BGF investment in Scottish Highlands, £5m for Parklands
Parklands Group, one of the largest independent care home providers in the north of Scotland, has received a £5m investment from BGF, the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses, to further accelerate its growth. Set up in 1993 in Buckie by Ron Taylor, Parklands provides high-quality residential care for older people at eight care homes across Moray and the Highlands, the most recent being its newly opened state-of-the-art Lynemore home in Grantown on Spey. Parklands was one of the first nursing care providers in Scotland to achieve Investors in People status and the group has won a series of awards for the quality of its care and its commitment to staff development and training. The investment marks BGF’s first investment in the Highlands and Moray, having invested more than £200m across 27 businesses in Scotland since 2011. The growth capital from BGF will be used to support the building of a £4m 40-bed care home in Fortrose and a £6.5m care hub in Inverness, comprising a 48-bed care home and 16 assisted living suites. Through its Talent Network, BGF introduced Maurice McBride who will join the board as non-executive chairman. McBride is an experienced non-executive director who will bring expertise, guidance and knowledge to support the growth. Ron Taylor, managing director of Parklands, said: “This investment by BGF, one of the world’s leading growth investors, is a major vote of confidence in Parklands. It will help fund our next stage of expansion and enhance the quality of care provision in the Highlands. “By 2020, we will have invested around £16 million on new and expanded care homes, facilities that are much needed in the Highlands. Our investment will create hundreds of new jobs in the region and deliver a significant boost to the wider economy. It will also ensure that older people can continue to live in their local community, keeping families closer together. “My team and I will continue to lead the company with the support and financial backing of the BGF team. Their expertise and Maurice’s experience will be invaluable as the company expands in the coming years. Fortrose and Inverness are our immediate priorities but this investment unlocks other opportunities to improve residential care in the region. This is an exciting time for the company as we mark our 25th anniversary and look forward to further growth and investment.” Keith Barclay, an investor at BGF covering the Highlands and Islands, said: “We’re really pleased to have made our first investment in a business based in the Highlands and Moray. It is a really important part of the country for BGF as there are some great businesses here and we hope it will be the first of many. We are backing a well-established and successful business which has developed a leading position in the market. Parklands has a strong management team, a great culture and impressive growth plans. We look forward to helping them take advantage of opportunities in the region, whilst remaining focused on providing the highest standards of care for their residents.” Find out more
Bluebird Care Edinburgh Achieves Highest Grades
Bluebird Care Edinburgh is celebrating after achieving ratings of Grade 6 across the board from the Care Inspectorate, the independent regulator of care services in Scotland. The grades were received after a comprehensive inspection in December 2018 which deemed the care provider’s quality of care and support and quality of staffing both ‘Excellent,’ in its Quality Framework, the highest rating possible. The news follows a great 2018 for Bluebird Care in Scotland. Earlier on in the year, Bluebird Care Glasgow South was inspected and maintained its ‘Excellent’ Grade 6s for the fifth year in a row. Bluebird Care Edinburgh provides home care across Edinburgh, including a range of services that aim to ensure people have the freedom to live as safely and comfortably as possible in their own homes for as long as they are able to. It currently provides care to 129 individuals. The Care Inspectorate’s report highlighted that the service ensured that “care tasks were completed to a very high standard and in a personal way, paying attention to things that were important to the person.” This personalised approach to care was also identified by individuals and relatives who inspectors talked to, with the report recognising that “everyone spoke very highly of their carers.” Comments included; “Bluebird are very good and reliable. If anything is wrong they are quick to rectify” and, “We’re very, very satisfied with the service. Continuity is important. We’ve got that.” Inspectors themselves recognised that “consistency, continuity and reliability are very important, particularly for people receiving care in their own home” and that at Bluebird Care Edinburgh, “people experienced stability in their care from