High Wycombe care home wins national award for providing outstanding end-of-life care
Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe has been awarded a national Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Quality Hallmark Award for its delivery of end-of-life care. It was given as part of the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) Virtual Awards, which recognises health and social care providers delivering quality care in the final year of life. The Hughenden Avenue Home provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. It is one of a cohort of 59 GP practices, care homes, retirement villages, and hospital wards which will receive the prestigious GSF quality hallmark across the country during the virtual ceremony. The Gold Standards Framework Centre, in association with Hospice UK, provides expert training for frontline staff in health and social care, to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for people nearing the end of life. Kate Vale’s father David was cared for at the Royal Star & Garter Home for nearly two years before his death in February 2021. Kate said: “I couldn’t have wished for better care especially in his final few days, it was exemplary. They do so many little things that make a big difference, like having someone sit with Dad the whole time, he was never alone. They couldn’t have gone further in caring for him, and I’m delighted that the Home has received this award. It’s well deserved.” Before the pandemic hit, GSF provided face-to-face workshops, but has successfully adapted and moved online to adhere to Covid regulations. The training has been a huge success, andhas supported both families and residents with end-of-life care planning and what matters to them at this time. High Wycombe Home Manager Reggie Ballos said: “We are delighted to achieve a Gold Standard Framework accreditation. I feel both proud and happy as this is a result of our dedication and passion in providing exceptional care to all residents nearing the end of their lives.” Julie Armstrong-Wilson, Lead Nurse for GSF, said: “Congratulations to all organisations that have successfully achieved accreditation and reaccreditation. The last year has been an incredibly difficult time for all health and social care providers and taking the time to complete their GSF accreditation is to be commended. Good quality end of life care has never been more important, especially due to the impact of the pandemic we have all faced.” Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe is welcoming new residents. For more information, visit www.starandgarter.org/hw To find out more about the Gold Standards Framework, visit https://www.goldstandardsframework.org.uk/
Bernard Sunley resident celebrates National read a Book Day
Mysteries, Romances, Winnie the Pooh, Agatha Christie and Charles Dickens Get Voted The Best In honour of today’s National Read a Book Day, passionate reader Sheila Richard, a resident at Friends of the Elderly’s Bernard Sunley care home in Woking, has been reminiscing about her favourite books, authors and characters and sharing her memories, thoughts and insights with the home’s care team. National Read a Book Day highlights and promotes the joy of immersing yourself in a book. Transporting you to different lands, letting you experience exciting adventures, discovering new worlds, bringing new personalities and creatures to life whilst at the same time, encouraging readers to tune out the everyday noise for a short while and enjoy a page turning read. Sheila, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley for five months, sat down with Monika Ahmed, Bernard Sunley’s Activities Coordinator, to chat about her love of books, reading, and her favourite stories. Sheila said: “The first book somebody read to me as a child was The Tale of Peter Rabbit, it was a great story, but never quite topped my childhood favourite, Winne the Pooh. At school and growing up, I loved The Children Who Lived in a Barn, Ballet Shoes, and Now We Are Six, as well as many more. “From a young age, I had a passion for reading and would spend hours with my nose in a book. As I grew, my reading tastes grew too, but whilst a book never changed my life, some definitely influenced my views and opinions and some left a lasting impact. Revealing her all-time favourite book, Sheila said: “I would have to say Rebecca, the 1938 Gothic novel written by the English author, Daphne du Maurier. I found this psychological thriller about a young woman who becomes obsessed with her Husband’s first wife interesting and intriguing, right up to the very last page.” The Bernard Sunley care home team work hard to ensure that residents are able to indulge in their individual hobbies and passions. For Sheila, that passion is losing herself in a book in her relaxing room. Sheila continued: “I love to read in my room as it’s lovely and quiet. Sitting down in my comfy armchair and reading is a true pleasure. My favourite author is Agatha Christie. The way she keeps you hooked with a whodunit is great, and sometimesI’m able to guess the twists, turns and plots before they are revealed. “I do enjoy mysteries and also a good romance. I’m not a fan of science fiction, horror, or fantasy tales; I much prefer the classics. Little Women is wonderful, I can quite imagine myself as one of the characters. However, if I could have a chat with one author it would have to be Charles Dickens. I loved all his books, especially A Tale of Two Cities.” Monika added: “At Friends of the Elderly we encourage our residents to do what they enjoy doing, when they want to do it and support everyone in continuing to participate in their hobbies and pastimes. As hobbies go, reading is very beneficial to our residents’ wellbeing as it helps to increase memory, focuses concentration, reduces stress, aids relaxation and helps sleep.” Sheila concluded: “I like to read different books all the time. I also enjoy watching the film adaptations of ones I have read but, to be honest, they are never as good as the actual book. The last book I read was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. It was given to me by one of the care team here at Bernard Sunley. “ I really enjoyed the novel, it was all about family dynamics, heartbreak, and hope. I’m not sure what I’ll read next, but an interesting love story would be nice.”
