A quarter of councils have stopped offering Meals on Wheels
24 per cent of the UK’s local authorities have stopped offering a Meals on Wheels service since 2014. Just 42 per cent of local authorities now offer any kind of Meals on Wheels service to elderly and vulnerable people living in our communities. These are the findings of new research from the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) for Meals on Wheels Week 2018 (5-9 November). The survey of the higher tier authorities in the UK shows a steady decline in the provision of Meals on Wheels services since the NACC first commissioned the research in 2014, when 66% of UK local authorities provided a service, and again in 2016, when the figure was 48%. The research also shows that the number of councils subsidising the service financially has decreased from 80 per cent in 2016 to just 58 per cent in 2018. This reduction in the provision of Meals on Wheels is due to the drastic reduction in Adult Social Care budgets, estimated to be over £2 billion by the Local Government Association. The NACC is calling on the Government to increase funding to communities across the country to secure the future of the Meals on Wheels services, whether provided by a local authority, charity, voluntary group or private enterprise. The service brings considerable benefits to its users and is also proven to reduce the pressure on health and social care services by improving the overall health and wellbeing of service users and allowing people to continue living in their own homes. As highlighted in the research, the North West is now the worst area of the country for Meals on Wheels, with only 13 per cent of councils providing the service, down from nearly half of councils in 2014. It is also slim pickings in the North East, where just 17 per cent of councils offer meals to older people at home. In the East Midlands, nearly four in every ten councils have cut their Meals on Wheels service in the last four years. Meals on Wheels – more than just a meal The Meals on Wheels service enables the elderly and vulnerable to live independently in their homes for longer. It keeps them nourished and hydrated with a nutritious daily meal (in many cases the only one they will have each day) and provides an essential preventative service that reduces costly malnutrition-related admissions to hospital that are adding to the terrible strain on the NHS. For the majority of service users, Meals on Wheels is so much more than just a meal. It is a social lifeline that eases the devastating effects of isolation and loneliness. The delivery of a meal brings regular human contact, which for many may be the only interaction they enjoy. It also provides much-needed wellbeing and safety checks, again, crucial for those that may not see anyone else during the day. Meals on Wheels Week 2018 As well as raising awareness of the decline in essential Meals on Wheels services and the need to protect the service, Meals on Wheels Week activity champions the positive, innovative work of NACC members and social care providers that has enabled services to continue despite austerity. Meals on Wheels Week 2018 activities include: Food Poverty Conference at City Hall – organised by the charity Sustain, the NACC will focus on Meals on Wheels as part of a round table discussion on tackling food poverty, alongside London authorities, on Monday 5 November Innovative case studies – inspirational case studies from NACC members that show how innovation and alternative models have enabled services to continue to run and benefit the community will be released during Meals on Wheels Week, in partnership with Sustain. On Thursday 8 November, an interactive webinar will discuss the case studies VIP on Wheels – across the country Meals on Wheels services are inviting local dignitaries and celebrities to join a delivery round to see first-hand the positive impact the service has on service users and the community Neel Radia, national chair of the NACC, said: “Meals on Wheels is a vital part of social care and a lifeline that helps elderly and vulnerable people to keep a level of independence in their own homes. It’s therefore disappointing, if not unexpected, to see a further decline in service provision across the UK. The meals provided by these services are carefully tailored to meet customers’ dietary requirements, and their loss could lead to malnutrition, greater social isolation and loneliness. Meals on Wheels isn’t just about delivering a meal. Service providers regularly check upon elderly and vulnerable people to make sure they are fed and hydrated and that their health isn’t deteriorating. For many older and vulnerable people, the Meals on Wheels delivery might be the only friendly face they see from one day to the next. Just a few weeks ago, the Prime Minister asked postal workers to check on elderly and vulnerable people as part of her new loneliness strategy. Meals on Wheels already provides this vital contact, but when it comes to concrete action to support this efficient and beneficial service, we only see shrinking budgets. The Government has claimed they will bring about the ‘end of austerity’, but vulnerable people are seeing services they depend on disappear because of the squeeze in local authorities’ budgets. The Government should safeguard Meals on Wheels services by making sure councils have the funding and resources necessary to provide them. On a positive note, NACC members and providers across the country are not giving up on the Meals on Wheels service easily. We have seen exceptional examples of providers thinking differently and finding alternative approaches and models that have enabled them to continue to run the service, and most importantly, continue to benefit the community and the people they serve both today and in the future. This is what we are championing during Meals on Wheels Week and I encourage everyone to follow the event on social media and, where possible, take part.” For more information about the NACC and Meals
Cold Weather Priority Initiative Aimed at Tackling Winter Deaths
