross homes sold offfor other uses and I think it will cer-tainly make an unsettled climate andlife more difficult for care home own-ers looking to expand for the foresee-able future.”

� Do you agree with Marcel? LetDominic Musgrave know by emailingdm@whpl.net or telephone 01226734407.

Marcel Bradbury

THE opening of a leading careprovider’s first care home in Coventryis set to create up to 60 jobs.

Coundon Manor is a purpose builtnursing home being built by PrioryGroup with single, en-suite accommodation for 74 residentsneeding nursing or dementia nursingcare.

The dementia house will reflect the

latest research in the condition,focussing on a person’s abilities.

All residents will also have access tocarefully planned activities and awide range of professionals includinga hairdresser, chiropodist, opticianand GP.

The site, which is expected to openlater this year, will be managed byAngi Knight.

Manager Angi Knight at the site of the new home.

First home to create up to 60 jobs

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CARINGCOMMERCE28

By Harry Cormie

EVENTS at care home giantSouthern Cross haveunderstandably shaken the sectorand have inevitably raisedquestions about existing modelsfor providing a stable andcommercially sustainableenvironment for an ageingpopulation.

It is difficult to argue that thetroubles affecting Britain’s biggestprovider are anything other than aslow-motion tragedy. Theconsequences of the potentialclosure of a number of thecompany’s 752 homes, caring forsome 31,000 people, obviouslyalarm UNISON, with worries overthousands of jobs.

But this unpalatable situationhardly comes as a surprise toinformed opinion in the financialpress and property professionals,who have been warning for yearsthat the business model of thesemassive entities was fatally flawed.

Far too much money washoovered out of the businesses byprivate equity companies, who alsofunded expansion using eye-watering levels of debt.

The companies were mercilesslyasset-stripped and future strategywas predicated on unrealisticallyhigh levels of occupancy and fixedrentals. When local authorities

chose not to increase their fundingat the last review date in April, itwas arguably the straw whichbroke the camel’s back.

But despite all these elements, itis disingenuous for anyone whotakes the sector seriously to claimthat this is a final and fatal failureof the alleged privatisation of carehome provision in the UK.

That argument ignores that localauthority provision of end-of-lifecare has been in inexorable declinesince the 1980s. Some authoritieshave pulled out of care homeprovision altogether, which inmany cases has been a blessedrelief, since their inbuiltinefficiencies and access tounlimited funds took their cost ofcare provision to ludicrous levels.

The only ones who have beenproviding the care that elderlypeople need, at a price that iseconomically viable have beensmall groups of providers, smallchains and individuals, who havebeen servicing the market in aquietly efficient manner.

And they have quite effortlesslymet the demands of a rigorousregulatory regime which includesscheduled and unscheduledinspections, strict fire, health andsafety and environmental healthstandards and the highest levels ofstaff quality, rostering and recordkeeping.

Quality operators still seek toinvest in the sector and I know ofmany wishing to acquire furthernew homes or expand existingones. Of course, they arebusinesses and have to run at aprofit in order to re-invest in futurecare.

But these providers have workedhard to create a decent quality oflife for their residents and in mostcases they have made a damn goodjob of it.

If those who are wondering whatthe care home business modelshould be, in light of recent events,they don’t really have to look muchfurther.� Harry Cormie is a consultant,specialising in the commercial sectorwith DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.

Small and efficient providers can showa way out of the care home ‘crisis’

Harry Cormie

DC Care has completed the sale of a 30-bed care home in South Shields to allowits previous owner to retire after 25 years.Built in the early 1900s, the home wasextended in the mid 1990s, with many ofthe residents’ rooms and day spaceshaving sea views. The home has beenacquired by established operator OmGupta for an undisclosed sum.

Two homes underwayA DERBYSHIRE firm has woncontracts worth a total of £14m tobuild two state-of-the art care homes.

Ashover-based WildgooseConstruction has secured the dealswith the Restful Homes Group for a£9m facility in Lichfield, Staffordshireand a £5m one in Stratford.

Work has started in Lichfield andthe build is scheduled to take 52weeks. The 112-bed care home willbe built over three storeys in thegrounds of the Samuel JohnsonHospital. There will be a range ofmodern facilities including hair-dressing salons and a roof garden.

The build in Stratford has alsostarted and is scheduled to becompleted next March. The 64-bedcare home will include a largerestaurant, a café bar, hairdressingsalons and an in-house cinema.

28 16/8/11 11:36 Page 1

29CARINGCOMMERCE

Major extensionto offer ‘assistedliving’ optionAN established Cheshire care home isundergoing a major extension pro-gramme which will include the cre-ation of eight new living rooms andenable it to offer a new level of ‘assist-ed living’.

The new facilities at SouthfieldHouse will provide an opportunity forthose people who prefer to continuean independent lifestyle yet with thesecurity and peace-of-mind that thereis care on hand if needed.

The new developments will see theintegration of the adjacent house,‘Norwood’, with the existing 15-bed-room care home with the two proper-ties linked by additional new buildingswhich will house new kitchen and din-ing facilities.

The interior of Norwood is also beingtotally remodelled to provide sevennew en-suite living rooms, a loungeand a further assisted bathroom.

Four of the new rooms will be on theground floor and a new passenger liftwill provide additional access to thethree new upstairs living rooms.

Managing director Joanna Lingwoodsaid all of the rooms will be equippedto a state-of-the-art specificationincluding flat screen televisions anddata access points.

She added: “The new developmenthas given us the opportunity to extendthe services that Southfield House hastraditionally been able to offer by pro-viding a home suited to an even moreindependent lifestyle but still tailoredto the wants and needs of each indi-vidual. Each of the new rooms will bea very personal, private space tailoredto the 21st century lifestyle and thatour residents can truly call their home.

“As the new rooms are currentlybeing created, there’s a unique oppor-tunity to become involved and notonly choose the room that suits thembest but also to choose their owndécor and curtains. In historic termswe’re re-unifying the land as the housewhich has been my own family homefor over a decade, was built some 40years ago in the original orchard ofSouthfield House.”

Outside, in addition to a newfrontage, the two extensive rear gar-dens will be combined to creategrounds of almost an acre, includingmany mature trees, pathways, patiosand with future plans for furtherextensive landscaping features.

The new developments are sched-uled for completion at the end ofAugust.

YOUNGSTERS joined SanctuaryGroup and Seddon Constructionrepresentatives to bury a time cap-sule on the site of a new £8m carehome in Oxfordshire.

Annabelle Mundy, 11, and AmberMorris, 10, from William FletcherPrimary School donned hard hatsand hi-visibility vests when theywent to the site of YarntonResidential and Nursing Home.