Safety guidance for Naidex
As restrictions ease, face-to-face events are returning and the eagerly-anticipated Naidex is one of the first up on the list. Naidex welcomes everyone living with a disability or impairment as well as those that provide support for those individuals.Safety guidance for Naidex This year Naidex is focusing on bringing everyone back together and celebrating the independent living community and everything it has to offer. Featuring everything from inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops and live product demonstrations, Naidex offers something for everyone. The past 18 months have been a difficult time for everyone, particularly for members of the Naidex community. For many, Naidex will be the first large scale event attended since the beginning of the pandemic and we understand that event safety will be a primary concern for our audience. After extensive consultation with the government and venues across the UK, ROAR B2B are pleased to confirm what safety regulations will be in place for Naidex. We’re so pleased to welcome back visitors to a safe and secure environment, finally being able to host the UK’s biggest care exhibitions at the NEC Birmingham on the 15 – 16 September 2021. Your safety is our number one priority which is why we’re doing all we can to ensure you feel at ease when attending the show. Our unmissable seminars from leading healthcare experts will have added capacity, networking zones will include greater space and access, plus, high touchpoints and interactive show features are subject to enhanced sanitising and cleaning regimes. See the full list of safety measures you can expect below! When you arrive There will be clear signage throughout the venue to direct you to your event. Please also see our accessibility guidance here. COVID-19 status checks NEC staff will conduct COVID-19 status checks before entry to the venue. The accepted methods of showing COVID-19 status are as follows: • NHS COVID-19 Pass via the NHS App (NB This is different to the NHS COVID-19 Test and Trace app). It is advised individuals apply no later than 48 hours before attending their event to allow for the application to be processed in time. • Proof of immunity shown by a positive PCR test result for COVID-19, lasting for 180 days from the date of the positive test and following completion of the self-isolation period. • Lateral flow or PCR negative test results text or e-mail, received within 72 hours prior to attending the event. However, we encourage visitors to complete their test within 48 hours. There will be an on-site lateral flow test centre, however we strongly recommend completing your test before you arrive to avoid queues at the test centre. Please do NOT try to attend Naidex if you: • Are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new and persistent cough, or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell), even if these symptoms are mild • have been asked to self-isolate because you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 • or live with an individual who has symptoms of COVID-19 Inside the venue Face coverings We are strongly advising everyone who attends the event to wear a face covering unless they are exempt. Comfortable distancing To make sure everyone who attends the event is a comfortable as possible, we have increased the space of the hall. This includes widening the aisles to at least 3 metres – with aisles stretching to 5m in high footfall places. All theatres and networking areas will have a suitable amount of space between seating. Ventilation The NEC has recently undergone a recommission of their ventilation equipment and upgraded their filtration systems to ensure safe, clean air is circulated throughout the venue at all times. All areas will have natural ventilation with open doors and windows. The NEC also has plenty of accessible outside spaces, which are a great for those wanting a break from the halls. Cleaning The NEC have increased cleaning times for high contact surfaces throughout event days and there will be hygiene stations – with clear reminders for visitors to wash their hands – frequently positioned throughout the hall and venue. If you would like any further information or have additional questions concerning event safety at Naidex, please feel free to contact us at; eventsafety@naidex.co.uk For more information visit our event safety page here: https://www.naidex.co.uk/news/event-safety-measures-2021
Do you know a veggie care catering hero?
