Bluebird Care Sees Increase in Demand for Live-in Care As They Launch #SafeAtHome Campaign
Home care provider, Bluebird Care, has recently launched its #SafeAtHome campaign to raise awareness of and celebrate its live-in care provision that has been a great option for so many customers and their families. Across the network of nearly 200 franchise owners, Bluebird Care’s teams offer a wide range of services to include prescription and shopping collection to ensure more vulnerable people can stay inside. In addition, they offer a full live-in care service where a suitably matched Care Assistant lives in the customer’s home. The live-in care service is completely personalised to each individual customer and the service is tailored to their needs and preferences. Families can also get to know the Care Assistant very well, and the Care Assistant becomes extremely knowledgeable in the exact needs of the customer. In recent months, Bluebird Care has seen a growth in the popularity of their live-in care services across the UK. Throughout the franchise network, Bluebird Care has seen the demand for this service increase, a 20% rise in the last 12 months, with over half of the growth occurring since the beginning of the year. Bluebird Care has seen many customers’ quality of life improve with the use of their live-in care services. Jane’s mother, Marianne, is currently supported by a live-in Care Assistant from Bluebird Care Hambleton and Richmondshire. Marianne lives with dementia but has maintained her physical well-being and overall health. Jane said that after her mother tried living at a care home, she became overwhelmed by the noise and busyness of the atmosphere there. She had been much happier in the peace and quiet of her own home. Since switching to the live-in care service, Marianne has been able to form a daily routine, which alleviates much of her confusion. The personalised care she receives from Bluebird Care has also allowed her to take her time when she is having a slower day. Jane said: “In the care home my mother was not really stimulated or active enough. She needed more personal attention which a live-in carer can give. “My mother needs 24-hour supervision as she gets anxious if she is left alone, so it was clear she needed a carer 24 hours a day. “My mother also has communication issues but responds really well to one-to-one attention. Having only one carer who is familiar with her makes communication much easier.” Since receiving live-in care, Marianne has become much calmer and happier. Prior to COVID-19, her Care Assistant was able to take her on trips to garden centres, stately homes, museums, concerts and the cinema, each tailored to her interests to make sure its enjoyable for her. Both are looking forward to being able to resume these activities when it is safe to do so. Jane said that her mother is much more physically fit now. “Her Care Assistant Anita takes her out for a walk every day and helps her do stretching exercises while also making sure she drinks plenty of water and has a healthy diet. “It is so lovely to see my mother laughing and smiling again. Dementia is a horrible disease, but I can honestly say she has an excellent quality of life at the moment and is definitely enjoying herself.” Many franchises within the Bluebird Care network have offered a live-in care service for many years. Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford are celebrating the 9th Anniversary of their live-in care provision. Ann is a Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford customer; she lives in Gravesend. With regular monitoring and help from a Bluebird Care live-in Care Assistant, Tracey Danton, Ann no longer requires live-in care. Ann’s determination to regain her independence, combined with Tracy’s support has resulted in the gradual improvement of Ann’s condition. Before, she was unable to leave her bed, she has progressed and can now use the stairs. Ann’s Care Assistant, Tracey, was awarded with Bluebird Care Gravesham and Dartford’s Live-in Care Assistant of the Year Award in March 2020. Many families also find the consistent contact with the live-in Care Assistant provides them with peace of mind. They can receive regular updates on their loved ones, and for customers with dementia, the Care Assistant can advise the family on the best time of day to visit or call in order to get the most interaction from their loved one. Hannah Banfield, Marketing and Communications Director at Bluebird Care said: “Our #SafeAtHome campaign is all about raising awareness of live-in care – an option that many families may not have considered. We have seen so many success stories across the franchises, where customers and their families have felt more safe, happy and comfortable in their own homes. “Our live-in Care Assistants provide the highest standard of personalised home care. They are specially trained to help with complex care needs, and often go above and beyond to help with other tasks such as grocery shopping. “It’s so wonderful that customers are able to be surrounded by their treasured belongings and special memories.”
