Community Driving Service Launches In Poole
Driving Miss Daisy, a community companion service, which launched in the UK in 2014, has arrived in Poole. Synonymous with and inspired by the Academy Award winning film (which featured Morgan Freeman as a driver for his elderly client) the Driving Miss Daisy idea originated in New Zealand with just a single vehicle, but has now developed in to a global franchise. Due to the demand for services, Driving Miss Daisy UK has expanded from its first location in Lee on the Solent, Hampshire in January 2015 and is now as far north as Glasgow in Scotland. Former Poole Council employee, Lesley Samways is just the first to join the team in Poole and had the following to say. “I have always been passionate about helping people and have previously run my own child minding business and been a carer with Poole Borough Council. This new role enables me to help people get out and about, retain their independence and have fun. I’ve already provided transport for an elderly lady to attend a wedding, trips to the hospital and a gentleman with learning difficulties to a holiday in Gloucestershire. Every journey is different, and anything is possible! We really do make a difference to people’s lives and I get real job satisfaction too!” Director of Business Development, Chris White, says ‘DMD is delighted to be setting up in Poole, as the area has so much to offer and we’ve already provided trips to the Harbour, plus some of the local restaurants and tourist hotspots. What sets us apart from other transport providers is the companionship we provide. We can help with so much, from getting to and from air or sea ports for that much treasured holiday, plus arranging and taking clients to numerous appointments (such as for healthcare, or simply the hairdressers or to the social club). Driving Miss Daisy goes that one step further by organising day trips to visit places people really want to see and its driver/companion is there to assist people throughout the journey.’ One of the key reasons behind why Driving Miss Daisy has been so well received by the elderly and those that care for them, is that their companion drivers give clients back their independence in a reliable, safe and secure environment. The ethos behind their service is ‘We’re family when family can’t be there’which is invaluable in the UK’s current overstretched climate. For further information please visit our website www.drivingmissdaisy.co.uk or to book Lesley’s Daisy car in Poole, please call 0333 014 6211
Bluebird Care franchisees named top home care providers in six regions
11 Bluebird Care franchisees have been named as a top 20 home care provider across six regions, by leading home care reviews site, homecare.co.uk. The awards are based on reviews from Bluebird Care’s customers and their loved ones, and feedback on home care providers were analysed by homecare.co.uk, before a top 20 list was drawn up for each region. Providers were rated on: Overall Standard, Staff, Care/Support, Management, Treated with Dignity and Value for Money. The full list is as follows: East Midlands North East England South West England West Midlands Scotland Wales Yvonne, Managing Director of Bluebird Care, said: “We are delighted that 11 of our offices across the country have been ranked within the top 20 home care providers in six regions. “Providing excellent care to our customers is Bluebird Care’s number one priority and I am so pleased that this goal is being realised in our office across the country.” “There are so many wonderful reviews left by our customers, and it’s great to see how the hard-work and determination of our care assistants has paid off. Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of homecare.co.uk, said: “People are living longer with more complex conditions, so home care providers, which offer compassionate, personalised care to people in their own homes are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s society. Home care providers are also vital in enabling people with disabilities to stay as independent as possible and still live in their own homes. “Looking for the right home care provider can be time-consuming and difficult. We hope our awards will help to make people’s search that little bit easier.” Please follow this link for the full list of winners. https://www.homecare.co.uk/awards/. The homecare.co.uk Top 20 Home Care Awards are based on nearly over 17,000 reviews by service users and family / friends of service users from between July 2015 and 28 June 2019. The Awards are based on The Group Review Score as of 28 June 2019 The Group Review Score is derived from the average of all the Review Scores of its members with a Review Score.
