Increasing the adult social care workforce
A national campaign to increase the adult social care workforce has launched. The ‘There’s More to Care Than Caring’ recruitment campaign features stories from adult care workers. Across Scotland around 145,000 people currently work in adult social care in a range of roles, including supporting people with physical disabilities, dementia, autism, older people and those with mental health conditions. The campaign, which has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and key partners in the social care sector, will run across radio, online, newspapers and social media. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and Children and Young People Minister Maree Todd attended the campaign launch at community hub Tribe Porty in Portobello, Edinburgh. Ms Freeman said: “Working in adult social care can be hugely rewarding – for many it’s more than a job, it’s work they give enormous commitment to. “As today’s report from the Care Inspectorate and SSSC highlights, one of the main difficulties services face when trying to fill vacancies is not having enough applicants or the right applicants. That is exactly what this campaign seeks to address. “Brexit presents a clear threat to the future of our health and social care services and the EU workforce make a valuable contribution to this sector as well as others. As a responsible government we will continue to do all we can to support our health and social care services.” Lee Robertson, 43, is a care worker at Enable Scotland, who moved to the sector after working in retail. He supports Steven Imlah, 25, who features in the campaign and works at Tribe Porty. Lee said: “I love being a carer and I’m passionate about letting others know why it’s such a rewarding and satisfying career choice. “In my previous job, I honestly felt like I was working for the sake of it. But now that I’m caring for Steven, I feel like I’ve found my calling and come away every day knowing that I’ve made a big difference. It’s a good feeling. “Day to day, you provide personal and practical support to help people live their lives. Like any job, it’s not without its challenges but if you have the right qualities then you will enjoy it. “You will also get the chance to build a great career. I’d urge anyone stuck in a bit of a rut or just looking for a change to consider making the move to be a care worker. Like me, you too might find your passion.” Background: Find out more about careers in adult social care at CareToCare.scot For more information contact Fraser Clarke or Nadine Reilly on 0131 561 5628 or asc@stripecommunications.com
Health and social care technology group reward local Care Worker
A leading health and social care technology group management technology company is rewarding care workers for their commitment to providing quality care, as part of their ’20 years, 20 prizes, 20 weeks giveaway’. As a treat for committed individuals who utilise CM’s real-time care visit logging system, CM is rewarding lucky care workers over a 20-week period with a hundred pounds worth of high street vouchers, as part of their 20-year anniversary celebrations. Suzanne Pearson, who works for Bloomsbury Homecare in Lincolnshire, is the latest winner in CM’s care worker prize draw and was presented with her award at Bloomsbury’s Christmas event by CEO Nick Christodoulou. With just over 20 years of care experience herself, Suzanne commented: “The part I most enjoy about my job is seeing the clients are happy and settled in their homes and enjoying time with their families and friends. I enjoy chatting to clients and finding out about their life history. I would like to thank CM for running the competition and I am overjoyed to be one of the lucky winners.” As part of the prize draw, winners also have the opportunity to select a charity of their choice and CM will donate £100 on their behalf. Suzanne’s charity of choice is the Alzheimer’s society, she added: “This charity is close to my heart as both of my grandparents have Alzheimer’s and I’ve helped clients throughout my career who have developed this disease.” Part of HAS Technology Group, CM (previously CM2000) started as a simple visit time recording solution which has safeguarded two million service users over the last 20 years. It now supports over 100 local authorities and 3,000 care provider branches with mix-n-match integrated care monitoring , scheduling and financial management solutions.Mark Kennion, CM director added: “We’re delighted to be able to give something back to care workers and reward them when they use our CM system. “It’s lovely to hear that Suzanne has worked in the sector since she was 18 and is well known for her dedication and devotion. “We look forward to rewarding more hardworking care workers as part of our 20 year celebrations.” Bloomsbury Home Care commented: “We at Bloomsbury would like to thank CM for their ongoing excellent service and user support, it is with their help that we and our staff can continue to provide the best possible service to all our clients.” HAS Technology Group offers a variety of services, including CM, PAMMS and ARMED, which provide holistic prevention, commissioning and a delivery package of solutions. The group is leading the way with an innovative approach to social care technology solutions to ensure ongoing improvements in delivery and quality of care.
