Charity working to combat elder loneliness in care gains strength in new numbers
Gaining strength in numbers, a charity dedicated to combating loneliness among elders in care has announced a host of new appointments to the organisation as it continues its drive to raise £100,000 in 2023. Adopt a Grandparent was founded at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to build new intergenerational relationships for those in care and under lockdown restrictions. Now, three-years on, it has announced the official appointment of a charity ambassador in the form of Chief Executive of Care England, Professor Martin Green. Helping to drive both awareness of the work of Adopt a Grandparent and fundraising efforts, it is hoped that the new ambassador will help to reach new audiences and inspire more people to support the charity’s work. On his new role for the charity, Professor Green said: “I am truly passionate about our care sector – both about the essential work carried out and also about the amazing people receiving care. Becoming an Ambassador for Adopt a Grandparent is an opportunity to support the sector in a whole new way and tackle a major issue for those in care. I’m very proud to help the team continue their great work.” The appointment of an official ambassador is a major move forwards for the charity’s plans to widen the reach of its support alongside its Board of Trustees; Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt a Grandparent, David Barrett, Founder and CEO of Pic PR, Sarah Skuse, Partner at Bevan Brittan LLP, and Paul Birley, former Head of Barclays Healthcare. Alongside strengthening its governance and outreach, the charity also launched a major fundraising drive at the start of the year, having raised £62,000 so far. This has gone towards developing new ways to support volunteers and ‘grandparents’, including the development of a dedicated app which offers a truly safe space for pairings to interact. The charity has had heartwarming feedback from ‘grandparents’ such as Robin Smith, who commented; “I look forward to the calls enormously,” says Robin. “Tiffany, my ‘grandchild’, tells me all about the technology in Japan where she lives. I can’t see very well so she will describe the view of the city for me and has shown me over our video calls too. Tiffany is so nice and she really listens to me. Our calls make me feel less lonely and really brighten up my day.” As part of its efforts the charity has brought onboard a number of high profile corporate sponsors, helping to spread the word and enable the incredible intergenerational pairings at the heart of it all. So far, Adopt a Grandparent has received support from multi-award winning law firm, Irwin Mitchell, alongside professional services and investment management company, Colliers, care provider management consulting and coaching firm, Fulcrum, fine jewellery specialist, Tivon and award-winning Surrey-base care group, CHD Living. Earlier in 2023, the Co-operative also named Adopt a Grandparent as one of its ‘Charities of the Year’, enabling shoppers to donate to the cause whenever they shop in store – doing good while getting the groceries. Additionally, Barclays pledged the support of its Digital Eagles who have helped to develop a bespoke training platform to impart both digital skills and the soft skills essential for younger volunteers to communicate with their elders, including those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. On strengthening the team at Adopt a Grandparent, the charity’s founder and CEO, Shaleeza Hasham commented: “It has been an incredible journey for Adopt a Grandparent, from its beginnings as a support initiative to becoming a fully-fledged charity. We have touched so many lives and, in turn, been touched by the stories and friendships of our volunteers but there is so much more work to be done, so much more we can do. Our new ambassadors, alongside my fellow trustees and our amazing corporate sponsors all make up a huge part of how we continue to grow and help more people. With 40 care homes across the UK having signed up with their residents volunteering for ‘adoption’, including the lovely Anchor Hanover SE homes, we still need more to pair with the unbelievable number of young volunteers we have. There are currently more than 90,000 people signed up to adopt their own grandparents and we’re excited to continue our work with them.” For more information about Adopt a Grandparent, to volunteer or to sign up a care home, visit www.adoptagrandparent.org.uk/.
