Duplex Cleaning Machines
Duplex advocate, Tracey Kirkland who is Head Housekeeper of a large care home in Surrey commented recently: – I work in a large care home where in recent years we introduced the Duplex cleaning machine to our range of cleaning appliances. We found the Duplex machine to be very user friendly and light enough to be suitable for all users. The cleaning power of the machine is incredible. The Duplex is not only easy to manoeuvre around but very quiet compared to the other cleaning machines I use. Also, there are no nasty chemicals used – it works by steaming – which is environmentally friendly, a very important factor with our residents in mind. You have only to watch the machine work to see how powerful it is on hard floor surfaces, it is amazing and I have used many machines but none clean and sanitize like the Duplex. The surface of the cleaned area is dry almost immediately which reduces the risk of slips and falls immensely. Not only does the Duplex clean hard floors, it also cleans carpets of urine, faeces and other spillages common in a care home but again leaves the carpet with very little drying time required which is an asset in this environment. On first receiving the Duplex cleaning machine we were given a full installation and training session by a Duplex representative – all was explained clearly and all our questions were answered in clear simple terminology! If you are thinking of purchasing a new machine for cleaning carpets and hard floors why not just book a demonstration. Find out more
Cupcake sales raises funds to support those with cancer
A CUPCAKE sale at University Hospital of North Tees has generated £120 to support those with cancer. Staff at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, in Peterlee, organised the sale to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Alongside selling the homemade cupcakes, they also handed out literature to raise awareness of cancer, diabetes and dementia. Home manager Lynn Chapman, senior carer Haley Grant and activities coordinators Abby Gormley and Dawn Minto all helped run the stall. The home’s cook, Carol Gingell, baked the cupcakes. Lynn said: “I would like to thank our cook Carol for the lovely cakes she baked. I would also like to thank Haley, Dawn and Abby for a great day. “This is one of the first fundraisers we are doing for our chosen charity and we have a few more surprises later in the year.” Macmillan Cancer Support is the chosen charity of the Hill Care Group, which operates Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, for 2019/20. Dozens of homes across the north of England are taking part in a year of fundraising activities, aiming to raise as much as possible for the charity. Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Inspirational event for care providers returning to Liverpool
Care Roadshows, the leading event tailored to the care sector, is set to return to Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool on 14th May. This year’s free event promises an interactive and hands-on experience for visitors, along with informative seminars brought to you by experts in their fields. The CPD seminar programme will be kicked off by Jonathan Cunningham, who will present his five-stage plan for achieving an Outstanding rating, based on his own experience as Owner of Rosebank Care Home, which followed the same strategy over 18 months and was graded Outstanding in December 2016. Later in the day, Inspection Manager for the CQC, Catherine Challinor will provide an update on the next phase of inspections and will present best practice examples to gain ideas from. In addition, Headline Sponsors, Quality Compliance Systems will be exploring the thinking behind the Human Rights agenda and share practical ideas to help care providers embed equality, respect and dignity into all aspects of their service. All seminars are free to attend, allowing visitors to simply turn up on the day and take their seats. There will also be two workshops throughout the day focusing on ageing and sensory perception, provided by Saint-Gobain Ecophon. These sessions will interactively explore the effects of ageing and dementia on our bodies and how this affects the information we perceive from the world around us, with the aim of helping care providers to make appropriate adjustments to their residents’ living environments. Leading industry exhibitors at the event will also showcase a range of the latest products, services and technologies at the event, including training, activities, interior design, nutrition and much more. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to make lasting business connections and have their questions answered by experts from a variety of specialisms. To see the full programme and to register for free tickets today, visit www.careroadshows.co.uk or call 01425 838393. As well as being in Liverpool, Care Roadshows will also be coming to Birmingham, Cardiff and London throughout the year – for more details and to register for all events, simply visit the website.
