Choosing care is one of life’s most stressful experiences
Choosing care in England is one of the biggest sources of stress compared to other key life events, according to a survey of 1,000 people carried out for the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The findings come as the quality regulator is raising public awareness about how its inspection findings can help support people in making these important decisions. The survey findings, out today (Tuesday 27 February), reveal that seven in ten (70%) adults who were responsible for choosing care in a care home or at home – either for themselves or a loved one – over the last three years have found it more stressful than choosing their child’s nursery or school, or a venue for their wedding or civil partnership. 52% of people surveyed had cited choosing a care home and 31% had cited choosing care at home in their top three most stressful life decisions. People’s experiences varied across the country, with the highest proportion of people in the North East (60%), Yorkshire and Humber (56%) and the North West and East Midlands (both 54%) saying that choosing a care home was their most stressful life decision. Unsurprisingly perhaps, these regions are some of those where CQC has found the highest proportion of adult social care services rated as Requires Improvement and Inadequate. Conversely, two of the regions where the lowest proportion of people had said that choosing a care home was their most stressful life decision – East of England (44%) and the West Midlands (49%) – are where CQC has found the highest proportion of adult social care services rated as Good and Outstanding. Elsewhere in the survey findings, when analysing what had the greatest influence on people’s choice of care home, the vast majority (72%) of respondents stated that seeing the care home for themselves was the most important influencer in helping them make their decision. 44% of respondents said that understanding the quality of care based on its CQC rating and its latest inspection report influenced their decision the most, with 76% of respondents who knew the CQC rating for their care home then going on to say that this knowledge made them feel more confident that they were making the right decision. One in ten people said that when choosing care, using CQC’s inspection findings helped them decide a particular care home was not the right choice for them or their loved one. Other findings from the survey reveal that the ability of a care home to meet people’s individual needs and its general ‘feel’ was the most important factors when making their choice (24% and 17% respectively), more so than its proximity to family and friends (7%) and cost (4%). Andrea Sutcliffe, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care said: “Choosing care can be a real worry for people, their families and carers, wondering who or where to turn to – but CQC can help. “The public needs to know about the quality of care services available and they also need to be reassured that if there are any problems, these are being identified and tackled. “That is why we publish regular inspection reports with quality ratings on more than 20,000 individual care services registered with CQC. This means that people have access to clear, independent and trusted information to help them make the right decisions for them or their loved one. “People can be confident that we find most care services in England are providing good, safe care. For those that need to do better, or are not getting any better, we take appropriate action to ensure providers either improve or stop providing care altogether.” Emily Holzhausen OBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Carers UK, said: “Being able to quickly access information to help you make the right decision about the best care for a loved one makes a huge difference in what can be an immensely stressful time. “Decisions about long term care are often made at a time of crisis and have important consequences not only for the health and wellbeing of the person with care needs but for their families too. CQC ratings are a simple way of seeing the quality of care being provided by a service and give families confidence in choosing care. “When the person you care for goes into residential care, this isn’t the end of the caring role for many who continue to provide emotional and practical support to loved ones. Residential care can also provide an essential short term break from caring for those who are caring round the clock. Good quality, reliable and affordable care is vital to give families the peace of mind they need to support loved ones whilst also enabling them to live a life of their own, remain in work and maintain important relationships.“ Minister of State for Care, Caroline Dinenage said: “Decisions around care for loved ones are daunting and often made under a lot of pressure. Making the right choice can feel challenging and sometimes overwhelming. “The CQC offers a good starting point when considering individual care homes or home care services. They help ensure families have timely information and feel better equipped and more confident to make these important choices.” Join in the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CareAware http://www.cqc.org.uk
Care facility awarded top marks in being ‘effective’
