Caresolve helping care homes recover from impact of Covid-19
Care home operators need to consider taking a series of measures in order to recover from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many homes have been severely impacted over the past 12 months and are now seeking ways to drive new enquiries and occupancy levels. Maxine Parry, Regional Director of Caresolve, one of the UK’s leading care home consultancies, which is headquartered in Warrington, said that trust will be a vital part of any new strategy. She said: “One of the big challenges for homes during the pandemic was coping with the fallout from people worried about putting loved ones into care homes. “We’ve got to start building up confidence again with families. In the private sector, families make a conscious decision to put a loved one in a home. Over the past year, we know that many have been thinking, is it safer to keep an elderly relative at home? “Going forward, care homes are going to have to think creatively so they can stand out from competitors.” Caresolve has identified a number of key measures that care homes need to consider. 1. Stand out from the crowd and consider what makes your home special. Differentiate yourself from local competitor homes, so you can really stand out. Examples could include using local produce in home cooked meals, the whole dining experience, offering interesting and engaging activities, increased engagement with the community, enhancing the look of the home both internally and externally and post—Covid-19, offering regular and varied trips out for residents. 2. Consider the customer experience when they connect with you – whether that’s the first telephone call, an email request for more information or their first experience of the home when they come and visit – either in person or via a remote tour. Creating good first impressions is essential. 3. Consider innovative ways to show a person around the home – informative and engaging online tours and videos are the future. 4. Consider again your fee structure. Pre-Covid-19, a home may have had a significant proportion of privately-funded residents. Sadly, many of these residents may now have been lost to Covid and some increased flexibility around your fees may be required, in order to assist in building occupancy levels again. 5. Make sure you have robust procedures in place and that you are well-versed in the infection control measures you have implemented at your home. Any prospective family members are now highly likely to press you on how you will keep their loved ones safe from any infection – not just Covid. We believe there will be vastly increased scrutiny of care homes going forward, and people will require in depth evidence of what you are doing to limit spread of infection and the procedures you have in place. It is imperative that you are able to answer them reassuringly, knowledgably and with evidence. 6. Think about how you market your home in this new Covid-19 world – now is the perfect opportunity to look at your website, your social media, PR messaging and marketing collateral like leaflets and brochures. 7. Encourage all staff to get vaccinated. Some care home staff have refused to have the Covid-19 vaccine as they’re unsure about side effects. However, this brings with it significant potential challenges to managers and providers, particularly in regard to staff sickness levels and reliance on agency. It is therefore key that homes achieve as high a take up of the vaccine amongst their staff teams as possible. Caresolve was established in 2011 by experienced care sector professionals Ben Challinor and James Parkin.The company provides strategic and operational support to care home operators and their investors including undertaking management contracts. The team also has extensive experience in achieving the successful turnaround of numerous care homes.Caresolve also has a dedicated financial arm, Caresolve Financial, headed up by fellow director Richard Shore, providing financial reviews and management services and Finance Director support.
“Massive relief” for Nottinghamshire care home as COVID vaccine rolled out
Residents and staff at Nottingham’s specialist care group, Church Farm Care, have received their first COVID-19 injections today (22 January 2021) as part of the government’s national vaccination programme. The roving vaccine service visited all four homes, three of which offer specialist dementia care, in a day that’s been described as one of “massive relief” for residents, staff and family members alike. Patrick Atkinson, owner of Church Farm Care Ltd, said: “This is a momentous day for everyone at all of our homes and one that we’ve been waiting for ever since the government announced the vaccination rollout in December. It’s such a relief to now be able to say that our homes are on the way to being protected from coronavirus.” According to government figures, more than four point five million people have received their initial jab across the UK, with care home residents and staff topping the priority list for the first phase of the rollout. One of the first recipients of the vaccine in the region was Rachel Williams, care home manager at Church Farm’s Skylarks home, who received her first dose on 10 December. Speaking at the time, she said: “We all need to do our part to protect the vulnerable in our society, so I see the vaccination as an essential part of doing this and continuing to ensure life is as fun and healthy as possible for people who live with us.” Patrick added: “It was incredible to see how the mood instantly lifted while people were waiting to have their vaccination and you can tell that everyone is feeling a lot more positive. After what’s been an incredibly tough year, with our residents only able to see family members through a window or computer screen, this feel likes the first step in the journey to returning to the normality everyone is craving.” Last April, at the height of the first lockdown, Church Farm’s Skylarks home made headlines after 13 residents made a full recovery from coronavirus – thanks to the quick response from carers and staff, led by the head of nursing, Maria Spollin. An isolation area was set up within the home, which included beds, chairs and activities to ensure residents didn’t have to remain bedbound during their recovery. Patrick added: “Every single person across our four homes has played a pivotal role in the care of our residents over the past year to get us to this moment. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother running of the day, with everyone’s vaccinations completed by lunchtime, and would like to thank the roving vaccine service, our GP surgeries, nurses and all our staff involved for a fantastic effort.” Church Farm Care has four homes in Nottingham – three of which offer specialist dementia nursing within innovative and supportive environments. The care group has rooms available across all its homes, please visit www.churchfarmcare.co.uk for further information.
