Care UK residents enjoy luxury tasting menu accompanied by a very special guest
Residents living in Care UK homes have been able to enjoy virtual sessions with a very special food expert Residents in homes were able to join a live event with food historian, Dr Polly Russell, from the BBC programme Back in Time for… for a live interactive food tasting session designed to transport residents back to their younger years. Partnering with Care UK for the nationwide Food for Thought initiative, which sees care homes across the country celebrate their favourite foods throughout the decades, Dr Polly worked alongside Care UK chefs to create a unique reminiscence menu. The menu features iconic foods from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and is designed to be used as a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people. As part of the event, the home’s talented chefs prepared a host of bitesize delights from the menu, including kedgeree, prawn cocktail and a show stopping black forest gateau, for residents to enjoy, complemented by a selection of fine wine. The tasting menu was designed to reflect the narrative of Dr Polly’s talk – for example, when she talked about the 1950s, residents were able to enjoy a little bit of history with a bite size portion of coronation chicken. They were also encouraged to share their memories with Dr Polly as she talked through the history of each dish. These reminiscences from residents included how to make the perfect cup of tea and how families went on pea-picking holidays. Dr Polly said: “I was delighted to partner with Care UK to create a reminiscence tasting menu, and I had a fantastic time chatting to residents about some of their favourite foods throughout the ages. “There really is something incredibly special about the way food can evoke memories and emotions, and it was wonderful to see how everyone’s faces light up when they tried each dish. Just one flavour or smell can prompt a different memory and emotion for each individual, which is why a session like this can be so powerful. Malaika Charles, Home Manager at Sandfields in Cheltenham, added: “We loved meeting Dr Polly virtually, and taking part in the sensory reminiscence activity. My team, as always, pulled out all the stops to deliver an outstanding experience.’’ “Across Care UK, we believe in the power of activity-based care, and we’re always looking for new and exciting experiences to promote wellbeing. Reminiscence activities can be extremely beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia, as long-term memory typically remains stronger than the short-term. Drawing on strong memories helps to boost confidence and provides an opportunity to re-live happy times, which can prompt conversation and evoke the associated emotions. “Everyone had a great time dining through the decades and it was wonderful to hear residents share their memories during the session. It really was the restaurant experience that residents love.” Residents in a range of other Care UK homes were able to enjoy a second session pre-recorded by Dr Polly. This was a 20-minute talk about the history of a very popular treat in care homes – afternoon tea. Residents and colleagues enjoyed learning about how the drink was first introduced into this country and how royalty set the trend for it to be accompanied by delicious cakes and dainty sandwiches. Naturally, residents enjoyed the talk alongside a delicious afternoon tea prepared by chefs at their homes. The pre-recorded session was added to the project to give those homes that might have recently had someone test positive for Covid-19 the flexibility to run the sessions with smaller groups of residents or to delay the event until the home is out of outbreak. As well as the two sessions, with Dr Polly, teams in all of Care UK’s homes were invited to run food for thought reminiscence events for residents which encourage the sharing of memories about food, meals and ingredients. As always, residents and team members showed great flair and creativity in running a range of different events including: To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with Dr Polly Russell, and for more top tips on how others can use food as a reminiscence tool for older people visit careuk.com/food-for-thought
The evolution of the care sector: One year on from lockdown
One year ago, the UK was plunged into its first nationwide lockdown and, as coronavirus cases surged across the country, care homes closed their doors to visitors. For Nottinghamshire’s specialist dementia care group, Church Farm Care, this meant establishing brand-new ways of working to ensure the safety of the people living and working with them. In addition to closing doors to visitors and investing in more PPE, both changes that are public knowledge, there have been many more internal adaptations to ways of working that people aren’t necessarily aware of when it comes to way the group has navigated the pandemic. Helen Walton, head of operations, said: “The past year has had a tremendous impact on ways of working in the care sector. Before COVID-19, certain team members would regularly move around our four homes, however, this was something we immediately stopped when the severity of the pandemic became apparent, meaning that each home had its own team. Then even within that team, there are dedicated ‘households’ caring for different groups of residents to minimise the risk of transmitting the virus.” These immediate changes paid dividends at the height of the pandemic last