Care home residents cast their vote in European election
ELDERLY care home residents have taken to the polling booths to cast their votes in the European election. Staff at Ingleby Care Home, in Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees, wanted to ensure residents could exercise their right in the European election to vote despite their mobility issues. Those keen to cast their vote were taken to their nearest polling station in wheelchairs by their carers. Resident Sheila Colburn was among them. She said: “I couldn’t thank the staff enough for taking me to vote. “I’ve always voted and didn’t know what would happen after moving to Ingleby Care Home, with my family working. I really appreciated the staff taking me.” Resident Charlotte Stephenson added: “It’s nice we can still get to vote.” Cassie McCloskey, unit manager at Ingleby Care Home, said: “It was great to be able to take residents to the polling station and they were really happy to be able to vote. “Moving into a care home, either due to lack of mobility or other issues, should not mean the end of their right to vote. “Many residents still want to take part in elections and we are only too happy to support them to do so.” Ingleby Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Improving the Processes Behind the Care
Fastroi are gearing up to deliver our Real-Time Care (RTC) product to Leeds County Council this Autumn, as we do this, we wanted to share some thoughts from our latest White Paper. In it we try to understand the reasons why so many care companies have struggled to improve or even maintain their CQC ratings in the 2018 State of Care report. We believe that many companies are still using pen and paper with no form of care management software. However, we don’t think it is that straightforward either. Care Management Software is a tool that if used properly can help to improve the levels of care quality, but underneath the bonnet of any organisation are the quality processes and continuous improvement strategies that really affect a company’s ability to deliver that quality care. These are completely separate from the job of looking after our service users. In the White Paper we look at some of the ideas surrounding lean health and highlight the different forms of waste that can hamper quality if they are allowed to flourish. We also examine some practical examples of how these ideas could be implemented in the care industry. The Flaws of Inspection The CQC inspection system may seem effective at grading care services, and the reports do provide a lot of valuable information, but in fact, they only give a snapshot of the care being provided in that organisation on a particular day. We would argue that real quality can only be achieved by embarking on a journey of continuous improvement across all levels of the organisation. By involving the whole organisation we can bring about a more sustainable and lasting improvement in the quality of care. Simply put, if you want to achieve the highest levels of quality, you must first identify the areas where you need to improve, then you must fix them so that they cannot return. Keep doing this every day. If you are awarded ‘Outstanding’ status by the CQC, great, keep going. If you win national awards, keep going! Quality Comes From Within RTC is a tool that allows care companies to focus on improving their processes by taking the pressure off of the individual and putting it into the tool. By automating activities such as care planning, reporting and alerts, a company can spend more time focussing on making sure that the care they give the service users is of the highest quality. RTC enables care companies to add consistency to their business while also making it easy to demonstrate best practice when necessary. It must be very disheartening to have worked so hard to achieve a good grading only to see it get worse at the next inspection. RTC when used in conjunction with the ideas of lean health, continuous improvement and waste, gives a care company everything it needs to provide efficient, world class care without being burdened with the pressure of poor processes.
Shetland Ponies are Mane Attraction at Inverurie Care Home
Residents at a care home in Kemnay have been horsing around this week thanks to an in-house visit from some new equine friends. Meallmore Ltd’s Grove Care Home welcomed two Shetland ponies into the home to give residents the chance to meet and interact with the animals. They were encouraged to get to know the ponies who have been highly trained to handle any situation. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to be very beneficial in elderly care, as physical contact with the animals encourages communication, can reduce stress and anxiety and even improve motor skills and self-esteem. Karen Paul, Care Home Manager at Grove Care Home, said: “It’s not every day you get ponies wandering through the home, so it was lovely for the residents to have the opportunity to enjoy their company. “As well as being fun and interesting, animal therapy is also hugely important for our residents as it’s relaxing and can also be a very social activity. The ponies really lifted everyone’s spirits and were adorable. “At Meallmore, we’re committed to delivering exceptional standards of care to the elderly and frail and animal therapy is just one of the ways in which we try to enrich the lives of our residents.” More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at www.meallmorelodge.co.uk.
