“Being part of this has honestly been the highlight of my life”
Rita Newman, who is a carer for her husband who lives with dementia, tells how a National Lottery funded arts project has helped her cope with loneliness Rita Newman is originally from London but has lived in Mold, Flintshire for over forty years and has been attending Arts from the Armchair workshops since 2016. The weekly creative sessions are for people with early onset memory loss and dementia and was founded in 2015 as a collaboration between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Theatr Clwyd. Arts from the Armchair works closely with the carers involved, who’s daily experiences can be lonely and both physically and emotionally tiring. Rita said: “I feel absolutely dreadful sometimes and my role at home can be mentally draining. When you are caring for someone with dementia, you don’t have time to do all the things you normally do. I’m a painter but I haven’t painted for years. Coming to the workshops is such a solace and it’s as if a big burden is lifted from my shoulders. “It’s a warm, friendly environment where we do all these wonderfully imaginative things. They get our imagination working and we do silly things we would never do at home. I couldn’t have gone on as long as I did if I didn’t have this.” The project provides a positive, creative and participant led experience with actors, musicians, costume makers and painters leading the sessions and performances. Activities include story making, puppetry, set design and word games which have proven to be stimulating, interesting and fun for those living with dementia. A wealth of research by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board reveals that taking part in creative activities such as singing, painting and story writing can promote health and wellbeing and improve the quality of life of those living with dementia and their carers’. According to the health board, 11,000 people in north Wales alone are living with memory loss. Rita said: “Thanks to the workshops, we get to work closely with the staff at Theatr Clwyd and we’ve made costumes, painted sets and visited the sound room where they take care of the audio for plays. We’ve been shown all the secrets and it’s wonderful. Having a part to play in a real theatre production was a dream come true. “I started acting when I was eight but my parents wouldn’t let me pursue it as a career. To come here and be immersed in every aspect of the theatre is incredible. Most recently, I got to go on stage with professional actors and it truly was the highlight of my life. I just wish this project was all over the United Kingdom, it has without a doubt rejuvenated our lives.” An award of £26,000 thanks to National Lottery players through the Arts Council of Wales has helped Arts from the Armchair reach people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment and their carers’ in the Wrexham and Flintshire areas. The programme was winner of the Arts, Business and Health award 2017 for its successful arts and health partnership. Andrea Davies, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Arts in Health and Well-Being Coordinator said: “We are incredibly proud of this project which has opened doors for the participants and been a positive experience all round. The idea was to develop a project where creative and health professionals would collaborate to design the perfect intervention project; one which would be inspiring, positive and engaging and create a sense of community for those taking part. “Independent evaluations reveal that those taking part and their carers feel the benefits with many saying that coming to Arts in the Armchair is the highlight of their week and that the feel-good factor can last for days after the sessions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all involved, not least the Arts Council of Wales and National Lottery for funding the Creative Well scheme, without which, we could not deliver the programme.” In Wrexham and Flintshire alone, the National Lottery has awarded around £101m to over 4,600 good causes since it was launched 25 years ago. Charities, community groups, grassroots sports projects, arts organisations, athletes, film makers, and heritage sites have reaped rewards from the funding. Keep an eye in local media and on National Lottery Good Causes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the hashtags #LotteryLovesWrexham #LotteryLovesFlintshire #Chwedlau’rLoteri over the next month for more inspirational stories like Arts from the Armchair which illustrates how National Lottery funding has helped to change the lives of people in Wrexham and Flintshire for the better.
