Social care leader receives OBE in King’s birthday Honours List
Inspirational social care leader Zoë Fry has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal for services rendered to social care and to nursing, in the King’s birthday Honours List. Zoë has received the medal and been recognised for her long service and ongoing dedication to adult social care, which includes collaboratively founding and transforming the Community Interest Company The Outstanding Society, working as a frontline nurse in the sector, and purchasing and operating a care home which was one of the first in Sussex to receive the Care Quality Commission’s Outstanding rating. Zoë’s drive for quality care saw her home twice rated by the CQC as Outstanding, as well as winning many national awards. In 2021, Zoë’s passion to support other providers in the sector saw her sell her care home, Valerie Manor, which provides residential and nursing care for the elderly across West Sussex, so that she could focus her time on further expanding The Outstanding Society. Zoë’s passion and knowledge to be able to advocate at the highest level of social care leaders was also highlighted in the nomination and Honours List. Commenting on the honour, Zoë said: “I am incredibly proud that so many people believe that my contribution to the sector has been enough to make me deserving of an OBE medal. Since starting my career as a nurse, I have been dedicated to helping people across the UK and doing everything I can to contribute to a sector that supports creativity, innovative care and best practice for everyone accessing its services. It means so much to be able to provide a voice for the sector and accept this prestigious honour on behalf of so many amazing colleagues who make a difference to people’s lives every day”. In 2014 Zoë became one of the principal founders of The Outstanding Society, an organisation that was established by a small group of social care operators to support the driving up of quality care across the UK. Over the last two years, Zoë and the founding team have transformed the free-to-access support organisation, shaping it into a driven Community Interest Company with over 3,000 members across the country. Since its inception, Zoë has played a crucial role as a Director, particularly working in partnership with multiple organisations, including Skills for Care and Care England, and providing trusted insight into both the challenges and innovative best practice that is emerging across the sector. Zoë has also been the driving force behind The Outstanding Society’s ambition and vision to expand its membership and reach different adult social care services across England. As its reach has grown, The Outstanding Society has introduced a range of free support available to services regardless of CQC rating, including webinars, and podcasts. Commenting on Zoë’s achievement, Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “Zoë has played a crucial role in developing, supporting and promoting high-quality health and social care services across the UK, particularly through the founding and development of The Outstanding Society. I believe Zoë’s work has been of great significance and she has personified and championed the values and behaviours that are the cornerstone of high-quality social care services”. Oonagh Smyth, CEO at Skills for Care, added: ““Skills for Care supported Zoë’s nomination for this well deserved OBE that recognises her years of dedication to high quality, person centred services, both as a care home owner and through her work with The Outstanding Society. Zoë has been a driving force behind the Society contributing its insights into what makes outstanding practice to a wide range of Skills for Care’s guidance and advice. This honour reflects Zoë’s significant contribution to adult social care in England, and that of Outstanding Society members who make a real difference to the lives of people who draw on care and support.” Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, commented: “I am delighted to see Zoe justly recognised as a nurse leader within social care. She has tirelessly promoted social care nursing, demonstrating her inclusive approach with passion and commitment and helped many others flourish in their work. She is truly deserving of this national recognition”. For more information on The Outstanding Society and its services, please visit www.theoutstandingsociety.co.uk/
Rising through the ranks: Former Kent care home volunteer lands senior role at New Romney home
Lancashire retirement village appoints new manager
A retirement village in the heart of Lancashire has appointed a new manager at its specialist care home for those living with dementia. Hayley Rowson de Vares is the new manager at The Lodge, which is located within Buckshaw Retirement Village in Chorley. The Lodge is designed to support people living with dementia and the challenges they face. The home is renowned for its best practice in dementia care, offering an extremely high level of specialist care throughout every stage of the dementia journey. Hayley Rowson de Vares, a vastly experienced and qualified health and social care manager, joins Buckshaw Retirement Village following a three-decade career where she has managed residential and nursing homes, mental health services and supported housing schemes. She previously was a regional social care manager for a range of complex care services across Liverpool and The Wirral. Her experience and skill set in dementia care has seen Hayley provide training in dementia and end of life care. This has included an invitation to deliver a workshop on advance care planning by The Gold Standards Framework at The Kings Fund in London. Terry Peel, CEO at HICA Group which manages Buckshaw Retirement Village, said: “It’s great to have someone of Hayley’s calibre on board. She is a highly experienced and skilled care professional who will enhance the delivery of care at The Lodge. “The Lodge provides exemplary dementia care and requires a manager that can lead from the front, supporting the team effectively to ensure residents’ unique care needs are met. “Hayley’s insight and unique vision for dementia care will enhance our existing care provision at Buckshaw Retirement Village and develop the services we provide for the residents we support. Welcome to the team, Hayley.” The Lodge consists of four unique communities that embrace best practice in dementia care. Each community offers something a little different. From early-stage dementia care through to 24-hour nursing care for people with dementia and further health and social needs, The Lodge provides comprehensive and all-encompassing support. Hayley Rowson de Vares said: “I am very excited to start my new role as manager at The Lodge and continue to develop the home as a beacon for high quality dementia and end of life care. “We have a wonderful team of talented, dedicated and compassionate carers and wider staff who possess a variety of skills, qualifications and experience that ensure the quality of care residents at The Lodge receive is first rate. “My goal is to continue to enhance the level of care we provide to meet residents’ specific needs in a truly holistic and person-centred way. “The Lodge has the potential to become the industry’s leading provider of exemplary, person-centred dementia services and I’m excited to be part of our journey towards excellence.”