CQC: ‘3 rehab facilities in same London road are Inadequate’
Local people in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea will be dismayed to learn that three locations, all run by the same provider in Kendrick Mews, have been rated Inadequate by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). All the drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, run by PROMIS Clinics, have been placed into special measures following inspections in May 2019. No 11 Kendrick Mews is a three-bedded unit based in a mews house. It is run by PROMIS clinics, which has two other services on the same street at No 12 and No 4. While the three are registered separately, they operate as one service with the same manager and the same staff covering the three locations. CQC completed the inspection which reviewed the three registered locations. Fire protection was not adequate Clients in the three services use the same communal areas in No 11, including a kitchen and a living room. The clinic room for the three services is in No 11. There are some therapy rooms in No 12, which are used by clients across the services. The premises were not being properly protected from the risk of fire. The service provides medically monitored alcohol and drug rehabilitation services including a psychological therapy programme. CQC inspectors were concerned that the provider had not full taken account of a CQC briefing (supported by Public Health England) on the quality and safety of detoxification in residential substance misuse services. This was circulated to providers of all relevant services in 2017. The service did not provide safe care for clients undergoing alcohol detoxification. The provider accepted clients for alcohol detoxification who had a history of alcohol withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens. This carried a level of medical risk that was not fully assessed prior to admission. Clients did not have a comprehensive assessment before commencing alcohol detoxification treatment. There was no record that clients had a physical examination, including for clients with a reported physical health problem. This included clients with possible or actual liver disease. Clients’ medical and mental health history was not always obtained from other healthcare professionals prior to detoxification treatment. Lack of training for alcohol detoxification treatment One of the GPs prescribing for clients undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment had not had any specific training in treatment for substance misuse. However, at CQC’s last inspection, inspectors identified that physical health monitoring equipment had not been regularly serviced and staff were not aware of their duty of candour. At this inspection, these matters had been resolved. People were cared for in a clean and comfortable environment and there were enough staff to meet the needs of the client group. Clients were supported and treated with dignity and respect and were involved as partners in their care. Clients were supported to understand and manage their care and treatment. The service offered family interventions and post discharge support groups. At number 4 Kendrick Mews there were no clients in residence, but inspectors rated both safe and well-led categories as Inadequate. CQC could not gather sufficient evidence to answer the remaining key category questions. Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector at the CQC (and lead for mental health) said: “We have placed all three PROMIS Clinics in Kendrick Mews into special measures. “I am placing the three services into special measures due to their failure to follow best practice for the safe detoxification of clients withdrawing from alcohol, their failure to protect their premises from the risk of fire and the lack of management oversight of safety and quality. “The service will be kept under review and, if needed, we will take further enforcement action. We will conduct another inspection within six months, and if there is not enough improvement we will move to close the service.” Read the reports in full when they are published on CQC’s website at: No 11: cqc.org.uk/location/1-506886543 No 12: cqc.org.uk/location/1-507813693 No 4: cqc.org.uk/location/1-2673104638
Care home’s new hens bring back memories for chicken whisperer Irene
THE CHICKEN whisperer is the nickname given to a Teesside care home resident due to her uncanny ability to calm an intake of feathered friends. Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, in Thornaby, has recently welcomed three new chickens as part of the HenPower project, run by charity Equal Arts. Upon arrival, 93-year-old Irene Fleming built an immediate rapport with the birds, having years of experience looking after hens from her time in the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War. After chatting to the creatures and calming them when they got flustered, Equal Arts associate Raël Rawlinson dubbed Irene “the chicken whisperer” Irene said: “I love having hens here at Mandale. They’re such good girls. They remind me of my flock when I was a land girl.” Irene joined the Women’s Land Army shortly after the outbreak of the War and was based at Shincliff Hall, near Durham. She recalled: “I did all of the usual farm duties – planting, harvesting and mucking out – but my favourite thing was to work with the hens. The hens thought I was their mum as they would come when I called them. I would sing to them while I worked and they liked the sound of my voice. “I named one Veronica after my friend. At first Veronica wasn’t very happy at sharing her name with a chicken but after a while she came round. “The other Land Army girls said I was barmy because I loved the chickens so much.” During this time she met her husband, Lesley, who was an agricultural student at Houghall College, in Durham. He also worked on the farm during the War. The pair later married in April 1949 atSaint Peter and Saint Paul Church, in South Shields. They celebrated their 70thwedding anniversary earlier this