FSB sets out social care recommendations as £12bn ‘health and social care levy’ takes effect
FSB sets out social care recommendations as £12bn ‘health and social care levy’ takes effect The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has set out a plan of reforms to tackle issues which are making life harder for small firms in the adult social care sector in England. Its recommendations come as the Government’s 1.25 percentage point increase to national insurance and dividend taxation takes effect, a move set to have a big impact on care homes which are already up against high energy costs, labour shortages and widespread workplace absences due to Covid. The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that more than one in ten (13%) health and social care firms are not currently fully trading. The group is calling on the Government to set up a cross-department task force on social care, to give the sector the attention it deserves, take action to ameliorate the long-running recruitment crisis in the sector, and help social care workers with transport costs. With an ageing population already increasing the demand for carers and support services, getting more people to consider a career in adult social care will be crucial, as will boosting retention levels. The UK’s largest business group is also encouraging those within the care sector to check their eligibility to access the newly uprated Employment Allowance, which benefits around 60,000 health and social care businesses annually. It is also flagging unspent Covid support grants at the local level for hard pressed small firms. FSB is calling for: Melanie Ulyatt, FSB’s National Vice-Chair, who runs a care business, said: “There are many challenges facing the adult social care sector, while demands on care providers are only intensifying with another increase in employment costs from today. “The Government can show it is serious about helping the sector thrive by setting up a task force to consider social care issues from every angle, ensuring that the direction of travel is similar across departments and agencies. “Putting in place measures to raise the profile of social care and tackle labour shortages is a necessary step. Failure to act will exacerbate the acute crisis in social care recruitment, making it harder for vulnerable people to get the levels of care they need. “The adult social care sector plays a vital role in caring for elderly and vulnerable people, and ensuring that the sector has a sufficient pool of staff will be ever-more important as the UK population’s age profile gradually increases. Making social care a more attractive career choice, through apprenticeship and T Level incentives, is definitely smart policy. “We were pleased to see the Government followed our recommend to expand the Health and Care visa to include social care workers, a change which came into effect in mid-February and which will last for 12 months. “Many care workers rely on their cars to get them to clients’ homes and care settings, so we think allowing them to claim the higher rate of tax relief for their full mileage would be a good move to help offset their transport costs, especially as fuel prices have risen sharply over the last year, while in many areas public transport does not represent a viable alternative. “Like all small businesses, social care providers are vulnerable to cashflow problems caused by late payment. There’s no reason why local government bodies should not be required to prove that their payment practices are swift and fair, as large businesses have to. Removing this disparity will help encourage prompt payment and ease cash pressures in small business supply chains, including among social care providers. “The Government rightly took forward our proposal to increase the Employment Allowance at the Spring Statement and we’re urging all small businesses to make use of that vital relief. As well as speaking with us, firms which are struggling should also reach out to their local authorities – in many locations covid support grants are still yet to be allocated.”
Barbara celebrates her 101st Birthday !
Resident at New Copford Place Celebrates Her Landmark Birthday Saying The Secret To A Long And Happy Life Is ‘Men’. At Friends of the Elderly’s New Copford Place care home in Colchester, Essex, the care team has been celebrating Barbara Purves’ milestone 101’st Birthday with gifts, cards and a special birthday afternoon tea treat complete with music and singing with her care home friends. Barbara, who has been a resident at New Copford Place since September 2019, grew up in Surrey and has many happy memories of attending school, where Sports was her favourite subject as “I was quite good at it,” Barbara recalls. Talking about her move to New Copford Place, Barbara said: “I decided to come to New Copford Place as I was so taken with the home’s beautiful gardens. I love gardening, it’s always been a hobby of mine and it’s lovely to be able to enjoy the delightful, picturesque grounds.” Daniel Sabau, the Care Home Manager at New Copford Place said: “Barbara is an amazing woman; always smiling, cheerful and a very proud lady. Even when she had problems with her legs that caused her massive pain every time she had her dressings changed, she’d squeeze my hand, but then joke and laugh about it. She is also quite a character.” “Everyone here at New Copford Place wanted to make sure Barbara had a wonderful, unforgettable 101st Birthday,” said Camilla Korgba, the care home’s Activities Coordinator. “Barbara is a fun, lovely lady who likes to get involved with our activities, she’s particularly keen on Balloon Tennis. Barbara is a real personality and a well-loved and caring member of our New Copford Place family. Barbara continued: “I had a really lovely 101st birthday, it was a very special day. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday tea, not only the delicious birthday cake, but all the music, singing, laughter and chatter, it really made my day.” Daniel added: “Barbara is always “shooting” us with her walking stick or “chasing” us throughout the home, making us all laugh. I met Barbara on my first day at New Copford Place and I can’t imagine this place without her. We’re all so glad Barbara enjoyed her landmark day, we wanted it to be special, just like her.” “The other day I was asked what was my secret to a long and happy life? I’d have to say men!” concluded Barbara.
