Person Centred Software lead the call for better care in care homes
According to an article published in The Guardian on 25th November 2018, more than 1,000 care home patients have died suffering from malnutrition, dehydration or bedsores. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/25/care-home-patients-england-wales-malnutrition-dehydration-bedsores These figures are from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which completed an analysis of death certificates at the newspaper’s request. The ONS acknowledged that ‘it is possible that poor care may have been a factor in some of the deaths’. To many, this report is not a surprise. Person Centred Software, the developer of Mobile Care Monitoring, an intelligent mobile solution for evidencing care interactions, electronic care planning and reporting, is already working with UCL (University College London) to conduct a study into the impact of good care on life expectancy. Professor Laurence Lovat, leading the study, says, “The report by the Office of National Statistics may well underestimate the magnitude of the issue. There are many clues that a problem may be developing. Our research is looking at using big data analysis of routinely collected information by care home workers to identify patterns which predict development of malnutrition and dehydration. This will lead to simple early interventions to prevent this entirely avoidable cause of death in vulnerable care home residents.” One solution to this issue is to give residential social care providers the tools they need to provide the best quality of care possible. The Mobile Care Monitoring application is now used by over 900 care homes in the UK and enables staff to record care at the point of delivery using its icon-driven app. The information is then at the fingertips of carers to analyse and adjust care as necessary to ensure a responsive and person-centred approach. For instance, rather than guess what people have drunk and risk them being dehydrated, using Mobile Care Monitoring, staff can accurately and immediately evidence fluids they have offered, and residents have drunk. With access to precise evidence of care, fluids can be monitored, and risks are greatly reduced, not just to dehydration. One care home group found that by monitoring fluids using Mobile Care Monitoring, they were able to also reduce falls by 33%. Alison Redhead, Registered Manager at Minster Grange Care Home said, “A member of the care team requested that a resident was put on fluid watch as they were concerned that they weren’t drinking enough. The fact that this member of staff, rather than feel frustrated, knew that the system could support us shows just how invaluable the Mobile Care Monitoring system is.” 5% of care homes using Mobile Care Monitoring are rated Outstanding by CQC compared to 3% of care homes nationally, as stated in the original article. And it’s not just carers and care home managers that want and need confirmation that residents are cared for. Relatives can often be left isolated once a loved one has been placed in care. This is now solved with the secure Relatives Gateway portal, part of the Mobile Care Monitoring service. It enables friends and family of those in care to stay informed and in touch as well as share messages and photos. The system not only dispels families’ fears about care homes but keeps them much more connected to their family member’s new stage of life during the transition into care. The Relatives Gateway also gives value back to carers too, since it shows and recognises everything that they do, from major activities to the smallest acts of kindness. For more information about Mobile Care Monitoring please visit www.personcentredsoftware.com
Raizer deal gives a lift to retirement villages across the UK
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust has recently invested in some Raizer emergency lifting chairs to help residents get back on their feet across 21 retirement villages. The charity hopes that this will help reduce the number of ambulance call-outs its staff have to make for people who have fallen and cannot get back up. Falls are one of the costliest problems facing the healthcare sector, and it is estimated that falls cost the NHS about £2.3 billion annually. Supplied by Yorkshire Care Equipment, the Raizer is assembled around a fallen person by a single operator. You can then begin lifting the person back to a seated or standing position at the touch of a button, allowing you to keep eye contact and maintain conversation with the person and make sure they are okay. Yorkshire Care’s Raizer specialist, Steve Ellis, said: “The Raizer is the perfect solution for ExtraCare and its retirement villages. I held some training at the Lark Hill Retirement Village a few months ago and the staff were saying that their residents were sometimes waiting up to six or seven hours for paramedics to come help them get up. “With their 20 new Raizers, the ExtraCare staff will be able to avoid these sorts of call-outs and will help to provide their residents with the best quality of life and care possible.” As the exclusive Raizer dealer from the heights of Scotland down to the depths of Birmingham, Yorkshire Care Equipment are the go-to experts for this innovative and time-saving device. The company has also decided to knock money off of the Raizer for the rest of 2018 to help other organisations and charities like ExtraCare get the best deal available before 2019 prices kick in. One member of the ExtraCare team who preferred to stay anonymous said: “I have to say, everyone is very impressed with the Raizer and are looking forward to being able to assist residents where this is possible in the future rather than having to call the emergency services.” By using the Raizer, staff at various ExtraCare retirement villages from Bristol to Liverpool will be able to get people back on their feet in a safe and dignified way that will prevent any unnecessary 999 calls. You can see how the Raizer works here.
