Care home recreates white wedding for grandmother
A care home in Solihull has hosted a white wedding after one of its residents was forced to miss her grandson’s nuptials. The family of Val Graham were bitterly disappointed that she was unable to see grandson Harry tie the knot with his bride Megan in July. So staff at Royal Star & Garter, where Val now lives, worked with her family to recreate the wedding at the Home, on Sunday 1 December – complete with the beautiful bride in her wedding dress, bridesmaids, page boys and family present. A staff member who is especially close to Val also came in on her day off to do her hair and make-up. Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, and also has Homes in Surbiton and High Wycombe. The charity has also launched a range of new services into the community. After the ceremony, in which Royal Star & Garter Wellbeing Coordinator Lorraine took the role of vicar and ‘performed’ the ceremony, the family enjoyed a wedding buffet with other residents at the Home. Harry and Megan had married in Redditch earlier this year, but ill-health meant Val was unable to be there. Harry said: “My nan has always been a big part of my life growing up, and she always loved a party. So Meg and I were really disappointed that she was unable to make the wedding. This second wedding was all about her, but it was also special for us to share our day with her. We now have photos of her at our wedding which we never had before.” Debbie is the daughter of Val, and mother of the groom. She said: “Mum was due to be at the wedding, and it was only at the last-minute that she was unable to attend. Harry was very upset that she wasn’t there, so this second wedding means the world to all of us. It was a fabulous day and we can’t thank Royal Star & Garter enough for giving us these wonderful memories.” Lorraine, the Wellbeing Coordinator who ‘married’ the couple at the Home, said: “We knew Val and her family were upset that she was unable to be at the first wedding, but we were never going to let her miss out on such an important day, so we decided to bring the wedding to her. You could see how much it meant to Val, to the happy couple, and the whole family.” The Home is welcoming new residents. For more information on this, new services including Lunch Club and Day Care, or to work at Royal Star & Garter in Solihull, go to www.starandgarter.org/solihull
Housing CEO urges Chancellor to reconsider
Scottish social care organisations warn of catastrophic impact of increased costs THE CEO of one of the country’s biggest housing associations has demanded urgent action from the UK Government to avert a crisis in the care sector. Angela Currie of Hanover Scotland joined over 80 leaders of not-for-profit social care organisations urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider plans for increased Employers’ National Insurance (NI) contributions in an open letter. The Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS) has warned that the policy will add an estimated £30 million in costs to the sector next year, jeopardising the sustainability of vital social care services for adults, children, and young people across Scotland. Angela and the coalition have emphasised that a failure to act risks catastrophic consequences for public services, undermining the government’s broader economic and social aims. Angela Currie said: “The consequences of this decision are potentially devastating for social care providers and the vulnerable individuals who depend on these essential services. “At Hanover Scotland, we see daily the impact of high-quality housing and care on the wellbeing and independence of older people. These changes risk creating insurmountable financial pressures, forcing providers to make impossible choices about their future.” The joint letter highlights that social care providers, unlike many other organisations, lack the ability to absorb such significant cost increases. It warns of job losses, pay freezes, and potential closures of community-based support services as immediate risks of the policy. The signatories, representing a wide spectrum of care provision in Scotland, argue that the exclusion of not-for-profit organisations from NI relief threatens not only individual service users but also the wider public services network – escalating pressure on the NHS, unpaid carers, and other support systems if care services are forced to scale back or cease operations altogether. CCPS Chief Executive Rachel Cackett said: “The eNIC policy is being introduced at a time when social care providers are already at extreme risk. In March this year, over 80% of our members who responded to a survey told us they were delivering public contracts despite a deficit budget. “And as our letter states, these pressures are not limited to Scotland; the effects of long-standing under-investment in support services are being felt across the UK. Social care is pared to the bone. “How can the UK Government claim that those with the broadest shoulders should pay more when this policy will impact not-for-profit organisations supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society?” “Services cannot continue if they are not financially viable. This policy will impact jobs – particularly for women – and risk the loss of crucial community-based provision for people who desperately need more well-resourced, rights-based, accessible, quality support.” Social care in Scotland is already operating under intense financial strain, with many providers delivering contracts at a loss. The proposed NI changes, coupled with the reduction in thresholds, could make many operations unsustainable, worsening the already precarious position of the sector. Angela added: “The people who rely on social care services deserve security and support, not uncertainty. It’s vital that decision-makers recognise the unique pressures on our sector and act to shield providers from these costs.” Angela recently warned that cuts to the housing adaptation budget would result in bed-blocking and increased burden on NHS and social care. She called for urgent action, stating that housing associations like Hanover are being forced to make impossible choices between critical home adaptations and essential refurbishments such as kitchens and bathrooms. https://www.sssc.uk.com
Burnley care home welcomes Mayor to Christmas Fayre
