New furry friends sought for residents of Bridgewater care home
Care staff at a Bridgewater nursing home are asking local pet-owners to consider getting their furry friends certified as a therapy animal, and sharing their attentions with local people living with dementia. Activities co-ordinator Lisa Priddice who works at Avalon Nursing Home, a specialist dementia care home run by Camelot Care, said: “Petting or playing with an animal can provide a real therapeutic boost for the people we support because it increases certain hormone levels. “It’s lovely to see how happy it makes our residents when they are able to pet an animal, and research says the benefits it brings them include an improved sense of well-being on many levels.” Experts have shown that spending time with your furry friend can genuinely benefit people’s physical health: those who pet or play with a dog or cat, even for just five minutes, can benefit from lowered blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health. It is also known that enjoying a pet’s company promotes a feeling of relaxation, which in turn can help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and reduce physical issues such as pain. Lisa Priddice said: “We have two resident guinea pigs at Avalon – we got them last autumn. The residents were amused by the white spot on the head of the otherwise brown guinea pig and decided she should be called Dot. The other one, Ethel, is mostly white with splodges of black and sports a very cool Mohican. “Not only do our residents love to hold and stroke the animals, helping with their maintenance and upkeep is also very beneficial because such jobs adds purpose and structure to their day. “At the moment, because the weather’s so cold, the guinea pig hutch is located in our ‘quiet’ lounge, but they also have an enclosed run in the garden and will probably spend more time out there with residents when the weather is warmer. “We are going to be extending our animal family soon, and are hoping to get an aquarium, a rabbit, some birds and possibly even some gerbils.” Avalon residents also enjoy regular visits from their furry friends, an 11-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, and his owner Shelley Stentaford. Shelley, who also regularly takes Bentley to the Alzheimer’s café in Bridgwater’s Victoria Park, says: “Bentley has the perfect temperament. To become a pat dog every dog or cat has to have a temperament assessment, and Bentley is a very calm dog. He loves all the attention he gets from these mainly elderly dog-lovers. “Purebred staffies are nicknamed The Nanny Dog and are reliably gentle. In fact this breed is recommended for families with young children by many of the welfare and re-homing organisations including the Kennel Club, because they’re such loving dogs.” To get your furry friends involved with in the Pets As Therapy scheme are invited to contact Lisa Priddice at Avalon Nursing Home on 01278 450450 for further details.
Pioneering feedback app launched by care provider
Healthcare Management Solutions has reinforced its commitment to operating at the highest standard by introducing a new pioneering app based on the feedback system that gives the senior leadership instant information about the quality of its homes. ‘How did we do?’ is simple to use and takes just a couple of minutes. The user can rate different aspects of the service, including rating the exterior, feeling welcome, rating the interior, and the quality of care provided. App users are also invited to add comments and upload pictures to support their ratings. The feedback is shared instantly with the management team, so that positive feedback can be passed on to staff, and calls for improvement can be acted on straight away. A number of providers have already begun using the App to great effect. Tony Stein, Chief Executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, said: “As a responsible and committed care provider, we welcome all feedback from our visitors, residents and healthcare professionals. By introducing an easy to use app that will prompt an urgent response from our management team, we feel that we are pioneering a new way for service providers to continuously improve. “The app is free to download, and we are also placing tablets in the reception areas of all of our homes, to encourage any visitors to give instant feedback, even if they do not wish to download the app themselves. We hope that by doing this, we will be able to reward our staff and homes that are doing well, and quickly rectify any issues that may arise. “We have already had a very positive response to the app, and senior management are responding to the feedback straight away. It works very well and were hoping to introduce it into other service areas, and encourage other businesses to use this technology to make sure their businesses are operating at a gold standard.” Relatives are delighted to have a call from the CEO just minutes after they’re submitted their feedback. The How did we do? to fine out more about this pioneering app go to the App Store for iPhones and iPads and the Google Play Store for Android phones and tablets. It is free to download.