We’re on the lookout for 2021’s rising star in vegan and vegetarian care catering. Here at VfL we think that care caterers who make a special effort to create delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian meals deserve special recognition. This year marks the fifth VfL Awards for Excellence in Veg*n Care catering. With more vegans and vegetarians moving into residential care every year, this annual award recognises those who are pioneering the way in modern care catering. Last year’s star-studded ceremony saw comedian, actor, writer and film producer Dave Spikey hosting a virtual event streamed live via Facebook and YouTube. The event included inspiring talks covering best practice when catering for vegans and vegetarians in a care setting. Gary McGurk of Primrose Bank Care Home, was winner of Most Innovative Veggie Dish in 2020. Celebs that kindly gave their time to read out nominations and announce winners were Rose Elliot MBE. Peter Egan, Gary Webster and Wendy Turner Webster. First launched in 2016, the Annual Awards highlight the importance of catering well for older vegetarians and vegans. We recently surveyed 1,000 care homes to find out how many residents are vegan or vegetarian. Since the survey was last commissioned in 2014, the number of vegans in residential care has increased by a whopping 167%! With growing numbers of vegetarians being supported by the care sector, it is no surprise that news of the awards has been positively received by care organisations. Articles about the awards have been published by the NACC, Public Sector Catering, Care Home Catering, Hospitality Assured and many more. It’s becoming impossible to ignore the demand for top-notch veggie care catering. The categories for this year’s awards are: To enter, all we need from you is a quick and easy 200 words telling us who you are nominating and why, to be emailed over to veggiehero@vegetarianforlife.org.uk. Please include photos if possible. Be quick though, because the deadline for entries is fast approaching. We need all submissions to be made by Friday 17 September. Visit our Veggie Heroes Past Winners page to see who has been honoured since the awards were first launched.
Duplex steam cleaning machine at Rosebery House Care Home
Rosebery House Care Home in Eastbourne specialises in care for the elderly. They offer residential care in a warm, safe and welcoming environment with 24-hour care. The team at Rosebery House have been using their Duplex steam cleaning machine for a very long time and now during the Corona Virus pandemic it has really proven how much of an essential part of their infection control program it is. Home manager, Hamzeh Shatnawi commented “We don’t have to rely on chemicals for cleaning and sterilising corridors and carpets and the staff appreciate the ease of use and quick results. It really is this easy. The maintenance team at Duplex have been an example of professionalism always on time, very knowledgeable, maintaining the machine and giving us feedback with any recommendations”.
Two Greater Manchester Care Homes Celebrating ‘Good’ CQC reports
Manorhey in Urmston and Allingham House in Timperley were both inspected in May, with the reports published in recent weeks. They were found to be good across all five inspection areas, with inspectors concluding both homes were safe, effective, car ing, responsive, and well-led.The report for Manorhey, a purpose-built home that offers residential, nursing, and dementia care, highlighted ‘significant improvements’ to the overall ‘lived experience’ for people living with dementia. It added: ‘The positive energy and enthusiasm of staff clearly had an equally positive effect on people in their care. Staff were caring and sought to ensure people were treated in a dignified and respectful way.’ It also found that the manager Ursa Virag ‘led by example, creating and embedding a new culture and ethos, with clear direction and support provided to staff.’ Which, aided by recent changes in personnel meant ‘the right staff, with the right attitude, were in the right place, doing the right job, at the right time.’ Ursa Virag, Care Home Manager at Manorhey said: “I am so proud of the fantastic team here who work with total commitment, energy, and enthusiasm and put their hearts into the care they provide. To see that highlighted so positively in this CQC report is a wonderful feeling for us all, and a well-deserved result. “We will certainly not be resting on our laurels – we want to continue to find ways to improve, to bring forward new ideas, and do all we can to provide those living with us here with the best possible experience, and the best possible care – that is what motivates everything we do.” Equally positive was the inspection report for Allingham House, a purpose-built home offering residential, nursing, and dementia care as well as short breaks. Inspectors found a full staff team who ‘knew people well’ and praised the ‘very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene’. They saw those living at the home ‘received support that gave them maximum choice and control of their lives’ and a service which ‘promoted high quality, person-centred care.’The report also noted the ‘positive feedback’ of those living at Allingham House and their families, who ‘spoke highly of the staff describing them as dedicated, caring and attentive.’ Manager at Allingham House James Bradford said: “Allingham House is a fantastic home, and we have an amazing team, who all fully deserve the overall Good rating for their continued dedication and commitment to all the residents. “It is very important to keep striving for ever-greater outcomes for the people we care for. We have plenty of ideas and ways we can enhance the home even further and the care we provide to make Allingham House the best in Greater Manchester – and beyond!” Maria Mallaband Regional Director of Northwest England and NI, Robert Blackburn said; “The teams at these homes have worked tirelessly to transform care delivery and enhance the lives of those who live there, ensuring they are at the heart of everything and have their voices heard. “At Manorhey, Ursa leads by example, guiding and working with staff to ensure changes are implemented and followed through to improve the lives and experience of those living there. “And at Allingham House the team, many of whom had been employed at the home during the previous CQC inspection, have worked to improve not only their own performances, skills, and knowledge but have guided each other to lead the changes so those living there are supported to live happy and full lives. “Doing whatever it takes to provide the best compassionate care for those living in our homes is central to the Maria Mallaband ethos, so we are very proud of these teams – and they should be proud of themselves.”To find out more about the Maria Mallaband Care Group visit: https://www.mmcg carehomes.co.uk/
How can amenities in care homes become safer and more sustainable?
