Mandatory vaccinations in care homes – what does that mean for the sector?
A new law which makes COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for employees and workers in care homes has divided opinion, sparked national debate and is now subject to judicial review, but what does this new law mean for a sector which is already reeling from the pandemic and the continuing impact of Brexit? Following a sector wide consultation in the Spring and the introduction of similar laws across Europe and beyond, in July the government passed the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities)(Amendment)(Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 into law. The Regulations require all CQC-regulated care homes in England providing accommodation for individuals who need nursing and personal care, to allow entry to the premises, only to those who can evidence that they have received a complete course of an authorised COVID-19 vaccine, unless exempt. This is a very broad requirement capturing all staff (temporary, permanent, agency, volunteers) over the age of 18 as well as adults who need to enter the care home to deliver services (such as tradespeople) or deliver close personal care to the residents (including physiotherapists or hairdressers). There is an annual review built into the legislation, requiring the Secretary of State to consider whether mandatory vaccines remain necessary and whether there would be other means of achieving the policy purpose. The effect of the Regulations The obligation and responsibility to implement the Regulations falls to each care home, meaning that checks will have to be made and records kept from the implementation date on 11 November 2021. Failure to do so could lead to claims that the home has failed to provide safe care and treatment, significant fines and even the permanent closure of a home. The introduction of the Regulations has left little time for care homes to prepare. With the exemptions to this mandatory vaccine requirement being extremely limited, those providers who have not already started conversations with their workforce about needing COVID-19 vaccines are already on the back foot. In order to meet the deadline, workers must have received a first vaccine dose by 16 September 2021. Exemptions The list of exemptions is limited. Within the guidance, clinical exemptions will be restricted to individuals who have an allergy or condition that serves as a reason not to administer the vaccine. Visiting family and friends, under 18s, emergency services and people undertaking urgent maintenance work in the care home are also exempt. However, a last-minute change in policy on 15 September 2021 has introduced a temporary period during which workers are permitted to self-certify that they are exempt from receiving the vaccine. The limited medical grounds for the temporary exemption include examples such as: What does the future hold? Despite this, the long-term impact on the sector is uncertain. The Regulations are subject to judicial review on a number of grounds; these include the incompatibility of the Regulations with existing laws that prohibit the enforcement of mandatory vaccines, a failure to consider the efficacy of alternatives to mandatory vaccination, the resultant staffing shortages, the discrimination risks and potential human rights infringements. However, it is doubtful that the requirement for staff to be vaccinated will be changed, not least because of a new consultation ahead of a planned roll-out to all front-line healthcare workers, including those in the NHS. In the unlikely event that the Regulations are repealed, there will still be commercial and legal pressures on care homes and healthcare providers to demand that employees are vaccinated. Live in care agency Elder has reported that 63% of customers would feel uncomfortable being looked after by an unvaccinated carer, or having an unvaccinated carer look after a loved one. It is also the case that some employees may feel unsafe if working in an environment they consider to be unsafe. If there is a risk that residents and service users will seek alternative providers, and employees look to work elsewhere, an employer may have little alternative but to mandate vaccines to meet customer and colleague demands. So, what should a provider be doing now to prepare for the next few months and beyond? Update employment documents – Ensure job adverts, offer letters, contracts of employment and associated policies and procedures are amended to reflect the requirement that all staff must be vaccinated. Existing staff – Consider how you will deal with existing unvaccinated staff who remain unwilling to comply with the requirement to be vaccinated. It’s likely that you will need to enter into a period of consultation with each unvaccinated employee and to consider what, if any, alternative work may be available outside of a home. Consider data protection obligations – Care homes will be required to keep records of vaccination or medical exemption status and will need to ensure that these records are available for inspection by the CQC. Privacy statements for employees and others will also need to be updated. Contractors – Consider how you will ensure that third parties attending your premises to deliver services, maintenance or personal care are vaccinated; update policies and contracts as necessary. The next few months and years are likely to remain as tumultuous as they have been for the care sector. Those who prevail will do so with a loyal and dedicated workforce founded on trust and good communication. Kevin Poulter is a partner in the London office of Freeths LLP and has over 20 years’ experience advising organisations on employee matters. His clients include those in the health, social care and charity sectors. He can be contacted at kevin.poulter@freeths.co.uk and on 07973 882 267.
