Care workforce management tech company responds to CQC State of Care report
A market-leading technology company, HAS Technology, is urging local authorities and care providers to embrace digital solutions and innovation to tackle the social care crisis, following the release of the CQC State of Care report. The CQC State of Care report, an annual assessment of health and social care in England, states that ‘the wider challenge for providers and health and social care communities is to now consider technology in the broader strategic sense, as an enabler of high-quality care’. Various barriers to adopting new technologies were identified in the report, including funding to invest in technology; attitudes of staff towards technology; IT infrastructures; and data protection. There is also the perception that technology could replace personal support and that users of adult social care are not able or do not want to embrace technology. CM, part of HAS Technology Group, has found that the person-centred technology service they provide has actually received positive feedback from everyone involved in the circle of support, including healthcare professionals, service users and their families. Moving away from a more traditional outlook on care delivery and implementing technology can provide the ability to gather intelligence, support the achievement of outcomes and ensure the right care is delivered, at the right time. Mark Kennion, CM Director, commented: “The CQC State of Care report has shown that the delivery of care in England overall is of good quality. However, it also highlighted that although there are a range of technologies being used to deliver care, these tend to be in scenarios where there is a specific need. “Although we are continually researching and developing the latest technology for our customers to implement, sometimes the very basic of innovation can make a huge difference to the quality of care delivered. Using mobile phones, instead of timesheets, for example, provides a real-time view of care delivery whilst delivering significant back-office efficiencies. “The care sector needs to be brave to embrace digital transformation. With the cost efficiencies that can be made, the simplest implementation of technology can be an affordable solution with benefits for all involved.” CM’s vision is to help improve the efficiency and quality of home care delivery with the belief that care should be good quality with services that are transparent. London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham’s Homecare Reablement Service, user of CM and rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC, implemented technology to support efficient scheduling of visits, improved communication with field-based staff and real-time information on service delivery. Their Community Independence Service Manager commented: “Care is about people and we empower our staff to provide a responsive, caring service. This is underpinned by processes and systems that promote safe and effective delivery.” CM started as a simple visit time recording solution and has grown rapidly now supporting 122 local authorities and over 3,000 care provider branches with integrated care monitoring, scheduling, care management and financial management solutions, as well as latest innovations including wearable technology. CM has continually innovated to meet the changing needs of the social care market and has been at the forefront of supporting outcomes-based commissioning and continuity of care delivery, with over 240,000 service users currently benefiting from CM’s technology services.
Poetry and Tea shared by students, care home residents and the Duchess of Cornwall.
‘Poetry together’ is an initiative led by broadcaster and author Glyes Brandeth in a bid to unite young and older poeple to recite poems they have learnt by heart. ‘The owl and the Pussycat’ was the chosen poem to be recited by four care home residents and seven year 5 primary school students in front of The Duchess of Cornwall and Gyles Brandreth, before they shared a chat over some tea with the Duchess herself. The Duchess of Cornwall was joined by Primary school children from Hunderfold Primary, along with residents of Hungerfold Care Home at Eaton Square School in Piccadilly. The 11 performers firstly performed their poems infront of a packed audience of four other schools and care home residents along with the Duchess and Gyles. 91 year old, Audrey Hawkins, a Hungerfold Care Home resident said how excited she was and said “It’s like a dream, I’m like a two year old and all three of us have has the hairdresser in today”. The residents and students were then awarded with a certificate form the Duchess of Cornwall along with the school and care home being given a signed copy of Gyles’ book ‘Dancing by the Light of the Moon’, after they both enjoyed their front row seats of their performance. “I think this day has been great for the children. I didnt want to let them down this morning, so I rehearsed, and rehearsed and rehearsed. It was good.” said Graham Cartey, a 61 year old Hungerfold Care Home resident. Students from Knightsbridge School in London were then joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for them to recite their funny poem ‘Matilda Who Told Lies and was Burned to Death’ by Hilaire Belloc together, before they recived a certificate from Gyles Brandreth. The duchess told the children that Matilda was the first people she learnt as a young girl, she stated that she believes she was told to learn it after she told some kind of lie, however, she can still remember most of the poem. once the final perfomance was complete, the residents and school children then joined the Duchess for tea and cake together, and the duchess warmly greeted as many guests and she could. After meeting the Duchess, one lucky resident said “I never dreamt I’d do that. I just chatted to her and told her my father was in the Coldstream Guards and my uncle. they were often on duty in Windsor and at Buckingham Palace in the First World War. She was just natural, it’s like a dream, I just cant believe it happened. I pray everyday that I dont wake up but I’m glad I woke up today.” After the event, David Mayer, Hungerfold Primary School headteacher explained that “I think that it has been wonderful today to combine two completely different generations to prodiuce a set of memories that neither generation will ever forget.” You can watch a video of their performances below.