RCH opens its first specialist ABI centre
Care provider RCH was celebrating this month as it officially opened its first acquired brain injury centre in Bedfordshire. Manton Heights ABI Unit, situated off Manton Lane in Bedford, will join the group’s ten older persons’ care homes and a supported living service in the east and south east of the country. The brand-new, state-of-the-art centre was officially declared ‘open’ by the RCH Care team and invited guests on Friday, 23 November 2018 and will provide life-changing support to people who have acquired or traumatic brain injuries – often the result of a range of illnesses or incidents such as a stroke or car accident. With an expert team of consultants and therapists, the unit will care for up to 14 residents – providing a range of dedicated care, support and tailored therapies specifically personalised to aid each resident’s on-going rehabilitation. Its homely lounge and dining room, spacious en-suite bedrooms, homemade meals and an IT suite/games room, support residents to feel comfortable and at home whilst benefiting from specialist facilities such as tracking hoists, a rehabilitation therapy room, independence kitchen and two bungalows for people to live in for a period of time prior to them returning to independent living. Stephen Rees, Chief Operating Officer of RCH Care Homes which owns and runs the new centre said: “We’re really pleased to be adding the ABI centre to our portfolio of homes. We have an absolutely amazing team of skilled and highly experienced consultants and therapists who will work together to provide the very best care and support to our residents – we look forward to welcoming people from across the county and beyond.” Unit Manager Tina Colley added: “Acquired and traumatic brain injuries can be simply devastating for the person and their family and friends. Someone can go from leading a completely normal life one day to having to rely on others for their every need the next due to an accident, illness or incident which has left them with brain damage. “My team and I are absolutely committed to supporting each and every resident to live their new lives to the full. Through the dedication of an experienced team of consultants and therapists, we will be helping them to relearn the skills they once had and supporting them to be as independent as possible in the future.” For more information about Manton Heights ABI Unit please visit www.mantonheightsabi.co.uk or call Tina and the team on 01234 213 686.
Encore Care Homes continues to invest in its team
Five team members from Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth, have completed the ‘Be an Effective Leader’ programme. Great Oaks is managed by Encore Care Homes, which invests significantly in the personal development of its staff and presents them with regular training opportunities throughout the year. The ‘Be an Effective Leader’ programme was launched to provide staff with the skills and tools required to manage a team successfully. The ‘Be an Effective Leader’ course is carried out over a six-month period and consists of five one-day workshops and five half-day workshops. These workshops cover a range of topics including managing teams through communication, time management and how to resolve under performance. In-between training, each team member is asked to demonstrate what they have learnt so far in the daily working environment. At the end of the programme, all participants create a presentation to share with the rest of the team, which details what they have learnt and how they have developed through the training. Sarah Sims (administrator), Lisa Mosses (head housekeeper), Sue McManus (registered nurse), Patrick Fensterseifer (head chef) and Tony Hill (senior healthcare assistant) are the first to complete the training at Great Oaks. Luke Wiltshire, training manager for Encore, said: “It has been a pleasure facilitating the group’s learning and seeing people grow session-by-session. Our workshops cover a range of topics but heavily focus on learners exploring their leadership style and recognising how to adapt to different situations. Leadership is not a simple concept that can be taught in one training session. Our in-depth programme means that learners have a chance to implement what they have learnt in the classroom, into their role in our care homes, and then come back and evaluate their learning in a group setting. “At Encore, we are passionate about learning and development and we hope by offering regular training opportunities such as this initiative, we will build a well led and inspired workforce for the future.” Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, which are designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. Please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk for more information or call 01202 087444.
