April 2011

no.179 • £4.75

In association with

By Dominic Musgrave

WELSH care providers have slammeda council that wasted more than£250,000 of taxpayers’ money on a‘completely avoidable’ judicial reviewon care home fees.

Pembrokeshire County Councilspent £278,000 after the judicialreview which ordered a rise in thepayments made by the council tocare homes.

The figure includes legal costs, aback payment of £69,506 ordered bythe court, plus an interim payment of£24,784 made during the case, itemerged.

A spokesman for Care Forum Walestold Caring UK data obtainedthrough the Freedom of Informationact also reveals that the total couldyet rise as the council awaits adetailed bill from the claimants’solicitors.

He added: “We always felt thismatter was completely avoidable ifPembrokeshire had acted lawfully byapplying the Welsh AssemblyGovernment CommissioningGuidance.

“It would have been much better tospend this vast amount of money onproviding care for elderly andvulnerable people in Pembrokeshireinstead of wasting it on unnecessary

court proceedings, especially at atime of finite financial resources.

“As a result of the judicial review, itis now clear that it is no longeracceptable for local authorities toadopt an arbitrary approach todetermining the amount they areprepared to pay for care services.

“Local authorities across Walesneed to reconsider their position inworking genuinely with the sectorand in line with the Welsh AssemblyGovernment’s commissioningguidance. Anybody who deviatesfrom this guidance will have to havea compelling reason to do so.”

The four homes which took thelegal action were Pen-coed, inSaundersfoot, Langton Hall, inFishguard, Woodfield Care Home, inNarberth and Woodland Lodge, inTenby.

They argued that the care of 86residents was under threat unlessweekly fees paid by the council wereincreased by £90 to £480.

The council had originallycontended that the fee of £390 wasfair and actually above what someother councils paid.

Pembrokeshire Council leader JohnDavies has said the higher fees toaround 30 homes backdated to thebeginning of the financial year willcost it an additional £1.5m.

Providers slamcouncil forwasting money

Pop maestro Pete Waterman officially opened a caregroup’s latest £7.9m development in Crewe.The record producer, songwriter and televisionpresenter, who presided over 22 No. 1 UK hit singlesand was a judge on the TV talent show Pop Idol,toured the Belong village and met many of theresidents.The railway enthusiast also unveiled an artistically-enhanced original photograph by the renowned railphotographer E.R. Morten.

Home toopen itsdoorsA SURREY nursing homeis to open its doors toraise money for a localhospice.

The Grade II listedGreathed Manor inDormansland, nearLingfield, will bewelcoming thirstyvisitors into its café onthe first Thursday ofevery month starting inApril. All proceeds willbe given to the local StCatherine’s Hospice.

The coffee days willrun from 9am to 3pmbetween April andAugust, and a selectionof fresh and locallyproduced cakes will alsobe available.

Manager DeniseSpringthorpe said: “Overthe last few years wehave been workingclosely with StCatherine’s Hospice andthis will be the first timewe have raised moneyfor them.

“We are hoping that,come the summermonths, visitors will popin for our mouth-watering cream teasfollowed by a walkaround our five acres oflandscaped gardens.”

incorporating

The Number One magazine for the care sector

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3CARINGNEWS

AdvertisingSales and Marketing Director:Tony Barry

National 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 734407

Reporter:Christina EcclesTel: 01226 734463

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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Homes takes partin trial schemeBy Dominic Musgrave

A DEVON nursing home is one of threethat has taken part in an innovative end oflife care scheme commissioned by its localcare trust.

Mount Olivet in Paignton has receivedhours of expert training by specialist nurs-es, via lectures and feedback sessions, onrelevant health matters effecting end of lifecare – such as dementia, Parkinson’s, heartfailure and more.

During this period the Trust has alsooffered relevant, specialist training to per-sonnel within the care home, while sys-tematically documenting, reviewing andreflecting on the end of life care tenderedwithin these care homes.

Matron Alison Homer said it is hoped theresults will enhance existing research andoffer a body of evidence that will shapefuture recommendations to care homesregarding end of life care.

She added: “The partnership is alreadyfacilitating an efficient two-way knowledgetransfer and is allowing key personnel,from respective parties, to gain a greaterinsight into important subjects and keyissues.

“Engaging with other healthcare profes-sionals is allowing us to reflect on theprocesses we have in place and how wecan ensure the person nearing end of lifereceives the best support possible – interms of symptom management, spiritual

needs and family involvement.”Aside from the clinical aspects associated

with caring for residents nearing the endof life, Alison says she has also found italso opens up debate and time for reflec-tion by staff members within the home,considering ways to further improve per-son centred care and also how to deal withemotions when losing a resident.

“We have always encouraged residents tocreate an end of life plan and now it issomething we can prepare along side com-ments from both staff members and rela-tives,” she added. “Communication isimportant and it is forcing us to reallyrecognise the emotional aspects and itsaffect on all groups.

“Once you gain a greater understandingof how others ‘feel’ or ‘think’ you can caterfor their needs, making a difficult situationless painful.

“Involvement with the scheme has alsoenhanced staff communication skills whendealing with sensitive and uncomfortablesubjects – such as pain relief and resusci-tation, as well as finer details such as whothey would like present at the death, aswell as other considerations.”

Employees have individual folders for theduration of the course, with another forthe care home.

The GrayAreas group also comprisesKingsmout Residential Home in Paigntonand Torre House Nursing Home inTorquay.

Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg wasthe guest speaker at Jewish Care’s firstbusiness breakfast meeting of the year.Held at the Mansion House, a packedroom of more than 270 business profes-sionals were able to ask him questionsdirectly. He told guests the governmentfaced three key challenges over the nextfour years - economic, social and politi-cal. “Coalitions are often criticised for notworking,” Mr Clegg added. “We find our-selves being criticised for moving toofast and being too radical.“We are confident that we can create amore prosperous, balanced, mobile andliberal society than the one we foundwhen we came to power.”

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CARINGNEWS4

Home finedafter toiletcleaner deathBy Dominic Musgrave

A SHEFFIELD care home operatorhas been fined £15,000 after anelderly resident died afterinadvertently drinking toilet cleaner.

Derek Johnson died on the sameday he was found to have drunk thedangerous chemical, which had been left unattended for severalhours in his room at Newfield CareHome.

He had been living at the home forjust over a month before his death inJuly 2009.

The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) prosecuted the care homeoperator, Palms Row Healthcare Ltd,because they put vulnerable people,including Derek, at risk by failing toproperly manage the use of cleaningfluids.

Inspector Carol Downes said: “MrJohnson's death was a terribly tragicone, particularly as it could havebeen easily avoided by simply lockingaway the chemicals.

“There was no excuse for PalmsRow Healthcare's failure to protectthe vulnerable people in its care.

“It is imperative that care homeowners consider the risks to peoplethey are looking after and managethose risks to prevent incidents likethis.”

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heardthat Derek, who was frail, registeredblind and had symptoms of

dementia, began vomiting blueliquid and was taken to NorthernGeneral Hospital where he died justhours later.

The liquid was later found to betoilet cleaner, which had beennoticed in his room earlier that daybut not removed.

The HSE investigation found thecompany had an inadequate systemto control such chemicals and toprevent access to areas of risk byvulnerable people.

Inspectors discovered that trolleyscarrying hazardous substances wereoften left unattended, sometimes forconsiderable periods, and there wereno proper procedures in place forcleaners to check trolley contentswere intact.

The investigation also showed itwas too easy for vulnerable residentsto get into areas such as the laundryand kitchen which should have hadcontrolled access.

Following the incident, HSE served Palms Row Healthcare withthree Improvement Notices as well as bringing the prosecution.

Palms Row Healthcare Ltd admitted breaching Section 3(1) ofthe Health and Safety at Work etc Act1974.

The company was £15,000 andordered to pay costs of £14,472.02.

MAX and Honey, the canineequivalent of Fred and Ginger, ledthe dancing at a special tea partyheld by Colten Care’s Fernhillnursing home in Dorset.

The occasion was organised topresent Caring Canines with acheque for £166 and to say thankyou to its volunteers.

The Bournemouth-based charityoffers dog-assisted therapy as afree service to the localcommunity and visits Fernhill, aspecialised dementia home, oncea fortnight so that residents caninteract with the dogs.

Often three volunteers will visitthe home to spend up to an hour

talking to the residents andallowing them to handle andstroke their dogs.

Activity organiser Maria Grantsaid: “They show such dedicationand bring so much joy to ourresidents with their regular visits.

“The dogs receive the mostamazing response from ourresidents, many of whom have realdifficulty in communicating. Tosee the joy that the dogs bring isheartwarming.”

The money was raised lastSeptember when the home held arock ‘n’ roll gala evening whichwas attended by residents, friendsand staff.

Doggie duo lead dancing

Third group homewarned over failingsA THIRD care home owned byMimosa Healthcare has been warnedby the inspectorate it is failing tomeet essential standards in qualityand safety and must take action toaddress concerns over care andwelfare.

The CQC report of Sandhall ParkNursing and Residential Home inGoole identified breaches inregulations covering care andwelfare, staffing, the support ofworkers and management ofmedicines.

This follows similar damningreports into care standards at the endof last year into two of the group’sother homes in Bristol.

Jo Dent, regional director of CQCfor Yorkshire and Humber, said herstaff would closely monitor the carehome to ensure the necessaryimprovements are made.

She added: “We are pleased theprovider is addressing the areas ofconcern we highlighted. We willreturn in the near future to ensurethat the improvements have beenmade. Sandhall Park must improve –or face the consequences.”

Inspectors visited the home inresponse to concerns which it hadreceived. The inspection teamreviewed all the information heldabout the provider and carried out avisit last December.

The inspection team observed howpeople were being cared for, talked topeople who use the service, talked tostaff and checked the provider’srecords.

A further unannounced inspectiontook place on January 6. Althoughthis second visit showed someimprovement, there were stillessential standards that were notbeing met.

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CARINGNEWS6

UK could befacing 100,000bed shortageBy Dominic Musgrave

THE UK faces a shortfall of nearly100,000 care home beds over the nextdecade if councils’ adult social carebudgets are not ring-fenced, it hasbeen claimed.

The Who Cares?’ Funding AdultSocial Care Over the Next Decade’study by Bupa also says a reductionwould lead to a “bed-blocking” crisisfor the NHS, and a postcode lotteryfor aged care as shortages emergeacross the country.

It also reveals that real-termspending cuts to care will reduce thenumber of care home beds by 81,000over the coming decade, with theageing population likely to see anadditional 18,000 older peopleneeding care.

As a result, Bupa is calling for the£2bn the government ear-marked foradult social care to be spent oncaring for frail, older people and totake into account care homeinflation.

Mark Ellerby, managing director,said there is real concern that hard-pressed councils may direct themoney to plug holes in otherbudgets.

He added: “Our report reveals thatthe scale of the problem is muchbigger than we thought. Unlesscouncils protect funding for theelderly, thousands of vulnerable, frailolder people will be unable to get thecare home places they need and willhave no option but to go intohospital.

“Not only is this deeply concerningfor them and their families, but it isalso worrying for the alreadystretched NHS as it will create a bed

blocking crisis which will affect us all.

“Care homes have faced years ofunderfunding but these new figuresreveal that we are now at a tippingpoint. We are clear – councils have toprioritise care for older people,otherwise we could see thousands ofolder people left isolated and withoutthe specialist care they need.”

Bupa is supporting the work of the‘Dilnot Commission’ on Funding ofCare and Support, which aims toaddress the under-funding of agedcare in the long-term.

It is also calling for, among otherthings, central government to createa simple and easy to understand‘national standard’ system forassessing an individual’s needs andeligibility for care.

They also think national and localgovernment should work to simplifythe planning process so it is easier tobuild new, modern, specialist carehomes where needed.

Mark Ellerby

STARS from Watford and Chelseafootball clubs gave cards andmemorabilia to celebrate the 89thbirthday of one of their former starplayers.

Chalfont Court in Rickmansworthresident Reg Williams, who is theoldest living former Chelsea player,scored in one of the club’s mostfamous games – the 3-3 draw againstMoscow Dynamo in 1945 – in front ofthe biggest crowd to cram insideStamford Bridge.

The midfielder played for Chelseabetween 1945 and 1952, joining fromWatford FC where he had followed

his father, also called Reg, who wastheir goalkeeper between 1910 and1926.

A party at the Care UK ownedfacility was arranged byadministrator Stella Grimsdale.

She said: “The teams have beenmarvellous. Watford sent along a ballsigned by all the players, whileChelsea gave us a photo of Reg at theMoscow Dynamo game signed byJohn Terry and another picturesigned by Frank Lampard.”

The presentation was made byChelsea chaplain, the Rev MartinSwann.