April, when the team at Church Farm’s West Bridgford home, Skylarks, successfully managed to contain an outbreak and, ultimately, save lives.There were 13 family members at the home who tested positive for COVID-19 but made a full recovery thanks to the hard work of carers and staff – led by head of nursing, Maria Spollin. However, it’s not just people’s physical wellbeing that has been a top priority. Maria said: “In times of pressure people pull together, and our team has gone above and beyond in that respect. However, we’ve seen a significant increase to our existing wellbeing offering during the pandemic, to ensure everyone feels valued and can continue to deliver excellent care to the people who live with us. The last year has shown just how important those connections with other people and our hobbies are now that they’ve been taken away from us.” While in-person visits have been strictly prohibited, use of video conferencing software such as Zoom and Teams has skyrocketed, as relatives strived to maintain a connection with family members living in homes. However, before the pandemic, this was something that had never had to be considered and, therefore, wasn’t in place. Now it’s firmly entrenched in every home’s day-to-day activity. Patrick Atkinson, director, said: “Going virtual has broadened people’s ideas about how they can connect and allowed family members who live all over the UK – and indeed the world – the opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones in a way they couldn’t before. “From one-to-one calls through to group meetings, it’s been a real lifeline for the people who live with us and has left us asking ourselves why we didn’t think of this before. It’s undoubtedly something that will remain part of our processes forever as we navigate our way out of the pandemic.” As of 8 March 2021, every care home resident is now able to nominate a single visitor who can enter the home for regular visits, wearing appropriate PPE and following a negative lateral flow test. This first step in the government’s roadmap signals the beginning of a return to normality for those living and working across Church Farm Care’s four homes. For more information, please visit www.churchfarmcare.co.uk.
Care home group recognised for supporting their staff in latest Investors of People review
Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) is delighted to confirm that it has successfully passed its latest review with Investors in People (IPP). Accreditation was also secured by Countrywide Care Homes, a part of the Maria Mallaband Care Group. The review of MMCG took place across 10 of its care homes, with remote interviews of 78 members of staff. The comprehensive process scrutinised key aspects including leadership, values and behaviours, staff empowerment and recognition of high performance. A range of practical considerations were also covered. Vicky Craddock, Chief Operating Officer of Maria Mallaband Care Group commented: “We are delighted once again that both Maria Mallaband Care Group and Countrywide Care Homes have been awarded this accreditation. This rigorous three-year review covered one of the most challenging years our industry has ever faced. We are immensely proud that we have not only maintained the high standards set for ourselves at the last review but have exceeded them. Our sincere thanks to our entire team for making this happen.” Feedback from IPP highlighted that the group had responded “extremely well” to the challenges faced from Covid-19. Every single member of staff interviewed agreed that they had been well supported throughout the pandemic, with regular updates, guidance, and PPE to keep everyone as safe as possible. The importance of staff safety was reaffirmed by the introduction of the HUB and facilitation of virtual communication via MS teams. Along with the provision of company laptops, this enabled many to work from home who were able to. The review also recognised MMCG’s commitment to further improving both its recruitment and learning and development processes. For example, the turnaround for online recruitment and selection has been reduced from 21 days to 5 days. MMCG is also proud to be supporting a number of staff members to become Trainee Nursing Associates. The TNA programme is just one of the ways that the group is providing continuous learning and development opportunities to its staff, helping them to achieve their potential. For MMCG, their mission is “to be the best quality, most highly regarded care provider in the United Kingdom”. This not only means creating a caring, supportive environment for those who live in the care homes but for the staff too. The opportunity to celebrate success and recognise the achievements of each team is still a fundamental aspect of working life within the group. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, MMCG were delighted that the 2020 Care Awards still took place, with virtual parties and get-togethers encouraged. The report also showed these efforts were much appreciated. At the heart of all Investors in People accreditations is the ambition to make work better. In line with this approach, MMCG has worked hard to ensure the core values of the group are embodied in everything they do. This is highlighted by one particular interviewee, who commented that – “We just want to be the best and offer the best possible care.” Susan Jones, Chief People Officer goes on to say: “The way we work should always be aligned with our core values of passion, honesty, openness and the understanding that everyone is unique. It is the demonstration of these values that has led to such fantastic feedback from both members of staff and IIP. MMCG is always looking for new ways to enhance and develop our teams and processes, so we are looking forward to taking on the new challenges in 2021 and beyond”. To find out more about the Maria Mallaband Care Group visit: https://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/
