Manage supplies of catheter accessories with Ugo 4 Weeks
Optimum Medical has developed Ugo 4 Weeks to help give care homes more control over supplies of catheter drainage and fixation products. We understand that there are unique challenges regarding the control of these products in the care home environment. Some of the following scenarios may sound familiar: What is Ugo 4 Weeks? Ugo 4 Weeks is a 4-week supply of catheter drainage and fixation products, all contained within one box and available on prescription. Each box contains: How can Ugo 4 Weeks help care homes? To receive free samples of each product contained within Ugo 4 Weeks, please email marketing@optimummedical.co.uk and we’ll send you a sample box. Alternatively, to find out more, visit www.optimummedical.co.uk
Quartet of Leeds care homes awarded Good rating by CQC
Four Orchard Care Homes in Leeds have been awarded ‘Good’ ratings by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care. Nesfield Lodge, Middleton Park Lodge, Paisley Lodge and Lofthouse Grange & Lodge were given the ratings following scheduled inspections. The homes were assessed across five categories – safety, effectiveness, care, responsiveness and leadership, achieving ‘Good’ ratings across all criteria. Offering residential dementia care and short-term respite care, the homes promote a person-centred approach to care that provides residents with independence, compassion and empathy and all play a vital role in their local communities. One resident at Paisley Lodge said “The staff are kindness itself. They make this place what it is, a home, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” Relatives with family living at Nesfield Lodge confirmed “The carers are brilliant, they bend over backwards for residents and their families – it’s more like home, so welcoming and kind.” Sarah Armitage, Regional Director at Orchard Care Homes, commented “I couldn’t be more proud of our Leeds homes for the hard work and commitment that they have put into achieving their Good CQC Ratings. Our focus now shifts to maintaining this Good standard and continuing to improve ourselves.” Quality of care and invigorating best practice is at the forefront of Orchard Care Homes’ strategy and this latest CQC rating is testament to the group’s impressive record to provide the highest quality of care to its residents, with 71% of its homes now rated ‘Good’ and a 5* Food and Hygiene rating across all of Orchard Care Homes services. www.orchardcarehomes.com
Think JustGloves when you’re thinking of ways to reduce expenditure
Healthcare environments face some of the biggest challenges of any industry when looking at cost reduction. Maintaining exceptional levels of care in the face of tight budget constraints is extremely difficult, even for the largest of care providers. JustGloves is helping the UK healthcare industry to reduce outgoings by supplying top quality disposable clothing, including medical grade disposable gloves at arguably the lowest prices available anywhere online. How we achieve our low prices Part of the Value Products Group, JustGloves has a team of skilled purchasers who scour the globe for top suppliers and manufacturers of the most popular glove types and brands. We build longstanding relationships with these suppliers and purchase in bulk to achieve the best possible prices, that we then pass on to our customers. Our extensive range for the healthcare industry The JustGloves website offers every type of glove imaginable, including disposable medical grade nitrile, vinyl and latex gloves, specialist reusable gloves and eco-friendly biodegradable options—to name but a few. In recent years, we have also added products to our range that complement our healthcare gloves. This includes items such as disposable aprons, disposable face masks, overshoes, paper disposables and infection control products. Added benefits You may be purchasing at low prices, but you can be sure you won’t be receiving a low-cost service. We have a dedicated team of sales support representatives available on the telephone, email and webchat to assist you every step of the way. Free delivery is available on all orders over £65.00 to UK mainland delivery addresses, and orders placed before 4.30pm will be delivered the very next working day. As with all Value Products companies, JustGloves also offers established UK businesses the opportunity to set up an account with 30-days instant credit. This allows you to get the items you want exactly when you need them. By setting up an account with us, you can also view invoices, repeat orders and manage your details easily online. Our 30-day no quibble guarantee is another benefit there to give you peace of mind. This means that if for any reason there is an issue with your order, there will be no issue to you. Don’t take our word for it Every customer that orders from JustGloves is invited to submit an independent review about their experience on either eKomi or Trustpilot. We are extremely proud to have been awarded the eKomi Gold Seal of Approval as a trusted supplier with an average score of 4.9/5 from over 12,200 reviews, all of which have been verified by Google. We are also rated as Excellent on Trustpilot. It’s time to switch Our team would really like to start saving you money on your gloves and disposables. To view our full range and place your first order, visit www.justgloves.co.uk, email sales@justgloves.co.ukor call us on 0808 1699 117. Thank you for taking the time to read about us and we hope to hear from you soon. From, The JustGloves Team