Dementia charity offers free online music training for health and social care students
Playlist for Life, the UK’s leading music and dementia charity, has launched a new online training platform educating on the use of personal playlists to improve the lives of people living with dementia. The charity has trained over 6000 health and social care professionals since 2015 and is now delivering online training due to the pandemic. The first course to launch on the new platform is a free ‘Playlist for Students’ course open to all UK higher education institutions after a successful trial with over 600 students at Glasgow Caledonian University. The free online music training for students aims to educate the next generation of health and social care professionals on the power of personal music for dementia, whilst offering support to higher education institutions delivering teaching online. Playlist for Life’s online training is based on more than two decades of research showing that ‘personal music’ – the specific tunes attached to someone’s emotions that spark memories – can help those living with dementia by alleviating stress, managing symptoms and strengthening relationships with family members and carers. In September 2019, the World Health Organisation undertook a major study investigating the evidence for the health benefits of the arts. A section on dementia found evidence of multiple specific benefits including: reducing anxiety and depression; supporting cognition, speech and memory; reducing the need for antipsychotic drugs, and fewer and shorter stays in hospital.Playlist for Life was founded in 2013 by writer and broadcaster Sally Magnusson after the death of her mother, who lived with dementia, to ensure that everyone living with the condition has a playlist of personal music and that everyone who cares for them to know how to use it effectively. Professor Craig Ritchie, Chair of the Psychiatry of Ageing at the University of Edinburgh and Director of Brain Health Scotland features as an interviewee in the training package for students. He said:“Music stimulates many parts of the brain at once, meaning that even if parts of the brain have been damaged by dementia, music can still reach other parts. Playlist for Life uses music that is meaningful to a person living with dementia to improve their life, and the lives of their loved ones and carers. Everyone training for a career in health and social care should take the opportunity to learn more about the power of personal playlists.” The free student training is open to all UK-based higher education institutions delivering courses in nursing, medicine, social care, music therapy and other related disciplines that seek to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. Health and social care professionals can also register their interest in training coming soon to the platform. Andy Lowndes, a former mental health nurse and nursing academic, is co-founder and deputy chair of the charity, and leads the online training for students. He said: “We are delighted with the response to our training for students and are excited to offer it to all UK universities for free during this time of the Covid-19. The pandemic has further cemented the incredibly important role of our health and social care workers, as well as the role of the universities working tirelessly to keep learning going for the next generation of health and social care heroes. Those living with dementia have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, so we want to do everything we can to help make a difference through the power of music.” The online training package will explain the benefits of personalised playlists for people living with dementia and teach students to implement this approach to person-centred care in their own work and future careers. The course takes about 2 hours to complete and gives students an engaging introduction to the power of music and how to use playlists effectively through seven short modules. Through videos, animation and case studies, students are introduced to dementia and its symptoms, the evidence for music, the ‘Music Detective’ skills needed to build playlists, and advice for introducing playlists in practice. Enrolment is now open for lecturers and higher education staff to register their students via the Playlist for Life online training platform: www.playlistforlife.org.uk/students/
Leeds United send special birthday gifts to a huge fan on his 100th birthday
