The Residential & Home Care Show
Join us at The Residential & Home Care Show, the UK’s leadership event for delivering outstanding care, returning to the ExCeL London on 18-19 May 2022. Free for all care professionals to attend, the CPD certified conference programme will focus on the big issues facing the social care sector including recruitment and retention challenges, new employment law, personalisation, integrated care, safeguarding, raising quality, dementia, CQC ratings, which technologies work and business development. After an extremely challenging few years for the care profession, this will be the opportunity to come back together and refocus your mind. Promising to arm you with strategies, products and services, The Residential & Home Care Show will help you be in the best position to address challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. 18-19 May 2022ExCeL Londonhttps://www.residentialandhomecareshow.co.uk/CareandNursingEssentials Reasons to attend: Visit the event website: https://www.residentialandhomecareshow.co.uk/CareandNursingEssentials Click here to register for FREE: https://rfg.circdata.com/publish/hpc22/?source=carehomemanagement
care hero award for Norfolk carer.
SSCH launched the monthly care hero care hero award programme this year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 1.54m people working in social care in the UK. Jenny, who was nominated for February 2022, is the second award winner. Jenny was nominated by colleagues who said: “Jenny works as a senior carer and she tirelessly gives 110% in everything that she does. She’s also a wellbeing champion for the staff helping and being there for them mentally during these tough times. Jenny goes above and beyond making sure all the residents and staff are well looked after. Jenny is passionate, caring, positive and a trusting member of staff. Always looking to upskill, whilst encouraging progression in others too. Thank you Jenny. From all of us at Norfolk Lodge Care Home.” On hearing she had won the award Jenny said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by winning the social care hero award, I honestly didn’t expect it. It feels great to be recognised for all the hard work that carers do. This is such a great award. I wouldn’t be the carer I am today without the continued support of my manager Leah. She has pushed me to get to where I am today and I’m so thankful for her support.” Jenny will receive a £50 voucher for the grocery store of her choice, a box of chocolates, certificate, a SSCH hoody and Norfolk Lodge Care Home will receive a bunch of flowers. The prizes have been sponsored by VAT Solutions. Jenny’s manager Leah Guy said: “The team and I are absolutely thrilled for Jenny. She truly deserves this recognition. Jenny is the definition of a carer and is amazing at what she does!” The social care workforce is often overlooked yet they keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe and well. It is hoped that SSCH will receive significant support following research which found that the overwhelming majority of the public feel that social care staff are undervalued (81%) and underpaid (80%). The monthly care hero awards have been created to show that care workers are appreciated. Nicola Richards, Founder of Support Social Care Heroes, explained the thinking behind the idea: “Social care staff often do not get the recognition that they deserve despite being valued by their managers and employers. “Many care homes already have ‘employee of the month’ schemes and we really felt we should do something to bring all these nominations together from around the country to celebrate all our social care heroes and the amazing work they do. “The pandemic has brought social care colleagues across the country together as we have supported each other like never before. I hope these awards will provide a positive boost to carers, managers and the wider care home teams. “These awards are the first step in our long-term plans to ensure those who need care, and those caring for them, are valued by all in society. “Our country’s social care heroes have been on the front line and in the headlines for almost two years and this new initiative will help show them that they are valued and recognise the work they do.” Social care employers are encouraged to nominate their staff for a care home hero award (employee of the month). Taking part has been made simple and easy: post a photo of your employee of the month and which care home you represent, to social media, with the hashtag #SocialCareHeroAwards and tag Support Social Care Heroes page. Tell us in 160 characters why the person is a social care hero. All nominations will be curated by the Support Social Care Heroes team and on the last Monday of each month a winner will be chosen at random. Anyone who wishes to donate to Support Social Care Heroes can do so by visiting: www.ssch.info.