Care settings with touch screen technology
With an extremely challenging last 24 months in the care sector, 100s of residential and nursing homes across the UK have opted for the highly engaging option of Inspired Inspirations giant touch screen activity tables, enhancing the well-being of all service users. With external activities and entertainers visiting limited, 1,000s of residents have been kept physically, mentally and emotionally active through touch screen technology. Often described as an “activity coordinator on wheels”, you can keep residents stimulated either in groups or individually, with 100s of activities to choose from at the touch of a screen. This being particularly important for those who can’t or won’t leave their rooms, allowing you to take a huge array of activities to your service users. When Inspired Inspirations initially brought their Tiny Tablets to market, they listened to the care sector, who quite firmly told the team that they wanted a one price solution. Because of this, Inspired Inspirations have no on-going service fees. Their price lists include delivery, 3 year warranty and unlimited training & support for your nominated member of staff. Using an app based system, rather than Windows, Inspired Inspirations = can supply access to the Google Play store. This allows you the opportunity to download 1,000s of free and engaging apps, so you have the most cost effective and person centred care, mobile, all-in-one activity solution. Inspired Inspirations directors have spent the last 5 years working closely with the care sector to perfect their offering, not just as a product, but to include free and continuous training after you have purchased your table. With an online learning hub, they have amassed a training portfolio to ensure your service users enjoy maximum engagement with your touch screen devices. There is no danger of your table collecting dust after a few weeks of use, as Inspired Inspirations are always on hand to help you and your residents maximise the enjoyment through the use of touch screen technology. They have even collated a list of 160 tried and tested apps to download, allowing you to keep the daily engagement with your service users fresh and exciting. With staff availability and enthusiasm being even more important now than it ever has been, using their time wisely is key! Time taken to set up and clear away usual activities is decreased. We can even supply a 7 day a week activity plan, to ensure you get maximum fun with your residents. At the touch of a screen you can access 1,000s of quizzes, rather than making your own. Enjoy bingo, create song & dance playlists on a streaming service, complete arts and crafts without the mess and so many more activities to enjoy. To find out more, visit www.inspired-inspirations.com email info@inspired-inspirations.com or call the team on 01746866715
Care Roadshows are back!
Care Roadshows are a series of free regional care events throughout the UK that inform and inspire care home owners, care managers and all those within the healthcare sector. Coming to five locations across the UK, they are the only UK care events reaching the entire sector – meaning they are accessible to many and produce more connections and quality networking than you can find anywhere else. Join like-minded care professionals for an inspirational day with free CPD seminars, an exhibition showcasing the sectors best suppliers and products and the chance to meet and gain support from sector associations. New for 2022 are free panel discussions made up of some of the leading names in the sector. Update your knowledge on recent events and changes within the sector and generate new, inspirational ideas for your care company. Visitors can also take advantage of exclusive show deals and special offers and be entered into the free £100 cash prize draw. Location and dates for 2022: To register for your free place at the show – click here
Healthcare Ireland acquires Priory Adult Care’s seven Northern Ireland homes
Healthcare Ireland (HCI), the Holywood, County Down headquartered care home operator, has completed the purchase of Priory Adult Care’s portfolio of seven Northern Ireland facilities. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, accelerates the group’s ambitious expansion plans and makes Healthcare Ireland the largest privately-owned care home group in Northern Ireland with some 24 sites and over 2,000 staff. The new additions include seven homes across Northern Ireland: Carlingford Lodge Care Home in Warrenpoint, Bannview Care Home in Banbridge, Cairnmartin Care Home in Belfast, Bohill Residential Care Home in Coleraine, Ben Madigan Care Home in Newtownabbey, Blair House Care Home in Newtownards, and it has also purchased the learning disability facility at Bohill House Care Home in Coleraine which will be operated by Gold Healthcare, the specialist adult services division of HCI. All the homes are purpose built. One of these was constructed by HCI for Priory Adult Care in 2011 and the purchase follows negotiations over the last 2.5 years. Gilbert Yates, Chief Executive Officer of HCI, said: “At Healthcare Ireland, we are focused on providing the best possible care for each and every one of our residents and the seven new homes will allow