They helped to bury the capsulethat they and their classmates hadfilled with artwork and poems onwhat they thought life would be likein 70 years. It was buried with thehelp of the new home managerSarah Rawcliffe and Martin Hillsonfrom Seddon Construction near theentrance of the new building, whichwill have 60 en-suite bedrooms andis due to open in November.

Time capsule buried on siteof new £8m care home

Annabelle Mundy and Amber Morris with Martin Hillson and Sarah Rawcliffe.

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31CARINGNEWS

Readers’ letters

Brian Burley, manager, Tracey ValeCare Home, Newton Abbot

I WOULD firstly like to say that Iagree with Sarah Bell's commentsregarding that the traditional carehome model in many ways is outdat-ed (August issue, page 24), although Ibelieve that a number of traditionalvalues have been lost.

This has amounted to, as Sarahrightly points out, homes looking tomaximise profits and at the sametime reducing the level of investment.

It is not surprising that the reduc-tion in Government spending withthe increase of an ageing population,

higher dependency levels of need tosupport people in their own homes,has exacerbated the problem for carehomes with the reduction of admis-sions. However, I would like to pointout that for many elderly people withhigh needs, the option for domiciliarycare services may not be so costeffective as one would imagine.

While the debate continues withGovernment cuts in local authoritiesand, with some private homes look-ing only towards profitability, thequality of care both in residential anddomiciliary services could be at riskat the expense of the current financialclimate.

Some traditional values ‘lost’

Joanne Featherstone, manager, Ebo-racum House, Barnsley

AFTER reading the article in yourAugust publication regarding crock-ery changes (Crockery change boostseating habits in home), we too have asimilar story.

I recently have become a dementiachampion for the Barnsley area. Afterattending training sessions I toolearned the benefits that colouredcrockery brings to these people.

We have introduced brightlycoloured crockery to our residentsand what a difference this has made.Not only have they started eatingmore and asking for seconds theyhave become a focal point. We cur-rently have four differing colours andthis sets off a varied conversation.

Our residents adore the colours.After joining them at mealtimes it’sfun now. I would recommend this toanyone that cares for someone withdementia.

Coloured crockery benefits

Send us your news and views ... Email dm@whpl.net or send them to Caring UK newsroom, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2AS

SHIRLEY Buckley has been appoint-ed village manager of The PrioryRetirement Village in Devon.

Having started in law, she moved toteaching before working with socialservices, managing a day care centreand then spending time in hotelmanagement followed by healthcare.Along the way she picked up a host ofskills which she is now utilising in hernew position.

The Priory is an established retire-ment village acquired in June byRetirement Villages Ltd, and Shirleywill be heading up the team of staffwhich manages the five acre site,ensuring everything runs smoothlyfor the residents of the 43 cottagesand apartments.

Shirley Buckley

New managerfor village

Samantha Cooper has joined OrridgeBusiness Sales as director of healthcare todrive its UK care home business.The healthcare surveyor with 18 years’ experience has spent the last five yearsworking for GVA Ltd, where she specialised inthe acquisition and disposal of care businesses throughout the UK.Previous employment includes Christie andCo and Bairstow Eves estate agents.

Adrian to head uphealthcare teamCOLLIERS International hasappointed Adrian Ilott as adirector in its healthcare team.

He has worked in the health-care sector for 12 years havingstarted in a valuations role atChristie and Co. Adrian thenmoved to Matthews andGoodman LLP before joiningTaylors as an associate directorin 2007.

He now joins Colliers

International as a director tofocus on healthcare businessesand property agency, andbrings valuable experience toan already established andhighly successful specialisedteam.

Adrian will work closely withexisting and new clients in bothacquisition and disposal arenasservicing the needs of corporateand sub corporate healthcareoperators.

The Centre for WorkforceIntelligence has appointedNational Care Forum directorDes Kelly OBE as a nationaladvisor for social care.He will offer strategic advice,provide subject matter exper-tise and be an ambassador forCfWI’s work in social care,joining a small team of pro-fessional advisors. Des, whohas a background of workingin the residential care sectorwith both older people andother adults, represents NCFwith the main national sectorbodies including theDepartment of Health,Commission on Funding ofCare and Support ReferenceGroup and the CQC provideradvisory group.

By Dominic Musgrave

RESIDENTS at a Hendon care homehave begun a year long gardeningand reminiscence project thanks to adonation of £5,270 from the Lottery’sAwards for All programme.

Each participating resident atCentral & Cecil’s Church Walk Housewill create an indoor garden in a largeplant pot or window basket, whichthey will look after with the supportof a gardening assistant (a staff mem-ber, relative or friend).

There will also be group sessionswith a facilitator where participantscan discuss their gardens, and sharetips about herbs and natural reme-dies. The plants will engage the sens-es, which will be particularly impor-tant for those who are living withdementia.

Vikki Moorhouse, the care group’sarts and education co-ordinator, saidthe facilitator will support reminis-cence, encouraging residents to sharetheir stories and develop relation-ships with each other.

She added: “The project will startwith a harvest festival and I’m lookingforward to learning gardening skillsfrom our more experienced residents.“We previously had a very successfulgardening project at our care home in

Windsor and we’re very grateful to theLottery for providing funding so thata new group of people can share skillsand create their own gardens.

Access will be provided to gardeningDVDs and Gardener's Question Timefor informal learning outside thegroup meetings. Residents, staff andgardening assistants will also go ontrips to garden centres and open gar-dens, enjoying a cup of tea and cakeas part of each trip.

Vikki added: “Gardening will pro-vide stimulation, relaxation and verygentle exercise, providing both physi-cal and mental health benefits forresidents.

“Having ownership over something,such as a small indoor garden, is apowerful way to reduce depressionand benefit mental health.

“When Central & Cecil has usedsupported group reminiscence inother projects it has proved to be avery successful way of engaging withresidents, particularly those withdementia.”

The Big Lottery Fund distributeshalf of the National Lottery goodcause funding across the UK.

The Fund aims to enable others tomake real improvements to commu-nities and the lives of people most inneed.

Lottery grant fundsyear-long project atHendon care home

31 16/8/11 12:40 Page 1

CARINGWINTER WARMTH32

BENTON House Care Home inDoncaster used to have an oldstorage heater system.

They were unable to control it,found it was expensive to run andthey suffered a lot of breakdowns.

Their electrical contractorintroduced the low consumptionRointe Digital System to them.

It appeared to suit their needs sothey sent information to Rointe toproduce a full heating study.

This helped the care home to judgethe installation and potential running

costs.Finding that the Rointe Digital

system suited their requirements andthat it could save on electricity costs,the care home applied for andreceived a Carbon Trust Loan andhad the system installed with verylittle disruption.

After benefitting from a comfortableambience in every room and reducedelectricity bills for more than 16months, other homes within the carehome group have also now installedthe Rointe Digital System.

THE Priory Group has ensured it willnot face potential hazards caused bya power failures at its clinics andhospitals by using the services of theshentongroup generator cover.

