Caring UK September 2015
56
September 2015 no.231 • £4.75 By Olivia Taylor RESIDENTS feel less isolated and happier after moving into a care home, compared to where they were living previously, a survey by Hallmark Care Homes has revealed. The Essex-based provider asked relatives with a loved one in one of the 17 Hallmark Care Homes across England and Wales to rate their happiness and level of activity, prior to and after they had moved into the care home. 74 per cent of those who responded said their loved ones were happier or just as happy after making the move into residential care and it was identified that the level of social activity enjoyed by residents had a direct and positive impact on their overall levels of happiness. Managing director for Hallmark Care Homes and chair of Care England Avnish Goyal said: “Our research shows that those living within our communities of care benefit from regular social interaction and take the opportunity to join planned activities, thereby enhancing their quality of life and increasing their levels of happiness. “However, it is important to stress that the approach to social activity should be centred on the individual resident and their preferences which is why we make great efforts to find out as much about our residents as we can prior to moving in using our ‘About Me’ booklet which gives us insight into the social activities that they might enjoy.” Some 89 per cent of residents now take part in social activities at least once a week, compared to just 63 per cent prior to joining a Hallmark community. When asked what the residents living situation was prior to moving in, just 23 per cent of people surveyed reported that their loved one lived with a partner before they moved into a care home. A staggering 59 per cent had been living alone for over five years prior to their move, according to the survey which was sent to about 300 relatives earlier this year. Avnish added: “It is widely recognised that social isolation is a growing issue among older people. “This is a problem which is likely to develop as time goes by given our ageing population and the constraints on the social care budget.” Elderly ‘are happier’ in care setting Hallmark care home, Anisha Grange in Essex, recently received a visit from celebrity gardener David Domoney as part of a company-wide gardening competition. David is most recognisable for his work on the Alan Titchmarsh Show and visited Anisha Grange to view the home’s award-winning gardens and to meet residents. David said: “Gardening not only has physical benefits it has therapeutic benefits as it is a key link to the past. It’s good to see a care home has recognised this fact and implemented it as an activity at the home.” Winners of ‘Hallmark in Bloom’ will be notified in coming weeks. incorporating The Number One magazine for the care sector Tenants enjoy getting creative A SCOTTISH care provider is looking to get arty to help its tenants in East Lothian to become more creative. Bield’s Southfield Court, a retirement housing development in Dunbar, is on the lookout for a local artist who would be keen to volunteer their special skills for a vibrant group of older people who want develop their painting skills. The tenants have already had a successful still-life taster session and this has left them with an enthusiasm to progress their skills even further. Kate Donohoe, manager at Southfield Court, said: “Our tenants thoroughly enjoyed their initial still- life session and are now particularly interested in learning more about working with charcoals, pastels, water colour and oil painting. “Recreational classes such as this are greatly beneficial as they can be very therapeutic for the tenants – allowing them to get involved with something creative while socialising with others.”
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The number one magazine for the care sector
Transcript of Caring UK September 2015
September 2015
no.231 • £4.75
By Olivia Taylor
RESIDENTS feel less isolated andhappier after moving into a carehome, compared to where theywere living previously, a survey byHallmark Care Homes has revealed.
The Essex-based provider askedrelatives with a loved one in one ofthe 17 Hallmark Care Homes acrossEngland and Wales to rate theirhappiness and level of activity, priorto and after they had moved intothe care home.
74 per cent of those whoresponded said their loved oneswere happier or just as happy aftermaking the move into residentialcare and it was identified that thelevel of social activity enjoyed byresidents had a direct and positiveimpact on their overall levels ofhappiness.
Managing director for HallmarkCare Homes and chair of CareEngland Avnish Goyal said: “Ourresearch shows that those livingwithin our communities of carebenefit from regular socialinteraction and take theopportunity to join plannedactivities, thereby enhancing theirquality of life and increasing theirlevels of happiness.
“However, it is important to stressthat the approach to social activityshould be centred on the individualresident and their preferenceswhich is why we make great effortsto find out as much about ourresidents as we can prior to movingin using our ‘About Me’ bookletwhich gives us insight into thesocial activities that they mightenjoy.”
Some 89 per cent of residents nowtake part in social activities at leastonce a week, compared to just 63per cent prior to joining a Hallmarkcommunity.
When asked what the residentsliving situation was prior to movingin, just 23 per cent of peoplesurveyed reported that their lovedone lived with a partner before theymoved into a care home.
A staggering 59 per cent had beenliving alone for over five years priorto their move, according to thesurvey which was sent to about 300relatives earlier this year.
Avnish added: “It is widelyrecognised that social isolation is agrowing issue among older people.
“This is a problem which is likelyto develop as time goes by given ourageing population and theconstraints on the social carebudget.”
Elderly ‘arehappier’ incare setting
Hallmark care home, Anisha Grange in Essex, recentlyreceived a visit from celebrity gardener David Domoneyas part of a company-wide gardening competition.David is most recognisable for his work on the AlanTitchmarsh Show and visited Anisha Grange to view thehome’s award-winning gardens and to meet residents.David said: “Gardening not only has physical benefits ithas therapeutic benefits as it is a key link to the past.It’s good to see a care home has recognised this factand implemented it as an activity at the home.”Winners of ‘Hallmark in Bloom’ will be notified incoming weeks.
incorporating
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Tenantsenjoygettingcreative A SCOTTISH care provideris looking to get arty tohelp its tenants in EastLothian to become morecreative.
Bield’s Southfield Court,a retirement housingdevelopment in Dunbar, ison the lookout for a localartist who would be keento volunteer their specialskills for a vibrant groupof older people who wantdevelop their paintingskills.
The tenants have alreadyhad a successful still-lifetaster session and this hasleft them with anenthusiasm to progresstheir skills even further.
Kate Donohoe, managerat Southfield Court, said:“Our tenants thoroughlyenjoyed their initial still-life session and are nowparticularly interested inlearning more aboutworking with charcoals,pastels, water colour andoil painting.
“Recreational classessuch as this are greatlybeneficial as they can bevery therapeutic for thetenants – allowing them toget involved withsomething creative whilesocialising with others.”
3CARINGNEWS
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By Olivia Taylor
KEITH Binks a client of homecareprovider Caremark (Redcar & Cleveland)is lucky to be alive, and this was down tothe quick-thinking actions of his careworker Elaine McQuillan.
Elaine found Keith, a resident of theJubilee Court extra care housing schemein Eston, North Yorkshire, slumpedunconscious in a chair in the residents’communal area.
Unable to find a pulse she immediatelybegan CPR and continued for 10 min-utes, managing to re-start his heart bythe time paramedics arrived on thescene. Recalling the dramatic moments,Elaine said: “I remember someoneshouting that Keith was unconscious inhis chair and I ran over and could feel nopulse.
“Along with colleagues we managed toget him on the floor and I started to dochest compressions. It seemed like I wasdoing it forever, but it was actuallyaround 10 minutes and Keith started togroan so I kept going until the para-medics arrived.
“At the time I didn’t fully understand
the gravity of the situation, but my train-ing and adrenaline kicked in and I am soglad that I was able to help Keith.”
Once in hospital it was discovered that
Keith had a heart murmur, which wasthe cause of his heart stopping. He wasfitted with a pacemaker and is now safelyback at Jubilee Court.
How quick-thinking carerElaine saved Keith’s life
Care worker Elaine McQuillan with Keith Binks.
CARINGNEWS4
Residents do like to bebeside the seaside ...ELDERLY Thornaby residentsescaped from their care home for aday trip to the Redcar seafront.
Fourteen residents from MandaleHouse Care Home visited the seasidetown.
The eight wheelchair users and sixwalkers enjoyed a stroll down thepromenade before a feast of icecream and fish and chips.
Staff and families along withrelatives of past residentsaccompanied the group.
Christine Reason, home manager
at Mandale House, said: “We arelucky to be so close to the seaside inStockton-on-Tees.
“Many of our residents grew up inthe area and have fond memories oftrips to the beach for ice cream, fishand chips.
“We regularly take our residents onday trips.
“They are hugely beneficial fortheir physical and mental health.Our dementia residents, inparticular, find these trips atreasured walk down memory lane.”
‘Poor vision’ studyconsiders how fallscan be prevented By Olivia Taylor
OLDER people with visualimpairments are participating in amajor study looking at how exercisescan help to prevent falls.
Falls are the most prominent reasonfor admission to hospital foraccidental injury, costing the NHSapproximately £4.6 billion per year.
Older people with poor vision are ata much higher risk of falling. Someolder people also report sufferingfrom a fear of falling which impactson their lives and their ability toparticipate in activities.
The study, which is funded byNational Institute for HealthResearch (NIHR), is being led byNorthumbria University incollaboration with Newcastle,Manchester and Glasgow CaledonianUniversities as well as severalcharitable organisations.
The researchers will work withvisually impaired older people todevelop an exercise programmeusing strength and balancetechniques to help to prevent falls.The study will use participants over60 who attend a low vision clinic or
are a member of a society for thevisually impaired.
Nicola Adams, a professor ofrehabilitation at NorthumbriaUniversity, explained: “Fear of fallingis a real and frightening prospect forolder people, particularly those withpoor vision. However, many falls arepreventable.
“Research has shown that followinga fall, older people restrict theiractivities rather than suffer theconsequences, both physical andpsychological, that they associatewith a fall. This can lead to a viciousspiral of decline in their strength,mobility and balance meaning theyare actually at increased risk offalling in future.”
The participants will be assessed bya researcher who will check theirstrength, balance and flexibilitybefore they are randomly assigned toone of two groups. The first cohortwill undertake specially designedexercises for 12 weeks in a weeklyhour-long group class, while theothers will be encouraged tocontinue with their usual activities.
All participants will be encouragedto keep diaries of their falls and will
be contacted weekly from the start ofthe study to six months after itscompletion.
Niall McMurty, project manager forthe Royal National Institute for BlindPeople, said: “People with sight lossare at a high risk of falls and injuriesresulting from falls can set peopleback considerably.
