Great Oaks is a home from home
Making the decision to move into a care home, or to help a loved one move in, can be a hugely upsetting and challenging time so making the right choice is important. Vi spoke about her experience of choosing Great Oaks, managed by Encore Care Homes, for her partner Derek and how it feels like a home from home for both of them. Sadly, my partner Derek can no longer do anything for himself as he has Alzheimer’s disease and chronic kidney disease, so we needed to choose a care home that would be able to cater for all of his care needs. Great Oaks is situated just a few minutes away from our home in Wallisdown so we made the decision to view it and were not disappointed. The rooms and facilities on offer are outstanding and finished to such a high standard, which confirmed this was the right place for Derek to live and call his home. It was an incredibly hard choice to move Derek into a care home, but the whole process has been made so much easier by the caring friendly nature of the team at Great Oaks. The staff are all so kind and welcoming every time I come in, and I’ve got to know those that are looking after Derek and trust them 100 per cent – I know they genuinely have his best interests at heart. Three carers in particular, Alison, Katie and Karen show Derek a great amount of care and attention. I have also built up a great rapport and relationship with them, which has helped to make my visits even more enjoyable. There is a real family vibe at Great Oaks, and a homely feel, not just for the residents but for their spouses and families too. I visit every day, and I’m always actively encouraged to use the communal areas as well as the facilities, which I really enjoy doing with Derek. Particularly taking part in the home activities. I’m always made to feel so relaxed. Recently, Derek’s condition has deteriorated. His concentration has gone, which makes it hard for him to focus on activities. Thankfully there are lovely gardens at Great Oaks which Derek will happily take a stroll in during the warmer weather. He does also like to spend time with another resident, Terry, as he is encouraged to socialise by the care team. I can honestly say that we have been made to feel part of the family at Great Oaks, which has made the whole transition process so much easier. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease and it’s heart-breaking to watch a loved one with this terrible illness. But when I see Derek smile, it really lifts my spirits. I’m glad he is living somewhere comfortable, homely and surrounded by such compassionate and friendly nurses and carers. The care Derek receives is exceptional, and I couldn’t really ask for more. Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, which are designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. For more information please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk or call 01202 087444 to speak to a member of the team.
Islamic community group organise special lunch for elderly
TEESSIDE care home residents received a special invitation to the Islamic Diversity Centre North East community lunch. The event was organised specifically for Teesside’s elderly, with stalls and talks from Ageing Better Middlesbrough and Cleveland Police as well as members of the IDC. Residents from The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, were among the guests, who were also treated to craft activities and puzzles during the lunch. Resident Ivy Artly said: “I have never eaten pizza before but it was nice. “I liked to talk to the different people that were there and I really enjoyed the chocolate donuts for pudding.” Resident Sybil Dixon added: “The food was delicious. I love spicy food.” Emma Myers, activities coordinator at The Gables, said: “The organisers from the IDC were so helpful and attentive of the elderly people that were at the lunch. “Volunteers from the Muslim community shared their knowledge about Islam and discussed aspects or the Koran.” Representatives from Big Lottery funded programme Ageing Better Middlesbrough talked about their work to reduce loneliness and isolation for people who are aged over 50 in the city. The programme will be bringing new activities and visitors to The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, in future. While officers from Cleveland Police spoke about community safety, including how events such as the IDC lunch can help reduce hate crimes by bringing the community together. Naaila Rehman, organiser of the IDC community lunch, said: “I would like to thank Emma from The Gables for coming along to the elderly community lunch organised by Islamic Diversity Center. “It was a pleasure to have them all there and we look forwards to seeing them all at the next lunch.”
Trip to the seaside brings back memories
A TRIP to the seaside brought back memories for Teesside care home residents – playing on the “tuppence machines” and enjoying fish and chips. Guy Ledgard, who lives at Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, was joined by his wife Christine and fellow residents for an outing to Seaton Carew. Guy, who has dementia, was taken down memory lane by his wife, who reminded him of times visiting with their grandchildren on Saturdays. Christine said: “We always used to go for a paddle in the paddling pool, which has now been changed into a small park for children. “It was nice to have a walk along the sea front as well and see how much things have changed.” Staff from the care home took residents to the Almighty Cod for a fish and chip lunch as well as the arcade. The trip was funded following an event at resident Joyce Marsay’s family farm, Lowfields Farm, near Stainton. The pizza, pints and prosecco event raised over £600, which added to the residents’ fund to help pay for outings and events for those living at Ingleby Care Home. During the trip to Seaton Carew, Joyce said: “It was the best day of my life today. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.” Fellow resident Kathryn Toms added: “It was a nice surprise to get to the seaside today. I enjoyed the fish and chips and an ice cream to top it off.” Carol Singleton, home manager at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, said: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Seaton Carew. “The trip to the arcade to play on the tuppence machines was a highlight, as well as enjoying fish and chip and a stroll along the sea front. “Once again, we’d like to say a big thank you to Joyce’s family for raising funds to help pay for the trip.”
