Why a balanced diet is important for people with dementia
Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth has a designated catering team that promotes the philosophy of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its nutrition-rich meals. The wellbeing of residents is a priority and they often spend time in the landscaped garden picking home-grown vegetables, which are later used by the chefs in their favourite dishes. The home has recently introduced ‘A Breath of Fresh Care’ initiative which encourages residents to spend more time outdoors whenever possible. As part of this initiative, residents have the opportunity to tend to the home’s garden and plant their favourite flowers and vegetables. Patrick Fensterseifer, head chef at Great Oaks, explained: “Good nutrition is vital for the health and wellbeing of people with dementia. However, maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge as many people have difficulties eating and drinking. Not eating enough can lead to weight loss and other linked problems including fatigue, higher risk of infection and less muscle strength. Dehydration is also a risk as people with dementia may be unable to communicate or recognise that they are thirsty, or forget to drink. This can lead to headaches, increased confusion, urinary tract infection and can make the symptoms of dementia worse. “It is essential that we provide our residents with a healthy balanced diet, which contains as much nutrition as possible. We always ensure that the food prepared for residents consists of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and starchy foods, including potatoes. Consuming the right balance of all of these food groups will help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” Great Oaks has teamed up with Haskins Garden Centre in the past and received a donation of houseplants to the home. Great Oaks has also provided Haskins with complimentary dementia training, which members of the team have benefitted from. Alasdair Urquhart, in-house plant expert at Haskins, added: “With its magic combination of fresh air, light exercise and working with nature, it’s long been known that gardening is good for the soul. For the more senior among us, gardening can also provide a valuable sense of purpose and reward, especially if growing vegetables or brightly coloured flowers. “We think that the flavour and nutrition of vegetables grown in a healthy soil are far superior to supermarket produce. Whilst they may not have the uniformity and size you are used to, you have the freedom to choose the number of varieties you wish to grow. “Gardening can also bring people together, with garden beds, equipment and tools adapted to meet the community’s needs. The inclusion of sensory plants can also provide interesting experiences to those who can’t initially join in, making nature accessible for all.” Great Oaks is discreetly located within a private woodland setting which is enhanced by the landscaped garden. Organic seasonal vegetables and herbs that are grown in the garden are used wherever possible to enhance the taste and nutritional value of the dishes. All food is sourced from local suppliers within a five-mile radius, apart from dry goods which comes from Salisbury. The seasonal menus change four times a year for the spring, summer, autumn and winter. The weekly menu offers different choices every day and rotates on a four-week basis. Each resident is given a hot and cold option for breakfast and dinner, with lunch being the main meal of the day; offering three courses each and including three options to choose from for the main course. For more information please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk or call 01202 087444 to speak to a member of the team.
Yorkshire Care Equipment Scales Up Its Flagship Product
Having launched its own Lento Care Chair last year, Yorkshire Care Equipment is now announcing that it has redeveloped and launched a second Lento Hospital Spec Chair. The company developed and designed the Lento from scratch, and it is now thought to be the most flexible care chair on the market. The team have now redeveloped a new model to be in line with infection control standards – a key priority in hospitals all over the United Kingdom. Padraig Finn, a band 6 Physiotherapist at Yorkshire Care said: “When we first launched the Lento, it was great because of how flexible it is. It can suit about 80% of the populations’ needs – but it needed some redevelopment to be better-suited to hospitals. “The Lento has built-in adjustable seat width, height, and depth to make it as easy as possible for carers and nurses to adapt one single chair to many different patients’ needs.” Yorkshire Care’s seating team worked closely with NHS hospitals to make sure that every item was covered in the new hospital Lento. One of the first things on the list was getting rid of was the Velcro because it provides a good surface for bacteria to harbour and grow. The Lento legrest cushion, seat cushion, and all backrest cushions now stick to the chair using magnets to completely minimise the chance of any cross-contamination between patients. The cushion on the footrest has also been redesigned to have a zip cover