A care facility in Staffordshire has had its effectiveness rated as ‘outstanding’ in a recent inspection by health watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Following an inspection in January, The Cottage Wing in Burton-on-Trent, joins an elite handful of care facilities – just one per cent throughout England – that have achieved the top rating in the effective category. The wing was awarded an overall inspection rating of ‘good’ from the CQC, aggregated from five categories which, in addition to ‘being effective’, includes being ‘safe’, ‘responsive’, ‘caring’ and ‘well-led’. All four of the remaining categories received ‘good’ ratings. Part of Barton Health and Community Care Centre, the facility was built in 2007 to replace the outdated Barton Cottage Hospital and GP surgery. It now has 12 places for people with care needs, including intermediate and palliative care as well as a small respite unit for young people with physical disabilities. In the report, published last week, the service was highlighted for particular praise by CQC inspectors for its work with other professionals to meet people’s needs holistically; the training and support provided for staff, who were encouraged to develop their knowledge and skills; and the improvement in the premises layout, which helped to promote greater engagement in activities and provided private space for people and their families. Furthermore, the report found that “staff sought people’s consent when providing support and people were able to make decisions about their care,” while there were “no people being restricted of their liberty.” Commenting on the positive report, Cottage Wing manager, Julie Turner, who began her work with Shaw healthcare as a staff nurse at the same facility in 1989, said: “Nationally, very few homes across England have been rated as ‘outstanding’ in the effective category and so we are especially delighted to have been given such recognition for our work. The achievement wouldn’t be possible were it not for the total dedication and passion of each and every member of our staff. I want to take the opportunity of thanking them and congratulating them on a remarkable achievement.” http://www.cqc.org.uk
The power of networks in adult social care
Good managers and leaders in social care are committed to embedding best practice through engaging with their peers, sharing information and growing their knowledge. The importance and value of networking shouldn’t be underestimated. Skills for Care facilitates registered manager networks, covering every local authority area in England. They offer registered managers the chance to meet locally with other like-minded managers who often face similar, everyday challenges. These networks are a great source of information and support for registered managers who can find themselves isolated in this pivotal role. They are led by network chairs, who are themselves registered managers and who understand the daily pressures of working in social care. Local networks meet at least three times a year and ensure topics are relevant to the attendees. Case study: a registered manager network in action Sam King is registered manager at Hightown Housing Association and also a network chair for Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. She talks about the many benefits of registered manager networks. “I’m really pleased with how the network has grown and the feedback I hear after each meeting. If a network can help even one manager feel more supported and less isolated then that’s great. Most of the registered managers in my organisation attend network meetings now – and I often hear my colleagues refer to it in other meetings – that’s a good sign! “Networks empower managers and are one way of helping them recognise just what an important part of the social care workforce they are. Some of our attendees are new managers and attending network meetings has increased their confidence. It’s a role that can feel lonely sometimes, but through attending they can see that everyone has the same sort of issues. Every manager attending also learns from the opportunities to share best practice that the network provides. The network has also been a good way to engage with stakeholders – everyone faces the same issues and sometimes having a group of people as a collective ensures that stakeholders receive one, consistent message. “Our network attendees have benefitted from hearing from local Care Quality Commission (CQC) representatives, the chance to raise issues and having a better understanding of CQC processes. This also supported relationship building; the inspector speaking to us was clear about wanting to work in partnership with us. “One of the things we are working on, as a network, is a list of the speakers we want to hear from in the future. We have National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) speaking to us soon about medicines management and we also want to ask our local authorities to attend the network to talk about local changes they are making. “Finally, thinking about what the network gives us as managers – I think it’s important not to underestimate the benefit of protected time away from a busy workload and service; every manager needs time to stop and reflect on things.” Join your local registered manager network Find out more about joining your local registered manager network here.
