Are you ready to begin your digital transformation?
AutumnCare provides specialist digital care planning and medication management (eMAR) solutions that enable care providers to migrate to a digital system and provide the foundations for outstanding care. Digitising these crucial elements of your business helps save time, and provides evidence of clinical governance, and clinical effectiveness, resulting in more time to deliver better outcomes. 10 reasons to go digital with Electronic Care Planning and Medication (eMAR) Systems With nearly 70% of care homes still reliant on paper systems there has never been a better time to realise the benefits of going digital. There are many benefits to both the care provider and more importantly the service user such as: More Time to Care Better Control Protect your Business Click here to download the for more detail about the 10 Reasons to go Digital Find out why more and more care providers are making the transition to digital. Book your free no obligation demonstration with AutumnCare today. Book a demo with us today Contact Chris Sharman at AutumnCare c.sharman@autumn.care 0800 009 2121
Sustained growth and expansion for PainChek in the UK
PainChek, the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pain assessment tool, has reported sustained growth in market traction as well 400% growth in its UK team, just two years since its launch in the UK. The company, which started out in Australia, has 8,500 beds in UK residential care homes now using the PainChek technology, over 1,300,000 pain assessments worldwide, and reports sustained growth in demand from UK care providers. In response, PainChek has expanded its UK team, with recent additions including business development professional Jack Lee and customer success manager Thomas Morten. A secure medical device for use on mobile phones and tablets, PainChek uses artificial intelligence (facial detection and analysis technology) and smart automation to detect and score pain in real time. It is the only regulatory-cleared pain assessment technology for mobile devices for care homes and has regulatory clearance as a medical device in the UK, Australia, Canada, the EU, and New Zealand. The company’s Tandeep Gill says PainChek is well positioned to continue its impressive growth momentum in the UK: “Through government-funded pilots, integrations with eMAR and care planning partners, and a vision to move into new markets, our growth strategy is very much on track.” he explains. “Our ongoing expansion in the UK is a core part of PainChek’s plans for this year. We have recorded a surge in interest, enquiries, and uptake of PainChek from a range of care providers, from those with well-established digital systems as well as those looking to make the first entry into their digital journey. Indeed, with the UK government’s digitisation target front of mind, many care providers are realising the value, time and cost savings digital tools can bring. “Worldwide, cases of people living with dementia are predicted to treble to 153 million by 2050,” Tandeep says. “Timely detection and management of pain is integral to ensuring high quality care and quality of life for care home residents living with dementia, and this starts with accurate pain assessment for those unable to self-report their pain.” PainChek has successfully supported pain assessment and management for thousands of adults worldwide living with dementia, disability, or other conditions which impact their ability to reliably self-report pain. Building on this success and technology, the recently validated, world-first PainChek Infant app has been developed to ensure pain can also be identified in pre-verbal children aged one month to 12 months who have yet to learn to self-report their pain. The Infant app has received regulatory clearance in the UK, Australia, Europe, Canada, and New Zealand, and will soon be available for use by UK healthcare professionals in settings including clinical studies, hospitals, and GP clinics. “The need for PainChek as a best-practice pain management solution extends to everyone, including pre-verbal children,” Tandeep adds. “It is also relevant to older people living at home and with access to home care packages that enable long-term home living. Therefore, we are now exploring partnerships with home care and disability service providers as part of our ambition to expand into the UK home care market.” To date, PainChek has been contracted for approximately 126,000 beds across 1,500 facilities globally. To find out more about PainChek please visit: https://painchek.com/uk/
The Care Show is dedicated to the people who care the most.
