Dreams can come true at Shaw
A resident of a Bristol care service has had her dream come true after recording a song at a professional studio. Lynne Hayter, of Springbank care home, in Brentry, was recognised earlier this year in the ‘Resident / Relative’ category at the prestigious Shaw Star awards, an event organised by Shaw healthcare to recognise excellence across the workforce and all of its facilities. It was Lynne’s singing that caught the eye of the judging panel when they were considering nominations for the awards. They noted that, in addition to her caring attitude, her dream was to record a single and thought that, as part of her prize, she deserved something extra as she gives so much to others. Employees and residents at Springbank had nominated her for her uplifting spirit and the contribution she makes to the service, which includes getting involved in interviews of potential new employees at Springbank to make sure they meet her approval, as well as checking on the wellbeing of others who live there. Home manager, Kay Williams, said: “Lynne brightens everybody’s day with her infectious personality, smile and singing. I am so pleased she was given the opportunity of recording a song – it shows that dreams really can come true at Shaw.” Although not originally from Wales, Lynne wanted to return to the green, green grass of home and record a song where she has many happy memories of visiting friends and family members. Lynne is also a huge fan of Welsh singing icon, Tom Jones. The organisers of the Star Awards arranged for Lynne to be accompanied by her backing vocalists Claire Moffat, Victoria Brunsdon and Gemma Holloway, and travel to Hen Recording Studios in Cardiff. While there, she laid down vocals on ‘Bring me Sunshine’, which Lynne took away with her as a memento on CD. Lynne commented of the experience: “I’ve had such a great day and I got to put the headphones on and listen to myself singing back with the music. I haven’t stopped listening to the CD since I’ve had it. I love it!”
What a difference a chair makes
You often see pictures of people sitting in the care home environment very happily – in the day room or out in the garden. As long as people are able to manage their own posture and can sit out in comfort, all is well. However, many elderly people, particularly those with kyphosis sit in inappropriate chairs which do not support them. Their head slumps forward or to the side – chin to chest. Gravity can trap people in these destructive postures and can have some very damaging, sometime life-threatening results. Imagine being stuck in bed for weeks …months …years. Four walls around you which never change, carers (who might be the kindest, loveliest people in the world) but who have to do everything for you each day, every day. When, in fact, with the right seating you could be up, and if not completely about, you could re-join your community in daily occupations. When a person is seated correctly the chest can open up to facilitate breathing, the head is supported in a comfortable position, eye contact can be made, so communication is improved and it’s just easier to speak when you are not hunched over looking at the floor. Eating, drinking and digestion are facilitated, and, of course, there’s the simple pleasure of being able to sit comfortably in a supported position. The right specialist seating will lead to: A reduction in pressure ulcers A reduction in the number of falls Less use of restraints A reduction in time to treat injuries A reduction in the cost of treating injuries In a trial by two senior clinicians at Salford University, participants commented on the CareFlex Seating: ‘I’d forgotten what it felt like to sit somewhere comfortable …for the past three years I’ve literally been in bed or in a wheelchair.’ ‘It’s got to be down to the chair …it’s a strange feeling …because I’ve not experienced that in such a long time (8—9 years).’ “I have sat in this chair …and done things that I woudn’t normally do …for longer periods of time that I would anywhere else.” “I’m just very comfortable and I can sit and cloud watch and I can sit for quite a while watching clouds!” An important point to remember, of course, is that chairs are not magic. A person must be properly assessed to select the right chair to meet their needs. The chair must be correctly set up for the individual. That is imperative – a chair set up for someone else could cause more harm than good! And then, of course, ongoing, carers need to understand how and why the chairs are effective so they can use them correctly and can monitor their patients throughout the day to check they have not manoeuvred themselves back into a destructive position, or they are just not comfortable. Seating is just one part of the 24 hour posture and pressure management system. You need to get the rest right too! Prevention is better CareFlex Clinical Specialist, Becca Dunstall, reports that 30% of patients in the community and around 20% of patients in nursing homes in the UK are at risk of pressure injury, resulting from improper seating. “If we’re thinking about a grade one pressure injury, were there may be some redness but the skin is still intact, treatment costs about £1000. For a grade four, which can see full tissue loss, even down to the bone, it could cost up to £14,000 to treat that one injury. So if we’re thinking about a 100-bed nursing home where up to 20 of those residents are at risk, we’re talking over a quarter of a million pounds just to treat 20 pressure injuries in one home!” Roll that figure out nationally and the figure is staggering. Specialist seating can play a very important part in alleviating the problem.