Tour De HICA Challenge raises thousands for care
A leading care group headquartered in Hull, Yorkshire with homes and services across Lincolnshire and Lancashire, recently completed a large-scale cycling challenge to raise funds for residents. The Tour De HICA raised an impressive sum of £6,910 to help fund and support causes and activities across the HICA Group with the farming community from across North Lincolnshire coming together to raise an incredible £2,600, nearly 40% of the total funds raised. Led by agricultural mechanic Nigel Wright, the farming community in the region provided around 88 sponsors overall. The event, held over 24 continuous hours, saw employees, residents, and friends of HICA come together to achieve an incredible total of 1,970 miles, surpassing the initial goal of 1,750 miles, the distance from Lands End to John O’Groats and back. Participants took on the challenge using a variety of exercise equipment, including six exercise bikes, a treadmill, and a rowing machine. The event showcased the determination, enthusiasm, and commitment of the HICA Group team to support the health and wellbeing of residents across all of their care homes and services. Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, said: “We are over the moon with the outstanding success of the Tour De HICA challenge and the incredible support we received from our employees, residents, their relatives and other associates. “I wanted to say a special thank you to Nigel Walker and the rest of the farming community who contributed £2,600 towards the total. “Overall, everyone’s participation and dedication in reaching a total of 1,970 miles is a testament to our shared commitment to improving the lives of those in our care.” The Tour De HICA event brought together individuals from various HICA locations, including HICA at Home in Grimsby, Doncaster and Hull. These teams made significant contributions to the overall mileage, with HICA at Home in Grimsby adding an impressive 180 miles, HICA at Home in Doncaster contributing 113 miles, and HICA at Home in Hull achieving 112 miles. Elm Tree Court cycled an admirable 147 miles, while Kirkgate House managed 85 miles, and residents from Isaac Robinson Court added another nine miles. Additionally, the team at Buckshaw Retirement Village showed their dedication by joining in with an exercise bike and their rickshaws, accumulating an impressive 44.5 miles. Nigel Wright said: “As a proud member of the region’s farming community, the overwhelming support HICA Group’s challenge received was wonderful and we are so pleased to provide the generous contribution. “The funds will be used to help improve the quality of life for local people and we’re delighted to have been involved in such a worthy cause.” The Tour De HICA challenge also welcomed participation from close friends of the organisation, including the boys from Orchard Park FC, which HICA sponsors. The funds raised from the challenge will make a positive impact on residents’ health and wellbeing by providing specialist equipment and funding events and trips.
Make Your Event Exceptional with Swingin Sinatra Entertainer
They’re songs familiar to generations – Come Fly With Me, New York, New York, Fly Me To The Moon, Mr Bojangles… the list goes on and on. And Scott Free, ex-Edinburgh, Brighton and Adelaide – Australia festivals entertainer, Cunard QE2 cabaret performer and singer, is never happier than when he’s performing in front of an audience and belting them out for all they’re worth. Now Scott is back with his new show – ‘Swingin’ Sinatra’, specialising in bringing top-quality entertainment to the senior residential care sector, and he couldn’t be happier. Scott, who was born and brought up in Weymouth, Dorset, says, “It’s just fantastic to be performing again, bringing happiness to people. “These are songs which have survived the test of time and it brings me great joy to sing them to audiences who still know and love them.” A fan of Frank Sinatra, known as ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ and ‘Chairman of the Board’, from an early age, Scott is also an aficionado of fellow ‘Rat Pack’ artists such as Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr as well as Andy Williams, Bobby Darin and Louis Armstrong – and of course, Michael Bublé. Songs from all these artists – and more! – feature in the show. So, while the Swingin’ Sinatra show appeals to those of a ‘certain generation’ who remember and loved the music first-time around, now a whole new – and younger – audience is appreciating a genre of music that many thought had disappeared forever. Scott started out entertaining care home residents more than 20 years ago. He moved onto cruise ships and liners, including Cunard’s QE2, as well as festivals as far afield as Edinburgh in Scotland and Adelaide in Australia. His notices include glowing 4 and 5 star reviews from the Scotsman, Adelaide News, What’s on Stage and Edinburgh Festival write-ups. One reviewer said: “With every line he delivers, he convinces me that he means it. “He interacts with the audience with the ease of a seasoned professional. “This voice is a dream come true.” Scott has now come full circle, bringing his new show to residential and care homes in Dorset, Devon and Hampshire, as well as performing at events such as this summer’s show on Brownsea Island. Apart from classics from the likes of Sinatra, ‘Swingin’ Sinatra’ also features the songs of Charles Aznavour, Matt Monro, Andy Williams, Elvis Presley and many more. Bournemouth-based swing/jazz crooner, Scott Free’s show ‘Swingin’ Sinatra’ is a lively uptempo tribute to ol’ blue eyes! All the Sinatra hits and more! Accompanied by a big band backing track (The Philadelphia Big Band) for an authentic soundtrack, self-contained or with your DJ, or your house band. Scott says, “I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back doing what I love – after all we’ve been through, it’s time to feel good again.” Scott Free sings, dances and entertains, performing all Sinatra and the Rat Pack hit songs, and more with his swingin’ Frank Sinatra tribute show.