New jobs on offer for nurses and team leaders at Cramond Residence
Applications are now open for nurses and team leaders across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife to become part of the specialist team at the capital’s newest and finest care home. Due to open this year, Cramond Residence has announced it is currently recruiting for eight registered nurses and four dementia team leaders to fill both day and night positions. Managed exclusively by Walker Healthcare, Cramond Residence will offer the finest in person-centred nursing care for older people and is committed to hiring the very best candidates for each position. All successful applicants will receive training – where required – as well as professional development opportunities and an attractive remuneration package. The team will be led by general manager, Eileen Gray who is well established in the care industry with over 20 years’ experience. Eileen said: “Our ethos is to provide a place where residents can live in comfort and dignity and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. “We are currently on the lookout for kind, compassionate and highly-skilled individuals to join our growing team and are looking to fill posts for both nurses and team leaders with either a qualification in dementia care or a passionate interest in this field. “It is vital for us to ensure that our staff provide exceptional standards of care in all aspects of the Residence so we will be supporting them with a robust induction programme and training based on current best practice, as well as development plans to help achieve individual career aspirations. “We’re very much looking forward to receiving applications and further strengthening our expert care team.” Please send a completed CV to Sarah Freeman, HR Manager, at: sarahfreeman@walkerhealthcare.co.uk or applicants can register interest via the Cramond Residence website – www.cramondresidence.co.uk Previous applicants need not apply again as all applications will be considered. Cramond Residence will bring a total of 90 jobs to Edinburgh. A senior management team is already in position and recruiting nurses and dementia team leaders is phase two. Further recruitment of carers at various grades, activity coordinators, catering, housekeeping and other support staff will take place from May with home scheduled to open this summer. For more information visit www.cramondresidence.co.uk
Awards Recognition for Spalding Care Workers
Cedar Falls Care Home in Spalding was the big winner at the Lincolnshire Care Awards, picking up two awards and a highly commended at the ceremony in Lincoln. Stephanie Hewat-Jaboor won the Nursing in Social Care Award – End of Life, while Susan Palethorpe won the Nursing in Social Care Award – Dementia Care. Both winners are employed by Tanglewood Care Homes, which operates homes in Spalding, Boston, Coningsby, Horncastle and Alford. Two other Tanglewood workers were also recognised at the awards, which took place at the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln on Thursday (22nd February). Viv Smith, who also works at Cedar Falls, was highly commended in the Residential Care Award category, and Stephanie Townsend, who works at Tanglewood Care Home in Horncastle, was highly commended in the Best Supporting Role Award category. In total 14 employees at Tanglewood Care Homes were shortlisted for the awards, which are organised by the Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA). “We were delighted to have so many staff shortlisted for these awards – one-fifth of the total nominees on the night – and so happy to see our colleagues win two of the awards outright,” said Tracy Ann Shelbourn, founder and Director of Tanglewood Care Homes. “It’s a very special feeling to be rewarded for the important work you do in this way and I’d like to congratulate everyone who was shortlisted on their achievement.” The Lincolnshire Care Awards celebrate outstanding care workers, teams and organisations and the awards dinner was hosted by Melvyn Prior from BBC Radio Lincolnshire. The nine award categories were as follows: Sills & Betteridge Community Care Award StaffAid Residential Care Award University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire County Council Nursing in Social Care Award Apetito Best Supporting Role Award Community Health Partnerships Care Leadership Award District Councils Community Leadership Award Lincoln College Rising Star Award Bishop Grosseteste University Outstanding Learner NatWest Outstanding Care Team Award For more information visit http://linca.org.uk or follow the hashtag #LincsCareAwards on Twitter and Facebook. To find out more about Tanglewood Care Homes visit: www.tanglewoodcarehomes.co.uk.