Spotlight on Infection Control
In the lead up to National Bug Busting Day on 31st January, MediSupplies is raising awareness of infection control measures that can be taken to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the spread of infection within your organisation. This article focuses on the benefits of hand sanitisers, sanitising wipes and clean indicator notes, enabling heightened protection from germs. Keeping hands clean wherever, whenever Prevalent now in most organisations, hand sanitisers are an effective way of reducing the spread of infection around your business. They provide a quick and easy way of killing up to 99.9% of microorganisms on the hands when time is of the essence and handwashing facilities are not easily accessible. By installing hand sanitiser stations at your entrance points, you will automatically encourage your staff and visitors to cleanse their hands before entering your premises, whilst portable bottles of hand sanitiser positioned at workstations will allow for instant elimination of germs after coughs, sneezes and working with non-sterile equipment. Don’t let germs linger on surfaces Sanitising wipes have gained huge popularity in recent times due to their portability, ease of use by all staff, convenience and cost. By simply wiping surfaces and equipment on a regular basis, you can eliminate lingering germs and prevent any cross-contamination. Wipes from leading brands such as Clinell are clinically tested to ensure their compatibility with non-invasive medical equipment as well as surfaces, making them ideal as a multipurpose cleaning wipe for healthcare providers. Visibly see the germs have gone Once surfaces and equipment have been sanitised, you can now clearly label them with Clinell indicator notes and tape. Produced in conjunction with Guy’s & St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the notes provide clear visibility of equipment and surfaces that have been disinfected and allow the date, time and name to be added for additional tracking. This not only ensures that all items are sanitised but also prevents multiple cleaners from duplicating work, saving time and resource. Find out more about the range of infection prevention essentials available from MediSupplies by visiting www.MediSupplies.co.uk/Cleaning-Infection-Control.
Offering extensive cost savings on disposable gloves
Disposable gloves are essential in protecting the wellbeing of employees, controlling the spread of infection and preventing possible cross-contamination. Ensuring the correct type of glove for employees and the task in hand can be somewhat overshadowed by the costs involved in large quantity orders, with many organisations searching for cheaper options that perform as well as their preferred glove brand. JustGloves offers solutions for companies looking to save money on disposable gloves without the hassle of searching and testing alternative products. Always the lowest price By developing and maintaining long-standing relationships with glove manufacturers around the globe, JustGloves secures the most competitive pricing available online, ensuring companies can make cost savings by simply switching to JustGloves as their supplier. Extensive savings with bulk buys In addition to arguably the lowest UK pricing, organisations with suitable storage facilities can make considerable monetary savings by purchasing gloves by the case. JustGloves accommodates this with a wide range of its most popular gloves available in its bulk buy and wholesale range. The bulk buy portfolio is continuously expanding to meet the needs of businesses and now includes the new Biogreen eco-friendly nitrile glove from leading manufacturer, Top Glove. Hidden cost and time savings Part of the trusted Value Products Group, JustGloves offers a host of extra benefits for its customers, such as free of charge next working day delivery on all orders over £65.00 with a UK mainland delivery address, a 30 day no quibble guarantee and the opportunity to set up an account for easy repeat ordering and invoice storage. To start making considerable cost savings on disposable gloves, or to view the full range and bulk buy options, visit www.justgloves.co.uk or call 0808 1699 117.
What makes a safe home for the elderly?
