Quality of care homes got worse in 1 in 5 local authorities in the last year, new research reveals
The proportion of care homes rated “inadequate” or “requires improvement” increased in 1 in 5 local authority areas in 2017. A dramatic variation in the quality of care homes at a regional and local authority level across England continues to exist. The North West is the worst performing region when it comes to the proportion of satisfactory care homes, while London and the East of England are the best performing regions. That’s according to new analysis by Independent Age, the older people’s charity[1]. In some areas such as Tameside or Portsmouth, older people and their families continue to face little choice of quality care, with around 1 in 2 homes rated not good enough by the Care Quality Commission. The main regional findings are: The North West contains five of the eight worst performing English local authorities on care home quality, with more than one in four care homes across the region performing poorly. The North West (28.2% of care homes performing poorly), Yorkshire and The Humber (26.1%) and the West Midlands (21.3%) are the worst performing regions of England for care home quality. London (17.4% of care homes performing poorly), the East of England (17.4%) and the East Midlands (18.2%) are the best performing regions for care home quality. The new analysis is based on CQC inspections of care homes which rate homes as either ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’[2],[3]. The analysis regarded homes rated ‘Requires improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ as being poor performers. Performance at local authority level shows even greater variation. Seven local authority areas have more than two in five homes rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires improvement’: Tameside – 56.8% of homes Portsmouth – 46.5% Kensington and Chelsea – 45.5% Manchester – 43.8% Bradford – 43.6% Stockport – 43.3% Trafford – 43.1% In contrast, eight local authority areas have less than 5% of homes rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires improvement’, including five that have no care homes with those ratings: Bracknell Forest, Isles of Scilly, Reading, Rutland and Southwark – 0% Thurrock – 3% West Berkshire – 4.5% Richmond-upon-Thames – 4.7% This research also provides, for the first time, a year-on-year comparison on care home performance across regions and local authorities in England. The key findings from this year-on-year comparison are: In every region, the percentage of poor care homes has decreased in the past year. However, in every region, at least one local authority has seen an increase in the percentage of poor care homes. Five local authorities have seen an overall improvement in the percentage of care homes, yet still have more than 2 in 5 care homes rated as “inadequate” or “required improvement”. This illustrates that, while improvement is welcome, older people and their families are still struggling to find a choice of good homes. Commenting on the findings, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: “Older people and their families are still facing an unenviable choice between poor care homes in some parts of the country. While it is encouraging that there has been an overall improvement in quality, this masks persistent variation in the quality of care homes within each region of the country. The market simply does not seem to be able to drive the rapid improvement needed in many areas. While the Government seems happy to deflect all decisions about social care into the vague promise of a green paper, local authorities are having to make difficult decisions now about care in their area. We urgently need both Government and local authorities to demonstrate that they understand the reasons for this variation and that they have the ability to address it.” Independent Age believes the drivers for care home quality variation includes factors such as low levels of funding by local authorities, low pay and difficulty recruiting staff, and the lack of a good support mechanism for improving care homes that are struggling. The care homes market is now valued at nearly £16 billion. However, social care is facing a £2.6 billion funding gap by 2019/20[4]. In order to improve quality in the market, Independent Age makes the following recommendations: The government’s forthcoming green paper must not be restricted to narrow questions of social care funding and finance, but must also address questions of quality in the social care market. In areas where there is a failure of quality, the local authority must do more to fulfil their Care Act duty to shape the local care market. The Department of Health and Social Care must demonstrate leadership on tackling regional variation in care home quality. The briefing ‘Care home performance across England 2018’ is part of an Independent Age campaign to improve the quality of care homes available to older people. Independent Age offers a free advice guide, ‘How to find the right care home’. The guide looks at what to consider and essential questions like location and cost, what you want from a home and whether a care home is actually the best option. The guide is available to download for free or to order at independentage.org/care-home-guide.