Reg with his signed photo of Frank Lampard

Footballers help markformer star’s birthday

Care group launchesactive living schemeA CARE group has launched ascheme to promote occupation,leisure and daily activity in services.

The Fremantle Trust, which hascare homes, day care, supportedliving schemes and domiciliary carein locations across Buckinghamshire,Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire,Maidenhead, Barnet and Harrow has launched the Active LivingProject.

Chief executive Carole Sawyers said:“It is about residents and staffworking together as partners to stripaway the cannot do culture and askwhat they can do.

“Some residents are not keen andsay I pay you to do things like makeme a drink or butter me some toast,which is fair enough, but most

people embrace what we are tryingto do and enjoy helping.

“It can be as simple as thempouring their own cereal and milk togetting involved with stacking thedishwasher or helping with thelaundry.”

Carole said for the project to besuccessful meant a change in attitudefor the staff also.

He added: “Too many times staff doso much that they are almost selfishto give them something to do.

“The project allows them to slowdown and supervise. They may feelthey are not doing their job, but theyare, just in a different way.

“It has meant a culture change forthe staff, which was not easy at first,but most have embraced it.”

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CARINGNEWS8

Home fails tomeet qualitystandardsBy Dominic Musgrave

A GOOLE care home has beenwarned by the inspectorate it isfailing to meet essential standards inquality and safety and must takeaction to address concerns over careand welfare.

The CQC report into MimosaHealthcare’s Sandhall Park identifiesbreaches in regulations covering careand welfare, staffing, the support ofworkers and management ofmedicines.

Inspectors visited the home inDecember in response to concernswhich it had received. A furtherunannounced inspection took placeon January 26 and, although therehad been some improvement, therewere still essential standards thatwere not being met.

Jo Dent, regional director of CQCfor Yorkshire and Humber, said thather staff would closely monitor thecare home to ensure the necessaryimprovements are made.

She added: “We are pleased that theprovider is addressing the areas ofconcern we highlighted. We willreturn in the near future to ensurethat the improvements have beenmade. Sandhall Park must improve –or face the consequences.”

CQC found that Sandhall Park wasnot meeting four essential standards

and has major concerns in theseareas:

Care and welfare: Care plans and riskassessments were not up to date orreviewed regularly. Residents werenot being referred to other healthprofessionals, such as the dieticianand “falls’ team, even where therewas high risk, and people who useservices did not always have a callbell within reach so that assistancecould be summoned.

Management of medicines:Medication errors frequentlyoccurred and it was not clear whatactions had been taken to encourageimprovement. Medication chartaudits had not been carried out toensure that people received theirmedication correctly.

Staffing: There were significantproblems ensuring that sufficientnumbers of staff were on duty withthe appropriate skills, competenciesand qualifications to meet the needsof the people they cared for

Support of workers: Staff had notreceived sufficient mandatorytraining including moving andhandling.

Sandhall Park has submitted anaction plan to CQC, outlining how itwill address these remainingconcerns in order to meet thestandards.

Resident Jean Legg with activities co-ordinator Gillian Squance and two of the 11chicks that hatched

RESIDENTS at a Bromsgrove carehome had a cracking time watchingchicks hatch in an incubator.

Tutnall Hall took part in the “LivingEggs” programme, which aims to“show the miracle of life first hand”.

“Living Eggs” delivered eggs,incubators and a brooder box,complete with heat, light, bedding,feed and water to keep the chickscosy and comfortable, while theresidents and staff can cared for

them and watched them hatch andgrow.

Activities co-ordinator GillianSquance said: “A lot of our residentskept chickens, particularly in the waryears, so it brought back memoriesfor them.

“We are always looking to providedifferent types of activities for ourresidents and thought, especiallywith spring coming, this would be alovely experience for them.”

Egg-citing times asresidents welcome chicks

New fire safety guide published THE National Association for Safetyand Health in Care Services(NASHiCS) and the Chief FireOfficers’ Association (CFOA) haveteamed up to develop additionalguidance created for operators ofresidential care premises.

The additional guidance wasproduced to accompany theCommunities and Local Government(CLG) guide, entitled ‘Fire Safety RiskAssessment – Residential CarePremises’. The guide was publishedso operators know how to comply

with the Fire Safety Order (FSO) 2005.

David Hulton, lead member of theNASHiCS fire safety working group,said: “It was felt that certain parts ofthe CLG guide required furtherclarification to allow residential careoperators to fully understand theirrole within the FSO.

“NASHiCS are very pleased that this guidance document is now being launched as it will providevaluable additional information for residential care premiseoperators.”

Funding for MyLife app projectA LEADING care provider is one ofseven European partners who willreceive EU funding to work on atechnology project to develop acustomisable touch screen applic-ation for people with dementia.

Housing 21 will receive £62,000,to help develop the ‘MyLife’application, which will beavailable on a computer or mobilephone and will give access tocommon e-services that are freely available on the internetsuch as calendars, photo albums,music, communication tools,news and games.

It will also feature an easy to useformat for people with mild tomoderate cognitive impairmentand will enable the collaborationof secondary end-users, such asfamily members or care staff.

David Williams, head of researchand development for Housing 21,said: “The aim of MyLife is toreduce social isolation andboredom, stimulate cognitiveability, enable people withdementia to live at home forlonger, enhance participation andindependence, and reduce thefamily caregiver's stress.”

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9CARINGNEWS

Terry Woods and Joan Crane with Castle Point mayor David Cross

Home sweethome boostsmemoriesBy Louise Cordell

AN ESSEX care home has convert-ed a former lounge into a sweetshop to help to boost the memo-ries of its residents.

The facility at the RunwoodHomes owned Stafford Hall inSouth Benfleet uses old-fashionedweighing scales, and sells sweetsincluding sherbet lemons, oldEnglish mints and rhubarb andcustards.

Manager Laura Glyde toldCaring UK the smells, sights andtastes of the traditional sweets arehelping to bring back lost memo-ries for the residents, many ofwhom suffer from dementia,because they remind them of theiryouth.

She added: “After focusing onthe life histories of our residentswe discovered lots of ways inwhich we can assist reminiscenceand create opportunities for occu-pation and engagement.

“We created the old fashionedsweet shop after discovering thatwe had residents who were shopkeepers, accountants, housewivesand factory workers before theymoved here.

“It is run by our residents withthe staff’s assistance, so our shop-keepers and accountants work inthe shop, our housewives can popto their local to pick up dailyessentials, and take time to have acoffee and a chat to their friends

in the coffee/tea corner.

“It also promotes independencebecause they can work in the shopand sell items they have madewith our activities co-ordinator,including knitted scarves andhats, to fellow residents and theirvisitors.”

The shop was opened by CastlePoint mayor David Cross, and isthe latest in a long list of innova-tive ideas created for the 34 resi-dents.

Laura said one of her next pro-jects is to create a residents’ bandafter unearthing they had a drum-mer, organ player and a guitaristamong the residents.

She added: “Previously we havecreated a seaside in the garden,which has aided conversationsabout times past, such asfavourite holidays and days at thebeach with family and friends,and encouraged our residents togo out more.

“We also set up a choir for thosewho previously sang, and atChristmas we provided entertain-ment at six homes. All partici-pants of the choir have dementiaso it goes to show what residentscan achieve if the opportunity isgiven.

“I also hope to organise a con-cert in the park following the suc-cess of a picnic event we held withsome of the group’s other homeslast year, as we have found musicis beneficial to residents.”

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CARINGNEWS10

By Dominic Musgrave

RICHMOND Villages has launcheda new holiday service for retiredand semi-retired people at three ofits sites.

The retirement village providerhas created Richmond Retreats atits Letcombe Regis, Painswick andNorthampton sites for people whoneed help while they are onholiday.

In addition to the full or halfboard packages available, guestscan opt for individually tailoredcare packages where theirrequirements can be arrangedprior to arrival and pricedaccordingly. These can range fromhelp with washing and dressing toa massage treatment in the spa.

Managing director Paddy Bricesaid: “We all need a change of

scene sometimes, where we canenjoy a little rest and relaxation. Aholiday usually does the trick, butwhat if you need the sort ofassistance hotels just can’tprovide?

“We offer assistance and bespokecare services based on individualneeds and a care team is on site24-hours a day. It made sense tooffer all this to those in search of aworry-free holiday, where they canhave a special diet, for example, orhelp with day-to-day tasks.”

“Richmond Retreats areparticularly ideal for coupleswhere one person may need morehelp than the other. Both canenjoy a fulfilling holiday together,with activities to suit thempersonally.”

Facilities at Richmond Retreatsvary from village to village but can

include a wellness spa with aswimming pool, gym, health andbeauty treatment rooms and a hairsalon, a restaurant, café, shop, ITand craft rooms, a library and abowling green.

Activities typically include artclasses, bridge, bowls, film nights,happy hours, supper clubs,interesting visiting speakers andlive performance events.

Guest accommodationcomprises spacious apartmentssimilar to a hotel suite, with aliving room, one or two bedroomsand an en suite shower-room.

A kitchenette is stocked each day with basics, includingbreakfast items, or guests can havea full English breakfast in therestaurant. Lunch and eveningmeals are provided in therestaurant.

Richmond Painswick

Village providerlaunches newholiday service

Care hometold it needsto improvestandardsBy Christina Eccles

THE owners of a Cambridgeshirecare home have been warned by theinspectorate that the care it providesis failing to meet essential standardsof safety and quality people shouldbe able to expect.

Shelford Lodge, owned by ShelfordLodge Limited, has been told itneeds to improve by, and inspectorswill follow up to ensureimprovements are made.

CQC representatives visited thehome in response to concerns whichit had received. The inspection teamreviewed all the information heldabout this provider and carried out avisit in January.

East region director Frances Careysaid inspectors were particularlyconcerned with stained carpets,unclean mirrors and windows, andfood in freezers which were notstored in a hygienic manner.

She added: “Shelford Lodge is notmeeting essential standards thatensure that people living at thehome are protected from the risk ofinfection.

“We will follow up to ensure thatimprovements are made.”

The report also noted that thehome did not have basic measures inplace to ensure that standards ofcleanliness and hygiene are regularlyaudited.

It also said adequate guidelinesand policies were not in place tohelp staff promote good infectionand prevention control.

Shelford Lodge has submitted anaction plan to CQC, outlining how itwill address the concerns in order tomeet the standards. Inspectors willreturn to the care homeunannounced to check whether theimprovements have been made andto decide whether to initiate formalenforcement action.

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In2Sequence’s new In2Care system provides theopportunity to revolutionise the Care andHealthcare sectors, making the transition frompaper to digital stress-free, giving the tools to putcare back into caring, reducing regulatorycompliance costs, whilst all the while enhancingpatient care at affordable costs.

In2Sequence already in use in industries such aslogistics or facilities, have now adapted it toprovide a nex-gen technology solution to enhancethe Care and Healthcare sector, to deal with anever growing population who will need care at acost affordable by all.

In2Sequence have a software platform calledHotDeploy and it is the platform that willrevolutionise the Care and Healthcare sector. Itsounds complicated, but it is the most effectiveand extremely comprehensive easy to usesoftware platform for this industry. Once theplatform is in place everything else required justfits together, piece by piece, to enable all thebenefits to be achieved. Care in all sectors hasgone through many transitions over the last 25years, but up to now nothing has revolutionisedthis industry, giving them the technology of thefuture, at an affordable cost within their budgets.In2Sequence now gives this industry theopportunity its been waiting for, which willenhance quality of care into the next generation,and generations to come. The benefits of havingthe In2Care system are endless, but here are just afew, you can see how beneficial and forwardthinking for the Care industry this really is.Benefits of In2Sequence’ In2Care systemEnhance the security, reliability and resilience ofall your patient communications. If you alreadyhave such a platform in place, and wish to add toit, In2Care can enhance it quickly and easily,bringing it up to world-class standards. Or yousimply use their system from the start - it workson an ‘exception basis’ and comes with cascadingalerts with a wide range of devices. Transmit orupdate clinical information instantly, using one-touch devices like smart-phones or iPads, toaccess patient data securely by authorisedmembers of the patient’s medical team, from

consultants to pharmacists, with full security andaudit logs. While communicating simultaneouslyto team members anywhere is important, but sois caring for the patient. Using In2Care reducesadministration by 40% and paperwork by 80%,enabling care providers to spend more time withpatients. We get back to what care is all about, thepatient and their loved ones.

In2Care will archive and store all information ordocuments digitally, allowing instant search andretrieval by the team or by CQC or CSS. Thismeans large savings in time, cost and hassletrying to find a report, while it creates a full audithistory for every patient record. Everything is onlya click away. Building on its rapid pin-pointcommunications, In2Sequence enables care-givers immediate access to specialists, to shareinformation instantly through audio web andvideo conferencing. The ability to havingsomeone to confer with about a patient’scondition so important, and its with simplicityitself with In2Care.