More freedom, with the help from Arelle!
If you are one of the millions of people affected by incontinence, you will know that choosing the right product is absolutely vital for your comfort and security. Whether you are looking for disposable or washable items, pads or briefs, mattress or seat protection, we specialise in supplying a range of high quality continence care products to help with toileting, bathing and other aspects of day-to-day life. As a company with over 20 years of experience, we are very happy to advise you by telephone or email, discuss your needs and recommend the best product for your condition. We take great pride in our discreet, confidential and personalised service; we don’t use a call centre, and we never put you on hold! If we are busy, just leave a message and we will call you back. Calls are free from landlines and most mobiles. Alternatively you are welcome to visit our website to view our range and place an order. Most orders will arrive to you on the next working day. If you already use incontinence products, we are highly confident we can supply equivalents or better. And if our products do not meet your expectations, then, subject to terms and conditions, you can return them and receive a full refund. So why not give us a call and try us out? We’d be delighted to send you a brochure and a free sample of one of our disposable products. In summary, we offer: Quality products: we only stock high quality products which are more effective, with an improved fit, offer better comfort and with higher eco-credentials than their cheaper counterpart. Excellent value: quality products mean you will need fewer of them because they will work more efficiently – ultimately saving you money. Greater choice: we have a wide range of products to manage different types of incontinence and cater for all different sizes. Multi-buy offers: buying in larger volumes means you get the lowest prices for the products you use the most – as much as 15% off, usually with free postage! Personal service: if you need any help in choosing the right product for you, please do give us a ring 0800 389 3597. For friendly advice and support, call us on Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm or visit www.arelle.com for more information. We are here to help.
Missed dementia cases: A wide-ranging issue which requires a holistic solution
Reports that as many as one in 10 dementia cases could have been missed during the pandemic are extremely concerning, as they suggest that the mental health impacts of living with dementia could be even more widespread than previously thought, particularly with recent lockdowns exacerbating the issue of loneliness among people with dementia. This news should therefore spur the sector to protect against a new epidemic of loneliness. Already, more than half (56%) of people with dementia have reported feeling completely isolated since the beginning of the pandemic, while a third “felt like giving up” last year. But this is not just a “pandemic problem”, it is a longer-term issue which demands a future-proof solution. Elderly care providers should therefore invest in long-lasting partnerships to deliver therapeutic interventions which reduce recourse to over-medications and instead promote patient happiness and improved quality of life. One in 10 cases missed As a result of the pandemic, GPs reportedly made 50% fewer dementia assessments and 33% fewer referrals to memory clinics in the six months to April 2021, compared to the six months to March 2019. Consequently, there may be as many as 50,000 people in the UK currently unaware of their condition and unable to access the support which is most effective in the early stages of dementia. Furthermore, the disruption caused by Covid-19 has created another issue, namely the upheaval of the daily routines and regular activities which are particularly important for those with dementia. For many people living with the condition, diagnosed or not, this leads to an increased risk of mental health issues which will not simply disappear now that social distancing measures have eased. If one in 10 new dementia cases are being missed, therefore, the social care sector should prepare to combat a wellbeing crisis in the wake of the pandemic of even greater scope than expected. Better support against loneliness Combatting this crisis provides an opportunity for NHS Trusts and elderly care providers to invest in programmes which actively promote happiness and human connections among people living with dementia, rather than leading to an increase in medication, which only leads to further degradation of an individual’s quality of life. Therapeutic interventions that prioritise people’s holistic wellbeing can also support elderly care providers to reduce dependence on PRN medications for individuals living with dementia. This is something we have seen first-hand through our partnerships with care homes across the UK. Interactive games which use light projection, for example, have been shown to help people living in care homes to