“Anything we can do that can helpto improve confidence, balance andphysical fitness will be a real help.”
The universities are working inpartnership with the ThomasPocklington Trust, a national charityfor people who are blind or havesight loss; the Royal VictoriaInfirmary, Newcastle Society forBlind People, HealthWORKSNewcastle and Visibility in Glasgow.
Northumbria University is activelyundertaking research into ways toimprove life for older people.Together with Newcastle University,Northumbria is jointly hosting theannual British Society of Gerontologyconference in July.
The Society brings together thoseinterested in older people to findways to enhance and improve ageingand later life.
Michellenamed newmanagerAKARI Care has appointedexperienced healthcare professional,Michelle Fairhurst, as the newmanager of Church House care homein Nantwich, Cheshire.
Michelle, who is from Macclesfield,has gained extensive experience in arange of care settings, including carehomes, hospitals and a prison invarious positions, such as a seniorstaff nurse and a support manager.
She joins Akari Care fromBarchester Healthcare, where sheheld the position of senior nurse.
The home, which provides nursingcare for up to 44 elderly residents,has recently undergone a fullrefurbishment as part of Akari Care’s£15m investment programme in itshomes.
Michelle said: “I am delighted to bejoining Akari Care and will apply thewide-ranging experience that I havegained in my career so far to my newposition at Church House.
“There is a great team of carers andnurses at Church House care homeand our priority is to provide the bestquality care for residents and I willensure that this is sustained.
“It is such a rewarding role and theresidents and staff have made me feelmost welcome. I am looking forwardto getting to know everyone and forthe challenges and the fulfillmentthat will come with the position.”
Rogers House Residential Home hosted its annualsummer garden party, inviting residents,relatives, staff, volunteers and the localcommunity into the home for an afternoon of funin the sun.Guests gathered together at the Gillinghamresidential home to eat, drink and be merry at thehome’s annual summer garden party.Residents and their guests sat back and relaxedwith a couple of glasses of Pimm’s, while makingthe most of the warm sunshine and enjoying thelive music.Lorraine Laker, care co-ordinator at Rogers Housesaid: “Our garden party last year, though greatfun, was a bit of a washout due to the rain so wewere very lucky with the sunny weather thistime!”
CARINGNEWS6
By Olivia Taylor
CHILDHOOD memories for theyoung and not-so-young wererekindled when pupils from aLymington primary school visited adementia care home in the town.
To prepare for their move tosecondary education, 34 pupils fromthe William Gilpin School at Boldrehad been working on an arts projectreflecting on their lives so far.
In workshops led by an arttherapist, they decorated ‘memoryboxes’ filled with drawings, photos,toys, ticket stubs and other itemsassociated with school plays, tripsand holidays.
Six children showed off their workon a specially organised trip toColten Care’s Linden Housedementia care home.
There were smiles all round as theytalked face-to-face with residentsand explained the significance of thepersonal collections they havegathered.
Ticket stub in hand,10-year-oldCharlotte talked about her memoriesof a stage version of Charlie and theChocolate Factory. She also had atrain ticket to London from a trip tothe Natural History Museum. Askedabout her discussions with residents,Charlotte said: “They asked about
everything I had in the box and thefun and memories I’ve had atschool.”
Mandy Stevens, activities organiserat Linden House, added: “This wasthe first time we have welcomed suchyoung children in as a whole group.After the visit, residents were comingup to me and saying how much theyenjoyed it. We wanted the experienceto complement our wider focus ongentle memory stimulation. Ourhome has many memory-themedrooms and garden spaces and talkingabout times gone by is somethingthat our residents find verytherapeutic.”
The visit was arranged through theSway-based charity hArt, standing forHampshire Art for Recreation andTherapy.
Art therapist Sam Lewis said: “Thisis the first inter-generational projectwe have done. For the children, theaim was to help their transition tosecondary school by reflecting ontheir time in education so far andbring closure on their final years ofprimary.
“For the Linden House residents, itwas a further chance to talk aboutmemories of youth, something thatcan be therapeutic on the dementiajourney.”
Pupils share memorieson care home visit
William Gilpin School pupils chat with one of the Linden House residents.
Organisationstrikes goldwith awardONE of the Midlands’ leadinghousing and care organisationshas struck gold after being re-awarded an Investors inPeople Gold Award.
Birmingham-based MidlandHeart has retained its gold statusfollowing a rigorous and objectiveassessment of its managementframework and ongoingperformance.
Assessed across 196 evidenceareas, it has been praised for itsclear strategy, effective andinspiring leadership, peopledevelopment and itscommitment to continuouslyimprove.
Ruth Cooke, chief executiveofficer at Midland Heart, said:“Investors in People is aworldwide mark of excellenceand to be re-awarded gold istestament to our investment notjust in the business but in ourpeople.
“A motivated workforce is thelifeblood of any organisation –good people make good business.Through streamlining oursystems and providingopportunities for colleagues toreach their full potential we havegreater levels of trust, co-operation and engagement.”
CARINGNEWS8
By Olivia Taylor
VETERAN of World War Two and Radbrookcare home resident Michael Burton, 96,has received the highest Frenchdistinction – the Légion d'Honneur.
Appointed by decree on May 15, Michaelreceived a letter from the FrenchAmbassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann,thanking him for his efforts in theliberation of France during the SecondWorld War and notifying him of hisappointment.
Michael’s medal arrived with the letterand he entered the ranks of the Ordrenational de la Légion d’Honneur asChevalier.
The distinction was applied for via theMinistry of Defence by Michael’s daughter,Ann, who said he was thrilled to receivethe award after so many years.
She said: “The award is something wecan hand down through generations andmy father’s history, and those of others,will always be remembered.”
Michael landed at Arromanches beachon D-Day as a member of the 23 AdvancedBase Workshop.
Travelling from Benghazi, Libya, his teamwas deployed to provide support toInfantry Brigades of the 50thNorthumbrian division, 30 corps. Hehelped clear the exit routes from GoldBeach, removing damaged tanks, lorriesand other vehicular casualties.
Michael joined the British Army in 1939during the transition from horse drawnguns to tanks, and before D-Day was alsoinvolved at Dunkirk where he was rescuedby a Royal Navy destroyer from the beach.
In 1943 he travelled to Alexandria, Egypt,with the 8th Army to repair vehicles.
Dawn Quinn, nurse manager atRadbrook care home, said: “We are sopleased for Mr Burton to have receivedthis award in recognition of his bravery, it is wonderful to be able to share this partof his history and we take everyopportunity to speak with him about hisachievement.”
Michael honoured with French medal
Michael Burton with his daughter Ann.
HALLMARK Care Homes facility in Warwickshire,Anya Court, has been named ‘large business of the year’ at the Rugby Business ExcellenceAwards.
The home which specialises in residential,nursing and dementia care, was praised for itswelcoming atmosphere, team dedication andprofessionalism at the boroughs business awards.
The awards first established in 1998, acknowledge
the hard work of local businesses and thecontribution shown throughout the year.
Karen Handley, Anya Court’s customerrelationship manager, said: “Since we opened ourdoors last October, myself and the care team haveworked really hard to establish Anya Court andbuild lasting links with the local community. Thisaward is recognition of all our hard work.”
A panel of judges from Brethertons Solicitors
reviewed the information sent in by the home lastmonth, along with two other local businesses,before coming to their decision.
Entrants were judged on their business plan,evidence of goals set and achieved, customersatisfaction, commitment to staff development and other aspects including environmentalpolicies, innovation and community investment.
Home wins at business excellence awards
CARINGNEWS10
Appy Stevesees dreamcome trueBy Dominic Musgrave
A CARE expert in Shropshire ispioneering a new way of working –which sees a dream of his become areality – as carers begin to use amobile phone app to log care.
Steve Harris, managing director ofCarewatch (Mid Shropshire), cameup with the idea of an app to reducepaperwork for his 50 employees a fewyears ago.
Steve’s staff have been trained inhow to use the new app, it will nowbe rolled out across his Stafford Park-based company.
He said: “I put a lot of time andeffort into developing an app –although I never pushed ahead withmy version, I am delighted that weare now able to provide this servicefor our staff which will hopefullymake their working day easier,productivity increase and thecustomer experience will improve.”
The app has been developed bytechnology firm Mobizo. It isavailable on iOS or Android phones
as well as computers.Steve is one of the first care
managers in the UK to adopt thelatest technology and use it for all hiscustomers across Shropshire andStaffordshire.
Steve added: “This really is arevolution in health care.
“I came up with the idea to combatthe problems I witnessed in my ownbusiness. I had a great reaction whenI piloted an app but my commitmentis to our customers and I decided tofocus on that.
“We are expecting to save £3,000per nurse or care worker and atypical productivity savings for fieldstaff of 10 to 20 per cent.”
The app aims to remove inefficientpaper processes, provide real-timevisibility and ensure staff in the fieldare compliant.
Care plans, logs, assessments andany other forms used by Carewatch(Mid Shropshire) will be digitalisedand staff can also work offline, incase the connection in rural areas isweak.
Residents of Rogers House residential home in Wigmore, Gillingham, embraced thesummer sunshine and headed to Leysdown for a nostalgic day at the beach.The sun was shining and the skies were beautifully blue, so it was the perfectopportunity for staff to take residents on a trip to the glorious Kent coastline.They relaxed and chatted to one another about their memories of days spent at theseaside, whilst taking in the sea views and tucking into a tasty treat of tea and cake,before heading home for a well-deserved rest.
Care group acquires St Albans’ homeTHE Orchard Nursing Home in StAlbans, Hertfordshire has beenacquired by Caring Homes Group.
Managing director Laird MacKaysaid: “I am so pleased that OrchardNursing Home in St Albans hasjoined our family of high qualitycare homes across the UK.