In2Care can track and monitor patients locationand movements, their vital signs, blood and othercharacteristics, their medication levels and eventheir care co-ordination. In addition due to theway it is built, it is constantly adding new featuresand applications to the system, often from user’srequests, through its range of software or mobileapps, which are available through any smart-phone. This gives the care support teamconfidence, on their patients well being. HavingIn2Care supporting the care team is like havingadditional person just for that. Care and theHealthcare sector now have an opportunity tokick out the old, and bring in the new, changingwith the aid of In2care, the way we care.In2Sequence...In2Care for future care.

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11 IN2Sequence's 15/3/11 16:45 Page 1

CARINGNEWS12

By Ben Bricknell

IF YOU are a carer or servicemanager you may haveexperienced the following: a relativehas approached you, upset, due toa shortfall in the care of their lovedone.

This is deeply concerning for anyhealth professional worth their salt,and you want to do something tohelp. You wish you had something alittle more to say than “Sorry”.

The cause and effect logic that if aproduct isn't adequate thenjustified complaint will follow is agiven in the service industry atlarge, and brings impetus andvigilance – fast – to the carebusiness in particular.

This is partly what drives carehomes to provide efficient,comprehensive and ethicallyinformed safeguarding of residents,as well as the social conscience ofall involved at the professionallevel.

Would it not be useful, however,

to consider the emotionallandscape from which much ofrelatives' frustration and anxietyoften arise?

There is a range of emotionstypically experienced by relatives –usually grown up children – whenthe beloved enters full-time care,potentially creating a significantshift in the family dynamics andgeneral wellbeing.

Grief, guilt, anxiety, loneliness andmaybe even depression can resultfrom a parent entering a home. It'sa big thing.

There is, in terms of the family asa vibrant, together and social unit,a passing away; a growing absenceand incompleteness as the belovedenters full-time care. For everyresident, there are possibly a fewmore individuals who need anhelping hand.

What can we as carers do?Structuring a response to theemotional requirements of thefamily would need to encompassmoral and practical support, and a

sharp sense of how to convey theseclearly, compassionately andtactfully. It's important whennecessary to let relatives know thattheir experience is valid, authenticand a wholly noteworthy part oftheir parent entering care.

Where I work we are workingtowards the Gold StandardFramework, and we also feelquestions need to be asked. Whatfeelings are commonly experiencedby relatives in the event, and why?If there are guilt feelings, forinstance, how can they berationalised and processed in lightof the residents’ needs?

How can we communicate that aresident's needs may no longer suita civilian domestic setting? Whatare the practical and financialdimensions of a parent enteringcare? How might all this affectrelatives in their everyday lives?

Being able to articulate the valuessurrounding care to families, andworking up some empathy with theemotional journey they often makeis, I believe, worth it.

Objectifying this journey –formally recognising it as a grave,separate and free-standing issue incare provision – would enhance theservice homes provide, and therelationships families have withthose who care for their parent(s)

hourly and daily.

If these issues could be exploredin a pointed, studied andcomprehensive training package,allowing carers to develop asdefinitive a sense as possible ofrelatives' needs, then communitiesand care could enjoy greatertightness and cohesion.

How can we make relatives morerelevant to the central service of thecare home in the UK?

� Ben is the activities co-ordinator atthe Southern Cross owned White Gablescare home in Skellingthorpe nearLincoln.

Relating to relatives ...

‘Grief, guilt, anxiety, loneliness and maybeeven depression can result from a parententering a home. It's a big thing’

Ben Bricknell

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CARINGNEWS14

By Dominic Musgrave

LAUGHTER is proving to be thebest medicine at a Wrexham carehome after it introduced therapysessions for its residents.

Some residents at Pendine Park dress up for the funmeetings, which are designed to keep the residents stimulated,while others prefer to sit and watch and have a quietgiggle.

Artist-in-residence SarahEdwards, who also overseesother therapeutic sessions at thehome, says research into varioustherapies shows that laughterhas a positive effect on well-being as well as reducingstress.

She added: “The well-beingand welfare of our residents isvery important to us, and we arekeen to offer stimulation as wellas well as getting residents tointeract with each other in a funway.

“It’s great to see residentsenjoying themselves and havinglots of fun during the laughtertherapy sessions. The benefits of

putting these sessions on andinvolving as many residents aspossible is there for all to see.

“The elation you feel when youlaugh is a great way ofcombating the physical effects ofstress.

“When we laugh, our bodyrelaxes and endorphins, whichare natural painkillers, arereleased into the blood stream.”

Sarah said she is now lookingto introduce a staff diplomawhich will recognise the value ofthis and the other therapies onthe well-being of the residents.

She added: “We also use artand colour therapies, and wehave introduced a music project which is going really welltoo.”

“We are developing andadapting our therapeuticsessions to suit the age rangeand abilities of all our residents.”

� Do you host unusual sessionfor residents at your care home?Let Dominic Musgrave know byemailing dm@whpl.net or phonehim on 01226 734407.

Resident Alan Hudson during the laughter therapysession

New therapy raisessmiles at care home

New facilitiesopened inSouthgateBy Christina Eccles

DOCTOR Catherine Horwood andPeter Todd from the Alzheimer'sSociety officially opened HughMyddelton House's new residentialdementia care community inSouthgate.

Guests were given a tour of theMemory Lane Community, which isdesigned to encourage active andindependent living.

The new facilities were designed by Barchester's own interior designteam, and part of their remit is to continually develop methods that improve the quality ofsurroundings for both residents withdifferent types of dementia as well as the staff that care forthem.

General manager of the home,Annie Lampard, presented Catherinewith a donation of £250 to go towards 'Singing for the Brain', a service provided by the Alzheimer's Society,whichprovides a way for people withdementia, along with their carers, toexpress themselves and socialisewith others in a fun and supportivegroup.

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15CARINGNEWS

By Dominic Musgrave

A NEW extension at a Wirral carehome is to be named after one of itsowners who died before it was com-pleted.

The development at The Dales inWest Kirby will be known as theMackenzie Wing in memory of itsdesigner Mackenzie Armstrong, andwill include six new bedrooms to takeregistration up to 30, a kitchen andoffice.

His daughter Kate Armstrong-Shone, who runs the home and twoothers in the area - Daleside andRiversdale - along with her motherMargaret, said it will be a fitting trib-ute.

She added: “When we bought thehome it wasn’t of a very good stan-dard, and we gutted it from top tobottom. Within six months we had itfull, and it was always part of ourplans to make it a 30-bed home.

“For three years we talked about it,and finally last year dad and thearchitect drew up the plans, and lastAugust we started the building work.

“It has been tough, but dad wouldhave wanted us to finish it, and it has

kept us busy. The extension will be alasting tribute to him, and we choseto call it a wing as opposed to a suitebecause dad was a keen pigeon flyer.”

The extension will be opened bylocal MP Esther McVey at a specialceremony for residents and theirfamilies, and Kate says she will con-tinue to run the three homes with hermum.

“We will keep the homes going butif we bought another one it would gettoo big,” she added. “At the momentwe know every resident and a lot oftheir family members by name, butwith another one we would lose thatpersonal touch.

“Hard work and keeping our fingeron the pulse has got us to where weare today. A lot of homes have goodmanagers but it is not there money soit doesn’t really matter.

“Cash flow is everything, and in thepast I have decorated all three of thehomes from top to bottom myself atfirst - putting wallpaper up and mak-ing curtains.”

� Do you have a story for CaringUK? Let Dominic Musgrave know byemailing dm@whpl.net or ring himon 01226 734407.

Extension to bea ‘fitting tribute’to home’s owner

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17CARINGNEWS

Home goes hi-techafter winning grantBy Dominic Musgrave

LAPTOPS on trolleys, a projector,wireless internet connection and adigital camera are heading to a Kentcare home after it won a £20,000technology grant.

The money, supplied through theGet Connected scheme, will makeresidents at Sanctuary Care’sShaftesbury Court among the mosttechno-savvy in the country.

They will now be able to chat to –and see – family members from theprivacy of their own rooms via lap-tops fitted with webcams that can bewheeled about on fully adjustabletrolleys.

Managers at the home hope practi-cal applications such as this will helpovercome suspicion among some

residents towards computers.Manager Barbara Sweeting said: “A

lot of elderly people are naturallyquite frightened of new technology.They think it’s something for youngerpeople.

“When I mentioned we were gettingthese computers some of themlooked sceptical. But I told them theywould not only be able to talk to butsee a relative who is living abroadthrough the webcam and thatseemed to get them interested.

“I think once they start seeing whatthey can do they will change theirminds. The internet really is a win-dow into the world – we want toopen it up to them.”

The laptops will feature extra largekeys and a mouse with sensitivetouch pads making it easy to use by

people suffering from arthritis.As well as communicating to

friends and family, residents will beshown how to look up places of inter-est, film clips, music and other mate-rial on websites such as YouTube.

The projector will be used for stafftraining purposes and the digitalcamera to take photographs when onday trips to show family members.

Get Connected is a programmedesigned to encourage adult socialcare providers in England to useinformation and communicationtechnology more effectively.

The scheme is run by the SocialCare Institute for Excellence (SCIE),an independent charity funded bythe Department of Health that aimsto identify and spread good practicein social care.

Craig Martin reads resident Edna Caddy her biography

Residents treated to‘This is your life’ lunchRESIDENTS at Maiden Castle House inDorchester who told students about their lives have had their life stories readback to them at a special lunch held at thehome.

The 20 youngsters from Thomas HardyeSchool created biographies after interview-ing the residents for their English coursework. They learned where residentswere born, about their schooldays, and the kind of lives they led nearly a century ago.

Jenny Webster, activities organiser at theCare South owned home, said: “The resi-dents loved it as they like the idea that theirlife stories have been documented, and ofcourse the young people enjoyed the projectbecause it is living history.”

Claim that care homes mustchange their imageBy Louise Cordell

A CHANGE in the way life in a carehome is perceived is necessary giventhe growing elderly population, it hasbeen claimed.

Gloria Haynes, operations managerfor the Fremantle Trust, says moremust be done to change the imageand make them more attractive topotential residents.

Speaking at a good practice event inOxford organised jointly by theForum of Oxfordshire Social CareEmployers and the Milton Keynesand Buckinghamshire CareAssociation, she said: “It is aboutdeveloping anybody that has any-thing to do with a care home – relatives, residents and friends –because the community’s idea of what a care home is has been

based on the bad things they read inthe national press.

“It may make interesting reading,but it has created a generation whothink they have to conform to a set of rules when living in a carehome.

“It is hard to change that, but whatwe need to get across is that it isn’t just about the service user ‘fit-ting in’ and that they can have theirown life.

“The current generation of peoplethat we have living in our homes arethe grateful ones who don’t want tobe a nuisance, and we have tochange that idea.”

The Trust, which has 13 care homesand two with nursing, has puttogether a dementia care develop-ment team in a bid to improve quali-

ty among its services foe this increas-ing group of service users.

Gloria added: “We meet periodicallythroughout the year to discuss issuesand put together training coursesthat can be rolled out by the group totheir own staff.

“The dementia care mentors were selected for their passion and determination to make a differ-ence, and they take the lead ondementia.

“These are not people that aretrained in leadership in any way, justgood people who provide in-houseinteraction and support and developthe staff teams.

“They also contact the relative ofany new resident to put their mind atrest, and they can answer any ques-tions they may have.”

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19CARINGHOMECALL

SIGNATURE’S £22m South Lodgedevelopment boasts 99 one andtwo bedroom apartments, 17 ofwhich are specifically for dementia.

Situated on the outskirts ofLeicester, the former blind schoolbuilding also boasts its own restau-rant, hair and beauty salon as wellas sensory and activity rooms.

The group, founded by ThomasNewell, also has homes in Sheffieldand Herne Bay, and further sitesare planned for the near future inNottingham, Brentwood, Epsom,Kingston upon Thames andBushey.

Marketing executive NeemishaChampaneri told Caring UK thedevelopment is currently 55 percent full, with the aim of being atcapacity within the next year.

She added: “South Lodge is thefirst Signature site that can accom-modate residential care, nursingcare and dementia so that a personmoving here know they will nothave to move when their conditiondeteriorates.

“We try to create a home fromhome environment here, and aplace where residents feel happy

and not that they have been placedhere. It also helps to take away theguilt that families may feel aboutseeing their loved one moved into ahome.

“With our senior living sites weare attempting to move away fromthe clinical side of a care home andmove more towards a five-starhotel feel. All the residents havetheir own front door and letter box,and visitors are welcome at anytime.”

One of the biggest challenges theowners faced when launching thehome was trying to build a reputa-tion despite the inspectorate decid-ing to scrap star ratings.

Neemisha added: “We have hadto build our reputation purely onour care service, and a lot of peoplewho have been on the CQC’s web-site have come to us asking why weare not rated.