Care Sourcer launches free health and wellbeing support
Care Sourcer launches free health and wellbeing support for over 800,000 UK care workers Care Sourcer, the UK’s first comparison and matching site for elderly care, has today announced that it is launching a free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to all UK care provider employees. The free programme, provided through Health Assured and initially funded by Legal & General, is available to employees of both care homes and care-at-home providers. Care Sourcer’s EAP will provide a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7, covering a wide range of issues including mental or physical stress, bereavement of residents they have formed close bonds with, money worries, and general low morale. Stress, depression, anxiety and sickness are highly prevalent amongst care workers and can force them to take extended time off work. In many cases, it leads to high turnover of staff. EAPs provide invaluable support to help people taking time off work to deal with mental and physical stress and can even get them to return to work sooner. Care Sourcer estimates that around 800,000 care workers, many of whom face daily challenges such as stress and depression, will benefit from their EAP. Care Sourcer is free for people seeking care and searches thousands of registered care providers across the UK to bring a tailored list of local care providers to users within 48 hours. Legal & General will fund the EAP for the first 12 months of its operation. Last year, the FTSE100 financial services company announced it was investing £6m in Care Sourcer, before launching its care-focused Retirement Living Solutions division earlier this year. Care providers can register for the free EAP at caresourcer.com/behind-every-care-worker Andrew Parfery, CEO, Care Sourcer: “Care workers are local heroes; they dedicate their lives to caring for others but often there is no one to care for them in their time of need. Stress and depression, a lack of confidence and anxiety are all big challenges facing people in the care workforce. “At Care Sourcer, our goal is to use technology to help create a fairer care system that is easier for those seeking support to find the care their loved ones need, but we also want to get behind the UK’s care workers. Many often go above and beyond to help the people they are looking after and we’re proud to offer our support by providing this free EAP that can help those working in the care sector in their own time of need. “Improving the retention of staff is central to creating a better care system. Our EAP will support providers to better the work-life balance of their caring staff, supporting them in their time of need, and ultimately help care homes and at home care companies to build sustainable, quality-driven businesses.” Steve Ellis, CEO, Legal & General Retirement Living Solutions: “We invested in Care Sourcer as we want to help transform the care sector by making it better for both those in need of care and the care workers that work so hard to support thousands of people across the UK. “Our Group Protection business has long supported EAPs as an effective initiative to tackle stress and depression amongst employees and ultimately help them return to work sooner. For Legal & General, supporting Care Sourcer’s EAP launch is another positive step towards our long-term aim of building a better, fairer society for all.” Richard Muncaster, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, offered his support for the EAP, saying: “Our own research shows that care workers often face challenges with finances, mental health, care needs at home, and not feeling valued, so news of a free employee assistance helpline for the sector is very welcome. Now all care organisations, regardless of budget, can offer care workers professional support to talk through any personal challenges, and provide guidance on how to get further help.” Find out more
NCS Young People Get Arty At Borough Care’s Lisburne Court
Borough Care recently welcomed young people taking part in a National Citizen Service – NCS – project to its Lisburne Court home in Offerton. Borough Care, the largest not-for-profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has linked up with The Challenge, one of the leading providers of the National Citizen Service. NCS is a government-backed programme open to young people between the ages of fifteen and seventeen. The programme helps them develop skills for their working life and the transition into adulthood. The group of young people met with staff and residents at Lisburne Court to decide what the project should entail. It was decided the outside area where residents sit needed brightening up so the young people came up with a mural design, which was painted onto wood and attached to the