Assistive tech and the legal implications
Article from Jennifer Johnston, associate at insurance risk and commercial law firm BLM The background and the benefits Increasingly, assistive technology is being adopted to support those living with various debilitating conditions to improve their quality of life. An impressive variety of aids can be used to help with those living with dementia, ranging from everyday technologies that you can find in your smartphone, to specific medical aids. For example, those living with dementia can utilise aspects of popular technology to improve their daily lives. Phone calendars can be set with daily reminders to take medication or attend appointments, and location finder apps are a clever way to track a person’s whereabouts. There’s also a selection of new technologies created specifically for those with conditions such as dementia. These are being adopted by care providers, both in care homes and for domiciliary care. Technologies include movement sensors that play a message to remind people to perform an activity such as turn the oven off, water isolation devices that turn taps off if they’re left running, and fall mats which are placed near the bed to alert staff if a service user is out of bed. The possible drawbacks Although these aids can be very helpful, they also present a whole new set of challenges for care providers. Firstly, a large number of these technologies rely on the user being able to understand and interact with them comfortably. However, more often than not, the elderly or cognitively impaired can struggle with technology, making it more of a hindrance than a help. Secondly, it’s important to properly risk assess the use of such aids. It’s possible that as more assistive technology is adopted, care providers and their insurers may see an increase in claims where people have been incorrectly assessed as being capable of using or interacting with an assistive aid. Caution should be used to ensure over reliance is not being placed on technology. And thirdly the benefits of assistive technology rely on the aids being correctly used by the care staff and the service user. For example we have dealt with a nursing home claim where a fall sensor was being used in a resident’s bedroom to alert night staff if they got out of bed. One of the care staff unfortunately switched off the fall sensor in error, which meant that following the resident’s night time fall, care staff weren’t alerted. No matter how far technological development takes us there will always be some human involvement. Whether it’s the third party that installs the technology, the care staff who recommend its use and monitor it, or the manufacturers who create it, one of these parties could be held liable by the claimant if something goes wrong. It’s the responsibility of each of these parties to be thorough in the way the assistive tech is created, fitted and used, to ensure it will always benefit the user and the likelihood of any problems is reduced. Preventative measures There are some steps that care providers can implement to ensure they’ve done everything in their power to prevent any issues occurring, and that if the worst-case scenario does happen, they’re not liable. The most important step is a thorough assessment. Whether using assistive technology or not, it’s essential that care providers undertake plans and risk assessments to understand the needs of those in their care. The person performing the assessment must be able to confidently say that the technology is usable and will improve quality of life in some way. With conditions such as dementia, where a person’s condition can change frequently, it’s essential that care providers constantly reassess the needs of those in their care. It’s not enough to simply review a care plan annually or bi-annually, for example. Instead, constant evaluation needs to be implemented to ensure that the best care is being given and that the most appropriate technology is being used. And it’s not just about assessing the resident to ensure optimal care, but also looking at the technologies available. There is a constant stream of innovative care aids being created and developed, and it’s the responsibility of care professionals to explore these options and keep pace with technological development to ensure they’re providing the best care possible. Ultimately, assistive technology can be hugely beneficial as an aid, but it’s essential it remains an aid, and that care professionals don’t become dependent on it or lose sight of the human touch. We must remember that human error will always be a factor. To avoid legal ramifications and ensure the best care is being provided, constant and thorough assessment of both the service user and the available technology is paramount.
