Enjoyable mealtime provision for residents living with dysphagia.
“Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, are a common condition within a care setting due to the wide range of conditions that can proceed it and the increased likelihood of these developing with age. It’s estimated that up to 70% of care home residents live with the condition. “Dysphagia is managed through the modification of foods and fluids, the aim of which is for food to require less or no chewing to get the food to a safe texture. Therefore, it’s important for homes to have a suitable dining provision available for those needing a texture modified diet with meals that are tasty, nutritious and, importantly, safe for them to eat. “When choosing the most suitable provision of texture modified meals, elements such as safety and assurance, choice and variety, cost and nutritional value all need to all be considered. “If these are factors are not taken into consideration and food presentation and flavours are poor then residents may be deterred from eating a full portion, which risks a lack of nutritional intake and developing malnutrition. “We all know the phrase ‘we eat with our eyes’ to be true, and this is even more important for those living with dysphagia. When serving a texture modified meal, visual appearance plays an essential role in meal enjoyment and alleviating possible feelings of embarrassment, encouraging residents to eat everything on their plate. “Eating is also a social activity, and the enjoyment of food is enhanced by sharing it with others. Providing well-presented texture modified meals can help residents to dine with dignity and enjoy their mealtimes with other residents, or friends and family that may be visiting. “Similarly, having ample choice and variety for residents requiring a specialist diet helps to reduce the risk of menu fatigue and allows them to still enjoy all their favourite flavours and not feel to be “missing out” compared to what others may be eating. “At apetito, creating food that both tastes great and provides good nutrition for residents has been our mission from day one. Whatever an individual’s dietary needs, ethnic preference, or taste, it’s about offering them something good to eat.” New Innovations for World Leading Range Expanding on an already extensive range of world-leading specialist nutrition meals, apetito has launched a new and improved range of Level 4 Purée dishes designed to bring joy and dignity back to mealtimes for residents with dysphagia. Maia Fergus-O’Grady, Dietitian and Senior Category Executive for Specialist Nutrition at apetito speaks on the exciting innovations to the range and how this has provided a step-change in its texture-modified offering for care homes: “After listening closely to customer feedback and preferences, we have made some significant changes to our Purée range to greatly improve our offering for residents. One key refinement has been bringing all our Puréed dishes into the smaller ‘Purée Petite’ portion size that are still packed full of flavour and meet the BDA guidelines for ‘Energy Dense’. “We understand that this smaller portion size is much more manageable for those living with dysphagia and ensures those with smaller appetites are receiving sufficient calories and protein – nutrients which are crucially important as we age. “We know how important mealtimes are for residents in care homes, and so further enhancing the dining experience has been a key focus for us. We’ve taken the step of incorporating many more puréed sauces and gravies into the range to elevate the flavours across our texture-modified meals and allow those living with dysphagia to enjoy all the dishes they love in a safe texture. “In addition to this we have introduced an array of brand-new side dishes to some of the meals, including sweetcorn and green beans, that are typically considered ‘higher risk’ and difficult to blend at home. We’re extremely proud to be making these vegetables accessible to those living with dysphagia and expanding on the variety offered within our range. “Another important update is improving the allergens within the meals by making several of our Purée dishes gluten-free. 11 are now made without all 14 recognised allergens* and many more are made without milk and soya. This gives wider choice for residents living with special dietary requirements and helps homes provide more options to avoid menu fatigue. “We are confident that our improved range of Purée meals will allow care homes to provide safe and even more varied meals to residents living with dysphagia.” As part of this range regeneration, apetito have introduced five brand-new Purée meals into its Level 4 range, including a Purée Chicken Korma, Purée Fish Pie, Purée Bean Chilli and two potato-topped pies, Purée Cottage Pie, and Purée Shepherd’s Pie. This launch also sees 12 revamped Purée meals, with improvements that mark an exciting evolution for the world-leading range that is created in line with IDDSI guidance. Get in touch! apetito offers a world-leading texture modified solution that could help your care home to meet residents’ complex dietary needs. Find out more at apetito.link/carehomes Book your VIP experience! apetito is bringing its exclusive VIP Lounge back to Care Show Birmingham on 9th and 10th October, speaking to teams about how its service can support care homes to deliver quality mealtimes and drive both cost and time efficiencies within catering operations. If you would like to speak to a member of the team, book your space at https://apetito.link/care-show-oct24 *Please note that “Made Without” does not mean “Free From”. Made without means that the identified ingredient is not part of the recipe, but very small amounts could be present. The intended purpose is to enable the avoidance of an ingredient disliked due to its taste or texture. Food ‘made without’ an ingredient may not be suitable for someone living with food hypersensitivity.