Since the initial contract was signedwith The Priory Group for its hospitalnear Southampton, it has contractedPowercall UK with a further 13hospitals, care homes and schools.

Such has been the success ofPowercall UK’s service, that when TheGroup’s establishments at Eaglestoneand Thornfield Park needed higherlevels of power protection, theshentongroup’s Scorpion PowerSystems was the automatic choice.

To guarantee consistent and reliableoperation of the generators, ThePriory Group contractedshentongroup’s Merlin PowerManagement to provide it with itsPowercare Premier Generator servicecontract.

“The Shentongroup are unique andthe only company that serves ourniche market”, said Nick Erdbeer,group estates surveyor, maintenanceand engineering. “We have receivedexcellent service from Powercall UK,Scorpion and Merlin PowerManagement.

“We are currently talking to theshentongroup regarding other sitesthat will require their expertise.”

System creates comfortableambience and saves money

A NEW extra care housing schemefor older people was officiallyopened with the presentation byCouncillor Mel Speding, of acommemorative plaque, followedby a short clarinet recital fromresident, John Young.

Bramble Hollow in Hetton-Le-Hole, Sunderland, which received£1.2m in funding from the Homesand Communities Agency (HCA),provides 48 purpose-builtapartments for the over 55s alongwith on-site care and supportservices.

The £7.1m Housing 21development also features arestaurant, shop, hairdressing

salon, activity room and treatmentroom.

Receiving the plaque on behalf ofthe tenants was 93-year-old IsaacStorey, one of the first residents tomove in with his wife, Ann.

The two bedroom apartments forrent or shared ownership havebeen built to wheelchair mobilitystandards and benefit from under-floor gas central heating, walk-inshowers and fully fitted kitchens.

Mary Bryce, head of strategic areaservices for Housing 21, said:“Bramble Hollow is an excellentexample of how extra care livingcan bring huge benefits, both toresidents and to the local

community. “It’s a real alternative to

residential care, allowing people tocontinue enjoying theirindependence but with help onhand if needed.”

Bramble Hollow, which is namedafter the Anglo Saxon term for thearea, was developed in partnershipwith Sunderland city council, FrankHaslam Milan (FHM) North Eastand the Homes and CommunitiesAgency.

It is the third extra care scheme inSunderland to be provided throughthe partnership, following earlierdevelopments in Silksworth andWashington.

Presentationmarks newSunderlandscheme’sopening

Priory opts forshentongroupcover services

Heating system offers excellentcontrollability

THE simplicity of the Heat Electric LST radiatorsallowed us to meet CQC requirements for safe andefficient heating for vulnerable residents. With thesupport of Heat Electric, we quickly replaced the oldnight storage system with no disruption to residentsor our business.”

Tony Stein, director, Canterbury Care Group Heat Electric’s Low Surface Temperature electric

water filled radiators provide a safe, cool-touchsolution for care homes and never exceed an externaltemperature of 43°C.

Because elderly body temperatures candramatically rise or fall in minutes, the heatingsystems are designed to offer excellent controllabilityand each unit can be programmed to achieve aspecific room temperature for its location.

The Low Surface Temperature radiators are alsoenergy efficient, easy to install and a maintenancefree heating solution. Specified in hundreds of care homes across the country, the radiators meet strictGovernment guidelines while reducing heating bills and carbon emissions.

Enquiries: Call 01422 231 943 or visit www.smarterheating.com

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35CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

JOYCE Gordon regularly used to visitOakdale Care Home in Benfleet tosee her husband, who had dementia.

Following his death Joyce, who alsosuffers from the condition, had astroke, which meant she struggled toeat and walk. She moved into thehome after her daughter met withmanager Melanie Rickett to discusspalliative care.

She said: “Care homes get such abad reputation about moving in toone being the end, but it’s not aboutfilling beds here.

“When Joyce came to us she wasvery frail but, with the help of a phys-iotherapist and a nutritionist, wehave nursed her back to her old self –able to walk and do activities aroundthe home.

“During her time here she helpedus with another client who could beaggressive at times by calming himdown.

“She may be back in a year or sobut at the moment her daughter hasmoved in with her and her employerhas been very understanding andallowed her to work from home.”

The 1st Choice care Homes ownedfacility has adopted the My HomeLife Programme to offer a family ori-entated environment, and event thestaff toilets are being turned into

communal ones for residents’ usealso.

Melanie added: “It has made such adifference to the atmosphere at thehome, which is now a lot morerelaxed and homely.

“We are using people’s life historiesand the relationships they have witheach other because there are changesof culture going on all the time.

“We are trying to make it as muchof a home from home as we possiblycan, which is why we have decidedthe staff toilets are to go.

“You don’t have different ones athome so why should we have themhere?

“What we are realising is that person centred care is about peoplebeing recognised for who they are, and we also got rid of the staff’suniforms to break down another barrier.

“When someone goes to fetch thetea trolley they may pass six peopleon the way and not realise they arethere because they are walking towhere they need to go.

“We encourage them to stop and pay a compliment or ask if they are okay to let them be recog-nised.”

An Essex care home has nursed an 84-year-old back to such good health that she has been allowed to moveback home. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

Joyce Gordon and her daughter Penny

Home nurses Joyce back to health

OAKDALE has also changed itsactivities plan and tailored it moretowards the individual’s needsrather than doing something as agroup.

Melanie added: “We had an activ-ities co-ordinator but what wefound was that it was the sameseven or eight residents that wouldjoin her sat around a table. Insteadwe now try and give their day apurpose so one of the residentswho enjoys vacuuming does the

hallway every day.“Another resident is a former

teacher, so she goes down to thelocal school and the children readto her.

“We even have a resident sittingin when we are interviewing. Wehave pictures of butterflies allaround the home. Although someof them only live for 72 hours theylive such fulfilling lives, and wewant our residents to feel they dothe same.”

Activities plan tailored to individuals

35 16/8/11 11:37 Page 1

CARINGDEMENTIA36

RESIDENTS with dementia oftenexperience distress if they cannotfind the clothing they are familiarwith and, as with all residents, it isimportant that garments are correctlyreturned to them after washing.

With over 1,200 garments goingthrough the care home laundry this isnot an easy task, especially if thegarment is not named adequately.

Attach-a-Tag is a simple, costeffective method of labelling clothingand soft objects and is an ideal way toquickly label short term and respiteresidents’ clothing as well as normallaundry.

Replicating a button, it attaches in

seconds to the garment seam orlaundry label, making it discreet andcomfortable to the wearer.

The patented design is easy toattach but difficult to remove, andcannot be taken off by accident orcome off during the laundry process.

Each tag has the owners’ nameetched onto it, which is guaranteednot to wear off in the wash.

This combined with the uniquefixing method of Attach-a-Tag meansthe owner is identified every time.