Care home boarded by young buccaneers on pirate day
A CREW of primary school pirates boarded a Skelmersdale care home to teach residents about buccaneering. The band of brigands from Delph Side Primary School took books, pictures and treasure maps to show those living at Aaron Crest Care Home, on Tanhouse Road. They dressed in swashbuckling costumes, complete with eye patches and hats, as they entertained residents with their tales from the high seas. The visit was part of International Talk Like A Pirate Day, when children around the world share a “Yo Ho Ho” and “Ahoy” in celebration of their favourite fictional pirates. Adrienne Ratcliffe, home manager at Aaron Crest Care Home, said: “The children looked wonderful in their pirate costumes. “The residents were so happy to see them and they enjoyed an afternoon of reading books and treasure maps together.”
Britain’s Got Talent Winner Pays Tribute to Housing and Care Specialists
BRITAIN’S Got Talent winner, Lee Ridley, has paid tribute to the ‘important’ work carried out by one of the country’s leading housing and care specialists. The 37-year-old comedian was the special guest at Blackwood’s AGM and was blown away by the work the charity carries out to help people with disabilities. Lee was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was just six months old but hasn’t let his disability hold him back and shot to fame this year by winning the ITV talent show with his ‘Lost Voice Guy’ routine. The comedian performed a laughter-filled routine at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh at the end of the AGM where Blackwood launched its three-year customer engagement plan entitled ‘Making the Connection’. Lee said: “I really enjoyed performing at the Blackwood AGM, they made me feel so welcome and it a pleasure to meet everyone after my set. “Blackwood do important work with disabled people, so it was nice to be able to give something back to them. I wish them all the best in the future.” The AGM’s theme focused on engagement with over 100 Blackwood customers from across the country trying their hand at different ‘escape rooms’ to demonstrate the power of communication. Lee’s performance, which was done through his communication device, explored his rise to Britain’s Got Talent success and looked at the ‘funnier side’ of his disability. Blackwood Chief Executive, Fanchea Kelly, said: “Our whole ethos is to empower our customers to live as independently as possible so to have someone like Lee, who embodies this spirit, perform at our AGM was a real thrill. “Lee hasn’t let his inability to talk hold him back in life and it was amazing to see the smiles on the face of all our customers as they watched him perform his routine. “We’re a customer-focused housing and care provider and put them at the heart of every decision we make so it was great to get their feedback directly at the AGM. “The engagement plan sets out exactly how we’ll develop this dialogue with customers ever further at what is a very exciting time for us with the demand for our Blackwood House and our life-changing CleverCogs™ technology.” Since it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood in 1972, Blackwood has been a pioneer in both housing and care, constantly innovating in ways large and small that transform the lives of its customers, helping them to live as independently as possible. Blackwood’s aim is to do whatever it takes to help people have control over their lives in accommodation that meets their needs. It has an outstanding record of adapting properties from entire renovations to minor adaptations which are incredibly liberating to those involved.