Boomerang parents: Families come together to ease care cost worry
As the cost of living in retirement soars, almost a quarter (22%) of UK adults say they will go back to living under one roof with their parents – or have already done so, according to new research from wealth manager, Charles Stanley. These decisions are driven by a desire to avoid retirement/care home costs, as well as to ensure that their parents are not on their own. The options being planned include: Charles Stanley has launched a ‘Conversation Starters’ initiative to help families talk about money and start planning for the future. The cost of funding residential care in retirement is a significant worry for UK adults, and more than a fifth (21%) say that their parents either will or are already having to fund the cost of a retirement or care home later in life. Escalating retirement and care home costs could dramatically erode potential inheritances and put them at risk, but around a third (31%) admit that they’ve not considered how this is likely to impact the financial legacy left by their parents. However, findings revealed that more than two in five (42%) believe that it will eat into the amount of money they are expecting to receive from their parents, and 8% believe it is likely they’ll end up receiving nothing. Despite the possible financial implications, as well as the emotional impact of residential care later in life, 14% of UK adults have never discussed their parents’ retirement plans with them. This rises to one in five (20%) among those aged 39-53, whose parents are likely to be approaching their retirement. Three in five (60%) say they have received a financial gift from their parents to help with key life moments such as house deposits, weddings, car purchases or starting a business. Utilising the option of financial gifting early on will help reduce the amount eaten up by care/retirement home costs or eligible for inheritance tax due further down the line. Alex Price, Director of Financial Planning at Charles Stanley said: “The looming cost of care may be putting future financial legacies under threat as many people have to sell their homes or use their hard earned savings to pay for it. This is making families think smarter about their living arrangements, as older members get to the point of needing an extra helping hand and are moving back in with their children – the Boomerang parents. “Whichever route families decide to go down, the key starting point is talking about the options available and planning early. But one in seven UK adults admit that they have never discussed their parents’ retirement plans with them, potentially building up trouble for the future. “Just thinking about having conversations about money can feel uncomfortable, and often, people don’t know how to start having them. But they are essential to make sure you can take advantage of all the available options and can achieve your longer-term goals, which will provide real comfort and peace of mind.” To access the ‘Conversation Starters’ hub, visit https://www.charles-stanley.co.uk/conversations
Ensuring washrooms are fully inclusive for World Continence Week
This week marks World Continence Week – an annual campaign aiming to raise awareness for continence related issues. Continence issues are a significant health problem in the UK and is more common than people might think. In fact, adult incontinence products are the fastest-growing retail disposable hygiene category. A lack of awareness, particularly amongst men, is creating challenges for sufferers and preventing them from having a normal lifestyle. One in four British males over 40 is likely to experience some form of incontinence in their lifetime, but few are willing to talk about it. Continence problems can affect both genders and is caused by range from health conditions such as increased pressure on the bladder from pregnancy or obesity, neurological conditions and connective tissue disorders, to environmental factors such as inaccessible or unsafe toilet facilities. People with continence problems need access to disposal units, but washrooms, especially male ones, often aren’t equipped with the facilities continence sufferers require. The lack of waste disposal facilities in public toilets across the UK not only poses a hygiene risk, it perpetuates the taboo around incontinence, forcing many to suffer in silence. Following the Coronavirus pandemic consumer expectations around hygiene are likely to be much higher. This represents an ideal opportunity to upgrade washroom facilities to deliver the highest level of hygiene, and in the process ensure that the needs of continence suffers are met. Best practice is to provide specific waste bins within every washroom cubicle whether they are male, female or gender neutral. Failure to provide sufficient facilities means continence sufferers may feel they have no choice but to flush their product, or take their waste home – a degrading experience that no one should be subject to. Although there is currently no legal requirement to support incontinence in public washrooms in the UK, increasing global awareness of the issue is putting pressure on legislators to recognise the needs of this typically ‘invisible disability’. Germany, for example, has put regulations in place to ensure that at least one hygiene bin is available per male washroom – a requirement more nations should consider. Hygiene facilities have often been neglected in washrooms, especially when it comes to the needs of incontinence sufferers. This World Continence Week, everyone should think about how small considerations could have a big impact to help ensure that no one suffers in silence. Jamie Woodhall, Technical & Innovation Manager, Initial Washroom Hygiene
Brunelcare support Loneliness Awareness Week
