Home Care Provider Rolls Out Emotive National Campaign
Home Instead Senior Care launches ‘The Third Stair’ campaign bringing to life the importance of in-home care as an option for older people The 30 second ad is the first national campaign for award-winning in-home care provider, Home Instead Senior Care and tells the touching story of Stanley; whilst offering a glimpse into a decision and process that many people may face at some point in their life. We learn that Stanley, recently widowed, is facing the prospect of having to leave his family home, and he reflects over memories with his wife – with a focus on the creaky ‘third stair’ he never got around to fixing, he is understandably pensive. His daughter offers the lifeline of staying at home with an in-home care package, before going on to deliver the poignant strapline: “You don’t have to go anywhere Dad.” The campaign will run for four weeks from 1-28th October across ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky channels and the targeted launch will be during a primetime TV showing of Emmerdale on 1st October. Planned and bought by PHD Manchester, the national media roll out follows a successful pilot in the Midlands in January which resulted in increased volume across website traffic, care enquiries and recruitment queries. The ad, produced by Energy BBDO, is split 70/30 between appealing to the client and their family – primarily the 45-65-year-old daughter demographic of the person considering care; to the recruitment of CAREGivers. Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care comments: “We are really excited for the ad to roll out nationally. We want to educate consumers that there are options when it comes to care and that with the right support, people can stay in their home for longer. We know that starting conversations with loved ones about care can be tricky – but we’re hoping this will inspire them to do so. Hopefully the ad also showcases caring in a new light and inspires a new wave of carers to join the sector and help make a difference to people’s lives.” Home Instead specialises in providing care and companionship in the home for older people as well as delivering specialist dementia care plus end-of-life respite care. With a unique proposition that is tailored individually for each clients’ needs – it allows people to live independently in comfort and familiarity of their home for longer. Home Instead is the first and only home care provider to hold the Queen’s Award – the highest accolade available to UK businesses; for it’s innovation in the care sector, the Princess Royal Training Award – which demonstrates outstanding skills and training programmes and it holds the highest number of ‘outstanding’ ratings across the franchises from the CQC than any other home care provider. Currently in the UK, Home Instead delivers six million hours of relationship-led care per year and employs 9,000 CAREGivers – caring for 14,000 clients across 200 offices. You can view the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oord-proTs&t=14s
Podiatry Experts Advise on Footwear for People with Diabetes
The College of Podiatry has worked alongside Cosyfeet in advising which of the company’s extra roomy footwear styles are suitable for people with diabetes. Representatives from the College were invited to Cosyfeet Head Office in Somerset earlier this year to advise on the suitability of each style for people with a diagnosis of diabetes who are vulnerable to foot complications. The College’s Clinical Director, Professor Paul Chadwick, headed up the eminent visiting panel, accompanied by Advanced Diabetic Podiatrist Krishna Gohill and Advanced Biomechanics Podiatrist Martin Nunn. They were responding to Cosyfeet’s request for advice on giving clear and accurate information to customers requiring specialised footwear due to diabetes. “Many of our customers have vulnerable feet and as shoemakers we have a responsibility to offer them optimum footwear for their needs,” says Cosyfeet Managing Director, Andrew Peirce. “Advice from the College has been invaluable in helping us to identify styles suitable for those at risk of foot complications due to diabetes, so we can assist customers in making the best possible purchasing decisions for their health.” Recommendations from the College are being used by Cosyfeet to identify not only footwear styles but also sock and hosiery products which would be suitable for people with diabetes. They are also being used to educate staff in giving the best possible advice to customers, and to assist Cosyfeet’s designers in specifying optimal products for those at risk of foot complications. The College of Podiatry is the Professional Body and Trade