Use the power of Ozone to destroy the coronavirus on all surfaces in your care home
Protecting residents from the COVID 19 pandemic is right at the top of every care and nursing home’s agenda. When used correctly, ozone is scientifically proven to kill coronavirus. Indeed, ozone has been used successfully across the care sector to minimise the threat to the sick and elderly. See how Camellia Healthcare protected their three nursing homes here. The Ozofresh Eclipse Pro is a heavy duty yet portable ozone generating machine that is proven to kill coronavirus in less than 60 minutes. Crucially it kills the virus on both hard and soft surfaces, as well as in the air, working on areas such as bedding, curtains and carpets that surface sanitisers alone cannot reach. It can be easily moved from room to room, protecting bedrooms, common areas and kitchens. Ozone leaves no chemical residue whatsoever and no by-products. See how Harbour Healthcare used ozone across their 17 homes here. The Eclipse Pro can also be used to ensure that the virus is not inadvertently introduced into the home via deliveries, items brought in by families or gifts. By allocating a space to quarantine all such items, they can be quickly decontaminated using the Eclipse Pro before being distributed. Be assured that the power of ozone is proven with laboratory testing. Its virus destroying properties are well documented against a range of pathogens. And the renowned Nara Medical University in Japan has confirmed that it specifically kills the coronavirus causing COVID 19. Our ozone generators produce the levels of ozone required to be effective. You can find out more about the test results here. Eco friendly sanitising – one solution for everyone, for everywhere Support the use of ozone in protecting against coronavirus with XtraProtect, an all-in-one solution that that is British Laboratory tested on both hands and surfaces to kill 99.99% of bacteria and enveloped viruses. With no aggressive chemicals or alcohol, XtraProtect is safe to use, store, and transport, and does not dry or irritate the skin. It’s more effective than alcohol based sanitisers, whose effectiveness is reduced by more than 50% when used on soiled hands. XtraProtect instantly protects, whether hands are clean or dirty. It also gives lasting protection by forming an invisible coating on surfaces that continues to protect even when dry. Banish lingering and deep-set odours for good Whilst coronavirus will be your main concern at the moment, ozone delivers additional hygiene benefits to the care sector. Dealing with persistent odours is a challenge, and ozone destroys those odours at source. Use the Eclipse Pro for severe problems, or for day to day freshness, our ozone PlugIns deal swiftly with typical smells such as vomit and urine. You simply plug Ozofresh Plugin into any electrical socket and switch on. The result is an odour free room in a couple of hours. With none of the harmful ingredients such as benzene and formaldehyde found in common air fresheners, you can release your staff from worrying about the safe use and storage of chemicals and be sure that there is nothing that could irritate your elderly residents. Here’s what the Stonebridge Care Home had to say about the PlugIns. “The Ozofresh PlugIn not only cleared the one difficult odour, but it also stopped it reoccurring. We have now invested in 60 Ozofresh PlugIns that we use around the building, both in potential odour spots such as resident rooms and common rooms and in areas such as the kitchens and corridors to maintain a light, ‘fresh air’, atmosphere throughout. Undoubtedly, the quality of the air is improved by the consistent use of the Ozofresh, it smells fresh and clean and we are much less reliant on heavy, chemical-based, sprays in favour of a more natural solution to specific odours and all round freshness”. For more information about how Ozofresh can help control coronavirus or deal with odours in your care home please call 0844 248 0107 or email sales@ozofresh.co.uk
Orbis Education and Care appoints leading light in autism education
Orbis Education and Care has appointed a leading autism education specialist in the form of Sue Hatton. Sue joins the UK education and care provider in a role created to help achieve ultimate levels of autism intelligence across the organisation. Wales-based Orbis Education and Care runs 17 schools, residential homes and day facilities for children and adults with complex needs associated with autism and is one of the UK’s leading specialist providers. As Autism Advisor, Sue will draw on her extensive professional experience of working in the education and charitable sectors to ensure best autism practice continues to be delivered throughout all of the group’s services. Sue’s appointment is integral to Orbis’ efforts to achieve what the group describes as ‘ultimate autism intelligence’. Formerly a teacher in mainstream, special and further education settings, Sue is also a published academic in the field of autism having worked closely with the British Institute for Learning Disabilities. CEO