“The Orchard residents will
benefit from continuity of care withthe same staff and manager. Ourfocus will remain on deliveringperson-centred care and clinicalexcellence. Caring Homes looksforward to enhancing the lives ofstaff and residents at The OrchardNursing Home as we work withthem in the future.”
CARINGNEWS12
By Olivia Taylor
A FAMILY-OWNED South coastcare home provider is encouragingits entire 1,700-strong workforce tobecome recognised DementiaFriends.
Colten Care, which has 19 homesin Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire,is backing an Alzheimer’s Societycampaign to raise awareness ofdementia and tackle the stigma andlack of understanding around it.
The company is planning to run adementia friends session for staffand the community at each of itshomes on the first Wednesday ofeach month from 2-3pm.
Dementia friends are people whohave undergone a one-hour face-to-face information session orwatched an online video tounderstand how they can best help those who live with dementia.
As part of its support for theAlzheimer’s Society, Colten Carehosted a meeting of more than 20community volunteers known asdementia friends champions.
All have been trained andsupported by the Alzheimer’sSociety to run dementia friends’information sessions.
They gathered at The Aldburydementia care home in Poole,Dorset, to share their experiences
and knowledge in buildingdementia friendly communities.
Among them were people whohave run workplace andcommunity sessions since thePrime Minister launched a nationaldementia challenge two years ago
with the aim of recruiting a milliondementia friends.
Camilla Alfred, regional supportofficer for the Alzheimer’s Society,said: “We are grateful to ColtenCare for not only hosting themeeting but also for its activeongoing support in helping usbuild dementia friendlycommunities.”
Colten Care has around 30dementia friends Championsamong its workforce in a mix ofroles including managers, trainers,healthcare assistants andmarketing staff. They will providethe information sessions to helpcolleagues become dementiafriends.
Denise Arthur-Briskham, homemanager at The Aldbury and adementia friends champion, said:“The dementia friends programmeis designed to transform the waywe think, act and talk when itcomes to dementia.
“There are many ways to helpsomeone with dementia, some ofthem small and easy to do. It’s allabout raising awareness.”
Family care home provider in‘dementia friends’ call to staff
CARINGNEWS14
Care group staff in leadershiptraining pilot By Dominic Musgrave
SENIOR management staff of a caregroup are set to become the firstparticipants in a leadershipdevelopment programme which willbe used internally and then rolled outto others within the sector.
A pilot of the Springhill leadership incare development programme is being delivered to directors andgeneral managers across the CareGroup.
Once the pilot is complete inSeptember, the programme will beoffered to the rest of the care sector,managed and delivered by theSpringhill Learning and Developmentcentre.
The group operates three care homes– Springhill Care Home in Accrington,Birch Green Care Home inSkelmersdale and Riversway NursingHome in Bristol, along with AffinitySupporting People, a supported livingservice, also in Accrington.
The programme places emphasis onperson centred leadership andexplores the challenges of delivering a
service which meets the rigorouscriteria of the Care QualityCommission. It will address the fivekey lines of inquiry inspection process:is a service safe, effective, caring,responsive and well led.
Theresa Swan, learning anddevelopment manager at Springhill,said: “During our Investors in Peopleassessment, we were acknowledged asactively promoting inspirationalleadership.
“We then decided to expand ourservices to provide an innovativeapproach to leadership, initiallyinternally and then across the sector.”
Supported by Knoweldgelink, aleading North West consultancycompany, the programme has beendesigned with Springhill staff tosupport teams with inspirationalleadership, motivating andencouraging their staff, whiledeveloping a deeper understanding ofthemselves as leaders.
The programme has receivedexternal approval with the Institute ofLeadership and Management.
A summer house at the Bridgwaternursing home has been converted into atea room for the residents to enjoy.The quaint wooden building featuresvintage tea room memorabilia toencourage the residents toreminiscence about their lives andshare stories with their fellow residentsand staff.Decorated with a ‘come in we’re open’
sign and bunting, the tea room issituated within the flowering garden,with a ramp to allow easy access forall.Speaking on their new feature, managerJulie Bohot said “We are thrilled with our tea room and I wouldpersonally like to thank everyone thathas contributed items or time towardsthis project.”
17CARINGNEWS
By Dominic Musgrave
TEESSIDE care home residents have teamed up with a veteran children’s charity campaigner to raise thousands of pounds in donations.
Around £2,000 has been raised forthe NSPCC in total, partly byMandale House Care Home inThornaby and Queens Meadow CareHome in Hartlepool.
Residents took part in a series ofsponsored walks after being inspiredby the near marathon effort of AnneWaddicor, who marched 24-miles forthe charity.
Anne, 75, is an associate of the HillCare Group, which operates the carehomes, and a long-time charity cam-paigner.
Liz Jones, customer relations officer for the Hill Care Group, said:“As a friend and associate of HillCare, we were hugely inspired byAnne’s fundraising efforts and decided to promote her achieve-ments to help raise money for the
NSPCC and inspire others to do thesame.
“The residents at our care homesare not as mobile as they used to be,so unfortunately we couldn’t take tohills like Anne, but shorter walks anda sponsored wheelchair push allowedus to run our own fundraisingevents.”
Following their latest events thehomes presented a £150 cheque toAnne, which will add to the total ofover £2,000 raised so far.
Liz added: “We are really proud ofthe residents and Anne for havingraised so much money for such aworthy cause. And we are extremelygrateful to the families of our resi-dents, who have helped us on thesponsored walks and donatedmoney.
“It shows that you’re never too oldto make a real difference to the livesof others – in this case the childrensupported by the NSPCC – and we hope others will be inspired to put on their own fundraisingevents.”
Anne Waddicor (right) presented with a cheque for the NSPCC from staff of MandaleHouse Care Home.
Inspired homeresidents raisecash for kids
CARE home owners and staff acrossthe UK are recognising the benefits ofpersonal service companies andinvesting vital savings back intoclient care, according to contractingspecialist Nova, an established expertin setting up and administering PSCs.
“Care providers are recognising theadvantages of engaging nurses,domiciliary workers and supportstaff, through their own limited com-panies and some are widening theoffer to include trade supplierarrangements,” said Nova businessdevelopment manager PhilipThomas. “Completely compliant withcurrent legislation, the fixed termcontracts enjoy the same conditionsand duty of care as other employ-ment contracts and there is no cost
to the business, only a competitiveweekly charge for the candidate, whocan increase their take home paythrough qualifying business expensesamongst other financial benefits ofNova’s PSC.”
Nova works with the UK’s leadingrecruitment agencies and healthcareemployment specialists, offering awide range of compliant employmentsolutions.
Recognising the benefits of PSCs
CARINGNEWS18
Scheme marksanniversarywith excitingevent scheduleBy Olivia TaylorRESIDENTS at East Thames’Dreywood Court, a scheme for olderresidents, have been celebrating itssecond anniversary with a host ofexciting activities.
Staff organised activities to suiteveryone – including a sports day, ajewellery making workshop, ananniversary party lunch and even avisit from Amazing AnimalEncounters Petting Zoo, who broughttortoises, lizards and a rabbit.
Unique to Havering, DreywoodCourt offers 98 flats, both one andtwo bedroom homes, for people aged55 and over. The scheme is designedto meet the needs of residents as theyget older so they can live asindependently as possible. Eachresident has their own self-containedflat and access to onsite care andsupport services as they need them.An onsite restaurant, hairdressersand large communal lounge mean
there are plenty of opportunities forresidents to socialise and forfriendships to blossom.
David Grant, East Thames’ housingmanager at Dreywood Court, said:“It’s lovely to give people the chanceto form friendships in their twilightyears. We take every opportunity tobring residents together, which iswhy we’ve been celebrating oursecond anniversary. The wide rangeof events and activities we’ve put onmeans there really has beensomething for everyone.”
As well as the focus on socialinclusion, Dreywood Court also aimsto support residents to live asindependently as possible. Eachresident has their own flat that canbe adapted to their needs, widecorridors accommodate wheelchairsand mobility scooters, and care andsupport services are available forresidents on site as and when theyneed them.
STAFF members from BelongCrewe have been training in theexercise studio with residents fromthe community care village as theyprepare for the Three PeaksChallenge.
Funds raised by the sponsoredevent, which involves climbing thethree highest peaks in England,Wales and Scotland, will be used toexpand the range of activitiesoffered this year at Belong Crewefor older people and people livingwith dementia and their families
in the local area.Belong Crewe general manager,
Melanie Saywell, said: “Any moneyraised will go towards putting onnew events in and around BelongCrewe in the coming year forpeople in the local community andthe residents living here, so it’s allfor a good cause.”
The Three Peaks team have aJustGiving page online wheredonations can be pledged:
https://www.justgiving.com/Lee-Edwardsthreepeaks.
Staff limber up for ThreePeaks Challenge
CARINGNEWS20
‘No bills’ celebration By Olivia Taylor
RESIDENTS at one of the first zerocarbon retirement villages in thecountry are celebrating after paying noenergy bills in the first year of livingthere – with some being handed backmore than £125.
The award-winning Watersidedevelopment is set within the groundsof Middleton Hall Retirement Village,near Darlington, in County Durham, in17 acres of secure, beautiful woodlandwith a wetland area and a large duckpond.
Each of the 35 bungalows are fittedwith wood burning stoves, triple glazed windows and thick insulationand benefit from electricity generatedfrom individual PV (photovoltaic)panels.
According to National Home EnergyRating Software, the highly insulatedproperties’ energy use for heating, hotwater, lighting, cooking and appliancesshould be balanced by the electricitygenerated and income from the Feed-in-Tariff.
Jeremy Walford, managing director ofthe retirement village, said: “Low carbonhomes have a reputation for notachieving their projected energy savings.The projections showed it was possiblebut we made a point of not tellingbuyers in case they did not perform sowell in practice.
“To hear that some are getting back asmuch as £125 is fantastic.”
THE Government mustn’t abandonits pre-election pledge to require thatlarger employers give people an extrathree days’ leave a year to volunteerin a charity of their choice.