Union for registered podiatrists, representing around 10,000 private practitioners, NHS podiatrists, students and retired members. The visiting panel used published research and guidelines to formulate a standardised approach to assess which Cosyfeet styles could be considered appropriate for people with diabetes. It is worth noting that about 70% of people with diabetes are considered ‘low risk’ and providing they follow their GP’s advice, can wear most footwear without risk. The panel’s advice was geared towards those at higher risk who need to take greater care over the footwear choices they make. “The comfort and foot health of our customers is at the forefront of everything we do,” says Andrew Pierce. “We have a duty of care which we take extremely seriously and are deeply grateful to the College for their guidance.” Cosyfeet advise all those at potential risk of foot complications due to diabetes to choose well-fitting shoes, maintain good control of blood glucose and check feet regularly. It’s important to seek the advice of a podiatrist or health professional regarding any concerns about footwear suitability. Cosyfeet stress the importance of running fingers inside any item before wearing to check for anything that may harm. New footwear should be worn for 30 minutes to 1 hour and feet then inspected for pressure marks or irritation. A hand mirror can be useful to help with examination of the entire foot. Wear time can then be gradually increased, with feet inspected regularly. For further information see www.cosyfeet.com/diabeticfriendly or call 01458 449071. There’s Wide Fitting and then there’s Cosyfeet Specially designed to fit and flatter extra wide and swollen feet, Cosyfeet footwear is wider, deeper and roomier than the wide fitting footwear you’ll find on the high street. We are a small, caring company with 36 years’ experience of fitting swollen feet and legs. Our diabetic-friendly footwear has been reviewed for suitability by the College of Podiatry and over 11,000 healthcare professionals recommend Cosyfeet footwear to their patients. Cosyfeet is a member of the Healthy Footwear Guide and offers a No Quibble Money Back Guarantee and free UK returns, so that customers can order with confidence.
Heathcotes Group appoints Head of Recruitment
Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Colin Ramwell as Head of Recruitment to support its specialist residential services nationwide. Colin brings many years’ experience of delivering innovative talent acquisition strategies within the health and social care sector. Prior to joining Heathcotes, he was Group Recruitment Manager at Turning Point, a social enterprise providing health and social care services for people with complex needs. Colin has also worked as a Project Lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where he designed and implemented staffing strategy, and as Head of Recruitment at Cambian Group, a provider of services for people with autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities and complex needs. He will now be overseeing recruitment strategy and delivery for 66 Heathcotes services providing specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and associated challenging behaviours. Colin said: “I am very excited to have joined a forward-thinking organisation like Heathcotes Group. Ninety per cent of the senior management started out as care support workers, so they understand the value of investing in workforce development and nurturing career progression. Heathcotes funds all training and qualifications for entry-level staff at its services and many step up to management roles, so the company certainly provides the opportunities and long-term career prospects to attract and retain talented, caring and dedicated people. “Heathcotes’ person-centred care can have a transformative effect on service users, enabling them to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so staff have a real sense that they are making a lasting difference. That is another aspect of working life at Heathcotes which we need to highlight as a prospective employer for people seeking a satisfying and rewarding profession.” Mikkel Togsverd, Managing Director of Heathcotes Southern, said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to Heathcotes Group. He has a proven track record in recruitment and a wealth of experience of working within organisations that support individualswith learning disabilities and mental health needs. The quality of our people has been fundamental to Heathcotes’ success and Colin will play a leading role in ensuring that we continue to attract candidates with the attributes and values required for the kind of life-changing work that we do.”