rather than Velcro. Tristan Hulbert, Managing Director at Yorkshire Care Equipment said: “It’s been a great year for us following the launch of the Lento and loads of people have been impressed. It just seemed like a natural progression for us to redesign it specifically for hospitals. “Obviously hospitals have lots of protocols in place to keep the risk of cross-infection to an absolute minimum, and we’ve worked to those standards to make sure that the Lento can provide hospital patients with the same flexibility and support.” To keep up with the demand for the Lento chair, Yorkshire Care keeps ready-made chairs in stock for quicker delivery, meaning that clients don’t have to wait so long for their chair to arrive. You can see how it works in this video. www.yorkshirecareequipment.com
Bluebird Care offices in the South and East London area celebrate big win
Bluebird Care offices in the South and East London area celebrate big win at National Bluebird Care Conference Anoop Sekhon, Director of Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping has won one of the top awards at this year’s Bluebird Care Conference. The Spirit Award is presented to the Franchise Owner who it’s felt best captures and demonstrates the ethos of the Bluebird Care business and Anoop was seen to deliver best in this area out all Bluebird Care offices across the country. On the night, all the awards were presented by Paul and Lisa Tarsey, Bluebird Care’s Co-founders. Bluebird Care held their annual conference at the De Vere Orchard Hotel in Nottingham on Thursday 27th September. They invited all franchise owners, team members and other senior members of the Bluebird Care team to join sector leading experts, and a number of exhibitors at the conference. The event was centred around a Pride, Passion, Progress theme. The event also had three well known speakers from the sector: Sonya Hinds, Chief Administrative Officer at Interim HealthCare Inc, who spoke about the keys to building and maintaining an engaged workforce. Sue Powell, a Career Coach, who spoke about the Act of Leadership, an important topic for those who attended the conference. Colin Angel, Policy Director of United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA), who spoke about home care services and updated the guests on current issues within the sector. Also speaking at the event were Bluebird Care Chairman and Co-founder, Paul Tarsey, Bluebird Care’s Director of Operations, Yvonne Hignell, and Bluebird Care’s Director of Finance, Julie Marshall. Anoop Sekhon, Director of Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping, said: “Here at Bluebird Care Greenwich and Bluebird Care Docklands, Stratford and Wapping, we are very excited to have received the Spirit Award from Bluebird Care. “The Spirit award is presented to the office who best demonstrated the ethos and living values of the Bluebird Care business . The award highlighted the fact that both offices are going above and beyond in our day to day business. This award has meant so much to the offices and it’s nice to get recognised for all the hard work our teams do. “Thank you to everyone at Bluebird Care, from head office to all the care assistants across the country. Everyone’s hard work is so important and is hugely appreciated, by our customers, who are always at the centre of everything we do.” www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
EA Dribble
Regard Partnership Group, one of Britain’s largest care providers, have completed the acquisition of Learning Difficulties Group Solar Care Homes, Cornwall for an undisclosed sum. The sale was negotiated by veteran Agent Eddie Dribble who has been active in the Private Care Home industry for over 45 years. Emanual A Dribble, better known in the Business Transfer market as Eddie Dribble, has been in the Care Home transfer agency business for around 40 years. His extensive knowledge and expertise is second to none in negotiating a satisfactory conclusion for many long standing clients In 1972 he founded and subsequently developed the care home division, of then the National Transfer Agents, Luxton and Lowe Limited. Since that time he has personally travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles inspecting and evaluating every type of care home. No matter what size and what cost he has negotiated sales to a range of buyers, which include large companies and single private individuals. He has established a reputation throughout the industry which provides a truly personal service, always remaining fully confidential. Luxton and Lowe Limited were taken over in 1991 by a large London property agent. At this time to keep the personal service and confidentiality, which was also his strict code of practice, Eddie Dribble decided he needed to form his own private transfer agency to continue to provide a high quality individualistic service. Since this time he has continued to serve the industry with his own brand of personal and confidential negotiations and keep his commission rates at a competitive level. To this day care homes of every size and description and in every location are continuously required for a list of carefully vetted applicants. www.eadcarehomes.com