A huge Leeds United fan at HC-One’s The Denby care home in Huddersfield recently celebrated his 100th birthday with a gift from the football he has loved for 90 years. Leeds fan Arthur Earnshaw, who resides at HC-One’s Denby care home celebrated his 100th birthday on 7th January and Colleagues at the home wanted to make it as special as possible, given the current circumstances. Arthurs has been a Leeds United fan for as long as he can remember, definitely for over 90 years, so Colleagues contacted the football club to ask a favour on behalf of Arthur. Leeds were more than happy to help Arthur celebrate his big centenary and sent over a card and a certificate from the Manager, Marcelo Bielsa and all of the players. Arthur also received a signed Billy Bremner poster. “I have loved my birthday,” said Arthur, “I have supported this club for so long, it means a lot to me.” HC-One is ‘The Kind Care Company’ Situated in the attractive area of Denby Dale, on the edge of the Pennines, The Denby is a friendly, purpose-built care home offering residential care. To find out more go to hc-one.co.uk or https://www.carehome.co.uk/carehome.cfm/searchazref/denby-dale
Care home brings to cheer to children in hospital with a big donation of books
Young children being cared for in Hascombe Ward, children’s outpatients, and A&E over the past few weeks have been given a copy of Gerry Giraffe and the Loch Ness Monster – a charming and colourful illustrated story which they could keep. The books were written by Cedar Court Business development manager Pam Sharman. She said: “The books were a small gesture, but we were thrilled at how warmly they have been received, both by staff at the hospital and by the children in need of care and treatment over the festive period. Hopefully, it lifted their spirits and raised some smiles.” Petra Ionescu Care Home Manager, Cedar Court said: “We have such a close relationship with our colleagues in the NHS, and the team at Cedar Court wanted to do something to show our support and solidarity. We take a lot of referrals from the hospital and feel part of one big team, especially now as we face all the challenges of this pandemic; we are all working so hard to care for and serve our community. Sally Jochimsen, Individual Giving Fundraising Manager at Royal Surrey Charity accepted the donated books on behalf of the hospital. She said: “The team in the children’s department were absolutely thrilled to receive them, and the books were also shared with the children’s A&E, and children’s outpatients department so each child seen over Christmas received a gift to cheer them up after having been treated here. This kind donation has truly made a difference to our younger patients – a big thank you to everyone living and working at Cedar Court Care Home for thinking of us this Christmas.” To find out more about the Maria Mallaband Care Group visit: https://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/
Life lessons from 100 year old teacher
A much-loved woman living in Bearsden has celebrated her 100th birthday. Centenarian Marjorie Ada Chahin, better known as Margot, celebrated her 100th birthday at Antonine House Care Home. A former teacher, Margot’s lessons haven’t stopped yet as she shares some life wisdom which has never been more important: “Always find the positives in life and think about others before yourself.” Now living in Antonine House care home, part of the Meallmore group, Margot turned 100 on 10 December 2020. On her milestone birthday Margot was spoilt by her family with banners and a photo album of her life. Cards from well-wishers were also received, including one from the Queen. To make her birthday as special as possible, staff at Antonine House arranged for their chefs to bake Margot a total of three cakes to spell out ‘100’. Amanda King, care home manager said: “It was a privilege to celebrate such a milestone birthday with Margot. Our residents and staff had a wonderful time celebrating, and it was great to see the joy on Margot’s face. It was a really special day.” Antonine House, located on Roman Road in Bearsden, is run by Meallmore Ltd and provides excellent standards of care for its residents, including those living with dementia. More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at https://www.meallmore.co.uk/
Care UK catering expert lifts national trophy