Runwood Homes launches on-person guide for its carers
Runwood Homes, a leading UK residential and dementia care provider, has recently launched a new on-person care guide to every care delivery staff member, across all 72 of its homes. The R.E.D. Care Guide, which stands for ‘Residents Every Day’, is an innovative resource, full of supportive material for carers to promptly refer to, if and when required, and aims to support and promote safe, reliable, evidence-based care to residents every day. In the form of a laminated A6, on-person, multipage flipchart, The R.E.D. Care Guide is now carried on shift by Runwood Homes’ 3,700+ carers, in their tunic pockets as part of their everyday uniform. Gavin O’Hare-Connolly, Chief Operating Officer of Runwood Homes, comments, “The Guide is an easily accessible support and assists, using traffic light signal cues, to check residents’ health. For a consistent service, it provides standardised suggested next steps, highlighting when any issues require escalation. Providing our staff with this go-guide will give them heightened confidence in decision making in their important role of caring for residents.” Runwood Homes Care Assistant, Nicky Powell, talks about the R.E.D. Care Guide, “It’s a fantastic tool and really handy. The industry standard charts, which are tools that we refer to every day, are a great inclusion, such as The Abbey Pain Tool, Bristol Stool Chart and urine colour scale. Other prevention information included, for example, about falls, pressure sores and sepsis are also really helpful and keeps everything to look out for, front of mind, whilst still tending to residents everyday needs and wishes.” Find out more
Borough Care Launches My Workplace
Borough Care, the largest not-for-profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has launched My Workplace. My Workplace is a human resource and payroll system that gives Borough Care employees more control over their personal information, time and money. My Workplace enables employees to change personal information, such as their address or emergency contact details, so it is as up-to-date as possible. People can also access their payslips and book time off work. As the system can be accessed via a mobile phone app or computer, it means staff can check information whether they are at home or at work. My Workplace has many benefits for staff, managers and Borough Care as a whole. Staff will be able to check things like how much holiday they have taken, request time off and get their holidays approved quickly. They will also be able to complete return to work forms online after being off sick. Using the time and attendance system, included in My Workplace, managers can more easily analyse their staff costs. Digital rotas can be produced so that normal working hours, overtime and training courses are recorded accurately and paid appropriately. Jayne Hennessey, Head of Human Resources at Borough Care, says: “We’ve introduced My Workplace as it’s important all our employees feel that they have control over their personal information and can access the data wherever they are, particularly for those people who work shifts. The system will allow us to more easily check all employee records, hold important documents on individual files, run reports on staff turnover and ensure people are paid accurately for the hours they’ve worked. My Workplace is one of a number of initiatives we are introducing to continually improve working life for our staff.” Find out more
Care workers love their profession, but endure poor pay & abuse
Report finds home care workers love their profession, but endure poor pay, abuse and fear the impact of Brexit and automation A new report on the state of the home care industry has found that home care workers are facing extremely difficult social, political and economic challenges in carrying out their roles. The report by leading home care reviews site, homecare.co.uk, surveyed 1,305 members of the home care workforce. The findings show that home care workers continue to be dedicated to their jobs – with 94% saying they enjoy the role and 81% not intending to leave the profession – but they are working in challenging conditions. Care workers are facing tough economic times with over one in four (26%) not being paid the real living wage. Moreover, 38% are not being paid travel time – a widely documented poor practice in the industry. Job security is also highlighted as an area of concern, with 65% of care workers working for agencies that use zero-hour contracts. Due to the nature of their work they face a higher risk of abuse in the workplace than in other industries. With 65% reporting verbal abuse and 34% having received physical abuse while carrying out their role. The workforce is also concerned with social and political changes happening in the industry and the impact it will have on their work. Short-term fears include 47% saying Brexit will have a detrimental impact on the provision of care workers. Whilst longer-term 48% are concerned that their jobs might be replaced with the increase in automation in the sector. The report also includes insight into what the workforce want to see happen to attract more people to work in care. The majority, 45%, would like to see an increase in pay, 16% think there needs to be better training and 38% want the prestige of care work to be raised. Sue Learner, editor of homecare.co.uk, said: “Our first homecare.co.uk survey throws a spotlight on the humanity of the home care workforce and it is testament to their compassion and altruism, that despite often low wages and poor job security, the majority of care workers say they enjoy their job and have no intention of leaving the profession. “While MPs are fighting over Brexit, care workers are our unsung heroes, quietly getting on with the job of caring for the vulnerable and elderly. “Eighty-four per cent of home care workers in the UK are women and they are bearing the brunt of the government’s inability to fix the social care funding crisis. “It is time for the government to properly value care workers and celebrate the work they do by giving them the pay and status they deserve.” Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive of the National Association of Care and Support Workers, said: “In the era of austerity, the ethics surrounding zero-hour contracts have made the headlines, as many cited reduced job security, whilst others argued they are a tool of flexibility. The use of these contracts is still hugely prevalent in the care sector, with 65% of respondents saying their agency uses them. Reflecting the debate on this issue, the homecare.co.uk survey shows the issue of zero-hours contracts is as divisive in the care work force, with 47% agreeing with these contracts as tools of flexible working, whilst 41% take the opposing view. “Different options of contracts should be offered to care workers. Zero-hours contracts work if both sides understand the need and allow for flexibility and work together. Zero-hours contracts are unacceptable when they are used by providers as a way of keeping more people on for the benefit of extra availability, but create anxiety in care workers who then do not know how much they are going to earn next week. “Additionally, it is unacceptable that some providers still do not pay travel time. Travel time is not an additional benefit but a legally required part of community care workers’ pay. The guidance and enforcement of this must become stronger.” Robert Stephenson-Padron, Managing Director of Penrose Care in London, said: “Unless the Home Office comes up with an extremely fast special visa regime, as in one day or less, for social care prior to Brexit, then Brexit is likely to have a severe negative impact on social care in light of an already existing labour shortage and the prospect of local workers retiring or exiting and not being replaced by local workers. Such visas are likely to be unattractive to prospective workers unless they provide a clear and guaranteed pathway to permanent residency.” Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care UK, said: “Technology has real potential to drive positive change in the care sector but we must draw a line to ensure that we don’t remove the ‘human’ side of caring. We believe that technology should be used to ‘enhance’ the care being delivered, but it will never replace it. “Combining high-tech with high-touch means that we can drive higher quality care which is even more bespoke to an individual but without removing the personal touch. It’s about ensuring technology is used as a catalyst for improved connectivity and empowerment. “Technology like care robots could well be used in future, but not in isolation – we believe the human touch will always be needed.”
New launch set to revolutionise care plans
Log my Care, the care software provider, today announces the launch of its new Care Plan and Assessments tool, designed to revolutionise how care plans are created and managed. The new tool is designed to save time, whilst enabling care managers to create individual care plans that meet CQC’s requirements. Unlike other care planning tools, information links through seamlessly from initial pre-assessment, to a full set of care plans for each activity of daily living (ADL), to a full set of risk assessments. For example, if a pre-assessment shows that a person has some difficulties in mobility, straightaway this becomes part of the care plan and the app prompts a full mobility assessment and helps identify risks. This means that care teams quickly build an understanding of what the person can do by themselves and what they need help with – and crucially, informs what practical actions staff need to take on the ground. The care planning tool was developed after research carried out by Log my Care identified several common problems in the care planning process. One of the most frequent complaints was having to enter the same basic information – such as name, date of birth and next of kin – again and again in lots of different places. With Log my Care this information now needs to be entered just once, saving time, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. Another challenge was the lack of specific regulatory guidance about what should go into a care plan. Log my Care have therefore created a full library of assessments to help guide care professionals through the process of identifying the care individual people might need. Care teams also reported that care planning is very time consuming and involves a lot of writing. Log my Care have designed the new module to be intuitive and easy-to-use, with drop-down boxes where possible. Risk scores and levels are calculated as assessments are filled in, removing the need for mental maths, and documents are automatically compiled to build up a one-stop complete care plan. Using the app also means care staff have the care plan at their fingertips, rather than it being locked away in an office. A version history is saved automatically so that there is a record of any changes made to the care plan over time, creating an instant audit trail. Reminders can also be set to make sure reviews are triggered regularly and on time. Alexandra Anton, Care Manager at Carrick House Nursing Home, was one of the Care Managers involved in road-testing the new module and comments: “In the past, we sometimes felt so tied up with the paperwork that it was difficult to focus on what is