This was the message from theAbbeyfield Society when the PrimeMinister visited one of the charity’ssheltered houses in Oxfordshirerecently.
Chief executive of the AbbeyfieldSociety, Natasha Singarayer, said“The Conservative Party’s pre-election work place volunteeringpledge will make a huge difference tocharities like ours. Because making aprofit is not our prime motive,charities like ours represent a keypart of the solution to the challengeof social care underfunding.Volunteers are part of the mix thathelps us support older people andthe Government should be doingeverything it can to establish thevolunteering habit in British society.
“We are lucky to have a large bandof volunteers supporting our workbut one of our biggest challenges isattracting younger professionalvolunteers. This is why we were soexcited when the volunteeringpledge was included in the manifestoand why we are now concernedabout mounting speculation that itmay be abandoned.”
Volunteeringpledge mustbe honoured
23CARINGUNIFORMS AND WORKWEAR
WORKING in a care home demands auniform that’s reliable, comfortable andcapable of working as hard as your valuedstaff do, too.
With more than 100 years’ experienceworking in the healthcare industry,Grahame Gardner Ltd understands thisneed and is proud to offer one of thelargest collections of high-quality uni-forms in the UK.
By drawing on its wealth of expertise,the team has developed a large selectionof garments perfect for care homeemployees, from vibrant scrubs, fleecesand outerwear through to traditionaltunics and trousers – all combining com-
fort and practicality with style.
Organisations can also choose fromGrahame Gardner Ltd’s extensive colourpalette to create uniforms which repre-sent the identity of their care home orbusiness, and make employees feel proudto be a part of their organisation whenev-er they put their uniform on.
Marketing director at Grahame GardnerLtd, Katy Brocklehurst, said: “We’veworked closely with the care home indus-try for many years now and have built upa great reputation for truly understandingwhat organisations within the sectorwant when choosing uniforms for theirstaff.”
Caring for the carers with reliable uniforms
AS ONE of the pioneers of the uniform industry, Simon Jersey is ideally placed to provide help andadvice on creating a new look for yourhealthcare team this autumn.
The company has more than 40years’ experience of creating brandenhancing uniforms that are bothpractical for healthcare teams yetstylish and easy to wear during a busyshift.
The Simon Jersey range includesmore than 900 garments including awide selection of tunics, dresses and
scrubs created especially for thehealth sector.
All are available in a variety ofcolours and can be embroidered witha logo or name to help create a uniform that matches the company’sbrand.
Also included in the range are stylish suiting, shirts and blouses formanagers and front desk teams,housekeeping uniforms, casuals, andchefwear to ensure that everyone iscatered for, from front to back ofhouse.
Helping you create a new lookfor your healthcare team
CARINGNEWS24
A MARLOW care home resident tooka trip down memory lane to the codebreaking site Bletchley Park – theinspiration behind the Hollywoodblockbuster, The Imitation Game.
Sir Aubrey Ward resident, JuneColeridge, 92, pictured above, wentwith a group of other residents toBletchley Park, and her name flashedon a screen listing those who assistedin the breaking of the Enigma Code.
June, originally from Egham inSurrey, said: “It was great to go backto Bletchley Park, I had no idea that Iwas listed on the special roll ofhonour for my time there.
“We all just did our part – I neverdreamed what we did would betalked about all these years later.”
June was made to feel like a VIP asstaff at Bletchley Park rallied round tomake sure she had the best day
possible, and even invited her toattend their special Veterans’ Daylater this year.
There was also a promise that theBletchley Park archivist would be intouch again to get June’s recollectionsof the experience.
Junior Walker, leisure and lifestylemanager at Sir Aubrey Ward, added:“It was wonderful to see June sopleased, especially as she waspointing out different areas andtelling us lots of stories – we’re allvery proud of her.
“Visits like our day out at BletchleyPark are incredibly important forresidents, as they really do bring backto life the happy memories they’vehad during their lives.
“I can’t tell you how many timeswe’ve seen residents bond overstories and trips like this.”
Bletchley Park visit rollsback the years for June
£20m expansionplan will doublesize of businessBy Olivia Taylor
CHESTERFIELD-BASED healthcareprovider Heathcotes Group hasagreed a £20million expansion planwhich will double the size of theirbusiness.
The deal, which combines financefrom a leading high street banktogether with debt funding andworking capital, has been agreed onbehalf of the group by MitchellsChartered Accountants and BusinessAdvisers.
With more than 30 care homes andaround 800 full-time staff,Heathcotes already has a strongpresence in Leicestershire,Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire,Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, but is now targeting cities such asManchester and Birmingham forfurther growth.
The group plans to add a furthereight care homes to its expandingportfolio in 2015 alone, with morescheduled in 2016 and 2017.
David Harrison, CEO of HeathcotesGroup, said: “Since founding the
business 12 years ago we havesuccessfully built a strong reputationacross Central England for deliveringhigh-quality, purpose-built facilitiesfor our residents.
“We have an excellent relationshipwith Mitchells and theirunderstanding of our ethos,expansion plans and our approach tothe care sector makes them a valuedbusiness partner.”
Tony Hornsby, partner at Mitchellswho led the team that was heavilyinvolved in the refinance processbetween the Heathcotes Group andYorkshire Bank, said: “Heathcotes hasbeen a client of Mitchells since itsincorporation and we have workedtogether since the acquisition of thefirst home in 2003.
“We have a fantastic relationshipwith the group and their rapidgrowth since incorporation istestament to their commitment toexcellence in care andprofessionalism.
“We have enjoyed assisting themwith their growth and look forward toworking with them through theirexpansion process.”
CARINGNEWS26
Jim delightedby reunionwith medalBy Olivia Taylor
A RESIDENT at Rusthall Lodge carehome in Kent was re-united with aDefence Medal after his original waslost in a house clearance two yearsago.
Jim Raven, 92, was presented withthe replacement medal by KentDeputy Lieutenant Peter Blackwell ina small ceremony at Rusthall Lodgeattended by family and staffmembers.
Three weeks ago, Jim mentionedthe loss of his medal to localhistorian and keen medal collectorMartin Beavis at Rusthall Lodge’sVeterans’ Day event.
Touched by Jim’s story, Martinpromised he’d try to find areplacement – and so he did.
He said: “It was obvious that MrRaven was deeply upset over the loss
of his medal, so I was determined tofind a replacement.
“The one I found required a smallamount of restoration and is now asgood as new. It was wonderful to beable to give something back to aworthy veteran.”
Jim added: “This is a wonderfulsurprise. I am really delighted.”
Jim was too young to sign up for theregular army at the outbreak of WWIIbut served with the Home Guard inAshford.
Sandra Wilmshurst, generalmanager of Rusthall Lodge, said:“This has been a fitting postscript toour Veterans’ celebrations.
“It’s been a wonderful team effortrecognising the dedication, loyaltyand bravery of our residents and weare delighted to see Jim and hismedal reunited again.”
Sandra Wilmshurst, general manager of Rusthall Lodge Care Home and Kent DeputyLieutenant, Mr. Peter W Blackwell JP DL with veteran Jim Raven (seated).
We’d love to hear what’s going on in your care home. Sendus your news, views and pictures to [email protected]
CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHINGS30
NEW Care Projects has appointedKatie McGoff as its in-house interiordesigner and she has recentlycompleted The Grand, a new eight-bed care facility in West Bridgford.
Offering residential, nursing anddementia care services, Katie’s briefwas to design a home-from-homeenvironment that was aspirationalfor its discerning residents, yetpractical, addressing allrequirements of the currentlegislation.
She said: “My inspiration was to dosomething with an art decoinfluence. I looked around lots ofcare homes and found that manyhad a contemporary style, which inmy opinion didn’t seem to suit theresidents, or had 1950s and 1960sinteriors, which isn’t particularlyaspirational for the residents.
“The art deco influence isglamorous and full of historicalreferences, which I felt would workwell with the residents, especiallythose with dementia. It is also a styleyou would find in a hotel and Iwanted The Grand to be hotel-like;luxurious and an improvement onthe homes of the residents.
“I wanted the residents to choose tolive at The Grand and to want toinvite family and friends to dine here,just as they would choose a hotel andrestaurant for a weekend away.”
Throughout The Grand, Katie hasspecifically selected furniture andsoft furnishings that fuse the art decoinfluence with practicality andcomfort.
“In the dining rooms, screen backchairs are used with ivory upholsteryteamed black ash wooden tablesforming an elegant restaurantenvironment that draws on the ‘blackand white’ style synonymous withthe art deco era,” she added. “Marblesurfaces feature in the serving area,adding a touch of luxury and
sophistication, and I picked aselection of brass ceiling pendants asthey are a much warmer metal,compared to chrome, and lookstunning too.”
The colour scheme in the lounges isconsistent with the art decoinfluence, with black, white and greyfeaturing along with accents ofyellow or dusty pink. Rounded backarm chairs, sofas, foot stools andchaise lounges are paired with coffeetables, console tables and lamps,creating a comfortable space forresidents.
Katie added: “In addition to thelarge communal lounges, there are acouple of small, cosy libraries at TheGrand and for their décor I decidedto move away from art deco and mymuse was ‘a gentleman’s club’.
“The armchairs and sofas featureaged leather materials while theroom boasts a number of designstatements, such as the bowler hatlights.
“It also has a bookcase with classicgames on show, such as chess anddominos, so a tactile room which isalso dementia friendly. What isimportant about the libraries are thehistorical references; one benefitsfrom a custom-made wall map ofWest Bridgford which local residentscan relate to, while the other isidentical in style and in terms offurniture, but it has a differentidentity with feature wallpaper called‘memories’ full of old photographsand partnered with this, framedpictures of Nottingham placedaround the room.”
The bedrooms at The Grand havebeen carefully designed with clinicalexpertise. Each bedroom features abed, matching walnut wardrobe,bedside table and dressing table, allwith rounded corners for safety, plusan armchair and visitor chair.