It can be very difficult to imagine what it is like to be old; especially if you are very young and in good health. But imagine you could put on a pair of glasses with ‘elderly vision’. Suddenly, you might find, the world is transformed; that there are challenges and hazards everywhere. Difficulties that, ordinarily, would never have crossed your mind. Switching on to ‘elderly vision’ is what we must all do if we are to work to make a place safe and elderly-friendly. It involves imagination and creativity to fill the shoes of someone debilitated with age, but it is essential to do so. This article is your elderly vision. Read on, and together we will travel through a mundane house, identify its dangers, and discover what can be done to make it elderly friendly. The Kitchen Think of an ordinary kitchen, perhaps your own. Now it’s time to turn on the elderly vision. Suddenly the kitchen cabinets are either too high or too low. The pots and pans dangle from hooks that are too much of a stretch, and out of reach. The lighting is not adequate and, with your impaired vision, you cannot really see what you are doing. The kettle is awkward to lift and dangerous to pour. And the kitchen floor itself could trip you up if you aren’t careful. A better kitchen Those are just a couple of examples of how the kitchen can be unsafe for the elderly. How, then, can it be made safe? Perhaps the most important remedy lies in how accessible the kitchen is. The cabinets, sink and oven; especially if the kitchen is for the personal use of someone who requires a rollator or wheelchair. Plug sockets should also be within easy reach. For the floor, try laminate or low-pile carpeting. They are low-maintenance and slip-resistant. One way to avoid knee and waist injuries is to install a pedestal to help raise the levels of certain kitchen appliances, such as the washing machine. Drawer dishwashers and slide-away, eye-level ovens also increase accessibility and reduce the likelihood of preventable pains. And finally, part of the answer lies in some very modern technology, such as Amazon’s Alexa, which can turn off the lights, set reminders, and even call the emergency services. This last feature could quite literally be life-saving. Bedroom There is less going on in the bedroom, but it can still be very poorly optimised for an elderly person. The biggest obstacle is the bed itself. That is, if the bed is too low or too high — which could lead to unnecessary strains or injury. Then there are the usual accessibility problems. Where the light switch is can be a huge obstacle for someone challenged by age. Furniture may not be the right size, and rugs and mats may look decorative but they can slip underfoot. Bedrooms are also prone to having electric cables and extension leads running precariously over the floor — again, a trip hazard. A better bedroom Fortunately, you can make a bedroom elderly-friendly quite quickly, and for not a lot of money spent. For example, if the bed is too high, a new one may be needed. If it is too small, you may be able to install risers to save purchasing a new bed. Like in the kitchen, drawer handles should be well within reach of an elderly inhabitant, without much (if any) bending or stretching. There should be an accessible bedside lamp, and even a torch, should the occupant need to get out of the bed at night. Alexa, or some equivalent, would be handy in here, too. Bathroom You don’t need a pair of elderly-vision spectacles to imagine the dangers of the bathroom, as even the most agile person can slip if they aren’t careful. A better bathroom By now you should be noticing a pattern of what it takes to make a house elderly-friendly: accessibility. In the bathroom, this extends to making sure the toilet seat and the sinks are at the right height, and that there are handles to help with hoisting oneself out of the bathtub. Walk-in showers are much easier to use if they can be installed. And non-slip mats really need to be considered in order to avoid preventable accidents. Living room Typically, the living room is one of the largest parts of any house. They also tend to be cluttered, and full of trip hazards. The furniture may also be a focal point for preventable injuries here. A better living room If a chair is too low, it could be a problem. A quick — and cheap — fix could be to just place a few extra cushions on the seat. But motor-raising chairs are much better in the long run. For wheelchair users and rollators, carpets and rugs can impede their use and be trip hazards on their own. In order to minimise accidents, a living room should be brightly illuminated and any decorative rugs, mats, and carpets that are risky should be removed. Other things to consider The little things can all add up to make the home a more comfortable experience, even if they aren’t immediately obvious or necessary — and even if, without the magic of ‘elderly vision’ we would never have thought of them. Those are gadgets such as key-turners, automatic tin-openers (which both ease off the use of arthritic limbs) and stovetop shut-offs. Tech such as this can take the pressure off the body when it needs it the most, both mental and physical, avoiding repetitive strain injuries. And the aforementioned Alexa, along with other virtual assistants, and things like auto-dialling alarm kits, could quite literally save a life. — This article was written by Thomas Drinkwater of Webster Wheelchairs, one of the NHS’s leading suppliers of wheelchairs, rollators, and other elderly and disability-friendly equipment.