Care home worker completes 5km for Stroke Association
A CARE home worker has completed a 5km run to raise funds for the Stroke Association. Michelle Park, an activities coordinator at Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, was cheered on by colleagues at the Resolution Run Newcastle 2018. The event took place in Leazes Park, in the heart of the city, when thousands of runners plodded the pathways for the charity. Other staff members from Waverley Lodge manned the water tables, sponsored by the Hill Care Group, which operates the care home. Waverley Lodge Care Home activities coordinator and Resolution Run Newcastle 2018 finisher Michelle Park with home manager Julie Booth at the Hill Care Group sponsored water table. They cheered Michelle as she passed, eventually recording a time of one hour and 44 minutes. She said: “I thought it would be good to do the run, as there are people who live at Waverley Lodge who are recovering from strokes, and I wanted to help them. “I never knew I had it in me but it’s been lovely to see all the runners and walkers turn out to help the Stroke Association. I would definitely do it again.” The water table team consisted of Hill Care regional manager Jane Mack, home manager Julie Booth and her son Nathan, chef Nicky Malcolm, and customer relations officer Julie Walker. After the event, they spent time cleaning up discarded bottles and other rubbish in the park. Jane said: “Leazes Park is a stunning place to take part in a run for the Stroke Association, as the oldest park in Newcastle. “We were delighted to help the Stroke Association with their fundraising this year, by sponsoring the water tables and helping Michelle with her run. “We’re so proud of her for completing the 5km and the team for helping give out water to the intrepid runners and the occasional pets as they passed.” Waverley Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
MHA names new Chief Executive
National older person’s charity MHA has announced Sam Monaghan as its new Chief Executive. Sam joins MHA from Barnardo’s, where he was Corporate Director Children’s Services. Prior to that, he worked at Action for Children and was a practitioner and manager in social services for a number of years. MHA provides care, support and accommodation for more than 17,800 older people across England, Scotland and Wales through its care homes, retirement living communities and community-based Live at Home schemes. It is marking its 75th anniversary in 2018. Sam said: “I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues and supporters to lead the organisation on the next stage of its journey and getting to know its work in greater depth. “What attracted me to the charity was its values-based approach to everything that it does and the quality of the services it provides. It puts its residents and members at the heart of its services, helping older people to feel supported in all they do and in their relationships with family, friends, our staff and volunteers. “I also want to build on the relationships we have with the local communities around our homes and schemes, with our partners such as those in health and social care, and also our supporters, who are key to enabling us to provide services such as music therapy, Chaplaincy and our Live at Home schemes” Outside work, Sam is married with two grown up children, enjoys cycling and the creative arts, and is also a leader with the Boys Brigade. MHA is an award-winning charity providing care, accommodation and support services for older people throughout Britain. We are one of the most well-respected care providers in the sector and amongst the largest charities in Britain, providing services to older people for almost 75 years. Our aim is to eliminate isolation and loneliness among older people by connecting them in communities that care. http://www.mha.org.uk
Tovertafel – How to encourage more young people to become professional carers
Written by John Ramsay, CEO of Shift8, the company behind the Tovertafel In the UK, we have nearly seven million carers, both paid and unpaid, but with an aging population and government cuts, we are in dire need of new talent to bolster the professional care industry. Care work is still one of the most underpaid jobs in the country – but also one of the most important. One of the biggest barriers for young people who are considering a career in this sector is the salary – and the industry has repeatedly come under fire because of this. As a society we have moved away from looking after our senior citizens, turning our backs on carers. When I was 12 years old, my father was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 52 and died 10 years later. It was extremely difficult growing up and coping with my father’s condition, spending my teen years helping to care for him. During this time, I worked with a number of professional carers, spoke to them about their experiences and witnessed first-hand how they cared for my dad. This made me realise that we need to attribute more value to professional carers, raise awareness and educate the younger population on why being a carer is an incredible career choice. The reality is that it can seem a very daunting career path for a lot of young people. Many may not have spent much time with the elderly before, but this is certainly not a reason to be discouraged. Being a professional carer enables you to develop a wide range of skills and puts you to the test in ways that your average desk job simply doesn’t. As a carer, you are constantly learning, reacting to situations which demand spontaneity and