Loneliness Awareness week, taking place this week (W/C 15th June) is an annual awareness week that exists to acknowledge loneliness, encouraging people to talk about it openly. At Brunelcare, we have launched several schemes that allow the people in our care to combat loneliness. Brunelcare has launched its Friends on the Phone initiative, allowing people in the charity’s care to partner up with a trusted, friendly volunteer for a weekly phone call, helping combat loneliness and form new relationships. The charity has seen 35 successful matches and counting. Brunelcare has also piloted a Pen Pal Scheme, whereby people in the organisation’s care receive and send letters from people from the local community. So far, we have had over 350 letters exchanged between Brunelcare sites and the community, with some very special relationships being formed. To combat loneliness, especially during this very difficult time, Brunelcare has been lucky enough to have not one, but two Android tablet devices gifted to Waverley Gardens, an Extra Care Housing (ECH) site in Bristol. 11-year-old Ava Reynolds has managed to raise £200 for the centre in order to keep the tenants, friends and family connected with the technology during Loneliness Awareness Week and throughout the pandemic; until they can once again see their friends and family face to face at the centre. Laura Oliver, Centre Manager at Brunelcare’s Waverley Gardens Said:“It’s so lovely of Ava to raise enough money to purchase not one, but two devices for us to use at Waverley Gardens. Her donation will definitely help us combat loneliness this Loneliness Awareness Week. Our tenants can now see and hear their loved ones more clearly than they could on a mobile device. It’s brought such joy, and we have video calls scheduled in all day every day!” Brunelcare will be celebrating the week by posting messages of thanks across its social media channels from its residents and tenants about how they’ve managed to combat loneliness. We’ll also be hearing from some of our friendly volunteers about how it feels to help during the pandemic and throughout Loneliness Awareness Week. To join the conversation around Loneliness Awareness Week visit our social media channels that can be accessed via our website: www.brunelcare.org.uk.
How Communities Came Together for the Elderly During Covid-19
With the first UK case of Coronavirus in January now a distant memory, the country is slowly adapting to the lockdown and tentatively looking ahead to a post-Covid future. The UK government made available almost £3 billion to fund the care and protection of its most vulnerable citizens – but it didn’t stop there. Businesses big and small also stepped up to the challenge and, most inspiringly, communities of all kinds rallied together to support those most vulnerable to the virus: the elderly. Here’s a look at some of the heartwarming ways that communities came together by giving a helping hand where it really mattered. Information and support online According to one of the UK’s top providers of elder care at home, Helping Hands, “The coronavirus pandemic has made life feel very unsettled and frightening over the last few weeks,” especially for those with chronic illness or degenerative conditions like dementia. While official bodies have been working hard to protect elderly people’s health, many communities have stepped in to provide emotional and social support, quality advice and helpful information during this difficult time. Online support guides, information sheets and contact details for medical help quickly sprang up to help individuals support the elderly around them. Several charities have also started to help elderly folks get online and stay connected with loved ones via video chat. Volunteers at abilitynet have been offering free advice to help elders install software, use chat platforms to talk to loved ones, do online banking or filling prescriptions, or simply use social media. As people have fun with Zoom quiz nights, online movie and book meetups, or simply impromptu group chats, elderly friends and family have been encouraged to join in. Care packages for the elderly While sparing a thought for their own elderly family members, many of us couldn’t help but be concerned for other older neighbours in our communities. Not only have many people decided to personally put together care packages of groceries, household goods and care items to help during isolation, but some have even started petitions to get this done on a larger scale. Several websites have now published advice and inspiration on what to include in such packages, to help people support their loved ones, those in local care homes or simply the retired couple down the street. Shopping and errands Currently, supermarkets all over the country have committed to flagging and prioritising home deliveries for those over 70 or those with a pre-existing condition that are still shielding at home. But long before that, local communities, councils and parishes were sending volunteers to buy and deliver groceries, medicine and supplies for those who could not leave their homes. Small and medium local businesses (and even some farms in more rural areas) have really risen to the occasion by electing to deliver fresh food and essentials directly to people’s doors. Although these heroes have not received enormous press coverage, they have nevertheless made elderly people’s lives far more comfortable by offering emergency deliveries of fresh bread and milk, produce and even little luxuries when supermarket deliveries were unreliable. Emotional support Tireless volunteers at the Samaritans and Silverline have made special consideration for the fact that many callers will be older people concerned and stressed about the virus and its impact on their lives. Countless ordinary people have taken time out of their days to listen, offer emotional support or simply a compassionate presence on the other end of the line. For those isolating at home, staying connected can make all the difference to both physical and mental help. Churches and religious groups have also made concessions and found clever ways to offer spiritual guidance remotely. Older people who derive fulfilment and purpose from their weekly church service can now phone in or attend and online session without risking their health. The Church of England is even offering a 24 hour “telephone church service” at 0800 804 8044. Though immensely difficult, the coronavirus pandemic has a silver lining, in that it has proven how much can be done when ordinary people work together to help others in their communities. Though unprecedented and unexpected, the challenges of the last few months have had an encouraging side effect, which is to remind people of what we’re capable of when we pull together and act with compassion. Elderly people, bearing the highest risk from the virus, have needed our support and care now more than ever – and many of us can confidently say that we have risen to the challenge.
