Yorkshire mattress manufacturer works round-the-clock to supply NHS
A Wakefield company which designs and manufactures foam mattresses is helping the NHS meet the urgent need for thousands of extra beds by dedicating all production to its healthcare division and mobilising its entire workforce which is working 24 hours a day to meet demand. GNG Group, a specialist foam manufacturer of sports, healthcare, safety and mattress products, has paused production in all other divisions in order to enable a 90-strong team to focus on production of healthcare mattresses destined for the NHS Nightingale project and several key NHS suppliers manufacturing hospital beds. Having recently been awarded ‘key supplier’ status by the NHS, GNG’s 40,000sq ft production facility is now operating three shifts 24/7; and has increased the capacity of its healthcare division tenfold. “Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a rapid increase in orders to help meet the critical care needs of the NHS in the fight against COVID-19 and, like hundreds of companies throughout the UK, we are committed to doing everything we can to help,” explains Phil Whittell, managing director of GNG Group. “We have a skilled and committed team here who have risen to the challenge, enabling us to supply thousands of healthcare mattresses in the last month alone. Incredibly, we’ve received the equivalent of six months of orders in the last five days and we currently have 16,000 medical mattresses shipped or on order since the crisis started. The entire team, from administration staff through to production, are working flat out to meet this demand for critical products – they’ve even volunteered to work over the Easter bank holidays to keep production running. This is the biggest challenge the company has faced in its 45-year history and I am extremely proud of the part our staff are playing in helping the NHS during this healthcare crisis.” As well as having thousands of healthcare mattresses on order for the UK, GNG is also receiving enquiries from Europe and the US. Phil continues: “It’s fantastic to see companies throughout the NHS supply chain pulling together to increase production of vital equipment and I think the staff in these businesses, who are sometimes overlooked, deserve a huge thank you for their heroic efforts.” GNG Group is also supporting Food 4 Heroes by donating funds to the initiative which provides free meals to NHS staff at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and is planned to be rolled out to other hospitals. For more articles please visit our features section
Reckless care home bosses disqualified
Reckless bosses of two care homes in the Midlands have been disqualified after they diverted council funds before abandoning elderly residents and staff. Husband and wife, Darren William Lloyd (53) and Emma Lloyd (49), have been banned for a total of 8-and-a-half years, while Darren’s brother, Adrian Jeffrey Lloyd (50), has been disqualified for 5 years. All three directors are from Wolverhampton and after signing disqualification undertakings, the trio are banned from directly or indirectly becoming involved, without the permission of the court, in the promotion, formation or management of a company. Elysian Care Limited was incorporated in January 1997 to purchase and operate a residential care home called Knoll House in Penn, Wolverhampton. The company acquired two further care homes but sold one of them in 2011, leaving Knoll House and The Homestead, based in Stourbridge, in Elysian Care’s portfolio. Elysian Care, however, began to struggle financially and in addition to not providing adequate services to the residents, the company failed to pay key suppliers and staff. By September 2014, Darren, Adrian, Emma Lloyd abandoned the two care homes, which led to the local authorities having to step in and make emergency payments to ensure the residents were cared for. As part of their efforts to rescue Elysian Care, the company’s bankers’ appointed administrators, who went onto to report to the Insolvency Service that Darren, Adrian and Emma were responsible for several instances of misconduct. Darren Lloyd instructed a member of staff to provide new bank details to the local authority responsible for paying the fees of some of the residents of Knoll House. The local authority, however, was not informed that the bank account they were paying into was in the name of Darren Lloyd. In total, more than £500,000 of resident’s fees provided by the local authority between September 2012 and October 2014 was paid into Darren Lloyd’s personal bank account. More than £290,000 of that amount has not been accounted for nor has it been explained whether it was spent on the running of Elysian Care or the care homes’ elderly residents. Further enquiries confirmed that the trio abandoned the two care homes and left no funds to provide services for at least 30 residents. This meant staff had to buy essential supplies out of their own pockets, while the two local authorities had to make emergency payments to support the residents. One local authority had to step in to reimburse staff’s wages, as well as pay for food and hygiene provisions, while the second council was forced to relocate the residents. And all three directors were remis in maintaining sufficient books and records, while also failing to supply a statement of affairs to the Administrator. The trio contested the proceedings for over three years but elected to accept disqualification undertakings before their trial was due. Emma Lloyd was the first to have their ban come into effect on 14 February and her disqualification lasts for 3-and-a-half years. Darren Lloyd’s 5-year ban came into effect on 19 February 2020, while his brother’s ban was effective a day later. David Brooks, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Darren, Adrian and Emma Lloyd were unscrupulous care home bosses. Not only were they culpable for diverting more than £500,000 of funds intended for the care of their residents but they abandoned the people they were responsible for and left staff and local authorities to step in and pick up the pieces. Directors are expected to operate in the best interest of the company and by removing Darren, Adrian and Emma from the corporate arena will ensure their victims will be protected from further harm.” For similar articles please visit our features section.