NHS pledge to cut single-use plastics from care homes and hospitals.
NHS England has vowed to cut the use of single-use plastics in hospitals and care homes by half of their usual use, in a bid to reduce waste and its negative impact that its having on the environment. Nurses from every sector, have been called to take action and encourage their employers to cut the use of plastics in their catering halls, as part of the move with NHS England. This new movement was announced by NHS England cheif executive Simon Stevens as he stated that he wanted to “dramatically” reduce the number of single use plastics by 100 million. The move has been backed by NHS catering suppliers such as WHSmith and Marks & Spencer as they agreed to cut the use of stirrers and straws by April 2020. They have also agreed that plates, cups and cutlery will be slowly reduced in the following 12 months. Hospitals and care homes that have in-house catering have also been urged to join in with the committment of those retailers by singing a pledge which supports the move. Mr Stevens also stated that “Its right that the NHS and our suppliers should join the national campaign to turn the tide on plastic waste,” However, they have stated that plastic items that are required for medical use in hopsitals and care homes are exempt from the cut. Last year, the NHS bought at least 16 million pieces of plastic cutlery, 163 million plastic cups, around 15 million straws and 2 millions plastic stirrers. Therefore, by doing this, it will benefit the environment, our patients and taxpayers who fund our NHS. “Support from local NHS organisations to sign the pledge and cut the use of catering plastics will need all NHS staff to take action in their own areas and encourage their employers to go further faster.”
Care catering’s unsung heroes honoured at the NACC Awards 2019
On the 10th October, the National Association of Care Catering – NACC celebrated outstanding contributions to the care catering sector at the NACC Awards 2019. The winners of the prestigious awards, which recognise teams and individuals from across the sector that demonstrate innovation, excellence and dedication in their field, were announced at a gala awards dinner at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham. The special event was attended by the NACC’s members, patron and ambassadors together with industry colleagues, partners and guests. The 2019 NACC Award winners are: Care Establishment of the Year Award, sponsored by Hobart: Ferndown Manor, Care UK The preferences of residents are at the centre of mealtimes at Ferndown Manor. Menus reflect their tastes and needs, whilst attractive, relaxed dining rooms create enjoyable and unhurried restaurant-quality dining experiences. The judges confirmed that their success can be summed up in the words of one resident who said: “It’s like a five-star hotel with care.” Meals on Wheels Award, sponsored by apetito: County Enterprise Foods Nottinghamshire County Council The in-house Meals on Wheels team champions the benefits of the important service. As well as delivering nutritious meals it provides valuable community support, which most recently includes Scambuster training to help protect the vulnerable from scams. The judges praised the service, saying: “It’s very clear this multi-award-winning enterprise never rests on its laurels.” Catering Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Brakes: Soil Association, Food for Life; Getting together through food The innovative, intergenerational Food for Life Better Care initiative brings together care home residents and children in nurseries and schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The positive results include increased food and fluid intake, improved memory recall and reduced social isolation. The judges described it as: “A superb example of teamwork across disparate organisations with a shared goal.” Catering Manager of the Year Award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions: Adriano Carvalho, Head Chef, Gracewell of Newbury Motivated to improve the quality of services for residents, families and staff, Adriano created a development programme to inspire internal progression. In the last two years, there have been no resignations and in the last year, no agency staff and less than 10% absence. The judges were impressed, stating: “Here we saw a passionate and constant innovator who never ever stands still.” Our Care Catering Hero Award, sponsored by Premier Foods: Ivan Nobrega, Service Driver, apetito In 2019, Ivan performed an outstanding act of bravery. On discovering a fire at a client’s home, he alerted the emergency services and got the husband and wife couple safely out of the property. Their home was destroyed and there’s no doubt his quick thinking saved their lives. The judges agreed with Ivan’s line manager who said: “He’s a dedicated and modest individual who sees his round as personally his own.” Region of the Year Award, sponsored by Meiko: North Region The North region held onto the hotly-contested title of Region of the Year for the second year running. An achievement the judges described as ‘well-deserved’. Pam Rhodes Outstanding Achievement Award: Berenice Pretlove The Pam Rhodes Award recognises the work and commitment