Making Caring Visible
There are over 6.5 million carers in the UK, but due to the coronavirus outbreak more people than ever are taking on caring responsibilities for vulnerable people living with a disability, and mental or physical illness. Caring impacts every aspect of daily life from relationships and health, to finances and work, and many carers report feelings of isolation and that their role is hidden or isn’t appreciated by society. This is exacerbated further by crises such as COVID-19 where the loss of funding for charities has led to a decrease in support, and there is the increased worry of protecting the vulnerable people they care for from infection and hospitalisation. Caring without the right information and support can be challenging, therefore carers must have constant access to the information, guidance and the support they need to continue caring successfully, whilst also maintaining their own health and wellbeing. Gavin Bashar, UK Managing Director of market-leading provider of Connected Care and Health Solutions Tunstall Healthcare, discusses the role of assistive technology in supporting carers, and how we can keep them visible through offering support and resources. The role of technology Technology can greatly support carers and help relieve the pressures they experience. It also enables them to care for someone for longer at home, so that they can stay in familiar surroundings for as long as possible, helping them to enjoy a better quality of life. Technology such as community alarm systems, also known as telecare or assistive technology, helps to manage common risks such as fires or falls, giving reassurance to carers that they will be alerted if an event occurs. Appropriate, unobtrusive sensors can be placed around the home, which, if triggered, send an alert via a central home unit to a specialist monitoring centre, where trained operators can alert a carer, keyholder or the emergency services. Telecare can also be used to alert a carer in the home directly via a pager, or during the night by a vibrating pad under the pillow. Systems are tailored to individual circumstances. For example, a sensor placed under the seat pad of a chair can alert a carer if their loved one leaves their seat. This means the carer can carry on with daily life, such as making dinner or putting the washing out, knowing they will be notified if the person they care for may be at risk. Making caring visible There are many stakeholders who are integral in ensuring that carers are visible, and enabling them to receive the support they need to fulfil their role successfully. Many carers don’t know who to contact, or how to secure the advice they need and during lockdown and social distancing, this can become a significant worry. GPs, employers and local governments are all crucial in ensuring carers are healthy and happy by offering much needed support and raising awareness of their important role. Applying for a carer’s assessment, taking a break from caring or securing the right equipment to care safely can all provide benefits and connect carers to a range of support which provides up-to-date information and advice. Caring can also lead to loneliness and feeling disconnected from friends and family. Loved ones should regularly keep in touch, both in person or over video calls and the phone. This will support carers in feeling socially and emotionally connected and ensure they are visible with friends and family. The more visible carers are to loved ones, our health and social services, and the public, the more their needs will be recognised and they’ll be able to successfully carry out their caring responsibilities without negatively impacting their emotional and physical wellbeing. Resources available Caring can present many different issues which carers can struggle with. However, available resources offer support in meeting these challenges. Whether carers are unaware of the resources available, or are struggling to navigate services, it’s important that the right information and resources are deployed in each individual situation. Carers’ Assessments are available for unpaid carers by local authorities to understand whether individuals are eligible for support services or financial help such as Carers’ Allowance. Respite care can also be a great option for people who simply need a break from their caring responsibilities. Local authorities will provide a personal budget for anyone eligible for respite care, whether this is for a few hours during the day, or a short time in residential care. Most local authorities also offer some form of community alarm or telecare service; a quick search on the relevant authority’s website or a call to its social services department will give more information on what is available in different areas, and any associated costs. Some services are free to those who qualify, some are subsidised and costs start from £3-£5 per week. Some services may cost more depending on the required equipment. It’s crucial that technology and other services are readily available and constantly accessible so that carers feel safe and supported. Stakeholders should also make sure to keep in regular contact so that they remain visible and can easily access help if needed. For more information on how assistive technology can benefit carers and the resources available, please visit www.tunstall.co.uk.
