Abbotswood Court promotes healthy lifestyle choices among the elderly
To promote healthy lifestyle choices amongst its elderly residents, Abbotswood Court is providing an eclectic mix of events for Nutrition and Hydration Week. Abbotswood Court is marking Nutrition and Hydration Week with a program of events aimed at raising awareness about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, especially for those aged 80+. Nutrition and Hydration week is a national campaign celebrated between 12th and 18th of March. Its mission is to create a movement that will reinforce nutrition and hydration as a vital part of quality care and safety improvement in social care settings. A lack of good nutrition and hydration behaviours is raising serious problems among Britain’s elder population. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, the average daily energy intakes for older adults are below the estimated requirements. Also, it has been found that an increasing number of the elderly have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Addressing this concerning statistic, Abbotswood Court are doing their part to help buck the national trend by hosting a series of informative events as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week. This includes welcoming residents and families to a Nutrition and Hydration Week Global Tea Party on 15th March. The luxury care home in Romsey will be joining fellow organisations across the globe by serving afternoon tea on the day as a chance to bring families and residents together to discuss the importance of improving nutritional care. Gemma Ridout-Bowden, General Manager of Abbotswood, said: “We are delighted to be taking part in this national campaign and doing our part in raising awareness about the importance of nutrition, especially for those in their elder years. It will be a great week where the Abbotswood carers, residents, families and friends will come together and receive expert advice to aid their health and wellbeing.” For more information about Abbotswood Court, visit https://www.cinnamoncc.com/luxury-care-homes/abbotswood-court For additional information about Nutrition and Hydration week, please visit: https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk/
Care home sponsored walk raises funds for Stroke Association
HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for the Stroke Association by a charitable Peterlee care home. Staff, relatives and friends of Bannatyne Lodge Care Home collected over £300 in sponsorship for a five mile hike around the town. The home now aims to continue raising funds for the Stroke Association with a cake and coffee morning. Lynn Chapman, home manager at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, on Manor Way, said: “It was a beautiful spring day for the walk and, although it was bracing, it proved to be a great team builder. We wanted to complete the walk for the Stroke Association to help raise awareness of the condition and funds for their essential services and research. We want to thank everyone who donated and helped us raise a fantastic amount. At Bannatyne Lodge, we provide care for the elderly and those with debilitating conditions such as those brought on by a stroke. It is vital everyone knows what to look for so they can spot when someone is having a stroke, as the quicker the receive medical help the better their chances of making a recovery. The Stroke Association website – stroke.org.uk – has brilliant advice and guidance on the symptoms and we encourage everyone to learn their FAST test to ensure they recognise the signs.” The FAST test involves: Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side? Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Speech: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred? Time: If you see any of these three signs, it’s time to call 999. For more information about the Stroke Association please visit www.stroke.org.uk Photo caption: The Bannatyne Lodge Care Home team ahead of their five-mile fundraising walk for the Stroke Association, including (standing, from left) administrator Victoria Farn, friend of the home Stuart McMillan, volunteer Mary Slessor, home manager Lynn Chapman, activities coordinator Dawn Minto, carer Ann Ellison and (seated, from left) friend of the home Amelia McMillan, cook Carole Gingell, and local hairdresser Christine Young.