Dishwashing Challenges Solved by new Fairy Professional Tablets
When working in a kitchen which serves large volumes of people like care homes and residential facilities, efficiency is a key factor in preventing operational issues. Throughout meal periods there are natural choke points which can cause hold ups such as food prep, cooking and dish washing. We at Alliance Online have over 20 years of supplying the health sector and appreciate that poor dishwasher management can waste time which could be spent looking after patients. Naturally, not all homes and hospitals will have access to a warewasher or may just opt for a traditional hand washing approach. But if your organisation does employ commercial dishwashers then hold ups can occur, with the cause normally being due to one of the following two reasons: The first cause can be avoided by simply giving training surrounding the machine being used to staff responsible for loading the dishwasher. Explain aspects such as minimum and maximum load volumes, the various different wash cycles and best practices your kitchen currently follows. Equally, it is important to discuss the impact poor warewasher management can have on the rest of the kitchen and server staff demonstrating how this can develop into a congestion point. The second reason however cannot be resolved as simply, and it opens up the following three scenarios as to why washes are not proficiently removing dirt: Where cycles are concerned, the first article to consult would be the dishwasher’s manual as this should itemise the options available. If you cannot find the manual, then locate the model make / manufacturers number and contact the manufacturer to see if a new one can be sent out. Failing this, the manual may exist in a digital format online. Equally, during a closed period the different cycles could be tried and tested to review the efficacy of each one. It is also good practice to know the hardness of your water so you can ensure your machine is optimised accordingly. If the above is not the case, then the issue may fall into the category of being a mechanical fault. If you haven’t had your warewasher serviced within the past 12 months, then calling a service engineer would definitely be recommended. Not only will they be able to identify any issues with your machine, but they’ll also highlight potential areas which may become a problem in the future. Additionally, engineers will be able to provide advice on best practice when it comes to day-to-day maintenance of your dishwasher, we would recommend the following points: Finally, there is the choice of detergent / cleaning solution being used. When selecting the dishwashing chemical you intend on using, there are a few different factors which need considering: To navigate all these issues, you can either buy multiple chemicals, so all scenarios are catered for or buy an all-in-one option. All in one options offer the flexibility of being able to wash a multitude of tableware without the need for separation beforehand. As such, this saves time as warewashers can be loaded to maximum capacity, washed and emptied quicker. It also prevents build ups of specific types of crockery whilst other cycles are running. Should an all-in-one option be preferred Alliance Online would recommend Fairy’s professional all-in-one dishwasher capsules (this to link to: https://www.allianceonline.co.uk/professional-professional-all-in-one-original-capsules-cdw00306.html). They have been formulated specifically for daily cleaning of tableware in commercial warewashers. Their multi-action cleaning quality washes away dirt, dissolves and removes dried on grease, protects silver finishes whist promoting a metal shine and also benefits from rinse aid and salt action properties. All of these qualities ensure the capsule offers users efficient cleaning even on short cycles in commercial environments. The capsules offer staff a simple and easy to use option regarding dishwashing as it negates the need to measure out fluids or powders when using a dish washing appliance. They also come in packs of 100 capsules making them easy to store, freeing up valuable cupboard space for other items. At Alliance Online we have over 20 years of experience providing the hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education and public sector industries with the products they need. Benefitting from twelve regional depots, a central national distribution centre and an online ecommerce channel we are perfectly placed to manage orders from any sized business throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Naidex Returns This Summer!
Registration is now live for the flagship event of the disabled community, which takes the stage this summer on 6th & 7th July at the NEC Birmingham. Naidex is Europe’s most established event dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. An interactive two days showcasing a wide range of solutions and technology to improve mobility, accessibility, and independence. Naidex is for everyone, and welcomes anyone who is living with a disability, as well as anyone caring for or supplying to this amazing community. Expect over 9,000 visitors experiencing the latest independent living solutions and daily aids, meeting with hundreds of innovative exhibitors & awe-inspiring speakers, and most of all having fun! All this, along with interactive features such as the Mobility Test Track and Accessibility Summit, make Naidex the go-to event of the year. For those working within healthcare, there is also the opportunity to enhance your professional development with the CPD accredited seminar agenda, making the event not only enjoyable, but informative and educational too. Running alongside the Neuro Convention, the event brings together the industry’s top educators and thought-leaders for you to meet and learn from. If you are a trade professional supplying to the healthcare, mobility, and independent living community, then Naidex is the place to be. Explore and discover the latest technology and innovations in the marketplace, find new suppliers in the exhibition hall, plus talk directly to key manufacturers, retailers and distributors serving the sector in the Naidex Trade Lounge. The Naidex team can’t wait to welcome you to the NEC once again for what is set to be a fantastic event for the community, helping people understand that anything is possible. Register your free tickets here.