of Orbis Education and Care, Suzanne Lawrence, said: “This appointment is a reflection of our desire at Orbis Education and Care to become a truly autism-intelligent organisation. It is our practical commitment to achieving this. “Introducing a specialist Autism Advisor to our team is the next stage in what is a continuous journey for us in raising autism awareness and promoting best care practice. We’re delighted to welcome Sue on board and can’t wait to put her knowledge, expertise and experience to good use for the benefit of the families, individuals and wider communities that our services exist to support.” Sue, a Bristol-based mother and grandmother, has been working with young people and adults with autism for more than 40 years, and is also a keen beekeeper in her spare time. On her appointment, Sue said: “I’m really looking forward to supporting the development of a pioneering autism strategy at Orbis that will continue to take staff on a journey from being simply autism aware, to achieving ultimate autism intelligence. “I accepted the role as it was clear to me that there is a serious commitment at Orbis Education and Care to be a comprehensively autism intelligent company, and I’m absolutely delighted to be joining the team.” Orbis is currently recruiting specialist staff to join its schools and care homes around Wales. Visit Orbis’ website for more information about the group and the vacancies: www.orbis-group.co.uk.
GermErase launches to give confidence to UK businesses and hospitals
First British commercial product to be tested on live SARS-Cov-2, the virus causing COVID-19 Multi-surface protector kills up to 99.9999% of pathogens in under 30 seconds and provides a protective barrier for up to 48 hours British scientific breakthrough can turn the tide against hospital infections and superbugs, while supporting vaccines in the fight against COVID-19 and saving the NHS billions GermErase, a new brand at the frontline of protecting against COVID-19, infections and superbugs, has launched its first product range. Available as a cleaning spray and a hand spray with wipes, with aerosols and hand wash to follow, GermErase is a unique formulation that kills up to 99.9999% of pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19, in under 30 seconds – faster and more effective than the next best product. It bonds to surfaces to provide total protection without any reduction in performance for up to 48 hours and remains effective for 28 days. GermErase has been tested to global standards in independent facilities at the University of Southampton, including on live strains of SARS-Cov-2. The British business has invested £1m in testing the product. As 99.9% water, GermErase is safe and has low toxicity, meaning it does not irritate skin in the way alcohol gels can and, unlike alcohol gels, is not flammable. It uses common ingredients that have already been approved for medical and cleaning purposes and is ready to distribute at scale across the country via specialist cleaning supplier, Denis Rawlins Ltd. Professor Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton, comments, “An invention like this does not come across your desk very often. We have found that GermErase demonstrates remarkable breadth of efficacy against bacteria and viruses, speed of kill, residual efficacy and shows no evidence of antimicrobial resistance.” GermErase is more effective than alcohol gel and, alongside vaccines, can help to turn the tide against COVID-19 and a broad spectrum of other dangerous pathogens. While alcohol gels and sanitisers – products recommended by the World Health Organisation – are dependent on concentration levels and a lengthy period of application, GermErase is easy to use and completely kills the virus within seconds with a simple spray. The products can be used by medical professionals in hospitals but are also quick and easy to use by private sector businesses – giving employers and employees the confidence to return to work safely and unlock the economic recovery in the UK. GermErase will launch a consumer product range for the general public in Spring 2021. The urgency of antibiotic resistance is well known among the medical community and increasingly by wider society. GermErase provides a defence by preventing infection, instead of relying on the development of new cures and antibiotics. Inspired by the most human of stories, GermErase was invented by Rob Scoones, a former retail business owner. After losing someone very close to him, Rob dedicated his life to eradicating the superbug crisis in our hospitals and worldwide. Through the relentless pursuit of this vision, Rob developed the GermErase product, combining common ingredients in a way that has delivered remarkable efficacy against all known pathogens, including SARS-Cov-2. It has been estimated that a 10% reduction in infections and superbugs in hospitals would save the NHS £1bn annually. GermErase can kill and protect against all known infections and superbugs and is available to use throughout healthcare facilities immediately. Matthew Higdon, Chairman of GermErase, comments, “Our intention is for GermErase to become the first line of defence against infection for hospitals, businesses and families across the country. This product will allow us to get our freedom back and live with peace of mind that we are protected against pathogens like Coronavirus. Our ambition is for this British breakthrough to represent a landmark moment in the fightback against COVID-19, infections and superbugs.”