Borough Care Marks Nutrition & Hydration Week
Borough Care, the largest not-for-profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, marked Nutrition & Hydration Week (11-17 March 2019) with a programme of special food and drink related activities. Every day during Nutrition & Hydration Week, Borough Care’s catering teams at each of the company’s eleven homes put on tasty treats for residents, based around a different theme. Events included mocktail Monday, using fruits and juices to make non-alcoholic drinks; a cheese and wine tasting; an afternoon tea party; fruit tasting and a breakfast club. The week culminated in a Sunday roast celebration meal. Commenting on the Nutrition & Hydration Week events put on for residents, Nicci Gregory, Head Cook at Borough Care’s Bamford Close home in Cale Green, says: “Myself and Joanne Morris, our Activity Lifestyle Facilitator, decided our events needed to be fun and creative so residents would want to engage with each activity. For mocktail Monday, we decided on a Hawaiian themed party. I mixed and pureed ingredients to make a choice of mocktails, which we served in sugar coated glasses with tropical themed accessories. We put on tropical themed music and soon our residents were enjoying singing and dancing along.” Nicci Gregory continues: “For our cheese tasting session, we sourced a wide variety of different cheeses to tickle the taste buds of our residents. Lots of the residents hadn’t sampled many different cheeses before but were up for the new experience. Wensleydale and Cheshire came out on top, with Stilton getting a definite thumbs down. We decided to make our afternoon tea party very traditional, to provoke memories among residents. I made a selection of savoury treats and the obligatory cucumber sandwiches, followed by an array of cakes and scones. Our residents immediately engaged with the activity and many of their family and friends joined us for the occasion. It was a wonderful afternoon, with lots of smiles and laughter.” Nutrition & Hydration Week highlights and educates people on the value of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing in health and social care settings. Preventing malnutrition and dehydration is crucial to good health, especially in older people. Mark Dale, Catering & Hospitality Manager at Borough Care, says: “We are committed to ensuring all our residents enjoy high quality food and eat well. Offering healthy, well-balanced meals to suit a person’s specific dietary requirements is an important part of the care we provide. Getting older people to eat well can sometimes be difficult. The food we serve not only needs to be nutritious, it has to be presented well and look appetising, to encourage people to eat it. We have recently introduced a nutritional tool that can track a resident’s food consumption. This enables us to make sure people are receiving the correct nutrients in their diet. Nutrition & Hydration Week provided the ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of food and drink to good health.”
Eastenders star celebrates care workers at glitzy awards event
Actor Shaun Williamson, famous for playing Barry in Eastenders, was the host of a glittering awards evening to celebrate staff at specialist care provider, Cornerstone Healthcare Group. Shaun helped to celebrate the long service of more than 30 Cornerstone employees at the newly refurbished Langstone Quays Hotel in Havant last week. All of the staff ‘VIPs’ have worked for Hampshire-based Cornerstone Healthcare for more than 10 years, with four of them celebrating more than 20 years loyalty and dedication to their residents and the company. Cornerstone Healthcare employs 381 staff at two specialist nursing homes; South Africa Lodge in Waterlooville and Kitnocks House in Curdridge. The service cares for people with challenging behaviours associated with complex neurological, physical and mental health needs. Shaun said; “This has been the most amazing evening! It was an honour to meet such a committed and energetic group of people. They are doing such important work in a sector that has a tendency to be under appreciated and it’s great to see them being recognised.” Cornerstone’s CEO, Johann van Zyl, joined Shaun in applauding the staff for their commitment. “We value our team and we hope this award ceremony shows them how much,” he said. “Continuity of care is so important for people with dementia or mental health needs and we work hard to make this a supportive environment for our employees. “The staff turnover rate in the UK generally is 18%, and for the care sector that goes up to 33% – ours is just 8% so we’re doing something right!” Chief Operating Officer for Cornerstone Healthcare, Dara Ni Ghadhra, said: “Our staff are at the forefront of this really challenging industry every day and they deserve every accolade. We are thrilled to give them this recognition.” As well as ongoing training and development, which sees staff members’ ideas and initiatives at its heart, Cornerstone also offers a psychological counselling service to help staff deal with the stresses of supporting people with complex needs. More than ten per cent of Cornerstone’s staff have over ten years’ service. Janice Parker has worked at South Africa Lodge for 23 years as a carer and was among those recognised at the event. “I love my job but to have this recognition is so special,” Janice said. “It’s been a fantastic evening and it’s given us all a little boost to know that what we do each day for our residents doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Teens and businesses making a difference in Huddersfield