Building the future of care
Building the future of care – it starts with you With just one month to go, now is the time to book your tickets to the Future of Care Conference taking place on Tuesday 13th March at The Kings Fund, London. The event includes an impressive line-up of speakers and topics during the one-day conference and the popularity to date proves that an event of this calibre and focus is required within the sector to help care professionals from across the country to unite to share experiences and knowledge. As networking is an integral part of the industry, delegates have the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals from Four Seasons Health Care, Care UK, Anchor, Scottish Borders Cares, Milford Care and Home Instead Senior Care to name a few to discuss the latest trends and challenges. The aim of the event is to provide a platform where professionals can unite to ensure everyone receives outstanding levels of care, now and in the future. The conference comprises of two panel debates; A Social Care System Fit for the Future and What Next for the Care Home Sector. Each debate includes a variety of experienced experts from different backgrounds to share their opinions and thoughts on the subject matter. The panelists include Richard Hawes from Elizabeth Finn Homes Limited, Nigel Sibley from LifeCare Residences, Joan Elliot from Bupa UK Care Services and Avnish Goyal from Hallmark Care Homes. The full line-up of panelists can be found on the website www.futureofcare.co.uk. The panels offer the chance for delegates to have their questions answered. Be the future – With limited seats remaining, visit the website or call 01425 838393 to book your tickets. This event promises to offer a rewarding day out to all those who attend and a break away from the office environment to focus on personal development that will in turn support businesses and organisations alike.
Putting your home in trust?
Care fees: why you must seek legal advice before putting your home in trust A RECENT Channel 4 Dispatches programme highlighted concerns about schemes which claim that you can avoid care fees by putting your home into trust. Jane Sutherland, partner and solicitor at East Midlands-based Nelsons Solicitors, explains why you must seek sound legal advice before entering into such arrangements. Are these schemes the next mis-selling scandal? “Fuelled by concerns over the so-called ‘dementia tax’, a whole industry has grown up around the sale of these schemes, with charges often starting at around £4,000. All too often the schemes may be promoted by people who are not legally qualified and who are giving information without first considering whether it is appropriate for the client.” “These schemes work by allowing you to gift ownership of your home during your lifetime into a trust. The trust will give you the legal right to live in your property rent free for as long as you like, but if at some stage you no longer want to remain there – perhaps because you’re moving into care – your home can be sold and your trustees can decide how to deal with the sale proceeds. “Your trustees, who could be your children, will be guided by a letter of wishes made by you, which could, for example, ask that the sale proceeds be kept in trust while you are alive but then be divided equally between your children after your death. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with this in principle and there can be many good reasons for putting such arrangements in place. However, before you put your home in trust, you must understand what is involved and what the implications would be if you were to go into care in the future.” Care costs and funding “In truth, most people don’t go into care. Less than 15% of people aged 85 and over live in residential care, and of those who do, the average length of stay is 2.3 years in a residential care home and 1.4 years in a nursing home. In the East Midlands the average annual cost is currently £30,056 for a residential care home and £37,700 for a nursing care home. “If you do have to move into care, you may qualify for NHS funded continuing care and if so, the NHS will pay all of your care costs. If you don’t qualify, then you will have to fund your own care fees, firstly from your income. “If your income won’t cover your care fees in full then you will have to pay the shortfall from your capital (e.g. your house, savings and investments) until this falls to below certain limits. “If you have capital of more than £23,250 then you have to pay in full. Once your capital drops below £23,250, you will pay a contribution until your capital decreases to £14,250, at which point the local authority will fund the shortfall between your care fees and your income in full up to local limits. If your house is occupied by your spouse or certain others it will not be included as part of your capital.” What happens if you go into care when your house is in trust? “If you had put your property into trust before going into care, then the starting point is that it is no longer owned by you. Your home is not part of your capital and you cannot be required to use it to fund your care fees. “Although trust schemes can work, their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Your local authority can challenge your exemption from paying care fees – for example if it can show that a significant reason for you putting your property into trust was to avoid care costs and, at the time you did it, you had a reasonable expectation that you’d need care in the future. Local authority guidance does say, however, that it would be unreasonable for the council to reach this conclusion if you were fit and healthy when you transferred the property. “Whether such arrangements, even if they are not challenged, are likely to be of real benefit to you in practice will depend upon your individual circumstances. Your income might be enough to pay most or all of your care fees anyway. It may be that the level of your other capital is sufficient to cover the shortfall between your income and care fees for the likely length of your stay in care.” Why should you consult a solicitor? “This is a very complex area of law – there are many factors to consider – and it’s highly recommended that you consult a solicitor with experience and expertise in this field. They should look at your particular family, health and financial situation and advise you as an individual. “This advice should be backed up in a written report and you should then be given time to consider whether and how you wish to proceed. Schemes which claim to give guaranteed protection to protect your home from care fees which sound too good to be true, may well be just that.” For more legal advice or to speak to a member of Nelsons Solicitors’ wills, trust and probate team, please visit www.nelsonslaw.co.uk or call 0800 024 1976.