truly important in a care plan. We said we wanted care plans that are adaptable, and we wanted help to make sure that nothing is missed. That is exactly what we have with Log my Care’s new module. It has already completely changed the way we view and carry out the whole process. Care planning is also taking us a fraction of the time it used to, allowing us so much more time to focus on the people we care for rather than the admin.” Stuart Prince, an independent consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the care sector, advised Log my Care during the development of the new tool and comments: “For a care planning tool to work effectively it needs to be built with the co-operation of people actually working in care. From the very early stages, Log my Care have involved care providers in testing concepts and content, which I think is the right way to go about it. Person-centred planning is an absolute must too, and it is of huge importance that it runs right through the care planning process. It is not easy to do, but Log my Care have got a design that allows that. The person receiving care needs to be key in terms of decision making. With Log my Care’s Care Planning tool, because the process begins with the assessment it means the person is involved fully right from the start – and the plan is about their strengths just as much as about what they need support with.” Sam Hussain, Founder of Log my Care, comments: “The care planning process is vitally important but too many hours are being lost which we see as a terrible waste. Carers told us that they know their time is better spent with people rather than copying and pasting their date of birth across fifty forms. People have put care plans online before but they tend to be static forms, which really isn’t that helpful. Our new care planning tool joins the dots through the whole process, leading to detailed, personalised and practical care plans. This is a step-change in what we can offer the sector.” Log my Care’s core system is free to use and available to download from both the App Store and Google Play, with no need to book a demo appointment or provide credit card or other payment details and no lengthy contracts. The Care Planning and Assessments module is free to all users for 30 days. At the end of the trial period, users can continue with the module for a cost of £40 + VAT per home per month. If at the end of 30 days the user does not wish to continue, their account will automatically be put back on to the standard free core system. To find out more and use the system for free, visit www.logmycare.co.uk/care-plans/.
Fire Safety Services With Integrity
Choosing a Fire Safety Company who enter and work in your premises is a personal thing. In an ideal world, we could choose a company who is local, professional, friendly, reliable, established, trustworthy, punctual familiar, competent, qualified, loyal, efficient and third party accredited. Some Fire Companies deliver less than this, which often lead to frustration and dis-satisfaction. At MCFP, we realise that Care Homes are unique in their living and working environments. We specialise in providing service and maintenance to Care Homes and value the sensitive environments that you work in. • Fire Extinguishers • Fire Alarm & Emergency Lighting • Fire Risk Assessment • Fire Warden and Staff Training • Sprinklers • Fire Door surveys and maintenance • CCTV and Intruder Alarms • PAT testing • Nurse Call Systems Another important point when choosing the Fire Safety Company you choose to work with, is to ensure their competency. MCFP achieve this by gaining Third party accreditation:- ISO 9001 certified, which ensures their quality control systems are seamless. BAFE qualified, which means that all MCFP technicians are trained, qualified and audited to ensure that safe, competent procedures are followed to British standards. NSI Gold registered, which guarantees our clients that work is carried out to strict standards and code of conducts. CHAS registered and on the Safe Contractors register, which ensures Health and Safety competence. Call us today to discuss a FREE Fire Safety survey of your premises or visit our website to gain more information. Tel 01869 252600 www.mcfp.co.uk E mail- info@mcfp.co.uk
Nearly half of escape routes failed inspection
In a recent inspection by the London Fire Brigade (LFB), emergency plans were found to be particularly lacking. In 24% of care homes, there was evidence of poor evacuation planning, inadequate staff training or a potential lack of staff to evacuate the home safely. In 43% of cases, LFB found failures with protected escape corridors and faulty fire doors. Now Fire Safety Officers are working closely with Care Quality Commission and the Directors of Adult Social Services in each London borough to share information and to monitor standards during inspections. Chris Callow, the LFB’s Head of Policy for Fire Safety Regulation, explained the reasoning behind the review, saying: “A number of fires in 2017/18 raised concerns that fire safety in care homes may need review. In 2017 sadly two people died at a Cheshunt care home, after a fire travelled through voids in the roof, which allowed it to quickly engulf the entire building. Crews from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue found residents in many rooms, many too frail too move themselves to safety. Miraculously, 33 residents were rescued. “We’re calling for care home managers and Fire Risk Assessors to urgently review their fire safety protection and management arrangements to ensure the safety of residents and staff in case of fire.” Further guidance is available from Fire Safety Risk Assessment – Residential Care Premises from www.gov.uk.