building. Circles of wood, from a felled tree, were decorated by residents and the young people working together. These will be hung from tree branches, as a memory of the day. Commenting on the National Citizen Service project, Donna Allwood, Activity Lifestyle Facilitator at Lisburne Court, says: “The young people did an amazing job. They were very friendly towards our residents and interacted with them brilliantly. Being involved with a National Citizen Service project has been great for our residents, who have loved having the buzz of young people around. There have been benefits for the young people too, as they have got to know more about people from a different generation and really made a difference to their lives. The young volunteers were first introduced to our residents at a tea dance we held at the home, which was a great way for everyone to meet and do something fun together. Young and old alike had a great afternoon. On the day they painted the mural and wooden plaques for the trees, it was lovely to see the young people interacting with some of our residents and helping them create some beautiful artwork that everyone at the home will be able to enjoy.” Shivani Oza, 16, from Bramhall was elected as the project’s Team Director by her fellow National Citizen Service participants. Shivani says: “Doing this project has made me more aware of dementia and what some of the older people are going through. Doing something so worthwhile is great. I’ve enjoyed helping the residents to paint. The mural we’ve all produced features a bee, to represent Greater Manchester as a whole, and forget-me-not flowers, which are associated with dementia. All our artwork will really brighten up the garden for residents.” Tambir Ahmed, 16, decided to participate in the National Citizen Service programme as he wanted to challenge himself and help out for a good cause. Tambir says: “My confidence has improved, I’ve mixed with different people and made lots of new friends. Working with the older people has been great. It’s been lovely to see the residents getting involved, creating something together and seeing them happy. Being involved in this project, I’ve learnt a lot more about dementia.” Praise Owoeye, 16, thinks she has got lots out of the project. Praise says: “Getting to know people from different generations and seeing a different side of life was a new experience for me. I really enjoyed helping the older people with the painting. Participating in the National Citizen Service scheme has given me more confidence too.” To raise money for the materials to complete their project, the National Citizen Service participants did a sponsored litter pick around the trail of giant painted frogs in Stockport.
Residential Care Home Thriving as New Extension is Announced
The Beeches Residential Care Home has announced the addition of a new extension to its current home, enabling more people in the area to access care and support. Located in Ixworth near Bury St Edmunds, the home has extended their building with an additional ten en-suite bedrooms adding to the existing single, double and en-suite rooms. The new addition also features a landscaped courtyard where residents can enjoy outdoor space and socialise with friends and family. The home has plans to celebrate the unveiling of the extension with friends, family and the local community invited to take a tour and meet residents. Fitted with modern furnishings, the new addition to the home includes en-suite showers, along with room for residents’ own belongings to make them feel at home. Angela Wade, The Beeches Registered Manager, explained the secret to the home’s success; “By finding the right staff, delivering the best care and creating a friendly, welcoming environment, we have been able to thrive over the past 13 years, and now even extend. “We are proud of the compassionate care that we provide to our residents each and every day. Our first priority will always be the happiness of our residents, creating a place they can call home and this expansion is testament to the commitment of our care team. “Our residents and care team are already excited by the prospect of meeting new people and welcoming them into the community.” The Beeches provides specialist dementia residential care with a team of dedicated care staff who provide around the clock care for residents. For more information on The Beeches Care Home, or to take a look around the home, please call 01359 230773 or visit https://www.thebeeches-ixworth.co.uk
Preventing injury and managing chronic wounds