Special recognition for care home resident
A group of professional entertainers put on a performance on behalf of the Not Forgotten Association for a Fairmile Grange care home resident, in recognition of him raising over £50,000 for serving personnel and veterans who are wounded, injured, or living with a disability or illness. On Tuesday, September 18 Mickie Driver staged a performance at the Christchurch care home, with other professional entertainers from The Not Forgotten Association, to thank resident Roy King for the support he has provided over the years. At the age of 18 Roy joined the RAF as an aircraft electrician in Transport Command in Abingdon, where he stayed until he was 23. A few years later in 1979, Roy moved to Bournemouth and joined the Royal British Legion in 2000. Following this, in 2006 Roy became a fundraiser for The Not Forgotten Association, which is supported by the Royal British Legion and a range of other causes. During Roy’s time at the Royal British Legion Club, Roy was in charge of organising the entertainment and was introduced to professional entertainer, Mickie. Recognising Mickie’s talent, Roy provided opportunities for Mickie to perform at the Royal British Legion, whenever possible. Mickie, who is also a fundraiser of The Not Forgotten Association, regularly stages performances for the charity, with his group of professional entertainers. As well as supporting Mickie, Roy and a small group of his friends also raised over £50,000 for the charity. This was subsequently acknowledged by The Not Forgotten Association and the Christchurch Borough Council, who presented Roy and his friends with a certificate, in recognition of their outstanding achievement. Andrea Davey, wellbeing assistant of Fairmile Grange, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mickie and his talented team of performers into Fairmile Grange. Two years ago Mickie performed at Windsor Castle, where he helped celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, so it was a privilege to watch him and the other entertainers perform for us. “Roy has achieved so many wonderful things over the years. Several of Roy’s friends from The Not Forgotten Association and Royal British Legion also came to support Roy and watch the fantastic show. It was lovely to see Roy being appreciated by so many friends. Not only was this a special day for Roy, but the entertainment was also thoroughly enjoyed by all of the other residents and guests.” For more information about Fairmile Grange please visit www.fairmilegrange.co.uk or call 01202 007569 to speak to a member of the team.
Ray’s MBE presentation to mark NHS’s 70th anniversary
RAY Allison MBE held a presentation on his award for services to the NHS at the Hartlepool care home where he lives. The health service’s 70th anniversary prompted Ray to explain about his MBE, which he was awarded by The Queen in the 2000 New Year Honours List. The former maintenance joiner at Hartlepool and East Durham NHS Trust now lives at Queens Meadow Care Home, on Stockton Road. He said: “I now felt this was the time to tell people about the work we did and how I got recognised for it. It was difficult to tell everyone but enjoyable.” Ray spent 24 years working for the NHS in various roles and was nominated for the MBE by June Rogers, senior manager at Hartlepool Hospital at the time. He was invited to Buckingham Palace for his Investiture, attending the ceremony with his wife Margaret and daughter Jane. He said: “Everyone who was due to receive the honours were taken to a ballroom where they had to practice what to do in the ceremony. “I was very nervous, shaking like a leaf, when my name was called. One of my football heroes, Brian Robson, was also there to receive an honour. “The Queen stated that I was receiving the award for services to the NHS.” Ray’s wife, Margaret added: “It was a wonderful day. It was a tremendous honour for my husband, who worked so hard for the NHS. “Afterwards we went for lunch at a lovely restaurant on Trafalgar Square.” The presentation at Queens Meadow Care Home, where Ray, 79, has lived since November 2017, included a video of the Investiture ceremony. Home manager Julie Armstrong said: “Ray is such a modest man and he had never really explained how he got his MBE before. “Due to this year being the 70th anniversary of the NHS, he agreed to share the story of his achievement with his fellow residents and friends at the home.”
What insurance does your care organisation need?
Choosing the correct insurance products to suit the needs of your organisation is not as complicated as it seems. Largely, it depends on the type of business you operate, its size, and the assets you need to protect. Here, Justine Dignam, UK marketing and propositions director for Markel, a specialist insurer which caters for over 10,000 UK care homes and facilities, explores the options available… Public Liability Insurance In our increasingly litigious society, public liability insurance is an absolute necessity for organisations involved in the provision of care, support and advice for disadvantaged or vulnerable people. This is because there are several ‘wrongful acts’ that can lead to a claim being made against you – ranging from a service user being injured, to damage you cause to third party property. Accidental injuries, such as slips, trips and falls, can lead to a soft tissue compensation claim. Depending on the severity, this could cost around £2,000 plus legal fees that can typically add another £5,000 to your costs; unless you have the right public liability cover in place. Some specialist insurance policies include abuse cover as part of their public liability insurance. This is particularly important for care organisations and can protect against an incident, or alleged incident involving someone in your care that may occur during the period of cover. Third party damage Public liability insurance would protect your organisation if, for example, a volunteer driver for a community transport organisation failed to adequately monitor a service user who then opened a car door into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The community transport organisation could be held responsible for the damage caused to both vehicles. Injury to Service