Continued on Page 31
AN ART DECOINFLUENCE ATTHE GRAND
The lobby at recently-completed The Grand.
31CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHINGSContinued from Page 30
She added: “The bedrooms are dressedin soft colours. The walls are paintedand wallpapered in warm dusty pinkand lilac tones while the soft furnishingshave been selected in accents of duckegg blue and yellow. I picked fabricswith vintage floral patterns for the cur-tains, for a domestic feel and homelyambiance.”
The attention to detail at The Grand isevident in the bedrooms with the resi-dent’s chair. Championed by theUniversity of Stirling, the award-winningchair provides the comfort and supportof a traditional wing chair but it allowsthe resident unrestricted views of theirsurroundings, so doesn’t actually havewings. It supports the shoulders andneck, giving all the extra security youwould expect from a wing chair, but ismodern and designed for residents liv-ing with dementia and suitable for allresidents in care homes. New Care evenadapted the design of chair, furtherenhancing its qualities and benefits.
All bedrooms have en-suite wet roomswhich are spacious and benefit frommarble-effect tiles, allowing for cleanlines and simplicity.
The lobby and coffee shop at TheGrand are true public spaces and theirinterior design is not typical of a carehome, and would be better associatedwith a boutique hotel.
“The lobby is instantly inviting andwelcoming. I opted for shades of dustypink and silver, including a subtlemetallic art deco inspired patternedwallpaper, and used richer fabrics, suchas velvet, for a luxurious look.
“The black and white herringbone car-pet is another design statement, but onethat really completes this space.”
Above: the library and,right: one of the bedrooms.
‘The art deco influence is
glamorous and full of historical
references, which I felt would work
well with the residents,
especially thosewith dementia’
CARINGINTERIORS, DESIGN AND FURNISHINGS32
Charity learns some tradesecrets from the experts
Deborah learning the fine art ofupholstering from assistantoperations manager Tony.
SHACKLETONS opened itsdoors to share trade secretswith Dewsbury charity theHowlands to help raise fundsto support its day services forpeople with physical andlearning disabilities.
Deborah Hall, centremanager said: “We wereeager to learn aboutupholstering but had noaccess to the right skills untilShackletons offered to helpus.
“Upholstering is an activitymany of our service usersenjoy, we also make moneytaking in upholstery projectsfrom members of the publicwho pay us for our services.”
Shackletons invitedDeborah to attend anupholstery workshop at theDewsbury factory whereTony Render, assistantoperations manager – themost experienced member ofthe upholstery team, sharedhands on skills andtechniques needed tocomplete a professional and
accomplished finish to all theupholstery projects theyembark on.
Tony Render, assistantoperations manager fromShackletons says: “We hadheard about their lack offunding and knew we couldmake a positive contribution.
“By sharing our knowledgeand skills we hope they willnow be able to put this togood use and start to earnenough money to keep theirservices going.”
Deborah continues: “Thereis so much more to it than wethought and we areextremely grateful to Tonyand Shackletons for sharingtheir trade secrets to help usmake a success of ourservices.”
Shackletons have been in the business of creatingcomfort for over 50 years and are the UK’s leadingdesign and manufacturer of specialist contractfurniture for the healthcaresector.
Range’ssuccesswith carehomesAROUND eight years ago YourMobility started to import a range of specialist seating fromEurope that would offer greatfunctionality and value, whilstproviding the service user withgreatly enhanced comfort andsafety.
Having over the years adapted therange to best meet UK Care Homerequirements, Your Mobility hassupplied a large number of thesechairs to care homes both corporateand locally managed.
The chair offers ease of use,cleaning functionality, portability,comfort, pressure relief and safetyall at an affordable price withdelivery in two-three days!
The range has also proven a great success, with service usersfamilies appreciating the verycompetitive price and quick delivery.
Your Mobility offers freeassessments from any of ournationwide service centres andinterest free finance packages areavailable to care homes.
35CARINGLAUNDRY
ST Joseph’s Hospicehas been on the samesite in Hackney since1905, growing over theyears into a substantialmodern hospiceincluding palliativecare, education andresearch.
It provides servicesfor people with life lim-iting and terminal ill-ness living in the Cityof London and theBoroughs of Hackney,Tower Hamlets andNewham, and in neigh-bouring areas.
With 42 in-patientbeds the hospice gen-erates a considerableamount of laundry, andfor many years now thehospice has had a rela-tionship withArmstrong CommercialLaundry Systems tosupply and maintainwashers and dryers.
The large laundryroom includes tworecently purchasedPrimus Amazon steamheated 18kg washerextractors, a largerPrimus high-spin
speed 40kg washer, twosmall washers that areused for patients’ per-sonal laundry andthree Huebsch tumbledryers which are stillgoing strong at 12 yearsold.
Paul Freeman, facili-ties supervisor at thehospice, said: “If we dohave a problem with amachine the engineerscome out within 24hours to get it up andrunning again, andthere’s always goodadvice when we needto expand or replace amachine.”
The machines areoperated by dedicatedlaundry staff and are allin operation seven daysa week.
For further informa-tion contact ArmstrongCommercial LaundrySystems, Ampere Road,Newbury, BerkshireRG14 2AE
Tel: 01635 263410 E:[email protected] Website:www.armstrong-laun-dry.co.uk
MILLERS (UK) Ltd hasbeen established for over 23years and is a nationalorganisation providing adedicated service to thecommercial and domesticcatering and laundry indus-try.
A single point of contactfor the customer, managingall aspects of electrical orgas catering, laundryequipment, detergent sales,service & repairs through-out the UK.
“We are committed tocontinuous improvementand positive innovationwithin your industry andare confident in providingall new and existing cus-tomers with a reliable,courteous and value formoney service.”
Millers offer a wide rangeof products and appliancesand are now very proud tobe able to also offer MIELEappliances having beenawarded the MIELEProfessional Dealership.
A friendly sales team canadvise on anything from asingle piece of equipmentright through to a completekitchen, laundry room orbar re-fit, and offer a fast
response service 365 days ayear.
They offer a high first fixrepair ratio achieved bycarrying a vast range ofspares on all vehicles, aswell as cost saving work-shop facilities for efficientand fast repair turn around.
They are local authorityapproved, housing associa-tion approved and MieleProfessional approved.
Millers (UK) Ltd pridethemselves on being able torepair any make or modelof catering, laundry,kitchen and refrigerationequipment.
They offer full installationservice for each of ourmachines and highlytrained engineers are onhand for all domestic andcommercial units.
They also offer a designservice for all laundryrooms and kitchens and a‘start to finish’ service onre-fit or new builds covering, wall cladding,electrics, stainless steelwork, drawing designs andwe can even provide amobile kitchen on sitewhile the work is beingdone.
Committed topositive innovation
Helping laundry roomrun seven days a week
37CARINGCLEANING AND HYGIENE
FOR B&Bs, care homes, sports clubs, schools andsmaller hotels, laundry can be a big problem.
Domestic washing machines can not cope, com-mercial ones are too big and expensive, and out-sourcing can be costly and difficult to manage.
That is why Samsung has developed theProfessional Laundry range. It’s big enough to dealwith awkward loads like king size duvets or theteams muddy away kit, but small enough to fit inthe utility room. It also has a sanitize programmethat meets CQC standards.
The Samsung Professional Laundry washer,model WF431, has a 14kg capacity. Although itretails at up to 60 per cent less than competitors’models, it is packed with clever energy-saving andperformance-enhancing technologies.
In addition it is backed by a comprehensive two-year parts and labour warranty.
One of the smartest features is the digitalinverter motor. Because it is direct drive it hasfewer moving parts and, being brushless, it createslittle noise or vibration.
Compared to conventional motors, it uses 50 percent less energy and delivers a reliably long servicelife.
The washing process uses Samsung’s establishedEco Bubble technology, which manages theremarkable double-bubble benefit of improvingwash results and reducing energy consumption.
Enquiries: For more information visitwww.franciscopro.com or
www.uropa-distribution.co.uk
Professional range is ideal for sitesneeding to launder bulky loads
‘Supportingusers everystep of way’CLOS-O-MAT, the UK’s biggest sup-plier of automatic shower (wash anddry) toilets, delivers a unique supportsystem, now crystalised in its ‘keep-ing it simple’ five point customercommitment plan.
Clos-o-Mat service manager, IanTomlinson said: “The plan is a writ-ten, tangible means for existing andpotential users of our products tounderstand that, to us, their toilet isessential to their independence ineveryday life. We MUST supportthem every step of the way, not justsell them something and walk away.”
All free of charge, from initialenquiry to the end of the toilet’s ‘life’,Clos-o-Mat will put the user first.
A home visit before purchaseenables the user to see the equip-ment, and understand how it works.
Once installed, one of the compa-ny’s team of in-house engineers com-missions the toilet, verifying every-thing works properly.
Annual service & maintenance con-tracts give the peace of mind that,should anything go wrong, Clos-o-Mat will respond once notified by theend of the next working day, andattend within 72 working hours, and
offers unlimited call-outs. Ian added: “We go to the loo on
average eight times a day, so if thetoilet stops working, it really is anissue, especially so if you are dis-abled. That is why we have madesuch a big commitment to ourclients.
“We have Clos-o-Mats still in dailyuse 30 years after first being fitted,because they have been annually ser-viced. Our philosophy is to minimizethe impact that could have on theuser. As a company, we have attainedthe prestigious Investors in PeopleAward: in our mind, that extendsbeyond our staff, to our clients.”
Clos-o-Mat T: 0161 969 1199W: www.clos-o-mat.comE: [email protected]
39QUALITY IN CARESPONSORED BY
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DEDICATED care workers have beenrecognised for their hard work andprofessionalism at a national awardsceremony hosted by Voyage Care.
Held at Coombe Abbey Hotel inCoventry, the social care provider’sannual staff awards celebrated out-standing achievement and excellencein five categories including managerof the year, team of the year (residen-tial and non-residential) and staffmember of the year.