HC-One’s Dove Court Care Home in Burnley, Lancashire, held its annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 28th November and were delighted to welcome in their local community. Residents and staff at Dove Court Care Home, which provides residential, nursing and dementia care, were delighted to welcome the public into the care home to enjoy a range of fun activities, stalls, and competitions. Light refreshments were also provided, including a variety of snacks. Dove Court’s guest of honour at the event was the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Shah Hussain, who stopped by for a quick tour of the home and chatted with some of the residents. Stephanie Tillotson, Wellbeing Coordinator at Dove Court Care Home, said: “It was a wonderful fayre, and it was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves. Thank you to all the stallholders and everyone involved!” Dove Court’s Home Manager, Catherine Brierley, commented: “What a fantastic occasion! The turn-out from the local community was fantastic, and we were delighted to be visited by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Shah Hussain. “We’ve been particularly grateful for the support from local businesses, who helped to advertise the event and donated items for the stalls and raffle, at the christmas fayre. “These included Burnley Leisure Centre, The Swan and Goose, Summer Palace, Jenny Noble for her hair voucher, New Waggoners, Farmhouse Biscuits, Gala Bingo, Sweet City, Mojitos, Pendle Mill, Ragnar’s Relics and Floki’s Pyrography.” https://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?
Care Home rated ‘Good’ in all areas in first CQC assessment
Chartwell Manor, a new Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) home in Aylesbury, is celebrating being rated ‘Good’ in all areas in its first Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment. Following an inspection this summer, the 61-bed care home, open since September 2022, was recognised as safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, with a report highlighting the home’s kind and compassionate staff and ‘positive and friendly culture.’ It is the latest in a series of good news for the home, which has earned a rare 10 out 10 rating on Carehome.co.uk based on a series of stellar reviews from the loved ones of those living in the home. It also follows Chartwell Manor winning an internal group award, MMCG’s Aspiring for Excellence Award (south) which celebrates a home which embodies MMCGS vision for the future. Chartwell Manor Care Home Manager, Hazel Greenway, said: “It has been an incredible first two years for all of us at Chartwell Manor, driven by a fantastic team, determined to deliver the very best for those in our care. I am thrilled to see all of that being reflected in great reviews, internal accolades and now this inspection report.” Throughout their time spent at Chartwell Manor Care Home, the CQC inspectors “observed people being treated with dignity and respect.” Their report notes that: “Staff treated people with kindness, empathy and compassion. People were supported to live as independently as possible.” Inspectors observed that Chartwell Manor wasn’t using any agency staff and “all staff we spoke with had a good understanding of people’s needs and knew them well.” The CQC found the needs and preferences of those living in the home are prioritised, with inspectors noting the ‘many compliments received about the standards of care.” As part of the assessment, CQC inspectors engaged with staff, residents, and relatives, reviewed records, and observed daily interactions. The feedback they recorded included remarks like “Excellent carers—very caring and committed,” and praise for the home’s cleanliness, described as “absolutley immaculate” The report also highlights Chartwell Manor’s enriching lifestyle programme, led by staff who are “enthusiastic about providing creative and enjoyable opportunities.” Those living in the home are “supported to be as independent as possible,” the report adds: “They were able to receive visitors, access the community and participate in activities.” A supportive staff culture was also reflected in the report, which records that employees felt “listened to” and “able to express their views.” Care Home Manager, Hazel Greenway, added: “This is an excellent report which highlights many of the wonderful things about Chartwell Manor. I am so proud to see the feedback those living with us and their relatives gave to the inspectors, especially the comments about how caring and committed this team is and how well we all know those in our care. “I want to thank and congratulate all my amazing colleagues at Chartwell Manor, all our partners in the community and the services supporting the home. This report is a reflection of how hard they work, how much they care, and the wonderful culture we have created in this home.” Chartwell Manor first opened its doors in September 2022. It offers 61 ensuite bedrooms, with impressive accommodation including a variety of lounges, a bar and bistro, wellness suite, movement room, hair salon and a cinema, and staff to complete the package of 24-hour personalised support on offer. The care home has sought to become an asset to the community it serves, taking part in an array of charity and community events. For more visit: https://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/care-homes/chartwell-manor
Budget October 2024 Providers Unite