According to The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), each year in the UK, there are 40,000 so-called ‘excess winter deaths’ as a result of cold. 82.5% of these are among the elderly (aged 75 and over) enter the Cold Weather Priority Initiative. Based on ONS data, in England alone there were as many as 1,724 extra deaths during the ‘Beast from the East’ (22 February to 3 March 2018). Across the UK the number the number may even be as high as 2000. In response to this and with winter approaching off grid energy trade association, The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, whose members supply up to 1.5 million rural homes in the UK and 733,000 homes in the Republic of Ireland with heating oil, is urging members of the public who are 75+ and who use heating oil to sign up to the Cold Weather Priority Initiative. The CWP initiative will assist in identifying and help those most at risk so they are prioritised for delivery when it comes to heating oil supplies throughout the winter months, especially during periods of extreme cold weather or fuel shortages. FPS Chief Executive Guy Pulham comments: “Cold Weather Priority is an important industry initiative that was launched in 2017 and played a key role in the heavy snow ‘Beast From The East’ we experienced earlier this year. Many of our members implemented the CWP scheme to help prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers during that bad weather period. Thankfully, situations where supplies of fuel are short and the cold is extreme are rare but before the winter sets in we are asking members of the public who are aged 75 and over to get in touch with their FPS member heating oil supplier if they believe they should be part of the CWP initiative. FPS members will also over the next few months be employing various methods to identify customers who they believe fall into the ‘CWP’ category, so that deliveries can be prioritised to these people during the winter months.” The CWP initiative has also received support from The Rt Hon Claire Perry MP, Minister of State, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who comments: “The last 12 months have shown the problems that severe conditions can cause and for those using heating oil and liquified petroleum gas to heat their homes this can be particularly challenging. The Cold Weather Priority Initiative is a welcome effort by industry to provide security and comfort to thousands of those most in need.” If you would like to know more about the scheme visit Cold Weather Priority by clicking here
Triple success for Balhousie Care Group at National Care Awards
Three exceptional people from Balhousie Care Group have been shortlisted for a National Care Award. Heather Smith, Yvonne Manson and Ross Balmer are finalists for the prestigious awards which recognises the very best of those working the care industry. As the Operations Manager at Balhousie’s Advanced Specialist Care Unit, Heather Smith has been shortlisted for the Learning Disability Services Manager award for the second year running. Yvonne Manson, who is a Dementia Nurse Consultant with the leading care home provider, is a finalist in the Care Leadership category. This accolade follows Yvonne’s success at the Royal College of Nursing’s RCNi Awards last July where she picked up an award for leadership. Finally, a relatively new addition to the Balhousie team, Ross Balmer, is a finalist in the Care Apprentice category at the National Care Awards. Joining Balhousie Dalnaglar care home in Crieff just over 18 months ago, Ross has found his vocation in the care sector and is currently working in a carer role while studying to become a nurse. Tony Banks, Chairman at Balhousie Care Group, said: “Everyone at Balhousie Care Group is immensely proud of our team members who have made this year’s National Care Awards final. It is wonderful to see individuals at various stages in their career making a real difference to people across our care homes, from staff to our residents and their families by providing the very best of care. Congratulations to Heather, Yvonne and Ross and we’ll be rooting for you all at the final in November.” The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Hilton London Metropole on Friday November 30, 2018. To find out more about Balhousie Care Group, please click here
Teesside care homes hold Halloween celebrations
A FRIGHTFUL autumn fayre was held at a Teesside care home to mark Halloween. Ghouls and ghosts walked the corridors of The Beeches Care Home, in Stockton-on-Tees, as staff dressed for the occasion. Bats and pumpkin decorations hung from the walls and ceiling and a wide range of Halloween activities were available for residents and visitors. Apple bobbing, a tombola, tin can alley, slime pit, raffle and a stall selling themed cakes all helped raise over £660. The money will go into the residents’ fund to pay for Christmas activities and a pantomime for residents. Helen Wood, home manager at The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, said: “The staff did an amazing job with their costumes and the decorations for our Halloween autumn fair. “I’d like to say thank you to all those who came along and donated to the residents’ fund. We raised an amazing amount, which will all go towards Christmas events and activities for the residents.” Fellow Teesside care homes, Briarwood Care Home, in Eston, Middlesbrough, and Mandale House Care Home, in Thornaby, also held Halloween events. Staff and residents at both homes, all part of the Hill Care Group, dressed as a range of scary characters for young family members who visited the home to trick or treat. The Beeches, Briarwood and Mandale House care homes are all part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Borough Care Launches New ‘Life in Colour’ Website