Couple Celebrates 62nd Valentine’s Day
An Aberdeen couple are perfectly placed to give lessons in love this Valentine’s Day – as the couple celebrates their 62nd valentine’s day And Jimmy Mathers, 93, and wife Betty, 84, believe they can give couples of all ages some simple tips for a long and happy marriage: it’s all about give and take. The doting pair celebrates this Valentine’s at Meallmore’s Sunnybank care home in Cruden Bay, where Jim has lived since 2016, with Betty joining him in April of last year. Jimmy and Betty first set eyes on each other when Betty, originally from Dundee, visited Aberdeenshire on holiday as a teenager. Their families were mutual friends and, after a church service, Betty and her family were invited back to Jimmy’s parents’ farm, Broadmuir, to see some of the new-born lambs. Jimmy says he knew even then that she was the one for him. However, it was a number of years before their paths finally crossed again. When they did, romance blossomed quickly and Jimmy got down on one knee on 28th December 1955. They were married the following year on 1st August 1956 – a Wednesday, which is traditional for farmers. They have been inseparable ever since and have four children, Colin, Maureen, Brian and Alan. Ann Lamont, Activity Coordinator at Meallmore’s Sunnybank care home, said: “Betty and Jim have always been a very social couple and still are to this day. They lived in Jim’s family home and say family visited regularly and their door was always open. They enjoy having company and still have lots of visitors – both family and friends. “They are still very much devoted to each other. Betty is very attentive and is always taking care of Jim. “Jim came to join us September 2016 and Betty moved in on April 2017, so it’s wonderful that they are both near one another again. Our main aim now is to ensure they continue to enjoy a happy life together. “It’s lovely to have such a real example of true love with us at the home on Valentine’s Day.”
Suffolk care home rated Outstanding
Suffolk care home rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission The Care Quality Commission has found the quality of care provided by Mildenhall Lodge in St Johns Close, Mildenhall, Suffolk, to be Outstanding following an inspection in November. Mildenhall Lodge provides accommodation, nursing and personal care for up to 60 older people. Inspectors found staff were caring and compassionate and people were being provided with safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care. A full inspection report has been published on CQC’s website: http://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-1465022022 Under CQC’s programme of inspections, all adult social care services are being given a rating according to whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Mildenhall Lodge is rated Outstanding for being responsive and well-led, and Good for being safe, effective and caring. Jemima Burnage, CQC’s Head of Inspection for Adult Social Care in the central region said: “Our inspection team was really impressed by the level of care and support offered to people at Mildenhall Lodge, which we found gave them an enhanced sense of quality of life and well-being. “The service was extremely well managed by an accomplished, knowledgeable and highly motivated registered manager. There was lots of highly positive feedback about the home and caring nature of staff from people and relatives. “The registered manager and staff were proud of where they worked and committed to delivering a high standard of care. People’s care needs were extremely well understood and responded to by staff who knew them exceptionally well. “People were very much encouraged to have a voice and have input into their care. Care planning was extremely person centred, and where people were living with dementia, their relatives and friends had been fully involved in the planning of their care to achieve personalised care plans according to their individual needs. “Staff recognised the importance of friendship and people maintaining relationships with their families. The home had a social media web page which was kept up to date primarily by the registered manager. The site was used to keep families and friends updated about events at the home. “All of this meant people received a high standard of care, which is why it has been rated Outstanding.” Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said: “The quality of care which our inspectors found here was exceptional and I am very pleased that we can celebrate the service’s achievements. “An outstanding service is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone involved.
