Care providers must look to new technologies to empower staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world as we know it and organisations across all sectors are having to adapt, finding new ways to deliver services whilst ensuring staff and customer safety. For those working in the care sector, the current situation has highlighted long standing issues driving the need for change forward. It is imperative the sector remains resilient at a time when the public needs high-quality nursing and care to vulnerable people more than ever. The adult social care sector has long struggled to attract and retain staff with traditionally low wages and stressful working conditions often leaving carers feeling undervalued and demotivated. Lengthy paperwork and long-winded procedures continue to do little to inspire staff. The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England report published in 2019, estimated there were around 122,000 vacant positions and a turnover rate of more than 30%. Fragility within the sector is very disruptive to the delivery of care services and the current pandemic adds further pressure highlighting the issues workers face more than ever. For care teams, recent social distancing measures have made mobile care provision and home visits extremely challenging. Limitations around face to face interactions with colleagues and patients does little to support communication, emphasising the need for alternative strategies and greater digitisation. Care England’s 2019 Manifesto highlighted the need for increased technology adoption and it is essential this commitment is fulfilled particularly in light of the additional challenges the pandemic is bringing to the nation’s carers. By adopting modern technology approaches, care providers will not only have access to the tools required to enable them to deliver improved services to patients, it will also improve carers’ working conditions by driving collaboration and increasing workforce confidence. Healthcare workers can really benefit from technology that automates time consuming procedures, removes the need for paperwork and enhances communication. For the community care setting, new technology solutions such as job management software can be particularly helpful. This type of software enables teams to access all the information they need about their appointments in real time via a mobile device. Technology can therefore enable mobile care teams to stay better connected with their colleagues whilst maximising efficiencies through always placing an appropriately qualified carer at the appointment, who is geographically located as close to the patient’s address as possible to reduce inefficient travel time. An additional benefit of this type of software is that the technology automatically generates a complete audit trail of the appointments carried out which provides a high level of reassurance from a record keeping and compliance perspective. By its very nature, the care sector is people centric with carers providing a vital lifeline for some of the most vulnerable members of society. By incorporating innovative technologies into the service delivery, carers workloads can be eased by improved process efficiencies being realised. This not only makes for a more fulfilling caring role; it ultimately allows carers to deliver a better level of patient care. Although lockdown measures are easing, the threat from coronavirus remains very real, particularly for individuals in the care system. Social connection is crucial in helping care teams and those that they care for feel safe and connected; technology makes this possible. Indeed, the added pressure of adhering to covid-19 health & safety guidance is making it essential for organisations across all sectors to accelerate digitisation strategies that can be easily adapted to changing working environments. The care sector is no different and the time has come for the sector to embrace digital transformation. The Coronavirus pandemic has sent shockwaves throughout the world however as we pass the peak and cases begin to fall, key worker organisations must not renege on commitments to support vital service personnel. Technology improves care teams overall working conditions, empowering workers to deliver the most effective and accurate service to patients and must surely play a pivotal role in future strategies. Oneserve has created, “Oneserve Community” a free solution for key workers. It helps job planning for organisations or groups managing key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is simple, easy to use software that helps you schedule and complete essential work without the need for paperwork, emails or phone calls. More here: https://www.oneserve.co.uk/oneserve-community/
Families pull together to help Bristol Charity raise a massive £10,000