Dementia home team raises over a £1000 to fund touchscreen tables
A team of motivated staff from a Wellington care home has raised over £1,000 in sponsorship to help them realise their dream of buying two high-tech touchscreen tables for use by residents living with dementia. The home had a week’s free trial of a ‘table tablet’ to see if the people who live at Camelot House and Lodge would enjoy it, and the kit was such a huge success the staff decided they had to have their own. Issued with photo: L-R Sophie Carter, Csilla Barabás, Karen Kerslake, Richard Dempslake, Paul Dempslake, Jenny Nutkins, Isabelle Nutkins Camelot Care activities co-ordinator Richard Dempslake said: “Ideally we’d like to buy two of them, so seven of us underwent some pretty gruelling training in the hope that we could smash the sponsored 5k inflatable fun run in Exeter on 22 April to raise the money we need. “The kit will, for example, allow residents to check in with Google Earth to revisit the town or city where they are from and look up the street and house where they grew up, which is something they love to do again and again. “The tablets have big screens so residents can clearly read what’s on the screen. They’ll allow us to download games and puzzles to suit individual residents, and also enable them to enjoy video calls with friends and family, access websites offering community involvement and so much more. “One of our sponsors has said how much her husband, who lives with us, will love looking at films of trains on heritage railways, which is exactly the kind of passion we want to help nurture for as long as possible. “We’ve raised £1,100 in sponsorship so far and are hoping that more may still be pledged – we need £2,000 in total. “The team trained really hard to make sure we were fit to tackle the inflatable fun run which features 32 gigantic inflatable obstacles over a 5k circuit. “I told a few residents what we were doing, and their first reaction is “You’re mad!” but when I explain why they’ve wished us luck and said they hoped it would go well. “We are now feeling the aches and pains but it was worth it. I’m so proud of the team who committed to do this with me. Huge thanks to Paul Dempslake, Karen Kerslake, Sophie Carter, Csilla Barabás, Jenny Nutkins and her daughter Isabelle Nutkins – they were all fantastic!” Details for people wishing to add to the sponsorship money raised are on https://bit.ly/41ktATN Camelot House & Lodge is run by award-winning dementia care providers Camelot Care who have other homes in Bridgwater, Yeovil and Plymouth.
CWC response to the government’s social care announcement
We are outraged to see the social care announcement, from DHSC today that it will invest only half of the £500 million promised in 2021 towards workforce development and reform, just £250 million over the next two years which takes money away from care workers. The workforce will not be fooled by this cut and reshuffle of previously announced funds. They will be extremely upset to find out that they are expected to make even more sacrifices so that the government can appear still committed to social care reform. This announcement proves yet again that it is not. When the government promised “at least £500 million” for the social care workforce in 2021, this was nowhere near enough to address the crisis facing the sector in the first place, but it was at least a glimmer of hope and commitment to the workforce. It is completely unacceptable to reduce the amount allocated to wellbeing, recognising and training care workers at a time when over 10% of jobs in social care are unfilled, and people are reported to be leaving the sector to find better paid work in supermarkets and other sectors and when unmet need is on the rise. The public is not satisfied with social care. We know from the latest survey that pay, working conditions and training for social care workers was one of their main reasons for feeling unhappy with services. We do not understand why the government would choose to take money away from the social care workforce so that they can invest in other parts of social care. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul – it doesn’t make sense and will only result in higher vacancies, lower quality of care and ultimately, the loss of lives. They need to find money from elsewhere, not from social care, and especially not from a workforce that is already on its knees. When last month they managed to find a new pot of money to provide a welcome bonus for childminders, we asked why this couldn’t be found for care workers. Cutting down on reform funding is quite the opposite of that. We need the government to make further financial commitments to the social care workforce not to cut down on previous ones. Today’s announcement is a kick in the teeth to those who hoped that social care would be a priority for this government. We urge the Health and Social Care Secretary to reconsider this disastrous decision and remember that unless you look after people in the social care workforce, you will lose staff and ultimately, lose lives of the people who draw on social care. We are still waiting for the day that our politicians wake up and start valuing lives of people who draw on social care and those who support them to live the lives they want to live the same way they value their own.
