Sheffield care home celebrates “Good” rating from CQC
A SHEFFIELD care home is celebrating after achieving a “Good” rating from industry watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Laurels and The Limes Care Home, on Manchester Road, received the rating across all five of the CQC’s inspection categories. They were rated “Good” for safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led – giving them the second highest overall rating available. In their report, following an unannounced inspection of the home, the CQC said: “Overall we saw the premises were clean and well maintained. “People and their relatives told us they enjoyed the food served at The Laurels and The Limes. “People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. “Positive and supportive relationships had been developed between people, their relatives, and staff. People told us they were treated with dignity and respect and we saw this throughout the day of the inspection. “There was a range of activities available to people living at The Laurel and The Limes. People were supported to engage in activities that were important to them. “People, their relatives and staff were regularly asked for their views of the service. Concerns and suggestions were considered and acted upon. “There were effective systems in place to monitor and improve the quality of the service provided.” Louise Spooner, home manager at The Laurels Care Home, said: “Everyone at The Laurels and The Limes are absolutely delighted to be awarded a “Good” rating by the CQC in all five categories of their inspection report. “The staff at both homes work incredibly hard to provide the highest level of care for our residents, whether expert dementia care at The Laurels or traditional nursing and residential care at The Limes.” The Laurels and The Limes Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Hundreds raised at Huddersfield care home summer fair
A SUMMER fair raised hundreds of pounds for elderly residents living at a Huddersfield care home. Kirklees Council deputy mayor Mumtaz Hussain joined residents, families, friends and staff at Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home’s annual summer fair. The Huddersfield Giants Community Trust National Citizenship Service (NCS) had a stall selling cakes at the event. There was also a BBQ, tombola, card stall, hook-a-duck and a raffle with prizes including a meal for two at Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant in Leeds. The event raised £573.72 for the residents’ fund, which contributes towards events and activities for those living at the home. Stella Hunt, home manager at Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home, on Pilling Lane, Skelmanthorpe, said: “The event was a huge success. “We’d like to thank all those who came along and helped us raise such a great amount for our residents’ fund. “A special thank you goes to deputy mayor Mumtaz Hussain for attending and saying a few words to residents, staff, family members and other visitors.” Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Commemorating Indian Independence
Residents at a care home in Wellington, Somerset, have been waving the flags in celebration of the 71st anniversary of independent rule in India, with traditional dance, costume, food and music to mark the occasion. Independence Day (15 August) – an annual national holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom – is now a regular fixture on the cultural events calendar for Camelot House and Lodge. Activities co-ordinator, Richard Dempslake, said: “Our residents who are living with dementia always thoroughly enjoy it when we organise a day with an international theme. Some of them have said it’s like going on a day’s foreign holiday. “Since we are lucky enough to have staff of Indian descent at Camelot House and Lodge, we are able to provide an authentic international experience for them. “Our ladies love dressing in colourful saris, and some of our gents have also entered into the spirit of the day by wearing kurta pyjama suits.“ A highlight of Camelot House and Lodge’s India day was a display of traditional dancing, led by Avtar Panesar. Avtar, who is of Indian descent, said: “My wife Anne and I have been doing Indian dance classes for about two years because – while we live in Somerset, which we love – we wanted to remain in contact with my culture and spread the joy and happiness of Indian dance.” In advance of the event residents were involved in decorating Camelot House and Lodge in traditional Indian fashion, and on the day they enjoyed the dancing, and sampling a variety of Indian dishes specially prepared for them in-house. Camelot Care, which runs Camelot House and Lodge, is an award-winning provider of specialist dementia care and also has homes, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Plymouth, see www.camelotcare.co.uk.
Leigh care home unveils free community space
Due to officially open in September 2018, Leigh’s new adult care home – Lakeview – is projected to bring 150 jobs to the area, as well as providing a home and specialist care for 30 adults with complex needs. They have today announced an exciting addition to the home in the form of a free community space – The Hub. Lakeview is owned by Exemplar Health Care, whose mission is to make every day better. They have announced an extension of that ethos beyond the people they care for, with the confirmation that The Hub has been built into the home to offer a free, safe space for charities, social workers and community groups in Leigh and the surrounding areas. Accessible via a dedicated entrance, The Hub is well serviced with its own facilities including a fully functioning kitchen, a small breakout room and a large seating area. The staff at the home are hoping it’ll provide the perfect space for meetings, fundraising events, clinics, support groups, coffee mornings, training and more. Lakeview’s manager Jo Roughley explained why they’re so excited about The Hub, saying: “We are passionate about the power of communities. The vast majority of our colleagues and residents are from the local community, and The Hub offers a chance for us to support the causes close to their hearts. We appreciate how hard it can be for voluntary and charitable initiatives to find reliable, private venues without losing valuable funds, so we’re really looking forward to hosting them in The Hub.” For more information or to book The Hub, please visit www.exemplarhc.com/lakeview
Animals bring joy to children and care home residents
Four-legged friends were the latest guests at a Stockton-on-Tees care home – with farm animals and reptiles paying residents a visit. Mobile farm company Animals About Town brought the creatures for an animal therapy session at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane. Among the furry and feathery critters were goats, chickens, geese, guinea pigs, a rabbit, hare, tortoise and sheep. The home also invited children from Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery, on Baysdale Road, to join in with the session. Nursery staff brought a hamper filled with biscuits, chocolates and other treats as a thank you. Resident Doreen Flynn said: “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals and holding the guinea pig. I hope they visit the home again soon.” Helen Wood, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, said: “We booked Animals About Town as we felt it would be nice for residents to experience the fun of the farm in their own home. “They all thoroughly enjoyed seeing the animals, even the naughty sheep, called Lamb Lamb, who visited several residents inside the home. “We were delighted Cheeky Monkees Day Nursery were able to join us as well. The hamper was a lovely gift – everyone has been enjoying the tasty treats.”