User Another example would be if a service user was sitting in the rear of a car awaiting assistance when a volunteer inadvertently closed the car door onto their outstretched hand causing cuts and bruising. Professional Indemnity Insurance Regardless of how many years’ experience your organisation may have, there is always the possibility you or one of your employees could make a mistake. Professional indemnity insurance covers you for legal costs and expenses in defence of a claim, and damages and compensation awarded against you. It is an important cover for anyone who provides any form of care or support and protects against allegations of professional negligence, such as giving a client incorrect advice, defamation, dishonesty of employees and medical malpractice. You should consider professional indemnity insurance that includes medical malpractice cover to ensure you are protected should a health care worker provide negligent treatment resulting in injury or death. Without professional indemnity cover, your financial position could be left vulnerable if a claim is brought against you. Ensuring adequate insurance is in place gives you peace of mind that you are prepared should an incident occur. Professional indemnity insurance would protect your organisation in the following scenarios: Breach of professional duty A care organisation employed an agency worker to fill a gap in their staff without checking that the worker had been provided with appropriate training. The agency worker negligently injured a service user leading to a claim against the organisation for breach of professional duty. Inadequate supervision A service user was burnt during a cookery lesson undertaken at a training centre that catered for adults with learning difficulties. A family member made a claim alleging inadequate supervision. Employers Liability Insurance Employer’s liability insurance provides cover for legal costs and expenses in defence of a claim and damages and compensation awarded against you in the event of alleged injury to an employee. It is a legal requirement for an organisation to have a minimum of £5m cover, and failure to get appropriate cover can result in a fine of £2,500 for every day you are not insured. Employer’s liability claims are extremely common. If employer’s liability cover didn’t exist, your organisation would have no option other than to fund the full cost of claims itself. This could include payments for damages and legal costs and the costs of obtaining your own legal representation. Claims are wide-ranging. They can and do arise from ex and current employees. They can be brought due to a wide range of physical and psychological injuries sustained during employment. Such claims should never be taken lightly or disregarded. Even a minor injury can cost several thousand pounds to deal with, while a more serious injury or illness easily leading to claims in the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds. Employer’s liability insurance would protect your organisation in the following situations: Employee injury following assault An employee who worked with vulnerable adults was assaulted by a service user when the employee refused to allow a snack before mealtime. The service user bit the employee’s hand and shoulder resulting in the loss of the tip of the finger and permanent scarring to the shoulder. Cumulative strain injury A minibus driver working for a community transport organisation alleged cumulative injury because of the power steering on the minibus being defective. Management Liability Insurance Management liability covers you for legal costs and expenses in defence of a claim and damages and compensation awarded against you. It covers you in the event of a claim against a director, officer, trustee or manager at the organisation. While most organisations are protected through public liability and other insurances, the individuals within the company are often unprotected. It is vital to recognise that individuals involved in the management and decision making for care organisations bear considerable responsibility, both for their actions and the actions of the organisation they represent. Making an incorrect decision on a seemingly minor issue can put the individual at risk of compensation claims, legal action or official investigations being directed towards them personally. Management liability insurance would protect your organisation in the following example scenarios: Risk assessments not followed A manager of a centre providing respite care was investigated when a service user choked on their food and was hospitalised because the relevant risk assessments were not followed. The
Canine companion brings joy to care home residents
A FURRY friend has been helping care home residents with dementia by providing company and cuddles. Oscar the PAT dog and his owner Paula Gascoigne have paid a visit to Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, Newcastle. Paula, who is from Dumpling Hall, Newcastle, is a volunteer with North East based friendship dog charity, Wag and Company. They enable visiting dog teams to build meaningful new friendships with older dog lovers. Friendship dog Oscar has been helping care home residents with dementia by providing company and cuddles at Waverley Lodge care home. Michelle Park, activities coordinator at Waverley Lodge Care Home, on Bewick Crescent, said: “Our residents loved seeing Oscar and the smiles on their faces just said it all. “We are so grateful to Paula and Oscar for visiting and we hope to see them again soon.” PAT (Pets in Therapy) dogs provide companionship and friendship to help tackle loneliness. They also support those with mental and physical health conditions such as autism, dementia and strokes as part of their therapeutic treatment. You can find out more about volunteering with your pet at www.petsastherapy.org. Photo captions: Waverley Lodge Care Home resident Peggy Harwood meets PAT dog Oscar and his owner Paula Gascoigne. Waverley Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. Wag & Company is a registered charity enabling visiting dog teams to build meaningful new friendships with older dog lovers across the North East of England. For further information visit www.wagandcompany.co.uk.