National charity supporting Corrie portrayal of terminal disease
For several weeks speculation has been growing around what’s causing Coronation Street builder Paul Foreman’s clumsiness. At first his symptoms were blamed on a recent car accident, but doctors have now ruled that out and insisted Paul undergo more tests. In tonight’s episode (Friday 24 March) Paul, played by actor Peter Ash, will be referred to a specialist and in April he will be given a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND). In a first for the television soap, a well-loved character will receive a diagnosis of the life-limiting disease, and the storyline will follow the progression of his disease, the impact it has on him and his loved ones, and the challenges he faces as he loses his mobility, and his ability to eat and speak. The Coronation Street team has been working on the storyline for months, supported by experts from the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The charity’s team has been advising researchers, scriptwriters and the actors involved. Peter spent time with Mike Small, who like Paul worked in the building trade, who has MND, hearing how the early symptoms had affected him physically and emotionally. He’s also followed the story of Rob Burrow, our patron and rugby league legend who was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago. Peter said: “Real people’s stories are so inspirational, and I feel a responsibility. We act it but there will be people watching who are living with it – it’s very important to get it right.” Paul’s on screen boyfriend Billy Mayhew is played by actor Daniel Brocklebank whose grandfather died of MND 20 years ago. He is an MND Association ambassador. He said: “We have a huge opportunity to educate – we are in people’s living rooms for three hours a week – it will evoke conversations and questions within families. This is going to reach a new audience and hopefully will increase awareness and discussion.” The Association will continue its involvement with the Coronation Street team and is putting in measures to support the MND community as the storyline progresses. Director of External Affairs Chris James said: “We are really grateful to the team at Coronation Street for choosing to tackle this subject – putting MND in front of six million viewers every week will raise incredible awareness and help educate people who have never come across the disease – showing the day to day reality of those living with it and the impact on friends, family and the wider community. “Our teams are working to ensure there is support in place for anyone who may be affected by the programme. And we are continuing to work closely with the Coronation Street team to understand when the MND storyline will be given prominence, and when particular issues will be highlighted on screen so we can be prepared.” Support is available. The MND Connect helpline offers information and support on all aspects of MND and can signpost to other organisations when required. MND Connect is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and 7pm to 10.30pm. Calls are free. Tel: 0808 802 6262 Email: mndconnect@mndassociation.org For more information about MND and the MND Association please visit www.mndassociation.org
The National Association of Care Catering launches its Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition
The National Association of Care Catering’s (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition has opened for entries, officially starting the association’s search for the best chef working in the care sector. The prestigious competition has been celebrating the culinary talent across the care sector for 23 years. Open to all chefs and cooks working in care settings1, it recognises, showcases and celebrates their sector-specific knowledge, skills and flair. The entry brochure can be downloaded here and the deadline for entries is Monday 24 April 2023. The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition is once again supported by main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks. Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care, entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £3.50 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature at least one product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range2. All paper entries will be judged by a central judging panel and the successful chefs that make it through to the next stage will compete at the regional heats in June 2023. Here they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and demonstrate their skill set and knowledge under the watchful eyes of the competition judges. The judges will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit the needs of their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and hygiene best practice. The two highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat will compete for the title NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 at the national finals on Tuesday 3 October at West Nottingham College Sue Cawthray, National Chair of the NACC, said: “The launch of the NACC Care Chef of the Year is always an exciting event. This fantastic competition is a highlight of the NACC calendar and a brilliant platform to showcase the skills, knowledge and excellence of chefs working in our sector, as well as the career opportunities it offers. “Delicious, nutritious food and positive dining experiences are fundamental to quality care, so you could say that the kitchen is at the heart of a care home. It’s therefore only right that we celebrate and champion the incredible talents of care chefs who, day-in-day-out, ensure the individual and varied needs of those in their care are understood and met with skill, flair and dignity. “I encourage everyone to enter their amazing chefs and celebrate the culinary excellence our wonderful sector delivers. I can’t wait to see how this year’s competition unfolds. Good luck everyone!” Alex Hall, Executive Chef at Unilever Food Solutions, said: “We are very excited and proud to continue our sponsorship of the NACC Care Chef of the Year competition in 2023. This competition provides a great opportunity for care chefs around the country to showcase their skills and raise the profile of care catering. “Our team at Unilever Food Solutions is delighted to be working alongside chefs within the care sector to ensure that every mealtime is the highlight of the residents’ day, be that supporting with activities to nutritionally analysed recipes, training, inspiration and competitions like this. We look forward to seeing how this year’s competitors rise to the challenge and wish them the very best of luck.” The Reverend Keith Powell, Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, said: “Once again, the Worshipful Company of Cooks is proud to sponsor the NACC competition. For more than 500 years we have been involved in the world of cookery; initially being responsible for standards of catering and hygiene in the City of London and more recently closely engaged, through our support for competitions such as this one, in encouraging chefs to achieve high standards that they can then take back into their workplace. “To all competitors we send our best wishes and we look forward to being able to host the winner at our annual Prize Winners’ Lunch when you will be able to sit back and enjoy the results of someone else’s hard work. Good luck!” For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition and to download the entry form visit https://www.thenacc.co.uk/events/nacc-care-chef-of-the-year-competition-2023
apetito’ dietitians helping care homes tackle malnutrition for Nutrition & Hydration Week.