of an individual that has made a lasting contribution to the NACC. For the past seven years, Berenice has supported the association, continually raising its profile through communications. She has advised executive board members, been instrumental in responding to the media, managing communications and establishing key relationships, represented the association at major events and has been editor of the NACC Yearbook since 2014. Berenice has become a font of knowledge and key member of the NACC and is well respected for her genuine passion and going above the call of duty. Chairman’s Award 2019: Adam Michallat-Cox Neel Radia, the NACC Chairman, awarded this special recognition to Adam Michallat-Cox, describing him as a NACC unsung hero. A member of the NACC for 14 years, he’s been consistently supportive, volunteering his time to help drive the growth of the association. Adam has held regional and national positions, including South West Secretary, South West Chair and National Deputy Chair and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. As well as supporting the NACC, Adam does a lot of great work for the wider community, including being the founder and now trustee of the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance. Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, comments: “Congratulations to the NACC Awards 2019 winners. They are all fine examples of the exceptional talent, dedication and innovation that the care catering sector produces. “It’s an absolute privilege to honour the hard work and vision of care catering professionals up and down the country. They really are unsung heroes. Their incredible work helps ensure individuals in a care environment receive the quality care they deserve. Through innovation and unwavering commitment, person-centred nutrition, hydration and wellbeing are always at the core of mealtimes, whatever challenges the sector faces. The awards have always been a personal highlight and celebrating our inspirational and deserved winners was a wonderful way to end my six-year tenure as NACC Chairman.” For more information on the NACC Awards 2019 and the NACC visit www.thenacc.co.uk
Promedica24 recognised with Top 20 Care Provider Award 2019
Dorset and Hampshire based live-in care provider, Promedica24, has been awarded by homecare.co.uk as one of the top 20 providers in the area. With care reviewers giving an impressive overall total score of 9.8 out of 10, Promedica24 received the accolade for being one of the most favourably reviewed home-care providers in the region. The high score follows 100% of reviewers expressing that they’d be ‘Extremely Likely’ to recommend Promedica24 to others and 90% deeming their services ‘Excellent’. With research showing that 97% of people don’t want to move into institutional care if they become unwell or less mobile*, Promedica24’s live-in care service is vital in enabling them to continue living the life they want at home, while receiving necessary care and assistance. The support offered by the Dorset and Hampshire care team ranges from companionship and assistance with household chores, to dementia and more complex care. Katrina, a wife of one of Promedica24’s clients, can’t thank the team enough: “The team are efficient to deal with, and they have made the whole process easy. The carers have all been very kind and caring and a pleasure to have living with the family.” On the award, Mark Muller, Regional Partner for Promedica24 Dorset and Hampshire, commented; “I am thrilled that our team have been recognised and celebrated for their delivery in quality care. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care, and to hear that our clients feel safe, secure and happy is recognition of our mission to enable people to remain at home.” Homecare.co.uk is a leading UK Home Care review website and their Top 20 Home Care Awards highlight the most recommended home-care providers in each region of the UK. Promedica24 provides live-in care, as an alternative to residential care, allowing those with care needs to remain in the comfort of their own home. For more information about live-in care services in the Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding areas, call Mark on 01202 618544 or visit https://www.promedica24.co.uk/partner/live-in-care-dorset-hampshire/
Fire Safety Week survey shows unsafe fire doors in homes
Fire Safety Week survey shows unsafe fire doors in homes and that their work place is at risk of serious fire. The results of the study were released in order to mark Fire Door safety week, which is now supported by the London Fire Brigade. It was revealed in the results that there are serious delusions over fire door safety, and a high popularity of unsafe practice. Out of the current 1,000 current and former care home employees, three quarters stated in the survey that they believe that more can be done to prevent or manage a fire, and more than half of them stated that unsatisfactory action was taken as a result of preventing a fire in their work place. As well as this, three in five members of staff have already reported safety concerns with the majority of them having little to nothing changed. 