Ponies wow residents at New Copford Place care home
New Copford Place care home in Colchester, run by charity Friends of the Elderly, recently welcomed some very special visitors. Thanks to Magical Miniature Ponies, two ponies visited the home to spend time with residents and their relatives. Donna Owen, Manager at New Copford Place, said: “It was wonderful to see the residents interacting with the ponies. Everyone was just so surprised that we had real life ponies actually inside the home. The team from Magical Miniature Ponies were brilliant telling us all about the ponies and the sensory benefits and stimulation from being around these animals was something we saw last with our residents for days. Everyone is still talking about it!” To find out more about New Copford Place, visit www.fote.org.uk. About Friends of the Elderly: Friends of the Elderly is a registered charity (no 226064) founded in 1905 and is one of the UK’s oldest charities supporting older people. The charity’s vision is a society where all older people are treated with respect and have the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives. Friends of the Elderly provides support for all older people, particularly those in need due to mental or physical frailty, isolation or poverty. Its range of personalised care and support services includes care homes, befriending schemes and grants. Volunteering opportunities through the charity are available on an individual and staff programme basis across a number of services. The Friends of the Elderly Group includes the subsidiary Triangle Community Services (registered charity no 1016437), which offers day clubs, home care and extra care services. www.triangle.care For more information please visit the Friends of the Elderly website www.fote.org.uk
Mabel celebrates her 100th birthday with friends and family
A FORMER factory worker has celebrated her 100th birthday with a party alongside friends and family at her care home in Chester-le-Street. Mabel Fenwick was born on 30th March 2018 and has lived in the north east all her life – moving to Pelton Grange Care Home in December 2016. The home hosted a party on 29th March, with Durham County Council Cllr John Lethbridge delivering flowers to the centenarian. Les Burnett, home manager at Pelton Grange Care Home, on Front Street, said: “Mabel is quite a character and always makes an impression on everyone she meets. “She is loved by all at the care home and the staff, fellow residents, friends and family are thoroughly excited to celebrate her amazing milestone birthday.” Mabel is originally from Millfield, Sunderland, and grew up in the city with her parents Robert and Florence Pape and younger sister Florrie. Her mother died from nephritis, more commonly known as dropsy, when Mabel was just 11 years old, placing responsibility on her to look after the family home. She left school at 14 to work at the National Galvanisers factory near the Queen Alexandria Bridge in Sunderland, where she was involved in turning zinc galvanised steel into everything from watering cans to dustbins. She later worked at Horner’s Toffee factory and then Rodney’s Dresses, both based in Chester-le-Street, before retiring from factory work in the 1960s and becoming a Home Help to several old people in the area. Mabel married Joe Fenwick, a coal miner at Lumley 6th pit, near Chester-le-Street, in December 1941. They first lived together in a flat on Ernest Terrace before moving to Clifford Terrace, off Durham Road, Chester-le-Street. The couple had their daughter Jean in September 1942. They later adopted Mabel’s sister Florrie’s son Alan in 1948, after Florrie died in childbirth at just 27 years old after complications due to multiple sclerosis. Joe continued to work as a coal miner for 42 years, ending up at Wearmouth Pit, in Sunderland, before passing away in 1996, aged 82. Alongside her two children, Mabel has two grandchildren, Gillian and James, and four great grandchildren, Daniel, Katie, Becky and Layla. Daniel and his wife Rachel are due to have a baby in June, making Mabel a great-great grandmother. www.hillcare.net
Fairmile Grange announced award winner for ‘Top 20 Recommended Care Home 2018’
Fairmile Grange care home in Christchurch has received the Carehome.co.uk award for ‘Top 20 Recommended Care Home (South West England) 2018’. The carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards 2018 highlight the most recommended care homes in each region of the UK. The awards are based on over 75,000 reviews from residents and their friends and families. Fairmile Grange, the private residential, nursing and dementia care home on the grounds of Christchurch Hospital, has been awarded this prestigious recognition due to its Carehome.co.uk ranking as the number one care home in the Christchurch area. Based on 27 reviews, Fairmile Grange has a rating of 9.9. Mary Maughan-Otten, home manager of Fairmile Grange, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have received this recognition in the carehome.co.uk awards for Top 20 Recommended Care Home 2018 for the South West. “Fairmile Grange provides exceptional expert care in all five types of senior care needs; dementia, nursing, residential, respite and palliative care. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of residents by offering a place of safety, care and companionship. Our ethos at Encore Care Homes is ‘making everyday extraordinary’. No two people are the same and that is why we are dedicated in making every person feel unique and cared for at Fairmile Grange. “It is fantastic for our home to receive this award. Our teams are thrilled that their hard work and dedication has created a home where residents and relatives can truly feel comforted, looked after and always welcome. We appreciate all the fantastic reviews from the families and friends of our residents, which were submitted to carehome.co.ukand we feel honoured that they would recommend the expert care at Fairmile Grange to others.” For more information please visit www.fairmilegrange.co.uk or call 01202 007 569.