“We have always encouraged anypotential visitors to speak to theresidents already living herebecause they are the best feedbackyou can get.

“The contract we have with thePCT and the fact we are on both

the city and district council’s preferred list means a lot, but it has been a challenge without thestars.

“Before we opened we held anopen day for the local communityand also attended a lot of events inthe district to spread the word.

Involving local suppliers alsohelped us get the name out there.”

� Has a lack of a CQC star ratingcaused you any problems? LetDominic Musgrave know by email-ing dm@whpl.net or telephone01226 734407.

A care group’s first purpose-built home in Leicester has celebrated its first birthday. DominicMusgrave found out more.

Birthday for Leicester home from home

South Lodge in Leicester.

19 15/3/11 17:23 Page 1

CARINGNEWS20

Fresh criticismover abolitionof star ratingsBy Dominic Musgrave

THE Caring UK newsdesk has beeninundated with calls and emails fromcare providers regarding the Marchissue’s front page story ‘Highest ratedhomes could be hit hardest’.

Almost all are in agreement withMeridian Healthcare executivechairman Alan Firth’s opinion thatcare standards could be suffering as aresult of the abolishment of starratings by the inspectorate last year.

He also believes those operatorswho have invested heavily in theirhomes in a bid to get the ‘excellent’rating will suffer the most.

Michael Parmenter, who ownsAveley Lodge in Colchester, was oneof many operators who was unhappywith the CQC’s decision.

He said: “Over the past three-and-a-half years I have invested tens ofthousands of pounds to improvestandards in staffing, building work,environment, both internally andexternally, all compulsory and manyadditional training subjects, and

have offered services and additionalstaffing to the required complement.

“The inspection I had prior to theunannounced one I had recentlyreturned a ‘good’ rating. When Ichallenged it and asked why I hadnot been given ‘excellent’ as the onlyissues raised in the inspection wasone sign not being luminous, theanswer was that a home could not gofrom ‘adequate’ to ‘excellent’ withoutgoing through ‘good’ first.

“Now the star rating has gone I willnever reach that rating, even thoughthe money has been spent. The two-star good rating will remain for sometime until they decide on a futurerating system (as told by theinspection team).

“It would appear that possibly lesshonest service providers can be shortwith the truth on their assessmentforms and continue to take their timeto correct the shortcomings and justclaim lack of understanding ofstandards.”

Yet another fee to payMichael Vaughan, Red RocksNursing Home, Hoylake

IT is nonsense that CQC have thusfar failed to justify their decision toscrap the old, but at least somewhathelpful, quality rating schemewithout having an alternative andimproved system in place.

What frustrates me is that CQC,under the new Health and SocialCare Act and its new regulation andinspection processes, seem to wantto do less and less work themselvesin ensuring the safety and wellbeingof our residents, while continuouslyincreasing their registration chargesunder their new matrix charging

system.

This while we as providers areexpected to undertake reams of newand extra evidencing.

It now appears that if we wish ourpotential clients and their families tohave access to this new quality ratingscheme we will be expected to pay.Yet another fee on top of our normal,and now increased, annualregistration fee.

This is totally unacceptable as thesecosts, as any, will have to be passedon, yet again, to our clients.

Is CQC delivering value for money?I don’t think so.

Feeling very let downHelen Thorpe, manager, Garendon Residential Home,Loughborough

WITH reference to your article in theMarch 2011 edition. We are one ofthe providers who achieved the'excellent' rating and, as you canappreciate, worked extremely hard toachieve this.

We now feel very let down by CQC'sdecision to abolish such, especiallygiven that it was for no good reasonother than it cannot be administered.Is that not something that should

have been explored when thesuggestion of grades was being put together? Its called forwardplanning.

At a time when improving carestandards is paramount to thedeliverance of good care, we see a leading agency not beingconsistent.

This move by CQC has donenothing to keep motivation high, andsurely comes across as ‘set up to fail’.

These ratings were by far one of thebest tools created, and served manypurposes.

Email us your views to dm@whpl.net or send them toCaring UK newsdesk, 47 Church Street, Barnsley S70 2AS

William Mtisi, Wilnash Care, Potters Bar

I HAVE read your story on the frontpage of Caring UK regarding starratings being abolished with greatinterest, and support Alan Firth’sviews 100 per cent.

We are a fairly new care agency, 14months old, and went through tryingtimes. We had two visits in as many

months from inspectors, as was thenormal procedure then, and got twostars.

It was very hard work but werealised it was very important to puteverything in order for the sake of theservice users and our staff.

Some people still want to know howmany stars we have, and my view isthat taking away the rating was a verysilly and ill-advised idea.

Silly and ill-advised idea

Editor’s comment...THE topic of star ratings is always acontroversial one, as I am sure it isin every industry.

They are now a part of society,whether it be when we are bookinga hotel or restaurant, and also oneof the first things many relatives willlook for when they have to makethe decision to put their loved oneinto a care home.

It is tough enough having to dothat in the first place, but at leastthey can take some comfort fromknowing that the home theirrelative is in the best possiblefacility.

But, now that has been takenaway, it must be a completeminefield for people looking forcare, and you can also understandthe frustrations of those operatorswho have invested heavily in theirfacilities to make them stand outfrom the rest.

So it is crucial that theinspectorate put a new system inplace sooner rather than later, andthat they get it right.

Many people I have spoken toabout the old ratings said therewasn’t enough scope, and that theywould like to see something similarto what the hotel industry uses.

But how the CQC come to theseratings from their inspections isalso critical. You can have the best,purpose-built facility in the land,but if the care is not up to standardthen the rating shouldn’t be high.

The key thing has to be theresidents and relatives, and if theyare happy and living life to the fullthen the rating should reflect that.You can tell within seconds whatsort of home you have walked intoby the atmosphere - happy homeshave a buzz about them, which youcannot create artificially.

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23

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

In this issue:

� Behind theuncertainty isopportunity ... Page 24

� Caring UK formsalliance with eventscompanyPage 25

� Care for theelderly - whatnext?Page 28

Former schoolbecomes partof care home A 19TH century school is formingpart of a north west based careprovider’s latest £3.9m development.

The original Millbrook School,which dates back to the 1850s, isbeing restored to its former glory byMeridian Healthcare as part of its 46-bed care home.

Due to open in the autumn, thebuilding, which previously stoodderelict for 10 years, will become thehome’s dining room.

Project manager John Baxter toldCaring UK the group has workedclosely with Tameside borough coun-cil’s conservation team on the pro-ject, with all materials having to beapproved.

He added: “It has been a long, slowprocess, but it will be worth it oncethe old school has been completed.

“We are keeping as much of theoriginal building as we can and, aswell as the trusses and the windowsills, even the flagpole and bell arebeing restored.

“The tightness of the site has alsobeen a challenge for us, and we lost

10 days at the end of last year due tothe bad weather, but we hope to beback on track shortly.”

The group recently held a competi-tion for young artists from a nearbyschool about what life will be like in70 years time as part of of a pro-gramme of activities and talks theyhave been doing.

The winners have had their artworkdisplayed on a large hoarding sur-rounding the construction site, andwere also given a tour to learn aboutchildren who went to school in theoriginal building.

Managing director Susan Firth said:“The art competition was a great wayof involving the children in the carecentre and getting them to thinkabout what it really means to themand their village.

“We have been working closely withthe school and this is a great oppor-tunity for us to talk about positivelong term care options for older peo-ple as well as giving the children anopportunity to demonstrate theircreativity.”

Wellburn care homes has purchased the Grade II list-ed Scalesceugh Hall near Carlisle in a deal in excessof £1m.The group, which owns 14 sites across the north ofEngland, five of which are in listed buildings, wasrecently granted approval on plans to convert thebuilding into a 47-en-suite bedroom care home withan additional six ‘close care’ cottages in part of thegrounds. Work on site will begin shortly, with thedoors set to open in autumn 2012.

LINDA Nolan cut the ribbon to offi-cially open Carebase’s latest specialistdementia care home in Braintree.

Linda, who is a keen supporter ofthe Alzheimer’s Society, was joined byTony Shelton, chairman of the localcouncil, for a champagne and canapéreception at the company’s 49-bedAspen Grange.

Manager Dawn Sharp said facilities

at the home include spacious en-suite accommodation and hairdress-ing salon.

She added: “We hope the care homewill become the hub of the local com-munity and set the example of howresidents can maintain their inde-pendence and dignity while enjoyinga great quality of life.”

Linda opens new home in Essex

Linda Nolan with Andrew Mangion (Carebase operations director), Essie Mkondani(Aspen Grange care services manager), Dawn Sharp (Aspen Grange home manager),Nicola Coveney (Carebase managing director) and Phillipa Morley (HR manager).

23 21/3/11 11:24 Page 1

CARINGCOMMERCE24

By John Ramsay

THERE is no turning back for thecare industry.

Cutbacks worth £40million, thedissolution of Primary Care Trusts,cuts to local authority budgets,more red tape around UK BorderAgency restrictions on labour,newCQC regulations and increasedemployer liability laws are justsome of the changes the careindustry has to contend with overthe next few years. But behind all ofthis uncertainty is opportunity.

This could be just the nudge carehome professionals need to raisetheir game. The raft of changespresent an ideal opportunity forsector professionals torevolutionise their business modelto make sure they don’t just survivethe next three years, but grow andbe sustainable in the long term. Achance to “future proof” theirbusiness.

This much-used phrase isfrequently referred to in terms ofroom sizes, day space and numbers

of beds. But while the physicalaspects of care homes continue toevolve, I would like to propose adifferent view of what futureproofing is, or should be. Futureproofing is really about a state ofmind.

The key to this is relatively simple.In my opinion, owners need tohave three things. Firstly they needto have a vision for their business.Secondly they should never saynever and thirdly, they need to beopen to and promoters of newideas.

That is not to say that we becomeobsessed by fads. Having coffeebars, cinemas and a hotel receptionstyle front of house is great, butthese additions need to bebalanced around the type ofbusiness and service user needswhich we individually cater for.

Returning to the issue ofsustainability. Shifting incomereliance away from the publicsector to the private, or frommainstream to specialist care, canbring with it a greater control of

income and improve attractivenessto both investors and funders.

At the same time, having a clearpicture of providing excellent carealongside a vision of how thisaffects the bottom line is ever moreessential.

As a sector the care industry hasshown time and time again it isn’tscared of change and now is thetime to act so you can takeadvantage of opportunities nowand in the future.

Key to steering your way throughthe turbulent waters is to have ateam, both internally andexternally, who can match you inthe three-point plan I outlinedearlier.

Part of the process is ensuring yousurround your business with like-minded professionals who shareyour vision for your business andcan support you in helping it togrow and flourish.

� John is the Midlands regionaldirector for education, healthcareand communities at SantanderCorporate Banking.

Behind the uncertaintyis opportunity ...

John Ramsay

NATIONAL care home providerBarchester Healthcare has featured in the Sunday Times survey of the 25 best big companies to work for 2011 for the thirdconsecutive year.

The prestigious award was voted forby randomly selected members ofBarchester’s 15,000 staff bycompleting anonymousquestionnaires.

Founder and chief executive MikeParsons said: “To have suchdedicated employees demonstratesthat we’ve managed to generate and

maintain a great workingenvironment here.

“Our ethos at Barchester is‘Celebrating Life’, and it’s clear thatour employees bring this to life everyday and enjoy working here.”

The breakdown of the resultsshowed that Barchester’s workforcestrongly agreed they can make adifference in the organisation, andwere ranked fourth overall when itcame to viewing work as animportant aspect in life. Thecompany was the only care provideron the list.

Mike Parsons receives the award from Richard Caseby, managing editor of The SundayTimes.

Care provider one of thebest companies to work for

24 15/3/11 16:20 Page 1

25CARINGCOMMERCE

MJM Events has announced a strate-gic alliance with Wharncliffe MediaGroup, publishers of Caring UK.

By combining resources, MJM willfurther consolidate its position as theleading provider of regional careforums throughout the UK.

Exhibitors at MJM’s events will ben-efit from the media exposure provid-ed by Caring UK, and the events willbenefit from the involvement ofCaring UK’s contacts and editorialcontributors.

Mike Wilby, of MJM Events, said:“We are delighted with our alliancewith Wharncliffe – the business isideally placed to further strengthenits position providing national careevents to local audiences.”

In addition, the events will benefitfrom the involvement of WharncliffeProductions, the video and broad-

casting division of Wharncliffe andthe resources of Wharncliffe Events.

Tony Barry, Wharncliffe’s sales andmarketing director, added: “MJM isthe perfect partner with a very suc-cessful event formula for the careindustry.

“We are excited by the opportuni-ties afforded to the combined busi-ness, and look forward to workingclosely with Mike and John at MJM.”