Nightclub bingo a hit at Tyneside care home
NIGHTCLUB sensation Bongo’s Bingo has spread to a Tyneside care home. The revamped version of the traditional game, which has become popular in clubs and venues around the UK, was played at Waverley Lodge Care Home, in Lemington, near Newcastle. Students from the Newcastle United Foundation National Citizenship Service (NCS) organised a version of Bongo’s Bingo for the home’s elderly residents. The game involves music, singing, dancing and unconventional prizes for those who complete a line, two lines or a full house. While the nightclub version is accompanied by 90s rave music, residents at Waverley Lodge enjoyed Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Elvis while marking their cards. Prizes included chocolates, fluffy socks and slippers, with resident Ethel Smith winning several times. She said: “It was the best game of bingo I’ve ever played and lots of fun.” Sarah Burn, Newcastle United Foundation NCS group facilitator, accompanied the students, all aged 15 to 17 years old, at the home. She said: “The group loved every minute spending time at Waverley Lodge Care Home. They were eager to get involved and left really grateful for the opportunity. “Upon leaving, a couple of the group did shed some tears and explained that they didn’t realise how a small amount of their time could have such an impact. Watching them come out of their shell and walk away wanting to make an even bigger difference is why we do our job and why NCS is a great project to be involved with.” Julie Booth, home manager at Waverley Lodge Care Home, said: “When the NCS group came to the home and said they wanted to run a Bongo’s Bingo session, we were all a bit puzzled. “The residents absolutely loved it, however, as it mixes one of their favourite games with music, singing, dancing and some fantastic prizes. “A massive thank you goes to the Newcastle United Foundation and their NCS students. We are hoping to see them back for our Christmas Fayre.” Waverley Lodge Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Youngsters sing for elderly on UN Children’s Day
NURSERY children have been entertaining elderly care home residents as part of the United Nations Universal Children’s Day. Youngsters from Orchard Day Nursery, in Huyton, near Liverpool, put on a singing show at nearby Aaron Grange Care Home. The home’s residents and staff enjoyed the performance and joined in with many of the songs. Clare Richards, home manager at Aaron Grange Care Home, on Blacklow Brow, Huyton, said: “There were lots of sing-along songs and the residents thoroughly enjoyed it. “They’re all looking forward to the children visiting again and getting involved with arts and crafts, reading, board games and other fun activities.” The UN Universal Children’s Day is celebrated each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. Aaron Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Christmas Dinner Spreads Cheer Amongst Lonely
A new Dorset care home bed finding website is spreading Christmas cheer to those who are lonely this Christmas. Care Home Bed Finder (CHBF), which is based in Bournemouth, has made a commitment to help lonely elderly people this December, following its November support for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. It has teamed up with local care home providers, social services and domiciliary care providers throughout the county, and aims to accommodate as many guests as possible who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone, perhaps due to bereavement, poor health, increasing age or distant family. The government has recognised loneliness as one of the main challenges faced by British society. GPs in England will be able to refer patients experiencing loneliness to community activities and voluntary services by 2023. Managing Director at CHBF, Malcolm Whitham, said: “The opportunity to enjoy festive fare and spend quality time with people of a similar age and life experiences will hopefully lead to making new friends. “We discovered that some care homes open their doors to outside guests for Christmas Day and decided to launch Operation Feast with Friends to connect homes with people who would be on their own. “We are focusing on Dorset this year, but plan to officially launch it as a charity early in 2019 and, by next Christmas, roll it out across the country.” Several care homes are already involved and actively seeking elderly guests to invite. Once relevant risk assessments have been completed and any special dietary or care requirements established, each guest will be matched with a home and a suitably Christmassy invitation dispatched. CHBF is also contacting taxi companies to request assistance with transporting to and from homes and plans to ensure guests receive a present to open on the day. “Organising this involves a huge amount of coordination,” Malcolm added, “but it is something we feel strongly about because it fits our company ethos of supporting those in care, as well as the wider industry. “Not only will someone enjoy a special Christmas Day, but it will also give people a look at life in a care home and perhaps break down preconceived ideas. We hope a relationship will grow between our guests and the homes, with future visits built upon these links.” Background Information: • An NHS survey revealed that in Dorset there were 375 social care users surveyed in 2017 and 168 felt lonely (Public Health England estimates). • More than nine million people in the UK – almost a fifth of the population – say they are always or often lonely but almost two-thirds feel uncomfortable admitting it (British Red Cross and Co-Op, 2016). • More than half (51 per cent) of people aged 75 and above live alone (ONS, 2010). • Two-fifths all older people say television is their main company (Age UK, 2014). www.carehomebedfinder.co.uk
