Free Interactive Post Falls Assessment Tool Launched
A free interactive post falls assessment tool devised by the West Midlands Ambulance Service has officially launched and is now available to download on both iOS and Android devices. The new App has been launched to support carers and care assistants to be able to assess fallen residents and to make the informed decisions whether they can lift the faller themselves safely and with the appropriate lifting equipment. It is part of a continuing initiative to decrease the amount of unnecessary ambulance callouts to un-injured fallers which is currently costing the NHS over £50 million a year and to safeguard the lives of residents living in care homes; as clinical research has shown that delayed initial recovery (a lie greater than 10 minutes but less than 1 hour) and long-lie (a lie greater than 1-hour post fall) can result in serious health implications for the faller, such as, skin damage resulting in pressure sores, kidney failure and pneumonia. (ROSPA 2017) In the Mills, S & Whitehead, R (2018) Amber Review it highlighted that; “the longest waits for patients in the community must reduce.” Mangar Health, a manufacturer and supplier of moving and handling equipment, the ELK and Camel Lifting Cushions worked closely with the Welsh Ambulance Service and the West Midlands Ambulance Service to launch the new ISTUMBLE app. Simon Claridge, CEO at Mangar Health explained, “We are very proud to be involved in another project where we are having a direct impact on safeguarding the lives of care home residents and helping to reduce unnecessary ambulance callouts. This is another great example of how the public and private sector can work hard together and strive to reach our joint goal of creating better healthcare outcomes for all involved.” The free ISTUMBLE App takes carers through a series of questions, such as, ‘Does the person who has fallen have new neck or back pain?’ to help distinguish whether the carer can safely lift the resident themselves with lifting equipment or if they need to call an ambulance immediately. If you would like to download the free post falls assessment tool, please visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store and search for ‘ISTUMBLE’.
Smart Home Social Care
As the population ages, the demand for high quality carers rises. By 2026 it’s predicted that the UK will need around 420,000 more carers, but with the current vacancy rate high and the amount of those showing interest in the care sector diminishing, it’s important that technology is utilised in order to help fill the gaps and provide the best social care possible. Some countries are already embracing technologies in their infancy such as smart home devices and robotics in order to enhance their care levels. Japan, for example, has made care bots prominent in its Shin-tomi nursing home and has committed to funding the development of more devices. The UK has been slower to adopt technology into its healthcare system but changes are starting to be made. For example, in 2017 Southend-on-Sea was the first council to employ a humanoid robot to assist older people with certain tasks. Is this just the start? Could the future see each elderly or vulnerable individual accompanied by humanoids? It’s clear we’re not there yet, but in the meantime what else could be done? Helen Dempster, Chief Visionary Officer, Karantis360, discusses how human and bot could soon work together to improve domiciliary care. More than a Bandaid Rather than being seen as a bandaid for stretched resources, digital solutions should lead the way to a better type of care. This year the Social Care Digital Innovation Movement has allocated ten authorities to receive up to £30,000 to design a digital solution to address a specific issue within their service, and eight will be receiving up to a further £90,000 to support implementation. This level of commitment to digital progress shows just how seriously the industry is taking the potential impact of digital solutions. The use of smart home technology is rising and with this comes wider levels of acceptance. The changing attitudes towards devices such as the Amazon Alexa are enabling these technologies to be used in all different sorts of ways. One council even recently started to use Alexa as a way of reducing the levels of isolation felt by its elderly constituents. As people start to live more regularly with these devices and consider technology more friend than foe, they are becoming more accepting of adopting other devices. This is not to say that cared for and carers alike want to be subjected to constant CCTV or biometric scanners, but unobtrusive technologies are more welcomed. IoT sensors can unassumingly monitor movement, humidity, and temperature across a home enabling a care organisation to rapidly gain a picture of each individual’s day to day routine – information that is then key to flagging changes which could reveal a problem. These AI based tools arm carers with better information and enable them to intervene at the right time and create a care programme that best suits the needs of the individual. This information also provides a platform for the end to end digitisation of healthcare, co-ordinating the ecosystem of local authorities, healthcare providers, NHS Trusts, GPs, registered nurses and care homes, inspiring a more proactive and interlinked approach to care. To Bot or Not to Bot? So what about robotics? Although it may feel a world away, humanoid robots are making real inroads within social care in other countries. When it comes to the UK however there’s been hesitancy. In part, this is due to budget restrictions, with the initial costs appearing eye-watering. On the other side of the problem is the perception of droids. The numerous sci-fi depictions of robots gone rogue, the uncertainty as to whether human jobs would be at risk, and the worry that the elderly would be afraid of the devices, all stack against introducing humanoids into the care system. In Tokyo’s Shin-tomi nursing home, 20 different models of robots are used to help care for residents, but how could they best be used unsupervised and in an individual’s home? These devices aren’t meant to be intrusive, they are meant to be inclusive. They can give prompts to the individual, help them complete tasks with step by step instructions, play games with them and even connect them via video calls with their families. This video connection could also be used as a real-time feed should a warning alert be triggered. In this case, care providers monitoring for any issues could then use the two-way communication feed through the droid to ask the individual to confirm if everything is as it should be. If a response doesn’t come through, the provider would then be allowed to remotely check the camera feed in order to assess the initial situation and enable them to respond faster to any issues. Presently droids can’t be seen as 24/7 care monitoring systems, they need time to charge and there are also still issues with them navigating some of the daily aspects in life, such as stairs. It’s also reasonable