Suitable for industrial laundry andiron proof, Attach-a-tag is reusable,making it even more cost effective foryour care home.

Simple method to label clothes

MEDORIS designs practical productsfor dementia based upon more than10 years’ continuing experiencewithin care.

For inappropriate undressing, padshredding and smearing there is theall-in-one sleepsuit pyjamas and all-in-one daywear which combines atop with trousers, both with backfastening zip.

The Medoris Activity Cushions,Activity Tray Cloths and Activity

Tabards are designed to occupy theuser, thus reducing the possibility ofthem becoming anxious and walkingabout with its risk of falls.

For memory jogging the table topMemory and Communication Matcan accommodate photos andpictures.

The Medoris micro-bead pressurecare handgrip, designed for stricture,works well for anxiety and in stressfulsituations, as well as end of life care.

Range based on firm’s experience

A CHORLEY care home has created areminiscence room for its residents,particularly those who havedementia.

The new area at The Beechesincludes an old fashioned recordplayer, crockery, typewriter, sewingmachine and ironing board.

It was the brainchild of the home’smanager Krystyna Kolodziejewski,who wanted to create an area thathad objects that were familiar to theresidents.

She added: “The room is a placewhere the residents can do a lot ofthe things they would have donewhen they lived at home, usingequipment that they would haveused.

“All of the staff have been involvedin collecting items for it, and some ofthe residents’ relatives and friendshave also donated things.

“We have scoured the area’s charityshops and car boot sales for items,

and an article we had in the localnewspaper also resulted in severalpeople calling us saying they hadstuff.”

Krystyna says the room has provedpopular with the 34 residents, whoenjoy visiting it as a change ofscenery.

She added: “A lot of residents whohave dementia are still very activephysically and we need to dosomething to ensure that weencourage them to continue being so.It also gives them a purpose to theirday.

“Not only does the room keep theresidents stimulated, but it is also apart of the home where a member ofstaff can take a resident who isgetting agitated to calm them down.

“Picking up something as simple asa piece of crockery or a knittingpattern can be used as triggers forconversations that the staff have noidea which direction they will go.”

Room evokes memoriesThe reminiscence room at The Beeches in Chorley.

A Wiltshire care home is celebrating the culinary creations of its residents with theintroduction of a new kitchen.Bemerton Lodge in Salisbury, part of the Orders of St John Care Trust, has undergone a£25,000 redevelopment to install the kitchen which is aimed particularly at residentswith dementia. It can accommodate at least five residents and two members staff at atime. Bemerton Lodge’s dementia unit cares for 15 residents.

36 Metadoris 16/8/11 12:55 Page 1

37CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

A NEW specialist dementia care home hasopened on the site of a former pub on theoutskirts of Nottingham.

Belle Vue, which has been built byEastgate Care, has retained the name of thepub it has replaced, and has 55 beds splitinto smaller units of nine or 10.

The new home takes the group to morethan 200 beds, and took less than a year tobuild.

It has an Old and New theme throughout,with the modern facilities featuring decorreflecting past times.

The group’s founder James Day said:“We’ve coloured each unit so the residentsknow where their rooms are.

“They have the freedom to wanderaround where they like, but the colours willhelp them to recognise where they live andwe have also used familiar signage ratherthen the classical dementia ones to alsohelp with this.

“We’ve also decorated the lounges withthings the residents will be familiar withthat we have picked up from antique shopsand car boot sales for next to nothing inmany cases. That way if things get brokenit doesn’t matter.

“We’re looking at four intakes a week overthe next few months so hopefully we willbe pretty much full by the end of the year.

“Having the smaller units enables us todo this comfortably, and we have enoughstaff in place to accommodate 27 residentsat this stage.

“The response we had to a recruitmentfair we held in the city was unbelievableand we have been able to pick the cream ofthe crop.”

James said there are plans in place toexpand the business further in the near future with the building of further care homes based on the Belle Vuemodel.

He added: “We have a training centre forthe staff at one of our other sites, andhave had a really good managementteam in place for the past 18 month that Iam confident can take the business for-ward.

“We plan to move across the EastMidlands but stay within that boundarybecause we want to maintain the quality ofour management team.

“Our focus is on building and operatingquality units and operating them withexperienced staff offering a good service.”

Colour-codedhome opens onformer pub site

37 16/8/11 11:11 Page 1

CARINGNEWS38

By Alpa Karia

IN these times of economic crisesand cost cutting, the wastage ofmedication is a heart breakingreality. A Department of Healthstudy last year found that about£300m worth of medicines arewasted each year in England, halfof which is unnecessary.

Waste medications in the carehome sector is a particularly wellrecognised problem. A majorreason for this is an inadequatemedication ordering and reviewprocess.

A lot of homes will get theirregular pharmacy to do thisordering for them; therefore theprescriptions go directly from thesurgery to the pharmacy and arenever seen by the home. This isclearly not advisable as thepharmacy will not have any idea ofstock levels in the home andwhether the resident is having anyproblems with that medication or ifthey still require it.

For this reason it is clear thathomes which take theresponsibility to order theirmedications themselves have amuch better efficiency.

Frequently the ordering is carriedout well away from both themedication storage areas (so that

stock levels can be checked beforemore is ordered) and also awayfrom the residents themselves.

It is vital that where possible theresident is involved in the orderingof their medications. Laxatives,painkillers, sedatives, indigestionremedies and emollients are morelikely to be wasted, and these areall medications where it isimportant to get the opinion of theresident as to their continued need.

It should be remembered that ifthe carer or resident feels thatmedications are no longerrequired, the doctor should becontacted and asked to review, asmedications can’t be stoppedwithout their consent. Also, it is

important that the person who isdoing the ordering is aware of theresident’s medicine takingbehaviour and takes this intoaccount when ordering.

For example, if a resident isregularly refusing to take a largetablet, perhaps they may benefitfrom that prescription beingchanged to a liquid formulation.The re-ordering process is a goodtime for this to be considered, sothat the pharmacist can beinformed and the doctor can thenbe advised on prescribing asuitable alternative.

The care home’s regularpharmacy is ideally placed to takethe responsibility to ensure that thecare home staff have beenadequately trained in theseprocesses.

In conclusion, reducing themedication wastage that comes outof a care home is not simply a costcutting exercise but will alsoindicate the quality of care theresidents are receiving.

Managers should develop a goodrelationship with their regularpharmacy and get them to sharetheir knowledge and expertise onmedication with staff so this isachievable. � Alpa Karia is a pharmacist forChemistree Clinical Services

An opportunity to cut medicationwastage and improve care

Alpa Karia

Inspectorateis urgedto listen to sectorA LEADING care association hascalled on the inspectorate to listen tothe voices of the sector regardingtheir proposals for an excellencescheme.