Northern Healthcare Rated ‘Good’ by CQC in Latest Inspection
Northern Healthcare has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection carried out between 3 June 2024 and 12 June 2024. The rating reflects the company’s “open, honest and transparent culture,” as recognised by the CQC. The report commended Northern Healthcare for its unwavering dedication to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care for individuals with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and autism. The inspection found that the organisation’s PROUD values—Positive, Respectful, Open and Honest, Understanding, Dedicated—are deeply embedded in both daily support and governance, with staff fully aware of how to incorporate these principles into their work. Northern Healthcare provides supported living services nationwide for individuals with a range of needs, offering 24/7 care and support to help them build independence within a safe and nurturing environment. In a report published on 13 September 2024, the CQC detailed how Northern Healthcare is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering person-centred care and maintaining high standards across the board. Key Highlights of the Report: Safe Care Practices: The CQC praised Northern Healthcare for its robust safety protocols, noting: “The provider took the appropriate steps to keep people as safe from harm as possible.” The report highlighted the effective recruitment and training processes, which ensure that staff are well-prepared to deliver care. Regular risk assessments are carried out to make sure that individuals are supported according to their specific needs. Effective Services: Inspectors recognised Northern Healthcare’s success in delivering support that improves the quality of life for individuals. The CQC observed: “Staff were confident in explaining what people’s support needs were and explained ways they best supported people to ensure they remained safe.” The use of regularly updated electronic care plans ensures that care is tailored to each individual’s needs, allowing for flexibility as those needs evolve. Compassionate and Caring Team: The CQC report praised the caring and compassionate approach of the Northern Healthcare team. “Staff and people supported had developed good relationships,” the report noted, highlighting the genuine concern staff demonstrate for the individuals they support, using a person-centred approach that respects each person’s preferences and dignity. Responsive Care: Northern Healthcare was also recognised for its ability to respond swiftly to the changing needs of individuals ensuring that individuals receive the right support at the right time, promoting independence and positive outcomes. The CQC stated: “People were listened to, and the provider acted on people’s views.” Strong Leadership: Leadership at Northern Healthcare was commended for fostering a positive work environment and driving continuous improvement. The report described the leadership team as “well-structured, with a good skill mix among senior leaders,” and noted that staff felt supported and listened to, with effective governance systems in place to maintain high standards of care. Nicola Forshaw, CEO of Northern Healthcare, expressed her gratitude for the recognition: “We are incredibly proud to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. This accomplishment reflects our team’s dedication to providing exceptional care and support to our community. This achievement is a result of the hard work and dedication displayed by each and every team member. Together, we have created an environment that upholds the highest standards of care while also maintaining the warmth, respect, and professionalism that define our approach. “The trust and confidence that each individual we support places in our services motivates us to reach new heights, ensuring the best possible care for our community. We are deeply grateful for the support of our colleagues in Adult Health and Social Care, whose collaboration helps make this possible. “The ‘Good’ rating acknowledges not only our adherence to regulatory standards but also the positive impact we have on the lives of those we support. We are proud of this recognition and remain committed to continuous improvement and growth.” Northern Healthcare remains dedicated to ongoing improvements, with plans already in place to further enhance the services provided. The CQC’s feedback will serve as a guide for future initiatives. Dawn Cropper, Operations Director of Northern Healthcare, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC. This achievement is a reflection of the passion and commitment our team members bring to their work every day. Our goal has always been to provide outstanding care to the people we support, and this rating shows that we are on the right path. www.northernhealthcare.org.uk
Baby Born in Care Home Car Park