Why high-quality hand sanitisers are essential
By Sam Greaves, MD and fourth generation owner of The Cleenol Group, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial cleaning and hygiene products Sales of hand sanitiser soared by 255% in February 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. With recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) to: “Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water”, the global hand sanitiser market has grown exponentially from $1.53 billion in 2019 to an expected $3.04 billion in 2020. Producers responded quickly by increasing production – here at Cleenol, we managed to increase production by a massive 40%. Despite these efforts, there were points during the first year of the pandemic when buying hand sanitiser was as challenging as finding toilet roll. To help the industry plug the gap in supply, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) started to fast-track applications to produce denatured alcohol, a key ingredient in hand sanitiser, to allow for an influx of new manufacturers. The UK Government’s Health and safety Executive (HSE) has recently revised this flexibility in a recent bulletin. “In response to the pandemic, HSE took steps to assist industry’s efforts to increase the availability of hand sanitisers to help reduce the spread/transmission of COVID-19. One of these steps was establishing special arrangements to issue critical situation permits that enable short-term derogations from the normal Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) requirements for product authorisation. As these short-term permits begin to approach their expiry dates, HSE has gathered information from a range of stakeholders about the current availability of hand sanitisers on the UK market. The outcome suggests that, whilst there is an ongoing need for hand sanitiser products, current demand can be met by products supplied under the normal arrangements in BPR. This means that the special arrangements for supplying hand sanitiser products, put in place at the beginning of the pandemic, will be discontinued. The assessment of any ongoing applications made under the current arrangements will be completed. Any hand sanitiser products that have already been granted a permit can continue to be supplied and used until the permit expires”. Quality-assured hand sanitisers increase trust to your business Cleanliness and hygiene have always been an important part of hospitality and care service delivery, but the last two years raised the awareness to new levels. Enter hand sanitisers. One thing has been abundantly clear – not all hand sanitisers are created equally. The Importance of a High-Quality Hand Sanitiser Recalls and authority alerts for hand sanitisers containing methanol, rather than ethanol became almost common place. So, what do you need to look for in a high-quality hand sanitiser? There are two major considerations here: efficacy of the product and making the experience pleasant for the user. Product Efficacy Alcohol content: The WHO and America’s CDC recommend hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content. Many quality manufacturers contain 70%, Cleenol’s included, which kills all enveloped viruses within 60 seconds. Quality testing To be sure that the hand sanitiser you are buying is fit for purpose, you can check that it has been tested against European Standards (EN). The relevant standards are: BS EN 1500 for Hygienic Hand rubs, BS EN 1276 for killing 99.999% of bacteria and BS EN 14476 for killing 99.99% of enveloped viruses (coronaviruses are an example of enveloped viruses). Beyond the effectiveness of the hand sanitiser, the customer experience should be considered. The Product Experience in your hand Viscosity Some hand sanitisers can be very runny and if you are dispensing in a public place, can easily run off the hands onto the floor creating a slip hazard, or run down your sleeve. Either way, the experience is less satisfying for consumers and so may be avoided, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. After effects Some hand sanitisers leave your hands feeling sticky, a sensation most people dislike. Again, if consumers don’t like how it feels, they’re less likely to continue to use the hand sanitiser, increasing your risk. Consider a hand sanitiser that includes a moisturising agent, such as Cleenol’s Medisan 70% Alcohol Hand Sanitiser which contains glycerine. Smell If you’re serving food, this will be of particular concern, as smell directly contributes to taste. If you provide a hand sanitiser that has a strong chemical smell that lingers, it can be unpleasant and alter the dining experience. Ultimately, you want to find a highly effective hand sanitiser to protect your business, staff and patrons whilst improving the customer experience, to benefit from customer trust, ongoing loyalty and repeat business. Different hand