ECCA chief executive Martin Greensaid the consultation on thedevelopment of this scheme will be ‘areal indicator as to whether or notthe CQC has actually listened toadvice’.

He added: “The cost of regulationhas been rising significantly and yetthe performance of the regulator is ofan unacceptably low standard.

“Their proposal to have anexcellence scheme which does notdifferentiate between levels of qualitywill not be fit for purpose and there iscertainly no justification for levyingan extra cost on an alreadyoverburdened sector.

“CQC must wake up to the fact thatcharging a lot for regulation requiresthem to deliver something that’suseful for service users and carers,and helps to improve quality.

“If the excellence scheme is going toachieve both of these objectives itwill need to be radically differentfrom the one that is currentlyproposed.”

38 16/8/11 11:12 Page 1

39CARINGPRODUCT NEWS

AS A carer your time is better spentproviding the care your residentsdeserve, not in the office handlingtheir day-to-day finances.

When care home providers are act-ing as corporate appointees, fullresponsibility for this role can betransferred to Essex Guardians.

In doing so, it can remove potentialconflict of interest, corporate liability

and free up workloads. Essex Guardians is one of the lead-

ing corporate deputy services in thecountry.

It provides a dedicated team of pro-fessionals to expertly handle financialaffairs for people when they nolonger have the mental capacity to doso on their own.

Guardians can handle financial affairs

System designed by owners for staff

Firm constantly developing its staff

WHY would you want to change allyour care home management sys-tems from paper based to a comput-er?

The truth is that if you haven’talready done so, the answer is proba-bly that you don’t.

The problem is that change isinevitable, it’s going to happen, like itor not, so the question for many own-ers is not if but when ... which iswhere CareDocs comes in.

It has been designed by ownersspecifically to help staff reluctant touse computers.

CareDocs is visual, intuitive andeasy to use; the system automaticallysaves all information entered andstops any information entered frombeing inadvertently lost.

It will also write complete, detailedcare plans automatically, which is agood reason to choose it on its own.

BARCHESTER Healthcare, the UK’slargest quality care provider, is con-stantly developing its staff to providethe highest level of quality carethroughout its homes across thecountry.

Sue Cartwright, general manager atStamford Bridge Beaumont, inYorkshire, has been with the firmsince 2009. She has worked in thecare sector since leaving school at 16,and still remains motivated by the

difference she can make to people'slives.

“Barchester has a great support net-work and I’m very proud to work for acompany that really values itsemployees,” added Sue. “It's throughexcellent training and developmentopportunities that our staff recog-nise the high standards expected ofthem. Then, in turn, they really wantto understand the needs of those theycare for.”

Barbara to speak atmust-attend eventBARBARA Pointon MBE has beenconfirmed as a speaker at a confer-ence in Plymouth on October 18.

The ambassador for both TheAlzheimer’s Society and Dementia UKfeatured in a moving documentarycharting her husband Malcolm’s 11years with Alzheimer’s.

Her talk at the conference, beingheld at the China Fleet Country Clubon October 18 organised by ScriptEvents in association with Visioncall,is entitled ‘Caring for Malcolm’ - Apersonal account of looking after aloved one.

She will be sharing her advice andexperience to other carers, and is amust attend event.

Other speakers for both that andanother regional conference beingorganised by Script Events at the ParkInn Hotel by Radisson at York, includeDes Kelly, CEO of the National CareForum and UKHCA chief executiveBridget Warr.

Both days have the theme ‘Focusingon Outcomes’, and a key feature ofthe York event on November 2 will bea presentation by Tom Owen of CityUniversity, London on the emerging

findings of the My Home Life pro-gramme - a five-year project betweentwo leading industry groups into thechanges needed to ensure older peo-ple can have a better quality of life incare settings.

John Kennedy, director of care ser-vices, Joseph Rowntree Foundation,York, will also speak on the topic.

To attend either event costs just £50per person or £75 for two places.

Places can be reserved by ringingthe hotline on 01226 734695 or viawww.caring-uk.co.uk

Barbara Pointon

The National Skills Academy for Social Care is a membership organisation createdby social care employers to meet their needs and the needs of their staff and ser-vice users. We do this by developing programmes that transform the quality of lead-ership, management and commissioning skills to help the sector deliver excellentcare. And we endorse training provision so that employers and their staff canchoose the best quality-assured training.

39 16/8/11 12:40 Page 1

CARINGINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FEATURE40

FOR many of us, it is difficult toimagine life without technology.

It entertains us, facilitatescommunication and hasrevolutionised even the most menialof tasks. So, it may come as a surprisethat in the UK alone, nine millionpeople are offline and unable toaccess the critical services that theinternet has to offer.

Of this group, nearly half a millionare in residential care, which is whereSimplyUnite, a UK-based company,have established themselves asmarket leaders.

Their ‘Gem’ touchscreen servicecombines email, Skype (videocalling), internet and screen basedentertainment which is deliveredthrough a simple-to-use platform.

Often, care homes are inherentlynervous of technology and struggle tosee how they will successfullyintegrate IT into the lives of theirservice users.

SimplyUnite recognise and alleviatethis fear by providing a dedicatedsupport package alongside theirtouchscreen computers.

The proactive team work closely

with homes - guiding, assisting andtraining wherever necessary.Additionally, all technical updates aretaken care of, allowing for a hassle-free computer experience.

Robin Hood House in Hertfordshireintroduced SimplyUnite six monthsago and it has “triumphed” at thehome.

Activities co-ordinator Katie Beaversaid: “All of our residents are set upwith their own accounts and we havebeen really proud of how they haveexcelled. Eric was our first resident touse Skype and he now regularly chatsto his sons abroad.

“The first time Beryl used Skype totalk to her daughter in France, shewas so overjoyed to see her, shekissed the screen.”

As well as Skype, residents at thehome regularly email, receive photos,engage in reminiscence activities andlisten to music on YouTube.

“SimplyUnite really has been ablessing for our residents and theirfamilies,” added Katie.

SimplyUnite will be demonstratingat the London Care Show on October11 and 12.

Software helpsresidents tostay in touch

ACTOR Graham Cole dropped in for morning coffee to launch a free computer trainingprogramme for the elderly at a Dartford care home. Best known for his role as PC TonyStamp in The Bill, he visited Emily Court in Wilmington, to unveil the new initiative runby S&G Training which is designed to get older people online.

Mobile technology bridges the budget gap

THE economic challenge facing theUK has led to a major squeeze oncare budgets and yet organisationsare still expected to deliver qualityservices.

With fewer resources available,organisations are turning to robustmobile and internet technology todeliver tangible improvements inservice delivery.

New and affordable mobileapplications and internet services can convert mobile phones and smartphones, such as Blackberry®, intopowerful location aware and data access tools.