Rotherham community charity boosts creativity at care home with Art sessions
A community charity has been holding regular Art sessions at a Rotherham care home to boost elderly residents’ creativity. RotherFed has been visiting Broadacres Care Home, in Parkgate, twice a month to run the sessions The latest was over Easter, when residents, relatives and children of the home’s staff all took part making and decorating bonnets, posters and eggs. An Easter egg hunt was also held for the children, with chocolate hidden around the home’s garden, while residents enjoyed cake and tea. Luke Owens, home manager at Broadacres Care Home, on Naylor Street, said: “Community workers from RotherFed have been visiting us every fortnight, which has been fantastic. The residents thoroughly enjoy the sessions and during the latest, over the Easter break, we were joined by the staff’s children and relatives. Community is really important to us at Broadacres Care Home and we are big supporters of RotherFed, which does so much to boost the community spirit in Rotherham.” Lilian Sheers is one of RotherFed’s community workers who visits Broadacres Care Home. She said: “Both Paul Greenway and I have been volunteering for a year at RotherFed and we love going to Broadacres Care home and keeping residents engaged in activity. They are so joyful to work with. A resident once said “I look forward to the craft sessions and meeting new people. We are opening our invitation to get the community engaged in arts and crafts and welcome them to join in the groups sessions at Broadacres care home.” For more information about these Art sessions please visit www.rotherfed.org.uk
PickaShift strikes group deal with leading NI Care Home provider
PickaShift, the innovative new app and software designed to help providers of nursing and residential homes make significant savings, has struck its first group deal with Wilson Group. The deal will see the App rolled out across its 5 nursing homes with around 300 staff accessing the platform. Their homes are based in Belfast, Bangor, Whitehead and Larne in Northern Ireland. The App which connects Nurses, Care Assistants and Ancillary Staff directly with their employers in residential and nursing homes, informs staff quickly about shifts that have become available at short notice and encourages them to pick up those shifts at an increasingly favourable rate until the shift is claimed. Wilson Group are the first group deal in a series of new clients for the team behind the App which is made up of former MLA Fearghal McKinney and experienced care home owners Liam Lavery and Peter Graham. Colin Nimmon of Wilson Group Finance Director said today: “Our number one priority is to provide care for those who need us most. To be able to provide that high-level of front line service we need to be an efficient business behind the scenes. That means good financial management and controlling costs.” “Our biggest challenge recently has been the availability of good quality staff to look after and care for our residents. To be able to provide staff on a 24/7 ongoing basis means that at times we have no choice but to use agencies, which can lead to significant financial strains on the business. We have a responsibility to comply from a regulatory perspective, and to do this we need to provide a very high level of care requiring significant investment in our workforce.” “We believe that PickAShift will benefit us as an organisation in helping to control these costs, by cutting down on the use of expensive agency staff, allowing employees to come directly to us via the App and choose the shifts that suit them, at an attractive rate of pay” Fearghal McKinney, Co-Founder of PickAShift added: “We are thrilled to have signed our first group deal with Wilson Group. As an early adopter they are leading out in terms of using technology to save on costs. Hundreds of their staff will be using our App and now able to pick up other shifts earning more money when they want to.” “PickaShift is disrupting, for the better, the way in which nursing and residential care homes do business in terms of their recruitment and staffing. Against the backdrop of pressured budgets, along with the strength of agencies in the market, homecare businesses are constantly looking for ways to cut costs and improve the level of care they can provide.” “We are currently engaged with a number of providers and will be securing more deals in the coming months.” For more information from PickaShift please click here
Bupa calls on startups to boost innovation in aged care
Small business from the UK, Australia and New Zealand have chance to pilot their programmes across Bupa’s network of care homes Bupa is calling on startups in a bid to bring further innovation to the aged care sector. As part of its Bupa B Table programme, pitches need to be designed to benefit older people, either by supporting nurses and carers working in Bupa homes, or through supporting independent living. Applications are open now, and successful candidates will be mentored by senior Bupa business leaders and technology experts. They will also have access to space in Bupa’s offices to develop their ideas, and potential investment from Bupa to help develop their products. Once the ideas have been developed they will be piloted in Bupa’s network of care home, with options across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. This will allow them to gain feedback from residents and colleagues. Joan Elliott, Managing Director for Bupa Care Homes in the UK, said: “The wellbeing of our residents and colleagues is our priority. Being at the forefront of innovation will help us find new ideas which could benefit the thousands of residents we care for. This is a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, while benefiting the lives of older people across the world.” John Moore, Director of Bupa’s Customer Lab added: “With an increasing ageing population globally, we have an opportunity to help people age well. The Bupa B Table programme is a chance for us to work and share our expertise with innovative startups and small businesses to get a new perspective on our own business, and enhance the services we provide to our customers and our people all over the world.” Now in its second year, the Bupa B Table is run by Bupa’s Customer Lab, which was established last year to explore new ways of delivering high quality, comprehensive health and care services which meet customer needs, by harnessing digital technology. This year, there are two briefs for applicants to choose from, both centred around aged care. Pitches should address one of the following challenges: How can we use new technologies and innovation to support and enable the ageing population to live independently for longer, and to allow family members to help? How can innovative solutions to help support Bupa’s professional carers as they go about their working day? Applications are open now and will close on 18th April 2018. Entries will be shortlisted during May, before finalists are invited to pitch to a panel of Bupa’s experts this summer. For more information about Bupa or to apply, visit www.bupa.customerlab.com