Families from across Brunelcare, a Bristol charity supporting older people in the South West for nearly 80-years, have grouped together to create a Crowdfunding page for the charity in a bid to help them raise a massive £10,000 for wellbeing equipment and classes for its residents. After a Q&A video call, arranged by Brunelcare specifically for the friends and family of the people living within the charity, it was brought to the attention of family members, Tessa Holmes and her Mother, Hilary Green, the vast amount of money in which the charity has had to spend on PPE and safeguarding equipment across its five homes. The twosome then teamed up with other family members to create a Crowdfunding page to help the charity inject donations into the homes where their loved ones now live. Tessa said: “My Mother and I joined a relatives Q&A call where we heard that Brunelcare has had to spend over £1200 per day, projecting a spend of half a million by the end of this year on PPE and specialist shielding equipment during the pandemic. For years we have witnessed the hard work and dedication of the carers at Saffron Gardens and we couldn’t just sit there and do nothing, so we decided to set up and launch a Crowdfunding page supported by other relatives.” With the money raised, Tessa, her Mum and other relatives are hoping to fund essential wellbeing activities such as exercise, music therapy, cookery, day trips and volunteering visits all when safe to do so. The page, which has for now just been shared with friends and family of the charity, has managed to raise a massive £1,080 (30.06.20) of its £10,000 target. Tessa said: “My Dad, Andy, has lived at Brunelcare’s Saffron Gardens for just over four-years. He’s living with dementia and is one of many residents who’ve been unconditionally supported and cared for by the team at Brunelcare. We couldn’t ask for Dad to be in a better place. We particularly appreciate the quality of activities that are put on at the home to support the wellbeing of everyone. This is what we want the money raised to go towards, activities and sessions for the residents and wellbeing equipment to spread across Brunelcare’s five care homes.” To find out more information about how you can get involved or how you can donate, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/theycarewecare
Alcove calls for government to invest in ‘digitally disadvantaged’
As new research from the Mental Health Foundation reveals that feelings of loneliness in UK adults has jumped from one in ten (10%) before the COVID-19 pandemic to one in four (24%) following lockdown, Alcove, a leading care technology provider, is calling on the government to urgently prioritise technology as part of the UK’s social care provision, in an effort to tackle digital isolation and loneliness in vulnerable residents, and support the care system as it faces unprecedented demand. Alcove, which works with local authorities and care providers across the country to deliver bespoke social care plans for vulnerable service users, has published an open letter to Baroness Barran, Minister for Loneliness, calling for the government to support local authorities in prioritising investment in technology rather than relying on the historic analogue solutions. The letter highlights the role technology can play in helping to tackle loneliness and digital isolation for many, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Data from the OECD shows that the UK is one of the lowest spenders on social care in Western Europe and continues to rely on outdated analogue systems – many of which will be out of date and not fit for purpose in a matter of years – for the basic elements of patients’ care plans, rather than innovating and investing in technology. The Covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted the issues many vulnerable people are facing without access to technology, and the role technology can play in supporting stretched care services where carers are having to isolate, reduce contact with patients and observe social distancing measures. Alcove is calling for the government to prioritise innovative, video-led technology as part of social care provision in the UK, to support the sector, staff and residents alike. The impact loneliness has on mental health and wellbeing cannot be understated. According to the Metal Health Foundation, long-term loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and the impact of long-term loneliness on mental health can be very difficult to manage. Hellen Bowey, CEO and Co-Founder of Alcove said: “Of the more than 850,000 people in the UK receiving state-funded social care, many are currently being forced to shield in a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. While the majority of the nation has been able to rely on the internet for food shopping, banking, entertainment and keeping in touch with loved ones, many care residents will have no access to online services, and be forced to rely on outdated analogue technology for their daily care needs. “The pandemic has highlighted many of the inequalities in society and the very real need to protect the vulnerable people in our communities. By implementing a standard of care through video technology, authorities and providers can ensure lonely individuals can see and speak to real people they know and love, including carers and health workers, whilst delivering enhanced quality of life, significant savings in care provision and allowing peace of mind for friends and family. “As the rules around shielding look to change, many in our society will feel anxious or nervous about getting back into the real world and feel they are making a choice between their mental and physical health. Providing access to video technology would provide an emotional lifeline for many of those who feel they should continue to shield to protect themselves from the virus. “That is why local authorities and care providers need to start taking digital and video tech seriously, and this needs to be led by our Government. Our reliance on analogue panic buttons for elderly and disabled adults is outdated, regressive and costly – and we could and should be doing more. Care technology is already saving lives in our communities, so I am asking the Government to do more to support the rollout of technology across our social care system.”
