Over 300 birthday cards for Hilda’s centenary
HUNDREDS of cards and three days of celebrations marked Aaron Court Care Home resident’s 100th birthday. Hilda Fleming, who lives at Aaron Court Care Home, in Ellesmere Port, received more than 330 birthday cards following an appeal from the home. Staff had hoped to get 100 cards to mark Hilda’s 100 years but were surprised when more than three times their target flooded through the post box. Alongside cards from family, friends and staff at the home, contributions came in from the wider community, including pupils from two Ellesmere Port schools. Cambridge Road Primary School and William Stockton Primary School handmademore than 100 cards between them to celebrate Hilda’s centenary. Two days before her birthday, more than a dozen pupils from William Stockton Primary also visited the home to sing a modern version of Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag. Hilda recently became a Facebook sensation when thousands watched her rendition of the First World War marching song, originally published in 1915, just four years before she was born. The following day, she was treated to a complimentary afternoon tea, donated by Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port, where Hilda and guests had their own private room overlooking the docks. On her birthday, Friday, 19th April, Hilda received a hand massage and manicure from Charlotte Goodacre, a self-employed nail technician. She was then thrown a garden party at Aaron Court Care Home, attended by family, friends, staff and local dignitaries. Hilda was joined by her daughters Barbara Donoghue, who flew in especially from Australia, and Jean Doyle and her husband Paul. Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders and Deputy Mayor Paul Donovan also attended the party. DJ Chris Jones provided a complimentary performance and nearby Fagan’s Café donated and delivered 100 cakes. Hilda said: “I thank everyone who has come and spared the time. I’m very, very pleased so many have turned up. Thank you all for all the effort you’ve put in to make this my day. Thank you.” Lindsey Bevan, home manager at Aaron Court Care Home, said: “We had a brilliant turnout for Hilda’s birthday, with family, friends and local dignitaries all taking the time to come and wish such a special lady a happy birthday. The response we had to our birthday card appeal has also been amazing – far exceeding the original target. Hilda was absolutely delighted to receive so many cards, as well as a special visit and performance from school pupils. The strong community spirit in Ellesmere Port really showed with everyone taking time out and putting the effort in to make Hilda’s 100th birthday extra-special. We can’t thank everyone involved enough.” For more information about Aaron Court Care Home please visit http://www.hillcare.net
Bake sale for virtual assistant at Huddersfield care home
A BAKE sale has raised almost ten times the original estimate for Thornhill Care Home residents in Huddersfield. Activities coordinator at Thornhill Care Home, Laura Lumb had hoped to raise enough to buy an Amazon Echo Dot, which sell for £49.99. She smashed her original goal, however, selling cupcakes, cookies, brownies, sponges and more, to buy the virtual assistant for the care home. She raised £419 from the bake sale, after help from her mum, Lynn Leadbetter, and cake donations from other volunteers. The bakers also included parents of children at KT Dance Academy, where the bake sale took place, and Clough Head Junior and Infant School. Local businessman Garry Scott, who owns Garry Scott Groundwork, Landscaping & Maintenance, donated £100 to the sale. He said: “I know how much these people mean to Laura and she loves them with all her heart, which I can see, so I hope this helps.” After buying the virtual assistant for the residents, Laura said the additional funds will contribute towards creating an indoor garden café at the care home. She said: “I was astonished we raised a massive £419. I would like to thank everyone for the kind donations and a special thanks goes to Garry Scott. We wanted to buy an Echo Dot as we believe it’s important for residents to learn about new technology and what is happening in the world around them. As it’s voice activated, it’s a really easy bit of technology to use, and we’re sure the residents will enjoying asking it questions, catching up on the news and listening to music. The additional funds will go a long way to creating an indoor garden café at the home, which will give residents and visitors an additional place to enjoy a hot drink and a catch up.” For more information about Thornhill Care Home please visit www.hillcare.net
Coast comes to care home resident for seaside birthday party