Carers are provided with dynamic and secure access to service user information, and integrated businessmanagement solutions exist for care staff deployment, service user attendance requests, carer absencealerts, service delivery reminders and lone worker protection.

Providers can also generate audit reports to demonstrate evidence of service delivery in support of theirability to meet the duty of care.

Enquiries: Telephone 01369 700722 or visit www.argyll-loneworker.co.uk

40 16/8/11 11:57 Page 1

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CARINGINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FEATURE42

By Dominic Musgrave

RESIDENTS at a Lancashire carehome are keeping in touch withfamilies and friends around theworld after two computers wereinstalled for their use.

Pilling Care Home is the first inthe Over Wyre region of the countyto receive a Get Connected grantfrom the Social Care Institute forExcellence.

The £5,000 grant has enabled thehome to purchase two touchscreen computers which have largekeyboards and mice for theresidents to use the Simply UniteSystem.

The home’s office managerJustine Gaunt-Nelson told CaringUK she has noticed a positivechange in the residents since theywere installed.

She added: “It has been fantasticand has opened up another worldto our residents.

“We wrote to their families askingthem to provide us with emails andSkype addresses if they have themand then registered the residentson to the system.

“One lady who lives here only hasone member of family and she livesdown in south Wales so it isdifficult to visit, but she recentlysent an email here and she burstinto tears.

“Other residents enjoy exploringthe internet and reminiscing bywatching films of Dame Vera Lynnand other hobbies they used to beinterested in before they movedhere on YouTube.”

The home is hosting an open dayin August to show the relatives andfriends how the new system isbeneficial for the residents.

Photos of other events held at thehome will also be emailed out tokeep them informed of what isgoing on at the home.

Justine added: “We want to make

everybody feel involved with what goes on at the home and, forthe residents something as simple as an email can give them that additional extension tofamily.

“We think it’s the way forward andthe way care homes need to belooking because as times goes on

more and more people moving intofacilities like ours will be computerliterate.

“For those residents that cannotor don’t want to leave their roomswe also purchased a trolley so wecan take one of the computers intotheir rooms, making themaccessible for all.”

Resident Jack Finlay with care assistant Courtney Moore

Grant lets residentsget connected ...

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS44

GIVING everyday food a cohesiveconsistency, Thick & Easy™ makesfood and drink safe for patients whofind it difficult to swallow.

It is the UK’s leading food thickenerfor a reason: quick and simple to use,gives food a visually appealingtexture and reduces the risk ofdehydration.

The nutritional support you providewith Thick & Easy™ helps yourresidents with swallowing difficultiesand helps prevent aspirationpneumonia, choking, malnutrition,dehydration and even death.

WITH more than 30 years’experience, Aid Call are the leadingsupplier of wireless nurse callsystems for care homes.

We understand that no two carehomes are the same and have createda range of different products to suitevery business.

Whether you own a single smallcare home or a chain of larger homes,Aid Call can cater for yourrequirements.

Wireless technology is flexible andquick to install with the minimum offuss or disruption. It is also cheaperthan you might have thought.

Food thickenerreduces risk

AidCall cancater for all

MORE than 1,500 professionals fromacross the care sector are set to joinforces this October to collaborate andshare best practice at Care Show.

Taking place at Olympia on October11 and 12, Care Show London is aleading event for the industry,combining an important mix ofexpertise, CPD opportunities, andshowcases of the latest products andservices from over 100 suppliers.

A key topic set to be discussed is thesignificant rise in internet use byolder people and the benefits this canbring to their lives.

In a move towards highlighting newand innovative areas in theoperational management of carehomes in the UK, the event welcomesfirst time exhibitor Simply Unite – acompany which specialises in easyand accessible communications forolder people, regardless of capabilityand living circumstances.

Toby Hart, CEO of Simply Unite, willpresent a session in the Best Practice

& Dementia Care Theatre entitled:‘Essential or Excellent? How cantechnology help you go beyond theessential standards’.

This theatre also includes a sessionon coping with sight loss in peoplewith dementia and one on nutritionin dementia.

The ever popular MyBusinessSeminar Theatre will play host to apanel of experts and key industrystakeholders debating one of the keychallenges facing the sector at themoment, The Future of Funding forCare Post Dilnot Commission.

Confirmed participants includeECCA chief executive Martin Green,CQC chairman Dame Jo Williams,who was part of the DilnotCommission and James Lloyd,director of public sector think tankthe Strategic Society Centre.

Visitors are invited to put questionsto the panel either during the sessionor in advance via the Care ShowSeries Discussion Group on LinkedIn.

Share best practiceat London Care Show

SHACKLETONS has beenrecognised for its commitment toquality.

The Yorkshire furniture firm, withits proud heritage spanning 50years, has received the prestigiousISO 9001 accreditation inrecognition of its design and

manufacturing excellence. The ISO 9001 is the most

demanding of the globallyrecognised ISO quality assurancestandards. The company is the UK’sleading provider of specialistfurniture designed for the specificneeds of the care home sector.

Top award for furniture company

BVS is the leading training providerof video/DVD based trainingsolutions for the health and socialcare sector.

We are constantly monitoring anyfundamental changes in the sector,which subsequently gives scope forupdates and the production of newtitles such as ‘Equality, Diversity andInclusion’, ‘Dignity and Respect’ and‘Mental Capacity Act-In Practice’.

Our Focus On range features avariety of scenarios to which traineescan analyse and identify areas of careto be improved. These can act asuseful refresher guides for care staffwhere by working closely togetherthey can explore the best practice indifferent situations.

Training solutions

WITH more than £1bn lent sincebeing established, Global BusinessFinance has vast experience in allareas of refinance, development,purchase and debt consolidation,and they don’t even charge you a fee.

As one of the country’s foremosthealthcare brokers, Global is wellpositioned to provide specialistadvice to home owners, whether it isexiting the grip of an unsupportivebank or overcoming a desire to builda new home or extension in difficulteconomic times.

Global is owned and run by a carehome owner, and therefore there isvery little that Mark Widdows and histeam have not heard over the yearsand assisted in resolving. Advice canalso be tailored to first time buyers.

Specialist advice

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A HOMECARE agency has celebratedits millionth care visit with a serviceuser in the borough of Trafford,Greater Manchester and its five-yearanniversary of providing care in thearea.

Homecare Support is contracted byTrafford Council to provide careservices in the home, as well asproviding private care.

The company provides 700 carestaff across the UK, from TheMidlands to Scotland, and supportsover 200 Trafford residents to remainin their own home.

The millionth care visit wasprovided to long-term service userMavis Alston, who is 72 from GreaterManchester. She was treated to aspecial lunch, flowers and a gift ofshopping vouchers.

Managing director of Homecare

Support, Dan O’Donoghue, said: “Tocomplete our millionth care visit is areal achievement for all involved.