A CELEBRATION evening was held to thank businesses across Huddersfield for providing volunteering opportunities to hundreds of teenagers. Over 590 young people were involved in the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust National Citizen Service (NCS) programme in 2018. They worked on 48 social action projects around the city and helped fundraise more than £26,500 for the activities and work they carried out. One of those projects was transforming the garden at Thornhill Care Home, on Thornhill Road. A group of 15-to-17-year-olds from the NCS programme created plant pot borders around the home’s garden, installed solar lighting and laid artificial turf. They held fundraising activities and appealed to local businesses for supplies to complete the work. They also received funding from Kirklees Council, after support from Councillor Sheikh Ullah, to purchase benches for the home’s residents. The Huddersfield Giants Community Trust organised a celebration to congratulate the young volunteers and also thank the businesses who have provided community project opportunities. The event took place at Northfield Hall, Norfolk Ave, Huddersfield, attended by community trust workers, dozens of business representatives and members of Kirklees Council. Kirklees Council Deputy Mayor Cllr Mumtaz Hussain, Deputy Mayoress Noreen Hussain and Cllr Sheikh Ullah, who supported the Thornhill Care Home project, were among those at the event. Nina Baker, Huddersfield Giants Community Trust NCS programme coordinator, said: “This event was our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported our NCS programme Social Action Provision in the summer and autumn of 2018. “It was a huge success and great to see so many organisations without whom we couldn’t have such an incredible impact throughout Kirklees. “We look forward to working closely with Hill Care and other organisations throughout Kirklees for the 2019 programme, which will begin in June.” Johnny Edwards, home manager at Thornhill Care Home, said: “We are so grateful to Huddersfield Giants Community Trust NCS programme for choosing Thornhill Care Home for their community project. “The work they have done in our garden is exceptional, a real transformation, and will be enjoyed by our residents for many years to come. “We look forward to working with the NCS programme again this year as well as seeing them at our sister homes across the region.” Thornhill Care Home is one of several Hill Care Group homes providing support for the 2019 programme, including Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home, in Skelmanthorpe, and Aden Lodge Care Home, in Clayton West. Vicky Taylor, regional manager for the Hill Care Group, said: “We are delighted to offer our ongoing support to the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust NCS programme. “The social action projects at our care homes are hugely beneficial not just to the homes themselves but to the residents and the young volunteers. “They provide opportunities for intergenerational activities that have a positive impact on those living in our homes and give the volunteers an opportunity to make a difference in their community.” The Hill Care Group operates care homes across the north of England. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. For further information on the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and the National Citizen Service programme visit https://hgct.co.uk/.
New Evaluation Indicates A Digital-First Approach Is Key
New Evaluation Indicates A Digital-First Approach Is Key To Long-Term Quality And Sustainability In Delivery Of Social Care everyLIFE Technologies UNVEILS FINDINGS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE AT THE NATIONAL DEMENTIA CARE EXPO TODAY The new evaluation of the PASSsystem digital care platform carried out by everyLIFE Technologies with SCIE and York Consulting, highlights that going digital will be a key factor in a sustainable, ‘fit for the future’ service. SCIE’s chief operating officer, Ewan King, says: “The evaluation results of everyLIFE’s PASSsystem evidence that: care providers can better manage risk by adopting the PASSsystem; the PASSsystem can help care providers deliver high quality care; the PASSsystem enables care providers to demonstrate accountability to the people in their care, their families and to regulators; care providers can realise business efficiencies by using the PASSsystem. “Our evaluation also reassures us that everyLIFE’s commitment to continuous improvement is valid as they have already implemented many of our early recommendations.” Bruce Hiscock, CEO of everyLIFE Technologies, will say today at the national Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo (NEC, Birmingham): “When Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, nailed a digital agenda firmly to his policy mast, he acknowledged the pivotal role technologies have to play in delivering safer and more accountable care. “The reality is, we hear a great deal more about digital health than we do about the digital transformation quietly taking place in social care. “Few sectors are as central to our national identity and integrity as those that care for our vulnerable, frail and elderly. Their place should not be on the side lines. That view played a pivotal role in our decision to throw out the rule book back in 2014 and look at how smart technologies might transform the provision of home and residential care. “Today, everyLIFE Technologies is a recognised sector leader, primarily known for the PASSsystem, a sophisticated digital care platform that has been adopted by more than 700 care providers across the UK. “Our early belief in ‘better’ was instinctive, based on our own experiences of care provision but we lacked independent evidence. In 2017, we commissioned SCIE, in partnership with York Consulting, to undertake an independent evaluation of the PASSsystem. Bruce Hiscock will conclude: “Mr Hancock is emphatic that the way forward is not to curb technology but to keep improving it, in a way that works for everyone. That reflects our mission: to shape and support a system that enables the best possible care for our loved ones and, at the same time, improves business efficiencies. It is my firm belief that if we want to advance this so-called Cinderella service – and position it at the centre of much-needed social change – we must digitally underpin what we do. The many challenges faced by those involved in the provision of home and residential care are all too real. And there are real and proven solutions, available today, that have the potential to deliver a happier outcome.”