that individuals may want time alone, for example, when going to sleep. This is why a combined approach of droids and sensors would be the most beneficial strategy for all parties. When combined with IoT sensors they can also give a constant and fuller picture of the physical health of the client. Together these technologies can better monitor the physical movements of a person to help diagnose conditions earlier, from smaller problems such as urinary tract infections to identifying early signs of dementia. Alerts via these devices can then help carers and family members to ask the right questions and get to the heart of any problem faster. The Smaller Details Bots still have a way to go before they become widely adopted as a domiciliary care tool, but the technological solutions needed to start improving levels of care today may prove to be simpler than some think. Ultimately what any solution should aim to do is allow carers to focus on their clients and improve the wellbeing of the individual. There are solutions available that can have an immediate effect. By leveraging IoT sensors to provide a real-time view
Skills for Care launches new guide to help services improve
Skills for Care has launched a new online guide to help social care employers to identify, plan and implement improvements across their service The ‘Guide to improvement’ offers a comprehensive toolkit to help organisations deliver high quality care and support, and meet regulatory standards. The guide was created because, at the beginning of this year, 17% of regulated adult social care services in England were still delivering care that didn’t meet the CQC’s fundamental standards. Organisations need to act quickly to make sure that they meet these standards, as, when quality begins to drop, they’re much more likely to need costly interventions to turn that service around. Even when a service is already achieving the CQC’s fundamental standards continuous improvement is a key part of achieving and maintaining a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating. Skills for Care’s project manager, Rob Hargreaves, knows from working with employers that continuous improvement is vital for any service so they can meet the needs of the people they support. “Whether you’re responding to a negative inspection, or striving for ‘outstanding’, making improvement brings lots of benefits, no matter what your CQC rating,” says Rob Hargreaves. “As a manager, it’s your responsibility to decide what you want to improve and how you’ll do that. A CQC inspection provides an independent assessment of your service, and gives you the essential and potential areas for improvement to ensure that you meet, and exceed, their fundamental standards – but your CQC inspection shouldn’t be the only thing that drives improvement in your service. “’Good’ and ‘outstanding’ rated providers invest in a robust quality assurance process that considers feedback from people who need care and support, families, staff and other stakeholders, and use this to make informed decisions about their service. “They have strong leaders and managers, committed staff and a positive workplace culture that support improvement, and make the right investments to ensure it happens.” The online guide will help adult social care employers to identify what their service needs to improve and develop an action plan to implement the required changes. You can download the guide free from Skills for Care’s website at www.skillsforcare.org.uk/guidetoimprovement
£7.5m sheltered housing scheme opens at Danemore Tenterden
A major landmark in Ashford Borough Council’s multi-million-pound modernisation plan for its sheltered housing schemes has seen the re-opening of the £7.5m Danemore scheme in Tenterden. Located at Beechy Path and a short walk from the town centre, the new-look Danemore provides 34 homes for affordable rent for older people, together with four chalet bungalows which will be sold on the open market. Modelled on the multi-award-winning Farrow Court scheme developed by the council in south Ashford, Danemore has 25 one bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments, built to a high quality that are care ready. “The first tenants have moved in and I’m delighted to say that we are already seeing a really happy community atmosphere being generated there,” said Sharon Williams, Head of Housing at Ashford Borough Council. The first people to call Danemore home are enjoying a range of high-quality facilities. There is a large cosy communal lounge and kitchen, laundry room, guest suite, buggy store and cycle racks. A treatment room provides hair dressing, nail bar and podiatrist and chiropodist massage chair plus foot spa. A real community feel is fostered by the inclusion of shared facilities, including ‘hubs’ or sub lounges in addition to a main communal lounge located on the ground floor. The scheme has been designed to maximise natural daylight in each home and through the many shared spaces. Just as much care and thought has gone into designing exterior spaces at Danemore. The traditionally built carbon friendly flats incorporate a large area of green roofing, with each flat benefiting from a winter garden balcony protected by a glazed screen. There are architect landscaped designed garden spaces with potting shed and raised beds for residents to use. Security and connectivity are high priorities at Danemore – the scheme has CCTV monitored both on and off site, a video door entry system, a sprinkler system fitted in every apartment, the council-controlled Lifeline system installed and free WiFi in the lounge, with Freeview and Freesat also available in each of the 34 apartments. A manager is available to ensure the smooth running of the scheme, while ABC’s own Handyman service is able to help with maintenance work. Danemore is designed to be dementia-friendly throughout, taking into account colour schemes, light, corridor lengths, patterns and memory shelves. The scheme has been devised in recognition of the need to make special provision for the needs of an ageing population – by 2026 it is anticipated that around 40% of the residents within the Ashford borough will be aged over 50. Danemore costs around £7.5m, paid for through the council’s housing revenue account and grant funding from Homes England. Sharon Williams said: “Ashford Borough Council has a strong track record of taking an innovative approach to delivering quality accommodation that meets the needs of our residents. Our approach to the health and housing agenda is leading the way and gives people the chance to live independently, providing a range of cost, social and health benefits. “Farrow Court was the first project in our proactive approach to sheltered scheme remodelling and it has set the bar high. With the addition of Danemore and other schemes in the pipeline, we are making real progress in tackling the needs of an ageing population and helping to reduce social isolation.” The old Danemore sheltered housing scheme was demolished in 2017, with the new facility built by Westridge Construction Ltd, with architects PRP also involved.
