Sage Nursing Home workers to strike for dignity in care for all
“WE ARE SHORT-STAFFED, MISMANAGED AND PAID POVERTY WAGES” Isabel: 07706 987443E-mail: comms@uvwunion.org.uk All rights reserved
Care homes under pressure to meet November 11 vaccination deadline
Care home operators are under “huge pressure” to meet the November deadline for workers and volunteers to have been double jabbed. From November 11, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will have a duty to monitor care homes in England to ensure they are complying the new vaccination rules. As of that date, registered managers or providers will need to demonstrate that they are not allowing anyone into their home unless they have been double jabbed or can prove that they fall into one of the groups exempt from being vaccinated. The new rules, enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021, are the latest strain on care home owners and operators. Elissa Thursfield, Managing Director of HR consultancy HR Anchor, said: “We are receiving dozens of calls from care home operators and their managers who are under huge pressure to comply with the new regulations when they are enforced from November 11. “This is a sector which is still reeling from the double whammy of the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit and the severe impact both have had on the staffing of homes. “For owners and managers busy with the day-to-day running of their homes, having to negotiate the minefield of vaccination regulations is a further strain. “The looming November 11 deadline is likely to increase the pressures on staffing at a time when staffing shortages are already a challenge.” Reasons for exemption currently include those receiving end of life care, people who have some allergies as well as a selection of other very limited reasons. However, employees are bringing arguments ranging from religious reasons, political and human rights. Exemptions are currently implemented on a self-certification basis which is expected to be replaced by the COVID-Pass. Elissa added: “Exemption from the requirement for vaccination is nothing short of a minefield and operators are right to be wary of taking any actions that may come back to bite them. “There are a series of processes that must be followed to protect a care home in the event of a decision being taken to dismiss an employee including demonstrating that a home has acted reasonably and following a fair procedure.” HR Anchor has produced a set of free to access template documents and other resources to enable care homes to navigate their way through the new regulations. The new rules also cover other people entering a care home such as tradespeople, healthcare professionals, hairdressers and beauticians. Friends and relatives and residents themselves are exempt from the regulations. Wales is not making double vaccination mandatory, however the issue of how to manage those who are unvaccinated remains a concern for care home managers.
Wippet Launches Online Marketplace For The Healthcare Sector
A free-to-use platform, offering a huge range of products and services for healthcare providers from a wide choice of vetted suppliers, available to buy via one site, with a single consolidated invoice. Launching at the Care Show at the NEC, Wippet is a new online marketplace for the healthcare sector. Hosting a wide variety of healthcare suppliers across all sectors on one platform, Wippet sells everything a healthcare provider might need from beds to detergents, from uniforms to food and even services. And with multiple suppliers in the same categories Wippet will promote both choice and competition. Wippet allows customers to buy with ease from one site, with one login, one basket and one consolidated invoice each time they place an order. What’s more – Wippet is free to the customer. The brainchild of Matt Oxley – who has had extensive experience across the care and acute care sectors – Wippet makes buying healthcare products and services simple. With a sophisticated search function and easy navigation, Wippet makes it simple to source products and services from trusted suppliers. It is a B2B online platform that has the ease and fluidity of a B2C marketplace. Offering consolidated invoicing that radically reduce administrative burdens, Wippet also reduces the costs, inefficiencies and errors that can arise from managing a fragmented supplier base. Many care providers do not have the time or resources to conduct even rudimentary checks on their suppliers, but reassuringly, all suppliers on Wippet must go through Wippet’s due diligence checks prior to being listed, providing the assurance to customers that they are buying from known and trusted supplier brands. PICTURE: Wippet Founders (from left to right) John Barrowcliffe, Matt Oxley and David Meikle. Oxley says: ‘From the smallest residential home to the largest healthcare group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is ultimately time that cannot be spent delivering care – and that’s a major problem. ‘Wippet offers a simple one-stop shop, where you can consolidate all your transactions into one place. We can even accommodate your existing suppliers. Operators can ask their suppliers to upload their existing catalogue and pricing, safe in the knowledge this sensitive information will only be visible to the specific customer. We’re bringing buyers and sellers together to provide greater choice and value in one place. I don’t believe there is a care provider out there that could not benefit significantly from the efficiency Wippet brings.’ Wippet has already signed up some of the biggest players in care supplies and services. Two of the biggest suppliers to the care sector, Care Shop and Renray Healthcare, are already onboard. Such is the confidence in Wippet’s business plan that Oxley and his co-founders – ecommerce expert John Barrowcliffe and marketing expert David Meikle – have already secured investment with the sale of the business to leading logistics firm Clipper PLC. Barbara Meeks, Managing Director of Care Shop, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of care equipment, chemicals and consumables, says: ‘We are delighted to be a primary Care sector supplier on the exciting Wippet platform, which allows us to promote our fantastic product range to whole new set of customers.’ Wippet launches today, and customers and suppliers can go to www.wippet.com to login. A free-to-use platform, offering a huge range of products and services for healthcare providers from a wide choice of vetted suppliers, available to buy via one site, with a single consolidated invoice. Launching at the Care Show at the NEC, Wippet is a new online marketplace for the healthcare sector. Hosting a wide variety of healthcare suppliers across all sectors on one platform, Wippet sells everything a healthcare provider might need from beds to detergents, from uniforms to food and even services. And with multiple suppliers in the same categories Wippet will promote both choice and competition. Wippet allows customers to buy with ease from one site, with one login, one basket and one consolidated invoice each time they place an order. What’s more – Wippet is free to the customer. The brainchild of Matt Oxley – who has had extensive experience across the care and acute care sectors – Wippet makes buying healthcare products and services simple. With a sophisticated search function and easy navigation, Wippet makes it simple to source products and services from trusted suppliers. It is a B2B online platform that has the ease and fluidity of a B2C marketplace. Offering consolidated invoicing that radically reduce administrative burdens, Wippet also reduces the costs, inefficiencies and errors that can arise from managing a fragmented supplier base. Many care providers do not have the time or resources to conduct even rudimentary checks on their suppliers, but reassuringly, all suppliers on Wippet must go through Wippet’s due diligence checks prior to being listed, providing the assurance to customers that they are buying from known and trusted supplier brands. PICTURE: Wippet Founders (from left to right) John Barrowcliffe, Matt Oxley and David Meikle. Oxley says: ‘From the smallest residential home to the largest healthcare group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is ultimately time that cannot be spent delivering care – and that’s a major problem. ‘Wippet offers a simple one-stop shop, where you can consolidate all your transactions into one place. We can even accommodate your existing suppliers. Operators can ask their suppliers to upload their existing catalogue and pricing, safe in the knowledge this sensitive information will only be visible to the specific customer. We’re bringing buyers and sellers together to provide greater choice and value in one place. I don’t believe there is a care provider out there that could not benefit significantly from the efficiency Wippet brings.’ Wippet has already signed up some of the biggest players in care supplies and services. Two of the biggest suppliers to the care sector, Care Shop and Renray Healthcare, are already onboard. Such is the confidence in Wippet’s business plan that Oxley and his co-founders – ecommerce expert John Barrowcliffe and marketing expert David
Health and social care apprenticeships going strong despite the pandemic
Health and social care apprentices have continued to enter the industry over the last 18 months despite the twin challenges of the COVID pandemic and current recruitment crisis in the industry, according to one of the UK’s leading training providers. Some 922 learners have begun a health and social care apprenticeship with Realise, less than 10% down on the 18-months previous. Realise deliver apprenticeships, adult learning and development programmes across the country and has seen a strong take up across the board with its five different level courses in health and social care. Jason Whitehouse, head of health and social care at Realise, said: “We’re really proud to have maintained a high level of apprentices despite a difficult 18 months. “From the start of 2020, we’ve had 922 learners begin a health and social care apprenticeship which is just 81 down on the same period the year before. “Considering we’ve had lockdowns and many months of disruption, we’re pleased the drop off has been so minimal. “There’s been a lot of challenges with how our courses have been run and we’ve had to be very adaptive with the ever-changing circumstances with COVID restrictions. “We quickly introduced remote working for all of our apprentices but, because health and social care is such a hands on programme, it’s been difficult to replace that with academic work. “Before the pandemic, around 75% of our courses were based around giving learners practical experience in health and social care settings so this has been one of the biggest changes. “However, it’s been great to see everyone really embrace this different way of learning and make the most of the situation we’ve found ourselves in. “Now that things are slowly getting back to normal, we’re reintroducing our apprentices into health and social care settings which I think is going to be really important for the industry moving forward. “Even before the pandemic hit, it was clear to see there weren’t enough people working in the sector and that workforce