New Care Home Opens, Bringing 50 Jobs to Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s newest and finest care home has officially opened its doors and welcomed its first residents. The much-anticipated Cramond Residence offers 74 luxury en-suite bedrooms and provides the highest quality person-centred nursing care for older people in the capital. Now, having filled a number of key positions before opening, the Residence is recruiting for a further 50 roles, including care assistants (SVQ2 and above), team leaders, nurses, laundry and domestic staff, and food service assistants. The care home comprises nine distinct houses to promote small community living, each of which has been uniquely designed to reflect well-known areas of Edinburgh. It also boasts a wide range of lounge, dining and activities rooms, as well as a hairdresser, nail bar and cinema. Thanks to an exclusive partnership with physiotherapy provider Balanced Edinburgh – specialists in functional rehabilitation and fall prevention for older people – residents will be given a thorough assessment on arrival, which will be used create bespoke care and fitness plans, tailored to individual needs. The team will be led by general manager, Eileen Gray, who is well established in the care industry with over 20 years’ experience. She said: “We are very excited to have opened our doors at Cramond Residence and are really looking forward to welcoming our first residents into their beautiful new home. “We are now moving into the final stages of our recruitment campaign and are seeking talented and compassionate individuals to fill a further 50 roles. “We are passionate about delivering the finest care and it is hugely important to us that our residents feel independent and have as active and fulfilling lives as possible, so we are looking for the highest calibre of person to fill each and every role. “Cramond Residence is a place where people can really enjoy their later years and we would encourage anyone with a passion for caring who is interested in working with us to enquire as soon as possible.” Cramond Residence is managed exclusively by Walker Healthcare, which has over 20 years’ experience leading successful healthcare partnerships and operational management of well-respected care homes. Reservations are now being taken and private appointments can be made by phoning 0131 336 1064 or emailing enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk
Abbotswood Court Care Home To Celebrate Community Volunteers
Abbotswood Court care home is working with the voluntary sector support organisation, Unity, to celebrate volunteers making a significant contribution to charities and community groups across the Test Valley. Recognising volunteers that show commitment, consistency, and dedication with an “over and above” attitude in the face of adversity, the Unity Volunteer Awards 2018 are set to take place on Friday 23rd November at the Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge. This year, the awards have been sponsored by Cinnamon Care Collection’s Romsey-based care home, Abbotswood Court, which will be commending the Test Valley’s “Unsung” Heroes of volunteering. Cinnamon Care Collection is an exclusive group of luxury care homes and retirement developments occupying beautiful locations around the UK. Abbotswood Court actively engages with many community groups and organisations across Romsey and beyond by hosting regular coffee mornings, events, and fundraising initiatives. Approached by Unity to support the Volunteer Awards 2018, Abbotswood Court’s staff were keen to aid the organisation in commending the contributions of volunteers across the Test Valley. Debbie Holmes, Homes Admissions Advisor of Abbotswood Court, said: “At Abbotswood Court we regularly work with community and charity organisations and are consistently blown away by the dedication and commitment of their volunteers. By sponsoring the Unsung Hero Award, we want to commend these selfless individuals whom without many of these organisations would not exist.” The Unity Volunteer Awards 2018 are open to all volunteers who support either a charity or a community group based in or working in Test Valley. Free to enter and nominate, entry forms are available by contacting Christianne Ireland, Unity’s Voluntary Sector Support Officer, via email – christianne.ireland@unityonline.org.uk. Nominations must be submitted by Monday 29th October 2018. The winner of the Cinnamon “Unsung” Hero Award 2018 will receive a trophy, certificate and £50 cash prize; two runners up will also each receive a certificate and £25. Terry Bishop, Unity Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled to have Abbotswood Court supporting this year’s Unity Volunteer Awards. The backing of our sponsors enables us to recognise deserving volunteers from the Test Valley and reward them for their pivotal work in our community.” Community and charity organisations plus members of the public can also nominate volunteers for two other categories – ‘Volunteer of the Year’, sponsored by Ansvar Insurance, and ‘Group of the Year’. For more information about the care, accommodation and services Abbotswood Court provide, visit https://www.cinnamoncc.com/care-homes/abbotswood-court/.