Care UK’s James Clear has received one of the highest accolades in care catering – the National Association of Care Caters’ special achievement award. This year’s Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to the Care UK hotel services manager after judges were impressed with his commitment to ensuring every resident has not just tempting and nutritious food but also a dignified dining experience. Care UK was the first provider to fully adopt the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) descriptors: these ensure a consistent approach across the care sector to producing texture-modified foods for people living with dysphagia, which causes problems with swallowing and can lead to the potential to choke when eating or drinking. James organised face-to-face practical training for more than 120 chefs, five months ahead of the national roll out of the IDDSI descriptors. To reinforce and spread the learning he also worked with the Care UK training team to create bespoke e-learning modules on the topic for all home colleagues. James works closely with colleagues across Care UK to ensure every opportunity to learn and improve is taken. Care UK has an unprecedented campaign of new home openings and James supports the new-build team by training new catering recruits over two days, ensuring that all chefs understand the Care UK ethos – the ‘whole home approach’ and emphasis on excellent care as well as the requirements of residents on modified or restricted diets. He has also played a part further developing the dining with dignity approach created by Care UK’s Director of Hotel and Catering Jon Bicknell. This year the mealtime experiences for residents have been enhanced by the creation of a dining room owner role. This sees a dedicated person, who is passionate about delivering a positive, experience leading the mealtime experience, ensuring a consistent high-quality dining experience. This is one of the many initiatives that have seen Care UK’s food and hygiene customer satisfaction scores exceeded year on year. James’ success did not stop with his own award, as one of his homes in the south, Pear Tree Court, was named as Care Establishment of the Year. Head Chef at Pear Tree Court Stuart Passey and his team were praised by the judges for being passionate about using the best-quality ingredients, and tailoring menus and mealtimes to residents’ tastes and needs – this was reflected in a 98 percent resident satisfaction rating in a recent survey of the home. The judges commented: “Quality and personalisation are central to every aspect of care at Pear Tree Court”. Stuart Passey, Head Chef at Pear Tree Court, said: “The team and I are incredibly proud to have taken a top spot at the NACC awards, we’re thrilled that our efforts have been recognised at a national level. Our whole team is very passionate about providing the very best dining experience for residents, from using high-quality ingredients to creating menus that are inventive and tasty.” Chris Hopkinson, Operations Director with Care UK said: “Going the extra mile is a term that is often applied when people are just doing their job, but in James’s case it applies in the true sense of the term. Throughout the pandemic, he has continued to guide his team and support our homes around hospitality. He has been instrumental in ensuring homes have sufficient PPE, monitoring stock levels and coordinating their movement to homes – in many cases delivering the stock himself. Along the way, he has continued to build effective relationships with the senior team and home teams. “He is a truly talented and committed catering professional. His passionate approach and creative vigour are second to none. He puts residents at the heart of everything he does and leads and supports his teams with a genuine person-centred approach.” James has also developed a wealth of nutritionally balanced meals in three recipe books, available online for residents, relatives and people caring for loved ones in the community to enjoy, guaranteeing that the widest possible number of people gain from his experience. James said: “I was delighted when I heard the news and I think my success is a tribute to all our 283 chefs and to Care UK, which gives chefs impressive autonomy, training and budgets, so they can provide a person-centred food service to residents.”James’ success did not stop with his own award, as one of his homes in the south, Pear Tree Court, was named as Care Establishment of the Year. Head Chef at Pear Tree Court Stuart Passey and his team were praised by the judges for being passionate about using the best-quality ingredients, and tailoring menus and mealtimes to residents’ tastes and needs – this was reflected in a 98 percent resident satisfaction rating in a recent survey of the home. The judges commented: “Quality and personalisation are central to every aspect of care at Pear Tree Court”. Stuart Passey, Head Chef at Pear Tree Court, said: “The team and I are incredibly proud to have taken a top spot at the NACC awards, we’re thrilled that our efforts have been recognised at a national level. Our whole team is very passionate about providing the very best dining experience for residents, from using high-quality ingredients to creating menus that are inventive and tasty.” Iain Young, Head Chef at Care UK’s Murrayside care home in Edinburgh was a finalist in the same category that Stuart won.