reform was essential. “It’s vital that we make the health and social care sector appealing again and ensure that young people are fully trained so they have the best opportunity to have rewarding careers. “The most exciting thing about our sector is that there’s a fast progression route with five different level courses that enables ambitious individuals to progress and develop quickly.” Realise deliver apprenticeships in a variety of different settings supporting employers of all sizes. Its team of expert trainers help guide existing staff and new recruits through quality work-based learning programmes, from Prepare to Work in Adult Social Care Level 1 through to Leader in Adult Care Level 5. It delivers in care homes and supporting services such as dementia care, learning disabilities, nursing care, personal care, domiciliary care, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, eating disorders, drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Jason added: “Apprenticeship schemes as well as training and development programmes can help provide a natural career path to those who are new to the sector and from a business point of view it makes sense for health and social care settings to take advantage of the current support available to them. “The worst case scenario is that 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship training is funded by the government and, for larger organisations, it can be completely subsidised by the apprenticeship levy. “Not only that, in the health and social care sector keeping up to date with training is an essential part of improving a client’s quality of life. “Upskilling a current workforce so they have the knowledge required to excel in their specialism is just as important as recruiting. “This will ultimately increase service levels long term and ensure organisations have the right skills to meet the individual needs of the people they assist and care for.” For more information, visit the Realise website on https://learning-employment.com/ or e-mail jason.whitehouse@realisetraining.com
101st Birthday celebrations for WW2 Veteran
Resident at Bernard Sunley Care Home in Woking Celebrates Landmark Birthday with a Surprise Visitor from Australia At Friends of the Elderly’s Bernard Sunley care home in Woking, Surrey, the care team has been celebrating Moyra Webber’s milestone 101st Birthday celebrations with cake, gifts, cards and a birthday treat performance from one of Moyra’s favourite entertainers Daniel Brewerton. However, Moyra’s special day was made even more perfect with a magical surprise visit. Alongside her family visiting to help with the celebrations, Moyra’s daughter Sue flew in from Australia for her Mum’s momentous day. Moyra, who has been a resident at Bernard Sunley for five years, grew up in Barry, South Wales – a destination made famous by the BBC TV’s Gavin & Stacey series. Moyra loves Barry as it’s where she grew up and has many happy memories of attending Barry Girls Grammar School – which she thoroughly enjoyed. It also holds a special place in Moyra’s heart as that’s where she met her husband John. Although they first knew of one another during their school days, they later met on a dance floor and the rest is history. Moyra and John married at St Mary’s Church in Barry in February 1945 and honeymooned in Tenby. Before this Moyra had an interesting career during World War Two as an Officer in the ATS (Women’s British Army). Moyra said: “Working for the SIS during World War II was an intense job. I had to be totally focused and concentrate on the messages I was listening to. Knowing I was doing my part for the war effort was very important to me. I was, and still am, honoured that I helped with such important work for my country.” Moyra and John continued to live in Barry, raising their two children, Sue and Brian. The family then moved to Hayes in Middlesex and later to Woking. Moyra’s family grew and she’s now a proud Grandmother and Great Grandmother to five grandchildren Sophie, James, Sarah, Eleanor, Gabriel and seven great grandchildren. A passionate golfer, Moyra played regularly until she was in her late 80s and really enjoyed her frequent 18 hole rounds. Also a keen Bridge player, Moyra was always busy and, as well as raising her family, worked for the Health Authority and volunteered for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Moyra first visited Bernard Sunley for a respite stay on a recommendation from a friend. Moyra enjoyed her break at the care home and made friends with the care team and other residents. When Moyra suffered a stroke, she and her family decided that it would be the best for her to move to Bernard Sunley on a permanent basis as the high quality bespoke care and the attentive, compassionate care team was just what Moyra needed. Andy Cumper, the Manager at Bernard Sunley said: “Moyra is a lovely lady who always has a smile for me when we talk. When she turned 100-years-old last year, it was lovely to be able to share in her landmark day with her family. This year it has been extremely special and heart-warming for her to have her daughter fly over from Australia to join us in celebrating her 101st birthday.” Moyra continued: “I have had a really wonderful 101st birthday, it’s been a lovely day. I didn’t think anything could top my 100th birthday, but seeing my family, having Sue here from Australia, watching Daniel Brewerton’s performance and being spoilt by all the Bernard Sunley carers, it’s been a day to remember. “The other day I was asked what was my secret to a long and happy life? I really don’t have one, it just happened, but I’m so grateful for everyone that has come into my life, I’m very blessed.”