As providers of vital services to over 1.2 million individuals nationwide and employers of a dedicated 1.59 million workforce, we deliver £68.1 billion in essential community care and support services. Our role as an indispensable pillar in Britain’s healthcare infrastructure, standing alongside our NHS colleagues. The profound impact of the proposed tax increases on all those who depend on us. Like GPs, pharmacies and hospices, we are independent businesses and charities embedded in every corner of our communities, committed to supporting citizens with diverse needs. With the state funding more than 70% of our work, we deliver an essential public service. The current Budget measures risks eroding the foundations of the public services we deliver, which extend far beyond elderly care. They include mental health, domiciliary care, learning disabilities, supported living, and other specialised services. To remain viable, these services require appropriate levels of state funding to meet the varied and growing needs of our communities. While we acknowledge the government’s responsibility to address the £59 billion public deficit, the new Budget measures threaten to deepen an already critical £8.4 billion funding shortfall in our sector. Impact of National Living Wage Increase and Employer Costs from April 2025: Although the increase in the National Living Wage is beneficial for our staff, concurrent Budget changes, specifically the rise in National Insurance contributions and the lowered thresholds are set to drive an unsustainable minimum 9.4% increase in employer costs. For those committed to paying the Real Living Wage and expanding employment opportunities to our future workforce under 21, this impact is projected to soar above 12%. This total far exceeds the £600 million allocated to Local Authorities, the primary commissioners of our services, and who must spread this funding across all their responsibilities under the Care Act 2014. These include support for children’s services as well as financial pressures in other areas including special educational need. Cost Assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR): According to OBR data, this will cost an estimated £800* per employee.However, our analysis suggests that the real impact for Employers is underestimated, potentially exceeding projections by over £1 billion. In summary, this policy risks triggering a cascade of contract surrenders and service reductions, leaving our most overlooked citizens without essential social care and potentially forcing more people onto NHS waiting lists. We urgently call for an immediate review of these measures and for the establishment of exemptions similar to those granted to the NHS. Alternatively, we ask that the Local Government Finance settlement be urgently adjusted to bridge this funding gap. We welcome the opportunity to consult with you to explore the options. The alternative is nothing short of a systematic collapse of community care services across Britain. https://www.homefromhomecare.com
Experts Share Why Nutrition is Important for Older Adults
For older adults (65+), especially those with less mobility and cognitive function, it can be harder to produce healthy and nutritious meals regularly. And not getting the right nutritional intake can have a big impact on the body and mind. To raise awareness of this issue, Danforth Care Group have collaborated with Dr. Theocharis Ispoglou, a Leeds Beckett University Reader specialising in nutrition to discuss the importance of a highly nutritious diet, especially in older adults. Danforth’s chefs also share how you can help if you’re looking after someone at home to produce healthy and nutritious meals. The importance of nutrition “For older adults, prioritising a nutrient-rich diet is crucial,” says Dr Ispoglou . “As with anyone, older adults who do not consume the necessary nutrients our body needs – and in the correct amounts -can lead to a range of physical effects and health complications. This is due to the risk of sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting disorder, which is a key contributing factor to many diseases and health complications. “ “Poor nutrition can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of energy, which are common symptoms of depression; inadequate intake of essential nutrients can impair cognitive function and therefore increase the risk of cognitive decline and neurological disorders such as dementia.” Getting the right nutrition “If you’re looking after someone at home, ensure they have the support they need to be able to buy fresh food,” says Greta Hoxha, chef at the care home Heatherton House. “Make sure they have the right equipment to cook meals safely and have the correct glassware to stay hydrated. You can also support with cooking batch meals, as they are easier to then reheat for an older adult.” “At Danforth, we ensure that our menus are nutritionally well balanced”, says Greta. “We look at everything from protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and even colour so they have a visual appeal”. “It can also help to create meal plans around what your loved one likes to eat,” adds Louise Brown, head chef at Old Norse Lodge care home. “We hold monthly nutrition meetings with the residents, which allows them to give new ideas for menus and foods they wish to see on these.” “For those living with dementia who may not be able to express their likes and dislikes, we seek support and information from families to help us with this information.” The importance of hydration “Dehydration can impair cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and alertness, which in turn can affect daily life and overall well-being.” warns Dr. Ispoglou. “Hospitalisations, medical complications, and an increased risk of kidney and metabolic diseases are further consequences of not staying properly hydrated, and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and mood changes can disrupt daily activities.” “However, it is also important not to overlook the risks of overhydration, which can also have serious consequences. Overhydration can also affect cognitive function, causing confusion, disorientation, and in severe cases seizures or coma.” Getting the right hydration “To prevent dehydration and underhydration for older adults, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) recommends a daily water intake from drinks of about 1600 ml (approximately 6-7 cups) for women and 2000 ml (about 8-9 cups) for men,” says Dr Ispoglou. “While these recommendations relate to fluids consumed through drinks, it is important to note that about 20-30% of our hydration needs can be met through the consumption of water-rich foods such as soups, stews, fruits, and vegetables. Hence, achieving proper hydration in older individuals should involve a balanced intake of both water from drinks and water-rich foods.” adds Dr. Ispoglou. “If you’re looking after a loved one at home, to ensure they stay hydrated, ensure a minimum of two drinks are offered with each meal, and offer tea and cold drinks throughout the day. Make sure they have access to a drink at all times, and record the amount they have consumed,” recommends Chef Louise Brown.