What is Connected Health?
Connected Health is a model for the delivery of healthcare that harnesses the power of technology to enable care to be delivered where and when it is needed most, making more efficient use of available resources. It connects patients and clinicians, providing insight which enables more proactive, preventative and person-centred care, reducing costs, improving outcomes and enhancing the patient experience. Connected Health solutions combine software, hardware and pathway redesign to support individuals in the community and help clinicians to manage caseloads more effectively. The benefits of Connected Health Connected Health technology can support patients to manage their condition at home, helping them to understand the effects of their behaviour on their health and stabilise their condition. It can also enable any deterioration in health to be identified and treated at an early stage, avoiding the need for more complex interventions. There are a number of connected health benefits for managing heart failure including the early identification of and response to deterioration, the provision of objective information to improve clinical decision making, contribution to the stabilising of patients and reduction in the number of hospital admissions. Connected care also supports timely discharge and reduces delayed transfers of care, identifies trends over time to aid proactive care planning, provides patients with the confidence to self manage and aids medication and activity compliance with reminders and coaching. Connected Health in reality In my role as Lead Clinical Application Specialist, I work with a number of Trusts around the UK, helping them to include RPM in pathways to improve the patient experience and support better outcomes. This kind of monitoring can be useful for a wide range of cohorts, including patients with long term conditions such as COPD, and children with eating disorders. For patients with heart failure, criteria for selection includes high risk patients, patients who are decompensating, patients who need prompting to act on the exacerbation of their condition, patients whose medication is titrated, and patients who may have difficulties with transportation for clinic-based care. In a typical telehealth service for heart failure, patients use peripherals to take their vital signs readings each day, and these results are reviewed daily and triaged for action by nurses at the Heart Failure Unit at the local hospital. Results outside of the set parameters for that patient will raise an alert, enabling a specialist heart failure nurse to be notified and take appropriate action such as advising the patient to take diuretics, clinic review or a home visit. Nurses can also view individual patient’s results over time, enabling them to identify trends. Feedback from nursing staff is that they find digital health monitoring to be a really useful tool, helping them to see at a glance who needs them the most, and treat patients who are decompensating before they deteriorate to the point of needing admission to hospital. Sadly, some patients have a life limiting condition, and the service helps to keep them stable and at home with their loved ones as much as possible. The digital service has enabled a number of positive outcomes for both clinicians and patients including the easy prioritisation of care, the close monitoring of patients with a reduction in the need for face-to-face meetings, and early intervention to prevent deterioration and the need for more complex care. Results have been more objective than patients reporting their own symptoms, supporting informed clinical decision making and avoiding the issues of patients who delay reporting any deterioration in their health until they are very ill. Patients find it reassuring to be monitored every day, and many become more aware of their condition as a result and better able to manage it. The initiative is in line with Government objectives to increase the use of technology and work innovatively to address some of the challenges facing the NHS. For more information on Connected Health services and the support available for people living with cardiovascular disease, www.tunstall.co.uk.