Easter fayres raise hundreds for Teesside care homes
Easter was celebrated at care homes across Teesside – with bonnet making masterclasses and fayres. The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, and Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, were among those to mark the occasion with a variety of activities. At The Gables, residents created Easter bonnets, adorned with bunny ears, fluffy chicks, brightly coloured eggs and other decorations. A raffle of chocolate eggs helped raise over £110 for the residents’ fund, which pays for day trips throughout the year. The home also held a special lunch, dancing and singing to round-off the celebrations. Resident Ann Barker said: “I wish the weather was as nice as our Easter hats.” Kate Charlton, acting home manager at The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, said: “All our residents had a wonderful Easter celebrating in many different ways. “Those lucky few who won the Easter egg hampers from the raffle were kind enough to share their chocolates with the rest, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. “We’d like to thank everyone who bought a ticket and helped raise a great amount for our residents’ fund.” In Stockton-on-Tees, at Ingleby Care Home an Easter Fayre helped raise over £245 for their residents’ fund. Residents’ relatives donated eggs for a tombola and cakes for a raffle. Meal vouchers were also donated for prizes by the Arc Stockton, Fryer Tucks fish shop, the Myton Arms in Ingleby Barwick, and Thornaby pubs The Roundel and The Griffin. A cake stall sold cupcakes baked by the Ingleby Care Home kitchen staff to help with the fundraising. Resident Joyce Marsay’s daughter Christine Cooper baked a cake for the raffle, won by the home’s deputy manager Kayleigh Duncan. Joyce said: “I’m so pleased Kayleigh won the cake Christine baked. I’m sure she’ll enjoy it. Kirsty Walsh, activities coordinator at Ingleby Care Home, on Lamb Lane, said: “Fantastic support from the residents and their families made our Easter Fayre a huge success. “We’d like to say a big thank you to those who came along and bought a ticket for the tombola and raffle as well as to those local businesses who donated prizes. “The community support we receive at Ingleby Care Home is so important and means a huge amount to our residents.” www.hillcare.net
50’s American Rock n Roll with Kevin Davidge
Kevin Davidge has been performing for over 25 years. He has appeared singing with touring theatre shows as Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in Rock-It, Buddy Holly – a legend reborn and Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party fronting and leading full Rock n Roll bands. He also has a tracks show that has played in clubs, weddings, birthday partys, hotels, American diners, Holiday camps, kids parties, nursing homes etc. He has also been the bass player of Rock n Roll and Elvis tribute backing band, Red Alert, with the most prestigious venues being the London Palladium, Wales Millennium Centre and the biggest audiences being 5000+ at Bolton Arena, Monmouth festival etc. EXPERIENCE Kevin Davidge is no stranger to a stage performing in most types of venues for over 25 years. He is experienced in singing, songwriting, bass playing, acting, arranging and recording. If you put Kevin in front of an audience of Rock n Roll fans you simply cannot go wrong. He is always well rehearsed. He is an artiste of high integrity, being reliable, honest, articulate, prompt and good with communication to his clients. PREVIOUS CLIENTS Trevor George, Morningside Management, Funhouse Productions, GEM, Hawthorn, Border Leisure, Easy Theatres, JMA, Alan Clayton concerts SUITABLE FOR Wedding Reception Entertainment Birthday Party Entertainment (adult and kids), Private Parties, Corporate Events, Christmas Party Events, Community venues, After Dinner Entertainment. Kevin builds a fantastic rapport with his audience (no matter how big or small) by being witty fun loving putting his audience at ease with him and motivating them to join in with singing Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=798vextCR0s
Funeral Zone