staff who knew their needs, choices and wishes well.” The report also praised staff members at Bluebird Care Edinburgh, stating that “people were treated with respect and were confident staff had the skills to care for them. The service was careful to employ staff who were safe to work with vulnerable people, who would treat people with dignity, respect and compassion and who really wanted to care for people.” These successes ensured that “staff could feel valued, involved and an important part of Bluebird Care service.” Care Inspectorate’s report has praised the culture of care and dedication at the service that makes everyone proud to be a part of Bluebird Care Edinburgh. Jane Perry, Director of Bluebird Care Edinburgh and Bluebird Care Glasgow South, said: “This brilliant news rounds off what has been a truly amazing year for Bluebird Care Edinburgh and Bluebird Care Glasgow South. I am so proud of both teams. “Providing the highest quality of personalised and tailored care is at the heart of what we do and we are delighted that the Care Inspectorate has recognised this. “What fantastic recognition of all the hard work of every single one of our dedicated team members.” Find out more
92-Year-Old Widower Learns to Sing Again
Thomas Timson was one of the first residents to arrive at the luxury Abbotswood Court care home when the purpose-built facility opened in Romsey in 2015. He made the decision to move following the passing of his beloved wife after 65 years of marriage. Having shared many cherished years together, her absence had a huge impact on Tom’s life and his love for singing became a neglected pastime. Even though his son lives nearby, living alone without someone to share his music with, was too big an adjustment. The pair married in 1953 and were both proud to share their anniversary year with the Queen’s Coronation. A devoted husband, Tom nursed and tended to his wife for over two years before her passing. During this time Tom lost many opportunities to engage in his favourite passion, singing. A Hampshire man through and through, Tom was born in Compton, a small town just south of Winchester. He worked on the local railways as a Signalman for over 40 years. Since arriving at Abbotswood Court, Tom has had the opportunity to connect with the care home’s community and once again indulge in his love of music. Most weeks he can be heard performing in the communal areas, with other residents and to the compassionate team of carers. Finding a willing audience, Abbotswood Court encourages residents to retain and rediscover their hobbies. They understand that musical activity can improve residents’ wellbeing, happiness and quality of life, including those with various stages of dementia and other health issues. In turn, it also helps family members to feel more positive, knowing that their loved ones are maintaining their interests. At 92 years old, Tom finds singing incredibly therapeutic. Tom’s personality and love for music has made him one of the standout individuals residing in the home. He has now entered the care home industry’s version of the X-Factor, ‘Care Home Idol’. Thomas Timson, said: “In my early days at Abbotswood Court there was more staff than residents, however as the rooms have filled I’ve found that I never feel lonely. There are now so many wonderful people living here, and I always have someone to talk to. The food is good, there is regular entertainment and I cannot fault the attentive, friendly carers. It’s the perfect place for my son, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to come visit me.’’ Tom, continues: “I’ve always enjoyed singing and it’s great to be a part of a community where I can practice, sing with others and joining with regular music events. I used to do all these things before my wife was taken ill and she would be so happy to know that I have rediscovered my love for singing at Abbotswood.’’ Tom’s room is located on the ground floor right next to one of the three airy communal spaces situated within Abbotswood Court. Here all residents can participate in group activities or walk out to the glass-fronted garden room, which opens on to an outdoor patio and well-kept garden. Outside and using a stick to get around, Tom alongside other green-fingered residents, can also pursue their passion for horticulture. Gemma Ridout-Bowden, General Manager of Abbotswood, said: “We are all so pleased to see Tom find such fulfilment from being able to sing once again and we love to listen! We’ve found that singing helps to create a positive environment within our home, not just for our residents but also for our staff. We continue to support activity regular music sessions, events and sing-alongs. In addition, we often welcome friends and family to come along to share in these experiences.” To find out more about Abbotswood Court, visit: www.cinnamoncc.com/care-homes/abbotswood-court.