On the 12 and 13 October, The Care Show at the NEC Birmingham will welcome back thousands of managers, directors, c-suite level, and owners from home care providers, nursing homes and care homes through its’ doors. One of the main focus areas at the Care Show is all about you, the people. Without a committed workforce, without solid leadership, and without those looking to improve quality of care, the sector would struggle. A new dedicated educational campaign has been created around the people in care. Covering leadership, motivation, self-belief, recruitment, retention, personal health, and mental health across the two days, the Care Show team want to let those in care know there are people and companies out there who can help improve your day-to-day life. With people at the heart of the show, the team have also decided to strengthen its partnership with The Care Workers’ Charity and will be offering “The Care Workers’ Charity are delighted that the Care Show is so supportive of the sector and giving back to the industry they serve. We have been a long-term supporter of the Care Show, the main event for care providers to attend and delighted that we have such a strong presence when carers need our help more than ever.” Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive Officer, The Care Workers’ Charity New Feature Areas Getting back to mass gatherings can be overwhelming and this year the Care Show will feature a Quiet & relax room off the show floor allowing delegates to gather their thoughts and have a chance to look through the programme and floorplan in peace. More networking opportunities were requested and this October, the Care Show will launch the Beer and Bubbles Bar welcoming delegates to come and socialise with each other, share updates, or just enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly for attending the show Why are you thankful for working in the care sector? The Care Show will feature Gratitude Wall where everyone is encouraged to write what they are grateful for. Your team, your manager, being able to help others? All the answers will be shared after the show to show the impact each and every one is having on social care. Mike Corbett, Group Event Director said “The support we had at last year’s Care Show was phenomenal and we have decided to help and give back to the industry we are privileged to serve. We listened to all the feedback from last October and keen to make sure we actioned all the points made, so we can offer the best experience to everyone involved” Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact m.corbett@closerstillmedia.com for more details. Click here to register your complimentary pass to attend the Care Show or head over to our website.
Rosehill Furnishings
Rosehill Furnishings are proud to have a long-standing history within the furniture industry. It’s their unique history and knowledge of the market which sets them apart from the rest. They’re committed to quality, and their standards have continued to excel over the last 40 years. The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands. They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last, while also being great value for money. Rosehill have experience working with healthcare organisations who require durable and comfortable seating for their patients and staff. Rosehill specialise in seating and tables for care home lounges, dining rooms, visitor and waiting rooms, wards, staff rooms and FF&E packages. Options include bariatric seats, anti-microbial vinyl and fabrics for hygiene and infection control, high back chairs with head support and armchairs. Product Highlights Their furniture is available in a variety of styles and is designed and manufactured to help you provide a safe and comfortable seating option for your staff, patients and visitors. Their range is high quality and built to offer great comfort, and durability for furniture that lasts. Browse their wide range of furniture for your care home, clinic, ward or waiting room online at www.rosehill.co.uk, or call 0161 485 1717 to request a brochure or discuss your requirements with their helpful sales team Customer Feedback “Excellent customer service from start to finish, delivery on time as chosen, good delivery company and good packaging. Very pleased with the chairs ordered and the condition they arrived in.” “The service from everyone at Rosehill has been excellent. From our initial enquiry, through the process of choosing the best chairs for our use, helping to meet our particular requirements, and the delivery on schedule that went exactly to plan.” “We ordered folding tables and stacking chairs for a seminar room. The Rosehill staff went out of their way to give good advice and make sure all was delivered in time for a planned event even at very short notice.” “Excellent experience ordering from Rosehill. The staff took the time to understand our requirements and come up with an affordable solution.” “The chairs are being admired greatly and we look forward to using them for many years to come.” Address: Rosehill Furnishings, Oak Green House, Stanley Green Business Park, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 6QLContact: 0161 485 1717, sales@rosehill.co.uk or visit www.rosehill.co.uk
Four Acres care home receive special visit from local Lioness
The residents and care team at Four Acres in Studley welcomed England and Aston Villa footballer, Hannah Hampton to their care home on the 3rd of August. The atmosphere at the Studley care home was one of excitement, as the team were honoured to welcome Hannah and her parents to the home. Hannah met some of the residents and team members during her visit and showed them her medal from winning the EUFA cup! Hannah Hampton is Studley’s very own Lioness. Hannah has been visiting local places in Studley to celebrate her win with the community, so the team at Four Acres were delighted to be able to welcome her into their home in Studley. The residents were overjoyed to meet Hannah and clapped her as she entered the lounges. One resident said: “I really can’t believe it, this has made my day and it’s one of the best moments of my life.” Home Manager, Dani Pathirage, said: “We were so proud to welcome Lioness Hannah Hampton to our home. This is what Four Acres is all about, creating special moments for residents and team members. Thank you to Hannah and her parents for taking the time to visit us. The excitement of the visit was felt throughout the entire home and it was a really special day for all of us. Four Acres is a 66-bed residential and dementia care home in Studley, and forms part of the Runwood Homes Senior Living portfolio. Creating memorable moments like this one is a core value at Runwood Homes. The Four Acres team continue to provide a wide array of activities and events for residents to enjoy, to promote a welcoming and engaging care home with a true focus on wellbeing and comfort. To find out more about Four Acres, please visit https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/care-homes/care-homes-warkwickshire/four-acres-care-home
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. Create an exceptional event with ‘Swingin’ Sinatra’ – for all your residents and guests. Trust ‘Swingin’ Sinatra’ to keep your residents and guests engaged and entertained with this thoroughly interactive show. As Scott Free says, “It’s time to feel good again – and it’s so good to be spreading the happiness with my new show.” Contact Scott directly to book his Swingin’ Frank Sinatra tribute – with a Twist! Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back!