Wiltshire welcomes award-winning dementia care technology
Woodfalls Care Home in Salisbury, Wiltshire have installed their first Tovertafel. This award-winning innovation from the Netherlands, which is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to dementia care. The technology contains a series of interactive light games for people living with mid-to-late stage dementia. It has been designed to encourage instinctive participation, inviting engagement and stimulating a level of physical and social activity rarely seen in people living with dementia in the later stages of their journey. Woodfalls Care Home is a small, privately run home providing individualised support for all residents. Woodfalls pride themselves on providing high quality care and encourage all residents to participate in regular activities with their fellow residents. The installation of the Tovertafel will continue this mission and support the lives of the 23 residents. For more information about Tovertafel please click here The Tovertafel creates a fun, safe environment for all residents. The games are formulated with the intention to trigger a sense of reminiscence among players in order to encourage stimulation socially, cognitively and physically. As light simulations, games are projected onto a table and include gardening, fishing and popping balloons. Talking shortly after the Tovertafel was installed, Tracey Piper, the Deputy Manager at Woodfalls Care Home, said: “The home was lucky enough to receive an anonymous donation which we decided should be used for the full benefit of our residents. We purchased the Tovertafel to enhance and improve the quality of life for residents living with dementia. It’s been brilliant to see the residents interact both with staff and on their own and has stimulated their cognitive ability and reduced anxieties.” John Ramsay, the CEO of Shift 8 Limited – the company which brought the Tovertafel to the UK said: “We are delighted to see the Tovertafel installed at Woodfalls. We’re all excited to see the joy it brings to the residents and their families to help with their dementia journey.”
The Lifesaving Medical Equipment Necessary for Nursing Homes
Medtree say due to the nature of the industry, it is impossible to avoid emergencies in a care home. However, you can be prepared for emergencies when they occur, with proper provisions and protocols in place. While nurse call buttons and intercoms are essential equipment, there is a variety of medical requirements to ensure the safety of the residents. Medtree, leading suppliers of medical equipment, are sharing the lifesaving equipment for care homes. The nursing home has a duty of care to those who are residents, staff and, of course, visitors. Employees have a right to work in a safe and healthy workplace, and residents should receive care that is safe, taking their rights and freedom into account. Risk Assessments The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires you to undertake a risk assessment. The assessment ensures provisions are in place for all at the nursing home, identifying any risks and providing safe conditions. You can find risk assessment templates online, but it should include: As part of managing the welfare of your residents and employees, you must: Incident Reporting As mentioned above, there will be incidents at your care home, but you must do all in your power to minimise the risk. If an accident does occur, you have a legal duty to report incidents under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). You should report: Pressure relieving mattress Most of you will understand the necessity for reporting incidents and risk assessments, but specific medical equipment is required. Reducing pressure ulcers is a priority for all nursing homes, as the resulting episodes can prove costly. Your residents are more at risk of developing these symptoms, and there have been several tests to attempt to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. One way to ease the pain for patients already suffering pressure damage is to provide pressure-relieving mattresses. At the very least, any patient at risk must have a pressure-reducing foam mattress. For the best effects, these should be used in conjunction with a repositioning schedule. The Pressure Ulcer Hub provides more guidance for any home needing to increase their resources. Moving and handling equipment Many residents may need assistance in moving around the care home, which leads to moving and handling practices. Poor training in this area can not only result in resident injuries, but staff suffering also. Your priority should be to assess the risks associated with moving and handling, seeking specialist advice – physiotherapists, professional bodies etc. – and referring to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The various equipment you will need to move patients will depend on the severity of the patient’s requirements. However, you should include: Defibrillators Defibrillators are an essential piece of medical kit, particularly for residents that have diagnosed heart problems. A defibrillator can double a person’s chance of life, should they suffer a cardiac arrest. According to recent statistics, the possibility of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) increases from 10% – without the aid of a defib – to a massive 70%. Sara Askew, Head of Survival at the British Heart Foundation, said of the medical apparatus: “When someone collapses with a cardiac arrest, every second is vital. Defibrillators are an important part of the chain of survival, along with calling the emergency services and starting CPR. Performing CPR and using a defibrillator can help double a person’s chance of survival. That’s why we need this life saving equipment to be available and maintained so that it can be used in an emergency.” Spill kits Infection control is essential for care homes, although you may not often hear it discussed. Practising good hygiene and providing training to all staff on the importance of infection control, can minimise the risk of outbreaks. You must do so, as the residents of nursing homes are at higher risk of contracting fatal infections. Biohazard spill kits are essential to have on hand, to ensure that any fluids spilt as a result of illness can be dealt with efficiently. Should a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection, such as Norovirus, raise its head, you will need provisions in place. First aid You should have more than one first aid kit in your nursing home. Your first aid kits must be well-stocked, with staff fully trained on their duties should an incident occur. Without health and safety actions in place, you are failing in your duty of care. You must immediately implement an emergency procedure and distribute it to the relevant team members.