Rebecca Fairfield, Head of Key Accounts at BRITA VIVREAU, shares how care homescan ensure optimum hygiene in shared areas and all with one eye on the planet With the 19th July marking Freedom Day, we’re starting to see life returning to some kind of normality. Although this may feel like the news we’ve been waiting for, for some it’s likely to be more daunting and for care homes in particular, there will be increased pressure to keep residents safe and healthy as we find our way over the coming months. And, with many care homes trying to combat the environmental side effects of the pandemic having seen firsthand the amount of PPE used over the last year it can feel like there are a lot of priorities to juggle. A survey by Keep Britain Tidy suggests personal protective equipment waste is now more prevalent than plastic bags were before the 5p levy was introduced in 2015. Thankfully, there are some simple measures care homes can introduce to help address all ofthese important issues while making life easier for staff. A quick and easy step towards a more sustainable care home Water dispensers are a great way to help care homes remove the need for single-use plastic bottles and reduce waste to landfill. In fact, if 100 people each drink approximately one litreof filtered water daily from a dispenser rather than plastic bottled water, it equals 506kg less plastic waste per year (this is the equivalent weight to a new born grey whale!). What’s more, mains-fed water dispensers act as an excellent alternative to bottled water, helping to reduce a care home’s carbon footprint by removing the need to refrigerate and transport water. The specialist cooling technology and natural refrigerant found in dispenser systems, such as BRITA VIVREAU’s Top & Extra systems, also help to lower power consumption and reduce emissions even further. Healthy residents and staff Between the ages of 20 and 80, the water in our bodies decreases by 15% so elderly people become dehydrated more quickly. We know encouraging residents to stay hydrated is a key priority, so it’s important that residents have easy access to water points within the care home. In a post-pandemic world, communal amenities in a high footfall area can cause concern for staff, especially as infection control is so important in keeping vulnerable residents safe. In addition to installing reduced contact water dispensers where the water dispenser nozzle should be a ‘touch-free’ zone to reduce contamination and the tap, drip tray and housing should be cleaned regularly, the new Top and Extra systems from BRITA VIVREAU have also been developed with unique technology which helps to protect users. HygienePlus solution and ThermalGate™ technology protect against retrograde contamination and regularly self-disinfect thermally to clear 99.99% of bacteria. To ensure safe, filtered drinking water for all, the systems also come with an optional extra Easy Access Panel (EAP). This provides an additional control unit that can be positioned at a lower point, either flat to a surface or at an angle, which is ideal for wheelchair users. Find out more a hygienic, safe and sustainable water dispenser solution for your care home setting by heading to the BRITA VIVREAU Top and Extra product pages, or visithttps://www.brita.co.uk/water-dispensers/industries/hospitals-healthcare. Or contact the Dispenser Customer Service Team on 034567 496 555 or service@brita.co.uk
Lifesaving defibrillators donated by Cavanna Homes provide peace of mind for new homeowners
Two lifesaving defibrillators have been donated by Cavanna Homes to the family and school of 12-year-old Ella Halfyard who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition earlier this year. One defibrillator has been installed at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and the other is portable, which means that Ella and her family have peace of mind whether she’s at home or out and about. Cavanna Homes’ Sales Advisor Kevyn Dixon and Site Manager Willie Whitelaw, first became aware of Ella’s condition when her parents Lizzie and Tom Halfyard reserved a new five-bedroom home at Lyme View in the village of Holcombe near Dawlish. On the day they were due to collect the keys to their new home at the end of March, the couple were contacted by their daughter’s school to say an ambulance had been called for Ella. As Lizzie explained; “The alarm