Around 3 million people in the UK are currently living with a chronic wound; these include diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers and skin tears. A survey of more than 200 people living with chronic wounds (conducted by Mölnlycke, a provider of wound care solutions) revealed that living with an open wound for almost a year has become the ‘new normal’ in the UK. As the majority (80%) of patients require dressing changes at least twice a week, it’s unsurprising to discover over a third of patients reported their wound has a high impact on their quality of life. But how can you prevent an injury in the first place? And how can you effectively manage a non-healing wound? 1. Diabetic foot ulcers People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from circulation problems and may suffer from a loss of sensation (neuropathy) in their feet. They may not notice when they injure their feet, so should be particularly careful to wear well-fitting shoes that do not rub or cause blisters. If you deal with diabetic foot ulcers… Factors that affect healing include poorly controlled blood sugar and constant pressure on the ulcer. Follow your patient’s treatment plan, aim to get their blood sugar under control and stay off their feet as much as possible, to allow the wound to heal. The European Wound Management Association (EWMA) recently evaluated oxygen therapies and highlighted that twice as many chronic wounds healed when the haemoglobin spray Granulox was used in wound care. 2. Pressure ulcer These primarily affect people who have mobility issues and spend long periods of time confined to a bed or wheelchair. However some people may acquire a pressure ulcer after an operation, as laying in one position can put pressure on the skin. If you deal with pressure ulcers… Seek medical attention as soon as possible. A GP or nurse can prescribe special dressings that speed up the healing process and relieve the pressure on the affected area of skin. 3. Venous leg ulcer Affecting around 1 in 500 of the population, you are more at risk of developing one if you’ve ever had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), suffer varicose veins, have osteoarthritis or are overweight. These chronic sores can ooze fluid and be very painful for sufferers. If you deal with leg ulcers… Most venous leg ulcers heal within three to four months if they’re treated by a healthcare professional trained in compression therapy. Treatment involves cleaning and dressing the wound using compression, such as bandages or stockings, to improve the flow of blood in the legs. Speak to the GP about the underlying cause of the leg ulcer and how else this could be addressed to prevent leg ulcers becoming a recurring problem. 4. Skin tears Older fragile skin is at the highest risk of skin tears and these often develop into chronic wounds, so it is really important to look after elderly skin and prevent skin tears. Studies have shown that applying emollients every day, (like Epaderm Cream, Boots), can reduce skin tears. If you deal with skin tears… For skin tear sufferers, the process of removing and re-applying wound dressings can create further injury. Speak to your healthcare team about specialist dressings which minimise trauma to the skin (and pain at dressing changes) such as Mepilex Border Comfort
Make Living With Dementia Easier
LEADING ELDERLY CARE EXPERT SHARES TIPS THAT CAN MAKE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA EASIER Philippa Fieldhouse from Richmond Villages suggests small home adaptions that can make life easier for people living with dementia “With one person in the UK expected to be diagnosed with Dementia every three minutes by 2051, learning how to care for people with this disease and staying at the forefront of best practice is key,” says Philippa Fieldhouse, Managing Director of Bupa owned retirement accommodation, Richmond Villages. Philippa, who runs retirement villages across the country says we must develop our understanding of the needs of those living with the disease to best care and support this increasing segment of society. Philippa is particularly interested in taking cues from her Dutch counterparts who she believes are paving the way in this sector. Philippa explains a dementia diagnosis for both the patient and loved ones can be incredibly daunting and emotionally draining: “From my experience it’s the unpredictable nature of the illness that adds such stress for families. When a parent or partner discovers they or their family member has the disease they have so many questions… “Will we have to adapt our home? How quickly will the disease take hold? Will they be safe in their own home? How can I help them remember key milestones? Is a specialist care home the best place to be? “At Richmond we appreciate the prospect of dementia is daunting initially but we have the experience in supporting people to reduce their fears and have had success in making their journey easier for the residents and their loved ones. “For most people, dementia progresses very slowly, meaning that people live with it for many years. Doctors can try and prevent further damage and slow down the progress in patients with some forms of the disease. At Richmond Villages we aim to create an environment which is as comfortable as possible for those living with dementia. “In 2020 we will be opening our first dementia-only centre in Willaston, Cheshire. Inspired by the Dutch model at Hogeweyk, it will be a lifestyle-led community with residents living with likeminded peers in small households of six people. The theory behind the concept is that it preserves residents’ autonomy with choice; over food, drinks and leisure activities and gives residents the freedom to run their own households. “As we are all only too aware of the detrimental effects of loneliness, we encourage as much