Kathleen celebrates her 102nd birthday
CENTENARIAN Kathleen Cattermole has celebrated her 102nd birthday with family and friends at her care home in Derbyshire. A party was held at Longmoor Lodge Care Home, on Longmoor Lane, Sandiacre. She received cards, flowers and a homemade birthday cake as well as eight cupcakes decorated to spell her name. After the birthday bash, she said: “I feel good about reaching 102 years young.” Born in April 1917 in Long Eaton, Kathleen lived on Cranmer Street, before meeting her future husband at her aunt’s wedding, where she was a bridesmaid. From the age of 14, she worked as a clerk, rising to chief wage clerk by the time she married James Frederick William Cattermole in April 1947, at Ilkeston Registry Office. During World War 2, she received training on how to put out fires with stirrup pumps, spending her evenings fire watching. She said: “We had training but never had to put any fires out. We also had two soldiers billeted with us during the War. Everyone had to do their bit.” Kathleen has always been a keen dancer and used to tour the Nottingham clubs, ballroom and sequence dancing. She was also a pianist and performed alongside her brother, Harold Mason, who played the violin. She said: “He used to tap me on the head with his bow if I ever went wrong.” She has two children, daughter Zena and son Cliff, as well as five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, who visited the home for her party. Julie Mulvany, home manager at Longmoor Lodge Care Home, said: “Kathleen has been living at Longmoor Lodge for six years now. “She enjoyed a lovely party with her family on Saturday and today staff have given her some flowers. “Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Kathleen’s milestone birthday with her and she has had a lovely time seeing family and friends.” Longmoor Lodge Care Homeis part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Happy Days Dementia Workshop
At Happy Days Dementia Workshop, we are passionate about helping care teams enrich social care. We’ve spent many years visiting residential and dementia care homes, hospitals, care services and families. We observed and have since designed reminiscence materials to help people engage and prompt memories to bring about meaningful conversations and stories to share and enjoy. When people see and experience our range of traditional games like Jacks, Beetle Drive or bespoke Snakes & Ladders with chat prompts, to vintage sweet shops, bus stops, seaside displays and 1950s rooms, I’m often asked where it all started. Well, it all started in Lancaster, studying for a masters degree where I became interested in the effect that prompting the long term memory can have. Unbeknown to me at the time, this was the beginning of my journey into helping care teams engage and enrich social care for elderly and people living with dementia. Much has happened since then and here’s a peep into how Happy Days nostalgic materials and environment ideas can help: Care Homes: Hospitals: Home Care Providers: As we are now more aware of how loneliness is affecting people, companionship sessions are more established. Create a collection nostalgic games, large piece jigsaw puzzles, tactile items, reminiscence boxes and chat prompts to share with the people you are caring for. Dementia Cafes & Volunteers: For more information about Happy Days Dementia Workshop & Design’s range of engagement materials see: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk
Low Surface Temperature Radiator Covers
PolyCoversDirect is a UK based manufacturer of High Impact PVC radiator covers. Established in 2006 and now part of the Oadby Plastics Group of companies, PolyCoversDirect provide a range of cost effective, easy to install, low surface temperature radiator covers. Designed to be used in a variety of environments such as Care Homes, Hospital, Schools, Nurseries and Doctors Surgeries the PolyCovers product offers a commercially viable solution to the protection of both the service user and service provider. Manufactured here in the UK, each cover is bespoke to each customer’s requirements and can be easily retrofitted over existing radiators. Made from High Impact PVC our covers are easy to clean, impact absorbing, low maintenance, Class 1 fire rated and resistant to rusting, bending, denting and scratching. All our cover designs ensure no individual can be exposed to a surface temperature greater than 43°c in line with NHS and HSE guidelines and also protect against impact injuries from falls. By completing a simple survey sheet, which can be downloaded from our website, we can provide customers with quick and easy quotations. Alternatively, PolyCoversDirect staff are very happy to attend site and survey to establish the required size of your covers. If you have any further questions regarding our product and services or would like any further information please do not hesitate in contacting us on the details below. PolyCoversDirect Gallan Park Watling Street Cannock Staffordshire WS11 0XG Tel: 0800 246 5704 E-mail: sales@polycoversdirect.co.uk Website: www.polycoversdirect.co.uk