Heart-warming video as school pupil plays veteran’s favourite song
This week marks the first National Intergenerational Week, running from 23 March to 29 March. To celebrate the week, Royal Star & Garter, which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, had planned to hold a number of activities in its Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. However, the Coronavirus outbreak has meant these plans have been paused. But that did not stop one school pupil from bringing joy to residents in Surbiton. Jemima has been coming into the Home every Friday to play the piano for residents as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. She also takes requests from residents, often learning the songs ahead of her next visit. However, she has not been able to come into the Home following the charity’s decision to limit visitors. Undeterred, Jemima decided to record a video of a resident’s favourite song to put a smile on his face. She played Ken Dodd’s Happiness for RAF veteran Bernard, and sent the video to the Home’s Activities Manager Raquel Pena Aristizabal. Raquel then captured the 91-year-old’s delighted expression, as he thanked Jemima and sang along. Raquel said: “It was a joy seeing the video, and Bernard’s reaction was so moving. Our residents cherish their visits from the younger generation. Jemima plays so beautifully and you can see how much it means to her when she sees residents enjoying her music. Visits like these mean the world to our veterans, and we will be using technology to continue these interactions at this difficult time. My thanks go to Dawn, our Activities Coordinator, who has facilitated Jemima’s visits.” Royal Star & Garter welcomes children from as young as a few months up to secondary age to come into its Homes and meet residents. St Matthew’s CoE Primary School in Surbiton pay weekly visits to Royal Star & Garter. Key Stage 1 Leader Liz Lowe said: “The children have been fascinated to find out about the lives of some of the residents and have developed a lovely sense of what it means to belong to a wider part of the community. Some of the children discuss their visits to the Surbiton Home in great detail to their friends when they get back to class, with one little girl saying that it was her ‘best day ever!’” Toad Hall Nursery in Chessington were regularly visitors to the Surbiton Home in 2019. Nursery Manager Emma Ockenden said: “As a nursery we are looking after the younger generation and it’s lovely to see how to look after the older generation. It’s a really lovely experience for them.” Army veteran Alec agreed. The Surbiton resident looks forward to the visits of nursery children, saying: “They change your outlook on life. If you don’t associate with them, you don’t know what life is.” Watch the video here!