CAREAudits apps and systems
CAREAudits apps and systems evolved via an associated company Kern Systems were Ken Newlove director and founding member had been developing and deploying paperless systems for EPoS and Finance in the private and public sectors since 1999. Back in 2014 the team had more than 50 years experience in IT and software development as well as having been heavily involved in the third sector, with a trustee of three charities, a director of a business directly involved in the care market and a consultant in a £10 million turnover charity and interim CEO and Chair at an adult hospice. Working in the Care Sector the team recognised in 2014 the sector was becoming overwhelmed with administration driven by ever increasing legislative compliance requirements and controls and pressurised by ever increasing costs. The CAREAudits apps evolved from their desire to give something back to the Care Sector; to develop systems that genuinely reduce costs and increase efficiency as well as improving accountability and quality. And above all a system that would be easy to install and use by everyone. The CAREAudits System The CAREAudits app and Web Portal Auditing Tool is now being used throughout the UK and Ireland in numerous Care Homes and Care Services. CAREAudits managers are checking everything from CQC Compliance and Safety, to Medication Audits, Training and Maintenance as well as residents and patients quality and wellbeing, and now helping manage Corona Virus, to name but a few. Steve Smith regional manager at Care Homes UK says “We were able to implement the system ourselves and are now benefitting from management having all the information we need at our fingertips in real time wherever we are”. The system allows care providers to audit or check via the app just about everything and manage areas requiring actions (or non-compliances) in it’s Web Portal. Encrypted date and time stamped evidence including photos is seamlessly auto attached and recorded in the system. Natalie Lawrence at Yorkare Homes says “It’s a paperless system that runs alongside our existing client records system helping to make our whole operation paperless.” CAREAudits ensures management and staff are aware at all times of what needs checking, that it’s been checked, actions required by whom, by when including full resolution management. Each CAREAudit also scores the answers so management can monitor improvement. The system has over 100 example audits to select from. CAREAudits is extremely easy to use and care providers can easily add or edit their own audits in minutes ensuring simple management of ever-changing requirements. App users can use CAREAudits with virtually no training, it’s that simple with help text and standard answers available to every question ensuring that the least skilled operative becomes the care provider’s expert. Users can download the app for a trial and be up and running with the full system in only a few days. CAREAudits the company is a part of the Care Plus Innovation Group and is based in new offices in the MWS building, Priory Park, Hull, HU4 7DY on the A63 near the Humber Bridge. Info:- visit www.careaudits.co.uk email apps@careaudits.co.uk or call Ken Newlove operations director on 01482 238887
Care team at Lower Meadow over the moon with improved CQC rating
The team at Lower Meadow care home have embraced the celebrations this week, following the positive news received from their recent CQC inspection. The team were over the moon to receive their improved rating, which saw the service step up from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ following their most recent inspection from the Care Quality Commission. Rachel Walker, Home Manager at Lower Meadow, and her wider team have worked exceptionally hard to put in place strategies and processes to further improve the service and was delighted to see the hard work from everyone in the home reflected in their new official rating. Rachel Walker said: “We are so proud that our home has received its overall ‘GOOD’ rating from the CQC. At Lower Meadow care home, we focus on meeting the varying needs of every individual in a homely, comfortable and inclusive environment. We provide a variety of different activities, events and celebrations to get involved in, which encourage residents to build upon existing skills and hobbies and opportunities to try new things as well. The projects and activities we organise at our care home celebrate the close-knit community we have. Following the good news from our recent CQC inspection, I would like to say thank you to my brilliant team in working together to achieve a fantastic result, we are all very much looking forward to the future and all the additional things we hope to accomplish.” Everyone at Lower Meadow is looking forward to celebrating their outcome with a party later in the week. Owned by one of the leading UK residential care providers, Runwood Homes, Lower Meadow is a 69-bedroom care home in Stratford. The home has recently opened their new sensory room, which supports dementia care and sensory impairments. To find out more about Lower Meadow care home, please visit https://www.runwoodhomes.co.uk/care-homes/care-homes-warkwickshire/lower-meadow-care-home-stratford-upon-avon
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