App Launch Aims to Improve Washroom Standards
An innovative new app has been launched which aims to raise washroom standards in businesses and public places across the UK. HSG UK in Pride Park, Derby, has developed Cleen App – the UK’s first fully integrated washroom review app. The Cleen App is free to download and enables customers and visitors to rate the washrooms in any type of venue from restaurants and shopping centres to sports stadia and airports. With the Cleen App, users can either compliment accessible and clean washrooms or post complaints and issues they have faced such as dirty basins, no soap or toilet paper, access problems for people with disabilities and lack of baby changing facilities. The reviews are fun and easy to post by clicking different icons and users can even upload photographs to support their review. These can then be viewed by other Cleen App users so that they can see which venues have good – and poor – washroom facilities and make a choice to visit accordingly. In addition to the Cleen App, HSG UK have also developed a complete washroom management tool for Businesses and washroom service providers called the Cleen Dashboard. By using the Cleen Dashboard, businesses and washroom services providers can have full and immediate access to an online dashboard highlighting the issues so that they can take action and directly respond to customer feedback. Washroom service providers can also use the Cleen Dashboard to manage their portfolio of washroom clients. HSG UK Managing Director Simon Rice has drawn on his company’s expertise as a market leader in washroom water conservation and services and worked with digital marketing agency Subism in Derby and London to develop the cutting-edge technology. Mr Rice explained: “It has long been a bug bear of mine that, in this day and age, we are still faced with washrooms that are dirty, smelly with no toilet paper and overflowing nappy and sanitary bins. “Having worked in the washroom industry for many years, I was determined to give the public a voice and turn the tide on the washroom roulette. “This enables people to share their experiences – good and bad – so that others can make an informed choice about where to give their patronage. “It’s a particular issue for the hospitality industry. How many times have we gone to a restaurant and walked out after visiting the washroom – presuming that a grotty loo means a dirty kitchen? “Many washrooms are also still not fit for purpose – and therefore badly affect the quality of life – for a large part of our community and particularly for people with disabilities and parents needing baby changing facilities.” Mr Rice continued that he was confident that the app would be embraced by a wide range of businesses and venues. “A positive review is are a good advertisement and marketing tool for a business. When feedback is negative, the business has the information available immediately to address the situation or take their washroom services provider to task. “First impressions definitely count and our aim is to improve the world one washroom at a time.” Cleen App was welcomed by Martin Austin, Managing Director of Nimbus Disability. The not for profit company is one of the country’s leading providers of disability related advice and support to businesses including managing the now widely recognised Access Card for many major venues across the UK to provide a more efficient and dignified way to communicate needs and evidence disability. He said: “The accessibility and standard of washrooms is a major consideration for disabled people when they are deciding where to visit – whether that be a shopping centre, theatre or restaurant. “Cleen App is therefore a simple and engaging way of giving disabled people a voice to share their experiences – good and bad – to help other people make those decisions. “I hope that it will be embraced by businesses in all sectors as there is a growing understanding amongst businesses that disability, simply put, is good for business. “Disabled people themselves have spending power in the UK of around £80 billion but this is heavily influenced by their perception of a business’s ability and willingness to work with disabled customers and employees. “Access to washrooms is sometimes governed by the physical make up of a building but there is no excuse for sub-standard facilities and cleanliness and Cleen app addresses this which is very welcome.” The Cleen App, is available from the App store for Apple devices and the Google Play Store for Android. For further information visit www.cleen.world. For businesses and washroom service providers wanting to take advantage of the Cleen Dashboard, please email dashboard@cleen.world or visit the website