MJM’s programme of 10 forums for2011 are entitled ‘Focusing onOutcomes’, and will offer engagingpresentations and debates centredon promoting and providing thehighest standards of care across theindustry.

They will commence with two inthe South West at Weston-super-Mareand Torquay on May 24 and 25respectively.

Wharncliffe Publishing managing director Michael Hewitt (centre) with MJM Events’John Msiak and Mike Wilby.

Caring UK formsalliance withevents company

Residents’ send-off for huntRESIDENTS at a Surrey nursinghome were out in force to celebratethe local hunt starting and finishingon their doorstep.

Staff and residents at the Grade IIlisted Greathed Manor in Dorman-sland near Lingfield cheered andclapped as the members of the OldSurrey Barstow and West Kent huntmet before setting off on the hunt.

Denise Springthorpe, manager atGreathed Manor which is on the bor-ders of Surrey, Kent and West Sussex,

said, “Many of our residents were satoutside smiling and laughing. Theyjust love seeing the beautiful horsesand stroking the dogs.I believe that itis the balance between appreciatingtradition and embracing modern lifethat makes Greathed Manor specialfor our residents.

“We love to organise events such asthe hunt meets and ballroom dances,yet we also provide yoga classes, haveour own hairdressing salon and pro-vide Freeview TV in all bedrooms.”

Scheme voted one of the bestA GWYNEDD retirement housingscheme has been voted one of theUK’s best at an annual nationalawards ceremony.

Penrhos Home, managed by PolishHousing Society Limited based atPenrhos, Pwllheli, scoop a goldaward in the ‘Housing with care – 100units and over category’ at theNational Housing for Older Peopleevent held at Ascot Racecourse. Run

by the Elderly AccommodationCounsel, the awards recognise spe-cialist housing schemes which arethe best in their field.

Penrhos Home was one of 34 win-ners in 12 categories which werenominated by more than 3,500 resi-dents from across the UK, a 64 percent increase on entries since lastyear. Residents scored schemes ondesign, services and well-being.

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CARINGCOMMERCE28

By Mark Ellis

THE population of elderly peopleis forecast to rise significantly overthe next two decades, with theproportion requiring long termcare increasing at an even fasterrate.

How this unquestionabledemand is serviced is still a topicfor debate. It is likely that demandfor low-level residential anddomiciliary care for people intheir own homes will experience anet decline.

Unfortunately, there is no co-ordinated plan for what newfacilities will be required acrossthe UK, and it is likely that somedevelopments may fail by beingthe wrong facility in the wrongplace.

While the number of care bedsdeclined consistently over the lastdecade, that trend has nowreversed, as new, larger homeshave been opened. Thisexpansion of the sector hascoincided with a modestdownturn in demand, as centraland local government has soughtto use domiciliary care.

This has led to a short term dropin overall occupancy levels,although this has not been auniversal problem, with betterhomes continuing to attractstrong support. The greaterdecline has been those homesproviding poor qualityaccommodation/care.

Fees are unlikely to rise in thenear future and, indeed, havebeen reduced in real terms insome areas. While the best homeshave largely continued to receivegood levels of referral, there issome evidence to suggest localauthorities have sought to cutcosts by using the cheapestproviders, irrespective of quality.

Lenders are more looking toserviceability and experiencedmanagement than loan to value,which we have seen reduce from85 per cent of Market Value 1(MV1) to 70/75 per cent of MV1.

Interest rate margins have alsoincreased over the last three orfour years and we have seenbanks move from Base Rate ledlending to LIBOR (London InterBank Ordinary Rate) led lending.

Over the next two or three years,stagnant fees and occupancy canbe expected for many homes at atime when costs are likely to rise,particularly after the increase inVAT earlier this year.

Some care homes may actuallybenefit from the budget cuts ascouncils seek to find the mostcost-effective way to provide care.Such scrutiny could lead to theclosure of expensive localauthority homes, reduction inhospital bed-blocking and/or aswitch from costly domiciliarycare.

Ultimately, the growing demandfor long term care will underpinthe sector in the medium andlong term. We are likely toexperience some flux and somecasualties are likely.

Most vulnerable will beoperators who have geared toohighly and homes which cannotprovide good quality care. Well-run, well-financed care homebusinesses will have sufficientscope to absorb the short termpressures and emerge in bettershape to take advantage of thesector as it continues to grow. � Mark is head of care home bankingat Lloyds TSB.

Mark Ellis

Care for theelderly – what next?

Suites offer greater flexibilityINNOVATIVE ‘care suites’ are to offergreater flexibility at a care service inBristol set to open next month.

As well as 25 places for nursing careand 29 for dementia care, MHA’sHorfield Lodge will offer 19 one andtwo bedroom suites, which includekitchenettes, and are primarilyintended to enable couples to staytogether, even if their carerequirements differ from each otheror alter over time. A couple may rent

their suite and pay separately for acare package for one or bothpartners. Staff will be on site 24 hoursa day for the safety and security ofresidents, while full meals and adomestic service are included.

Residents will also have a roofgarden, a café with internet access,free access to reflexology treatmentsas part of the firm’s national initiativeto offer alternative therapies and afull schedule of recreational events.

Taylor National has completed the sale of The Grange at Heswall after just two weeks.The home, which had been operating under the existing ownership of Roy and CarolineDean of Coursechange Ltd for more than 10 years, is registered for 32 in 28 bedrooms.Planning permission is in place for a further 10 bedrooms.Roy Dean is pictured with Grayson Taylor

A York care home is undergoing a £2mfacelift to ensure it meets fire riskrequirements and improve facilities for itsresidents.Improvement at the RMBI ownedConnaught Court in Fulford will includeadditional bedrooms with ensuitefacilities and the installation of ceilinghoists as well as the creation of a securegarden space.Margaret Cade, home manager, said: “The

buildings needed modifying to reflect thechanging profile of residents and ensurewe can continue to provide the higheststandards of care.“As the average age of residentsincreases, so does the incidence ofdementia.“Providing a safe and secure gardenwhere residents with dementia can enjoythe outdoors safely will make a majordifference to their quality of life.”

Tax reclaims forcommercial property

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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29CARINGCOMMERCE

A VISIT to your local Care Roadshowwill give you new ideas for improvingefficiency; inspiration for developingyour training and work practices andfresh enthusiasm to take back to yourcare home.

They focus on bringing dedicatedcare suppliers to your area and arespecially chosen for their unique andquality products and services. Theseestablished companies will displayinnovations in software solutions,training provisions, interior design,waste management, virus control andother essential services.

A key feature at each roadshow willbe the free and informative seminars,which will focus on informing visitors

of the latest changes within the caresector.

These will be led by industry expertsincluding Keith Lewin, BrunswickLLP Solicitors and Ranald Mair,Scottish Care. Topics range fromphysical and mental sensory stimula-tion to dementia and design.

Debbie Westhead from the CQC willpresent a seminar on current changesto care regulations at the Manchesterevent.

This seminar will give you thechance to explore these changes andhow they will impact your care home.

The first events are being held at theGlasgow Concert Halls on May 10 andOld Trafford on June 30.

New ideas available atCare Roadshows

A SERIES of regional conferences willgive care managers the opportunityto learn more about the key issuesthey will face this year – right ontheir doorsteps.

MJM Events and Caring UK haveteamed up to host the National CareConventions which will be held invarious locations across the UK, start-ing in May.

The theme behind this year’s eventsis focusing on outcomes – promotingand providing good care – and ateam of experts and specialists havebeen recruited to advise and lead dis-cussions on subjects such as:

� The impact of the deficit reduc-tion programme on council fundingof care.

� The new vision for social care.� Exploiting ideas associated with

the Big Society.� My Home Life - promoting voice,

choice and control.� The new world of medicines man-

agement.� Regulatory outcomes – how the

system is bedding down.� Focus on legal issues such as the

Forest Care Homes case and hiringand firing in the care sector.

� Making the best of a difficult cli-

mate.� Infection control.The big plus point to these conven-

tions is that they offer top quality,informative content and networkingopportunities at an affordable price –and importantly, without the need forbusy care managers to travel long dis-tances.

Respected industry consultant LesBright is returning once again tochair each event and guest speakersinclude:

� Lynne Dean of the Department ofHealth South West.

� Tom Owen and Jane Wallis of theMy Home Life programme.

� Infection control consultantLInda Nazarko.

� Mark Ellis, Head of Social Care atLloyds TSB

� Hazel Phillips, a partner at lead-ing care specialist law firm,Burroughs Day.

The opening convention will be atthe Rookery Manor ConferenceCentre, Hotgel and Spa near WestonSuper-Mare on Tuesday May 24, fol-lowed by the Palace Hotel, Torquayon Wednesday May 25.

For more details, visit the Caring UKwebsite - www.caring-uk.co.uk

Learn more aboutthe key issues atconferences

Up to 60 jobs will be created when the Priory Group opens its latest 80-bed care homein Northern Ireland. Priory operations manager Deborah Oktar-Campbell is pictured withNorma Munn, manager of the nearby Blair House in Newtownards and Tracey Henry,manager of new development Bohill House.

29 21/3/11 11:28 Page 1

CARINGPRODUCT NEWS30

Guardiansoffer expertise

Wipes help toreduce risk

DECISIONS about the use of aperson’s income and savings areoften best made by their relatives orclose friends, but what happenswhen there are no willing or suitablerelatives or friends, or those alreadyinvolved in a person’s finances are nolonger able to formally assist?

Over several years Essex Guardianshas developed its expertise tobecome one of the leading corporatedeputy services in the country. Itprovides a dedicated team ofprofessionals to expertly handlefinancial affairs for people when theyno longer have the mental capacity todo so on their own.

The service includes claiming,collecting, maximising andadministering any state benefits,paying bills and ensuring that theindividual has access to money foractivities such as shopping andsocialising. It can also safeguardsavings and investments and overseeproperty and personal items.

REFRESHENING Professional CaringMoist Wipes are specificallydeveloped to help reduce the risk ofhealthcare associated infections bycleansing and preventing crosscontamination through handcontact.

The wipe is perfect for removinggerms from hands, ideal for personalhygiene and guarantees effectivecleansing, the professional way.

These unique moist wipes areindividually wrapped for thatpersonal touch, infused with anatural Aloe fragrance and balancedto the skins natural pH .

Caring Moist Wipes can also bepersonalised to your requirementsupon the outer wrapping. Every wipewill be covered with your brand, youradvertising message and what youhave to offer.

New furniturerange launched SPRING is in the air and NationwideNursing Home Supplies has a newrange of fabrics for chairs, curtainsand throws so now is the opportunityto give your home a fresh make over.

They have all their usual range offabulous fabrics plus they have nowadded a range of Sanderson andHarlequin prints, fabrics and wallcoverings.

Nationwide’s purpose built showvans are travelling the country withall the latest designs of bedroom,lounge and dining furniture and allthe fabric swatches for you to see foryourselves.

So if you are planning a new build,extension or re-fit just give them acall to book an appointment forwhen the show vans are in your area.

Taylor National hascompleted the sale of the 51registered WhitegatesNursing Home in Staines,Middlesex to the Surreybased CHD Living.CHD was established by Mrand Mrs Hasham in 1984.Since then they have addednine further Homes, twohomecare facilities and havea purpose built brain injuryand neuro rehabilitation unitopening shortly in Bagshot.Sharleeza, who has a Mastersdegree in care management,has recently joined her fatherin the business.

Systems can help cut medicine errorsRESEARCH published online in BMJQuality and Safety showed thatmistakes were 4.31 times as likely tobe made with a liquid medicine asthey were with a tablet or capsulegiven from a dispenser.

Compared with drugs given from amonitored dosing system, thelikelihood of a mistake was 19 timeshigher when using a cream,injection or eye drop, and more

than 33 times when an inhaler wasused.

The study involved 233 residentsrandomly selected from 55 UKnursing and residential homes,providing a representative sample ofdifferent sizes, ownership and typeof care offered.

Administration errors wereidentified by pharmacists observingtwo drug rounds, and these were

classified and analysed byformulation and medicine deliverysystem.

Yakub Chemist in Leicesterprovides a variety of monitoreddosage systems suitable for tablets,capsules and even liquids helpingensure care homes have the safestsolution for medicationadministration.

Domiciliary provideracquires Blackpool hotelDOMICILIARY and related careservices provider Safehands NetworkLtd has acquired The New MayfairHotel in Blackpool.

Famed for providing specialisedholidays for people with disabilitiesfor more than 10 years, the hotelboasts a prominent position on thenew £100m south promenade, and iswithin minutes of many of the town’smost famous attractions.

The New Mayfair is the first hotel inBlackpool to be CQC registered, andwill offer an unparalleled level of

service and accessibility to all itsguests,

It reopens next month, and servicesavailable include holiday transport,bespoke care packages, a range ofexcursions and free equipment hire,plus live entertainment.