Borough Care teams up with EDUCATE
Borough Care teams up with EDUCATE For music and laughter project Borough Care, the largest not for profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has signed up to the EDUCATE Music and Laughter project. EDUCATE is a Stockport based group of people living with dementia, who raise awareness and help deliver training programmes. EDUCATE inspires others to live well with dementia. The Music and Laughter project is also being promoted by Fabulous Forgetful Friends, an involvement group for people living with dementia in Manchester. Borough Care has over 20 years of experience supporting people with dementia. The company offers dementia support through a range of services, including residential care, active recovery and day care provision. Borough Care has partnered with EDUCATE to put on a range of musical performances and events for residents. The overall aim of the Music and Laughter project is to put people with dementia in the driving seat when it comes to the music they listen to, sing or play. As part of the project, a number of musical events will be put on for Borough Care residents. These will involve performances by the residents themselves, professional musicians and the EDUCATE-Stockport school intergenerational choir. Events will also be arranged by Music in Hospitals & Care, a charity that brings live music to people in hospitals and care settings throughout the UK. Sophie Gardiner, Area Manager at Borough Care, says: “Experiencing music can help provide a better quality of life for people with dementia and improve their overall physical and mental wellbeing. Music accesses a different part of the brain than language so it can be used to communicate or engage with someone with dementia even if they no longer speak or respond to words. Many of our residents love music and the musical activities we put on are always popular. The Music and Laughter project will give our residents even more opportunities to enjoy, and participate in, musical events.” Music has many benefits for people living with dementia. It helps people express their feelings, taps into powerful memories and emotions, helps a person connect with others around them and can reduce social isolation.
Theraposture appoints highly experienced specialist
Theraposture, a respected leader in adjustable beds, chairs and care cots, has appointed Craig Ward as its new Trusted Assessor for Northern England, North Wales and Scotland. Before joining Theraposture, Craig was a key representative at Leckey for 21 years with multiple responsibilities including client assessment, product life-time support and corporate education. Craig first developed a passion for assisting children and adults with disabilities whilst completing his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. He gained memorable experiences volunteering within the long term care sector and at special schools. Craig’s time at the John Jamieson School in Leeds, one of the largest inclusive learning centres in the UK, inspired him to seek a career in the mobility and healthcare market. Now with vast knowledge particularly in paediatrics and postural support, Craig joins Theraposture to strengthen its specialist services and enhance value to customers. Craig explains: “I decided to join Theraposture as the business has an outstanding reputation for quality products and services. Before submitting my application, I spent time talking to people in the industry about the company including visits to Disabled Living Centres. Every professional I spoke to offered a glowing account of its ethical service provision, especially its client-centred approach. This reaffirmed my personal opinion and led to my application. Since joining I have already set myself personal objectives to expand my knowledge of conditions, especially Parkinson’s, so I can deliver a higher level of understanding and compassion.” Craig continues: “In terms of professional relationships, I have spent most of my career working closely with NHS Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists so understand the challenges they face in terms of time and budget. My Theraposture region is where I have operated over the last 20 years so can fully appreciate both local and national issues. I believe that by purchasing quality, durable and adaptable / modular equipment, Statutory Services can make the best use of limited funding. Theraposture talk about being the considered choice as their products not only last a long time, but many are modular meaning that they can be adapted to track changing needs. Making the “considered choice” will be one of my key messages in the North and Scotland.” Liam Braddell, Theraposture Sales Director adds: “We are delighted such a talented and knowledgeable individual as Craig has joined Theraposture. His approach and beliefs perfectly resonate with our values – 100% focused on maximising positive outcomes through a clear understanding of client needs.” Outside of his busy working week Craig lives near Selby in North Yorkshire and is married with two children. He is a retried rugby league player who now enjoys time supporting his children as they develop in football and show jumping. Find out more
CQC review – how local health and social care work together
The CQC has published its findings following a review of health and social care services in Staffordshire. The report is one of 23 targeted local system reviews looking specifically at how older people move through the health and social care system, with a focus on how services work together. The reviews look at how hospitals, community health services, GP practices, care homes and home care agencies work together to provide seamless care for people aged 65 and over living in a local area. During the review CQC sought feedback from a range of people involved in shaping and leading the system, those responsible for directly delivering care, as well as people who use services, their families and carers. Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of Primary Medical Services and Integrated Care, said: “Our review of health and social care services in the county found that older people had varied experiences of health and social care services. There were variations in what was available to them depending on where they lived, which meant that people’s experiences of care and the support they received were inconsistent. “While there was a shared vision from leadership in the county’s Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP), this did not transfer to those at an operational level. This was due to a number of significant recent changes within the system, which meant more time was needed to ensure people received high quality services wherever they went in Staffordshire. “Our review found many examples of good practice but also highlighted a number of areas where improvements are needed to ensure those responsible for providing health and social care services work better together. Some of these areas had already been recognised by the system’s leaders and plans were already being developed, or were in place, to ensure those improvements took place. “We have presented our findings to the health and social care system leaders in Staffordshire so that they can prioritise and continue to improve and work together in bringing joined up care to people living in the county.” Overall CQC reviewers found: Older people living in Staffordshire had varied experiences of health and social care services. There were local variations in what was available to people and consequently experiences of care and support were inconsistent. There were instances of people attending A&E because they couldn’t get GP appointments and A&E attendance for people over 65 living in care homes (January to March 2018) were higher than both national and comparator areas. A&E experiences were much improved at Royal Stoke Hospital. Person centered services for people with Dementia were very positively received. Although there had been recent improvements, people were still more likely to be delayed coming out from hospital. There were examples of people who experienced avoidable harm due to delays in their discharge from hospital. People still had a limited choice in respect of care homes rated good. There were good relationships between senior leaders in the Staffordshire and Stoke Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) and there was good political support from the County Council for the STP. This review makes a number of suggestions of areas where the local system should focus on to secure improvement including: Though there was a clear vision and strong leadership at a senior level services delivered remained fragmented and dependent on the area of Staffordshire people lived in. A whole county joint commissioning strategy needs to be further developed so there is consistency of provision throughout Staffordshire. The Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2018- 23 should be completely inclusive and refer to how all people, including those of different faiths, beliefs, gender, sexuality, or with physical and/or learning disabilities, will be included in the development of services. A whole county dementia strategy needs to be developed to ensure the needs of people with dementia are consistently supported across Staffordshire The system needs to develop a strategy to ensure services are developed with input from the people who will use them. Nationally validated models of GP support for care homes need to be rolled out more quickly to ensure they are ready for winter. People living in Staffordshire must have equal access to services; such as the intravenous antibiotics administered in their own home and falls prevention services. A system-wide approach is needed to find better solutions to manage patient discharge; such as the virtual ward, meaning people have a full range of services available to them by clinical professionals form home. eLearning from serious incidents and complaints should be shared across the system. The full report will be available on our website on Friday 14 December 2018 here: cqc.org.uk/localsystemreviews.
Sunrise Eastbourne ‘Outstanding’ Care Provider
Sunrise of Eastbourne has received a rating of ‘Outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care services in England – a rating which only around 1% of care homes receive. The rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in July 2018 and makes Sunrise of Eastbourne one of the country’s top care homes. The community, which provides high-quality, personalised nursing, dementia care and assisted living to up to 107 people, was praised by inspectors for ensuring its residents receive “exceptionally effective care, based on best practice by staff with an in-depth knowledge of their care and treatment needs.” The report also highlighted the culture of person-centred care at the community, with people receiving “high standards of kind and compassionate care.” After speaking to residents and their relatives, inspectors were told that team members “were extremely caring, kind, attentive and dedicated in their approach, which was evident throughout the inspection.” One person said: “I can’t think of a word to explain it, just wonderful. You can approach anybody. Everybody’s helpful. So supportive, kind, quick,” whilst a relative said that the service was, “loving, kind, happy, safe, calm and personalised, giving dignity to everyone.” In a further achievement, the community received ‘Outstanding’ ratings in four out of the five areas inspected: effective service, caring service, responsive service and well-led service. It also received a rating of ‘Good’ for the provision of safe care. When it came to the responsiveness of care, the report highlighted that people “received a responsive service where staff went above and beyond to ensure people’s needs, wishes and aspirations were at the forefront of everything they did” and that people “were supported to live as full a life as possible.” This included outreach initiatives such as a gardening club, a Golden Oldies Club for watching vintage films and the encouragement of exercise and physical wellbeing. With an “exceptionally strong management team and proactive provider who made people at the centre of the work they did,” the community was also praised for its effective leadership team and dedicated staff members. Whilst their work was commended, the report also noted that team members have a “drive to enrich the lives of people through the continuous improvement of staff and care delivery” – meaning that Sunrise of Eastbourne will only continue to develop. Fiona White, Registered Manager at Sunrise of Eastbourne, said: “I am incredibly proud of the entire care team here at Sunrise of Eastbourne and this rating is a demonstration of the pride and commitment they apply to the care they provide every single day. “I know that everybody enjoys and values the work they do with our residents and their families and we look forward to what lies in store for us as we continue to go from strength to strength.” Joanne Balmer, Senior Director of Care and Quality for Sunrise Senior Living UK, said: “We are delighted to see Sunrise of Eastbourne receive such wonderful recognition for the hard work they do to ensure every individual receives the kind of care that puts them and their quality of life first. “We know that the community will maintain its high standards as it goes forward and we are ready to continue providing support that will ensure everybody receives the dedicated and personalised care they deserve.” To see the full CQC report, please visit: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-2745629662?referer=widget3.