Winners included Nik Jones, whowas crowned manager of the year inrecognition of his positivity andenthusiasm at the Grove ResourceCentre in Hindhead, Surrey which he
manages. Pauline Murphy, a care worker at
The Grange Children’s Home, also inHindhead, scooped staff member ofthe year. The award honours the 27years she has spent making a differ-ence to the lives of hundreds of chil-dren who have lived at The Grange.
Team of the year (residential) wentto Westwood House in Swindonwhilst the Birmingham Outreachteam who support people in theirown homes were awarded the non-residential team of the year award.
Finally, the Sade Abayomi award forsustained best practice went to RuthBailey who was applauded for her
commitment to her role, strongintegrity and demonstrating a will-ingness to go above and beyond whatis expected of her.
Commenting on the ceremony andthis year’s winners, Voyage Care’sinterim chief executive AndrewWinning said: “Every year I amamazed at the wonderful work ourteams around the country do. Theydon’t do it for trophies or awards butbecause they want to give the peoplewe support the best possible qualityof life. It’s wonderful for us to be ableto recognise this hard work and shinea light on those employees whodeserve our congratulations.”
Successful Voyage for staff
Care provider ‘delighted’to support local charityAN East London care provider hasmade a £10,000 donation to a localcharity as part of its ongoing com-mitment to helping good causes.
Sahara Care’s donation was pre-sented on behalf of the care compa-ny’s charity, Sahara Care CharitableTrust, will go to Community Links –an innovative east London charitythat runs a wide range of communityprojects for more than 16,000 peopleevery year.
The contribution will be used tohelp fund Community Links inclu-sion work with young disabled peo-ple and children with life limitingconditions.
Kevin Jenkins OBE, co-founder andlife president of Community Links,said: “This is a tremendous donationthat will allow us to continue ourwork with children who have disabil-
ities and life limiting conditions forthe coming year.”
“We are proud to have Sahara CareCharitable Trust as our core support-er and we are thankful for their ongo-ing donations to our charity.”
The two organisations have a longhistory together and Sahara, whoprovides care for service users withdisabilities and complex needs, hasmade a number of donations to thegroup in the past.
Terence Brown, chairman of SaharaCare Charitable Trust, said: “We areabsolutely delighted to be supportingCommunity Links again.
“They do magnificent work andhave helped hundreds of young peo-ple and children with a range of con-ditions and are more than deservingof this donation.”
Home planwill create100 jobsLAND has been acquired to build aluxury 84-bed care home in Girtonproviding residential, nursing anddementia care and will create 100jobs locally.
Construction to the home is expect-ed to take place later this year acrossa one acre site in Cambridge byHallmark Care Homes.
Scheduled to open in early 2017,facilities at the home will include acinema, hairdressers, barbers andtherapy room. Each bedroom willhave an en-suite bathroom and thoseon the ground floor will have accessto their own patio.
Other communal areas will includetwo roof terraces, as well as land-scaped gardens for residents and visi-tors to enjoy.
Avnish Goyal, managing director ofHallmark Care Homes, said: “Thishome will provide residents with aplace where they feel safe and sup-ported to live an active and fulfilledlife.
“We have years of knowledge andexperience in building award-win-ning, innovative care homes and weare excited to be able to create anengaging new care community inCambridge.”
The new facility will be the Essex-based group’s 18th care home.
43CARINGNEWS
RESIDENTS from The Elms, theCLS-run care home in Crewe, tookto the waterways recently whenthey embarked on a canal boattrip.
Staff from the home arranged theday out with the Mary SunleyCanal Boat Trust; a charity provid-ing canal boat leisure trips for peo-ple with disabilities.
Beginning in Poynton, staff andresidents took a leisurely cruisealong the picturesque Macclesfield
Canal, reaching as far as Marple,before heading back to disembarkat the Trust’s mooring at LordVernon’s Wharf.
Julie Parkinson, activity co-ordi-nator at The Elms, said: “Everyonehad such a nice time sailing up thecanal, staff and volunteers includ-ed! It’s hard not to enjoy yourself insuch peaceful surroundings.
“We thought we’d try somethinga bit different, and it definitelypaid off.”
Home manager Nick Brennanadded: “Our staff and volunteersare brilliant when it comes to giv-ing the residents something funand exciting to do, and this is justanother example of a great ideapaying off.
“All the residents who went cameback thrilled, and that always cre-ates a lovely atmosphere in thehome. We’ll definitely be looking todo a similar trip again in the nearfuture.”
SUNRISE Senior Living has signed anagreement to bring Sky television to allof its Sunrise and Gracewell communi-ties across England and Wales.
The care provider has become the firstin the UK to have the pay-TV serviceacross its entire estate.
Sunrise decided to partner with Skyfollowing conversations with residents,many of whom were Sky viewers prior tojoining their respective communities.
Every community will have all chan-nels available so residents can enjoyfilms, live sport and entertainment pro-grammes. It is hoped that sportingevents, like this summer’s Ashes cricketseries, will provide further opportunitiesto bring residents together. As part ofthe agreement, residents will also bene-fit from activity and exercise class train-ing from Oomph! Wellness.
Chris Dean, Sunrise Senior Living’sregional director of dining and procure-ment, said: “When residents move intoSunrise communities we want them tocontinue to enjoy all of the comforts ofhome, and for some that means beingable to watch live sport and a widerange of films.
“This agreement reflects our commit-ment to ensuring residents live happy,independent and fulfilled lives. Thisextends from Sky television right theway through to being able to decoratetheir own rooms.”
Sunrise isreachingfor the Sky
Residents thrilled by boat trip
A Birmingham care home has attended its local village carnival so it could interact with the local public.Orton Manor Nursing Home raised £300 by selling a range of cakes, jams, sweets and samosas to the community at The Water Orton Carnival.
A NEWTON Aycliffe care home has hosted afun-filled summer fete for the local communityfor the benefit of its residents and two chari-ties.
Aycliffe Care Home, which is part of AkariCare, raised a total of £910 for Veterans at Easeand the Joanne McCourt Fund, with a propor-tion going to the residents’ comfort fund.
Members of staff, residents and the commu-nity all came together for the event, whichincluded entertainment from Janie St John anda performance from a flyball dog agility team.
There was also a Veterans at Ease stall, a raf-fle, a bouncy castle for children, as well as foodand refreshments for those in attendance.
Aycliffe Care Home is a purpose-built 54-bedhome that provides 24 hour general residential,dementia and nursing care.
Jane Mack, manager at Aycliffe Care Home,said: “Our summer fetes are always wellreceived and this year’s was no exception. Theday was enjoyed by all, with plenty of enter-tainment on offer and the total amount raisedis an incredible achievement.
“Two fantastic charities have benefited fromour local community’s support and I would liketo thank everyone who attended and donated,with special thanks to those who volunteeredas, without their support, the day wouldn’thave been possible.”
Care home hosts fete for community
Creativity put to the testA STAKEFORD care home put its community’s creativityto the test when it opened its doors to the local public fora fun-filled open day.
Bridge View Care Home, which is operated by Akari Care,invited residents, guests and family members to take partin an artistic competition, comprising three categories –children, Aadults aged between 20-40 and over 40s, aspart of the open day.
All guests had to submit their most prized piece of art-work which were judged by councillor Ray Butler, ofChoppington Parish Council.
Prior to the competition, the staff at the home held artmasterclasses for the residents, which paid dividends forBridge View resident, Doris Beaney, 88, who was awardedthe Over 40s prize for her tapestry design of a lady in redholding a candelabrum.
Irene Wallis, manager at Bridge View, said: “We arealways looking at ways to provide our residents with fur-ther enjoyable activities and the art classes were wellreceived. It was great to get the entire community onboard for the initiative, which produced some veryimpressive works of art.”
45
Jazz Court hits the high notesBy Olivia Taylor
A NEW extra care development inScarborough struck the right chordwith MP Robert Goodwill and CountyCouncillor Clare Wood when theypaid a visit to open the scheme.
Housing and care providerSanctuary Group and its contractorKeepmoat have completed the construction of a 60-unit extra carescheme, named Jazz Court, inEastfield.
The £8million development, whichhas been part-funded by the Homesand Communities Agency, comprisesa mix of one and two bed apartmentsfor rent which are available for resi-dents over the age of 55.
The project is part of the first phaseof a wider development of the MiddleDeepdale area, which will see a total
of 1,350 homes built over the next 15years, along with a primary schooland new footpaths, landscaping andopen plan spaces.
North Yorkshire County Council hastransferred land to the MiddleDeepdale development as part of itscommitment to work with partnersto maintain sustainable communi-ties.
The special guests were given a tourof the extra care scheme to see thefacilities available to residents,including a gym, library, sensory garden, and hair and beauty salon.This was followed by a fitting perfor-mance from a jazz trio over lunchand a chance to look around one ofthe residents’ apartments.
Rob Harbourne, development man-ager for Sanctuary, said: “It was apleasure to show Mr Goodwill and
Councillor Wood around Jazz Courtso they could see the fantastic facilities available to our residents.We are committed to developingmuch-needed new homes for local
people and this extra care schemewill provide a welcome boost to the Middle Deepdale area which is undergoing a wider transforma-tion.”
Scarborough County Councillor Clare Wood chats to a resident.
47CARINGCOMMERCE
New Halesowenhome given the go-aheadLNT Carehome Developments, work-ing in partnership with leading localsocial business Black CountryHousing Group, has received plan-ning permission to build a 66-bedcare home on a site in Halesowen.
Dudley Metropolitan BoroughCouncil’s development control committee unanimously approvedthe planning application for the project.
Demolition began on site, with con-struction predicted to complete inSeptember 2016. Once open, the carehome will provide residential care forresidents with dementia as well as sixsemi-detached independent livingbungalows for those over 55.
It will serve as a local hub, integrat-ing with the nearby facilities includ-ing shops, churches and schools.
The home is designed to bestenable the delivery of quality careand provide a positive lifestyle choicefor local people who may be frail,elderly or living with dementia.