Height adjustable baths designed by caring professionals for professional carers
Bathing Care experts Dennis Goodes and Ray Metcalf have joined forces to launch ‘SilverSurfers’ height adjustable baths. Over 60 years of experience in the bathing care market across design, manufacture and sales have gone in to designing this unique range. Every bath is handcrafted in the UK by time served craftsmen using traditional methods to exacting standards and constructed by a specialist team of engineers. The range incorporates the very latest one touch technology making them safe and simple to use. The high quality baths are styled in an Art Deco design with a luxurious finish. Each bath is individually tested then dispatched direct to site where a highly trained service team can install and commission, if required. For a brochure or a discussion with Dennis about your specific requirements call 01590 647 479 or visit www.assistedbathing.com
Encore Care Homes enters a multimillion pound partnership to tackle the UK’s elderly care crisis
Encore Care Homes has entered a £250million strategic development partnership with U.S healthcare REIT (real estate investment trust), Welltower. The partnership will provide Welltower with the exclusive option to acquire £250million of Encore’s future developments which secures long term care options for the elderly and will allow Encore to continue to design and construct its purpose-built care homes across the south. Encore is a specialist residential, nursing and dementia care home provider that provides its residents with the finest care, comfort and companionship. Encore designs and builds its own private care homes to ensure the buildings are both homely yet functional, housing state-of-the-art facilities which are required to provide the highest standard of care possible. Izzy Nicholls, operations and quality director of Encore, said: “We are really proud of the difference that this partnership will make by easing pressures on the current need for care homes in England. Due to people living longer, the demand for care homes continues to grow and we hope to contribute and help tackle this problem by continuing to design and build care homes across the south. “The care homes, which Welltower may acquire in the future, will continue to operate under the Encore brand and will allow the company to grow; therefore, creating new jobs and opportunities for those in the local community.” Izzy continued: “We have seen how effective building strong, innovative partnerships with healthcare experts can be to ensure we remain at the forefront of the latest industry advancements, such as our pre-existing partnership with the NHS. This new partnership therefore combines Welltower’s global scale and expertise with our regional knowledge and development experience to create a new approach to care home development.” Encore Care Homes manages three care homes in Dorset and Hampshire; Hamble Heights in Fareham, Fairmile Grange on the grounds of Christchurch Hospital and Great Oaks in Bournemouth opened in June this year. Please visit www.encorecarehomes.co.uk for more information.
Blooming Success for Blackwood Tenant
A green fingered Blackwood tenant has been rewarded for his skills by winning the housing and care provider’s prestigious gardening award. Edward Stanton, who has been a tenant at Blackwood’s Argyle Street development for 25 years, won the ‘Best Hanging Basket’ award at the charity’s AGM in Largs. The 78-year-old started work on his balcony five years ago and has since installed four hanging baskets which he believes make the perfect decorations for his balcony. Edward said: “I have always loved gardening and so I couldn’t believe it when I was awarded ‘Best Hanging Basket’ as I have never won anything for my gardening before. “My favourite aspect of gardening is getting to sit out on my balcony during the summer and be surrounded by colourful flowers and hanging baskets. “I definitely plan on entering the competition again and have a few different ideas of what I will do to my balcony and baskets for it.” The keen gardener first got into the hobby when his family moved into a ground floor flat when he was 19 years old. Colleen Scott, Marketing Manager at Blackwood, said: “Every year I look forward to going out and filming the amazing entries to our garden awards. Our customers take great pride in creating truly beautiful spaces. “Hanging baskets are a great way for our customers that do not have a garden to still get to enjoy gardening. Edward’s hanging baskets are gorgeous so he thoroughly deserved to win. We hope Edward and everyone who put their gardens and hanging baskets forward for this year’s competition is thinking about entering next year and we wish them the best of luck. “We started the garden awards five years ago as a way for Blackwood to recognise our customers’ creativity and effort to make such lovely outdoor areas. Since then it has taken off and has grown year after year with such impressive gardens each time.” Since it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood in 1972, Blackwood has been a pioneer in both housing and care, constantly innovating in ways large and small that transform the lives of its customers, helping them to live as independently as possible. Blackwood’s aim is to do whatever it takes to help people have control over their lives in a home that meets their needs, using design and technology to support the services it delivers. It has an outstanding record of adapting properties from entire renovations to minor adaptations which are incredibly liberating to those involved.
World Diabetes Day 2017 (Infographic)
Diabetes can be deadly and World Diabetes Day draws attention to what people can do to avoid getting diabetes. The amazing thing about diabetes is that 90%-95% of people have type 2 diabetes and this can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes. This infographic from Study Medicine Europe takes you through how we lose 1.6 million lives every year because of diabetes. This figure is expected to almost double by 2030. Another startling statistic is that 84 million American adults have prediabetes and they need to change their ways before it’s too late. It’s so important to check with your doctor if you have any of the high-risk factors related to prediabetes. As outlined, the consequences of diabetes can be deadly and amazingly it’s also the leading cause newly diagnosed adult blindness for people between the ages of 20 and 74. It is also responsible for kidney failure in 44% of cases and around 50% of people with diabetes die of cardiovascular disease. It can even lead to a loss of toes, feet or legs with around 60% of nontraumatic amputations to lower limbs being on people with diabetes. Remember that diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing weight if necessary, becoming more active, and starting a healthy diet. It’s never too late to change your ways. It’s also very easy to manage diabetes by working with a healthcare professional to find a way of life that works for you. The serious problem occurs is if you have diabetes and don’t manage it. This is where the real problems present themselves and there is plenty we can do in 2017 to ensure diabetics have a high quality of life. They just need to ensure that they maintain a healthy diet and stay active. Find out more information about all things related to diabetes in the infographic.