Wigan care home win two titles
Celebrations are taking place at HC-One’s Westwood Lodge care home, in Wigan, after winning double this awards season, including ‘Care Setting of the Year’ and ‘Deputy Home Manager of the Year’ at the annual Wigan Borough Palliative and End of Life Awards. The awards ceremony took place on Friday, October 11 at Leigh Sports Village. This event showcases and celebrates all the amazing healthcare professionals in the Wigan borough, who go above and beyond to make a difference to the people they care for at the end of life. Many HC-One colleagues at the nursing care home had been nominated in different categories for their kindness and care shown to people receiving end of life care. Eight colleagues attended the event, including Michelle Quinn, who snapped up the ‘Deputy Manager Award’. Westwood Lodge also walked away with the prestigious ‘Care Setting of the Year’ award. Karen McGrady, Home Manager at Westwood Lodge, commented: “We are committed to working in partnership with external providers to deliver the best possible care for our residents and to building on this success by continuing to develop our team’s skills with training and support from the hospice. “The trophies and certificates are now proudly displayed in Westwood Lodge’s reception area and are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are all so pleased for Michelle, the award is very much deserved. I am very proud. What an amazing team to work with.” https://www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes/westwood-lodge.aspx
Cake4Kindness Day
Many of us want to help to make a difference to others but don’t know where to start. Cake4Kindness is a simple way to make that difference without needing to raise a penny. Bake a cake, pass it on, spread the kindness -that’s all it takes 21st November 2024 will mark Cake4Kindness Day with its vision to alleviate loneliness and social isolation for those experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups, through the distribution of cakes. Cake4Kindness Day 2024 is a day to come together and bake in your community, with friends, family, work colleagues and through conscious giving donate those bakes with local homeless charities to build local relationships whilst helping to create a more inclusive, kinder and supportive community. Last year for Cake4Kindness Day, the first Cake4Kindness Day the initiative saw many businesses including care homes, schools and other organisations take part, baking cupcakes and decorating them as a team, then choosing a local homeless charity or food bank to distribute them to as an act of giving, with over 1400 cupcakes distributed on this day. This year the organiser of the initiative wishes to double the outreach within our community with your help, and invites you to join in. Neel Radia, Founder for Cake4Kindness said “Homeless people experience some of the highest rates of loneliness and isolation amongst the UK population and lack the companionship that many of us take for granted. Our community project works in bringing people together to bake together, and through conscious giving share what we bake with those experiencing homelessness. It’s incredible to see how something as small as a cupcake, something that we take for granted can make such a positive impact for the individual receiving it and how this helps to generate conversation. Cake4Kindness Day has been set up to allow others across the community to get involved and support charities more local to them, so together we can make more connections, and spread more kindness together”. This year Cake4Kindness Day has received support from industry partners including, EF-Group, Avery Collection, Oyster Care Homes, TLC Care Group, Signature Dining and Raj Foods. If you would like to get involved in your local community for Cake4Kindness Day please visit https://www.cake4kindness.org
Young people working in social care are ‘essential’
Two Assistant Psychologists (APs) at HC-One Scotland’s Darnley Court care home, in Glasgow, believe that young people working in social care is “essential” for supporting the complex needs of an ageing population. Following the launch of the care home’s ‘Carmichael’ Specialist Dementia Care Community (SDCC) earlier this year, colleagues at the home have implemented a more therapeutic approach to dementia care, placing young Assistant Psychologists like Maria and Abigail at the heart of the solution. As psychology graduates who aspire to become Clinical Psychologists, Maria and Abigail require experience before they apply for training courses to get their appropriate qualifications. Working with residents directly in an innovative SDCC environment has not only provided them with an excellent opportunity to learn and develop within a care home environment, but their contributions and efforts have been to the benefit of many residents. Maria McGinlay, Assistant Psychologist at Darnley Court care home, said: “Young people in care are essential as they’re