Longest serving Union Mothers
Longest serving Mothers Union member Audrey awarded The Chritian charity Mothers’ Union has recognised a Barnsley care home resident for more than six decades of membership. Deangate Care Home resident Audrey Kirk is the longest serving member in the St James Church, Ryhill and branch of the charity. A special ceremony for this was held at the care home, with family and colleagues from Mothers’ Union, when Audrey was presented with a certificate. The 89-year-old resident has been a member since 1952 and following in her late mother’s footsteps, who joined in 1927. Audrey has attended church from being a young child and sang in the choir before joining the charity. Upon receiving her certificate, Audrey, who has dementia, said: “We had a good time and it was so lovely to see everyone.” Julia Chambers, home manager at Deangate Care Home, on Towngate, Mapplewell, said: “What an incredible achievement and we are so delighted for Audrey.” “Over six decades of membership to the Mothers’ Union is astounding and all the more special as she is the longest serving member in the diocese” “It was a lovely service to present Audrey with her certificate. She had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed being her with family and friends.” Photo captions: 1 – Deangate Care Home resident Audrey Kirk with her certificate from Christian charity Mothers Union marking her 66 years membership. 2 – Louise Tinniswood, Area Chaplin of Wakefield Mothers’ Union, Sue Atherton, St James Branch Leader, and charity members Sue Atherton, Joan Husskinson, Heather O’donnell, Gloria Cave and Deangate Care Home resident Audrey Kirk. Deangate Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. Mothers’ Union is an international Christian membership charity. For further information visit www.mothersunion.org. For all media enquiries please contact Sam Schofield on 07895 127353 or email sam@schofieldcomms.co.uk.
Annual Conference and Exhibition 21–22 MAY 2018
Association for Continence Advice Annual Conference and Exhibition 2018 The Seven Ages of Continence Bic, Bournemouth 21–22 May 2018 Association for Continence Advice are delighted to announce that their annual conference will be held in Bournemouth on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd May 2018. The full exhibition will be held at the Bournemouth International Centre. The theme of this year’s programme is The Seven Ages of Continence. As always, the conference would not be complete without it’s extensive exhibition which will feature a large array of industry leading companies offering new innovative products and practical solutions. BECOME PART OF THE CONFERENCE/ POSTER ENTRIES This is your opportunity to be part of the event by submitting an abstract for free paper or poster presentations. Presenting at the event helps to educate and inspire others working within continence, and is the perfect opportunity to share research, best practise and network. Free paper presenters will have 7-10 minutes within the main conference programme to present their paper; the length of presentation depends on the number of successful entrants. Free posters will be displayed during conference with time for questions from delegates. Closing date for applications is Friday 20th April 2018. KEY TOPICS • 7 ages of Continence – Continence issues affect people of all ages and many health conditions • Challenging public attitudes to incontinence • Male pelvic pain • Neurogenic bladder • Diabetes and the relationship with continence • Practical application of excellence in continence care guidelines • Menopause • Dementia • End of Life REGISTRATION Delegate registration is NOW OPEN for conference. The quickest and easiest way to register is online at www.aca.uk.com. If you are unable to register online or would prefer a hard copy registration form, please email events@fitwise.co.uk. EXHIBITION AND SPONSORSHIP Our conference will welcome an extensive exhibition which will feature over 50 companies offering new innovative products and practical solutions. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. For further information contact Catriona.Rice @fitwise.co.uk, telephone +44 (0)1506 292 039 or visit us here www.fitwise.co.uk