sanitisers on the market: alcohol-free hand sanitisers vs. 70% alcohol hand sanitisers News reports had put in doubt the efficacy of alcohol-free hand sanitisers. However Cleenol, with decades of experience in the cleaning industry, recognises that both alcohol-based and alcohol-free hand sanitisers have their place, with advantages and disadvantages to both. Cleenol originally started developing alcohol-free hand sanitiser to satisfy a rapidly growing customer base in the Middle East, where the use of alcohol-based products is not permitted for those observing the Islam faith. Cleenol’s alcohol-free hand sanitiser is certified as Halal by the Halal Monitoring Committee (HMC). Demand for alcohol-free hand sanitisers also grew in hospitals, care homes, prisons and schools with young children or students with special educational needs and disabilities. Alcohol-free hand sanitiser is more suitable for dry skin, and the risk of accidental ingestion of harmful quantities is low due to the relatively low toxicity of the active substances. Active ingredients could include Didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), which are both members of the quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) family of disinfectants. You would have to ingest a large amount of these before any ill effects were felt. Additionally, alcohol-free sanitiser can provide long-lasting protection from bacteria and viruses. As it dries, it leaves a protective layer on your skin which acts as a shield, protecting you for up to four hours. What we do know in our post COVID world, is that hand
Now is the time to go digital
10 reasons to go digital with electronic care planning and medication (eMAR) systems Time More time to care Carers never have enough time to care but going digital can provide more. There are so many time-consuming tasks such as writing care notes, completing paper assessments, filling in charts, preparing handovers, and countless other administrative tasks. Going digital can automate many of these tasks and enable the recording of care interactions in real-time, ensuring nothing is left undocumented and saving time that can be better spent providing care. Control Better Control Controlling paper-based systems can be an onerous job. It generates reams of paper that can easily be lost, copied, and, potentially, fall into the wrong hands. Digital care systems are safe and accessible, maintaining the security and confidentiality of your data. This is difficult to achieve with paper because sensitive information must be locked away when not in use per GDPR. Furthermore, digital allows you to determine who can access and what via permission controls. Staff only see what they need to see based on their role. AutumnCare has a number of tools that assist in maintaining security and confidentiality, including this lock screen functionality for use in medication administration rounds! Protection Protect your business Social care is a highly regulated industry and going digital can help you safeguard your business. With multiple regulatory bodies, such as the CQC, CIW, Care Inspectorate, RQIW, Local Authorities and Safeguarding Teams, not to mention families and the justice system. Any of whom can make enquiries or perform inspections at any time and without notice. Going digital makes it easy and efficient to evidence the quality of care you provide. In addition, as a digital system has a complete audit trail, you can be assured the information you are providing is accurate and complete. Costs Costs and environment The most considerable cost saving that going digital can provide is time. While the amount of time saved will vary between service types and roles, this alone makes going digital worthwhile. Additional cost benefits include savings on printing, paper, stationary and confidential waste bin collection. These costs all add up very quickly and are enhanced by the savings in the administrative overhead. Furthermore, going digital reduces paper use and the carbon footprint of regular deliveries. Therefore, going digital can help you become more environmentally friendly. Risk Reduced risk Manual systems carry many risks. It is challenging to manage, analyse and keep data and there is a lack of security. Going digital with your care planning and eMAR can significantly reduce your risk. Using inbuilt alerts ensures that nothing is missed, whether that’s a care plan change or a fall report. Using an eMAR will help reduce medication errors and ensure that the 6 Rs are always met. Going digital also allows the collection of data at the point of care, which can be analysed to identify trends and risks, and demonstrate corrective action. AutumnCare Mobile allows staff to perform clinical assessments and capture notes at the point of care for increased accuracy and care recipient involvement. Retention Improve staff retention Staff recruitment and retention