When a person has been diagnosed with dementia, there are many things to think about. It can be an overwhelming time, as people adjust to the news and begin to think about the changes that are likely to happen. Yet looking ahead, it can also be a helpful and practical step, as the Alzheimer’s Society explains. “Thinking ahead,” it says, “is a good thing to do. It can help you prepare for a time when it may be difficult for you to make decisions for yourself.” Talking about what happens when we die is not always an easy subject to broach with the people that we love. But it can be comforting for family to know when the time comes, things were just how someone would have wanted. Funeral Wishes is an easy way to help people plan the kind of funeral they would prefer. Easy to use, it’s a free online service that makes it simple to make a record of what’s important to them. Based around 10 questions, it creates a personalised certificate detailing the things that matter most. Although it’s not always easy to talk about, the 10 Funeral Wishes questions are based around topics that could also help family or carers open up meaningful conversations with someone. What’s your favourite song, or a poem that you love? When someone they love dies, everyone’s priority is to do the right thing by them. Even simple funeral choices, such as music, matters of faith and words of remembrance, can cause differences among family members who each have their own idea. Families who have a clear awareness of a loved one’s funeral wishes, can take great comfort in knowing that the service reflected how the person wanted things to be. *Funeral Wishes* can also spare families the anxiety of considering funeral options that may exceed their budget. At a highly emotional time, costly choices may be regarded as gesture of respect, unaware someone might have preferred a more modest funeral with meaningful personal tributes that money can’t buy. Funeral Wishes has been created by Funeral Zone, a member of the Dying Matters coalition. Dying Matters aims to open up death positive conversations about dying, death, bereavement and making plans for the end of life, in a society that’s become unfamiliar with death. Although Funeral Wishes can easily be completed by someone on their own, family members or carers are encouraged to take time to sit down with the person as they reflect and consider what’s important to them. It can be a golden opportunity to learn more about someone through their choices and reminisce about why a particular poem or piece of music holds such significance for them. It may even inspire a ‘death-positive’ conversation about someone else’s funeral thoughts. Once completed, a personalised Funeral Wishes certificate can be printed out and given to family or friends, or kept somewhere they’ll find it. The Funeral Wishes certificate can also be kept as part of a care home resident’s end of life plan. To help someone record their Funeral Wishes or to complete your own Funeral Wishes certificate, visit www.funeralzone.co.uk/funeral-wishes. It costs nothing to do, but could be a valuable legacy for the people who’ll feel reassured by carrying out the things that mattered most. Funeral Zone is the UK’s most visited funeral website providing free, comprehensive information to help the bereaved understand the practical steps to take when someone has died. It features everything you need to know in one accessible place, with signposts to bereavement support organisations, government services and tips on managing an estate. Visit www.funeralzone.co.uk/help-resources for the support that’s needed at every stage of a journey through bereavement.
Care Roadshow prepares for its return to Glasgow
Despite the cold weather, things are hotting up for the return of Care Roadshow Glasgow to Hampden Park Stadium on Tuesday 17th April. This will be the eighth year that Care Roadshows has graced Scottish soil with its free informative event that is tailored to the care workers in the region. As previous years have proved, the free CPD seminars, workshops and networking opportunities offer a valuable day out for all those who attend. The morning will be kick started at 10am with the first of two interactive workshop hosted by Oomph! ‘Leading a “Full life for life” and an intro to Wellbeing’. Margaret McKeith from Scottish Care will be hosting her seminar ‘Integrate, Innovate, Imitate – sharing good practice within the Independent Care sector’ shortly after the workshop. These are free to attend so no booking in advance is required. We just ask that you take your seats in plenty of time before the seminar begins. Headline sponsors Quality Compliance Systems will also be on hand to offer support and advice during their seminar and on stand 28. The Royal College of Nursing along with Care Inspectorate will be speaking throughout the day too. Henry Mathias from Care Inspectorate will speak about how the new Standards differ from previous versions and what they mean for health and social care provision. This will include how the Care Inspectorate will take the Standards into account when inspecting care services. Running alongside the seminars and workshops is a selected range of exhibitors who can offer one to one support including Disclosure Scotland, South Beach Holdings and Zuri to name a few. To register for your free tickets, please visit the website www.careroadshows.co.uk or alternatively you can call 01425 838393. We looking forward to welcoming you next month.
Powerful and classic cover songs, ideal for private events and public venues.