It will provide accommodation withen-suite bedrooms, spacious com-munal areas, and state-of-the-art
amenities and gardens.
Andrew Long, development direc-tor at LNT, said: “We are delighted tobe building such a fantastic carehome for BCHG. It is also great newsfor Halesowen, creating jobs in thelocal area and providing a high quali-ty resource for elderly people in thelocal community. The home willincorporate intelligent dementiadesign and be eco-friendly by bene-fitting from ground source heatpumps, solar thermal panels andLED lighting, keeping utility costslow.”
Janette Beckett, director of care andsocial business at BCHG added:“Having played an active role in theHalesowen area for a number ofyears, it is important that we are ableto continue our investment in thelocal community.
“By building this new, state-of-the-art home we are bringing care backto the community and will be able tomake a real difference to people lives– providing quality care that helpsour customers to live full andrewarding lives as well as a numberof jobs for local people.”
CARINGCOMMERCE48
A FAMILY-RUN care home companyhas laid the foundation stone for anew home and retirementapartments at the heart of CharltonHayes village.
Grove Care is developing Olive TreeHouse with help from NatWest.
Building is now underway and thefacility is due to open in June nextyear. It is expected to create between80 and 100 new jobs.
It will be the fourth care home forthe company, which runs dementiacare home The Grove, and BlossomFields, a nursing home for theelderly, both in Winterbourne, anddementia care home Oriel Lodge,near Larkhall on the outskirts ofBath. The company also runs GroveMews, a development of luxuryretirement apartments next to TheGrove and Blossom Fields.
The new home will provideaccommodation for 65 people andwill be next door to 25 retirementapartments.
Sarah McCarthy Taylor is a directorof Grove Care along with her parentsMartin and Angela McCarthy,husband Christopher Taylor, andsister Fiona Jarman.
She said: “We were quite innovativein 2005 when we adapted the modelof residential care and built sevenproperties called Grove Mews next to
The Grove care home.”“The idea is that further support is
on site as people’s needs maychange. We found that the modelworked really well, and a lot of othersin the market are doing the samenow. The emphasis nowadays is forpeople to try to remain independentin their own homes for as long aspossible, and so this model isparticularly relevant. This is why weare replicating it at Olive TreeHouse.”
The facility will boast roof gardensas well as a walled sensory garden,which can be of benefit to residentswith dementia. Like The Grove andBlossom Fields, the new develop-ment will also have its own MemoryLane.
The family worked with NatWestrelationship director Adam Hughesto secure borrowing of more than£6m for the building of the newhome and apartments.
Adam said: “Grove Care is afantastic, dynamic family businessoffering first class care for elderlypeople in the South Gloucestershireand Bristol areas. These are excitingtimes for Grove Care. NatWest isdelighted to be involved and we lookforward to witnessing itsdevelopment in this growing area inthe city.”
Work underway onapartments andhome in village
49CARINGCOMMERCE
Vendor praises smoothsale of businessADELAIDE House located in RoyalLeamington Spa has been acquiredby experienced care operators Barry& Eibhlin Thorpe-Smith.
The sale of the business was con-ducted by Andy Sandel of DC Care onbehalf of the vendors David andBreda Sutton who had owned thehome for over 30 years.
Commenting on the sale Mr Suttonsaid: “For several years prior to thesale Andy at DC Care had kindlygiven us very sound appraisals ofmarket conditions which enabled usto optimise the time of sale.
“Having taken instructions andafter a discreet visit DC Care wereable to provide a realistic valuation,
but then more significantly, and verymuch to our advantage were able tofind a purchaser without formallyputting the Home on the open mar-ket. It was a great relief not to have astream of potential purchasers look-ing round the home which I’m surewould have led to suspicions fromthe staff.
“As it was, when it came toexchange of contracts, no one otherthan our manager who had beenbriefed from the outset, was aware ofthe sale.
“In the meantime Andy and histeam had guided us smoothlythrough the dealings with the solici-tors and the CQC.”
Site earmarkedfor £8m carefacility in SalePLANNING permission for an £8mpurpose-built 57-bed care facility hasbeen granted for a site in Sale,Greater Manchester.
New Care Projects has acquired theland, which is located on Ashlands inAshton on Mersey, and will representthe third multi-million pound devel-opment that New Care has investedin to date in the borough.
Construction will commence onsite in September and will be under-taken by McGoff & Byrne, the multiaward winning building Group MainContractor.
The ‘new generation’ care facilitywill be the company’s fourth carehome, with further developmentsplanned in the pipeline, highlightingthe company’s commitment to pro-viding high quality care in purposebuilt settings in areas that are pre-dominately serviced by convertedstock property that struggle to meetgrowing clinical and aspirationaldemands of a rapidly changing mar-ket place.
New Care will design, construct andoperate the care facility, which isanticipated to create approximately65 full time job equivalents for local
people.Chris McGoff, CEO at New Care
Projects, said: “New Care’s acquisi-tion of a site in Sale is great news andwe are pleased to be providing theregion with another exceptional pur-pose-built care facility.
Due to open in winter 2016, thecentre in Sale will offer residential,nursing and specialist dementia carein an expertly designed environment.
Each of the 57 bedrooms will havetheir own private wet room en suitefacilities, and the home itself will fea-ture a number of communal spaces,including lounges, dining rooms andlibraries, as well as a cinema, hair-dresser and coffee shop, to cater forthe needs of its discerning residentsand their guests.
Chris added: “New build settingsare essential if we are serious aboutraising standards across the industryand we want the New Care brand tolead, meeting the requirements of amarketplace that is demanding bet-ter clinical provision in a higher qual-ity environment.
“The plans for Sale are fantastic andwe’re looking forward to getting start-ed on site.”
CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS52
apetito nutritionistKelly Fortune sharesher top tips on goodnutrition for carehome residents inthe colder months ...
AS THE days grow shorter andautumn draws in, thoughts naturally turn to how homes canbest prepare for colder monthsahead.
Changes to your menu are likely toinclude swapping lighter dishes forthe comforting, warming optionsthat are popular in winter, butbeyond these obvious adjustments,how can you ensure your residentsget the nutritional intake they needto support their health throughoutthe new season?The sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D is often referred to as
the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because ourbodies need sunlight to create it.However, a lack of sunlight duringthe winter months – coupled withthe fact that our bodies are less ableto produce it as we get older –means that many care homeresidents are at risk of becomingdeficient in this important vitaminat this time of year, which supportsthe maintenance of healthy bonesand muscle strength.
Food such as eggs, oily fish,fortified fat spreads, fortifiedbreakfast cereals and liver are alluseful dietary sources, but withsuch a limited list, some residentsmay benefit from a vitamin Dsupplement. Useful ways to five a day
We all know the importance ofgetting our ‘five a day’, but duringthe winter months when bugs arerife, ensuring residents have plenty
of opportunities to eat immune-boosting fruit and vegetables isespecially important.
Using seasonal ingredients such asapples, carrots, swede and Brusselsprouts is a great way to refreshyour menu for winter, but you canserve your residents’ favourite fruitand vegetables all year round bybuying frozen or canned.
Casseroles are not only a great wayto help residents get their five a day,but can also be a useful source ofprotein. For an extra immune-boosting hit, a casserole made withred meat will also be rich in zinc.Good hydration
Even when it’s not hot outside, it’sstill vital for residents to have aboutsix to eight cups of fluid each day.
If they don’t fancy fruit juice orwater, a warming mug of tea, coffee,milk or hot chocolate may be moreappealing – they all count! Gravy,
custard, ice cream and milkypuddings are additional ways ofboosting hydration levels.Keeping active
Regardless of age, many of us areless inclined to get outdoors whenit’s cold, but even small amounts ofwalking at a normal pace hasbenefits such as improving balanceand muscle coordination – as wellas stimulating appetite.
For residents that can safely copewith weight bearing exercises suchas climbing stairs, this has theadded benefits of supporting bone and cardiovascular health, aswell as giving a good mental boost.”
For advice on helping residentsget the nutrition they need thiswinter or to book a FREE tastingsession with the apetito care homesteam, visitwww.challengeapetito.co.uk or call0800 542 2631.
Will your residents get the nutrition they need this Winter?
FACILITIES management andrefurbishment company Vivark hasconducted a programme ofredecoration, repairs andmaintenance at a highly subscribedLiverpool cancer support centre.
Vivark delivered a range of servicesfor Lyndale Knowsley Cancer SupportCentre, comprising painting,decorating, plumbing and joineryworks.
The combination of Vivark’s fullyflexible service, expert execution andreliability was vital to the North Westhealthcare provider.
The company completed theproject in just two weeks andtimetabled its work around Lyndale’sbusy schedule. This meant that thecentre’s support sessions, classes andcomplementary therapies couldcontinue unhindered by the activityof Vivark’s expert team.
Vivark’s executive director, TonyCahill, said: “In order to secure thiswork and meet the client’s brief, itwas imperative that we provided aflexible approach paired with a highquality finish.
“The sensitive nature of Lyndale’swork also meant a rigorous attitudeto health and safety was required. Wetook the time to understand thechallenges the project at the centrepresented and ensured that our workcould easily overcome theseobstacles.
“Our professional team exceededexpectations, providing a tailoredprogramme of redecoration, repairsand maintenance in a timely manner,all with minimal disruption to thecentre.”
To contact the Vivark team aboutyour refurbishment and repairsprojects, [email protected]
Vivark’s quality andflexibility proves vitalfor healthcare provider
ALL Health and Social Care staffmust now complete training to thenew Care Certificate Standards.
To help managers provide theappropriate training BVS Traininghas produced two new video basedCare Certificate Induction trainingpackages – for Care Homes (23DVDs) and Domiciliary Care (21DVDs). Each resource comes withextensive supporting materialsincluding lesson plans, CareCertificate workbooks, assessmentsand certificates.