Baby Born In Care Home Car Park Visits For A Heartwarming Reunion At less than 100 days old, newborn Louis Illsley surprised the residents of Bagshot Gardens Care Home, some of whom are approaching 100 years old. Louis was born in the care home’s car park on Wednesday 28th August, after his mother went into intense contractions while the couple were on their way to Frimley Hospital. Parents Jess Hannam and Joe Illsley, who already have a son, Logan, as well as Joe’s brother Alfie, whom they have special guardianship over, decided to name their newborn Louis, with the middle name ‘Avery’ to honour the care home’s role in his birth. In a heartwarming reunion, Jess and Joe Hannam returned to the luxury care home on Wednesday 11th September to introduce their newborn to the staff and residents who helped during his unexpected arrival. They met with the entire team and residents at Bagshot Gardens Care Home, who cooed and cuddled little Louis. Weeks earlier, Jess went into intense contractions, forcing the couple to pull into the care home’s car park. With no time to spare, and under the guidance of a 999 operator, Louis was delivered safely by Joe, with the help of the care home staff. Bagshot Gardens Care Home staff provided towels, blankets, and warm water to keep mother and baby safe and comfortable until the ambulance arrived. During their return to the care home, the couple surprised the staff and residents with a box of goodies as a gesture of gratitude. In return, the care home presented the family with a baby hamper, including a personalised baby grow embroidered with “Avery”. Susan Bedford, Care Assistant at Bagshot Gardens Care Home, was one of the first to assist Joe in delivering his son. She said, “Meeting the baby was very emotional. We have residents here who are nearly 100 years old, and then there’s baby Louis, who isn’t even 100 days old yet. It really makes you realise how precious life is. I’m glad to see that they’re all doing well, and that baby Louis is healthy.” The visit to Bagshot Gardens Care Home was not just a special moment for Jess and Joe but also for the residents, who were delighted to meet the newborn and share in the joy of his arrival. As baby Louis wrapped his hand around Betty’s finger, a resident at the care home, she said, “I am very much lost for words, but what an amazing experience.” Bagshot Gardens Care Home, is in Bagshot, Surrey, and part of the Avery Healthcare Group, is proud to have played a part in such a significant moment for this family and continues to provide exceptional care and support to both its residents and the wider community. https://www.averyhealthcare.co.uk/care-homes/surrey/bagshot/bagshot-gardens/
Celebrate Professional Care Workers Week 2024
The Care Workers’ Charity is proud to announce the seventh annual Professional Care Workers Week, a week-long celebration dedicated to recognising the outstanding contributions of care workers across the UK. Taking place from 16th – 20th September 2024, this event highlights the essential role they play in our communities and honours their commitment to providing compassionate care. This week is an opportunity to bring their stories to the forefront and to say a collective “thank you” for the work they do every day. What to Expect How You Can Get Involved Mark your calendars for 16th – 20th September 2024. For more information , on how to get involved, or to donate, please visit Welcome to Professional Care Workers Week 2024 The Charity provides immediate financial aid through crisis grants and offers vital mental health support. We advocate for fair treatment and pay and recognition of care workers as a skilled workforce. With over £6.1 million granted to more than 12,800 care workers, 500+ individuals benefiting from mental health initiatives, and active engagement in advocacy efforts, we’re at the forefront of ensuring workers receive the support they deserve. www.careworkerscharity.org.uk
Caring for carers; recent claims trends in care homes sector
The strain upon care homes and care workers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been well-documented. Encouragingly, however, we are now seeing some very positive trends in the sector. Occupancy rates are increasing, staff retention is improving, and the need to rely on agency staff has reduced. There remain, however, several emerging claims trends that underscore the need for care and nursing homes to ensure their records are properly maintained, and that their staff are appropriately trained and fully compliant with the home’s policies and procedures. Currently, a significant volume of legal claims in the sector relate to missed medication or incorrectly dispensed medication. These claims usually arise because the dispensing policy is either inadequate or is not being adhered to – which can make these cases challenging to defend. In many cases, deficiencies in protocols for dispensing mediation are being exacerbated by staffing constraints. If, for example, there is just one person who’s responsible for both dispensing and checking medication, then there is no independent ‘audit’ of which medications were handed to which service user. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of having strict dispensing policies in place, which staff are able to adhere to, to mitigate the risk of these claims. Claims for negligent care sadly also remain quite commonplace in this sector. Typically, these claims include service user falls and claims alleging poor management of service users with impaired mobility, often leading to skin viability issues. It is vital to the successful defence of these claims that the risks are adequately assessed, that care plans are sufficiently detailed and are reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and that accurate records are maintained. As well as having detailed policies and plans in place, care homes also need to ensure that all treatment records are accurately maintained. Shortcomings in record keeping have become more evident in recent years in part because of the problems many care homes have been facing in recruiting and retaining staff. Unfortunately, if the service user’s records are not properly maintained, it becomes very difficult to defend these types of negligence claims. Staffing issues can themselves be a fertile breeding ground for legal claims. There have been several recent cases where the training of new staff has not been up to standard, or where agency workers for whom English is not a first language have not been made aware of the full detail of care plans and risk assessments, leading to deficiencies in aspects of the care. The number of claims in which violence plays a part is also significant. Once again gaps in record keeping can be an aggravating factor. If a risk assessment or care plan is not updated as soon as a spontaneous physical act is witnessed, there may be a missed opportunity to arrange the additional support that a service user may require, and the risk of recurrence is increased leading to the issue becoming even more challenging to manage effectively. It is also crucial that carers are properly trained in how to de-escalate and manage violent incidents. We would strongly recommend to all of our care home clients that they arrange specialist training, including in relation to safe and lawful use of restraint, to help their staff manage these risks effectively. Supporting staff The challenge of recruiting and retaining employees has long been recognised in the sector, with staff shortages being further aggravated by the cost of living crisis and the impact of Brexit. As mentioned above, staffing shortages can often be a contributory factor to legal claims by service users. Stress claims by staff are also, unfortunately, on the rise. This is perhaps unsurprising given the extremely challenging conditions that many staff had to work though during the pandemic. It is vital that even the smallest care homes take this issue seriously. We recommend that all care homes where possible should have access to an HR facility to help deal with these issues, and that there is a clear HR process to follow as soon as colleagues exhibit early signs of stress. As well as being the right thing to do, taking these steps without delay can make any stress-related claims more defensible. That said, it does appear that the staffing picture is now improving and many care and nursing homes are taking positive steps to drive recruitment and improve staff retention across the sector. Whilst often challenging, care work is also, of course, hugely important to society and immensely rewarding for the care providers. Care home managers are working hard to ease some of the financial pressures on their staff and to support them in other ways. For example, managers are increasingly implementing new shift patterns to enable staff with families to work more flexibly; instead of a 12-hour shift, for example, staff can be offered a pattern of four hours on, four hours off, four hours on, four hours off. There is no doubt that dealing with legal claims and issues can be very stressful and difficult for all concerned. However, it is important to remember that care home managers are not expected to do this on their own and that support and guidance is always on hand via their insurers. The key is to involve insurers as early as possible once there is a claim, or a circumstance that may give rise to a later claim. The insurers will then be able to arrange the appropriate advice and support. Prompt, early notification of claims and circumstances is of course a requirement of most insurance policies. However, our experience is that early engagement with insurers and their legal teams often makes a very significant difference in achieving a better outcome to a claim or legal case. It will also provide much-needed support for any colleagues who may be involved and will help to protect the business from any associated reputational and financial harm. https://www.alteainsurance.com
Seven Marathons in Seven Days
Bluebird Care’s Head of Learning and Development Runs Seven Marathons in Seven Days for Alzheimer’s Society Nick Griffiths, Head of Learning Development for national home care provider Bluebird Care, recently completed an amazing seven sponsored marathons in seven days to raise almost £2,500 for Alzheimer’s Society. The impressive feat is part of Bluebird Care’s fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, which includes a commitment to raise £50,000 for the charity by September. Nick began his first marathon on the 17th of August and successfully completed all seven within just seven days – racking up an incredible total of 183.5 miles in the course of a week. He designed the seven different marathon routes himself around North Portsmouth near his home, with one route even requiring him to catch a ferry between two parts of the coast. Nick successfully