meeting individuals who have seen and lived through so much. We owe a lot to the older generation, these are the people who survived the World Wars – and they often give the best life advice. Through my experience with my dad, I noticed there was, and still is, a real lack of innovation and use of technology in the care sector. To combat this, we need to find new ways to solve old problems, encouraging the use of breakthrough technologies and inspiring young people to choose a career in this field. After my experience with my father, I left my corporate full-time job at a Magic Circle law firm and founded Shift8 because I knew I wanted to do something more personal to me and bring some good out of a highly difficult situation. Shift8 is committed to changing the world by introducing socially responsible and life changing products to UK and Ireland. Our first product is called Tovertafel (Magic Table) – a series of award winning games for people with mid to late stage dementia to stimulate physical, social and cognitive activity. As part of the service, we have created the Tovertafel Buddy scheme to help inspire the next generation to get involved in dementia care and potentially end up working in the field. A Tovertafel Buddy is a volunteer in the local area, usually aged between 17 and 23, who visits the care centre where the Tovertafel has been installed and shows the staff, family members and residents how to get the best out of the Tovertafel. Being a carer is an extremely rewarding career choice and I feel we need to raise more awareness of this. The residents that you work with can be cheeky, charming, hilarious and wise. When you see a smile and you know you’ve engaged with that person, it is extremely fulfilling – and knowing you’ve made a real impact and have supported someone else on their journey is worth more than your own personal gain. www.tovertafel.com
Age Space – “Mumsnet for the middle-aged” set to launch website
Founder of Age Space – an online hub offering advice and information for anyone caring for older relatives – is seeking support from groups and businesses across Cheshire A new website, described as a “Mumsnet for the middle-aged”, is set to launch a site focused exclusively on the needs of families with elderly parents or relatives in Cheshire. Annabel James – the founder of Age Space – is launching a regional Cheshire hub, after successfully establishing similar versions of the website in Dorset and Norfolk. Age Space already provides advice, signposting and support to thousands of people in those communities caring for older parents and relatives. Now it is branching out across Cheshire and is calling on local care organisations, as well as individuals and businesses, to get behind the initiative to ensure it provides maximum support for the rising number of people caring for older family members. Research commissioned by Age Space reveals that more than half of all Britons aged over 45 are already giving practical, financial, health or personal care to ageing parents. And data from across Cheshire suggests that the number of people aged 65 or over in the region is above the national average of 18 per cent. NHS research predicts that by 2050, that number will rise to one-in-four across the UK. “The challenges associated with an ageing population and people living longer – many with complex health problems – in Cheshire continues to increase and, as our research shows, that means more and more families are taking on the responsibility of looking after older relatives,” said Annabel. “But as more people take on that responsibility, they also take on the emotional, practical and financial burdens that come with caring for a loved one, and that can be extremely challenging. With Cheshire having a higher proportion of older people than the UK average, this is even more prevalent. “The whole idea behind Age Space was to create a single source and a trusted guide for anyone with concerns about or caring for an elderly parent or relative. We know that people struggle with making important decisions on how to help. The information is often available, but it can be hard to find, particularly if you’re new to it all. “People are calling us the “Mumsnet for the middle-aged” as typically, it’s those of us aged between 45-65 – not always but quite often women – that take on the responsibility of looking after loved ones with failing health. “We aim to provide support for people who have found themselves caring for parents or relatives with little prior knowledge or information, but we absolutely depend on the support of local organisations and businesses to make that possible. “That’s why we’re seeking potential partners and collaborators to get in touch and support what we’re trying to do, so we can introduce Age Space to more people across Cheshire.” The Cheshire arm of the website will replicate key advice and support provided to the UK’s other regions, signposting people to local services and offering guidance on all aspects of care for the elderly, particularly around funding and choosing care. There will also be a directory of locally-based services for older people, a calendar of local activities, blog posts and articles from partners and supporters. The website will also feature an active community forum where people can share their experiences and offer peer-to-peer support – much like the established Mumsnet website does for young parents. For more information about Age Space visit www.agespace.org or to become a partner and supporter, please contact Annabel directly by emailing annabel.james@agespace.org.