Funding to help care home residents to sit less and move more
Walking charity Paths for All has been awarded £50,000 to expand its award-winning Care About Walking project with care homes in Perth and Kinross. Partnering with the University of Stirling’s Faculty of Social Sciences, the two-year Digging Deeper research grant, from the Life Changes Trust, will look at the integration of physical activity into the culture of care homes. The current Covid-19 pandemic is an enormous challenge for care home staff to manage. Helping residents to be active and enjoy social interaction whilst social distancing is important to avoid deconditioning. This is where residents lose functional capabilities like getting dressed, sitting into a chair or being able to walk to the toilet. The funding will enable a research assistant to be employed to investigate how physical activity can be made more accessible for anyone living in a care home. This will involve working with people living with dementia, care home residents, staff, and family members across 10 care homes in Perth and Kinross. The project will produce a model to make everyday movement a core part of a care home’s culture. Since 2018, Paths for All has delivered its Care About Walking project, working closely with Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, local care homes, residents and staff to explore how adults can be empowered to walk more and perform strength and balance exercises. Walking activities, tailored to each resident’s needs, have included: Led Health Walks, or bench to bench walks, corridor walks, and walks around the gardenEncouraging family members to take residents out for a walk on their visitsBingo, scavenger, nature, or heritage walks to help residents look for birds, flowers, and landmarksPerforming strength and balance exercises when walking indoors or outdoors. The Care About Walking project has a resource pack with the following items: The pack is available free to download on the Paths for All website www.pathsforall.org.uk/care-about-walking. Care home residents can spend up to 97% of their day sitting. This can affect their balance, their ability to rise from a chair and their walking capabilities – leading to an increased risk of falls. Approximately 90,000 people are currently living with dementia in Scotland, with an estimated cost to the Scottish economy of £1.2billion per annum (Department of Health 2015; Alzheimer Scotland 2016; Scottish Government 2017). The number of people living with dementia in Scotland is expected to increase to approximately 164,000 by 2036 (Scottish Public Health Observatory). Residents living with dementia in a care home increased from 54% at 31 March 2007 to 62% at 31 March 2017 (ISD – Care Home Census for Adults in Scotland, September 2018). For care home residents to have an improved quality of life during their stay physical activity needs to be key part of the care home culture. Dr Grant Gibson, lecturer in dementia studies in the University of Stirling’s Faculty of Social Sciences, believes researching Paths for All’s Care About Walking project will help to gather new knowledge. He said: “People living with dementia who are resident in care homes are a group which has been under-researched.” “When looking at traditional models of care, research over decades reports that care home residents spend most of their time inactive. However, research exploring the specific opportunities and challenges arising when implementing physical activities for people with dementia within care homes is rare. “Lack of engagement in physical activity has detrimental effects on physical and psychological health and quality of life and contributes to social isolation. This has implications for the health, wellbeing, quality of life and social engagement of care home residents, including those living with dementia.” Arlene Crockett from the Life Changes Trust said. “It is important that the needs of residents living with dementia in care homes are better understood. This research will help to better inform policy and practice. This will assist the design of both the indoor and outdoor care home environment to offer more exercise opportunities which will improve the lives of people living with dementia.” Regular walking offers many benefits for people living with dementia, such as: Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking Project won sportscotland’s 2019 Coaching for an Active Life award. It is supported by The Life Changes Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund, William Grant Foundation, The Robertson Trust, Spirit of 2012, sportscotland and the Scottish Government. For further information please contact Paths for All’s Dementia Friendly Walking team at dementiafriendly@pathsforall.org.uk or on 07806 859 972.
“All Carers are Heroes”: Temporary Bluebird Care Care Assistant Explains What it is Like to Work in the Care Sector
Alicia Darrington is 24 years old, she recently started work as a temporary Care Assistant at Bluebird Care West Berkshire. Alicia started as a Care Assistant after she had worked in a ski resort for a season earlier this year. This job was cut short when the Covid-19 pandemic forced ski resorts to shut for tourists. Alicia found herself unemployed and in need of a job. She read an article online detailing how many care companies were recruiting new staff. Since Alicia enjoys interacting with people, she decided she wanted to apply to the home care provider Bluebird Care West Berkshire. Despite lockdown, Alicia completed her induction training in socially distanced classrooms. She was trained in accordance with Public Health England’s guidance on infection control and prevention. The induction also covered the use of hoists and other techniques to help less able customers with more complex care requirements. Alicia quickly decided she wanted to start shadowing more experienced Bluebird Care Care Assistants, which she found extremely helpful. They were always on hand to help her when she had any questions but trusted her to put her training into practice under their supervision. Alicia said: “I know it sounds really cheesy, but I get the biggest kick out of making people laugh or smile. I love this job because I try to bring joy through the door of the customer’s home and make my visit something they look forward to” Alicia had not realised how much appreciation family members have for carers of their loved ones. She also now understands how much a 30-minute visit can make a difference to somebody’s day. However, the job is a lot harder than she had expected, and she has so much respect for all those who work in the care industry. Alicia explained: “Every day, carers have got to find empathy and love, or they aren’t doing their job, even when they might be feeling tired and down themselves. I have come to appreciate the skill it takes to be so positive all day every day, as your customers often rely on you for social interaction. This is why all carers are superheroes.”