47% of people who took the survey admitted that they didn’t know what the role of a fire door was when it comes to keeping a fire contained for a specific amount of time, while over 80% of them admitted to deliberately propping a fire door open and defeating the purpose of the door. According to Care Home Professional’s online report, “One in five care workers incorrectly believed that painting a regular door with flame proof paint make it a legitimate fire door, and the same proportion stated that the gap between the fire door and the door frame did not matter. Additionally, three quarters (72%) said they had witnessed or were aware of fire doors being tampered with, including removing the door closer to make doors easier to open. As well as making the door closer redundant, when combined with other adjustments, this could leave the fire door unfit for purpose in the event of a fire.” the chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation, (the company which organises Fire Door Safety Week), Helen Hewitt stated that “We all need to feel protected inside buildings, and especially so when we are asleep. Care homes and other specialised housing provide a living place for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. the companies and other operators that run and maintain them have a responsibility to ensure they residents’ safety – and as an industry we need to continue to provide out expert support to ensure the correct specification, installation and ongoing maintenance of fire doors. We hope that through raising awareness during Fire Safety Week, lives will be saved through a reprisal of fire doors and safety arrangements in multiple occupancy buildings.” To read the fire safety survey please visit https://www.bwf.org.uk/choose-wood/fire-doors/
A pill taken in your 20’s could prevent dementia
A leading scientist and Scotland could be the country responsible for the breakthrough of allowing people who may suffer from dementia, will be able to take a pill in their 20’s and 30’s that may be able to prevent it. It is estimated that around 90,000 Scots are affected by the disease, and Professor Craig Ritchie said he is “very hopeful” that the research that is taking place, will eventually lead to treatments that stop and prevent the changes in the brain that ultimately lead to dementia. Professor Richie, who leads the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium, said a lot of the drugs involved in recent trials had failed because “they haven’t gone in early enough” 30% of dementias are now known to be preventable. Scotland are aiming as a country to have the largest number of the population to have people signed up to agree to being used as research for dementia. They are currently recognised globally, as a country, for their studies involving significant figures for people in full health as well as those who have a family history of dementia, who haven’t yet developed signs of dementia, volunteering to test and try out these new methods of treatment that are being produced. Ultimately, future treatments could also work in a similar way when it comes to using a similar drug to prevent HIV developing into Aids. He said: “A lot of the changes that lead to dementia in later life have their origins in mid-life. Clearly if we can identify those early change in the brain then those are the people for which risk factor modification might slow down the progression and/or some sort of pharmacological intervention. That’s the goal and that’s what we are working towards. I always say 40s but you might say 20s or 30s. That’s not too much of a stretch for people who work in say heart disease or cancer or diabetes. Dementia is inevitable if you pick it up at the end stage. You can’t expect to cure cancer in someone where it is spread all over their body. That’s the same with Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, according to Alzheimer Scotland, there are four main drugs that are used to tackle the symptoms of dementia. these are classes as “good drugs” according to Alzheimer Scotland, however, these have been available for 20 years. However Professor Ritchie, who is Professor of Ageing at he University of Edinburgh, continued to state that “we know if you have a good education in childhood that reduces your risk of dementia in later life”. Research has also shown that by exercising, not smoking and ensuring that you upkeep a healthy diet, ensuring your brain is kept healthy too is crucial when it comes to reducing the chance of developing dementia symptoms in your later life. “If you get all those three things right the need for drugs to reduce dementia decreases. We need to be aware that people with dementia can benefit massively from non-pharmacological interventions.” The charity has stated that by maintaining these outside research projects, it allows Scotland to become more of an attractive country for the companies who conduct the research, who have “hundreds of millions” to spend. He said: “Of course you are going to want more money but number one the gap is closing, number two the way we spend that money is really important. If the research projects are coordinated you are going to gain a far greater amount of knowledge and that’s really important for a small country.” For more information about this please visit Alzheimer Scotland