Borough Care, the largest not for profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, has created a new website that reflects the company’s ‘Life in Colour’ values – www.boroughcare.org.uk The new Borough Care website brings to life what it is really like to live in a Borough Care residential home, through stories, eye-catching images, testimonials and examples of care featuring real residents, their family members and staff. The new site has been simplified, making it easier for people to navigate and find the information they are looking for. It now includes more information about each of Borough Care’s eleven homes, including details about the amenities on offer and what makes each home unique. Dr Mark Ward, CEO at Borough Care, says: “Towards the end of last year we re-energised the Borough Care logo and brand, to challenge people’s perceptions of what life is like in a care home. Our Life in Colour message is intrinsic to everything we do at Borough Care, as we believe when older people move to a care home their interesting lives shouldn’t come to a standstill. We think everyone should be encouraged, and supported, to live their best possible life, whatever their age, health or capabilities. Instead of settling for a grey existence, a life lived at Borough Care is a colourful one. We encourage residents to share their experiences and continue to lead an active social life if they wish: living their life in colour. “It is our desire to lead a step change in the approach to care for older people. We believe that every resident is unique and should be treated as such. As our website is an important tool for people to find out more about our homes, we were keen to ensure it effectively shows people what we offer and the ethos behind our care.” www.boroughcare.org.uk
Sunrise, Edgbaston partners with Acorns Children’s Hospice
Sunrise of Edgbaston on Church Road, is working with West Midlands-based charity Acorns Children’s Hospice, to support its mission of providing a network of care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions. To kick-start the partnership, the community is launching a ‘Pay for a Day’ initiative to raise money for the hospice, presenting its very own donation of £500 by way of giant cheque. Sunrise’s campaign will aim to support the hospice’s mission of ‘making every day count’ and raise the required funds for a full day of care at Acorns Birmingham hospice, based in Selly Oak, whilst spreading the word about how the community can get involved. Sunrise launched the partnership by hosting a special open-house event on Monday 22nd October, with the local community enjoying prosecco and nibbles whilst finding out more about the work of both Sunrise and Acorns. As well as welcoming visitors to their community, Sunrise of Edgbaston have also renamed some of their living areas, with ‘Acorns Suite’ and ‘Acorns Room’ becoming special parts of the residence. The open-house event launched what will be a long-term partnership between Sunrise of Edgbaston and Acorns, with a host of exciting activities and fundraising events planned. This will include a Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ online video challenge, where participants will nominate somebody to take part next, in what will become a social media chain of fundraising and fun. In December, Acorns will celebrate their 30th birthday and Sunrise of Edgbaston will also be on hand to help them mark the special occasion. Sunrise will host a very special ‘Bake-Off’ event with an Acorn-themed ‘showstopper’ challenge and will submit a cake made by their very own Head Chef Sam. Slices from all entries will be available for guests to purchase and enjoy, with proceeds going to the charity. In the next year, supporters can even expect a sponsored sky-dive from Sunrise’s very own Director of Community Relations Ted. Sunrise are delighted to have an affinity with the mission and work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and look forward to supporting their aim of providing outstanding care. Acorns offers a network of specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people, as well as support for their families. In the past year, the charity, which operates hospices based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,140 families, including those who are bereaved. Just like Acorns, Sunrise of Edgbaston recognises the importance of providing personalised and dedicated care, supporting individuals with high-quality residential care, dementia care and assisted living. To find out more about Sunrise of Edgbaston and its upcoming events and partnership with Acorns Children’s Hospice, go to: www.sunrise-care.co.uk/care-homes/edgbaston. Ted Richardson, Director of Community Relations at Sunrise of Edgbaston said: “We are delighted to be working closely with Acorn’s Children’s Hospice to raise money and awareness for its excellent work in supporting children and families in the local community. We are really looking forward to officially launching our partnership and hosting a range of activities and events that can be enjoyed by the whole local community, for a very worthy cause.” Amanda Smallman, Senior Fundraising Manager for Corporate and Community at Acorns, said: “We’re thrilled that Sunrise of Edgbaston has chosen to support Acorns by paying for a day of care at our Birmingham hospice and we’re honoured to have a living area and room named after us. It costs us £7,000 every 24 hours at each of our hospices to provide our vital care and services, both in the hospice and in the community, so this partnership will not only raise greater awareness of Acorns, it will also make a real difference to the children and families we care for.” www.sunrise-care.co.uk/care-homes/edgbaston/overview.aspx
Batleys raises funds for Middlesbrough residents with dementia