Avalon Nursing Home – Celebrating Those Who Have Gone Before
Residents, families, friends and staff of Avalon Nursing Home in Bridgwater have come together to celebrate the lives of loved ones at the home’s yearly memorial service. In preparation for the occasion, those planning to attend were invited to write names, and memories or quotes on wooden doves in memory of loved ones, to hang on a tree in the garden of the home. Sarah Biffen from H Biffens & Sons funeral directors, opened the service with a poem before inviting everyone outside into the garden. In warm autumn sunshine, the doves were then placed in the branches of a tree, and Sarah led a touching service in the open air before bringing proceedings to a close with another poem. Emma Hill, activities co-ordinator for Avalon said: “We hold our yearly memorial service to remember those we love and the relationship that we have with them, so it’s an ideal time to acknowledge the stories, memories, and moments that we shared with those people. “It’s a time to recognize that death may have taken away a person’s physical presence, but they will continue to live on in our memories and stories. “So we regard our memorial service as a true celebration, and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces at our gathering, and to have the opportunity to share fond memories of past loved ones together.” Avalon Nursing Home is run by specialist dementia care home group Camelot Care www.camelotcare.co.uk who have further homes in Wellington, Plymouth and Yeovil.
Gracewell of Ascot Celebrates Grand Opening
The red carpet was rolled out for the grand opening of new care home, Gracewell of Ascot, on Thursday 4th October. The care home, on Burleigh Road, will offer high quality, personalised nursing, residential and dementia care to older people right in the heart of the local community. To celebrate its opening, Gracewell of Ascot was delighted to host a very special launch event. The celebration saw the welcoming of VIP guests including High Sheriff of Berkshire Graham Barker, Deputy Mayor Colin Rayner and Alan Carr MBE. Residents, local members of the community and health care professionals were also in attendance to enjoy the festivities, prosecco and delicious canapés. Guests were treated to a live performance from the Charters School Jazz band and the soothing sounds of harpist Luisa-Maria Cordell. A ribbon was cut by founder member of Gracewell of Ascot June Wheeler, who also sliced a 3-tiered cake that featured decorative jockeys and horses to tie into the day’s ‘at the races’ theme. Alongside the official opening event, Gracewell of Ascot is also marking the special celebration by offering 10% off residential fees for the first three months*. Gracewell of Ascot is set to welcome up to 80 residents to its beautifully-designed and stylish en-suite bedrooms, with a full team of dedicated and compassionate carers and nurses on hand to deliver high-quality and personalised care. The home also has a beautiful courtyard which overlooks a picturesque sensory garden for all residents to enjoy. The luxury care home will be the 21st home to be opened in the UK by Gracewell Healthcare. Each resident will receive a tailored care plan, created with their individual needs in mind. Residents will also benefit from the home being within walking distance to the local high street, railway station and local shops, as well as the famous Ascot racecourse. And, like all Gracewell care homes, Gracewell of Ascot will offer a busy calendar to its residents, full of a diverse array of stimulating and engaging activities and events. Stella Putt, General Manager at Gracewell of Ascot, said: “We are very excited to have opened Gracewell of Ascot. We hope we showcased the high-quality and compassionate care we will strive to provide every single day, as well as the active role we are keen to play in the community. “I am very proud to be leading a team of dedicated staff, who have been busy preparing our new home to ensure it meets the needs of all residents. “We would like to thank everyone who made our opening event such a success and are now looking forward to welcoming residents over the coming weeks and months.” Click here to find out more information
CQC outlines proposed regulatory fees for providers from next April
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its consultation on the fees that it proposes to charge providers in 2019/20. The proposals follow the plans CQC set out to continue to meet the Treasury’s requirement to recover its chargeable costs in full from providers. CQC will analyse the feedback from this consultation to prepare a response and a final fees scheme to recommend to the Secretary of State, whose consent is required to implement the scheme from 1 April 2019. CQC will continue to look carefully at its costs, and to demonstrate that it is fair, efficient, effective and proportionate. CQC’s budget, in relation to the overall spending on health and adult social care in England, remains at 0.16%. Ian Trenholm, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said: “Health and social care regulation makes a real and practical difference to people’s lives and there needs to be a strong, independent regulator who will always act on the side of people who use services. “Protecting the public in this way has a financial cost. The fees paid by providers enable us to fulfil our purpose of making sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care. “The consultation proposals we have published today follow the plans we set out to meet the Treasury’s requirement to recover our chargeable costs in full from providers. This consultation period gives providers and their representatives the opportunity to review, comment upon and plan for any changes that may affect them from April 2019.” The consultation runs until midday on 17 January 2019. www.cqc.org.uk