Activities based care software – RemindMecare 2.0 launches on 13th September
IT’S HERE! – THE NEXT GENERATION IN ACTIVITIES BASED CARE SOFTWARE – AND ITS FREE FOR TWO WEEKS Tech in care is now the norm, and everyone wants to know what’s coming next. Well this is it. RemindMecare is the leader in person centred care activities based software, and with the launch of its new version, it’s bringing new features to address the requests of its clients post Covid. So what’s so special? Here’s just some of the new features; ROOMS – Your own care facility video portal, and one for each resident. No cost, GDPR compliant and easier than zoom. ACTIVITIES – Hundreds of readymade activities for every day of the week. Or a means to make your own. FAMILY CONNECTIVITY – Video connectivity, remote music and content upload, life story books and much more. APPS PLAYSTORE PORTAL – a curated collection of vetted Playstore apps, and means to capture usage data. AUTOMATED ACTIVITY REPORTING – for management, carers, family and regulators. ROI – RemindMecare saves and makes money. The average care facility will gain returns of over £15k pa. Check our calculator here; www.remindmecare.com/business/overview/ What will I need to use it? As little as a tablet and broadband. Or as much as you want. For RemindMecare works on tablets, connects to TVs, integrates with touchscreen tables and care planning software, and connects to Alexa, with our own proprietary skills. So how far you want to go is up to you. What’s next! Over the next year, we’ll be launching a lot of what we know you want; from Alexa care skills for self-care management, admin and family and entertainment, to rewards based care tokens, community tools, family wallets and digital life story book creation. If it’s activity then RemindMecare will have it covered. Get in now and these will be free. Special Offer – RemindMecare is free….for the next two weeks. Free forever? Crazy right? (OK. There’s a £399 one time set up and support fee). Well Covid was a tough time for everyone. Including us. So we gave RemindMecare free to anyone who asked. And learnt from them what they wanted from tech. The all new RemindMecare 2.0 is the result and si the next generation in activity based person centred care. ….and for home care, check out ReMeLife.com As a taste of things to come, check out www.ReMeLife.com, our consumer portal and rewards based Membership platform. It’s here where you start when you first need care solutions. And a means to be part of something when you need it most.
Loneliness Awareness Week: Reducing social isolation in care homes
Over one million older people report feeling lonely all the time1, and even when living in a care home, loneliness and isolation can still occur. According to Christina R Victor’s ‘Loneliness in care homes: a neglected area of research?’ thesis, rates of severe loneliness reported by people living in care homes (22-42%) are more than twice that of residents in the wider community (10%). It’s important that care home operators are aware of what can be done to support their residents and staff, and reduce the risks of isolation and loneliness. For this year’s Loneliness Awareness Week (14-18 June), Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at dementia care specialist Vida Healthcare, discusses how care home operators can combat feelings of loneliness and promote good wellbeing. Residents The main role of a care home is to provide high quality care to its residents, and create a positive living environment which promotes good wellbeing. To reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, care home operators can: Improve connectivity with staff: Care home staff play a huge part in easing feelings of loneliness, particularly when visits from friends and family are prohibited. Initiatives, such as cutting edge technology, can free up staff time so that they have more opportunities to socialise with residents. Invest in social activities: Consider coordinating different activities, such as stretching classes and choirs, to encourage residents to socialise with each other and therefore create a community spirit and strong connections. Keep families connected: Moving to a care home can be a stressful time, particularly when it comes to being able to see friends and family regularly. Visiting policies and times which are accessible will keep residents feeling connected to their community, and families up-to-date with the lives of their relatives. Staff It’s not only residents that can feel lonely in care homes. Care home operators also have a duty of care to protect their staff and promote positive mental wellbeing. Open communication: A positive workplace environment where conversations between colleagues are encouraged will support their mental health. If an employee is feeling lonely or struggling with their work, make it clear that it’s ok for them to talk to someone about how they feel. This is often an effective way of helping people to cope, and can address an issue before it becomes severe. Work life balance: A good work life balance is crucial for staff to be able to spend time with their friends and family, and therefore reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. It’ll also make care provision more effective because burnout will be less likely, and their mental health will be optimal. Socialisation with families: Families are not only crucial to support the mental health of residents, but can also provide another outlet for staff. Good connection between staff and families will promote feelings of positivity and give both parties opportunities to create a positive environment for all involved. Care home operators which consider methods of combating loneliness, opening up lines of communication between key stakeholders, and encouraging connectivity will find that their residents live longer, healthier and happier lives, and staff recruitment and retention rates improve. For more information, please visit www.vidahealthcare.co.uk
Redcot care home committed to supporting people with dementia