build those all-important bonds with family, fellow residents, and supports teams. The Happiness Programme, which combines interactive light technology with a structured and supportive training programme for all care workers, is a prime example of a scheme which improves peoples’ engagement with others and delivers all-round improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes. For example, users from the Orders of St John’s Care Trust have increased their interaction with staff and each other, benefitting visibly from the social and sensory stimulation which the Happiness Programme provides. And even those with late-stage dementia, who may not be able to participate in group activities, can benefit from this type of intervention, as staff at Langdale House can attest. They have been taking the portable technology into individuals’ rooms, where residents can engage, sometimes just visually and audibly, if they cannot interact physically. It may seem a small change, but for those living with dementia, it can deliver huge improvements in quality of life. Where next? Dementia is associated most frequently with memory loss, due to Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause of the condition. However, frontotemporal dementia, for example, may present first through languages problems or changes in personality. It is therefore crucial that interactive light technology can encourage sensory stimulation and relaxation as well as reminiscence, providing solutions which support the broader understanding of dementia which we need. Looking ahead, we also need to reduce dependence on over-medication, which remains one of the most critical issues in the support of older people with dementia. Care home residents in the UK are prescribed an average of seven medicines a day, at an estimated annual cost of £250 million to the NHS – and for many residents, medication intake can reach double figures in a single day. Alongside the NHS’s “Long Term Plan”, schemes such as the Happiness Programme can deliver genuine improvements in health and wellbeing while reducing reliance on anti-psychotic medications. Changing perceptions More than just a “memory loss disease”, dementia can impact people’s lives in many ways. It is therefore important that our approach to dealing with the condition is similarly holistic. By investing in partnerships and training for long-term therapeutic interventions, elderly care providers can prevent a new epidemic of loneliness and over-medication for people diagnosed with dementia. Indeed, catching those missed diagnoses is only the first step; what follows should keep the wellbeing of people living with dementia at its core.
Putting Carers’ Pay in Perspective
In the UK, there are almost two million adult social workers that contribute a combined economic value just shy of £120 billion every year. Responsible for the assistance of day-to-day activities of vulnerable and elderly people, carers lie within the unique position of being both highly needed, yet historically poorly compensated for their efforts. Although there are signs of carers’ wages increasing, these rates are by no means appropriate as per the daily responsibilities undertaken by these compassionate individuals. To help you understand a little more about how carers’ pay stacks up against other forms of income in the UK, keep reading as we provide some perspective into the inadequacy of carers’ income. What Do Carers Do? Care Workers have varied daily responsibilities, with most of them residing within everyday support of tasks for vulnerable and elderly people. For many carers, these tasks include but are not limited to: • Providing companionship • Administering medication • Personal care – hygiene, dressing, and continence support • Daily household duties • Cooking • Mobility assistance “Many carers often have no idea what they’re going to encounter one day to the next” says Natalie Regan, HR Manager for My Care My Home “With some conditions drastically altering a patients’ mental wellbeing, carers frequently have to make on-the-spot decisions as to how their services are provided.” How Much Do Carers Earn? Many of us recognise that caring is an incredibly selfless activity. Countless hours of training, preparation and experience are all needed before someone can officially be classified as a trustworthy carer. According to data gathered by Workforce Intelligence in 2019, the average hourly income of a paid carer is £8.50. This equates to a weekly income of £272, or £1,088 a month. This leaves carers with an average annual income of £14,144. A 2019 report released by the ONS unveiled that the UK’s average salary arrives at £28,080, nearly twice as much as the average carer. However, there are some signs of slight improvement. As of April 2021, the National Living wage now resides at £8.91 for those above the age of 23. This could mean that just under 500,000 UK carers will directly benefit from this increase. Natalie Regan says “Wages are a delicate subject in the caregiving sector. For some, their passion for