The National Association of Care Catering supports sector with relevant virtual seminars
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) is hosting a series of virtual seminars to support its members and the care catering sector as they continue to navigate the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Across the series, a mix of expert speakers, presentations, demonstrations and conversations will explore a variety of relevant issues to help care caterers deliver continued excellence in nutrition and hydration and positive food and dining experiences, whilst also dealing with the issues facing the sector today and the extra pressures the pandemic presents. Topics range from nutrition and hydration expertise and catering for dietary requirements to important practical support, such as facilitating supplier connections to keep care caterers up to date with the latest innovations, products, services and solutions when Covid-19 restrictions make this more difficult. The virtual seminars are open to both NACC members and non-members and cost just £5 to attend. Confirmed seminar dates: Thursday 22 October 2020: Can food be thy medicine? – experts will discuss how we can fight Covid-19 with food. Speakers include: Jacqueline Dennis, Care Inspectorate; Evelyn Newman and Alison Moyneux, NHS Dieticians and Dr Elizabeth Boaden, Chair of IDDSI UK. This event is sponsored by Simply Food Solutions and Lakeland Dairies who will also be presenting. Thursday 26 November 2020: Virtual speed dating with the NACC – the NACC’s premier partners and suppliers will present their latest products, services and solutions in just 180 seconds! These bite-sized presentations will be grouped into blocks, with activity breaks throughout. Thursday 28 January 2021: Catering for special dietary requirements in the care setting – this important seminar will include discussion on diabetes, vegetarian and vegan options, coeliac and restructuring foods to finger food, washed down with top hydration tips. Sue Cawthray, national chair of the NACC, said: “The care catering sector has worked tirelessly and selflessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The vital frontline contribution of everyone associated with providing good nutrition, hydration and care to the elderly and vulnerable continues, be that in a care home or within the community. As our members and the wider care catering sector continue to face unprecedented challenges, we’re committed to helping everyone navigate the next phase of the pandemic by giving them access to the right information, connections and expert support through our virtual seminars.” For more information and to book a place please visit www.thenacc.co.uk/events/national
Marie Curie to support Care UK teams in wake of coronavirus pandemic
Leading end of life charity, Marie Curie and care home provider Care UK, are working together to provide additional support to care home teams and to help prepare for any future outbreaks. Marie Curie will work with Care UK on its approach to end of life care, including evaluating current training and practice, provide support to Care UK home managers to enhance resilience among team members, and will be on hand for care home colleagues who need a space to share, reflect and learn, with the opportunity to speak to Marie Curie experts about any aspect of end of life care. In homes affected by coronavirus, Marie Curie will provide support to the entire care home team via the Marie Curie Professional Companions programme. Marie Curie will also provide recommendations about additional support that might develop and reassure care home teams in the future. Leah Queripel, HR Director at Care UK said: “Our care home teams are what makes the care we provide second to none and we want to do everything we can to support our team members. I know absolutely that the last seven months have not been easy for them, but they have risen to the challenge in ways that would have been unimaginable a year ago. Their courage to keep on going to work, day in day out, to deliver great care, and to support each other has been something we are incredibly proud of. We know that extraordinary grit and determination has, in some case, taken its toll on people and I hope that working with Marie Curie will help our teams in that position to move forward.” Leah added: “Although a confidential telephone support service has been available to all Care UK employees for several years, directors at Care UK recognised that the past seven months have been like no other period in its history and that something additional was required. Sadly, the virus did claim the lives of some residents in our homes, and care home teams worked incredibly hard to ensure that residents at the end of their lives were in comfortable, loving, and supported surroundings. “Whilst I hope it never arrives, these recommendations will also help us to be even more prepared and resilient if we see a surge of cases in our homes in the coming months.” Eamon O’Kane, Deputy Director, Devolved Nations & National Programmes at Marie Curie said: “As a charity, Marie Curie’s mission is to improve the experience of dying, death and bereavement for all. We provide direct end of life care in communities across the UK, but we will make greater impact in our mission by working with organisations that have a delivery role in end of life care. We have experience, resources and services that can help the care home sector and welcome the approach from Care UK. Working together ensures patients, residents and carers will ultimately benefit from the best end of life experience.” The work with Marie Curie has just got underway in Care UK’s 124 homes and the charity’s report and recommendations on its findings is expected to be presented to the Care UK directors later this year.