THE COAST came to a care home resident after a successful appeal for a seaside birthday party – despite being 70 miles inland. Staff at Aden Lodge Care Home, in Clayton West, near Huddersfield, wanted to fulfil resident Edward “Eddie” Case’s 85th birthday wish. As he is unable to travel to the coast, an appeal was issued to help throw a seaside themed party at the home. They received wide ranging support and managed to create an indoor beach and a seaside themed cake. A pony was also brought to the home, an ice cream vanprovided dessert and seaside games all helped Eddie and guests celebrate. The home also asked if anyone wanted to send birthday cards, hoping to receive 85 to match Eddie’s age. They were inundated with 88 cards all wishing him well for his birthday. Children from Excel Childcare, in Clayton West, visited the home to deliver handmade birthday cards and sing Eddie a song. He said: “It was an absolutely lovely day. How lovely and thoughtful of everyone to think of my birthday.” Kim Hardy, home manager at Aden Lodge Care Home, said: “A massive thank you goes out to the Kirklees community, who helped make Eddie’s 85th birthday extra special. He is a huge fan of the great outdoors and said he loved visits to the beach as a child, despite living over one and half hours drive away. We wanted to bring as many traditional seaside attractions to the home as we could as Eddie is not able to travel the long distance to the coast. The support we’ve had and the number cards Eddie received has been absolutely incredible.” For more information about Eddies seaside birthday party please visit http://www.hillcare.net
Optalis launch poetry project for staff and customers
A social care provider, Optalis, has introduced a poetry project to encourage staff and customers to discover and share life experiences through poetry. The project was launched on World Poetry Day (21 March) across Optalis’ Older Peoples’ Services in Windsor and Wokingham and poems will be submitted until mid-August. World Poetry Day is a worldwide celebration of poetry and all things poetical. It’s about everybody sharing poetry, reading poetry, writing poetry and enjoying poetry. Optalis is asking staff and customers to share childhood poems, associated memories and encouraging them to look at nostalgic pictures and record their thoughts. The poems will be part of a poetry book, ‘Rhymes of Our Times,’ which will be published in October. All profits from the sales will be used to purchase equipment and resources for the benefit of Optalis’ customers. Belinda Dixon, Optalis Service Manager, said, “We are committed to providing meaningful activities that will engage our customers and introducing projects like these brings new challenges and enables them to gain new skills. We are really looking forward to reading many creative entries and I’m sure they’ll all be so captivating to read.” Optalis’ Windsor Day Centre also runs Dementia poetry sessions each week for their older people groups. Optalis strives to make a positive difference to the lives of customers, offering genuine choice and enabling them to fulfill their potential. For more information about Optalis, contact 01628 683744 or click here
Exhibit of eight decades of embroidery experience
AN EMBROIDERY exhibition was held at Mandale House Care Home – showcasing work from a resident with over 80 years’ experience with a needle. The event took place at Mandale House Care Home, in Thornaby, near Middlesbrough, where 89-year-old resident Mavis Thomas displayed her artwork. Mavis was only five-years-old when her grandmother bought her first pair of knitting needles and she was winning embroidery and cross stitch competitions by the time she was 19. In the seven decades since, she has often been commissioned to do needlework, which includes complex designs such as street scenes and landmarks, portraits of ballet dancers and children. After moving into Mandale House Care Home at the end of 2018, staff asked Mavis if they could hold an exhibition of her embroidery, hanging them in a recently redecorated hallway. Thornaby Town Council Mayor Cllr Steve Walmsley and Mayoress Sheila Walmsley were among the guests at the exhibition, which also included family, friends, residents and staff at the home. Mayoress Walmsley knows Mavis and her daughter Brenda Burton from Thornaby Methodist Church and they enjoyed catching up on shared acquaintances and family members at the event. Fellow residents also enjoyed viewing Mavis’s artworks before afternoon tea with the visiting dignitaries and other guests. Mavis said: “Thank you so much to everyone who organised this. I’ve had a lovely day.” Louise Clements, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, said: “Mavis’s artworks are stunning and unique. When she moved into the home around six months ago, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to showcase her embroidery after carrying out refurbishments. The exhibition was a huge success and we’re delighted the Mayor and Mayoress could join us and officially open the event. All our residents agreed that it’s great to have Mavis’s work on display and they are now lining one of our corridors.” For more information about Mandale House Care Home please visit https://www.hillcare.net
Log my Care launches new premium module for carers
Log my Care, the care home software provider, has announced the launch of a new premium module, Log my Care – Pro is the first optional premium module for its free care planning software, designed to help care homes streamline their record keeping. Through Log my Care, carers can record care notes as they go on any smartphone. Care managers can see an overview of all care work and access all records on a laptop or desktop computer. The new premium module introduces a number of new features including Offline Mode, Instant Notifications, Policies & Procedures storage and a Handover Function. Offline mode has been designed to enable carers to keep logging care records on the Log my Care app on smartphones, even if Wi-Fi has a weak signal or the internet connection is intermittent. Devices will be able to continue to work offline for up to 