looking after others significantly outweighs their financial compensation. This often leads to many carers being substantially underpaid. At My Care My Home we offer ourstaff contracted hours. We do not believe such important roles should be zero hours contracts and this at least provides some job security.” Why Are Carers Paid So Little? The main reason as to why carers feel so unsupported in their positions is due to a lack of aid from government bodies. For many years, care facilities have received little to no relief from the UK government. This is largely attributed to the way in which state-funded care is sometimes outsourced to private care providers in pursuit of reduced rates. In addition to this, research undertaken by The King’s Fund has shown that publicly funded social care is paid approximately £700 million less when compared to statistics from 2010/11. These issues are further compounded by the fact that anyone can become a carer. There is no need for a degree or advanced qualification, which means that the pay band is naturally much lower. What Can be Done? A report released by the Bevan Foundation recently highlighted some of the biggest challenges that many carers face. Here are some ways in which these challenges could be addressed and rectified: Increased Safety Despite their frailty, elderly patients can quickly become physically violent if they feel threatened or unsafe. This leaves many paid carers at risk of becoming injured and unable to look after their patients. As a potential remedy, employers should endeavour to make carers feel validated whenever they raise concerns over safety, as doing so could potentially avoid these dangerous experiences for both patients and carers. Timely Pay Precarious working contracts aside, another major concern for private carers is found within late payment. As such, measures should be introduced to ensure that employees are paid adequately for their services. This can help ease any anxieties and potentially avoid debt. Definitive Hours Many carers rely on zero hours working contracts for their employment. The negative connotations of these contracts are incredibly well documented, to which carers are vastly familiar. All too often are carers expected to work beyond their break or for twice as long without being paid. To rectify this, carers should be provided with stable working contracts in which they are paid for the hours they’ve worked, as opposed to the hours in their contract. Higher Wages Perhaps the most obvious way in which carers can be supported by their employers is through receiving an increased hourly wage. While there are signs of improvement, as seen by the increase of the National Living Wage, some carers’ wages are yet to be brought in line with these rates.
Powerful Cleaning from British Brand Ecozone That Doesn’t Compromise Health
With the additional threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning with products that areeffective and powerful has never been more important. Especially when caring for and cleaning around elderly residents, being mindful of the products you are using and what ingredients they contain is a top priority, not only for the health of our planet, but also our own wellbeing. For cleaning that is kinder for ourselves and the planet, try Ecozone Ecozone are a family-owned British brand that have specialised in creating green cleaning products for over 20 years. The aim since the beginning has been to create powerful products without the nasty hidden ingredients and making them accessible for everyone. With a range now spanning over 100 products, Ecozone have formulated sustainable alternatives and solutions for most common household cleaners. The dangers of toxic cleaning Many common cleaning detergents contain a large quantity of nasty chemicals that negatively affect our health. VOCs – volatile organic compounds – are present in the vapours that most common cleaning products produce. According to a study, cleaning products had a significant impact on the lungs of those working in long-term cleaning roles, and was comparable to the effects of someone smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 10 to 20 years. Physical reactions to chemical-heavy cleaning products can range from eye, nose or throat irritation, respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath or coughing, nausea, headaches, and skins issues and allergic reactions. Kindly formulated and powerful cleaning Typically, green cleaning products are more considerate for use around people with weakenedimmune systems. This is because the formulas/or ingredients are usually built for specific needs such as being Allergy UK Approved or suitable for sensitive skin. They are far often more understanding to people in general as well as the local environment & planet. Our Anti-bacterial Multi-Surface Wipes are biodegradable, and their fast-dry action formula makes them perfect for quick clean-ups and spot-cleaning. They are proven to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria including E.coli, Listeria, Salmonella and MRSA, and leave behind a refreshing Aloe Vera & Cucumber scent. Suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and most hard surfaces around the home Ecozone has a range of cleaning sprays such as a Tough Degreasing Kitchen Cleaner Spray & All-Round Bathroom Cleaner Spray. Their Multi Surface Cleaner is also anti-bacterial, and proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria commonly found on surfaces. The sprays are perfect for use with our Microfibre Cloths, specially designed for the kitchen, bathroom and all-round cleaning. The cloths are reusable and can be washed up to 300 times. Better still, the cloths only need a small amount of water to be effective and can be used without spray products altogether for quick, effective cleans. Gentle laundry for sensitive skin Laundry products with harsh chemicals are not only bad for the water systems and environment, but can also be irritating and harmful to sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to wash with products that are gentle and non-irritating for softer clothes with no unhealthy added chemicals. Ecozone’s Towel Softener, in a fresh Wild Cotton scent, uses biodegradable ingredients to soften fibres and restore your towels to their original softness, while also being gentle on skin, unlike general fabric softeners, our Towel Softener is specially formulated to improve your towel’s absorbency. Free from perfume and colourants, our Delicate Laundry Liquid in non-bio and non-toxic, making it perfect for those with the most sensitive skins. This detergent is suitable for both hand washing and machine use, and the perfect choice for a gentle but effective wash. Fragrance-free dishwashing approved by Allergy UK For gentle yet powerful cleaning, our Sensitive Washing Up Liquid is fragrance and colour free for a formula that is gentle on the skin & hands, but still just as powerful and tough on grease. This long lasting and concentrated formula is also approved by Allergy UK. Powerful solutions for long-term protection Damp and mould exposure can be detrimental to a person’s health. It has been proven to increase the likelihood of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma, and can also have an impact on the immune system. On top of this, elderly people are known to be more sensitive to the health effects of damp and mould than others, so keeping their home clean from damp and mould is a priority. Ecozone’s Mould Remover is anti-bacterial and bleach free, with a specially formulated solution to prevent mould spores and growth on a multitude of surfaces where it may be a problem. Regular use of this spray ensures areas are protected and sanitised. For additional prevention and protection, our Damp, Mould & Moisture Trap protects from problems like damp, mildew, mould and dusty smells. Not like conventional dehumidifiers, the portable design means it can be used in any room you choose, effectively maintaining optimum humidity between 45% to 55%. Each pouch lasts up to 3 months, with refill pouches available. Explore the entire Ecozone range of biodegradable and plant-based products, reusable solutions and long-term maintenance for healthier cleaning at Ecozone.com, and shop on ecozonedirect.com
Care UK care home manager publicly thanked along the route of the Great North Run
Louise Damms, the manager of Care UK’s Cheviot Court care home in South Shields, was selected of one of 13 people to be thanked in a very public way along the course of last weekend’s Great North Run. Louise was selected by the organisers as one of 13 inspirational individuals who went above and beyond to support their community during the pandemic. A billboard bearing her image was positioned along the course of the Great North Run – one of 13 giving the region a chance to say a huge Thank You to all the key workers who have supported us over the last 18 months. Additionally, a video showing Louise talking about her experiences was shown to the tens of thousands of people who were in the Newcastle area on Sunday – either taking part of watching. The famous race was shown on TV channels in 127 countries across the world and internationally known athletes will have seen the billboards which served as mile markers. Commenting on being selected, Louise said: “I am a little bit embarrassed at all this publicity around me. It is my team, the residents of Cheviot Court and their relatives who should be thanked – they have been incredible since day one of the pandemic with their hard work, support and resilience. It was very strange catching a glimpse of my face on a huge billboard when I tuned in to the BBC coverage just after nine in the morning.” Louise’s Regional Director Sam Rogan said: “Throughout the pandemic Louise has been under huge pressure. She has suffered emotionally but has remained strong for the sake of her team. She has shown no weakness because she did not want that to rub off on those around her but I know she had tough days. The pressures on care homes, their team members, residents and their families, caused by the pandemic are well-documented. Louise addressed those pressures by taking an already strong community and developing it to be even stronger and I offer her my congratulation on this well-deserved recognition. “