Grahame Gardner sets the trend with revamped workwear line
LEADING workwear provider, Grahame Gardner Ltd, has relaunched an innovative range of garments which bring state-of-the art fabrics together with the latest printing techniques. The Advance range, which was first unveiled in 2016 and is still a UK first when it comes to producing dye sublimated tunics, is now new and improved after undergoing a refresh. The range utilises cutting-edge dye sublimation technology allowing customers to choose any colour, image or pattern as part of their uniform designs. Customers can even use their company logos to create bespoke panels and trims, allowing organisations to present a strong corporate image across their entire business, ensuring staff have workwear that truly aligns with their corporate identity. The Leicester-based firm originally launched its ‘Advance’ range in response to increasing demand from businesses for more customisable and contemporary uniforms that provide increased comfort and resilience. It targets the dental, nursing, healthcare, veterinary and spa and beauty markets and uses a technical fabric called ‘Aura’ which provides the wearer with moisture control as well as durability. Simon Ward, Group Sales Director at Grahame Gardner Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to bring this new and improved Advance range to market after a period of research and development to build on the original designs from 2016. We feel we’ve given it a fresh, new look and there is a more modern feel to the styles available which are more attractive to the 2019 market place. “The main improvement has been in the quality of the final produced dye-sublimated garments which means we can now meet the increased demand for truly bespoke garments from customers seeking to move away from traditional styles and designs. “We’ve have definitely seen a significant increase in recent years of the number of customers looking for more bespoke workwear solutions, who understand the importance of building and maintaining a strong brand that represents their organisation to both the people who use their services and their staff. “Our Aura fabric, combined with the latest dye-sublimation printing techniques provides a collection that’s not only functional and well-designed, but that works hard for the wearer too, providing a more durable and performance-focused garment.” The 100% polyester, 160gsm Aura fabric, can be hand washed or in a washing machine at 40 degrees, and is easy to maintain due to its fast drying nature and inherent wrinkle and shrink resistance. Sizes are from 6 – 26 (XS -XXL) and available on minimum order quantities of 10 garments, with delivery in approximately 6-7 weeks. Advance is available for £34.95 + VAT with a free £50.00 design service until 1st July 2019. Enquiries and orders can be made by calling 0116 255 6326 or via email at sales@grahamegardner.co.uk. For further information, visit www.grahamegardner.co.uk/advance
Temporary catering facilities for events and kitchen refurbishments
Mobile Kitchens Ltd specialises in the hire or sale of temporary catering facilities and foodservice equipment. Ideal for events or to provide temporary catering facilities during your kitchen refurbishment, our versatile units and equipment offer an efficient and economic solution to the caterers’ needs. Production Kitchens, Preparation Kitchens, Ware-washing Units, Dry Store Units, Cold Rooms and Restaurant Units are available as individual units in their own right or they can be linked together on site to form a complete complex. Alternatively, we can offer modular, open-plan facilities, usually for larger, longer-term hires. We offer a free design service, and project management from concept through to delivery and installation on site, plus full technical support throughout the hire period. The standard specification of our smallest Production Kitchen unit includes a six burner oven range, salamander grill, twin basket fryer, upright fridge, hot cupboard, single bowl sink unit with integral hand wash basin, plus ample power points to plug in Microwaves, Food Processors, Toasters etc. Internal equipment can be interchanged and clients can effectively specify their preferred layout. Some advice when considering temporary catering facilities: Ideally the site must be accessible by road with any entrances and gateways no less than 3.5 metres in width. Space to manoeuvre a large Hi-ab truck needs to be considered and overhead cables/trees in the vicinity of the installation should be a minimum of 9 metres above ground to clear Hiab lifting gear. Linking of units to form a co-ordinated complex and weatherproof access to an existing building can be specified. All service connection points are provided on the exterior of each unit, and we can provide our own engineers to connect your services, if preferred. Any soft areas made to be made firm by means of purpose-built trackway to support the vehicle and cabin delivery. Linking of units to form a co-ordinated complex and weatherproof access to an existing building can be specified. We have many tried and tested design layouts and would be pleased to put forward our recommendations for your project. So if you’re planning a refurbishment or need to cater for an event then why not give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide advice and put forward a competitive proposal. For further information or to arrange a site survey, email: sales@mk-hire. co.uk call us on: 0345 812 0800, or visit our website: www.mk-hire.co.uk