24 hours. Once the connection resumes, they will then synchronise back with the Care Office and log all the information recorded. The new Instant notifications function will send alerts to the main care office as soon as a carer records an incident. This means the manager on shift is notified straight away, no matter where the incident takes place. Through the Handover Function, Log my Care will group together handover information ready for carers starting the next shift. As an additional benefit, Pro users will now also be able to store documents online related to standard policies and procedures; for example fire, RIDDOR, Data Protection, Impact Assessments, Dress codes, and CQC notifications. The core system of Log my Care – Pro is free for all users. Providers can upgrade to the Pro module through the website or app, and Log my Care are offering a free month trial for all users without the need to add payment or credit card details. Care providers will then pay £20 plus VAT per home per month, or can continue to use the basic version for no cost. Reece Welch, Registered Manager at Elizabeth Court Rest Home in East Sussex, worked with the Log my Care team to trial the new version and comments: “Since making the shift from paper to electronic care notes our daily routine has been impacted massively, saving time and increasing accuracy of notes, as well as being able to have an overview of the care as it happens on the dashboard. The Log my Care Team have been excellent in responding to feedback so the Pro version has made this even simpler, with additional features making recording a breeze and offline mode meaning notes can be taken anywhere.” Sam Hussain, Founder of Log my Care – Pro, comments: “From the outset we wanted to build a system that makes care planning and recording easy and that can be used by anyone. Technology can really help us, but it can also be frustrating when Wi-Fi suddenly drops. It was really important to us to make a system that offers continuity for care staff, and also enables carers to benefit from technology even if the home they work at is in a location with poor signal.” To find out more about the Log my Care – Pro and use the system for free, visit www.LogmyCare.co.uk
NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019 finalists announced
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has announced the finalists for the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019 competition, taking it one step closer to crowning the nation’s best care chef. Over the past month, talented chefs working in the care sector have competed in the regional heats to secure a coveted place in the national final of the prestigious culinary competition. Across the NACC regions – Scotland, North, Midlands, Wales, South West and South East – the competition judges have been impressed by the culinary skills and specialist knowledge of all the chefs. The successful chefs now preparing for the national final, stood out for demonstrating flair and innovation, suitability of the menu for a care environment, clear understanding of nutritional needs and dietary requirements of the end user, menu balance and flavour combinations, and technical execution and presentation. The National Final takes place on Wednesday 5 June 2019 at the new venue of Stratford-upon-Avon College. The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019 finalists are: Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, says: “Congratulations to the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019 finalists. The calibre of the chefs competing in the regional heats was exceptional so to reach the national final is an incredible achievement. “This competition is specially designed to challenge care chefs and showcase their talent and specialist skills and the knowledge they have of nutrition and dietary requirements, which is vital in a care setting. It also raises the profile of the care sector as a rewarding, dynamic career choice. Everyone who has competed in the competition are fine examples of care chefs up and down the country, who believe food is at the centre of quality care and are dedicated to making sure they deliver the very best. We’re thrilled to be taking the national final to a new location this year, Stratford-upon-Avon College. It’s a fantastic facility for the finalists to compete in and, for the first time, we have a viewing gallery that will allow all the supporters and guests in the audience to see the chefs in action and really feel part of the exciting event. Good luck to everyone!” The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition, which is proudly supported by the main sponsor Premier Foods and the Worshipful Company of Cooks, recognises the excellence of chefs working in the care sector. The competition challenges entrants to create a nutritionally-balanced, two-course menu (main and dessert) that is suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £2.25 per head and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also incorporate one of the listed Premier Foods products. The finalists will have just 90 minutes to produce their dishes and the judges will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution and presentation. For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2019 competition visit www.thenacc.co.uk
Wartime singer Dame Vera Lynn writes to elderly fans