year. After the Women’s Land Army, Irene secured a job as an agricultural worker on a farm at Gilly West, near Richmond, where she continued looking after chickens, among other duties. She has been able to rekindle her passion for hen keeping with the latest arrivals at Mandale House Care Home – who have been named Dolly, Penny and Nancy. The HenPower project, which aims to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness among the elderly, also includes weekly creative sessions run by Equal Arts associates. The project was officially launched at the home by Thornaby Mayor Cllr Steve Walmsley and Mayoress Cllr Sylvia Walmsley. Mayor Walmsley said: “The latest invite received from Mandale House to Sylvia and I in our capacity as Mayor and Mayoress of Thornaby was unusual to say the least. “The wonderful staff at Mandale House had recently embarked on a project to introduce three new egg laying residents to the home and decided to make it a special event. And so with great fanfare – or maybe henfare – I introduced three hens into the home via a red carpet laden with food to entice the new residents. “Congratulations to Mandale House for such an innovative idea to introduce three adorable creatures into the home to stimulate and fascinate residents as well as producing freshly laid eggs.” Louise Clements, home manager at Mandale House Care Home, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Equal Arts and their HenPower Project as well as Mayor and Mayoress Walmsley for attending the launch event. “The hens have settled in really well and are already a hit with our residents, especially our very own chicken whisperer Irene Fleming. “Everyone is thoroughly enjoying the weekly creative sessions and we look forward to working with the charity going forward.” Mandale House Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Bluebird Cares and Gains Award
“Healthwatch Star” award presented to care company for treating patients like a family member A Gateshead-based care provider that specialises in working with customers requiring care in their own homes has been awarded a prestigious award from the social care and health champion, Healthwatch Gateshead. Bluebird Care Gateshead is based in the city’s Team Valley and offers personalised home care visits, from 30 minutes to full live-in support. One of its clients nominated the service for a Star award. The Healthwatch Star scheme enables patients to nominate members of the caring professions who they feel have gone above and beyond in their care. The scheme is anonymous and the recipient receives a certificate to display at their place of work. Bluebird Care’s client said: “They look after my care needs on a daily basis and care and compassion ooze from them. If my needs change they look after me and the carers that they employ are brilliant.” Katheryn Haswell, Director of Bluebird Care Gateshead said: “I am incredibly proud of my team and the fact that they have been recognised for their care and compassion. It is a testament to the efforts of our outstanding team that I have the privilege to work with. They believe in the Bluebird Care ethos, that we should be delivering care to the very highest standards, the care that we would want for ourselves and for our own family.” Steph Eduesi, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Gateshead, said: “When people are cared for in their homes they need to feel looked after, safe and confident that their carer has their best interest at heart. We’re delighted to present this Star award in recognition of the support and care that Bluebird Care has shown.”
Mighty marathon hike raises funds for Macmillan
CARE home staff have completed a mighty mixed terrain 26-mile hike across the Peak District to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Six head office staff from the Hill Care Group, based in Chesterfield, took on the Peak District Mighty Hike in pouring rain following a heatwave earlier in the week. Organised by Macmillan, the walk started at Darley Moor and wandered across the Peak District to reach Bakewell Showground. The staff who completed the challenge included Stacey Forster, Kelly Perryman, Kirsty Wright, Sarah Stimpson, Samantha Jackson and Meaghan Cook. They exceeded their initial target of £1,500 for the charity – reaching £1,725 in sponsorship so far. They’re now aiming to raise £2,000 and are still appealing for donations. Kelly, finance manager at the Hill Care Group, said: “After a week of temperatures soaring to over 30 degrees, the weather turned, and we hiked through pouring rain to complete the Peak District Mighty Hike. “It was certainly a challenge but a worthwhile one, as we have raised a fantastic amount for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to the hearts of everyone at Hill Care. “We’re still appealing for donations to help us exceed our target, with every penny supporting those with cancer and their loved ones.” Donations to Team Hill Care can be made via their JustGiving fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/team-hillcare. Macmillan Cancer Support is the Hill Care Group’s chosen charity for 2019/20, with dozens of care homes across the north of England raising funds with events and activities throughout the year. Last year, the group raised over £7,000 for the Stroke Association and, in 2017/18, over £10,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Home Instead Senior Care celebrates receiving its 50th “outstanding” CQC rating