completed his final marathon in Waterlooville, crossing the finish line at Bluebird Care’s head offices with a smile and looking forward to some much-needed rest! To prepare, Nick undertook a strict training regime, already running 80 miles a week to ready himself for the 183.5-mile total week of marathons. Nick balanced these rigorous preparations with his role at Bluebird Care and a busy day-to-day life raising his two young daughters. He also has a secondary role as a physical training instructor in the Army Reserve, giving him plenty of expertise in how to effectively approach this impressive challenge. Bluebird Care announced its fundraising partnership with Alzheimer’s Society at a launch event in May, and has been carrying out fundraising activities, including skydiving and community tea parties, across its 220 branches over the summer. The launch event was attended by Bluebird Care’s Celebrity Champion, Dame Arlene Phillips OBE, who will present the total £50,000 donation to Alzheimer’s Society at Bluebird Care’s annual conference in September, alongside Chief Executive Jonathan Gardner. Nick Griffiths, Head of Learning and Development at Bluebird Care, said: “Not only has this been an incredible personal achievement, but I also feel remarkably proud to have contributed towards Bluebird Care’s milestone fundraising partnership and supported the endlessly important work of Alzheimer’s Society. It’s certainly been no easy feat, but to have done it for a cause that the entire Bluebird Care team and I believe in so wholeheartedly made it all worth it!” Alongside Bluebird Care’s fundraising commitment, the provider has also pledged to support its entire 10,000 strong team to train as Dementia Friends and become the leading provider of dementia home care. To facilitate this, they will be rolling out a structured programme of dementia specialist training, instilling their team members with the necessary expertise and skills to continue providing excellent quality dementia care to those they support. https://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
The global IT outage that caused havoc
Duplex floor cleaning machines
At Duplex, we value the importance of training which is why Duplex floor cleaning machines come with a certificated training and installation session so that new users can learn how to get the very best out of this remarkable machine. Duplex has brought the concept of chemical-free cleaning to care homes all over the country made possible by our superlative Duplex Steam machines and just one compound, H20. Prolonged use of chemical on both hard floors and carpets can lead to residue being left behind making floors appear dirtier over time. Using the Duplex Steam lifts the unwanted chemical residue and leaves both carpets and hard floors clean and sanitised. Why not contact us for more information or to arrange a free on-site, no obligation demonstration and see what Duplex Steam floor cleaning machines can do for your care home. http://www.duplex-cleaning.com/
Harrogate care home opens memory suite
A prestigious care home in Harrogate has opened a new memory suite to help care for and support those living with memory-related conditions including dementia. The new facility at Hampden House, a residential care home located in the Duchy estate of Harrogate that’s owned and managed by social care group HICA, marks a significant investment in specialised memory care. Its design incorporates the latest research in memory care, creating an environment that not only supports physical health but also addresses emotional and psychological wellbeing. The Blenheim Memory Suite, which also provides day care provision as well as round-the-clock residential care, has been specifically created for those living with memory conditions. Featuring eight luxurious ensuite rooms, the suite provides a comfortable and safe living environment. Each room has been created to provide a homely and dignified space for residents. The home’s expansion follows its acquisition by HICA last year and reflects the Group’s commitment to person-centred care and excellence in supporting people with dementia and memory-related conditions. Terry Peel, HICA Group’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of the Blenheim Memory Suite which will provide specialised memory care and ensure residents receive bespoke support tailored to their unique needs. “The new memory suite represents the HICA vision of compassionate, person-centred care and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our residents and their families.” Hampden House has a rich history and has long been recognised for its high standards of care. With the addition of the Blenheim Memory Suite, the home continues to build on its legacy, offering a new level of support for individuals with dementia and other memory related conditions. The suite’s team of dedicated professionals provides round-the-clock care, creating individualised care plans to meet each resident’s specific needs. From assistance with daily activities and medication management to offering a listening ear, the staff ensures that residents receive the support and encouragement they need. For more information, please visit: https://www.hica-uk.com/care-homes/hampden-house/