Protecting elderly and offering relief for stretched health and social care sector
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Paula Beaney, Quality Assurance Director at live-in care provider, Promedica24, has issued the following statement: Over-70s constitute more than 30% of the whole UK population. As people get older, they are at increased risk of underlying medical conditions which weaken the immune system, making older people a primary risk group for viral infections spread during social interaction. Those that require around the clock assistance, for instance, due to mobility issues or dementia, will find themselves and their family members in particularly vulnerable circumstances trying to secure their care needs and limit exposure to others at the same time. The recent analysis published by Age UK show that there are around 1.2 million people aged 65+ that don’t receive the help they need with essential daily living activities. This is backed up by Live-in Care Hub’s ‘Better at Home 2017’ report stating that 97% of people don’t want to go into a residential care home but often they are not aware of any alternative options. With the first positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in care homes in the UK, residential settings across the UK are now looking to close their doors to guests and visitors to keep protecting elderly residents. The residential care system is at breaking point, and professionals and families are struggling to secure hourly home care, with a knock-on effect of falls, extended hospital stays and ambulance call outs putting additional pressure on the health system. With an already stretched NHS, the coronavirus outbreak will see hospitals struggling alongside normal winter pressures. Delayed transfer of care is at its highest since 2017 with older patients ‘bed blocking’ due to an unmet community care need. Residential care is not, and should not, be the default care choice. A live-in care service provides a care worker to live with individuals in their own homes, assisting with everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning, as well as providing personal care and support. It enables those who have support needs to remain in their own home whilst receiving quality around the clock care. Live-in care needs to be seen as a genuine and affordable option for families seeking support and there are benefits for both the people and the system. When the perception of ageing is shifted to ‘ageing well’, the system is giving people power, choice and control, fundamentally transforming lives. As with all health and social care providers, we are taking extreme measures to work alongside the Government and mitigate the risk to our clients, staff and the community. Although the pandemic itself could be upsetting for people who are vulnerable, and those who enjoy regular outings into the community may have to limit these, care workers and clients share positive relationships which will ultimately reduce distress and depression. Age UK estimate around two million people aged over 75 live alone and around one million of these individuals go for one month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or relative. With the recent recommendations from the Government suggesting that those aged over 70 will be advised to self-isolate for extended period of time, there is a definite risk that even more vulnerable people will experience loneliness. Sadly, research has linked social isolation with many health risks including depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and obesity. Statistics suggest that live-in care can help to relieve pressures on the NHS and for adult social care by providing safe and supportive home care environments for the elderly, reducing the need for prolonged hospitals stays or admittance. It’s at times like these, that health concerns are escalated, and people seek options to protect their family members. Live-in care is a good solution and helps to alleviate the stress on an already overstretched and under resourced health and social care system. The best thing though is that people can stay at home, be well cared for and feel safe, which is ultimately what we would all want. Promedica24’s live in care service aims to provide quality care in people’s own homes, enabling them to live as independently as possible, while regaining choice and control of how they spend their daily life. For more information about live-in care services, contact 0800 086 8686 or visit https://www.promedica24.co.uk/
Solihull care home excited to begin new pen pal initiative
Claridge Place, a care home in Warwick Road, Solihull, are keeping residents busy during the Coronavirus lock down, with one particular initiative that hopes to bring new, intergenerational community connections. Due to Coronavirus infection prevention measures, visits to Claridge Place, operated by Sanders Senior Living, are currently postponed, but the professional care and wellbeing team have constructed an exciting plan, supported by Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, with great anticipation felt by residents. Claridge Place Director, Peta Mandleberg, thought it’d be great to approach a school to connect with to help reduce loneliness and isolation at this time. Peta approached Tudor Grange Academy Solihull (where her step daughter happens to work) with the idea and they confirmed immediately that they were keen to support a pen pal initiative as it links directly to the Academy’s values, which include Kindness and Empathy. A small group of students enthusiastically agreed to write letters to the elderly residents of the home. Being accustomed to receiving letters when living in their own properties, paper communication is a familiar form that they no longer really have dealings with, but the potential pen pal scheme will reignite that and will be a great means to make new friends and it will help in efforts to bridge the generation gap. When the Coronavirus threat has passed, we are hopeful that the students will be able to meet the residents and continue their new found friendships in person, getting to know one another, with communication then continuing on paper and in person on a regular basis. Claridge Place opened in late 2019 and offers 24 hour care for older people, including those living with dementia, in a luxury setting. For any enquiries, please call 0121 271 0270, email info@sandersseniorliving.co.uk or visit www.sandersseniorliving.co.uk