Home Instead Senior Care, the provider of award-winning in-home care, today celebrated receiving its fiftieth outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating available. The Wirral office became Home Instead’s fiftieth English office* to receive this highly coveted accolade. Reaching the fiftieth milestone is an incredible achievement for Home Instead, it means an impressive 25% of the Home Instead network in England now boast this outstanding accreditation – compared to the average of home care providers in England which is just 3%. The CQC inspections look for the following things when rewarding an office with an outstanding accreditation: the safety of the service offered, the effectiveness of the service offered and the extent to which the service is caring, responsive and well-led. Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care comments: “To reach fifty CQC outstanding ratings from the CQC truly is testament to the fantastic work that is carried out by our amazing caregivers and teams in the Home Instead network. Each and every day our caregivers are touching the lives of older people, helping them to live well at home for longer and helping in our mission to help change the face of ageing in the UK.” Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the Care Quality Commission, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Home Instead on the fantastic achievement of having 50 offices rated outstanding. Our inspections have consistently shown that people who use their services receive exceptional personalised care from a well led team. “We want everybody to have access to the best possible care and will continue to support providers to share best practice, ensuring that more people across the country are able to access the highest quality care.” Home Instead has been operating in the UK since 2005 and currently employs over 13,000 people, offering care and companionship services to over 14,000 people and its philosophy is based on the belief that care options often lack a truly personalised approach. Across the UK, Home Instead adopts a mission led approach to offering quality led care for people in the comfort of their home. The Wirral office currently has 180 people that it supports with personal care and companionship and recently celebrated delivering its 1 millionth hour of care. It is run by husband and wife duo Mike and Catharine Chalton. The CQC report assessed the Wirral office across several areas, with praise being given for the service which was described as highly effective and as promoting a good quality of life for the receivers of the service. Those receiving care were described as being at the centre of developing their care plans which gave them a real independence. Continuous improvement and training of caregivers was also highlighted with Home Instead being praised for constantly looking for ways that the service that is offered can be improved You can read the full report here.
Caring Doesn’t Stop For A Bomb Scare
Hilton Nursing Partners nurse Clare Gingell found herself in the middle of a bomb scare but showing her courage and dedication for her patients, she put their safety first. Police cordoned off areas of Kingston upon Thames in south-west London following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb on the site of a former hotel. However Clare was just about to visit a vulnerable patient. Eager to get to her patient, who was receiving 24 hour care on the Home to Decide pathway, Claire she was able to sign a disclaimer that allowed her to enter the restricted area at her own risk. Once at the patient’s home she was able to explain the situation and ensure the patient was safe. The main concern from authorities was the fact that windows may smash in the event of complications with the bomb disposal. Clare moved the patient away from the windows, settled the patient, and stayed with her all day, until 8pm when a niece arrived to take over the care. Thousands of residents were evacuated as cordons and displacement strategies were implemented with no idea when they could return to their homes, work etc. The road was closed for three days, which meant additional care strategies had to be put in place. Clare liaised with Social Workers to look for temporary accommodation should it be required, and Life Line, a 24 hour response care team there in case of emergencies. Rated “Outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Hilton Nursing Partners are one the first external companies to offer rapid and cost-effective hospital discharge services. Working with the NHS and Social Care Commissioners to successfully deliver safe, timely and supportive hospital discharges, patient assessments and patient recovery programmes via nurses, therapists and nurse led personal nursing assistants Hilton Nursing Partners have a proven track record in freeing hospital beds, as well as reducing re-admissions and on-going social services support.
‘Living in a care home shouldn’t be a barrier to being heard’ – say Broomgrove residents
A group of Sheffield nursing home residents are helping shape the city’s health services. Broomgrove – which is sited just off Ecclesall Road – has become the first home in the region to work in partnership with Healthwatch Sheffield on a project run with the city’s Accountable Care Partnership. The residents chose to look at ways to assess the disabled provision currently offered by the city’s community dentists and opticians as an area to study. Broomgrove residents have spent the past few weeks working with Healthwatch Sheffield’s Laura Cook to produce a comprehensive questionnaire to be given to care home residents across the city. The feedback will inform improvement recommendations to health and care providers and decision makers. Donna Pierpoint, the manager at Broomgrove Care Home, said: “Our residents have really appreciated the chance to be involved in something like this. They have a lot to offer and they are keen to see improvements to disabled access to community facilities like this.” Healthwatch Sheffield is the local consumer watchdog for health and social care facilities. It works with adults, children and young people to help them influence and improve how services are designed and run. Healthwatch’s Laura Cook said: “Living in a care home shouldn’t be a barrier to being heard. The residents of Broomgrove have demonstrated – given the opportunity and support – they can continue to make a positive contribution to society. The Nursing Home is situated at 30 Broomgrove Road, Sheffield S10 2LR. Tel: 0114 266 1311. More information from www.broomgrove-trust.co.uk