Primaflow F&P raises £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Society
A programme of fundraising activities led by staff at plumbing, heating and bathrooms wholesaler Primaflow F&P has resulted in cumulative donations of £30,000 to the company’s current charity partner, Alzheimer’s Society. Spanning the past three years, the fundraising drive encompassed a range of physical activities including marathons, walks, mountain treks and cycle rides – with many of the initiatives seeing colleagues join up to tackle the challenges in teams. Additional funds were raised via a staff shop and through the company’s website, www.primaflowfandp.co.uk. Explaining that more than 50 staff members joined together to participate in the various activities, managing director Jed Kenrick says: “Staff have taken themselves out of their comfort zones and braved new challenges, in a concerted effort to raise funds and awareness for this important cause. Alzheimer’s Society works tirelessly to provide the best support – for people living with dementia and carers alike. We hope our support will go some way to helping further the charity’s valuable research.” Speaking on receipt of the final cheque, Joe Swan from Alzheimer’s Society explained why support for the charity is so critical: “Dementia is a widespread issue, affecting more than 850,000 people in the UK – with this figure expected to rise to 1 million by 2025. With no cure currently available for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia, we are committed to investing in research designed to improve care – and ultimately find a cure. The £30,000 raised by Primaflow F&P will go a long way to helping us do this. Thanks to everyone for their hard work fundraising.” Primaflow F&P has previously supported charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Whizz-Kidz. The company’s charity partner for 2019 and 2020 will be Make-A-Wish UK.
Hundreds raised for residents at care home Christmas fayre
A CARE home Christmas fayre has raised hundreds of pounds for residents. Sycamore Hall Care Home’s annual festive celebration was attended by dignitaries from Ripon City Council alongside staff, residents and their family members. Mayor Cllr Pauline McHardy, her consort Cllr Eamon Parkin and Deputy Mayor Cllr Charlie Powell were among the guests. Craft stalls selling Christmas gifts, handmade soaps, knitted goods and jigsaws, among other items, helped raised £639.47 for the home’s residents’ fund. There was also a cake stall and tombola with prizes donated by staff, relatives and friends. Raffle prizes were donated by many local businesses and included tickets to Ripon Races, Sunday lunch for two at The Lamb Inn in Rainton, vouchers for How Stean Gorge, as well as The Spa Hotel, The Black A Moor Inn, and Artichoke, all in Ripon, and goods from Boots and Morrisons. Sweetie cones and hot chocolate reindeer cones, made by the residents, sold well. A guess the weight of the Christmas cake competition and guess the name of the teddy bear also proved popular. Chrissie Medway Steele, home manager at Sycamore Hall Care Home, on Kearsley Road, said: “There was a fabulous turn out and a special visit from the Mayor of Ripon. “The residents had a wonderful day and we raised a fantastic amount for the residents’ fund, which will contribute towards activities and days out in the new year. “Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope to see you here again next year.” www.hillcare.net