Driving into history with care home’s vintage motor show
VINTAGE cars from the 1920s to 1950s paraded around a Bakewell care home as part of National Care Home Open Day. The classic vehicles were on display at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, on Haddon Road, with an open invitation to visitors. The show involved almost 20 cars, all belonging to members of The Old Motor Club, including a 1929 Rolls Royce and a 1933 Austin Light 12-4 Harley. They also brought along an Austin 7, Ford Consul, Ford Prefect, Wolseley, Austin 10 and more. The care home’s maintenance man Keith Thomas also displayed his awarding winning 1953 Morris Z Van. He was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for Best in Class at last year’s Cromford Steam Rally, at High Acres Farm, Brackenfield. Keith, along with many of The Old Motor Club members, lovingly restored their vehicles from wrecks. He said: “I was surprised to win Best in Class but immensely proud when I received the award.” Sam Stone, home manager at Burton Closes Hall Care Home, said: “Last year’s event was such a success we decided to run it again to mark National Care Home Open Day and National Drive It Day. “Burton Closes Hall is the perfect backdrop for such an amazing display of vintage cars, as one of Bakewell’s oldest buildings. We had a great turn out for the event this year. “We are planning on bringing the vintage motor show back again next year, so we hope even more visitors will come along.” Burton Closes Hall Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Does your diabetes care meet national standards and best practice?
How confident are your workforce in understanding diabetic footcare or spotting and treating a hypoglycaemic event? “Access to good quality diabetes education and training for care home staff” is one of the elements of good diabetes care as laid out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Diabetes affects around 25% of residents in care homes (residential and nursing) and 15% or more in mental health care facilities. Last year a review was published in ‘Diabetic Medicine’ where the authors had reviewed multiple studies carried out over 25 years involving care home residents with diabetes. It resulted in leading experts concluding that diabetes care in care homes still remains “fragmented” and that steps need to be taken to ensure the “health and dignity” of older people. They also commented that care homes “often do not meet national standards” of diabetes care and staff training is “patchy”. The lead author, Professor Alan Sinclair of the Foundation for Diabetes Research in Older People and University Aston said: “Our findings show the level of diabetes care remains fragmented which is quite worrying because figures suggest up to a third of care home residents are believed to have the condition. Without proper management, it can lead to frailty, dependency, disability and reduced life expectancy. There is also the added strain on the NHS as frequent hospital admissions to treat diabetes-related complications are costly, not to mention unsettling for the patient.” The researchers have made a series of recommendations which includes ensuring a ‘policy of diabetes care’, investment in training for staff, dissemination and implementation of CQC guidance, introducing better interventions and more. All to help to improve the outcomes for residents living with diabetes. ‘DUET diabetes’ helps care and health providers across East Anglia to upskill and increase the confidence of their staff regarding the diabetes management of adults under their care. We do this by offering a range of small interactive, discussion based workshops led by an experienced diabetes specialist nursewho also works within the NHS. We are passionate about what we do – our ultimate aim being to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes, regardless of what stage of life they are at. Feedback collated from our training sessions indicates a strong learning preference by attendees for “small groups that are interactive and led by a professional”. DUET diabetes – dedicated to delivering understanding, education and training to empower nurses, carers and healthcare support workers; enabling them to make a positive difference to those living with diabetes. For more information or an informal chat about your diabetes training needs contact Lynne Reedman: T: 01799 584178 E: info@duetdiabetes.co.uk W: www.duetdiabetes.co.uk F: facebook.com/duetdiabetes
Cupcake sales raises funds to support those with cancer
A CUPCAKE sale at University Hospital of North Tees has generated £120 to support those with cancer. Staff at Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, in Peterlee, organised the sale to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Alongside selling the homemade cupcakes, they also handed out literature to raise awareness of cancer, diabetes and dementia. Home manager Lynn Chapman, senior carer Haley Grant and activities coordinators Abby Gormley and Dawn Minto all helped run the stall. The home’s cook, Carol Gingell, baked the cupcakes. Lynn said: “I would like to thank our cook Carol for the lovely cakes she baked. I would also like to thank Haley, Dawn and Abby for a great day. “This is one of the first fundraisers we are doing for our chosen charity and we have a few more surprises later in the year.” Macmillan Cancer Support is the chosen charity of the Hill Care Group, which operates Bannatyne Lodge Care Home, for 2019/20. Dozens of homes across the north of England are taking part in a year of fundraising activities, aiming to raise as much as possible for the charity. Bannatyne Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Exidor