“We work closely with hospitals,GPs and councils so it really is a teameffort. We’re proud to have a verysupportive and professional care staffworking throughout the UK. They allhelp to maintain our reputation as aquality care provider.

“There are many vulnerable peoplein the community that need care andattention, and we hope to continuethe same high levels of service foryears to come.”

Mavis, who developed polio as ateenager and uses a wheelchair, hasbeen looked after by HomecareSupport’s Simone Foy and JanetNaylor for the last five years.

They were also treated to lunch andpresented with flowers.

Agency celebrateslandmark visit

Shams Ahmed has been named care worker of the year by his employer.Shams, who works for independent homecare provider London Care’s Limehousebranch, was presented with the Jackie Deeley award in recognition of the outstandingstandards of care and support he provides to all his service users.Now in its 10th year, the award is given out annually in memory of the former memberof London Care’s management team based at its Holloway branch, who died in a roadaccident. Nominated by his branch, Shams was chosen by London Care’s awardcommittee from a shortlist of 14 candidates from a total staff of more than 2,000.

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47CARINGHOMECARE

Sharon Galbraith from the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch was named national careworker of the year by Caremark. She was picked for the award out of nominations frommore than 60 of the group’s offices across the UK, and the criteria was based aroundthe person’s achievements and commitment. Sharon was presented with her award byJune Darby, the daughter of a customer.

Care fees planningscheme to be launchedEQUITY release adviser KeyRetirement Solutions is to launch acare fees planning service with live-incare specialists Helping Hands.

The scheme, which is set to launchin September, aims to ensure thoseneeding care and their familiesreceive the right advice and guidancebefore they start paying for domicil-iary care.

Key’s Care Fees Planning Specialistswill examine firstly whether clientsare receiving all State and LocalAuthority entitlements. Then, follow-ing a review of existing income andcapital, will then explore with clientsfurther options including maximisinginvestments, equity release, andimmediate needs annuities.

Key’s Estate Planning team will alsoprovide will writing services and canarrange Lasting Power of Attorneys

for clients and their families, whichare an essential part of planning forcare.

Group director Dean Mirfin said:“The Dilnot Report has turned thespotlight on long-term care andmade a welcome start but we, andthose receiving care, cannot wait forlegislation. Families and peoplereceiving care need help now whichis why this service is crucial.

“The service is about providinginformation and choice at an impor-tant time, and is relevant for thoseabout to be, or who are already,receiving care.”

Key Retirement Solutions beganworking with Helping Hands in April2010 to look at what advice and guid-ance those receiving care and theirfamilies needed.

STAFF at a Lancashire domiciliarycare agency have won more than 200nationally-recognised certificatesbetween them since the beginning ofthe year.

Oswaldtwistle-based WillowbrookHome Care’s employees and carershave studied topics as wide-rangingas customer service, diabetes careand City and Guilds diplomas inhealth and social care.

And, while a number of courses aremandatory due to the nature of thecarers’ work, many have been provided by Willowbrook for theempowerment of staff and the

benefit of its clients.

Theresa Swan, from Willowbrook’sTraining and Development Centre,said: “Our aim is to have the higheststandard of staff training.

“We give our team the best possibleopportunities and, as a result of ourinvestment, they understand howmuch we value them. That makes apositive difference in their day-to-day work.”

The firm’s managing director ElaineBrady was also recently crownedbusinesswoman of the year in the BeInspired Business Awards.

Agency staff win over 200 certificates

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Transport

48

Occupancy specialist

Computer Software

Alarm Systems

Fitness equipment

Signs

Consultants

Mini Coaches

APETITO has introduced a specialistmobilisation team to provide ongo-ing support to its care home cus-tomers to help make sure the opti-mum catering solution is in place.The apetito range of over 200 mainmeals and desserts, including a worldleading range of soft and pureed

meals, give support to the cateringteam, helping them widen menuchoice and the confidence that eachmeal will be consistently high qualityand nutritious. Frequently, operatorshave been able to reduce cateringstaff levels and re-deploy to otherareas of the care home.

Team launched to provide support

THE new manufacturing and logisticsdirector at Redditch-basedGainsborough Baths is making posi-tive changes that are being felt acrossthe business.

Barry Curtis is responsible for thecompany’s research and develop-ment programme, engineering andmanufacturing teams, procurementand logistics.

His first task was to review the man-ufacturing operation and he has been

instrumental in the company’s deci-sion to improve efficiencies acrossthe group by moving the warehousefacility from Redditch to sit adjacentto the factory in Aldridge.

Helping him is John Bradley fromWolverhampton, who joins as supplychain manager. Barry has also pro-moted Mark Harper, who has workedfor Gainsborough Baths for two years,to Engineering Manager to focus onR&D.

New director making his mark

MANEPA has added HaighEngineering’s well established rangeof Sluicemaster macerators to itsportfolio for distribution to the Irishhospital and care home markets.

Colm Casey, sales director atManepa, said: “The HaighSluicemaster name is already recog-nised in this region but there is a fan-tastic opportunity for both businessesto deliver more for our customers.”

Expansion of the core Haigh prod-uct set into Ireland is one of the keydrivers for the firm’s current growthand future plans. With units alreadyregularly shipping around the world,finding the right long term partner in

the country was fundamentallyimportant.

Haigh’s Nick Dale added: “We areimpressed at how enthusiastic, pro-fessional and effective the team atManepa have been.

“They have shown real commitmentto working with our teams to under-stand the genuine added value thatthe Sluicemaster Classic, Panawayand SOLO can deliver to end users.”

Combined with an environmentallysustainable source of pulp, the dis-posables system has proven to be notonly cost effective but also the mostenvironmentally sustainable, energyefficient solution available.

Manepa adds to range

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49Create a homely environment for

residents with SkySINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, RichardsResidential Supplies have concentratedupon supplying simple solutions to com-mon nursing home problems.

The new WACMAT® adheres strongly tothis tradition.

With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and100 per cent waterproof backing, theremarkable WACMAT® is an ideal accessorywhere spills may occur.

Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms orbathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full car-pet protection. Then, after use, simplymachine wash and tumble dry! It’s that sim-ple...

The WACMAT® will then be clean andodour-free, ready to perform time and timeagain. Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be used as an entrance mat, saving you hundreds ofpounds in rental costs alone.

Enquiries: Call 08442 411 644 (quote HME TRA1)

Finding a commercial dishwasher iseasier than you think

WHEN you have a business that uses com-mercial dishwashers, it is vital to be sureyou have the right type for your needs.

To help make that decision as easy aspossible, Miele has designed a new websitewhich shortlists the most suitable productfor your requirements.

Here’s why its worth checking outMiele’s website to find your next commer-cial dishwasher:

Money - If you don't have the right typeof dishwasher, you can end up costing yourbusiness money. The wrong type may use alot of energy and this is going to cost you alot of money over time. You always want tobe sure that you know how much energyeach machine uses.