Why your care facility needs to consider Cyber Insurance
Why your care facility should consider Cyber Insurance As our reliance on the digital world increases it is no real wonder that cybercrime is on the increase, and this has been clearly evident in the last two years. For the opportunistic cybercriminal, it’s been a good time to commit cybercrime, as the pandemic has forced us to move away from our usual routines and reliable systems, leaving an exploitable gap in our security as we quickly adapted to new ways of working. Between April and June 2021, the ICO reported that there were 2552 data security incidents in the UK with 688 of those related to a cybercrime. The healthcare sector was one of the most affected with 607 data security incidents in total – 108 a direct result of a cyberattack. According to Police data analysed by cyber security company Nexor, there was a 31% increase in cyber related cases over May and June 2020. The most common attack occurred through email or social media, and accounted for 53% of all attacks on businesses, leading to substantial multi-million pound losses. Healthcare, financial institutions, manufacturing, real estate, and education were the most targeted industries. Whether a big or small-scale event, a cyber-attack is likely to have serious consequences for any business – shutting systems, deleting data, preventing data access or stopping them from trading altogether. Dealing with the fall out of a cyber-attack can be complicated and stressful, not to mention time-consuming and potentially expensive. Not convinced you need it? Read on to find out more about the types of cyber incidents that could affect your care facility. Types of Cyber Attack Cyber-attacks can take many forms, all engineered to get the victim to disclose information or take action, or to infect systems with malicious software. Phishing, malware attacks and ransomware pose a threat to all businesses. It’s common to think that cyber threats against businesses come from unrelated hackers, cyber-attacks or ransomware (known as external threats) and are significant events, but sometimes they can be more subtle and come from sources a little closer to home. There are four categories that cyber threats against a business typically originate; insider threats, human error or negligence, external threats and third-party threats. Insider threats may come from disgruntled employees who could steal personal or business data and sell it online, for example. Third party threats are those you are exposed to when third party systems, software, individuals or businesses, have access to your data – such as cloud-based storage systems, your data systems and even your website. But by far the largest cause of data breaches occurs from human error, and is easily done. Perhaps sensitive data is sent to the wrong person or company, or a memory stick containing patient data is lost. Negligence also includes weak passwords that are not updated regularly, which can allow cyber-attacks to take place more easily. Wherever the threat originates the bottom line is how you to respond. Have you thought about how you would continue to run your care home if you lost access to all your data? You could lose access to client records and supplier data, order information, diary appointments, financial data, your website and more. If you are held to ransom for access to patient files, the financial consequences could be significant. Additionally, you may be affected by reputational damage, which could affect existing relationships and damage future prosperity. You may need to rebuild and replace lost systems or create a new website. And, if a data breach occurred you are likely to face significant fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office. All of the above will require money, time and resources and need to be addressed in a timely manner to help you retain customers, employees, your reputation and may ultimately affect the future of your care facility. Having a comprehensive contingency and business interruption plan in place along with adequate insurance will help you to address and quickly overcome any fallout from a cyber-attack. A robust plan is vital to make sure you meet your legal obligations regarding data breaches and to reassure your customers. The benefits of cyber insurance Cyber liability insurance is a must for any care home business because it provides you with protection and peace of mind, should the worst happen. It will help against denial of service, which may occur with ransomware, the recovery from computer virus damage, which may have resulted in a significant loss of data, and other data breaches such as the loss of a memory stick or laptop. Getting assistance quickly and from reputable, knowledgeable and reliable sources will be key in ensuring your business can continue to operate with minimal disruption. If your care home holds data on a computer system, even with anti-virus software in place, you can still be vulnerable to a breach. Cyber liability insurance is relatively inexpensive and will provide you and your business with complete reassurance in the face of a data breach crisis. Every business is different and will have specific needs, so make sure you get advice for your unique situation and requirements. Don’t wait until you have experienced a cyber-attack to put measures in place, be proactive and help protect your business now. At Barnes Commercial we specialise in arranging robust insurance for those operating in the care home sector. As an independent broker we provide completely impartial advice on the best solution for your specific needs. Telephone: 01480 272727 Email: enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk
No more baggy scrubs!