QCS creates state-of-the-art dementia centre
Quality Compliance Systems (QCS), a leading provider of content, guidance and standards for the social care sector, has launched the Dementia Centre. The Dementia Centre, is the realisation of a strategy which looks to add comprehensive ‘condition’specific support to its already industry-leading best practice and compliance systems. It is led by Jackie Pool, creator of the QCS PAL Instrument, a real-world tool that guides care professionals to deliver support at the level of dementia that a person is living with. By using the QCS PAL Instrument as a scaffold, the Dementia Centre will help transform the way that care professionals support the cognitive needs and abilities of each individual. Jackie, who is QCS’s Dementia Care Champion, says, “What separates the Dementia Centre from other resources is that it fuses generic guidance, regulatory compliance requirements and the work of world-renowned experts into one single resource. This enables care professionals to move from a purely paper-based environment to a real-world one, which combines the latest compliance with QCS PAL-centric dementia best practice. The result is ‘purposeful practice’ which has been designed specifically to help those who support people with dementia to deliberately focus on aspects of their care and support in order to become more competent and effective. The resource is ground-breaking in that it also provides measures that service providers can use to benchmark and develop team member’s care practices.” The Dementia Centre contains a raft of highly relevant resources, including up-to-date policies and procedures, assessment and outcome measures, case studies, the work of inspirational authors, which together ensure that the Dementia Centre delivers hands-on guidance to providers. Nikki Walker, QCS’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We’re delighted to announce the opening of the QCS Dementia Centre. From a strategic perspective, this announcement is highly symbolic. While providing the latest compliance to our customers will remain a central focus, care providers have been telling us for some time that they also want cutting-edge practical content that they can seamlessly apply to real-world situations. The QCS Dementia Centre delivers this while at the same time supporting our goal of deliveringtransformative solutions for all those dedicated to providing great care.” Mat Whittingham, QCS’s Executive Chairman, added, “We’re very proud to launch the Dementia Centre. With more than one million people expected to be living with the condition in the UK by 2025, it has always been a key strategic aim to make this pioneering hub available to the 130,000-plus care professionals who have chosen to use the QCS platform.” For more information on the Dementia Centre or to join QCS, contact our compliance advisors on 0333-405-3333 or email us at sales@qcs.co.uk.
Retirement Village Hosts Free Open Day
Woodland Court, a luxury retirement village in Downend, Bristol, is hosting its first open day since the pandemic, showcasing some of the beautiful retirement apartments they have available. The open day, taking place Saturday 25th September, 2 pm – 6 pm, will allow locals, family and friends to take advantage of easing restrictions, and embark on a tour of the one and two-bedroom apartments Woodland Court has to offer. Included on the open day will be: a tour of the Woodland Court properties, the grounds and onsite facilities, a free Brunelcare tote bag, a leaflet about the village and refreshments upon arrival, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions as you walk around the village. Nicky Hunt, Woodland Court Village Manager said: “Woodland Court provides people with the opportunity to enjoy genuine independence, together with the option to call upon professional care and support if they need it. The Village is beautiful and our guests are absolutely lovely. The village is home to 44 residents, all of whom are living with us by choice! It’s a fantastic place to live. We hope lots of people come down to the open day so they can experience how beautiful Woodland Court is!” The spacious one and two-bedroom modern properties, built in 2002, are surrounded by beautiful grounds and are located close to local amenities, such as a Pharmacy, a Post Office and local shops. Woodland Court also has great onsite facilities such as a restaurant, bar and lounge area. Woodland Court Resident said: “I enjoy living at Woodland Court. The apartments, grounds and people are lovely and I have peace of mind knowing that I have help on hand if I need it. I live here with my husband and we genuinely couldn’t be happier.” For more information visit: www.brunelcare.org.uk/locations/woodland-court
Elder finds 63% of families uncomfortable with an unvaccinated carer