BATLEYS Cleveland has donated hundreds of pounds to a Middlesbrough care home. The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, received £630 from the wholesale cash and carry business, based on Concorde Way, Preston Farm Industrial Estate. Two of the firm’s warehouse operatives, Carol Bell and Alison Rafrafi, organised a tombola and raffle to raise the funds. They persuaded fellow staff and sales reps to donate prizes and customers who visited the warehouse bought tickets. Dave McLean, manager at Batleys Cleveland, said: “I’m very proud of my team. Everyone contributed prizes to the tombola and raised a great amount of money. “We’ve all been touched by a family member who had Alzheimer’s and we wanted the money to go to a local organisation that specialises in looking after people with dementia.” The Gables Care Home has a dedicated facility, called Oak Unit, which provides specialist nursing care for those with dementia. Kate Charlton, home manager, said: “We were blown away by the kindness and generosity of the staff members at Batleys and can’t thank them enough for donating the money to The Gables. “We are planning on to use the funds to purchase specialist activities equipment designed to help our residents who are living with dementia, such as dementia therapy dolls.” The Gables Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net
Reach Sled Dog Rescue helping care home residents with dementia
Reach Sled Dog Rescue recently visited Stocks Hall Care Home in Skelmersdale, Lancashire to meet all the ladies and gentlemen living at the Home. REACH is a sled dog rescue founded in November 2015 focusing mainly on Huskies and Malamutes. Its five founders are all experienced sled dog owners with prior experience in animal rescue. The rescue relies heavily on the dedication of its community members with help fostering unwanted dogs, assisting with events and fundraising, as well as spreading the word concerning these unique and often misunderstood breeds. These gorgeous dogs were able to visit those that wanted to spend time enjoying pet therapy, whether that be walking the dogs around the gardens at the care home or simply enjoying a cuddle from the comfort of their own bed or an arm chair. Mark Clintworth, Activities Staff at the Home says “These gentle giants use their special skills to bring comfort to residents and take their work very seriously. Younger family members also came along for many cuddles, whilst spending quality time with their relatives.” “It was just wonderful to see the faces of the ladies and gentlemen brighten up and their eyes sparkle.” As the event has been so successful, Stocks Hall Nursing & Care Group have now organised that the Reach Sked Rescue Dogs return on a monthly basis.
Why a balanced diet is important for people with dementia
Great Oaks care home in Bournemouth has a designated catering team that promotes the philosophy of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its nutrition-rich meals. The wellbeing of residents is a priority and they often spend time in the landscaped garden picking home-grown vegetables, which are later used by the chefs in their favourite dishes. The home has recently introduced ‘A Breath of Fresh Care’ initiative which encourages residents to spend more time outdoors whenever possible. As part of this initiative, residents have the opportunity to tend to the home’s garden and plant their favourite flowers and vegetables. Patrick Fensterseifer, head chef at Great Oaks, explained: “Good nutrition is vital for the health and wellbeing of people with dementia. However, maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge as many people have difficulties eating and drinking. Not eating enough can lead to weight loss and other linked problems including fatigue, higher risk of infection and less muscle strength. Dehydration is also a risk as people with dementia may be unable to communicate or recognise that they are thirsty, or forget to drink. This can lead to headaches, increased confusion, urinary tract infection and can make the symptoms of dementia worse. “It is essential that we provide our residents with a healthy balanced diet, which contains as much nutrition as possible. We always ensure that the food prepared for residents consists of fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and starchy foods, including potatoes. Consuming the right balance of all of these food groups will help to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” Great Oaks has teamed up with Haskins Garden Centre in the past and received a donation of houseplants to the home. Great Oaks has also provided Haskins with complimentary dementia training, which members of the team have benefitted from. Alasdair Urquhart, in-house plant expert at Haskins, added: “With its magic combination of fresh air, light exercise and working with nature, it’s long been known that gardening is good for the soul. For the more senior among us, gardening can also provide a valuable sense of purpose and reward, especially if growing vegetables or brightly coloured flowers. “We think that the flavour and nutrition of vegetables grown in a healthy soil are far superior to supermarket produce. Whilst they may not have the uniformity and size you are used to, you have the freedom to choose the number of varieties you wish to grow. “Gardening can also bring people together, with garden beds, equipment and tools adapted to meet the community’s needs. The inclusion of sensory plants can also provide interesting experiences to those who can’t initially join in, making nature accessible for all.” Great Oaks is discreetly located within a private woodland setting which is enhanced by the landscaped garden. Organic seasonal vegetables and herbs that are grown in the garden are used wherever possible to enhance the taste and nutritional value of the dishes. All food is sourced from local suppliers within a five-mile radius, apart from dry goods which comes from Salisbury. The seasonal menus change four times a year for the spring, summer, autumn and winter. The weekly menu offers different choices every day and rotates on a four-week basis. Each resident is given a hot and cold option for breakfast and dinner, with lunch being the main meal of the day; offering three courses each and including three options to choose from for the main course. For more information please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk or call 01202 087444 to speak to a member of the team.