Love was in the air at The Oaks Care Home this Valentine’s Day
The Oaks Care Home in Newtown, Powys celebrated the most romantic night of the year by holding a Valentine’s Ball for its residents. Staff worked hard to create a special day for everyone in the home, including a number of married couples who live there together. As well as a special afternoon tea with homemade decorated cookies, there was Love Bingo with prizes to be won, a couple of familiar game shows to take part in and a chance to dress up with the theme of wearing something red. Jen Roberts, Registered Manager of The Oaks, said: “We had a lovely day for all our residents.“We handed out roses at the door along with glasses of cranberry fizz in champagne glasses. The ladies had their hair and nails done in the salon and we helped them make red brooches and designed lovely gift bags.“We asked residents to reminisce about their favourite love songs and we drew up a playlist with numbers by Vera Lynn, Elvis, Billy Joel, Tom Jones and the Welsh Male Choir.“We finished off with a ball dance and waltz and some karaoke.“The pandemic has bought enormous challenges for the entire care sector and there hasn’t been a lot to celebrate in lockdown but we thought a Valentine’s Day Ball would be something everyone could look forward to and get involved in. We were delighted with the response we have had from everyone in the home.”The Oaks Care Home in Newtown, Powys, is part of the Sandstone Care Group. The Sandstone Care team are passionate about providing outstanding, resident-led care within a modern setting. The Oaks Care Home has 73 bedrooms, all with en-suites, and offers 24-hour residential care. Brian and Frances still in love this Valentine’s Day A couple who have been married for 57 years and who moved into The Oaks Care Home together eight months ago have shared their tips for staying together this Valentine’s Day. Brian Rogers, 85, a retired long-distance lorry driver, says the secret to a happy marriage is being able to work well together and be able to compromise. His wife Frances, 83, who worked in a window factory before she got married, says Brian’s poetic tendencies make him a true romantic.The couple first met each other at a hospital where Brian was visiting his sister, who had just had a baby. Frances says it was love at first sight and that he was ‘the best looking out of the four brothers visiting their sister.’The couple, who have a 58-year-old daughter called Chris, have found it difficult not being able to see their family during lockdown. Frances said: “It has been very hard not being able to see our lovely daughter for so long but we’re so glad to still have each other in the home and to have Facetime with family.“Brian has always been romantic and his poetic side surprised me on our 50th wedding anniversary. Some couples buy flowers or chocolates but Brian wrote me a poem about our love which he sent to the local newspaper.“My favourite part of the poem. “I’ve got the answer to that question I asked so long ago except, with life’s experiences and finally reaching gold the answers wiser than the question: we love each other now we’re old.“I’m so happy we can be together in The Oaks – with him near me, I will never be alone.”Jen Roberts, Registered Care Manager of The Oaks, said: “It’s lovely to have such a moving example of true love with us in The Oaks this Valentine’s Day.” https://www.oaksnewtown.co.uk/
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.