ELDERLY care home residents, Aaron Court Care Home, have been corresponding with popular Second World War singer Dame Vera Lynn ahead of her 102nd birthday. The Forces’ Sweetheart, as Dame Lynn is widely known, responded to an email from the staff and residents at Aaron Court Care Home, in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. They wrote to her about how much they love her music, after spending an evening listening to classic tracks, including “We’ll Meet Again”, “The White Cliffs of Dover”, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and “There’ll Always Be an England”. They also mentioned the redecoration of a corridor at the home, in which they were planning to hang a framed picture of their favourite singer. Residents were surprised when they received a letter in reply, including a signed photograph. Dame Lynn wrote: “I was delighted to hear your residents have been enjoying my music on Sunday evenings. It gives me great pleasure to send you a signed photograph for the newly decorated corridor at Aaron Court. Please send my best wishes to all the residents.” After receiving the letter, residents Vernon Henry and Hilda Flemming decided to reply with hand-made birthday cards to wish her well for her 102ndbirthday. Staff also arranged for an entertainer to visit the home and perform classic songs from Dame Lynn’s catalogue on the big day. Lindsey Bevan, home manager at Aaron Court Care Home, said: “We were playing different songs for residents and when Dame Vera Lynn’s music came on we saw just how much they enjoyed it. One resident began singing along and then another and another. Since then, we’ve been playing it in the lounge every Sunday evening. We thought we’d send an email to Dame Lynn through her children’s charity, which supports under-fives with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments. Both the staff and residents were delighted when we received a reply and a signed photograph, which has now been framed and hung in the corridor. Then two of the residents decided it would be a lovely gesture to write back with birthday cards. It’s all been very thrilling for the residents, who are huge fans. We must say a massive thank you to Dame Lynn for taking the time to write back. It has made everyone at Aaron Court Care Home very happy.” For more information about Aaron Court Care Home please visit www.hillcare.net
RV Care and HC-One receive ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating
An east Devon Domiciliary Care provider is delighted to have received an overall ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, following a recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). RV Care Devon, a part of national care provider HC-One, provide care and support to over 60 clients in their own homes in the Honiton and Exeter area, and is only one of four care providers to have been rated Outstanding in the area. The care provider was deemed to be safe, effective, caring and responsive, with care workers seen to deliver care that was respectful of client’s privacy and dignity and took account of people’s individual preferences. As part of the process, inspectors questioned clients and their families and found that people were happy with the care they received and felt that ‘Staff treated people with utmost respect and dignity and ensured privacy.’ Inspectors recognised that staff ‘promoted a sense of compassion, kindness and caring for everyone involved within the organisation which extended to people, families, friends and pets.’ Client comments included: “Nothing is too much trouble; the care is exceptional. I am so lucky.” and “A very good standard all round, I feel safe with them.” A relative of one client, stated: “The carers genuinely care. They are absolutely lovely, kind and considerate.” The report also noted that staff were supported to reach their true potential. They were encouraged to obtain additional qualifications and suggest training, which would benefit the people they supported. RV Care’ ethos is one of life fulfilment and people leading a meaningful and active life. People were encouraged to engage in meaningful activities to aid both their physical and emotional well-being. The service strived to provide the best possible person-centred care and support for people. Professionals commented: “I have been consistently impressed with RV Care they have always been very responsive, caring, thoughtful and person centred” and “Really impressed with the knowledge the carers have of their clients in terms of making the interactions meaningful with positive outcomes.” Other professional comments included: “(Registered manager) personifies truly person-centred care with our clients and their families who are enabled to get involved in care planning alongside the professionals” and “Kind and caring and most of all will routinely go ‘above and beyond’ in how they engage with clients and work in a very person-centred manner.” Clare Connor, RV Care’s Registered Manager, said: “We’re thrilled to receive our Outstanding CQC report that reflects the hard work and dedication of our care team. “Our priority is to provide the kindest possible care to our clients and the team work extremely hard to ensure that we’re delivering the best service possible. I’d like to thank the team for their continued dedication and loyalty.” HC-One and RV Extra Care provide a home care service across Devon and the South West of England. For more information about HC Care provider call 01404 47696 or click here