Critically designed to support and maintain the integral passive fire protection within a care home – Exidor’s Guardian door closer is the only electromagnetic closer in the market specifically designed to meet the needs of residential care facilities. Exidor are a proud UK manufacturer based in Cannock, Staffordshire, specialising in the care home market. Already UK market leaders in emergency escape hardware and electromagnetic closers, Exidor are experts in their field of fire door closers as well as escape systems. Exidor’s Guardian electromagnetic door closer is an innovative advancement from traditional swing free closers and has been designed to take into consideration the specific needs of the Care Home environment. It has two unique features aimed to improve both the physical safety of residents and staff as well as the passive fire safety of the care facility itself. Drift Resistance: Unbalanced doors naturally swing open or closed, or doors can swing with a draught. This can result in residents wedging doors open and invalidating them as fire doors. Exidor’s Guardian closer offers a low level control on the door, which stops it from drifting from its open position, at the same time as allowing it to operate freely to the user. Anti-Slam Finger Protection: The swing free mode of a closer can allow a door to slam shut. Whether this is accidental, deliberate or just caused by a draught, it poses a real risk to frail residents and care home workers alike. The Guardian closer has been specifically developed with an anti-slam function which controls and slows the motion of the door. And, as they are linked to the fire alarm system, they only close when you need them to. These features allow residents ultimate control over their doors during normal function and help to ensure that, in the event of a fire, the closers can do the job they are designed to do, and shut the door safely and securely helping to maintain the integral passive fire protection within the building. Please contact Exidor for further information or details of a local distributor, or visit www.exidor.co.uk Exidor contact details: Sales Office: 01543 578661 Email: sales@exidor.co.uk www.exidor.co.uk
Healthcare insurance options: are you covered?
by Care & Nursing Essentials editor Victoria Galligan Healthcare professionals must be protected against a range of legal challenges – from slander and libel to workplace injury claims. Here, we take a look at some of the different types of insurance on offer and the companies which can help you gain peace of mind: 1. Medical malpractice, professional indemnity and public liability Medical malpractice and professional indemnity both cover you if a compensation claim is made against you. Public liability insurance covers a lot of compensation claims, but claims arising from professional activities are generally not covered by public liability alone. Insurewithcare’s Combined Liability Section policy includes: “Employers liability, public liability and products liability cover, a meaningful medical malpractice extension and cover specifically in respect of claims for actual or alleged abuse.” See insurewithcare.co.uk 2. Employers’ Liability Taking care of the health and wellbeing of your employees is paramount, and this insurance policy should include loss or injury for all staff – including volunteers. Covering compensation claims and usually bought with other types of business insurance, employers’ liability is a must for any care provider where the risk of injury – particularly through moving and handling – is a concern. AXA offers up to £10million protection for legal costs and compensation due. Constructaquote.com brings together insurance products which are relevant to care homes, so they can arrange employers’ liability and all the other commercial policies they require in one place. 3. Domiciliary care insurance Can cover staff care both in house and in clients’ homes. Many insurance companies will offer a discount for UKHCA members. Some risks which care homes should be insured for include medical malpractice, public liability and infectious diseases. Get a quote online: Bollington.com is highly rated by customers. 4. Talking therapies insurance Covering telephone and Skype calls, generally for counsellors, this insurance allows you to work with clients globally (as long as you are based in the UK). Some policies will include professional indemnity and cover defamation, training and legal assistance to defend a claim. From £35 a year with Towergate Insurance. 5. Complementary therapy insurance For practitioners of complementary therapists from acupuncture to massage, this cover could include working abroad if, for example, you work in the hospitality industry. A good policy will ensure you have liability protection for yourself, any staff and the products which you use. From £17.99 with PolicyBee See related articles on healthcare insurance on Care & Nursing Essentials.