Families Reunite With Socially Distanced ‘Gazebo Greetings’ at Sunrise of Winchester
Residents at Sunrise of Winchester have been unable to see their family since the UK lockdown in mid-March. Up until now, they had been making the most of technology to stay in contact with their loved ones. The team at Sunrise of Winchester knew that residents and their families were desperate to see each other in person, but they had to ensure maximum protection. Families Reunite With Socially Distanced ‘Gazebo Greeting’ hub, where families have been invited to pre-book slots to visit their loved ones at a safe social distance. The first day they introduced this initiative, there was sunshine, smiles and happy tears as families and residents finally reunited face to face. Everyone who attended the visit wore masks as an added precaution, and the team ensured everyone adhered to social distancing and safety measures. One Resident’s Daughter said: “Just to say that we must have been one of the first visitors and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone for making this happen. It made our day.” Another Resident’s Daughter added: “Oh WOW. I can’t tell you how utterly fab it was to see Pa today in the Gazebo. I love how you’ve set it up and a huge thank you to the dream trio team for facilitating the process so warmly and elegantly. It was fab to see them too.” Violet, Resident at Sunrise of Winchester said: “I enjoyed very much being with my daughter and her husband, it was such a nice surprise, thank you.” Antoinette Roberts, General Manager at Sunrise of Winchester said: “We closed our doors to visitors on the 19th of March, our residents and families have been very patient, and we thank them for their support throughout this period. Visit slots are being snapped up quickly. “It was so wonderful to see residents unite with their families; we know it meant so much to all involved. We can’t wait until the day residents are able to hug their families again, but for now this is such a fantastic solution.”
Miele supports high quality UK care home in growth plans through on-premise laundry planning
The Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), one of the UK’s largest independent care providers, has confirmed the continuation of its relationship with commercial laundry provider Miele Professional, through its approved partner, JTM Service Ltd, to design on-premise laundry planning facilities for its new care homes. Recognising the rise in demand for care facilities, which is set to soar by more than three quarters by 2035, the organisation will continue its growth journey by continuing to acquire existing homes and build new ones. MMCG has 85 homes across the country, housing nearly 4,000 residents and employing over 5,000 staff. MMCG has invested in Miele equipment across its homes to ensure high quality care is consistently being delivered. With residents at the heart of everything they do, the care provider turned to their long-term, trusted service provider and Miele approved partner, JTM Service, to collaborate on laundry planning. Working together with MMCG on each new care home, JTM Service and Miele Professional offer a range of services including site visits, liaising with care managers and providing a bespoke layout design to comply with guidelines set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The equipment is installed by JTM Service, and staff training is provided. The Miele equipment is also compliant with Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS) category five, to prevent the backflow of contaminated water and curb the spread of infectious diseases. To ensure ease of installation and efficient laundry flow, JTM Service has worked closely with MMCG to meet objectives and address challenges. Paul Wood, Managing Director of JTM Service said “MMCG are passionate about providing care and as experts in commercial laundry in the care sector we are delighted to be able to continue to support them in providing that care in both their existing and their new homes, with the design and installation of the laundry facilities and Miele equipment and the ongoing maintenance provision to ensure minimal downtime in the laundry.” Gemma Christie, business account manager at the professional division of Miele said “We are delighted that our equipment can help Maria Mallaband achieve its growth goals while still providing excellent care for its residents. “The importance of having a facility designed around laundry processes is crucial for both hygiene and efficiency. Considerations include space and location; process and usage; and, choice of equipment. For example, having a clear ‘dirty to clean’ flow will ensure items aren’t contaminated and that there is enough room to manage all the laundry required.” James Burgan, commercial director of MMCG said: “We’ve been working with JTM Service and have used Miele equipment for several years now, and the relationship continues to flourish. We have been impressed with JTM Service’s understanding of the care sector as well as the extensive technical knowledge and responsiveness of the engineers. Their support throughout the installation process has been invaluable, when designing our laundry facilities”.