Inject new life into rooms with interior landscaping
Inject new life into rooms with interior landscaping: a cost effective way to refresh decor and increase physical and mental health The benefits of keeping plants indoors have now been proven so many times that it is beyond any doubt houseplants bring very real, tangible advantages to anyone who has them around. And nowhere is this more evident than in a care environment. From hospitals and nursing homes to care homes for young and old alike, the addition of plants indoors will have an immediate impact on the physical and mental health of both residents and their careers. A a quick reminder, five of the most tested benefits are: They help deter illness – outside, plant roots tap the groundwater table for water which then evaporates through its leaves, accounting for about 10 percent of the moisture in the atmosphere. This also happens indoors as plants are watered, which increases the humidity. Although this may sound unappealing, it’s an absolute gift if you live in conditions that are frequently heated or air conditioned. Studies at the AgricUniversity of Nrway document that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs. And according to a new study from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, higher absolute humidity is conducive for decreased survival and transmission of the flu virus. They aid easier breathing – Adding plants to interior spaces increases oxygen levels. At night, photosynthesis stops and plants typically start breathing like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. However there are some plants –orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads – which actually do the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Strategic placing of these plants in bedrooms can refresh air during the night. They are a natural air purifier – one of my favourite houseplant benefits is that they actively remove toxins from air. NASA has researched it extensively and revealed that up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours are processed. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). Our climate-controlled buildings (which are now air tight too) trap VOCs inside. The NASA research showed that plants purify this trapped air by pulling contaminants into soil, where root zone microorganisms convert VOCs into food for the plant. They boost healing – A study conducted at Kansas State University found that viewing plants during recovery from surgery led to a significant improvement in the body’s responses including lower blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue as compared to patients without plants in their rooms. Another technique to decrease recovery time which was recorded by Texas A&M University, is horticulture therapy in which patients are tasked with taking care of plants. The patients who physically interacted with plants experience a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures.They can sharpen your focus – A study at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester found that students showed a 70% greater attentiveness when taught in a room containing plants. In the same study, attendance was also higher for lectures given in classrooms with plants. We’ve known about the benefits of keeping plants indoors for many years, but it’s only recently that interior landscaping has really exploded in the residential and commercial space. Some of the current trends can be easily adopted by a care home and not only provide the many benefits above but also add an incredibly stylish touch to the interior design of a space. In some cases totally transforming rooms with some well thought out touches that don’t break the bank! Some of my favourite tricks include:Living walls or vertical gardens – When space is at a minimum vertical planting can look absolutely amazing. And in a bedroom setting, the introduction of easy to look after succulents also purifies air and helps residents sleep better. They don’t need to be particularly large, covering an entire wall. A vertical garden can look equally stunning with an indoor trellis and pot combination, or a display of hanging planters and pots.Living pictures – A relatively new idea, specially adapted picture frames can be planted up into a gorgeous living canvas. Watering is also easy as they can be removed once a week and placed on a table, watered and rehung.Living light fittings – If you really want to make a statement, give a living light fitting a go! A truly unique alternative to a chandelier (and a zillionth of the price!). Design-led light bulbs can be hung from the ceiling, surrounded by a pot system that contains hanging succulents. When the lights are off they look extremely eye catching and when the lights go on, positively theatrical!Creative pot displays – A few large, well placed planters and pots that pick up a room’s colour scheme is a simple yet hugely effective touch that will brighten and calm an environment immediately. You can be as creative or simple as you like and the beauty of a pot is that it can be moved.Living table tops – old tables that have glass on top of a lower section, provide a perfect and very original way to plant dwarf houseplants. Visible through the glass they can offer endless interest as they grow and change over time. Amanda Lorenzani is a garden designer and interior landscaper working across London, Sussex and the South East. www.instagram.com/amandalorenzaniamanda.lorenzani@gmail.comTel: 07900 255 970