Broomgrove nurtures the next generation of care industry personnel
Residents were out in force to say their own goodbye to a record number of care home staff that have landed places at university this autumn. Ten employees from Sheffield’s renowned Broomgrove Care Home are going on to further education within the healthcare industry – two to medical school, seven to pursue nursing degrees and one to do a physiotherapy degree. The home enjoys a strong working relationship with the nearby King Edward VII School. Many of the ten staff started at Broomgrove immediately after leaving school or even earlier in some cases. Care home staff organised a presentation ceremony to allow residents to say a personal ‘farewell’ to the individuals. Donna Pierpoint, the manager at the Care Home, said: “We’re always keen for members of staff to better themselves but this year has been record – even for us! “It really is a win win situation”, Donna added. “The students gain valuable experience and we gain a highly educated and enthusiastic member of staff. Residents love to watch them grow into the amazing people they become by the time they leave us.” Many of the students won’t be leaving altogether – some will continue to work at Broomgrove Nursing Home and do ‘bank’ shifts in between their studies. Broomgrove, which is sited just off Ecclesall Road in Sheffield, is the only home of its kind with charitable status in the city and surrounding region. More information from www.broomgrove-trust.co.uk
Borough Care Residents Enjoy A Boat Trip On The Canal
Residents from Borough Care’s Silverdale home in Bredbury, Stockport, recently enjoyed a cruise on the canal. Residents travelled by barge from Marple to Poynton, joined by family members and staff. During the trip, refreshments were served and there was even a stop off for ice cream. Everyone had a great day out, with one resident in particular thrilled with the day. The lady had never been on a barge before, so really enjoyed every minute of the trip. As residents were joined by their families, it was a great way for people to create memories and spend time together doing something a little different. Borough Care is the largest not for profit provider of care for older people in Stockport. Its Silverdale home provides residential care for older people living with dementia. Borough Care is committed to providing a wide range of activities, to ensure its residents continue to live enriched lives. As part of this activity programme, the company offers regular day trips out. Research shows there are proven health and wellbeing benefits of continuing to get outdoors as you get older, and Borough Care is committed to enabling its residents to do so. www.boroughcare.org.uk
VIPs at Ingleby Care Home’s CQC party
VIPs, residents and staff at a Teesside care home all came together to celebrate an “Outstanding” rating from the industry watchdog. The Hill Care Group owned Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, held a party following their recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection report. The home received the highest rating of “Outstanding” for the care it provides as well as the second highest rating of “Good” for all four other areas of the report. Among the guests at the party was Stockton Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Lynn Hall, who joined families and friends of the home for cake and champagne. Other VIP guests included Ted Strike, head of the Ingleby Barwick Business Partnership, and Claire Streeter and Kelly Daley, from the Middlesbrough FC Foundation National Citizenship Service. The home’s residents also joined in the party, being treated to a buffet and bubbly, and taking part in a line dancing exhibition. Resident Shirley Naylor said: “I love to dance and the music was great. It was a wonderful party.” The Hill Care Group’s managing director Wendy Waddicor andoperations director Mandy Vernon also attended the event. Wendy said: “I would like to thank everyone who came to celebrate Ingleby Care Home’s recent CQC inspection report with us. “While our homes have achieved many “Good” ratings, Ingleby’s is the first “Outstanding” and I am very proud it was for the care provided, as that is the most important thing for us.” CQC inspectors made an unannounced visit to the home in June to check requirements and regulations were being met and to look at the overall quality of service. Their report stated: “Every person we spoke with was very positive about staff at the service and said they received kind and caring support. “Relatives also praised the quality of the care people received. Staff were particularly sensitive to times when people needed caring and compassionate support. “Staff were patient, caring and kind when supporting people living with dementia. “We saw numerous examples of kind and caring support being delivered throughout the inspection.” Carol Singleton, home manager at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to learn we received an Outstanding rating for the care we provide to our residents. “We aim to build on this success, continue providing the highest levels of care for those who reside with us and, hopefully, achieve an Outstanding overall rating at our next inspection.” https://www.hillcare.net
Water pistol shootout at Northumberland care home
A water pistol shootout took place at a Northumberland care home in celebration of World Water Week. Water balloons were flying at The Oaks Care Home, in Blyth, as residents and staff got a soaking to mark the international day. The watery fun and games took place in the home’s garden where there was also a bubble machine and paddling pools. Flavoured water and ice pops were served to residents and visitors as part of the celebrations. Ann Mielnik, home manager at The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, said: “Who says water fights are just for kids? “What a great laugh for everyone. It certainly cheered us all up. Something very simple to bring a smile and some joy to everyone.” Resident Ann Wallace said: “It was lovely, I loved the big bubbles and of course singing “I’m forever blowing bubbles”.” Resident Dennis Allen added: “It was great. I loved it. My sister was here and she enjoyed it too.” World Water Week is an annual event organised by water institute SIWI to raise awareness of global water issues. The Oaks Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net. World Water Week is the annual focal point for the globe’s water issues. For further information visit www.worldwaterweek.org.