Bluebird Care supports training company project to help the homeless
Bluebird Care has assisted local training company, Kilpatrick Consultancy, with a project to help the homeless in the Reading area. Rebecca Kilpatrick, a mental health training consultant, approached Bluebird Care to ask for donations and the national home care provider jumped straight into action to do what they could to help. The project aims to gather and make 50 care packages that can be given to homeless people to make this time of year a little easier to cope with. Rebecca hopes these care packages will contain the following; mouthwash, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, socks, gloves, sweets, bottles of water and a variety of food products. Other extras in the bags included dog treats (for those who have dogs), sleeping bags, items of clothing and coats. Bluebird Care was asked to donate carrier bags that would make distribution much easier. The head office responded offering 50 jute bags and extra blankets to add to the donations. Other companies that have donated include Nandos and Aldi who are providing food, Johnson & Johnson who gave toiletries and a Vet in Bracknell who donated money for animal supplies. All other donations have come from friends, family and others who have heard about the initiative. The packs are going to be distributed in the Reading area on 16th December but the organisers are still looking for more resources to go into the pack. If you would like to donate, please get in touch with kilpatrickconsultancy@gmail.com to find out how you can help. Yvonne Hignell, Managing Director of Bluebird Care, said: “This is such a worthy cause and we are very glad to be providing a small helping hand to those sleeping rough. This is such a big issue, which deeply affects such a high percentage of our population in the UK, especially at this time of year when the temperature drops and people’s health is put in serious danger. I encourage everyone to help out to achieve, and even supersede, Rebecca’s goal and do their part to help those who need it the most.” www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
MFC mementoes help residents with dementia reminisce
THE BORO Foundation has been sending out memorabilia boxes to care homes to help residents with dementia reminisce. The boxes containing old programmes, tickets and photos, among other items from past Middlesbrough FC games, have been the centre of activities run at the homes. Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, in Thornaby, was one of those benefitting from the scheme. The home works closely with the Middlesbrough FC Foundation’s National Citizenship Service (NCS), offering teenage volunteers opportunities to work with elderly residents. Kelly Daley, the Foundation’s NCS lead, said: “The club has delivered a number of dementia tours at the Riverside Stadium and the feedback was overwhelming. “All participants really enjoyed it and it had a positive impact upon all of them. “As a result, we thought it would be an idea to take the tour to the care homes that we work alongside across a number of our projects.” Kelly and her colleague Claire Streeter delivered two memory boxes to Mandale House Care Home, alongside a cake for residents and staff. Two of the home’s residents and Boro fans, Billy James and Ted Leckenby, also received shirts from the 2017/18 season. Billy, one of Hill Care’s dementia sufferers said: “I love my Boro shirt.” Kelly added: “From my viewpoint, I think with the personal experience of Alzheimer’s within my family, I have witnessed the heart-breaking effects it can have on the families as well as the patients. “From them not remembering who you are through to not even being able to hold a conversation anymore. “The most heart-breaking thing for me is the fact that, in the early stages of the diagnosis, you witness them trying to find the words but can see in their eyes the struggle it’s proving to be. “I think the ideas behind the memory boxes allow families and patients to engage in a conversation that can be lost and it provides a little joy when patients do recognise memorabilia. So I think they’re a fantastic idea and something that we are happy to support.” Jacqueline Ball, administrator at Mandale House Care Home, said: “It was such a kind thing for the MFC Foundation to do. “The residents loved the memory boxes and Boro kit and those who aren’t really into football really enjoyed the cake. “Our partnership with the Foundation has been fantastic for both our residents and the young NCS volunteers and we look forward to our ongoing work together.” Mandale House Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