us to bring our person-centred approach to more and more people. We are proud to acquire this portfolio of high-quality care facilities which will dovetail perfectly with our range of homes across Northern Ireland. “With the addition of these homes as well as a strong pipeline of new build sites across Northern Ireland, we are further enhancing the provision of top-quality living environments for our residents and we will continue to focus on building world class facilities going forward. We are deeply proud that with this latest purchase we are now one of the fastest-growing healthcare groups in the UK and can bring our person focused approach to more and more people, who deserve the very best care available.” HCI has a further six new-build care home sites planned across Northern Ireland, with the next project in East Belfast and a five-acre healthcare village also in the Greater Belfast area. The company has an excellent working relationship with the Healthcare Trusts across Northern Ireland, working in partnership to bring the highest quality of care possible to residents.
Spring Clean – Care Home Cleaning Options
Keeping any venue clean is a full-time job, especially for care and nursing homes. Staff in such environments are normally torn between caring for their patients / residents, preparing meals, keeping the building up to hygiene standards, admin duties and other responsibilities. Performing all these demanding tasks is time-consuming meaning when it comes to cleaning, having access to products which can make the job quicker and more efficient can be a huge help. So, when it comes to cleaning solutions for care homes there are a few different options available which can help speed up the process. Ultimately, the best way to reduce the time needed to keep areas clean is by utilising a simple and easy to follow plan which all employees can understand and manage. Cleanliness and hygiene are an essential in care homes to prevent the spread of diseases throughout a vulnerable demographic. At Alliance Online we have a wide variety of cleaning equipment designed for commercial cleaning such as care home cleaning. We only supply products from trusted suppliers with a long tenure of producing quality products which are thoroughly tested before entering any market. For more information regarding the products mentioned in our list, contact us on 0844 844 4300 www.allianceonline.co.uk/ or email us at response@alliancenational.co.uk
Care with Focus
At Willow we are working to save caregivers time and stress. We aim to do that with our sensor textile mats that can detect bed exits and body fluids such as urine, blood, vomit or faeces. When a vulnerable person is leaving their bed or body fluids come into contact with the mat the sensor sends a signal to either a call system or our app (search TEXIBLE Wisbi on either google play or the app store). The mat initially connects to the smart device you have the app on via Wi-Fi, however once you have connected once you will automatically reconnect as soon as the mat is activated. These prompt signals support the caregivers in their daily work while also improving the vulnerable persons safety and well-being. As long as you have either data signal or Wi-Fi connection you will receive the signals not matter how far you are from the mat. We also provide a range of high-quality Incontinence Disposables that includes Diapers, Pull-Ups, Under Pads, Wearable Pads and more. Interested? Get in touch:dylan.napier@willowdesign.uk.com 07384 528046willowdesign.uk.com
Technological innovations are the key to saving the dementia care system
With dementia cases predicted to triple to 150 million by 2050, it is imperative that funding for the dementia care system is increased. The current system is woefully inadequate to support any further increase in cases, and a survey for World Alzheimer’s Month from Social-Ability has found that 82% of respondents feel that the care sector will be unable to cope with the rise in demand for dementia care services. As it is, something needs to change, and technological innovations may be the solution to saving the dementia care system. Staying independent Technology and data science play a big role in predicting and identifying risks. Artificial intelligence across the world is being created to diagnose dementia early. AI developed at the University of Exeter, for example, can predict if a person will develop dementia within two years with 92% accuracy, while researchers at the University of Cambridge are working with AI that is able to identify patterns of dementia before symptoms even occur. By diagnosing dementia early, people will be able to access treatment and care that they urgently need. With the aid of AI, people with dementia will also be able to lead a more independent life. While the care of artificial intelligence is no substitute for a person, AI sensors are being developed to monitor a person’s behaviour. Placed around the house, these sensors can pick up any unexpected changes in behaviour, such as changes in temperature or walking patterns, that may be a sign of deteriorating health. People with dementia will therefore be able to live with a degree of independence, with AI intervening only to alert carers of warning signs. Preventing