From Charity Walks to VE Day Celebrations: Lockdown Highlights at Sunrise of Esher
The team at Sunrise of Esher have tried to ensure residents are entertained, happy and positive throughout the UK lockdown, especially as they are unable to host many of their regular events and activities. Residents at the care home share their lockdown highlights. They have been playing socially distanced active games, including giant charades and badminton. They have also enjoyed seed sewing, watching their tomatoes, sunflowers, and sweet peas grow. The team have ensured residents can stay in contact with the outside world. They have received lovely letters from staff and pupils from Reed’s School and postcards through Age UK’s ‘Postcards for Kindness’ Initiative. The care home has also utilised technology, teaching residents how to stay in contact with their loved ones virtually via video call and email. Sunrise of Esher residents looked forward to the popular Thursday evening drinks at the care home. Weather permitting, this was usually held outside with a singalong followed by a clap for key workers at 8pm. The Sunrise of Esher Rainbow Walk competition was originally started to encourage residents to go outside and enjoy walking laps of the garden while soaking up the lovely weather. This initiative proved so popular the team started a fundraising page to raise money for the Sunrise Good Samaritan Fund. The Sunrise Good Samaritan Fund (SGF) was established in 2002 by the founders of Sunrise Senior Living. It has been created to help team members of Sunrise Senior Living and Gracewell Healthcare who are suffering severe financial hardship resulting from a catastrophic event in their lives. Sunrise of Esher have raised over £1,100 from their Rainbow Walk. Diana Stagg was the winner for the most laps walked in April, and Alma Bridge was the winner for May. The care home will continue this initiative as residents enjoy it and it raises money for such an important cause. Sunrise of Esher also celebrated Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday and VE day 75. The residents had a wonderful evening playing games, sharing stories, and singing along to the piano played by team member Michele Farrow. Diana Stagg, Resident at Sunrise of Esher said: “The team did a marvellous job. It is the best party I had ever been to!” Sophie Hagger, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator at Sunrise of Esher said: “We are delighted we have been able to keep the atmosphere at the home so positive throughout lockdown. This is thanks to the amazing residents and the team. We have ensured everyone has stayed busy and continued to do the things they enjoy. We look forward to welcoming visitors again in the future!” To donate to Sunrise of Esher’s Rainbow Walk visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sunriseofesher?utm_term=e2DdnM3bw
The UK population has immense pride in the NHS
People in the UK are incredibly proud of their NHS – particularly in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. British appreciation of their health service is the highest in Europe, with many having a far greater appreciation for the work of doctors and nurses than before the pandemic. These are among the key findings of the STADA Health Report 2020, a detailed study of attitudes to healthcare throughout the UK and Europe. 2,010 people aged between 18 and 99 in the UK were among 24,087 respondents from 12 European countries who shared their opinion on health-related topics during February and March. A further 6,269 throughout Europe, including 1,042 UK adults, were questioned about the coronavirus outbreak in late April. Market research institute Kantar Health conducted research in the UK, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain and Switzerland – on behalf of STADA Arzneimittel AG, the global healthcare leader which operates in 120 countries employing more than 10,000 people. STADA’s UK arm, alongside Britannia and Natures Aid, is Yorkshire-based Thornton & Ross, one of the largest over the counter pharmaceutical manufacturers in the UK and the firm behind big brands like Covonia®, Cetraben®, Hedrin®, Savlon® and Zoflora®. Asked to rate Britain’s health care system, three-quarters said they were very positive or positive about the care available. Just 7% expressed a negative opinion, compared with 15% before the pandemic. Our appreciation is the highest in Europe at 67%, closely followed by Spain (65%), both of which are considerably higher than the global average of 46%. Before the pandemic, the UK was ranked sixth out of 12 European countries on satisfaction. People in this country are more worried about the possibility that someone they know could die from coronavirus than catching and dying from it themselves, with over half identifying this as a major concern, compared with 39% who feared becoming infected. A third are concerned that a Covid-19 vaccine had still not been found. Attitudes towards online consultations are also changing. A quarter of UK residents are now more likely to imagine consulting a doctor online – particularly those aged over 50, who have traditionally been more resistant to digital medicine. Even before the pandemic, the number of those willing to consider digital diagnosis was increasing, with one in six using more online sources to find health advice. Around half of UK respondents (47%) said they now had much greater appreciation for the work of doctors and nurses as a result of the pandemic, with a quarter being more aware of the importance of good medicine. A fifth of younger people said in future they would keep their medical cabinet well stocked. A further 25% were now more appreciative of the role of the pharmaceutical industry. People are divided over the impact of the virus on the rest of 2020. Some feel there will be a swift return to normality (15%) and more than a quarter believe positive consequences such as looking out for one another will be a lasting legacy; however, a third fear a deep financial crisis. Men are more optimistic than their female counterparts but only 31% of those the UK are ‘relatively pessimistic’ – despite the UK having a high death rate – compared with 40% of Germans, Spaniards and Italians. Other key findings outlined in the health report include: Roger Scarlett-Smith, Executive Vice President of Thornton & Ross, said: “It comes as no huge surprise that this study shows the very deep gratitude that the people of the UK have for the NHS, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. “It is clear that the future of healthcare will be significantly impacted as a result of the outbreak, illustrated by the distinct shift in attitude towards online consultations despite reservations about data security. This step change in people’s acceptance of digital medical interactions, is very much in line with the trends we are seeing in e-commerce and in consumers taking responsibility for self-care. “The insight this report provides will play an essential role in enabling us to understand people’s concerns and wishes, ensuring we continue to be at the forefront across the healthcare spectrum, from consumer healthcare products to cancer medicine.”