remain long-standing challenges for the care sector, and many factors contribute to the successful retention of staff. Morale is a crucial factor in retaining staff. Using electronic care systems to change the focus from the administration to the delivery of care helps stage engage more with service users. Additionally, providing smart tools like care planning and eMAR software to reduce the administrative burden will decrease staff stress. Quality Improved quality of care With pre-built assessments covering all aspects of health, you can get to know your service users intimately. But it’s not just health; other characteristics such as emotion, likes/dislikes and how they correspond to a wide range of activities can be recorded. Because any changes can be affected at the point of care, updates become a true reflection of the care (rather than a delayed update at the end of a long shift). This information is then easily accessible by other system users, supporting a personalised care experience. Evidence Demonstrate quality of care delivery While the delivery of person-centred care is paramount, care providers must also provide evidence of the care they deliver, and regulatory bodies are actively encouraging the user of technology. For example, the CQC states that the care provider should look to embrace technology that helps monitor care delivery. During an inspection, under the Effective key line of enquiry (KLOE), question E1.3 asks How is technology and equipment used to enhance the delivery of effective care and treatment and to support people’s independence? Digital care plans are the best way to achieve this! Visibility Improved visibility Electronic care systems ensure that managers have real-time access to notes and information to instantly understand the care provided and help identify changes that need to be made to improve the quality of care. On an electronic care system, it is much easier to see what is going on if you are contacted out of hours or on the go. A digital system allows you to log in remotely to see what has been happening across the entire care service at a glance. AutumnCare contains a customisable Dashboard to provide Managers with a snapshot of what is occurring across the care service at any point in time. Users Happier service users Last, and by no means least, going digital can make your service users happier. Digital systems enable you to spend more time caring and less time on administration. There are benefits to happy service users, including positive reviews from family and friends, which may help grow your service. Wondering how to go digital? If you’re unsure of how to get started in your digital transformation, AutumnCare can help! AutumnCare provides specialist digital care planning and eMAR software, enabling providers to migrate to a digital system and providing the foundations for outstanding care. We can walk you through what is required step by step, as well as provide training and support
Timeless songs, lasting bonds: Cheshire care home welcomes local nursery to dance through the ages at silent disco
A luxury Cheshire care home has welcomed a local nursery to take part in a silent disco — a unique initiative aimed to bridge the generation gap and rekindle the residents’ cherished memories through music and dance. Priesty Fields Care Home, in Congleton, recently played host to The Nursery, who, full of excitement, injected some youthful enthusiasm into a silent disco hosted in the home’s state-of-the-art communal space. A day filled with joy and laughter, many of the children quickly formed friendships with residents, encouraging them to dance and exchange comical glasses and props. Recognising the profound impact of music on mental well-being, this event ignited joyous childhood memories among the residents. The carefully curated playlist, skillfully crafted by Pete Goldup, offered an eclectic blend of timeless classics and contemporary hits — catering to a diverse audience, spanning almost a century in age. The home’s retro popcorn machine, which proved very popular among the children, also ensured everyone had enough energy to keep dancing throughout the afternoon. Despite the differences in age, the energy and innocence of the children had a huge impact on the residents — promoting physical activity far beyond their daily norm and introducing them to modern children’s music such as ‘Baby Shark’ — which was quite the contrast to Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’. Priesty Fields is a firm believer in the power of intergenerational activities and through the magic of music and the purity of youthful spirit, the silent disco became a cherished memory for the residents and children alike — marking the start of a lasting relationship with the nursery. Commenting on the event, Home Manager, Gill Williams, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have welcomed The