social interaction as possible at our Villages across the country. We always run a busy schedule of activities including choirs, arts and crafts and exercise sessions. “Safety and security, balanced with creating a real sense of home and visual recognition prompters, are at the heart of our care. Many of our ideas can be brought into the home to help with the early onset of dementia and help people navigate their surroundings in a world that is increasingly hard to make sense of.” Philippa’s tips: Create a memory box:It sounds very simple, but a family photo, a keepsake or a newspaper article can help bring back a memory. These memories can help to prompt conversations with loved ones. Label key places in the home: Labels and signs are useful; for example, a sign on the toilet. And as elderly people tend to look down as opposed to up, ideally place them lower. Put photographs on key cupboards: Consider putting images of cups and saucers on the cupboards and drawers to show what’s inside them. Clear cupboard doors can be very useful. Buy dementia-friendly devices: These include telephones with large buttons and clocks with LCD displays showing the day of the week, the date and the time. Make flooring safe: Plain flooring is best and it’s a good idea to get rid of rugs or mats as they are trip hazards. Lighting:Consider extra lighting in the home, ideally in the kitchen and bathroom to keep these rooms safe. Lights that come on automatically may help prevent falls if the person gets out of bed and walks about at night. Run by the National Alzheimer’s Society, National Dementia Action Week, aims to unite people, workplaces, schools and communities to take action and improve the lives of people living with dementia. Richmond Villages provide varying levels of accommodation from independent living homes and apartments through to assisted living care suites with specialist care for dementia.
CM urges the social care industry to embrace technology
Leading care workforce management solution urges the social care industry to embrace technology A market leading workforce management technology company is urging local authorities and care providers to embrace technology and digital solutions to tackle the social care crisis. Part of HAS Technology Group, CM (previously CM2000) provide innovative mix and match technology to suit the needs and budgets of local authority and private care providers. With the social care industry at a tipping point, and many providers struggling to be financially sustainable, technology is providing the ability to gather intelligence, support the achievement of outcomes and ensure the right care is delivered at the right time. Launched in 1999, CM created the electronic homecare monitoring market at a time when manually processing timesheets was the norm and transparency of care delivery was non-existent. CM started as a simple visit time recording solution and has grown rapidly now supporting 122 local authorities and over 3,000 care provider branches with integrated care monitoring, scheduling, safeguarding and financial management solutions, as well as latest innovations including wearable technology. CM has continually innovated to meet the changing needs of the social care market and has been at the forefront of supporting outcomes-based commissioning and continuity of care delivery, with over 240,000 service users currently benefiting from CMs technology services. North Tyneside Council commented: “One word we associate with CM’s technology is SAFE – safe in the knowledge my customers are receiving the best possible service, delivered at the right time providing the right care and that my staff are safe while at work.” Mark Kennion, CM director, added: “CM has come a long way since its inception, initially adopted as an efficiency tool. Advancements in technology, and the innovative nature of our business, has enabled us to continually adapt and develop systems that will ultimately improve the quality of care delivered to the end user. “Our technology has already proven to enable capacity, reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. This has to be about improving the quality of care people receive and the social care industry need to treat digital projects as long-term business change projects.” CMs vision is to help improve the efficiency and quality of home care delivery with the belief that care should be good quality with services that are transparent. Whether care is funded by an individual or the state, CM believes that you should only pay for what is actually delivered and this needs to work in tandem with a fair price for care. Cllr Kathy Williams, Cabinet Member for Long-term Care, Gloucestershire County Council added “Our top priority has always been to make sure vulnerable people across the county receive the care they need. CM has helped us ensure that care is being met”. HAS Technology Group offers a variety of services, including CM, PAMMS and ARMED, which provide holistic prevention, commissioning and a delivery package of solutions. The group is leading the way with an innovative approach to social care technology solutions to ensure ongoing improvements in delivery and quality of care.