Exciting new developments areplanned to open throughout the yearincluding a fully accessible solarium,specialised gym, a well equippedgames room and the Ocean BreezeBar and Brassiere.

Reducingyour costs

New releaseunveiled

PROVIDING outstandingperformance every time, theIncomaster™ from Haigh has beendelivering cost reductions, energysavings and helping to fight againstinfection for more than 30 years.

Delivering real and measurablebenefits to both you and those inyour care, our highly efficient anduser friendly Incomaster™ deliversoutstanding performance for thesimple and hygienic disposal ofincontinence pads and nappies.

The Incomaster™ disintegratespads and nappies into a suitably finepulp and flushes the material to astandard drainage system, meaningno storage, no smells and no mess.

Designed for simplicity, it is easy toinstall, low maintenance and fast –processing four small or two largepads in less than two minutes.

SINCE its first release at theBournemouth Care Show three yearsago, CareDocs has become themarket leader in care planning andhome management software.

CareDocs’ latest release, CareDocs2011, might have more new sections,assessment questions and usefulfeatures than ever before, but it haslost none of the simplicity and easeof use that has made it so popularwith the 250 plus homes alreadyusing it.

One of several new features is theForms and Documentation section.

This includes an easily accessibleand ever growing selection oftemplates for the day-to-daypaperwork most often used by homesas standard.

Latest badge range releasedBADGEMASTER, manufacturer ofcustom made, ready to wearemployee badges, has launched anew product range.

‘Instabadge’ enables employeesthemselves to create instant namebadges. This means employers cangive new staff a badge from their firstday.

The wearer’s name is simply printedonto ordinary card or paper, with nospecial equipment needed.

The new range includes six different

styles, all available in any base colourand with plenty of space forindividual corporate designs andlogos.

The Instabadge holds an advantagein environments where hygiene orhealth and safety are important, suchas the catering industry.

Its unique moulding combines anintegral fastener as part of the badgeand so avoids any chance of the pinor badge becoming accidentallydetached for the wearer.

DC Care, Lupton Fawcett LLP andSantander Corporate Bank jointlyhosted a ‘Question Time’ styleseminar in Leeds for care homeoperators and professionals.

Guest speakers included MartinGreen, chairman of ECCA, Alan Firth,executive chairman of Tamesidebased care operator MeridianHealthcare and Paul Edwards, head oftraining and development at Bradford

Dementia Group at BradfordUniversity.

Anita Allen, director of DC Care,said: “This was an ideal opportunity,working with other professionals toexplore in an open forum some of theissues regarding regulation, stafftraining, safe guarding and all in thelight of the current restrainedeconomic climate in health andsocial services.”

Conference held in Leeds

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Project6 21/3/11 14:37 Page 1

33CARINGNEWS

How to deal with theserious problem of PTLBy Adrian Bishop

HOW many carers have seen what appear atfirst to be minor shin bone knocks againstfurniture or wheelchairs turn out to beinjuries requiring days and sometimes weeksof hospitalisation?

Known medically as pre-tibial lacerations(PTL), they are a common but serious prob-lem occurring most frequently in elderlywomen over the age of 65.

Most PTL are caused by blunt injury suchas when the shin hits a coffee table or stepcausing an oblique blow.

The result is a laceration or haematoma inwhich the blood supply to part of the skin is damaged, which, unless carefullymanaged through hospital A&E, frequentlyleads to death of the skin and subsequentulceration.

PTL have become increasingly commonamong senior adults in the last decade. Asmedicine has advanced and care for theelderly improved, many senior adults arecontinuing to be mobile later in life and, as aresult, are placing their lower limbs at greaterrisk for open wounds.

Other risk factors include diabetes, com-mon medications such as anti-inflammatoryagents and anticoagulants (Warfarin) andsmoking.

For carers, the financial implication of PTLcan be significant. A UK study concludedthat 25 per cent of elderly patients with suchinjuries experienced an escalation of their

social care needs on discharge from hospital.Six months after discharge only 78 per centof patients had returned to their previouslevel of independence. The NHS cost oftreating PTL is huge, with an average bedstay of 14 days along with the cost of surgery.

The majority of these injuries occur duringpeak activity hours of 6am to 11am and 3pmto 9pm, therefore prevention is clearly thebest way to manage the issue, but what canbe done?

Firstly identify clients at high risk of PTLand ensure their care plan includes a focuson good skin hygiene and hydration throughresponsible bathing – too frequent bathingcauses a loss of the skins natural lubrication.

Always carefully investigate what appear atfirst to be minor knocks to the lower limbs toensure there is no evidence of even a smallhaematoma, arrange for early medical inter-vention if there is the slightest doubt.

Ensure appropriate clothing is worn whenthere is increased risk of accidental damageto the shins. There is also available a soft sili-con shin guard which can be worn duringkey risk periods, it can be worn under nylonsor trousers and protects the shin from theknocks and bumps of every day living.

If a client acquires a PTL in most cases itwill be treated with steri-strips but it isimportant to ensure they keep mobile andwalking around as usual and in particulardrink plenty of water to ensure the skin hasthe best chance of healing. It can take up tothree months for the wound to heal com-pletely.

SUNRISE’s positive approachto senior living and care hasseen four of its Westbournestaff honoured at the community’s Heart and Soulawards.

Wendy Blow, senior directorof community relations,Lynne Petty, registered man-ager/reminiscence co-ordina-tor, Lena Michalcyk, lead caremanager, and Karolina

Pospiech, senior lead caremanager, picked up theirawards at special awards din-ner.

Wendy said: “The awards areparticularly special as they arevoted for anonymously by fellow members of the Sunrise community for col-leagues who go above andbeyond what their jobdemands.”

Carolina Pospiech, Lynne Petty, Wendy Jo Martin, Wendy Blow, LenaMichalczyk at the ceremony

Staff honoured atcommunity awards

33 15/3/11 16:27 Page 1

CARINGDEMENTIA CARE34

Giving staff a taste of what it feels like to have dementia is part of a care group’s latest drive toimprove its offering for residents with the condition. Dominic Musgrave reports.

Trial delivers inspiring resultsA NEW pilot project at one of Care UK’s day centresand nine of its homes which provide dementia carehas delivered some remarkable and inspiringresults.

Instead of traditional book or classroom learning,staff are taking part in a one-day course that givesthem direct experience of effect dementia andfrailty can have on the senses.

An experienced trainer takes the staff through aday where nothing seems to make sense. Specialglasses blur their vision, headphones deliver whitenoise, and bandages or gloves restrict themovement of fingers. Trainees are also fed foodthey cannot see by a colleague, and asked severalquestions in quick succession without enough timeto think of replies.

Managing director for residential care, HelenOwens, who has completed the course, said thegroup has also taken a fresh look at the impact of ahome’s environment on the behaviour and well-being of residents.

She added: “The training makes each of us farmore aware of how our approach and attitude canhave a positive impact on a person with dementia.It’s that attitude which can make the differencebetween good and excellent care.

“Over the past 15 years or so, there has been a lotof talk about using bright primary colours in homesto help residents with dementia to orientatethemselves. This may not be wrong, but it can leadto a home looking like a kindergarten.

“With help from the University of Stirling, we arediscovering that so long as colours are contrasting,they don’t have to be garish. This means we canoffer something that is respectful, looks like a

family home but still takes on board the additionalneeds of a resident with dementia.”

As a result of the research in the homes in Surrey,staff have been re-writing the rule book on how todesign a dementia friendly home environment.

These include:� Introducing fireplaces into lounges so they

more closely reflect a family home.� Scrapping the internationally recognised

symbols for toilet or bathroom and replacing themwith signs that show a photograph of what is

behind the door.� Making dining rooms smaller and entirely

separate from the lounge areas so people sense it istime for a meal.

� Introducing ‘retro’ fittings such as old-styletelephones or ornaments from the 1940s to 1960sthat residents would recognise from their ownhomes when they were much younger.

� Encouraging residents to help with tasksaround the home such as watering the plants orsetting the table.

Trainer Maizie Mears-Owen gives France Gibson, Care UK’s director of nursing, clinical and care governance, an insightinto what it might be like to have dementia. Picture: Chris Gray

34 15/3/11 16:57 Page 1

35CARINGDEMENTIA CARE

RESIDENTS with dementia oftenexperience distress if they cannotfind the clothing they are familiarwith, and, as with all residents, it isimportant that an individual’s gar-ments are correctly returned to themafter washing.

Attach-a-Tag is a simple, cost effec-tive method of labelling clothing andsoft objects and is an ideal way toquickly label short term and respiteresidents clothing as well as normallaundry.

Replicating a button, it attaches inseconds to the garment seam or laun-dry label, making it discreet and com-

fortable to the wearer. The patented design is easy to

attach but difficult to remove, andcannot be taken off by accident orcome off during the laundry process.

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

This combined with the unique fix-ing 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.

The fastest way to label clothes

ACACIA Recruitment, part of theAcacia group, was launched inJanuary to offer flexible temporaryand permanent staffing solutionsacross the healthcare, childcare,nursing, hospitality and adminis-tration sectors.

Working closely with sister com-panies Acacia Training, a flexibletraining provider delivering voca-tional qualifications, and AcaciaSkills Academy, offering bespoketraining courses, we now offer aone stop shop for all of your train-ing and staffing needs.

Our customers are the first prior-ity in everything we do, and howwe deliver the highest quality tothem.

So you can rest assured thatwhenever you deal with Acacia, forwhichever service, you’re in goodhands.

So if you are a client looking foryour next member of staff or train-ing for your existing workforce, orsomeone looking for a change ofjob or new career in a differentindustry, then contact AcaciaRecruitment now.

New company offersstaffing solutions

By Dominic Musgrave

DEMENTIA training for care staffshould be regulated, it has beenclaimed.

And many care operators are spend-ing thousands of pounds on trainingthat it is inadequate, according toPaul Edwards, head of training anddevelopment at the BradfordDementia Group at the University ofBradford, said society needs tounderstand the condition and how itaffects people better.

“I’m really uncomfortable withorganisations who produce a list ofwhat training for dementia their staffhave had,” he added. “I have visitedseveral care homes where this hashappened and you look at what isgoing on you see no evidence that itis working.

“There are so many course available- everything from a diploma up to aPHD, but if you cannot apply whathas been learned in the sessions intothe care setting then what is thepoint?

“A lot of organisations are being letdown by their dementia trainingwhich, is not only devastating andvery costly for them, but also for therelatives and their relatives.

“The dementia training marketneeds to be more regulated so the

training purchased is of a good stan-dard.”

Paul was speaking at a dementiaseminar attended by care providersfrom across the north in Leeds spon-sored by DC Care, Santander andLupton Fawcett.

Martin Green, chief executive ofECCA, said he is working with SCIE toput a kitemark system in place fortraining.

He added: “Because there is no sys-tem in place it is impossible to knowwhether what is being taught is goodor bad.

“Care providers are spending a vastamount of money on training so needto know that what they are getting ishelping the member of staff build upthat relationship with the resident. Itis not just about the cost.”

‘Training shouldbe regulated’

Paul Edwards

35 15/3/11 16:27 Page 1

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37CARINGHOMECARE

Colne venturecould createfifty jobsBy Dominic Musgrave

UP TO 50 jobs could be created as ahome care venture with a differencemoves into East Lancashire.

Care home owner Ken Deary, whoruns Albert House in Colne, wants tostart a branch of Right at Home,which provides support for the elder-ly and adults with disabilities,enabling them to live independentlyin their own homes

He linked up with the Americancare provider last January to open theUK’s first branch in Preston, whichhas been a great success, employingmore than 25 staff and deliveringmore than 800 hours of care to 50clients a week.

Ken told Caring UK he wants tohear from budding entrepreneurswho are interested in setting up afranchise covering the Clitheroe andPendle areas of the county.

He added: “I realised a residentialhome is not always the answer andthat individuals can remain in theirown home for a lot longer if theyreceive quality companionship andpersonal care from a company they

can trust.“Right at Home’s care and the way

we approach our business is of thevery highest standard. We have twounique aspects. Firstly, we will alwaystry to be on time. If we are providing60 minutes of care, we stay for thefull time. Secondly, we try to providethe same carers all the time, sothere’s a lasting relationship with theclient.”

Ken, UK managing director, is seek-ing individuals who want to run theirown business and have a genuineinterest in their local community.

He added: “You don’t need a socialcare background – we will providethe training and ongoing support –but you do need the ability to man-age people and the desire to providethe highest levels of quality care.

“The rewards are the satisfaction ofmaking a difference to people’s livesand the financial success whichcomes from outstanding execution.”

Other areas earmarked for officesare the Fylde coast, the Lancasterarea and West Lancashire includingSouthport, creating over 200 jobsacross Lancashire.

HOMECARE provider Audley hasstrengthened its team with the addi-tion of nine rapid response vehiclesand 30 new care staff across its basesnationwide.