Friends of the Elderly’s Dementia Champion Dedicated To Caring At Friends of the Elderly’s Redcot Care Home in Haslemere, Surrey which specialises in residential care, its dedicated Dementia Champion is devoted to providing bespoke and person-focused care for its residents living with dementia. Lana Boneva, the Dementia Champion at Redcot, is exceptionally passionate about her work and is keen to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds the condition. Through her daily activities, Lana ensures each and every one of the residents she cares for receives the highest standard of care, support and social interactions by taking the time to understand the individual needs of each person. Commenting on her role as Redcot’s Dementia Champion, Lana said: “The word ‘dementia’ is a daunting one. To be faced with the loss of your memory, thinking ability, your language and problem-solving skills is an awful thing to go though as your daily life will never be the same. “I’ve worked for Friends of the Elderly at Redcot for two years and what motivates me is knowing that even the smallest things I can do, make a real difference in providing person-centred care. No day is the same – one day I could be supporting people with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, having a meal or reading the newspaper and another I could be keeping them company to ensure they are enjoying an activity and are safe in what they are doing. I try to introduce familiar, comforting routines as these can help and benefit those people living with dementia, but every day is different as it depends on what our residents want to do and when they want to do it. “I work closely with our care home’s Activities Co-ordinators to put together a wide range of activities that engage, entertain and stimulate our residents. To make sure our residents like and participate in the activities, I find out their preferences, likes and dislikes as it’s the small details that count, no matter how silly they may seem. This way, I can ensure they have activities tailored to what they want to do.”Jan Daly, the Manager at Redcot added: “Everyone at both Redcot and Friends of the Elderly believe in seeing the person first and not their diagnosis. Lana is extremely enthusiastic about her work, the residents and ensuring she delivers the highest standard of care and support to everyone she looks after. Lana is totally focused on what our residents can do, rather than what they can no longer do.” In closing, Lana added: “My role as a Dementia Champion and working with people living with dementia is not just by job, it’s my calling. Being a Dementia Champion is rewarding in so many ways. I meet really interesting people with different stories to tell and through them, I learn something new every day. I get a real sense of achievement when they are happy and smiling. It makes my day – every day.”
Dementia UK annual fundraiser
The tables for Dementia UK’s annual cake and tea event have been completely reset; backyard brews, driveway cake sales, and takeaway cuppa and slice deliveries are some of the ideas families, businesses and communities up and down the country have to raise funds and awareness of Dementia UK’s dementia specialist nurses, whilst keeping safe during the pandemic. Dementia UK is the only charity dedicated to supporting the whole family through dementia specialist Admiral Nurses. The event takes place 1st-8th May. When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia and their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them; giving compassionate one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions which can be hard to find elsewhere. They are continually trained, developed and supported by Dementia UK. The charity’s annual fundraising event has raised over £1 million since its launch, with the support of fundraisers, Dementia UK staff and celebrities. One of the highlights from last year’s event included celebrity supporters dressing up as much-loved characters to recreate tea party scenes from the world of film; Phyllis Logan was Mary Poppins, music producer Naughty Boy was Jay Gatsby, Emma Barton was Holly Golightly, and Jess and Natalya Wright were Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts. Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO of Dementia UK, says: “Families with dementia have been adversely affected by lockdown for just over a year now. Care home visiting restrictions, the closure of support and respite services, and the resulting social isolation and loneliness, has disproportionately affected people living with dementia and their family carers. “Whilst Time for a Cuppa will be slightly different this year, we know that dementia support is needed more than ever. We are so grateful to all of our fundraisers who will be whipping up treats, enthusiasm, funds, and who are giving their time for others – in a socially distanced way, of course – in what will be a very special and important Time for a Cuppa.” Karen Houghton, whose mum Christine lives with dementia, is only too aware of the toll that the pandemic has had on people with the condition. With the support of her Admiral Nurse, Marie, the family has felt less alone: “Marie is so personable and has developed a great relationship with my dad, who had been struggling to cope with all the support services closing down. “We needed to move mum into residential care, but this was hard to do in the middle of the pandemic as we couldn’t really get a feel for the homes. Marie picked up the phone and knew exactly what questions to ask the care homes so we could be confident that we were placing mum in the best place possible. Without her, we just would not have felt supported or valued as a family.” Dementia UK currently has 307 Admiral Nurses who have supported families throughout the pandemic across a range of care settings. The charity also has its Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline, which is busier than ever before with responding to calls from families who have no one else to turn to. For more information about Time for a Cuppa and how to host your own tea party with our free fundraising pack, please visit: dementiauk.org/timeforacuppa You can also call 020 8036 5380 or email: timeforacuppa@dementiauk.org