the future. With an ageing population and even more people in care homes affected by dementia over the next ten years, we need even more young people to get involved in the sector. “I have personal experience with dementia in my own family and I think this not only helps drive me to do everything I can for the care of every resident, but it also means that I can use what I learn at work when I’m supporting members of my own family. “At HC-One, everything that I’ve said has been taken on board and I feel valued, and we feel as though our work is having a real impact on the lives of the residents.” Working closely with Darnley Court’s Dementia Specialist Lead, Rosamma Matthew, the young APs have been integrated as part of the core care team, observing behaviour and recording distress to discover what might trigger or cause each person to feel upset or angry. Subsequently, the APs use this information for de-escalation intervention to prevent this from occurring. People living with dementia may become frustrated by not being able to verbally communicate well, being frightened by misinterpreting a situation and upset by their loss of independence. This can then make them become physically or verbally defensive, or sometimes withdrawn. Through their observations, the young APs can enhance the way the home supports people who display distressed behaviour. As core members of the care team, they help design bespoke wellbeing interventions, as well as engaging them in everyday opportunities such as reminiscing, giving them a relaxing hand massage, playing familiar songs or going for a walk in the garden to help or stop someone from becoming stressed or distressed. This is completely unique to the SDCC model, and it means that every resident’s care plan is personalised and clinically evidence-based. Professor Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care at HC-One, commented: “Assistant Psychologists enable us to bring to life our commitment to understanding why people we care for in our SDCCs are distressed, present with behaviours that carers find challenging and concerning, or present as disengaged and apathetic. “Attracting these young graduates to HC-One not only means we’re tapping into new ways of psychological thinking but we’re also gaining a fresh set of eyes that can question accepted practice and bring new insights.” For young people like Abigail and Maria, both 23-years-old, entering these roles early in their careers in social care, to support an SDCC model will help them develop within a framework that enables them to learn how to engage compassionately with residents and build confidence in handling complex behaviours. In Scotland alone, It is estimated that between 2019 – 2040 there will be a 104 per cent increase in the number of people living with severe dementia meaning that care homes will need to introduce new ways of supporting those experiencing symptoms of dementia. The SDCC model is just one of the pioneering ways in which dementia care can be advanced for its residents. By using a person-centred approach, every care plan or document associated with resident is made with their desires and best interests at the forefront. This approach values the person with dementia while striving to maintain and support the abilities that they possess while helping the resident in situations where things are becoming trickier. When faced with more difficult situations, an AP’s job is to look deeper into the behaviour and not just see the situation as it was, but to look further something that comes naturally to the young and curious minds of HC-One’s Assistant Psychologists. Abigail Graham, Assistant Psychologist at Darnley Court care home, stated: “We differ a lot compared to other services because at HC-One we have more responsibility and opportunity to see residents before they come in and have a say in if they should be admitted into our homes. “We use our pre-assessment tool which we’ve been using a lot recently as we welcomed our first resident at the start of September. We do data analysis and interpretation, which we will do more and more of as we get to really know the residents in the home. “As young people, we can add a new perspective in social care on how to understand people and that helps everyone in the care home especially residents.” The relationships that the young care workers form within the home are particularly pertinent. Maria is often called a “pal”, demonstrating the bond that can be struck within the community. At HC-One, the young APs have been provided an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in social care, as well as by working with people with chronic and enduring dementia care needs. While the experience is particularly valuable to the young APs, their ability to offer a new perspective and inject fresh ideas into the care home has helped Darnley Court and others to offer even more exceptional and kinder care to all residents. https://www.hc-one.co.uk/carehomes/darnley-court