The Volunteers at Gracewell of Woking
The volunteers mentioned below are regular volunteers. They have not been visiting lately due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The team look forward to welcoming them back soon. Anyone can volunteer at Gracewell of Woking. The youngest volunteer Lily Gray is only 15 years old. Below are some of the stories from the home’s volunteers: Diane Appleyard decided to become a volunteer at Gracewell of Woking after visiting her son-in-law’s mother who is a resident at the care home. Diane likes to spend time with residents and loves talking to all of them. She has built up strong relationships and the residents always look forward to her visits. Diane helps out at special events and is always on hand when the Activities team ask her to help out. She is always bringing treats into the home for everyone to share, especially big tins of chocolate at Christmas. Diane said: “I find the atmosphere at Gracewell of Woking most welcoming. The staff are friendly and the other residents really lovely. “It is a pleasure to help there and I look forward to each visit. Whenever I leave the building, I am always happy and have a feeling of wellbeing. “I enjoy my time at Gracewell and would thoroughly recommend volunteering to other people.” Kevin Cox has always enjoyed visiting the home as his mother is a resident. His wife, Jane Cox, is the Activities Coordinator at Gracewell of Woking. When Jane started working at the home, Kevin decided to become a volunteer. He has enjoyed gardening with residents, making up planters and getting to know the residents over coffee and cake. Kevin said: “I really enjoy my time spent at Gracewell of Woking. The staff are so great, and we all have lots of fun “I have also been involved with the Gentleman’s Club, we have had lovely afternoons horse racing and having a beer.” Sandra England has been a volunteer at Gracewell of Woking since they first opened. Sandra is a fantastic knitter, and she runs the “Nit and Natter” group on a Saturday morning. The residents love these sessions and are always working on projects for the class. Sandra spends a lot of time in individual rooms chatting to the residents individually. She also helps out with many of the special events organised at Gracewell of Woking. The residents really look forward to Sandra’s visits. Debbie Skelton joined as a volunteer to help with the Activities at Gracewell of Woking. Activities Coordinator Jane Cox worked alongside Debbie to help start up a playgroup in the care home. This was an intergenerational activity and it proved very popular with residents who loved the interaction with children. Debbie said: “After retiring, I decided I still wanted to be active. Volunteering seemed a perfect choice. My friend Jane suggested I come and help set up an intergenerational playgroup at Gracewell and help her with the cognitive sessions she was running. Both have given me a sense of purpose, mental stimulation, and much laughter. It also has connected me to a community which I didn’t have when I was working out of the area I live in.” Lily Gray is the youngest of the volunteers, at only 15 years old. She started out as a volunteer after asking to visit her auntie’s father who is a resident at the care home. Lily initially began by making drinks for residents and handing out delicious cakes when she would visit. She also enjoyed talking to residents about their favourite memories, and they loved asking Lily about school and her hobbies. Lily has become close friends with many of the residents, and she hopes to make a real difference when she goes to visit them. Lily intends to work within the health care sector when she leaves school, and she knows her experience at Gracewell of Woking will help her achieve this dream. Speaking of her time volunteering at Gracewell of Woking, Lily said: “Volunteering has made such a big difference to my life. I’ve been told by a lot of people how my confidence has grown over the last few months and I’m now doing a lot of things I’d never have dreamed of last year.” “This includes, getting in a lift on my own, walking to the care home after school on my own (I have cerebral palsy so my balance is a little unsteady!), and talking to people who normally I wouldn’t have come into contact with. “I love it and would recommend it to anyone!” For more information about Gracewell of Woking, please visit: http://www.gracewellwoking.co.uk/.