No more baggy scrubs! . At Happythreads, our goal is to supply all healthcare professionals with uniforms that fit well and allow everyone to express themselves. Our bestselling Koi range features a number of collections, so everyone can find something that suits them perfectly, from our budget-friendly Koi Basics line to the newest super soft range of Koi Next Gen garments. We believe that what you were should not limit what you do. Having to work in an already challenging environment, your scrubs should not be something you need to worry about. Comfort, perfect fit, and easy care are what we all love. Many of our customers complain that traditional brands have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to trousers – Koi trousers are available in 3 leg lengths! Our rainbow of available colours allows you to wear bright colours like flamingo pink, coral, or sunshine yellow. Want even more? We have a selection of scrub tops in funky patterns which are super popular in paediatric or elderly care settings. Want something toned and muted but tired of plain colours – look into our heather colours – a marl fabric that is a nice change from the standard palette. If you want to personalise your uniform with your name or logo, we offer an embroidery service done in-house by our experienced staff. It is a great way to help your patients identify you and your colleagues. We understand life is busy, especially for healthcare professionals. That’s why our Koi scrubs are easy-care and require little to no ironing. With breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made from advanced technology fibers, the uniforms allow you to stay fresh and comfy during your shift. And they can be washed at 60C, too. If you need any help, our friendly and experienced customer care team is always ready and more than happy to assist you. They have vast knowledge and experience and can help you select the perfect uniform for you. You can reach us via email, phone or our online chat, we are always happy to help. Purchase your new Koi uniforms at 10% off until 31st March 2022 with code CNJ10.
Supporting dementia care post-pandemic and beyond
The care sector has been struggling with the recent rise in demand for dementia care services and recent research from Social-Ability shows that 82% of people feel that the care sector, in its current state, is unable to cope with the demand for dementia care. This surge in demand has come as a result of the pandemic, with backlogs, understaffing, and Covid safety all playing a role in the increasing burden on the social care system. John Ramsay, Managing Director of Social-Ability NHS backlogs have risen to a record 6 million people who are waiting for hospital treatment, 50,000 of which are people unable to access dementia assessments, preventing them from getting treatment. Dementia assessments by GPs have dropped by 38% between 2019 and 2021, with MAS assessments dropping by an even larger 50%. With staff overworked now, it is hard to see how we can handle the predicted 150 million cases of dementia in 2050. Addressing awareness Better awareness of dementia is a central issue to improving care. Understanding the condition remains limited, with recent research from Social-Ability finding that almost two-thirds of people were unable to distinguish between early signs of dementia and natural signs of old age. If dementia continues to be seen as merely a “memory loss disease”, patients may not get diagnosed until too late, and will be unable to benefit from the care and support available. Backlogs or no backlogs, this highlights that dementia care and support must change from the ground up. People unable to identify dementia in family and friends is one problem, but better understanding of how we support and treat individuals living with dementia is another area that needs to be enhanced. Care home residents in the UK are prescribed seven daily medications on average, which costs the NHS around £250 million a year. Overmedicating residents increases their risk of having heart failure and infections, and also makes them more prone to accidents. Instead of treating dementia with a generalised “one size fits all” approach, we must better understand the experiences of dementia patients. Lockdown loneliness It should come as little surprise that COVID restrictions and pressures created challenging conditions for care home residents. In fact, one in five care homes were found to provide substandard care to their residents, not due to any lack of commitment or skill, but due to stringent isolation, sickness in the workforce, increased workloads and other knock-on effects of lockdown. To protect care home residents from Covid, residents have been limited in having visitors and leaving the home. Residents unable to see their family and friends are at risk of developing a severe, chronic loneliness, and 56% of people with dementia have reported feeling “completely isolated” throughout the pandemic. This problem is not confined to the pandemic, as people in long-term care are more than twice as likely to have chronic loneliness than the average person. However, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, care home residents have even less support than ever. Digital engagement Though a balance must be struck between the wellbeing of care home residents and the safety measures implemented, new technologies can also play a huge role in improving the quality of life of residents. Technologies such as those used in Social-Ability’s Happiness Programme offer social, cognitive, and emotional support to care home residents. By using interactive light technology, the Happiness Programme allows for residents to engage in activities with each other. The Happy Memories Programme allows family members, including those physically separated, to share family photos and memories directly with residents to sustain connections. Keeping care home residents active and engaged is crucial in maintaining their quality of life. Alternative technologies such as the Happiness Programme facilitate therapies that reduce the strain on care workers, and combined with changing the perception of dementia, eliminates the need for an overreliance on methods such as heavy medication. These holistic therapies provide the way forward in the wake of the pandemic, and are just the beginning of a recovering care sector ready to take on the challenges of the future. By working together, we can make a difference, and we believe that we can achieve the number one goal of care: bringing happiness to people’s lives.