Widnes brothers call on celebrity friends to help raise over five thousand pounds for disability charity
TV comedy producer, Stu Mather, was able to use his connections to attract some of Britain’s top comedy talent, including Jon Richardson, Josh Widdvicombe, Suzi Ruffell, James Acaster and Chris McCausland, for a comedy fundraising night, at 2Northdown in Kings Cross, London. Two brothers, Tim and Stu Mather, from Widnes, have raised over five thousand pounds for the national disability charity, Sense, enlisting the help of family and celebrity friends to put on two very special fundraisers. Over a hundred people attended a wine tasting evening, organised by the brothers’ parents, John and Carole Mather, at Widnes Cricket Club on the 16th February. The wine was supplied by John Stott, via the International Wine Challenge, and raised over three thousand pounds. Tim Mather was inspired by his daughter, who was born with a hearing and sight impairment, to fundraise for Sense, a charity that supports people with complex communication needs. This isn’t the first time the brothers have raised money for the charity. In 2016, Tim participated in the London Marathon, raising over five thousand pounds for Sense. Tim will now run the London Marathon again, with his brother Stu joining him, who is running for the first time. Tim Mather said: “We are delighted to have raised over £5k for Sense, a charity very close to our heart. They do amazing things for the families they support. We’ve had great fun arranging the wine tasting and comedy night are thrilled with the tremendous support we received from family and friends.” To donate towards the brothers’ and fro more information about Jon Richardson and the London Marathon fundraising efforts please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com
Grand Opening of New Luxury Care Home
Buntingford’s brand-new care home, Layston Grove, has been officially opened this week by honoured guests Town Mayor, Councillor John Noades and Councillor Jeff Jones. The home opened its doors to local healthcare professionals, councillors and business owners, giving them the opportunity to view the state-of-the-art facilities. The purpose-built home, which is located at the Southern End of Buntingford, will provide a home for 66 elderly people requiring residential or dementia care on an ALL-INCLUSIVE basis. Home Manager, Sam Campbell, and her team had already welcomed local residents to view the luxury facilities at their busy open day on Sunday 18th March. Prior to the official ribbon cutting ceremony, Councillor Jeff Jones delivered a speech in which he highlighted the strong links already formed with the home and community and the opportunities that Layston Grove will bring to Buntingford and surrounding areas, including jobs for up to 70 local people. The new home should also become a focal point for the community as there are numerous and regular activities and events planned that local people can become involved in. Guests were treated to tours of the three-storey home which boasts a cinema, library, English tea room, garden room, hair and beauty salon, several comfortable lounges and landscaped gardens, as well as all bedrooms benefiting from en-suite facilities. Sam Campbell (Home Manager), Andrew Long and Chris Babington (co-owners) were delighted to show off the outstanding facilities to their visitors. Sam said: “My team and I have now been in the home for a few weeks and we are so proud of the facilities. It really is a home from home and we couldn’t wait to show everyone around! We have all had a great day and now we are ready for our first residents to move in.” The home has been designed and built by LNT Care Developments and will be run by Oakdale Care Group – a small, privately owned company providing high quality care in outstanding surroundings with the ethos of providing the best care, every day to every one. For more information on Layston Grove please click here