Nutrition strategies for patients with sarcopenia
Author: Harriet Smith, Registered Dietitian Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder, characterised by low muscle strength, low muscle quality or quantity, and low physical performance. Common signs and symptoms of sarcopenia include (1): ● Falls and fractures● Slow walking speed● Generalised weakness● Fatigue● Weight loss/muscle wasting● Functional decline● Cognitive impairment Sarcopenia which is largely attributable to ageing is known as primary sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is considered ‘secondary’ when other causes (e.g. malignancy or malnutrition) are implicated. By 60-70 years of age, 5-13% of people have sarcopenia; this rises to 11-50% in people older than 80 years of age (2). The prevalence of sarcopenia is up to 33% in community populations and 10% in acute hospital populations (3). When treating or preventing sarcopenia, the aim is to minimise skeletal muscle loss and preserve muscle function through a combination of physical activity (which includes resistance exercise) and good nutrition. Eating enough energy (calories) to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) is important for the prevention of malnutrition; a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia (1). Similarly, ensuring an adequate intake of protein is important for preventing and treating sarcopenia and frailty (3). Below is a list of energy and protein-dense foods which could be included in an older person’s diet to increase calories and protein: ● Oily fish (i.e. salmon or mackerel) ● Lean meat and poultry● Eggs● Nuts and seeds● Full fat dairy products (i.e. cheese, milk, yoghurt, custard)● Dried skimmed milk powder● Soups fortified with milk powder or milk● Smoothies made with milk or yoghurt● Cakes and bars Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and muscle strength and it may also have a protective role in reducing muscle loss (1). All UK adults, including those at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, should consume a 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement daily from October to March. People with very little or no sunlight exposure should consume 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily throughout the year (4). If a deficiency is detected, higher dosage supplementation may be necessary. In older adults who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through an oral diet alone, high-energy, high-protein oral nutrition supplements may be useful. Increasing protein intake by 30g per day has been shown to improve physical performance in frail, community-dwelling older adults (5). ActaGain 2.4 Complete Maxi is an innovative one-a-day ONS that allows for flexible serving options, especially for patients who struggle with volume or compliance due to reduced appetite.With 480kcal and 19.2g of protein per 200 ml serving, ActaGain 2.4 Complete Maxi is ideal for many different types of patients who have increased protein and energy needs, such as those with sarcopenia.
New resource to promote strength and balance created by Paths for All
A new set of strength and balance graphics that can be used in any health and social care setting has been created by national walking charity Paths for All. The simple illustrations, which can be used as indoor wall stickers or outdoors as display panels, show how to perform eight gentle exercises that can improve muscle strength, balance and coordination. The dementia-friendly design means the graphics can be used by health and social care staff to promote supported and self-led strength and balance activity in a range of settings such as care homes, hospital wards, day centres or communal areas. The graphics are already on display in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) post-surgery ward. Paths for All have developed the new resource in response to the new prominent position strength and balance has within physical activity guidelines. Professor Nanette Mutrie, Director of Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh said: “Around the world, the guidelines about how to build strength or maintain balance have been forgotten while there has been an emphasis instead on gaining at least 150 minutes each week of moderately intense activity, such as walking. The most recent physical activity guidance from the UK’s Chief Medical Officers has brought strength and balance to an equal level of importance to the 150-minute message for health. This is particularly important from middle age onwards because we lose strength as muscles age. To counteract this ageing process and to help maintain everyday function, such as being able to stand up from a chair without using arms to push or lifting bags from the floor to the counter, we need to build strength in the major muscle groups of the body – the legs, the arms and the torso. We also need to practice our balance such as standing on one leg for 30 seconds as the kettle boils. Paths for All are leading the way in adding strength and balance exercises to their well-established Health Walks so that both the 150 minutes per week advice and the twice-weekly strength and balance advice can both be done. They also have excellent resources that can be used to raise awareness to the way to do strength and balance exercise. Strength becomes even more important to gain after we have been ill or in hospital because bed rest – with no major muscles being used – means that strength can be lost quickly.” The graphics set has been used for the first time as part of what has been dubbed Exercise Alley in the RAH in Paisley. Stimulating wall stickers add to a 60m signposted walking circuit already on the ward and are helping patients get on the move. The focus on physical activity is to help patients recover faster, return home sooner and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits of being active in their community. Professor Susan Moug, consultant surgeon at the RAH said: “Patients and hospital professionals are now seeing physical activity as an essential part of the surgical pathway. We engage early with our patients at diagnosis, through treatment and into the community, to support them to get more active. “We continue to work together to ensure what may be a daunting experience is seamless for the patients. In addition to empowering patients to guide their own care – which they like – we believe that increasing activity levels is essential to improve pre-operative, post-operative and long-term outcomes.” Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Doing strength and balance exercises, alongside regular walking, can help you to meet the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines. “Awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity is increasing, however there is less knowledge and understanding about the importance of activities that improve muscle strength and balance throughout our adult lives. “Displaying our illustrations is an effective and easy way to motivate people to perform the exercises and use them more in their everyday lives and it’s great to see them in the RAH. We hope many more health and social care facilities will follow this great example.” For more information about strength and balance or order any of the strength and balance resources, visit www.pathsforall.org.uk/strength
Helping older people to meet their hydration needs
Adequate hydration is essential to maintaining good health. Most adults are able to monitor and respond to their hydration needs. However, this becomes more difficult as we get older, meaning elderly people are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated. In this blog post, we’ll look at ways to help older people to meet their hydration needs. Why are older people at risk of dehydration? Water makes up a large proportion of our bodies. You can read more about hydration needs in different age groups here. Up to 20% of older adults are dehydrated, especially those in long-term care establishments. As we get older, our ability to sense thirst decreases. Poor mobility, cognitive decline, and physical ailments (including problems with swallowing) are also potential barriers for staying hydrated. Certain patient groups are at even greater risk of dehydration. For example, people with dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease may be disorientated or forgetful, which could make it more difficult to recognise and respond to thirst. Certain medications such as diuretics and laxatives can also result in increased risk of dehydration due to fluid losses. Research has found that some older people may consciously limit their water intake due to fear of incontinence or to avoid relying on others for help with going to the toilet. Consequences of dehydration in older people Dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes at all ages, but the effects can be more pronounced in elderly people. Dehydration in older adults has been associated with pressure sores, urinary tract infections, increased risk of falls, and unplanned hospital admissions. Even mild dehydration can affect cognitive ability, resulting in confusion and delirium. If dehydration is not addressed quickly, it can result in a rapid decline in an older person’s health, which could result in increased disability, loss of independence and even death. How to encourage older people to stay hydrated Relatives, friends, carers and healthcare professionals can help to encourage older people to stay hydrated. Here are some suggestions: ● Provide a range of drinks that they enjoy – make water more palatable using a ceramic water filter. You could also mix water with other beverages such as fruit squash, fruit juice or cordials. ● Offer hydrating foods such as soups, stews, smoothies, lollies, yoghurts, ice cream, fruits, and jellies. ● Ensure they always have a drink during mealtimes. Offer regular drinks between meals too such as water, milkshakes, tea or coffee. ● Leave a jug or refillable bottle of water in an easily visible and accessible place. ● Encourage older people to incorporate hydration into their social activities – why not invite an older person over for a cup of tea or suggest that they attend a local lunch club with friends. ● Prompt them to drink little and often throughout the day – if an older person has memory issues, you could pin a note to remind them to drink in a visible place in their kitchen. Using a water filter system helps to remove small contaminants from drinking water, improving its taste. Discover the range of products Doulton Water offer and decide which filter is best for you.
Volunteering at Gracewell of Bookham Care Home
Local Married Couple Give Insight Into Volunteering at Gracewell of Bookham Care Home Volunteering is both admirable and rewarding, and at care homes such as Gracewell of Bookham, the volunteers are a friendly face and helping hand for residents and the staff. Anne and David Funnell have been volunteers at Gracewell of Bookham for over two years. In this time, they have really got to know all the residents and their families as they have organised and assisted with fun activities. Gracewell of Bookham provides high quality, personalised nursing and dementia care, and also offers a wide variety of activities for residents and the wider local community to ensure they maintain happy and fulfilling lifestyles. Anne and David both volunteer at different clubs and events at Gracewell of Bookham, helping the care staff to organise and run the activities and encouraging residents to participate. They said: “The Friday Flower Club is one enjoyable experience where the floral arrangements are then placed in the Bistro to provide everyone with a welcoming atmosphere. We feel by volunteering we are part of the larger family and our interactions to date have enabled us to encourage participation in the varied activities available.” Anne and David both remarked that their experience volunteering at Gracewell of Bookham has been extremely rewarding. They have also received on the job training and opportunities to develop their skills. Vicky Radmore, Home Admissions Advisor at Gracewell of Bookham, said: “Anne and David are part of a wonderful team of volunteers at Gracewell of Bookham. All of our volunteers help us to make every day special for everyone who lives here. They do this by supporting or running activities that enrich the lives of residents.” Vicky added: “This can be something personal such as a one to one chat over a cup of coffee or a stroll around our beautiful gardens. It can also be supporting larger events that we run within our home such as family BBQs or themed afternoon teas. We are so grateful for the support they give us and our residents.”