Nursery for our intergenerational silent disco at the home. Seeing the residents and children come together in such a vibrant and uplifting way was truly remarkable. To witness the power of music evoke memories and bridge generations throughout the event was very special and we are grateful for The Nursery’s participation and the positive impact it had on our residents’ well-being.” Pat Cope, a resident at the home, also remarked: “I really enjoyed spending time with the children and having a dance with them. It was a really lovely day.” Located in a green residential area close to Congleton’s town centre, Priesty Fields includes 78 spacious en-suite bedrooms, along with a gastropub, farmers market, cinema, spa, salon, gym, library, private dining room, garden lounge, and GP office. Samantha Greer, from The Nursery in Congleton, added: “The silent disco was an enriching experience for our children and it was so heartwarming to witness the joy and connection that unfolded as they danced alongside the residents. The music, old and new, brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments that will leave a lasting impact on both the children and the residents. It was particularly special to see the children approach the residents that were a bit apprehensive at first, as they quickly brought them out of their shells — which I think just drives home the power of these interactions.” The home is operated by the Handsale care group, which oversees the management of eight residential and nursing care homes across England, Scotland and Wales. The group prides itself on empowering its staff to provide outstanding care by putting well-being and community at the centre of its operations. To find out more information about Priesty Fields Care Home, please visit: https://handsale.co.uk/priestyfields/ For more information on The Nursery, please visit: https://thenursery-nurseryschool.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
A dream come true: Willenhall care resident experiences bucket list wish with visit to Molineux Stadium
A resident and football enthusiast from a Willenhall care home has fulfilled his bucket list wish of returning to the football stadium of his favourite club — where he was previously offered an academy team contract. Keith Love, a resident at Willow Rose, a state-of-the-art care home in Willenhall, returned to Molineux Stadium, a place he considers a second home, after expressing his dream to do so via the home’s Wish Tree. After the care home got in contact with the stadium, Keith was invited for a full tour of the grounds, which included pitch side access and a look round the dressing rooms — before being presented with keepsakes from the team in the gift shop. Keith’s deep-rooted passion for football dates back to his school years, where he actively participated in both junior and senior teams. Keith was also offered a place with the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy, an opportunity he regrettably had to decline due to family circumstances. Nevertheless, Keith’s devotion to the team remained unwavering, becoming a dedicated season ticket holder. He also followed the England national team visiting Germany, Denmark, Africa, Brazil and Norway to watch them play. However, in 2015 Keith had to stop travelling due to his declining health, but kept up with the games on the TV and longed for one more opportunity to get back out to a stadium. When the former AF Blakemore lorry driver wasn’t immersing himself in football, Keith loved to stay home spending time gardening with his wife, Gill, who he has been married to for 56 years, sharing two daughters together. Shelly-Ann Trotman, Deputy Manager at Willow Rose, said: “Seeing our residents smile means the world to all of us and we were so thrilled to be able to give Keith a day he won’t forget. We can’t wait to honour more of our residents’ Wish Tree dreams and create more special memories.” Honouring care residents’ bucket list wishes helps to uplift spirits, instil a sense of purpose, and brings joy to their lives. It creates a deep sense of fulfilment whilst helping to create lasting, meaningful memories for all involved. Commenting on his special day Keith said: “I would like to thank everyone who made my dream come true. I’m over the moon and very grateful. I truly appreciate the effort put in by the staff at the stadium to go to such lengths for my experience to be so memorable.” The Macc Care Group owns a collection of thirteen homes across the Midlands. The group prides itself on three core values — love, care and compassion. Its luxury developments address elderly nursing, dementia and residential care with a commitment to support and enrich the lives of all its communities. For information on the Macc Care group, please visit https://www.macccare.com/ or for further information on Willow Rose, visit https://macccare.com/our-homes/willow-rose/.