Pocketalk announces GDPR compliance and Pocketalk Plus
Pocketalk, the global leader in connecting conversations and removing language barriers, today announces GDPR compliance and its new product for healthcare settings the Pocketalk Plus. The announcement comes following the pandemic, which inspired Pocketalk to focus its efforts on connecting patients with their healthcare providers. GDPR compliance Pocketalk is now the first GDPR-compliant handheld translation device and ready to be used in clinical settings, giving caregivers and patients the ability to speak directly and instantaneously. This elevated communication will deepen patient and caregiver rapport, leading to increased satisfaction for both parties, greater comprehension on diagnosis and treatments, and most importantly, lower rates of readmission. The clarity, speed and convenience offered by Pocketalk cannot be replicated by translation lines or interpretive services. These existing systems of translation come with long wait times and can be expensive for healthcare providers. Pocketalk has the ability to dramatically reduce non-medical costs in translation and interpretive services, and offers immediate communication. With a combination of speed and direct communication, Pocketalk minimises scheduling requirements, reduces stress, and ultimately gets patients the care they need to move on to the next phase of treatment. Pocketalk Plus With its launch in 2018, Pocketalk was originally designed as a travel-friendly practical communication tool – but when first responders aboard the Diamond Princess cruise line had to quarantine in Yokohama at the start of the pandemic, Pocketalk took action. It donated devices to enhance communication between first responders and passengers, reducing the interpreters’ exposure to COVID-19. This incident, as well as rapidly increasing cases, inspired Pocketalk to pivot its focus from world travelers to first responders and healthcare workers in multilingual communities. The result was the development of the Pocketalk Plus, a critical tool for medical professionals and first responders, arming them with quick, accurate translations in the field. The Pocketalk Plus boasts a large screen that is readable from 6 feet of distance, a strong speaker and a noise canceling microphone – perfect for healthcare professionals to use in a clinical setting. Other features of the device include: Translations for 82 languages The ability to seamlessly provide audio readout in native language A camera that translates text and written words Built-in data (no need for wifi) Access anytime and anywhere – slipping easily into a lab coat, Pocketalk is completely portable Quick and easy to sanitise – just one swipe of an alcohol wipe and you’re able to move from patient to patient Pocketalk Plus is available now for £349.00 Nori Matsuda, Pocketalk’s CEO, Pocketalk said: “Our mission is now an international one: to remove language barriers and connect all humans through conversations — the ones happening in all sorts of environments: medicine, education, logistics, personal. We’re now speaking in one “common” language — a necessity in a world where, as the past two years have shown us, we share one common biology. We believe that everyone should be able to communicate easily across every corner of the globe which is why we have created these new products to cater to everyone’s needs.” Since Pocketalk launched in 2017, the company has been a leader in the handheld translator market with its Pocketalk Classic and Pocketalk S devices. Pocketalk has connected https://www.pocketalk.com/compare/ people of all backgrounds through language translation and the engine has been honed by over half a billion translations achieving an unparalleled level of speed and accuracy. To date the company has sold nearly one million Pocketalk handheld devices. The Pocketalk products and services are available to purchase on the website. For more information, visit the online newsroom and follow Pocketalk on Instagram and Facebook.