Sensory rooms: six mistakes care homes need to avoid
Most care professionals are well aware of the benefits of sensory rooms – they are spaces which offer a calming, soothing environment or can trigger reactions and promote interactions, particularly important among residents with dementia. They can be used for individual sessions or with a group of residents, and family members can even join in with activities too. But there have been too many instances where time and money has been spent on decorating, furnishing and equipping rooms which, usually after a flurry of activity for the first few months of opening, then lie largely unused. Researchers have found that this is down to sessions which have not been effective or which may even have had the opposite of the desired effect – unsettling residents who are confused about where they are and why. In this article, Care & Nursing Essentials explores the findings of a study by Anke Jakob, researcher in design at Kingston University, and Lesley Collier, now Reader in Occupational Therapy at Brunel University London. They reported in ‘How to make a Sensory Room for people living with dementia – developing design guidance for health care practitioners’ that of the 16 care homes where provision was studied, many of the existing sensory rooms had been inadequately designed, with inappropriate provision and without effective staff facilitation. We look at the common mistakes which have been made in setting up and managing this type of provision – and suggest how to fix the issues to make sensory rooms more effective… 1.Making the room too clinical At the recent Mental Health and Dementia Facilities Forum, Dr Jakob said she had found during her research that some sensory rooms had been created in clinical-looking rooms and were heavily reliant on technology. Feedback the researchers received from care staff included comparing the sensory rooms to ‘spaceships’ or ‘discotheques’. Traditional furniture, muted, warm colours and a fireplace are preferable to create a homely atmosphere in which residents can relax feel more comfortable. 2. Offering the same types of stimulation In the study, visual and tactile stimulation were well catered for, making up around 55% of all provision offered. Auditory and olfactory provision accounted for around 32% combined. Meanwhile, taste and movement experiences only provided 5% and 8% of the provision respectively. Gustatory experiences and movement/positioning of the body are therefore areas which need to be thought about more carefully when planning sensory rooms, in order to offer a full and balanced experience. 3. Using products aimed at children The researchers found that many of the technology-based sensory activities were not suitable or age-appropriate for elderly residents. This resulted in residents being disengaged and staff becoming less motivated to use the rooms as they could not see a response from residents. 4. Having too much stimulation Clutter, too many lights and too much sensory stimulation overall are just not conducive to what is meant to be a focused environment. The guide “How to make Sensory Room for people living with dementia” which was produced as a result of the study recommends: “To help maintain focus on an activity the space should not be filled or cluttered with too many sensory items and/or other objects that are likely to over-stimulate and distract attention. People with dementia find it difficult to filter relevant stimulation when there is competing stimuli.” 5. Not catering for the interests of all residents The stage of dementia a resident is in, their background and their personality are all important factors to consider when offering a sensory room. This person-centred approach (Regulation 9 of the CQC: Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014) is recommended in the guide, which recommends activities which are achievable for different groups and states: “The person setting up the room needs to remember that what relaxes one person may stimulate another. A person who is sensitive to stimulation is likely to respond quicker. By completing an in-depth personal life story, staff will be aware of what things stimulate or relax each resident.” Sensory equipment or items should be based on that person’s interests and needs, and critically the outcomes from each sensory session should be recorded alongside what has been stimulating or relaxing so that other staff will know what to use and what to do next time. 6. Failing to train staff in using the rooms effectively With a high number of staff and employee turnover being an issue in some care homes, training care workers on how to use the rooms is vital. This can be done in meetings, on the job with senior members of staff or via CDP training courses offered by external providers. Similarly, a visit to a nearby care facility which has an effective sensory room would be beneficial to share best practice. To conclude, we would recommend taking a look at the free guide “How to make Sensory Room for people living with dementia” to ensure your sensory room is designed to be as effective as possible. There are examples of “before and after” room makeovers as well as advice on quick, budget fixes and how to find the suppliers you need to provide good-quality, effective equipment. As long as staff are trained, have been timetabled to use the room and are keeping personalised records of each session, then your new and improved sensory room will soon become a vital part of your setting. The guide book “How to make Sensory Room for people living with dementia”, by Anke Jakob and Lesley Collier, is available as a PDF online at kingston.ac.uk/sensoryroom. The article “Sensory enrichment for people living with dementia: increasing the benefits of multisensory environments in dementia care through design”, by Anke Jakob and Lesley Collier, is also available as a PDF online at tandfonline.com