West Yorkshire care home rated ‘Good’ in recent inspection
Croft House Care Home is a located in Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire, has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection. The 66-bedded care home in which specialises in the provision of nursing, residential dementia and dementia nursing care and is part of the nationwide Maria Mallaband Care Group, was found to offer safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led care, with a ‘Good’ rating across all inspected areas of provision. The newly published report, which follows an unannounced visit from two CQC inspectors in May, reflects a positive picture of life in the home. The inspectors sought feedback from those living in the home and their families, who “felt safe and staff were caring and supportive.” One person living in the home told inspectors: “I love it here, it’s the best move I ever made. I feel safe.” Inspectors also found that “care was person-centred” and “people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives.” The management team were praised as “approachable, supportive and informative” and having “created a culture of effective teamwork.” Croft House Care Home Manager Rob Ashton said: “I am delighted with this hugely positive CQC report which rightly highlights our person-centred approach, and the way in which our strong caring team work so brilliantly together to deliver a high quality of care. “We consistently focus on embedding a culture of treating everyone with respect and supporting their independence, individuality and choices – so it is particularly pleasing to see that reflected in the inspectors’ findings.” The report also notes that those at the home felt that there was “enough staff on duty”, that they “had been recruited through a robust process.” And that the care environment was “warm and welcoming” and “clean”, and rooms were “personalised.” The four units at the home were fully refurbished in April 2021, and Croft House benefits from a number of communal areas including spacious lounge and dining areas, quiet lounges, sensory room, garden room, hairdressing salon and beautiful gardens.The majority of bedrooms have en-suite facilities. People also told inspectors that the home welcomed and took on board their feedback, as the report notes: “One person said, “I know if I raise things that they are sorted out.” Another person told us, “They do ask how they are doing and there are questionnaires in the reception area.” Adds Rob Ashton: “I am so proud of this report, especially some of the lovely comments from those living with us. Their wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do here, so to know we’re doing a good job, and that those in our care feel safe and happy is the best result we could achieve. We will keep on working and giving our best to ensure that is sustained and built on.” To find out more about Croft House Care Home visit: https://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/care-homes/croft-house
Andrew Samuel, Member of The Order of The British Empire, Joins CareDocs as IT Manager
CareDocs (Care Management Systems Ltd), one of the UK’s leading person centred software providers for care and nursing homes, welcomes Andrew Samuel as its new IT Manager. Mr Samuel brings extensive experience within IT, having previously worked for Nexus Open Systems, techrelate and many others. Most notably, Andrew was listed in the New Years Honours 2023 and received the British Empire Medal for his work in supporting his local community throughout the pandemic. Having spent many years volunteering for charities, namely being part of the team that reopened a local theatre in Taunton, known as The Brewhouse, after it fell into administration, Andrew was nominated for this prestigious award after creating a support group of volunteers to support vulnerable people in his community during the pandemic. “I created a support group of volunteers to offer any assistance that people may need. I set up a central telephone number and built a small army of volunteers to answer phones, collect prescriptions, shop, dog walk, mow grass… you name it! “We hand delivered thousands of leaflets with our telephone number so people know how to get in touch. I also decided to write an online software application to log calls and track each request through to fruition.” All of which took place within the first two weeks of the first lockdown. Mr Samuel also decided to open a shop, the Wilton & Sherford Community Shop in his local area to support a number of elderly and vulnerable people. Locating a venue, registering a community interest company, raising grants, hiring staff and created a robust operating procedure that aligned with covid restrictions amongst other things. He opened the shop to the public only two weeks after he had the initial idea. The support group set up by Andrew took nearly 2,000 calls and the shop generated around £12,500 over the course of 40 days. Andrew Pulsford, who nominated Andrew Samuels also commented, “Andrew was an enormous asset to our support group during covid. He brought enthusiasm, ideas and solutions and proved he would go the extra mile to help people. It’s been a privilege to volunteer with him and to see how much he cares and the lengths he’ll go, to help people and to see how modest he is. He just always wants to help where he can, and he’s always looking for opportunities where he can make a difference.” Mr Samuel was informed by the Cabinet Office that he would be recommended to His Majesty the King for the honour of Medal of the Order of the British Empire in the 2023 New Year Honours List. The ceremony was held at Castle House in Taunton and presented to Mr Samuel by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Mr Samuel and his wife were also invited to attend the Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. General Manager at CareDocs, Alan Pocock, also commented, “We’re so pleased to have Andrew join the team. He will be an integral part of propelling CareDocs into the future of digital healthcare. We’re very lucky to have someone join us who is so caring and passionate, and will add to the passion CareDocs has for supporting UK care homes into the work we do.”