Florence celebrates 101st birthday with care home party
Family and friends celebrated the 101st birthday of former church volunteer and school pianist Florence Chettle. Her birthday was marked with a party at Barnfield Care Home, in Chesterfield, where she has lived since March 2018. Florence was joined by three generations of her family for the day, when she was presented with two specially made cakes, cards and gifts. She has three children, eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren who live in Canada, America and Australia, as well as the UK. Alongside a card from the Queen, members of Florence’s family unable to attend the care home party sent celebratory cards and greetings from around the world. Florence was born in Nottingham on 15th April 1918. In 1945 she married Frank Chettle, a headteacher at Tapton House School, in Chesterfield. They were married for over 66 years, before Frank passed away in 2011. Florence moved from Nottingham to Norwich, Worcestershire and, finally, Chesterfield during her married life. She carried out voluntary work for the Methodist church, ran a playgroup and played the piano in various schools. She also has a lifelong interest in knitting and baking. Tracey Turner, home manager at Barnfield Care Home, on Heath Road, said: “We celebrated Florence’s 100thbirthday just a month after she moved into the home in March last year. “It was amazing to see so many members of her family here again to mark her 101stthis year – alongside all of our residents and staff wishing her well. “She had a brilliant day and got so many lovely cards and gifts.” Happy birthday Florence! Barnfield Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Sponsored walk for dementia friendly sensory garden
RESIDENTS and staff have raised hundreds of pounds for a dementia friendly sensory garden at their care home. A 3.5-mile sponsored walk around Carr Ellison Park, in Hebburn, near Newcastle, generated more than £280 in sponsorship. The funds will be used to buy a variety of plants and vegetables, raised flower beds and other multi-sensory items for the garden at Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West. The sponsored walk was undertaken by residents, staff, family and friends of the home. One of those was 75-year-old Harry West, who was joined by his granddaughter Samantha West, daughter Angela Groark, son Malcolm West and daughter-in-law Annemarie West. Fellow resident Patricia Greig, 75, also took part in the walk. She said: “The park is beautiful. It’s great to see the squirrels running around they’re lovely. I have enjoyed my day.” Christine Chandler, activities coordinator at Willowdene Care Home, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to all the family members for supporting the sponsored walk. “The funds will go a long way to creating a sensory garden for our residents. “Gardening and being outside has a therapeutic effect on those living with dementia, so we look forward to making the most of our garden during the warmer, summer months.” Willowdene Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Pupils praised by care home after work experience week
ELDERLY residents have expressed their gratitude to two school pupils after a week working at their care home for work experience. 15-year-olds Hannah Pears and Molly Ratcliff supported staff and spent time with residents living at Pelton Grange Care Home, in Pelton, County Durham. The pupils from North Durham Academy, in Stanley, provided support with the tea trolley and dining, general housekeeping and social activities. Hannah said: “I had a great week. I had a lot of fun listening to the stories of the residents.” Molly added: “I never thought about what it was like in a care home. It was nice to see the residents had so much choice.” Resident Yo Barras, 96, said: “It was lovely to have such lively young girls in the building. They’ve been such a help and I’d like to say thank you on behalf of everyone here.” After completing their work experience, home manager Chris Hogan-Hind presented the girls with certificates as a box of chocolates each to say thank you. He said: “Hannah and Molly have been absolute stars during their work experience week. Such a help to the staff and the residents have all loved chatting to them. “Working with North Durham Academy, we were delighted to give the pupils a chance to experience working in a care home. “We’re always looking to partner with local schools, colleges and other organisations, to support each other where possible.” Pelton Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Exidor
Critically designed to support and maintain the integral passive fire protection within a care home – Exidor’s Guardian door closer is the only electromagnetic closer in the market specifically designed to meet the needs of residential care facilities. Exidor are a proud UK manufacturer based in Cannock, Staffordshire, specialising in the care home market. Already UK market leaders in emergency escape hardware and electromagnetic closers, Exidor are experts in their field of fire door closers as well as escape systems. Exidor’s Guardian electromagnetic door closer is an innovative advancement from traditional swing free closers and has been designed to take into consideration the specific needs of the Care Home environment. It has two unique features aimed to improve both the physical safety of residents and staff as well as the passive fire safety of the care facility itself. Drift Resistance: Unbalanced doors naturally swing open or closed, or doors can swing with a draught. This can result in residents wedging doors open and invalidating