The Care Home Induction packagecosts £1,995 and £2,250 for theDomiciliary Care pack, with savings
up to £685 on individual DVD prices.BVS Training is the leading provider
of video based training resources inthe UK and has provided training toover 300,000 care workers in the UK,producing award winning trainingfor over 15 years and have over 80titles available on DVD or online,including all the subjects in the CareCertificate standards and manymore.
BVS announces the launch of CareCertificate induction training packages
HOWDEN Care is pleased toannounce North West CommunityServices, which provides domiciliarycare and training services within theNorth West, as the winner of its ‘staffbenefits’ prize draw.
It wins a year of high streetshopping discounts for up to 50 of itsemployees redeemable at leadingretailers such as ASDA and Boots.
“Attracting and retaining staff is anindustry-wide issue, but some carecompanies are using staff benefitpackages to tackle it,” said Sue Lee,Howden Care managing director.“Benefits include training, internalaward schemes and social events. Awell structured employee benefitsscheme can help motivate andreward both new and existingemployees. It can also help create apositive company culture thatencourages staff retention.”
“We ran the ‘staff benefits’ prizedraw to promote the benefitsavailable and highlight the hard workand dedication of care staff. We alsosaw it as a way of giving somethingback to the care sector.”
By retaining staff care companiescan reduce staff turnover, which hasthe knock on positive effect ofreducing costs of recruitment andinductions. Stemming staff attritionalso drives up care standards and
staff morale across the board.Chris Murray, North West
Community Services MD, added: “Wefeel very lucky and delighted to winHowden’s staff benefits competition.It is nice to be able to give this out toour team who continue to workextremely hard to support and carefor the people who use our service,they fully deserve the prize and wehope they make full use of it.”
Care company unveils its ‘staff benefits’ winners
CARINGINDUSTRY NEWS 53
Beaucare launches comprehensivenew medical catalogue
OUR most comprehensive catalogue to date ispacked full of all the everyday medical equipmentand consumables a care home requires.
We have broadened our product offeringswithin a number of ranges, including introducingnew nursing profiling beds, which were showcasedat the Birmingham Care Show last year, anddementia care products to mention a few.
We guarantee a one-stop shop policy, withorders placed by 5pm being delivered next day atno extra cost.
Beaucare® Medical Ltd, established since 1992,is the UK’s premier supplier of hygiene, medicalsupplies and equipment to individual care homes,care home groups, hospitals and NHS Trusts.
Enquiries: To obtain your copy call 01423 878899, email [email protected]
or visit www.beaucare.com
SINCE 1982, Colne (Lancs) based, RichardsResidential Supplies have concentrated uponsupplying simple solutions to common nursinghome problems.
The new WACMAT® adheres strongly to thistradition.
With its ultra absorbent cotton pile and 100 percent waterproof backing, the remarkableWACMAT® is an ideal accessory where spills mayoccur.
Used as a commode mat, in bedrooms orbathrooms, the WACMAT® ensures full carpetprotection. Then, after use, simply machine washand tumble dry! It’s that simple...
The WACMAT® will then be clean and odour-free, ready to perform time and time again.Alternatively the flat-laying WACMAT® can be usedas an entrance mat, saving you hundreds of poundsin rental costs alone.
Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749.
Simple solutions
AS A registered care provider you are all too awareof the high quantity of record keeping that youmust perform.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was an easy to usesolution that substantially reduced the time spenton recording your daily care notes?
We think that we have developed the perfectsolution by designing questionnaires that gentlyguide the carer through the tasks that they haveperformed.
This makes recording your information as quickand easy as ticking a paper based checklist but withthe added advantage that all of your data care bequickly and easily monitored and used to assessyour residents' care.
The Ablyss Care Management System is a
friendly software system which has beenspecifically developed for the care sector offering asuite of products to manage day-to-day running ofa residential care home. Contact us today for a freetrial or a demonstration.
Enquiries: Visit www.ablyss.co.uk
Questionnaires gently guide the carerthrough the tasks they have performed
Claim VAT back on your home evenif you are not VAT registered
IT is true, care providers can reclaim VAT worthabout £3,000 per bed for any residents who stayedin your home between 1993 and 2002 paid for bythe local authority.
You don’t have to be VAT registered to make aclaim. We can usually find the information requiredwith minimal disruption to your business.
How is this possible? Well in 2002 a careprovider called Kingscrest challenged the view heldby HMRC and won. There is no cost to you unlesswe are successful.
Typical claims: 50 beds – £240,000; 40 beds –£170,000; 287 beds – £1.25m.
And the best part is that you get the money inyour bank account before you pay us. Don’t forget
the tax repayment is free of tax – it is extra profit.Enquiries: Call 01233 640985 and ask for Howard to find out more.
CAROLINE Jones from Crickhowell has beenappointed as commercial director at aleading Welsh care provider.
The 43-year-old will identify and securenew business for Abacare as well as workingwith the team to ensure the success of itslarge existing business base.
Caroline said: “I am thrilled to have joinedthe team at Abacare and am really enjoyingmy new role. Abacare brings a freshapproach to the sector and has a uniquecombination of entrepreneurial spirit and adisciplined approach to the delivery of highquality, reliable care.”
Caroline has worked in the health sectorfor more than 20 years and previously heldthe role of commercial director for a leadingnational private healthcare company.
Peter Angelides, managing director atAbacare, said: “We would like to congratulateCaroline on her new position. She is alreadyfitting in well and has become an integralpart of the team. We are looking forward toworking closely with her on lots of futureprojects.” Caroline Jones
Care provider appointsnew commercial director
New role for AngelaONE of Scotland’s mostinnovative housing and careproviders has announced theappointment of its new housingand care director to itsEdinburgh headquarters as itcontinues its plans to revitalisethe social housing sector.
Angela Currie, who has morethan 20 years of experience insocial housing across Scotland,will manage Blackwood’s 1500+property portfolio as well asdriving forward its plans tointroduce greater innovation inhousing and care.
In particular, she will take alead in helping Blackwood todevelop its housing and carebusiness and ensure that boththe housing and care services areefficient while continuing todeliver exceptionally highstandards.
Angela said she is eager to playa vital role in helping Blackwoodto achieve its revised businessobjectives - and its continuedpush to be industry innovators.
She said: “I’m thrilled to step upand take on the role of housingand care director. Afteraccumulating over 20 years ofsocial housing experience, I feel Ihave a sound knowledge of howto develop Blackwood’s excitingaims for the future.’
Angela has worked in variousroles across the social housingsector and she joins Blackwoodafter spending 12 years leadingthe Scottish Housing Best ValueNetwork.
Angela Currie
54
Signs
By Adam Hutchison
THE care sector is competitive, andin an environment where manyproviders have maximised theirincome through adding value tocustomers.
Over the recent years a shift infocus has been made to reducingcosts, as reduced costs is moremoney left in the tin for investment– or profit (don’t forget – “profit” isnot a dirty word)
With innovation top of the prioritylist when it comes to CQC why arenew innovative approaches toenergy costs not being looked at inmore detail by care providers. Themost common answer is that manysimply don’t know enough aboutthem and how they can truly helpboth now and in the future.
Take, for example, innovativeapproaches to reducing energybills.
Week in week out, most providersare bombarded with calls offeringproducts and services at reducedrates. Just talking to these“telesales” people uses up so muchmanagement time that in the endmany just block all calls. Howmany times have callers promised
lower energy bills, without everknowing what your current bill is?
Looking at alternative solutions toa simple straight energy providerswap can prove far more useful.Take, for example, Solar PV.
Solar PV has had some startlingacceptance around the world, withfigures showing rising percentagesof global energy production comingfrom the sun.
While the technology of Solar PVis long established (over 50 years),and a common sight (have you seenthem popping up on roofs and infields?), there is still a lack of uptakein the UK care sector. Often newtechnologies are seen as a risk,through the aforementioned lack ofknowledge, and solar PV isrelatively new to the longestablished care sector.
As with any technology,understanding the key points andgetting exceptional, tailored, adviceis incredibly important.
CareSourced gives adviceexclusively to healthcare providers,across a range of efficiencysolutions. Each possible solution isreviewed by the seniormanagement team, each of whichhas many years’ experience at
senior level within the health caresector prior to joining theCareSourced team.
This deep understanding of thehealthcare market allows focus onimprovement without detriment tothe underlying business. Solar PVis just one element of a suite ofoptions that can be proposed.
There are five reasons whyhealthcare providers use theirredundant roof space for Solar PVsystems.a) Savings on energy bills.b) Selling excess energy.c) Getting Government backedincentives.d) Reducing carbon Ffootprints.e) Showing customers a green side.
Procuring PV requires specialistunderstanding of the market placeand the technology. It’s importantto consider the overall objectives,costs, and technical proposals forthe PV system.
The solar PV market providesmany solutions – and as with any“sales” driven industry, pickingthrough mixed messages,marketing speak and half-truthscan prove difficult, and occasionallydangerous (CareSourced has severalexamples of where customers came
to us too late for us to resolve legalproblems and installation issues,after the PV had been fitted andtheir installer had gone bankrupt).
And above all there is the need todrive best value. CareSourced hasexceptional buying power fortechnological solutions for thehealthcare sector.
By combining our clients togetherunder common procurementmethods, we drive volumediscounts bringing benefits across arange of client’s simultaneously.� Adam Hutchison is managingdirector of CareSourced.
Energy bill savings need to be considered
Construction work starts onnew Chesterfield care homeWORK is underway to create a newspecialist elderly and dementia carehome in Chesterfield thanks to aseven-figure loan from The RoyalBank of Scotland.
The Green Nursing Homes Limitedhas started construction works todevelop the new 39 en-suitebedroom facility on land adjacent totheir ‘The Green Care Home’ inDronfield.
RBS has supported the company
with a loan which will fund the costof the build.
It is anticipated that the new carehome will be open by the beginningof September.
Established in the early 1990s, TheGreen Nursing Homes limited is afamily run business that owns andoperates two care homes inDerbyshire – The Green Care Homein Dronfield and The Green CareHome in Hasland.