Infection control - In hospital andhealthcare applications it's not good enough to simply have a machine that washes well but in addition itshould be capable of thermal disinfection.

Load size - You need to know the volume of dishes youre going to wash in a given hour and what exact-ly you will be washing.

Enquiries: Visit www.mydishwasher.co.uk

Communication aids range launched forthose with dementia

AT Visioncall we recognise the importance ofretaining independence and confidence for aslong as possible for those who live withdementia and Alzheimer’s.

Always keen to assist our care home clientsand their residents, we have introduced arange of communication aids, speciallydesigned for those living with such condi-tions.

Self-adhesive, durable, non-reflective, and“wipe clean”, our specially designed signage,with its bold lettering and easily recognisableimages on a brightly coloured background,makes it easier for residents to manage theirway around their care home with confidence.

Our innovative tool, ”Choices”, using picto-rial representation, helps ascertain a person’slikes and dislikes, and also stimulates conversation. Menu boards with individual menu cards help improvecommunication and add to the atmosphere of the dining room.

Residents will also enjoy our jigsaws, which can be created and personalised to include images of lovedones and favourite places.

Enquiries: Visit www.visioncall.co.uk

Follow us on twitter @CaringUK

If you would like to advertise in Caring UK please contact:

01226 734479 or email rh@whpl.net

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Contract linen direct from the mill for care homes...Towels Direct has been supplying the care sector for the last 20years and are providing premium Turkish quality towels that lastup to 150 washes.

Most towels you see in a retailer will only last 60 washes. Wealso provide minimum iron bedlinen that isconstructed of easycare polycotton, again designed to last longer than your averagebedsheet and save your staff time.

Bespoke embroidery designs are available along withmatching bedlinen and curtains. Please call free for a noobligation discussion.

Since Towelsdirect’s inception, we have always tried to focuson our uniqueness. Customers are reminded that we offer freedeliveries on orders over £150, We operate a no minimum orderpolicy and next day delivery from stock. We recognise that ourcustomers needs are ever changing, and it is with this in mindthat we are updating our website daily.

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

Urbane for a fresh contemporary care homeIn a break from tradition an increasingnumber of care homes are choosing amore contemporary image for staffwith Grahame Gardner Scrubwear.

The Urbane Scrubs collection isproving particularly popular as itoffers great fresh styles and a boldcolour palette, perfect for brighteningup the care home environment.Urbane Scrubs has been developedspecifically with women in mind,offering flattering tailoring tocomplement the female form anddesign detail such as contrast trims.

Grahame Gardner has recentlyreviewed and enhanced itsoperational procedures, reducing leadtimes and significantly increasingstocks on key colour combinationsperfect for care homes.

In addition to the stocked colour choices, alternative combinations are available as Special Imports.Non-stocked colour requests will be shipped in to order from Grahame Gardner’s US partners. The firm also offers alternative ranges of scrubwear; Gg scrubs and Easiephit.

Enquiries: Visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk or telephone 0116 255 6326.

Beaucare launch Mattress Disinfection Wipes

BEAUCARE® Medical Ltd hasdeveloped a mattress disinfectionwipe to compliment its hygieneand janitorial range.

These wipes are specificallyformulated to control infectionand disinfect in one solution, withhealthcare professionals in mind.

The wipe contains a complexmix of biocides formulated totarget a broad spectrum ofmicroorganisms found in health care environments, such as bactericidal, mycobactericidal, fungicidal,virucidal and sporistatic disinfection.

The mattress disinfection wipes are ready to use and disposable, eliminating the risk of crosscontamination. They are a cost saving alternative to multiple product solutions, supplied in a tub withresealable fastening for easier and quick dispensing.

The wipes are also ideal for cleaning the firm’s waterproof covered pressure relief mattresses or candouble up as a multi-purpose surface wipe.

Beaucare has an extensive hygiene and janitorial range, providing a solution for all purposes, ensuringhigh levels of cleanliness and infection control.

Enquiries: Call 01423 878899, email sales@beaucare.com or visit www.beaucare.com

What every carer should know whenregistering a death

WITH the care home industry coming under themedia and Government’s spotlight in recentmonths, care home staff need reassurance andassistance now more than ever.

The will and probate sector is one area whereassistance is always at hand for care home staffwhose role is to ensure that the formalities areproperly dealt with when someone sadly dies..

For a busy care home owner or manager, thiscan mean utilising an outside specialist to helpdeal with these matters. Probate genealogists, forexample, specialise in identifying and tracingheirs, and locating missing or unknownbeneficiaries.

They can also help the care home manager orowner to trace other missing persons in order tosettle the estate of the deceased, such as trustees,settlors and protectors.

Probate service providers, such as Finders, canhelp busy care homes ensure best practicethrough their free legal advice and support.

Enquiries: Visit www.findersuk.com or freephone 0800 085 8796

SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based,Richards Residential Supplies haveconcentrated upon supplyingsimple solutions to commonnursing 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’sthat 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

Integrated, low consumption heatingsystems from Rointe UK

ROINTE’S low-consumption heating - characterised by safety, efficiency and ease-of-use - is theculmination of over 25 years of pioneering research and manufacturing excellence.

Rointe K series radiators use the patented Optimizer Energy Plus® digital thermostat and natural airconvection to provide stable room temperatures with no air-drying effect - providing a comfortableenvironment for the elderly.

Meanwhile, the K Series' low surface temperature, lockable controls and optional radiator guards providepeace of mind for care home staff and residents’ families.

From a management aspect, the Rointe system is unrivalled: the entire range of Rointe products -radiators, water heaters and towel rails - are programmable, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from asingle remote control.

Program once, and in a matter of minutes, the new settings can be applied throughout the care home.

Enquiries: Telephone 0845 604 5987, email sales@rointe.co.uk or visit www.rointe.co.uk

Chemistree’s Single Use MedicationSystem – SUMS

SUMS is a single usemedication system whichhas several significantbenefits compared toothers currently available.

These include:* Cold sealed single doseblister packs preventing potential heat related changes to drug content and therefore efficacy which mightbe seen in heat sealed systems.* Single use packs, eliminating risk of cross infection, removing need for disinfection, preventing spread ofinfection and improving hygiene.* Colour coded and numbered holders, further help patients receive the correct medicine and dose at thecorrect time of day.* Patient information attached to packs themselves, supporting patients’ dignity and independence andreducing dispensing errors.* Drug information including name, dosage, batch number and expiry date attached to packs themselves,supporting patients’ understanding and reducing dispensing errors.* Much lighter to carry than existing products saving care staff from strain and effort on trolley rounds.

Enquiries: Call 0800 1585 694 email carehomeinfo@chemistree.co.uk or visitwww.chemistree.co.uk

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