Care Homes To Provide Free Financial & Legal Advice
Aura Care Living is an award-winning provider of luxury care for the elderly. The company has two care homes – one in Cirencester, Gloucestershire called Stratton Court and one in Camberley in Surrey called King’s Lodge. Aura Care Living is leading the way to revolutionise later-life-living, providing unparalleled care on every level in exceptional environments. It can be a sensitive time for families when they have to plan for their loved ones as they get older and require more support. Aura Care Living has a team of expert industry professionals who strive to help advise on every level and deliver excellent care for the elderly. Every Thursday this month (9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th January) in both care homes, Aura Care will be having public open days in both care homes between 2pm and 6pm to offer free advice on later-life-living. They have teamed up with local legal and accountancy providers to offer advice on critical matters families have to consider when planning later-life-living, including power of attorney, wills, tax affairs, and financial planning. The staff in both homes will also be on hand to advise on care for the elderly and showcase the facilities on offer. Everyone is welcome to go along from 2pm to both homes for complimentary refreshments and to chat to the professional legal, financial and healthcare advisors. Each Thursday in January in Stratton Court care home in Cirencester, financial advice will be provided by Samantha Collins (L.L.B Barrister. Dip PFS), Associate Partner of St. James’s Place Wealth Management; and legal advice will be provided by Phillipa Bruce-Kerr, Partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited heading up the Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning Team that specialises in advising older and vulnerable (and disabled) clients. Each Thursday in January in King’s Lodge care home in Camberley, financial advice will be provided by Paul Adams of local firm of Independent Lifestyle Financial Planners, Branston Adams, and Financial Planner Mark Raybould Dip PFS, Certs CII (MP & ER), EFA, of Northwood Wealth Management; and legal advice will be provided by Anthony Tahourdin, Partner and Head of Private Client Department at Herrington Carmichael LLP.
Want to improve your care environment for residents and staff?
New, revolutionary lighting – ‘Circadian Plus’ by amBX will transform your care environment by providing elite benefits. Research has proven that circadian lighting, which supports human’s natural 24-hour rhythm is beneficial for improved sleep patterns, mood and general wellbeing. Therefore, helping to reduce resident’s agitation levels, encouraging a better sleep pattern and allowing them to feel more in tune with natural daylight; in turn this can lead to a whole host of mental and physical health benefits. In addition to this, if employees are happier at work, have improved sleep patterns and most importantly feel that their employer cares about their wellbeing then it is going to have a positive impact on retention levels. Also, the installation of this revolutionary system can set you apart from the competition, improving standards, reputation and therefore ratings. As the human body ages, both day and night vision deteriorate. Moreover, light can often cause confusion if there is a glare or an unusual pattern. This is heightened when a person suffers from some sort of cognitive condition, such as dementia, which The Alzheimer’s Society reports around 80% of care home residents experience. The correct lighting can reduce distress and disorientation as well as on a more basic level minimising risks of trips or falls. A recent install in Ashmere Care Homes’ Heanor Park has been a great success. They are now using amBX circadian lighting to manage precision-controlled LED lighting on a 24-hour cycle throughout all rooms and resident areas. In addition, staff and residents have noticed a distinct difference in the lighting and the mood around the care home. amBX Circadian Plus is uniquely equipped to deliver an energy efficient, sophisticated lighting experience in every room – without complex programming. The timing, intensity and colour of light can be easily controlled. Circadian Light-Scenes can also be used in conjunction with standard dimmable lighting as well as variable white lights and full colour-spectrum LEDs. Maintaining or improving reputation, ratings and standards, recruiting and retaining staff, managing costs and ensuring your residents get the best standard of care are all critical challenges when running a care home. At amBX our aim is to make your life easier, helping to solve these challenges. Creating the future of wellbeing in the care environment. To find out more visit: www.ambx.com | call: 0173 764 9833 | email: info@ambx.com or visit us on stand: D804.