was raised because she’d been unresponsive at school and although she recovered, this brought home how serious her condition is and how vital it is that she has a defibrillator with her at all times.” The Halfyard’s were first alerted to Ella’s condition after she noticed some changes in her heart rate at school when resting, which was also confirmed by her PE Teacher. As a precaution, the keen young sportswoman had a temporary ECG monitor fitted at Torbay Hospital in February, but later the same week she was rushed to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children who were very concerned by the results. As Lizzie recalled; “The results from the monitor flagged that Ella’s heart was beating too fast and could stop at any minute. It was a very scary time for us and so unexpected.” Ella’s condition is now managed by beta-blockers which slow her heart rate and she will continue to be monitored for the next three years. “Ella is incredibly sporty and has always loved playing football, so having to give up sport has been very hard for her,” said Lizzie. Cavanna Homes purchased both defibrillators after learning that the family were trying to fundraise for the lifesaving equipment.Kevyn Dixon said: “As a Sales Advisor, you become close with the new homeowners and once I found out about Ella and everything her and her family have been through, it really struck a chord with me. “I put the idea forward about purchasing the defibrillators for the family to the Senior Management Team and it was a unanimous yes!” Keith Miller, Managing Director added: “This is exactly the sort of thing we’re proud to do by giving back to the communities we build in and to support our new homeowners. “We hope that by purchasing this vital piece of equipment for Ella and her school it will provide added peace of mind and allow Ella to continue thriving at school.” The equipment has been life-changing for Ella and provided reassurance for her parents Lizzie and Tom, and her two sisters Megan (15) and Rosie (7). “Ella can now attend school trips and join in activities without feeling like she’s missing out,” said dad Tom. “This was incredibly generous of Cavanna Homes and we’ll always be grateful to them,” he added. “We also want to say how much we love our new home”, said Lizzie. “As a new build, there’s no need to do any DIY which has freed up our time to focus on our family and Ella’s condition. As the youngest of 12 siblings, I can’t wait to get the family over to celebrate us moving in!” Lizzie regularly shares home updates on her Instagram account @newbuild_canford which has over 5,400 followers.
Manfred Sauer – manufactures of urology products with a difference.
Our products are often designed by patients and healthcare professionals with innovative, unique features and benefits which are available on prescription. B. Sure self-adhesive sheath range is shorter in length with a stronger adhesive with a buffer zone to prevent backflow. Available in 9 different sizes from 18mm to 35mm. P. Sure self-adhesive sheath range is our standard length and adhesive with a larger buffer zone to prevent backflow. Available in 11 different sizes from 18mm to 40mm. Discreet thigh leg bag with 500ml capacity, this is the perfect leg bag for wearing under shorter clothing such as shorts or skirts. Bendi bag this product is designed for those who are wheelchair bound or in a seating position for majority of the day, this leg bag contours to the shape of the leg and comes in 1300ml and 700ml capacity. Comfort leg bags is our standard leg bag which is available in 600ml and 1000ml capacity with an adjustable inlet tube and lever and slide tap options. Nephsys nephrostomy system comes with a luer lock connector to enable a direct connection to the nephrostomy tube, the drainage bag comes with a 500ml capacity and the option of a lever or twist tap. Our nephrostomy system also come with a discreet waist belt to enable thebags to be worn around the hips rather than being strapped to the leg. URIbag our pocket size urinal which is available in a male and female option. Manfred Sauer Care a personal prescription service which can supply all manufacturers product which are available on prescription. Complimentary items available with every order such as wet and dry wipes and disposal bags. For more information or samples, please contact our Helpline on 01604 595 696.