loneliness Chronic loneliness is one of the most significant issues for people living with dementia. Before the pandemic, a third of people with dementia experienced loneliness, with loneliness twice as common with people in long-term care settings. The pandemic has only made people with dementia feel more isolated, with care home residents not having access to family and friends. No technology is a substitute for in-person contact, but the rise of video communication has a part in reducing feelings of loneliness. Though video communication has been present throughout the 21st century, it has only become a key part of people’s daily lives since the onset of the pandemic. Since Covid restrictions have been lifted, care home residents have been allowed more freedom. However, Covid outbreaks in care homes and family members living abroad remain obstacles in care home residents seeing their loved ones. With the use of video communication, care home residents and others with dementia who lack in-person contact will be able to see and speak to their loved ones, and allow for more frequent communication than would usually be possible in person. Happiness hour One technology that has already been rolled out in care settings across the UK is interactive light technology. The technology has been used to great success across thousands of UK care venues. Social-Ability, a leading developer of this technology, has gone a step further by pairing the tech with a host of services, providing training and support to care staff to improve care outcomes and increase usage. The Happiness Programme uses interactive light technology to host games that care home residents can participate in. Each game varies, with differing goals, from training cognitive or motor skills to encouraging players to socialise with each other. The result is a holistic improvement in health and wellbeing, with other features such as the Happy Memories Programme allowing family members to share pictures with their loved ones in care homes. The diverse applications of interactive light technology will support care workers by reducing their workload, and tackle some of the pressing issues in the care sector today, such as the overreliance on medication and the loneliness faced by residents. By being innovative, there is no limit on the applications of technology to support the growing number of people living with dementia. As our health and social care system grapples with the aftershocks of the pandemic, it is vital that diagnosis and support for people living with dementia are not left behind. Technology has the power to equip us for that challenge and we must seize that opportunity now. Author: John Ramsay, Managing Director of Social-Ability
The Duplex Steam floor cleaning machine!
Rose Lodge Care Home in Market Deeping epitomises the Country Court philosophy of ‘Our family, caring for yours’. The recently refurbished home offers luxury facilities in a calming, homely environment which coupled with a compassionate care team means that residents enjoy a safe and comfortable life with a varied programme of events and activities to ensure that everyone gets the most out of every day at Rose Lodge. With maintaining high standards of cleaning and hygiene in mind the group have already installed Duplex Steam floor cleaning machines into a number of their homes as part of a planned rollout to the remaining sites in the coming months. The Duplex Steam floor cleaning machine washes, mops, scrubs, dries, polishes and sanitises all floor surfaces from slip-resistant safety floors and tiles, to rubber, wood, vinyl, carpet and many more. It is available in both steam and standard models and with its contra-rotating cylindrical brushes, it produces an exceptionally thorough clean on all floor types. The steam models are unique in their class being the only steam-injected cylindrical brush floor cleaning machine on the market. On carpets steam is excellent for refreshing and revitalising fibres and removing stains.On hard floors, particularly profiled and safety flooring, which can be amongst the most challenging types of flooring to maintain, the Duplex delivers a thorough clean and leaves surfaces dry in seconds and is approved by Altro to clean their slip-resistant safety flooring. Benefits of Steam From bedrooms, bathrooms and dining rooms to kitchens, lounges and corridors, Duplex can supply a solution to most cleaning needs with a range of models to suit different sized areas. To demonstrate the efficacy of its products, Duplex have commissioned independent tests by the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory in Birmingham and have certified data that proves their machines kill the bacterium most common in the environment including Clostridium Difficile. The Duplex Steam floor cleaning machine is surprisingly light and easy to use and highly manoeuvrable around furniture and fixtures. A well received training and installation session was carried out at Rose Lodge recently where the Duplex 340 Steam made light work of the laminate flooring – reducing the need for chemicals which is not only great for the environment but also helped make the hard working housekeepers job easier to maintain a cleaner safer living space for clients and support staff alike.