The company, which delivers personal care and support services to both residents of its retirement villages and clients living in the local community, provides a range of services including help getting

washed and dressed to going shopping or walking the dog.

Director Barbara Hobbs said: “Theexpansion of the team and the addi-tion of the easily recognisable AudleyCare car ensures we can continue tosupport the community, respondingquickly to any call outs and deliver-ing the highest standard of care andservice.”

St Elphin staff Karen Fidler and Sue Baldwin with their new car

Nine rapid response vehiclesstrengthens homecare team

By Louise Cordell

ALLIED Healthcare has been awarded a three-year contract worth £6m by Staffordshire countycouncil to supply more than 8,000 hours of homecare every week.

The service, which commences onApril 1, will be run by Stafford manager Doug Brough from theexisting branch. This will be extendedwithin the head office complex in Stone, and from other new loca-tions in Staffordshire to accommo-date the creation of more than 300office and field based jobs in theregion.

The purpose of the contract is to

enable service users to remain intheir own homes, living as indepen-dently as possible, and to achieveand maintain their desired physical,intellectual, emotional and socialcapacity.

Allied has over 37 years’ experienceproviding fully trained care workers,registered nurses, support workersand healthcare assistants with sup-port services which are on call 24hours a day.

Last year staff delivered approximately 12 million hours ofcare and support, and holds contracts with over two-thirds ofcommissioning local authorities, over100 PCTs and private clients nation-ally.

Allied Healthcare’s service director Stephen Bateman, Stafford branch manager DougBrough, head of training and development Robert Brady and operations manager SallyMoss outside the Stafford branch.

First for Manchester workersDOMICILIARY care workers in Man-chester are the first in the country totake part in a nationally recognisedend of life care training programme.

The National Gold StandardsFramework Centre is working withthe council to enable home careworkers in the city help people liveand die well in their chosen place.

Councillor Glynn Evans, executive

member for adult services, said:“Manchester city council recognisesthat many people now choose toremain at home when they are on theend of life pathway, and by traininghome care staff to the gold standardwe can improve the quality of carefor all concerned, as well as providinggreater levels of support to relativesat a very difficult time.”

Company lands £6mcouncil contract tosupply homecare

37 15/3/11 16:28 Page 1

CARINGNEWS38

Care homes nationwide hosted a wide range of acticities to celebrate theannual Dignity Awareness Week event. Dominic Musgrave found out more.

STAFF at an award-winning Cheshirecare home have been working withresidents and relatives to find moreways to create happy and fulfilledlives.

The events at Station House inCrewe to celebrate Dignity AwarenessWeek included entertainment andactivities as staff take on new trainingdesigned to increase theindependence of the 69 residents.

Kelly Harrison, a manager in thehome’s dementia unit, said the teamhas also found out about Crewe inthe 1920s and 1930s, as well asbringing in memorabilia includingcarbolic soap.

She added: “As well as entertainersand events, we had a Down MemoryLane workshop that involved making

scrap books, and our local libraryjoined in by supplying lots of booksfull of pictures of old Cheshire.

“Reminiscing helps people toremember a great deal aboutthemselves and their lives and itstimulates conversation.”

The team at Station House has alsobeen putting life story books thatdocument where a person has lived,their family, career and interests.

Following on from this, PaulaChesworth, a member of the activeliving team, has started NewBeginnings books which individuallychronicle the experiences of thepeople living at the home.

Kelly added: “If someone has spentall their life studying history orgardening, taking that away from

them would be terrible for their well-being and morale.

“We try to build up a programme ofactivities that plays to their strengthsand interests, and allows them toremain as active and independent aspossible.”

During the week, staff also created ayearbook for the Social Care Instituteof Excellence website to allow othercarers around the country to learnfrom the team’s innovationsregarding dignity in care. Last yearStation House won a number ofregional and national awards for itswork in improving dignity in care.� Have you got a story for CaringUK? Let Dominic Musgrave know byemailing dm@whpl.net or telephone01226 734407.

Care home celebrates withentertainment and activities

Group marksday in styleCENTRAL and Cecil’s 10 care homesacross London and Windsorcelebrated Dignity Action Day in stylewith a day of entertainment, dancingand discussion.

Staff and residents across thehomes and at head office woreorange and lemon for the events tosignify unity, while hand-drawn treesin the colours were distributed acrossall sites.

Examples of when a person felt theyhad been treated with dignity wereplaced on the orange tree(representing sweet) and when theyhad not on the lemon (sour).

Residents and staff of Carter Housein Raynes Park danced to live music,while an aromatherapist providingpampering sessions.

And Cecil Court in Kew had a 1950sand 60s theme, with staff wearingfancy dress and musicalentertainment from the era provided.At Queen’s Court in Windsorresidents filled in life story historybooks and made handkerchiefs with‘Dignity Day’ inscribed on them.

All homes then simultaneouslyreleased orange and yellow balloonsemblazoned with ‘Dignity in Care’,while residents also placed a wish inwishing wells. Staff will make everyeffort to fulfil these over the next fewmonths.

Balloons, massages and fish and chips ...TWO Alpha care homes hostedevents to celebrate Dignity ActionDay.

At Regents Court in Bromsgrove the36 residents, their relatives, friendsand staff released balloons with a

personal message attached beforeeating a fish and chip lunch. Staffalso wore purple – the colour chosenby residents – to mark the occasion.

And at Willow Grange in nearbyOlton the mayor and mayoress of

Solihull, Ian and Sheila Courtsplanted a rose called ‘Compassion’ tomark the occasion. Residents werealso treated to pampering massagesand facials, a tea party andentertainment from a visiting singer.

A CARE home near Norwich held an event topromote dignity and respect for older people as partof a national day of action.

The open day at Warren care home in Sprowstonwas in support of Dignity Action Day, which aims toensure individuals, are given choice, control and asense of purpose in their daily activities and areprovided with stimulating activities.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith and formerNorwich City footballer Darren Huckerby joined theresidents in craft and cooking taster sessions,exercise to music, one to one pamperings andmusical entertainment, including singing, accordionand piano playing.

Residents were also given the chance to make anddisplay their wishes on The Warren Wishing Treewhich was put up in the lounge, while in the diningroom there was a guess the staff member from babyphotos exercise.

General manager Hilary Taylor said those unable tocome out of their bedrooms, staff showed

photographs of their memorable times to helpgenerate discussion about their past.

She added: “An older person once said to me thathe has no value now he is old. That struck a chord inmy heart and from then I vowed to make adifference to older people in care.

“We aimed to show visitors that our older residentsare valuable citizens who have led interesting livesand are still valuable members of society. The dayfocused on promoting the dignity of those in thecare of The Warren home to remind everyone thatolder people have a right to be treated with dignityand respect.”

Darren Huckerby with activities co-ordinator Joy Michell

Promoting dignity and respect

Plans to develop a new scheme to recognise excellence in adult socialcare have been unveiled by the inspectorate. Dominic Musgrave reports.

THE system, set to be launched in April 2012, willbe CQC owned, but delivered by otherorganisations under licence.

A consultation on how to define excellence inadult social care will launch in May, building onwork carried out for CQC by the Social CareInstitute for Excellence.

The scheme will be voluntary (social careproviders can choose to apply for the award) andwill involve a proportionate charge.

Chief executive Cynthia Bower said CQC willseek expressions of interest to deliver the schemein the spring, and will welcome bids from acrossthe private and voluntary sector.

She added: “Our role is to identify and react tosigns that people may be at risk of receiving poorcare. This means we can say we don’t see signs ofrisk at a provider, but this is not the same assaying a provider is offering ‘excellent’ care.

“We do, however, firmly believe care providersshould aspire to deliver the best possibleoutcomes. An excellence award can recognise bestpractice, be a spur to improvement for providerswho already meet CQC’s essential standards, andcan help people who need longer-term care tomake choices. We look forward to working withpeople who use services, their families and carers,commissioners and providers to develop thescheme.”

The regulator will publicise the excellence awardon its own website from April 2012, alongside itsown reports on whether or not a provider ismeeting essential standards. A user-friendly‘provider profile’ for every CQC-registered adultsocial care service will be launched this summer.

Star ratings were stopped under the CareStandards Act 2000 last June, ahead of the Act’sexpiry in September.

New scheme unveiled by inspectorate

THE manager of aBournemouth care home thatcelebrated Dignity in ActionDay with the release of 75balloons was shocked toreceive a message fromGermany the following day.

All residents and staff atTempleman House wrote awish on a label, and DeannaBarnes was surprised toreceive a message fromseven-year-old Mathis Streylin Dulmen, who wrote: “Ihave found the balloon fromH. Morgan whose wish is fora drive in the countryside. Sothe balloon has gone about650km.”

Wishes sent airborneincluded fish and chips onthe prom, a family gardenparty, a drive in a posh car, atrip to the cinema and a publunch.

Deanna said all the wisheswill be fulfilled during thecoming months with the helpof local companies.

She added: “The balloonrelease provided great fun,involved local businesses andthe community, and theresults will be enjoyed formonths to come as theresidents get to enjoy theirchosen treats.”

Deanna and staff celebrate Dignity inAction Day by releasing balloons

Celebration balloon floats to Germany

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39CARINGNEWS

“Dementia is a health issue and not a social careone, and I think there needs to be a politicaldebate on this in the near future. I would like tosee a large proportion of the £1bn being putaside for health to be earmarked for dementiabecause it is a rapidly growing issue. The currentsystem is focused on keeping people at homebecause it is very easy to give people low levelsupport. I see people getting two visits a dayfrom a domiciliary agency when they really needaround the clock care. Councils are waiting untilpeople are in crisis before moving them into res-idential care, and are paying the lowest price forthis knowing they are likely to only be spendinga short time there. These decisions were madebased on surveys of people which said theywould rather live at home than be in residentialcare , but there is no point asking somebodywhen they are 35. If somebody asked me if Iwanted to spend time in a cancer unit I wouldsay ‘no’, but when I had a cancer I was more thanhappy to be there.”

Martin Green, chief executive, ECCA

“The age of the person coming to us is droppingdrastically, and we are now seeing people intheir late 60s, early 70s with some form ofdementia or challenging behaviour, which is todo with their lifestyle. The council claim it is theaging process, but I don’t agree with them. Wehave three different types of care home, but thedementia beds are often empty because there isa premium for them, and it is always fee driven.People expect a higher staffing level for thisclient group, but there needs to be a shift inmentality and how we get the money across, butI don’t think that will happen. In Tameside wehave managed to negotiate premiums for vari-ous things, but I can see that amount beingdropped next year given the current economiccrisis. Last year we spent £50,000 alone ondementia training.”

Alan Firth, executive chairman, Meridian Healthcare

ECCA chief executive Martin Green with DC Caredirector Anita Allen

Funding of dementia care was one of many issues debated by anexpert panel at a seminar in Leeds. Dominic Musgrave reports. TheQuestion Time-style event, co-sponsored by DC Care, Santander andLupton Fawcett, was chaired by Pinders director John Chapman, andthe panel was made up of ECCA chief executive Martin Green,Meridian Healthcare executive chairman Alan Firth and Paul Edwards,head of training and development at Bradford Dementia Group atBradford University. Here were their responses ...

Dementia ‘a rapidly growing issue’

Speakers Paul Edwards and Alan Firth with host JohnChapman, Meridian Healthcare’s managing directorSusan Firth and Tanya Little from the BradfordDementia Group

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41CARINGNEWS

By Dominic Musgrave

PROVIDING the best care forolder people while producinghealthy business profits is at thetop of the agenda for the care pro-fession.

Leading industry events such asCare Show Bournemouth providean insight into the latest develop-ments in the care sector, offeringguidance and advice to care pro-fessionals to ensure that this goal isaccomplished.

Catering for care providers in thesouth and south west, Care ShowBournemouth will take place at theBournemouth International Centreon March 29 and 30.

With more than 170 exhibitors,this year’s event will be the largestin Care Show Bournemouth’s histo-ry. In amongst the biggest namesin the care sector you would expectto see at every Care Show, there aremore than 70 companies new tothe event including Sky Business,The Open University, Careline,GHM Communications, Comecaand Grohe.

The three seminar theatres,packed with free educational con-tent, ensure that a wide range ofindustry issues such as complianceand legislation, training, financeand the effect of government proposals will be discussedthroughout Care ShowBournemouth

One of its seminar theatres hasbeen dedicated to dementia care.Produced in association withAlzheimer’s Society, the pro-gramme offers educational ses-sions exploring the latest care tech-niques. Speakers confirmedinclude RNHA chief executiveFrank Ursell and Clive Evers fromthe Alzheimer’s Society.

Topics covered include theimpact of good dementia training,medication for people withdementia and the use of books andpictures in dementia care.