Having the right nutrition and hydration is essential to residents’ wellbeing, yet malnutrition is one of the most pressing nutritional issues care homes are facing. It’s estimated that some 35% of residents enter a care home with malnutrition. One of the key messages for Nutrition and Hydration Week is ‘making a difference every day’ and that’s exactly what apetito plans to do. From Monday 13th to Friday 17th, between 9am – 11am, its dietitians, Emily Stuart and Maia Fergus-O’Grady will be offering live chat support and answering your questions on nutrition and hydration. To ask Emily and Maia questions, or get advice about any aspect of nutrition, sign up using this link – apetito.link/askadietitian apetito will also be sharing top tips on how care home staff can help provide good nutrition and hydration support to their residents. The Top Tips to Good Nutrition will be available on https://www.apetito.co.uk/news on the Monday 13th March. Emily explains why apetito is so keen to share its expertise around nutrition: “Malnutrition affects approximately three million people in the UK. It’s such a prevalent condition because it can go easily undetected, is underdiagnosed, and can be poorly understood, despite being incredibly costly to social care and largely preventable. “Nutrition and Hydration Week has enormous value in signposting the issue and as a company that has immense expertise within its team, we are keen to share our knowledge and support care homes dealing with malnutrition. “We hope by answering questions and sharing our Top Tips, we’re able to help those caring for residents who would value some helpful guidance.” To find out more about apetito’s care homes meal service visit https://carehomes.apetito.co.uk/ or call 0808 239 2399
Zoom calls with Alzheimer’s patients to search for dementia warning signs
Zoom calls with people living with Alzheimer’s disease will help scientists search for the warning signs of dementia in a new University of Essex study. Psychologists hope older adults in the early stages of the disease can help identify early symptoms from the comfort of their own homes. The relaxed sessions will help researchers from the Department of Psychology explore how retaining information in the ‘working memory’ is affected by the degenerative condition. During the virtual sessions, simple exercises will help researchers see how memory is impacted by dementia. The results will then be compared against other older adults to see how healthy ageing differs from Alzheimer’s-induced memory loss. The research is being led by Dr Vanessa Loaiza, who said: “This study will help us learn more about Alzheimer’s from the people on the frontline of the disease. “We know how devastating a diagnosis can be and that’s why we are using Zoom to make it as easy as possible for them to join our study from the comfort of their own homes. “Although it is early stages this research could help us find the difference between an ordinary ‘senior moment’ and something a lot more serious. “We really need the help of people with Alzheimer’s to find out more about the disease and I urge anyone who can help to get in touch with my team.” The study will focus on working memory which is what we use when doing mental arithmetic. Healthy older adults tend to struggle with tasks requiring working memory, which can impact their day-to-day lives. Anything from reading and listening to problem-solving, is limited by what we can keep active in working memory. Dr Loaiza’s study will distinguish between the subtle kinds of working memory mistakes that healthy older adults make compared to older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease. Clearly distinguishing normal forgetfulness from dementia will help scientists and medical professionals catch and treat the condition early in its progression. Alzheimer’s is a disease which damages the brain and more than 520,000 people in the UK have dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease – with this figure set to rise. The progressive condition sees chemical messengers in the brain decline sparking memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. The study is funded by the Experimental Psychology Society and will involve roughly 150 people in total, with initial results expected in the summer.