The changing face of dementia: New brand identity for North East charity
A North East-based not-for-profit provider of specialist care services for people living with dementia has undergone a complete rebrand, launching a new corporate identity and website to support the charity’s transition to a full-service care provider. Dementia Matters, previously known as Dementia Care, has recently invested in transforming office space at its Bradbury Centre near Newcastle into residential bedrooms for delivering boutique-style in-house care. In addition, the charity has also launched its own recruitment academy to provide training opportunities for those looking for work in the care sector, as well as a pioneering Dementia Advice Centre in partnership with Newcastle Carers to provide an outlet for anyone whose lives have been affected by dementia to seek advice and support. The charity’s new modernised branding reflects these instrumental changes in Dementia Matters’ service offer to people living with dementia, their friends and family. With calming colours, a clean strapline and a quirky typeface, the new look and feel of Dementia Matters subtly conveys the charity’s key message of inclusive, relationship-driven, professional support, but also portrays comfort, warmth and friendliness. Dr Fraser Quin, chief executive at Dementia Matters, said: “The services that we offer at Dementia Matters have changed exponentially in the past 12 months. “We no longer felt that our Dementia Care brand reflected who we are and what we stand for so we set about developing a new name and corporate identity in partnership with our staff, trustees and key stakeholders in the community. “The rebrand has enabled us to maintain our professional values as a leading care provider for people living with dementia in the North East while at the same time, develop a new, fit-for-purpose identity that portrays the right message about the charity, our aims and agenda.” Dementia Matters worked exclusively with Northumberland-based agency, Fusion PR Creative, to develop the new branding which was then rolled out across the charity’s new website by Raising IT. The website is the final piece in the puzzle for Dementia Matters’ rebrand. Designed to encourage donations and provide an online hub of information for existing service users and those looking for dementia specific care, the site features useful information about the different types of dementia, what to do pre-and-post diagnosis and the different services available both through Dementia Matters and other key healthcare providers. “We wanted our website to a digital representation of the expertise that we have in-house at our Bradbury Centre and Dementia Advice Centre to provide people with a 24/7 source of trustworthy information for when they need it most,” Dr Quin added. “As we continue to grow our services, we will further develop our website to ensure that we have all of the most up-to-date information and that we are meeting the needs of our service users through our online provision.” The charity has coincided the launch of its new website and branding with the launch of its latest fundraising campaign. Focused around one of Dementia Matters’ real-life service users, ‘Edith’s Story’ gives visitors to the website a unique insight into how big an impact a small donation can make to someone’s life when they are living with dementia. Dementia Matters provides respite, residential and specialist day care services to over 300 people living with dementia across the North East. In 2018, Dementia Matters celebrated its 25th anniversary as a registered charity with an inaugural conference which brought together over 80 healthcare professionals from across the UK to discuss the future of dementia services in the social care sector. For more information about Dementia Matters, visit www.dementiamatters.net.
Windle Court residents enjoy drone flight experience
Residents at Windle Court care home in South Woodham Ferrers had a high-tech experience when local man, Jason, kindly visited with his camera drone. As Jason flew the drone over South Woodham Ferrers, close to Chelmsford in Essex, residents had the opportunity to wear goggles linked to the drone and were able to take in the amazing views from 100ft above, recognising local landmarks such as the River Crouch, Meadow Croft Garden Centre, an aerial view of their home, Windle court, as well as the surrounding landscape. Activities Coordinator at Windle Court, Nicola Daniels, said, “Everyone was really impressed with the drone flight and cannot wait for another visit and we hope that more of our residents will experience this amazing technology.” Operated by Runwood Homes, Windle Court is a well-established care home in South Woodham Ferrers in Essex providing 24 hour care for older people, including those living with dementia. For more care or recruitment information, call Windle Court on 01245 425980 or email windle.court@runwoodhomes.co.uk Find out more: https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/product/34