Top tips for creating moments of joy along the Alzheimer’s journey
Jolene Brackey, author of ‘Creating Moments of Joy’ and lead educator on the online course ‘Creating Moments of Joy for People with Alzheimer’s’ on the FutureLearn social learning platform, shares her tips on overcoming the challenges that the everyday battles of Alzheimer’s present. 1. Live their truth When someone living with Alzheimer’s asks for their Mum or their husband, who are no longer living, how can you make them feel like they are okay in this moment? Responses such as “your Mum will be right back” or “your husband is at work,” will make them feel reassured. 2. Stop correcting them People living with Alzheimer’s are not confused until we intervene and remind them that something is wrong. Instead of saying: “Remember your wife isn’t home”, try saying: “she’s out getting her hair done.” Instead of saying: “I told you ten times you had a doctor’s appointment,” replace this with: “Oh, I forgot to tell you about the doctors. I’m so sorry.” Likewise, instead of saying: “That is not your sweater,” you could say: “Look, I found this beautiful sweater. Let’s see how it looks on you.” Or simply let them wear the sweater. 3. Visit without words The closest thing to memory a person with Alzheimer’s has is what they see and touch. Bring them a nostalgic food they love, bring them a dress you wore when you were little, or an object they used to play with. What do you have in your loft that will trigger positive memories? 4. Give them their memories back When you’re chatting on the phone, rather than saying “Remember when I was little…” Instead say, “Mum, I love it when you and I go shopping and get ice cream.” This will bring their memories into the present. 5. Create moments of joy for the caregiver Don’t ask how you can help, just help. Drop off a meal, cut the grass for them, do their food shopping, say you have a couple of hours on Sunday to sit their wife or husband so they can go out and get their hair done, or simply go for a walk. You can learn more about Creating moments of joy for people with Alzheimer’s with Purdue University and Purdue University Press on the FutureLearn social learning platform.
A little bit of magic at Worcestershire care home
The husband of a resident at a Worcestershire care facility has raised more than £5000 to buy a piece of equipment aimed at helping dementia patients to relax and reminisce. Pete James, whose wife, Nicole, lives at The Hawthorns care home, in Evesham, has used the funds to purchase a ‘magic table’. This new technology uses interactive games to connect people in the mid to late stages of dementia with each other, and with their surroundings, all the while stimulating movement. The games, which can be played independently or as a group, invite participants to pop bubbles, sweep leaves or interact playfully with fish – you can even grow flowers. Another game generates a series of well-known sayings and phrases, which is often the start of fun discussions and brings back memories. The money was raised though a JustGiving page alongside collections, and the sheer generosity of people who know Nicole and her family, or have heard her story through word of mouth and social media. The Shaw Foundation provided a grant to make up the rest of the funds that were needed to purchase the equipment. Pete commented: “People have been incredibly supportive and generous, and for that, I am truly grateful. We didn’t have to put on special events to raise the money, it was purely through people’s love of Nicole that we managed to reach our target as quickly as we did”. Mary Tasker, home manager at The Hawthorns, which is run by Shaw healthcare, said: “The impact that this equipment has had in a short space of time has been incredible. Residents who didn’t tend to join in conversations or were prone to becoming agitated have become engaged, and many have shown absolute delight when playing these games. The sound of the laughter has left myself and other staff members in tears of joy. I can’t thank Pete and his family enough for what they have done for everyone here”. It isn’t just the residents who have benefited from the magic table. A relative of one of the residents often asks Mary if she can spend ten minutes on there before she goes home as it relaxes her. Maggie Parker, who works for the Alzheimer’s Society, and has known Peter and his family for some time, said: “It is just wonderful to see the residents react and interact with each other, especially those who are usually more withdrawn and less inclined to get involved. It is also great for when family members are visiting, and conversation can be limited”.
Dementia Dare Devil Wing Walk
An East Sussex lady, whose husband Derek resides at Clifden House dementia care centre, completed a dare devil wing walk to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma of dementia. Delia Spindlow, whose husband was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago said “It’s hard when someone close to you has dementia. While my husband is lucky enough to be in the superb care of Clifden House Dementia Care Centre in Seaford, I still wanted to do something to raise further awareness of this debilitating disease. “ Delia’s wing walk challenge took place on 23 September and helped raise money for Eastbourne Dementia Action Alliance, with the staff at Clifden House donating to the fundraising efforts. Nial Joyce of Clifden House said: “I don’t think I’d ever be brave enough to do something like that! Everyone at Clifden House would like to congratulate Delia on completing her wing walk and raising money for a great cause – Eastbourne Dementia Action Alliance.” If you would like to donate to Delia’s wing walk you can still do so by handing your donation into Clifden House Seaford or Ivy House Eastbourne. For information about CQC ‘good’ rated Dementia Care Centre visit www.clifdenhouse.co.uk Follow Clifden House on Facebook for the latest advice and news about dementia care. https://www.facebook.com/EastbourneDementiaActionAlliance/ https://aerobatictactics.com/about