them as fire doors. Exidor’s Guardian closer offers a low level control on the door, which stops it from drifting from its open position, at the same time as allowing it to operate freely to the user. Anti-Slam Finger Protection: The swing free mode of a closer can allow a door to slam shut. Whether this is accidental, deliberate or just caused by a draught, it poses a real risk to frail residents and care home workers alike. The Guardian closer has been specifically developed with an anti-slam function which controls and slows the motion of the door. And, as they are linked to the fire alarm system, they only close when you need them to. These features allow residents ultimate control over their doors during normal function and help to ensure that, in the event of a fire, the closers can do the job they are designed to do, and shut the door safely and securely helping to maintain the integral passive fire protection within the building. Please contact Exidor for further information or details of a local distributor, or visit www.exidor.co.uk Exidor contact details: Sales Office: 01543 578661 Email: sales@exidor.co.uk www.exidor.co.uk
Daredevil nurses zip line for children’s hospice
A DAREDEVIL 70-year-old nurse will take on three zip lining challenges in just two hours to raise funds for a children’s hospice. Sue Shooter will soar over Penrhyn Quarry, in Wales, for a total of nearly 2km in aid of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, in Huddersfield. The Registered General Nurse (RGN) at Aden House Care Home, in Clayton West, will cover the distance by flying down three zip wires in “Europe’s largest zip zone”. Sue decided to take on the Zip World Titan challenge after her 70th birthday. She will be joined experience by fellow RGN Julia Woodhead. Sue said: “People were asking me what I would like for a present and there’s nothing I really need at my age. “So I decided to raise money for the children’s hospice and do something a little daring at the same time. “I chose Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in memory of my late husband, Vernon, who passed away in August 2017. “It was Vernon’s last wish to donate money from his funeral to a local children’s charity and, as I don’t need any presents, I asked for donations to go to the hospice.” Julie Eveleigh, interim home manager at Aden House Care Home, said: “Everyone at Aden House, including staff and residents, are so proud of Sue and Julia for taking on the challenge. “Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice provides a vital service for so many children and families in the area and we’re sure the money they raise will go along way to supporting that work.” The event takes place on Saturday, 13th April. Anyone wishing to sponsor Sue and Julia should visit their fundraising website
New Key Appointment at Runwood Homes
With 33 years’ credible experience within the health and social care sector, Clare Silvester has joined Runwood Homes at its Head Office in Hadleigh, Essex, to fill the recent Head of Quality and Governance vacancy. Beginning her career as a carer, Clare’s passion and drive for good quality care has seen a natural and significant progression within adult and elderly care, gaining valuable hands on experience and knowledge along the way, to become an expert in senior care quality and governance. As Head of Quality and Governance, Clare‘s role will ensure a robust framework to evidence the delivery of personalised, safe, effective, caring, responsive, well lead, high quality healthcare. Clare also monitors Runwood Homes residential care and nursing home services and continuously strives to improves care standards across the portfolio. Speaking of her role with Runwood Homes, which commenced in April 2019, Clare Silvester said, “Initially my priorities will be to review what current systems are working well and looking at immediate opportunities to improve our services. My longer term strategy will be to ensure Runwood Homes is always proactive and forward thinking with all our approaches to care delivery and governance.” Clare Silvester’s previous employment includes working for West Essex CCG in day care and acute elderly wards, advancing to long term employment with Essex County Council with successful roles in adult social care inspection management and quality improvement. More recently, Clare has taken on independent consultancy work, acted as Area Director and was a specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission. When asked what the future of Quality and Governance look like within the care service industry, Clare said, “The future holds exciting challenges for the sector; Quality and Governance will be more than just monitoring the overall operations of the business via Key Performance Indicators. We need to provide the entire workforce with appropriate and robust information that can be used consistently up and down the line to ensure everyone’s performance directly supports key objectives and strategies of the business.” Chief Operating Officer of Runwood Homes, Gavin O’Hare-Connolly, adds, “I welcome Clare in this pivotal appointment as we progress our services to a level leading the sector. The provision of high quality nursing and residential care is both expected and standard across our organisation and the investment in quality and governance only cements my clear vision of excellence as standard.” For more information about the Senior Team at Runwood Homes please visit https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/senior-team For all general enquiries please call 01702 559797 or email info@runwoodhomes.co.uk