Community carers set to benefit from free PPE as Kit4Carers partners with CareTech Foundation
This National Carers Week, an important new charitable initiative has been launched today to ensure that carers in the UK and overseas have access to essential PPE to protect them and those for whom they care from COVID19. Kit4Carers and charity, CareTech Foundation, have formed a significant partnership in a move that will turbo-charge K4C’s ambition to raise £1million to source and distribute free personal protective equipment (PPE) to community carers who are risking their lives during Covid-19. The agreement means that Kit4Carers will be hosted by the CareTech Foundation, adding strength and credibility to their fundraising efforts. The timing is significant as Kit4Carers’ first consignment of gloves, gowns and masks arrives in the UK within the next few days. This is the first batch of several orders already placed and will be distributed to carers in the South West from our Berkshire warehouse in early June. Kit4Carers is a unique group of clinicians, NHS staff, healthcare professionals, nurses, logistics and procurement experts, MedTech specialists, digital solutions providers, healthcare PR and advisory professionals. Through its established global supply chain, Kit4Carers has sourced and shipped responsibly-manufactured PPE, made to exacting UK and European standards. Kit4Carers has also sourced a number of accessible technologies and devices designed to improve the way care is both delivered and received. As more funds are raised, Kit4Carers will procure and ship the best value PPE and medical devices to the UK and then to less developed countries with a need. Kit4Carers is working with community-based care organisations in the UK and overseas to distribute PPE items they require free of charge. Kit4Carers’ founding partner, Dr Pramod Prabhakaran said, “We have access to PPE and medical technologies that will help community carers detect, protect and perfect. Our partnership with a charity of CareTech Foundation’s reputation will give donors the confidence to support our mission to provide high quality PPE to the carers who desperately need it. Carers should not have to risk their lives, and those of the people they care for, for lack of adequate protective equipment – or any of the readily available technology that would significantly improve their lives – and those of their patients.” Jonathan Freeman, CareTech Foundation’s CEO added, “The Foundation is delighted to be supporting this important new initiative, adding a further boost to the support we have provided to help the social care sector to respond to the massive challenges of the COVID19 pandemic.”
Coconut Team ‘HAIR’ They Come! Care Home Staff fundraiser
Care Home staff in Mawdesley, Lancashire have been very brave recently. Many entering into the challenge of a new shaven hair style, and lots of kind, monetary donations given as a result. Manager of Stocks Hall Mawdesley Care Home, Kristy Lunt, plus Nurses, Carers, Wish Activities Team, Kitchen staff, Laundry & Domestic staff, supported each other as their hair fell to the ground at the hair dressing salon within the Home. From 2cms, to over 30.48cms, their heads got lighter as each locket of their hair fell to the ground – cut by the staff members themselves. Watch the video and see the results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvC4jX6wIKI The superb team raised £800 to date, for Stocks Hall Mawdesley’s Home, Residents Fund. Kristy sums up the challenge “I am so proud of the Team. To agree to have your hair shaven is a brave act. It was a shared experience, which gave lots of unity, and has made the team even stronger. Well done to everybody. Thank you also to all who have so very generously donated and supported in any other ways. Thanks also to the people who ‘braved the shave’ with long hair and donated it to The Little Princess Trust.” We congratulate Stocks Hall Mawdesley Team, for raising so much money for this challenge, and we are delighted people living at the Home will benefit from all money raised.