Additional highlights of the CareShows include:

MyBusiness Seminar Theatre –Offering guidance on a range oftopics such as growth opportuni-ties, funding issues and the latestmarket data. Speakers includeTony Kear from Barclays CorporateSouth West and Kieren Cole fromKnight Frank LLP.

Keynote Seminar Theatre –Presenting an inspiring selection ofseminars addressing compliance,best practice and managementadvice for care professionals acrossthe UK. Dame Joan Williams fromthe CQC and NCA’s Nadra Ahmedwill be speaking.

The Secret Garden brought to youby Living Leaves – This sensorygarden features live demonstra-tions on how to build a garden thatencourages engagement and inter-action and illustrates how gardentherapy can be used within yourcare home.

Care professionals are encour-aged to register online atwww.careshow.co.uk/bournemouth for advanced free entry. In addi-tion to Care Show Bournemouth,Care Show Birmingham takes placeon June 22 and 23 at the NEC andCare Show London on October 11and 12 at Olympia.

Industry issues to be addressedat Care Show Bournemouth

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

The new WACMAT® adheresstrongly to this tradition.

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

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

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

Enquiries: Telephone 0800 074 3749

Simple solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

catalogue.

Universal provides qualified staffUNIVERSAL Resources Bureau is a dedicatedhealthcare service provider that specialisesin supplying qualified healthcare staffranging from care assistants to RGNs.

URB provide all of their clients withcandidates who fit the following criteria:

• Experienced in the healthcare field.• Good level of English.• Dedicated, hardworking and flexible.• CRB/POVA checks completed.Clients have the choice of taking candidates on three, six, nine or 12 month contracts depending on

their needs.All staff URB provide are completely free of any placement fees. You don’t pay any tax and national

insurance contributions, all you pay is the rate of £8 per hour. There’s also no restriction on the amount ofhours worked by the candidates and no holiday/sickness pay to worry about.

URB will save you time, money and effort.Enquiries: Telephone 0113 2256752, visit www.uniresources.co.uk or

email info@uniresources.co.uk

New service from Electrolux ELECTROLUX has launched a new textile care package aimed atbusinesses with a need to process smaller laundry items such astowels, swiftly and cost effectively.

The Quick Wash and Quick Dry offers speed and reliability with acombination of two of the company’s most advanced and economicmachines.

Quick Wash offers Automatic Weighing System (AWS) as standard,which saves money and time by determining the wash load andadapting the water intake accordingly.

Compass control enables simple programme selection from achoice of nine wash programmes, and a high spin extraction forcemeans more efficient dewatering.

A fast wash cycle at 44 minutes makes it a perfect replacement fora domestic machine. The Quick Wash provides residual moisturecontrol for the most accurate drying, incorporating time savingfeatures such as anti-wrinkle and a reversing drum. Both the QuickWash and Quick Dry are available in 240V 13amp.

Enquiries: Telephone 08444 631 260 or visitwww.electrolux.co.uk/laundrysystems

Continued success for ATMO pressure care

THE ATMO pressure relief range supplied byBeaucare Medical Ltd is a powerful series ofoverlay and replacement air mattresssystems designed with care homes in mind.

The pump units are easy to operate, andthe mattress systems are designed torequire only simple maintenance.

Equipped with intelligent functions,including a static option to allow for easiernursing care, the low air loss systemprovides good ventilation to keep patientsdry. The vapour-permeable cover is waterresistant and can be wiped clean.

ATMO pressure systems offer maximumcomfort to the user, with high specifications at low cost.

The air mattress systems allow care homes to effectively prevent, treat and manage pressure sores.Cushions for use with the same pump unit can be supplied for 24-hour pressure care for patients at highrisk.

Enquiries: Telephone 01423 878899 or email sales@beaucare.com

Zest launches profitable toolZEST Care Systems has released a full caremanagement software package to help relieve thepressures and demands of compliance andadministration within care home management.

Called Fusion, the software manages staff andresident reporting to ease day-to-day managementprocesses and provides valuable business planning andincome management data.

The secure and instantly accessible software boastsmany time saving attributes. From recording andanalysing staff time and attendance and budgets tomulti-contract invoicing and home and roomoccupancy levels, the software is flexible enough toreport within a single home to a whole group.

Enquiries: Visit us at the Care ShowBournemouth, telephone 0844 504 4883, email

info@zestcare.com or visit www.zestcare.com

Win a personalised chef’s jacket fromPritchitts

DAIRY expert Pritchitts is giving care sector caterersthe chance to win a personalised chef’s jacket.

Caterers simply need to send Pritchitts theirfavourite recipe using Millac Gold or RoselleSupreme, and the best will receive a jacket and be inthe running to appear in the company’s care sectorrecipe collection.

The versatile cream alternative from Pritchitts,Millac Gold is the perfect ingredient when preparingcream-based sauces. Developed for caterers and thechallenges of a demanding kitchen, Millac Gold is arobust cream alternative that won’t split with theaddition of acidic ingredients and will reduce justlike a dairy cream.

For all your whipping needs, Roselle Supreme is aslightly sweetened cream alternative that whips upto 50 per cent more volume than dairy cream.

Enquiries: For a chance to win, send yourrecipe to recipes@pritchitts.com or fax to

0208 290 7020 by May 31.

New products from Impey at NaidexIMPEY, the leading authority on wet floor showers andspecialist showering products in the UK will be making asplash at the forthcoming Naidex exhibition showcasing newproducts, branding and literature.

New products will include the new and patented Level-DecAdvance range, which allows easy installation of a wet floorshower, creating the ‘fall’ for easy drainage, waterproofingand incorporates a revolutionary drainage feature which canrotate by 360 degrees to avoid timber joists, allowing a wetfloor shower to be easily installed onto any type of flooring.

A new Level-Access Shower Tray which is very light weightwith a textured surface to improve grip will be available infive different sizes including 900mm square, 1000mm square,1200X750mm, 1200X900mm and 1500X750mm.

Impey will be at Naidex on stand B60 at the NEC on April5th, 6th and 7th and would welcome the opportunity to showyou all the products in the Healthcare Range.

Enquiries: Impey will be on stand B60 at the NEC onApril 5-7.

Steve Trigg

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CARINGPRODUCT NEWS45

Topic forconferenceannounced‘PRESCRIPTION for change’ is thetopic for the annual ECCAconference in November, followingthe announcement by thegovernment to give GPs power overpurchasing decisions for serviceusers.

Chief executive Martin Green saidthe day will examine in detail exactlywhat this means for the social caresector.

He added: “With frontline servicesalready threatened by fee cuts, thispolicy of GP commissioning hashuge implications for providers, andthey will want the opportunity todebate its possible effects on thequality of care they can offer theirservice users.

‘Older people, those with learningdisabilities and long term conditionswill all continue to require servicesand support, regardless ofgovernment policy or the state of theeconomy.

“This year’s conference will offerinsights from speakers at the heart ofthe policy debate, and so helpproviders to ensure that they’re in thebest position to meet those needs,both now and in the future.”

The event will take place at theBloomsbury Holiday Inn, London, onNovember 16 and, as well as theseminar programme, will also featurean exhibition of products andservices from a variety of specialistsector suppliers.

YOU can save more than £600 onthe new CQC outcomes systems forcare homes and domiciliary careproviders from Required Systems.

This special offer for the CareShow includes the main CQCOutcomes 2010 system, with all thepolicies, procedures, outcomes andforms you need to evidencecompliance.

You will also get the new InfectionControl System incorporating the10 criterion from the 2008 Act.

This includes supporting formsand its own audit tool to allow you

to evidence compliance plus thenew Compliance Audit Tool thatreplaces AQAA.

This standalone piece of softwareis a very powerful system that iscross referenced to the Outcomes2010 system. It will save you days ofwork and enable you to evidencecompliance with any of theoutcomes CQC will ask you for.

You also get one year’s freemembership of the National CareAssociation which, for a singlehome, is worth £350. See us at theCare Show on stand W14.

Save money on the CQC’snew outcomes systems

Colours addedto range

Luke to tacklemarathon

DANFLOOR UK, leading suppliers ofimpervious carpets to the healthcaremarket, has launched new coloursinto its Equinox and Equinox Tonesrange.

Warm chocolates, vivid reds andmellow blues will give the range amore contemporary look and willensure it can be co-ordinated withthe latest fabrics and design schemes.

The new Equinox and EquinoxTones colours include mædical™ anantimicrobial treatment whichprovides a permanent barrier againstmicrobes, and has been tested byL’Institut Pasteur de Lille.

It is a coating on the carpet fibreswhich deactivates microorganisms byphysically stabbing the membrane ofthe microbe and electrocuting thebiochemicals within it.

mædical™ inhibits bacterial andfungal growth, which are the majorcauses of cross contamination andodour.

BVS Training managing director LukeBond is running the LondonMarathon on April 17 to raise moneyfor Age UK, the charity recentlymerged from Age Concern and Helpthe Aged.

He is hoping to raise £1,500 for thecharity which aims to freedisadvantaged older people frompoverty, isolation and neglect.

Until a couple of months ago Lukehad never run more than six miles,but he now runs up to 15 miles intraining.

He said: “I think it’s important tosupport a charity that helpsvulnerable older people. With mywork in the care sector I am veryaware of some of the traumatic andharrowing situations that many olderpeople find themselves in.

“If I finish the marathon, I think itwill be my biggest ever achievement.”

Email healthcare editorDominic Musgrave yourstories at dm@whpl.net

Laundry range launchedMIELE has launched a new range oflaundry products aimed at carehomes that are handling theirlaundry needs in-house.

The Miele PW 5105 is a 10kgwasher-extractor that makescleaning larger loads easier thanever.

Both 230v & 400v electricalversions are available and there is norestriction on installation.

The 10kg 100 litre drum caters forlarger items such as duvets andbedding, and includes a sluice cycleon certain models for thermaldisinfection.

Partner this with Miele’s newSlimLine dryer and all your laundryneeds will be catered for.

The SlimLine PT 8303 dryer is ableto cope with 12-15kg of laundry percycle.

Offering value for moneyWITH financial challenges facing usall, there has never been a greaterneed to offer simpler, more costeffective and innovative solutions toensure the maximum potential issqueezed out of every penny and tofocus on delivering ‘better value-for-money’.

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

Aid Call offer a unique wirelessnurse call system which combinessafety critical features and leadingedge, innovative technologies to meetthese demands, such as thedevelopment of an advanced, two-way, Class 1, safety critical radionurse call solution.

All touchable elements of thesystem are embedded with anti-microbial additives to help combatthe spread of infection.

System launchat Care ShowIN2SEQUENCE is launching its nextgeneration In2Care system at theBournemouth Care Show.

The new In2Care system providesadditional support and becomes partof the team:

� Enhancing patient care.� Reducing compliance costs.� Next generation technology.� Affordable. Within budget.

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CARINGNEWS

Transport

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46

Alarm Systems

Fitness equipment

Consultants

Occupancy specialist

Knightsbridge Furniture specified for ‘newgeneration’ of care home

A DIVERSITY of seating from the CareCollection developed by KnightsbridgeFurniture has been specified for the newDavid Walker House in Rutherglen,South Lanarkshire.

The order completes the décor withinthe £11m project which has beendescribed by the leader of the localcouncil as a ‘new generation’ of carehome.

In a warm, neutral colour schemeenlivened by accent shades of lime andpurple, the Knightsbridge line-up select-ed for the communal and public areas isheaded by curvaceous Millie compactclub and upright open armchairs. Thesesit comfortably alongside Melrose armchairs in wing, club and high-back versions, together with Islaystools, Lynx sofas and armchairs from the Calm and Panama collections.

Furniture from the Knightsbridge Care portfolio has also been selected for the private living quarters.Each apartment features armchairs and twin-seat settees from the Madison range of domestic-styledlounge furniture, partnered by Tempo armchairs.

Enquiries: Telephone 01274 731442, e-mail enquiries@knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk or visitwww.knightsbridge-furniture.co.uk

Signs

LEVEL Dec Advance from Impey, the leadingauthority of specialist showering productsand wet floor showers, is the easiest way tocreate a wet floor shower.

Fitted into the floor, the moulded basecreates the ‘fall’ for the water to drain awaysuccessfully, and is the perfect way to createa wet floor shower which looks fantastic, iscompletely waterproof and is backed up bya lifetime warranty with the Impey no leakguarantee.

Level Dec Advance is a dream product forinstallers as it is suitable for all floor types –timber, concrete and floating, and it incor-porates a revolutionary drainage featurewhich can rotate by 360 degrees to avoidtimber joists, which makes it incredibly easyto install.

Available in a range of preformed sizes,Level-Dec Advance can give a showeringarea of 1000mm square, 1150X850mm,1450X1150mm and 1600X700mm allowingplenty of space for a wheelchair if required.

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

Creating wet floor perfection

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