My name is Alexandra, I would like to offer my services as a singer. I am a trained therapist to diploma level with a deep appreciation and imagination for arts and crafts. Before my diploma I studied Health and Social Care and ran an activities job full time. I have a professional trained voice and a comprehensive knowledge of over a decade of songs. All this combined with a genuine interest in lifting the mood of the people I do my activities with and planning our goals. I create a supportive, humanistic approach with an interest in tell and hear stories and ideas during these activities. I hold a DBS and public liability insurance, both current and in date. I am happy to work with your individual requirements and can be flexible in my programme/set. Shows start at £45 and consist of background music while people congregate, as well as the opportunity to dance, sing or even project the words on request. I provide four different shows, including themed or seasonal. There will be music while setting up, which is delivered by my Waldorf speakers and lights which is fantastic to create an atmosphere. I also have access to over 10,000 karaoke tracks should anyone wish to take part. I sing Motown, Rock and Roll, Ballads, Golden Oldies, Christmas, other major holidays and celebratory music. I am based in Kingswinford so I can cover the West Midlands and surrounding areas. Please look at my website for further details of the services I provide, should any be of interest. I am happy to come and discuss how I could support your individual needs and budgets. Thank you for your time and interest and I hope to hear from you. www.prittyinpink222.wixsite.com/singeralexandra www.facebook.com/alexandra.singer0 www.carehome.co.uk/supplier.cfm/searchazref/65432205305 By the Light Of The Silvery Moon (Doris Day) Show me the way to go home Morning has broken (choir groups) Bicycle made for two (melody) Some enchanted evening (South Pacific) King of the Road (Roger Miller) You made me love you When you’re smiling (Louis Armstrong) Oh you beautiful doll (Rosemary Clooney) When the red red Robin (Doris Day) My Bonny lies over the ocean (Melody) Cheek to Cheek ( Ella Fitzgerald) Rock Around The Clock (Bill Haley) Danny boy (Irish Folk song) Yes Sir! That’s My Baby The White Cliffs of Dover-I’ll Be Seeing You We’ll Meet Again Lili Marlene-Roll Me Over-Bless ‘Em All Me and My Shadow I’ve Got Sixpence- Sit Under the Apple Tree The Lambeth Walk Jingle Jangle Wish Me Luck as You Wave Goodbye Shrimp Boats-On Top of Old Smokey It Had to Be You She Wears Red Feathers-My Truly, Truly Fair One of the Roving Kind Let Me Call You Sweetheart You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby Tip-Toe Through the Tulips (With Me) Goodnight Sweetheart All things bright and beautiful Button up your over coat Roll out the Barrels We’re Gonna Hang out the Washing Summer Holiday (Cliff Richard) I’ve Got Sixpence Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree The Lambeth Walk Jingle Jangle Jingle Wish Me Luck as You Wave Goodbye It Had to Be You She Wears Red Feathers-My Truly, Truly Fair One of the Roving Kind You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be. Will Be) Tip-Toe Through the Tulips (With Me) Goodnight Sweetheart Walking After Midnight (Patsy Cline) Top of the World (Carpenters) Teenager in love Nobody Does it better (Carley Simons) That’s Amore! (Dean Martin) I Wanna Be Loved By You (Marilyn Monroe Moon River (Andy Williams) Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly) Baby I need your loving (Four Tops) Diana (Paul Ank) Smoke gets in your eyes (Righteous Brothers) Can’t help falling in love with you (Elvis) Return to sender Heart Beat Be My baby (The Ronettes) Top of the World (Carpenters) Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen) Under the Boardwalk (The Drifters) I drove all night (Roy Orbison) Daydream Believer (Monkeys) Brown eye d Girl (Van Morrison) Do you love me! (Contours ) Hey Baby Let’s twist again Rock Around The Clock (Bill Haley) Devil in disguise ( Elvis Presley ) Do Ray Me (Sound of Music It’s not unusual (Tom Jones) Stand by me (Ben king) Can’t take my eyes off of you You are everything (Diana Ross) You lost that loving feeling Dream a little dream of me (Ella Fitzgerald’s) Stuck in the middle with you Achy Breaky Heart (Billy Ray Cyrus) Heart Beat Be My baby (The Ronettes) Diana (Paul Anka) La Bamba Baby I need your loving (Four Tops) Born free (Matt Monroe) It’s now or never ( Elvis) Arms of mine Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (Otis Redding) Brown eye d girl (Van Morrison) Suspicious mind Elvis I’ll be your sweetheart / I’m shy Mary Ellen/ Wonder who’s kissing her now Side by side / Lets all go down the strand! Boiled Beef and Carrots/ Lilly of Laguna/ For me and my girl / Have you even been lonely Waiting at the Church / Everything s is beautiful Ma she’s making eyes at me/ Alexandra Rag Time Band / If you new Suzie / Anyone here seen Kelly Singing In the Rain/ walking my baby back home/ who’s sorry now, You’ll |Never Know Are you lonesome tonight / I’m forever blowing bubbles/ After the ball/ I belong to Glasgow, The last waltz Down at the old Bull and Bush, Beer glorious Beer/ Town lovely black eyes/ When Irish eyes are smiling Carolina in the morning/ Shine on Harvest Moon/ If you where the only girl in the world. Hello Dolly , there’s a tavern in the two/ April showers/ on Mother Kelly s door step Pretty baby/ Paper Doll/ Sunny side of the street Any many more on request….