Dementia researchers awarded with £1.5 million
£1.5 million has been awarded to the next generation of dementia researchers by motor-racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and his charity Race Against Dementia, which was formed after his wife of 57 years was diagnosed with the frontotemporal dementia. Sir Jackie recently partnered with the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK, to identify early-career scientists with the highest change of transformational ideas for research. Dr Cara Croft and Dr Christy Hung both from University College London and DR Claire Durrant at the University of Edinburgh are the three new Race Against Dementia Fellows. The fellowship is named in recognition of the entrepreneur and inventor Sir James Dyson who has also joined to support the funding through the James Dyson Foundation. Dr Croft will be joining forces with UCL from the University of Florida in order to explore how generic risk factors may or may not contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, and will also look at whether these generic pathways may also be bale to be treated and targeted with future Alzheimer’s drugs. While Dr Hung will be investigating whether progressing a process called autophagy, which is known as a cellular garbage disposal system, would be able to look at a new way of treating the disease. This new idea will allow Fellows with unusual opportunities for collaboration with the scientists who who most well known for studying dementia and well as introducing them to the highest level tutoring from experts from outside of their field of study. Sir Jackie, whose experience in Formula 1 spans six decades, said: “When my wife, Helen, was diagnosed with dementia I knew our lives wouldn’t be the same again. “I’m fortunate to be in a position to provide Helen with the best possible care and that I’m part of a close-knit family that has been a crucial source of support throughout this difficult time. I know the situation is very different for many others affected by dementia. “We urgently need to see new ways to treat or prevent dementia and the only way to do this is through research.” For more information about this please visit Race Against Dementia
Home Care Provider Rolls Out Emotive National Campaign
Home Instead Senior Care launches ‘The Third Stair’ campaign bringing to life the importance of in-home care as an option for older people The 30 second ad is the first national campaign for award-winning in-home care provider, Home Instead Senior Care and tells the touching story of Stanley; whilst offering a glimpse into a decision and process that many people may face at some point in their life. We learn that Stanley, recently widowed, is facing the prospect of having to leave his family home, and he reflects over memories with his wife – with a focus on the creaky ‘third stair’ he never got around to fixing, he is understandably pensive. His daughter offers the lifeline of staying at home with an in-home care package, before going on to deliver the poignant strapline: “You don’t have to go anywhere Dad.” The campaign will run for four weeks from 1-28th October across ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky channels and the targeted launch will be during a primetime TV showing of Emmerdale on 1st October. Planned and bought by PHD Manchester, the national media roll out follows a successful pilot in the Midlands in January which resulted in increased volume across website traffic, care enquiries and recruitment queries. The ad, produced by Energy BBDO, is split 70/30 between appealing to the client and their family – primarily the 45-65-year-old daughter demographic of the person considering care; to the recruitment of CAREGivers. Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care comments: “We are really excited for the ad to roll out nationally. We want to educate consumers that there are options when it comes to care and that with the right support, people can stay in their home for longer. We know that starting conversations with loved ones about care can be tricky – but we’re hoping this will inspire them to do so. Hopefully the ad also showcases caring in a new light and inspires a new wave of carers to join the sector and help make a difference to people’s lives.” Home Instead specialises in providing care and companionship in the home for older people as well as delivering specialist dementia care plus end-of-life respite care. With a unique proposition that is tailored individually for each clients’ needs – it allows people to live independently in comfort and familiarity of their home for longer. Home Instead is the first and only home care provider to hold the Queen’s Award – the highest accolade available to UK businesses; for it’s innovation in the care sector, the Princess Royal Training Award – which demonstrates outstanding skills and training programmes and it holds the highest number of ‘outstanding’ ratings across the franchises from the CQC than any other home care provider. Currently in the UK, Home Instead delivers six million hours of relationship-led care per year and employs 9,000 CAREGivers – caring for 14,000 clients across 200 offices. You can view the ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oord-proTs&t=14s