Koubou Interiors
Koubou Interiors is an award-winning Interior Architecture and Design company specialising in Healthcare and Commercial design. Koubou Interiors is a BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) Registered Practice and it’s Managing Director Gilly Craft, is the current President having previously been the Institute’s CPD Director. The company has worked on a variety of projects in both the NHS and Private sectors including hospitals, surgeries etc. We also work with clients and their families who want to stay in their own homes but can only do so by adaptation to their living space. With a qualified team of designers, we offer a wide range of services that include: space planning, technical drawings, 3D renders and mood boards showing colour schemes and finishes. The designers in the practice have a thorough understanding of the requirements needed within a care home, healthcare and special needs environment. A full understanding of materials and surfaces that are relevant to designing for this sector is paramount and the team at Koubou take special care to update themselves constantly ensuring that they can offer their clients the best options and advise for the project. Designing for an aging population and dementia care is the practice’s speciality and Gilly Craft also gives talks on the subject. The next one being at the Surface Design Show on the 6thFebruary 2019. The practice can manage your project from it’s first inception to completion and is well qualified to work with a team of contractors. Interior Design can help create continuity, reduce feelings of disorientation and ensure even those with the most severe age-related illnesses can have a better quality of life and can make the environment more pleasurable for both residents, staff and visitors. Our accolades include; Best Public Service Building UK 2014 -2015 Best Healthcare Interior Design Company 2016 Best Healthcare Interior Architecture Design 2017 Interior Designer of the Year 2108 Best Medical Facility Interior Design Firm 2018 KOUBOU INTERIORS Tel 01344 779323 4 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 6LT info@koubouinteriors.co.uk www.koubouinteriors.co.uk
First Dementia Support Group Launched at Winchester Care Home
The Winchester care home, Tegfield House has launched a new dementia support group for relatives who want to gain a greater understanding of their loved ones who are living with dementia. The two-hour session gave families a chance to talk, listen and share experiences. All attendees have something in common – they have a relation living at Tegfield House, who is also living with dementia. The gatherings allow conversations to reflect on emotive topics such as the changes we see as people get older. The welcoming and family orientated Chilbolton Avenue care home hosted the first session recently with General Manager Jo Aitken, Deputy Manager Jacqui Standing welcoming eight relatives in to the friendly setting. Hartford Care Brand Director Jo Gavin attended the first meeting as a guest speaker. The group discussed the challenges that families face and how dementia can change the lives of individuals. The Support Group was the bright idea of Deputy Manager Jacqui. The compassionate and experienced team member joined the Hartford Care family as a Senior Care Assistant in August 2013 and then accepted the role of Deputy Manager in November 2017: “I often speak to residents’ families who watch the behaviours of their loved one change over time. They have questions and want to find ways to connect so they can still spend quality time together. Dementia is a difficult topic to understand so I approached a few families to tell them my idea and they agreed that it would be beneficial to meet. It’s all about creating understanding, empathy and awareness!” Tegfield House is a family home created with three underlying values at its core. These are care, comfort and companionship and Jo Aitken is the Manager: We are a friendly and caring home, so a Support Group seemed like a good idea. Our staff are keen to make a positive difference to the lives of our residents and their families. We have a little community here at Tegfield House and we think of all the relatives as family and we want to be here to support them. Loving a person who is older and living with dementia can be confusing or even a little sad at times. We will always put those in our care, first. Those who love them, matter hugely to us as well, and we are pleased to be able to listen and we look forward to seeing more people at the next meeting. The impact of the first meeting is hugely positive and gladly received. Feedback from the participants include comments such as: “I feel better to know I’m not alone and other families are going through the same thing as me”. The support group will continue every 8 weeks and hopefully will help the families further in their journey. The next interactive session in April will focus on factual information to help the relatives understand dementia, with information provided from the Alzheimer’s Society.
