Two Greater Manchester Care Homes Celebrating ‘Good’ CQC reports
Manorhey in Urmston and Allingham House in Timperley were both inspected in May, with the reports published in recent weeks. They were found to be good across all five inspection areas, with inspectors concluding both homes were safe, effective, car ing, responsive, and well-led.The report for Manorhey, a purpose-built home that offers residential, nursing, and dementia care, highlighted ‘significant improvements’ to the overall ‘lived experience’ for people living with dementia. It added: ‘The positive energy and enthusiasm of staff clearly had an equally positive effect on people in their care. Staff were caring and sought to ensure people were treated in a dignified and respectful way.’ It also found that the manager Ursa Virag ‘led by example, creating and embedding a new culture and ethos, with clear direction and support provided to staff.’ Which, aided by recent changes in personnel meant ‘the right staff, with the right attitude, were in the right place, doing the right job, at the right time.’ Ursa Virag, Care Home Manager at Manorhey said: “I am so proud of the fantastic team here who work with total commitment, energy, and enthusiasm and put their hearts into the care they provide. To see that highlighted so positively in this CQC report is a wonderful feeling for us all, and a well-deserved result. “We will certainly not be resting on our laurels – we want to continue to find ways to improve, to bring forward new ideas, and do all we can to provide those living with us here with the best possible experience, and the best possible care – that is what motivates everything we do.” Equally positive was the inspection report for Allingham House, a purpose-built home offering residential, nursing, and dementia care as well as short breaks. Inspectors found a full staff team who ‘knew people well’ and praised the ‘very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene’. They saw those living at the home ‘received support that gave them maximum choice and control of their lives’ and a service which ‘promoted high quality, person-centred care.’The report also noted the ‘positive feedback’ of those living at Allingham House and their families, who ‘spoke highly of the staff describing them as dedicated, caring and attentive.’ Manager at Allingham House James Bradford said: “Allingham House is a fantastic home, and we have an amazing team, who all fully deserve the overall Good rating for their continued dedication and commitment to all the residents. “It is very important to keep striving for ever-greater outcomes for the people we care for. We have plenty of ideas and ways we can enhance the home even further and the care we provide to make Allingham House the best in Greater Manchester – and beyond!” Maria Mallaband Regional Director of Northwest England and NI, Robert Blackburn said; “The teams at these homes have worked tirelessly to transform care delivery and enhance the lives of those who live there, ensuring they are at the heart of everything and have their voices heard. “At Manorhey, Ursa leads by example, guiding and working with staff to ensure changes are implemented and followed through to improve the lives and experience of those living there. “And at Allingham House the team, many of whom had been employed at the home during the previous CQC inspection, have worked to improve not only their own performances, skills, and knowledge but have guided each other to lead the changes so those living there are supported to live happy and full lives. “Doing whatever it takes to provide the best compassionate care for those living in our homes is central to the Maria Mallaband ethos, so we are very proud of these teams – and they should be proud of themselves.”To find out more about the Maria Mallaband Care Group visit: https://www.mmcg carehomes.co.uk/
How can amenities in care homes become safer and more sustainable?
Rebecca Fairfield, Head of Key Accounts at BRITA VIVREAU, shares how care homescan ensure optimum hygiene in shared areas and all with one eye on the planet With the 19th July marking Freedom Day, we’re starting to see life returning to some kind of normality. Although this may feel like the news we’ve been waiting for, for some it’s likely to be more daunting and for care homes in particular, there will be increased pressure to keep residents safe and healthy as we find our way over the coming months. And, with many care homes trying to combat the environmental side effects of the pandemic having seen firsthand the amount of PPE used over the last year it can feel like there are a lot of priorities to juggle. A survey by Keep Britain Tidy suggests personal protective equipment waste is now more prevalent than plastic bags were before the 5p levy was introduced in 2015. Thankfully, there are some simple measures care homes can introduce to help address all ofthese important issues while making life easier for staff. A quick and easy step towards a more sustainable care home Water dispensers are a great way to help care homes remove the need for single-use plastic bottles and reduce waste to landfill. In fact, if 100 people each drink approximately one litreof filtered water daily from a dispenser rather than plastic bottled water, it equals 506kg less plastic waste per year (this is the equivalent weight to a new born grey whale!). What’s more, mains-fed water dispensers act as an excellent alternative to bottled water, helping to reduce a care home’s carbon footprint by removing the need to refrigerate and transport water. The specialist cooling technology and natural refrigerant found in dispenser systems, such as BRITA VIVREAU’s Top & Extra systems, also help to lower power consumption and reduce emissions even further. Healthy residents and staff Between the ages of 20 and 80, the water in our bodies decreases by 15% so elderly people become dehydrated more quickly. We know encouraging residents to stay hydrated is a key priority, so it’s important that residents have easy access to water points within the care home. In a post-pandemic world, communal amenities in a high footfall area can cause concern for staff, especially as infection control is so important in keeping vulnerable residents safe. In addition to installing reduced contact water dispensers where the water dispenser nozzle should be a ‘touch-free’ zone to reduce contamination and the tap, drip tray and housing should be cleaned regularly, the new Top and Extra systems from BRITA VIVREAU have also been developed with unique technology which helps to protect users. HygienePlus solution and ThermalGate™ technology protect against retrograde contamination and regularly self-disinfect thermally to clear 99.99% of bacteria. To ensure safe, filtered drinking water for all, the systems also come with an optional extra Easy Access Panel (EAP). This provides an additional control unit that can be positioned at a lower point, either flat to a surface or at an angle, which is ideal for wheelchair users. Find out more a hygienic, safe and sustainable water dispenser solution for your care home setting by heading to the BRITA VIVREAU Top and Extra product pages, or visithttps://www.brita.co.uk/water-dispensers/industries/hospitals-healthcare. Or contact the Dispenser Customer Service Team on 034567 496 555 or service@brita.co.uk
Lifesaving defibrillators donated by Cavanna Homes provide peace of mind for new homeowners
Two lifesaving defibrillators have been donated by Cavanna Homes to the family and school of 12-year-old Ella Halfyard who was diagnosed with a serious heart condition earlier this year. One defibrillator has been installed at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and the other is portable, which means that Ella and her family have peace of mind whether she’s at home or out and about. Cavanna Homes’ Sales Advisor Kevyn Dixon and Site Manager Willie Whitelaw, first became aware of Ella’s condition when her parents Lizzie and Tom Halfyard reserved a new five-bedroom home at Lyme View in the village of Holcombe near Dawlish. On the day they were due to collect the keys to their new home at the end of March, the couple were contacted by their daughter’s school to say an ambulance had been called for Ella. As Lizzie explained; “The alarm was raised because she’d been unresponsive at school and although she recovered, this brought home how serious her condition is and how vital it is that she has a defibrillator with her at all times.” The Halfyard’s were first alerted to Ella’s condition after she noticed some changes in her heart rate at school when resting, which was also confirmed by her PE Teacher. As a precaution, the keen young sportswoman had a temporary ECG monitor fitted at Torbay Hospital in February, but later the same week she was rushed to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children who were very concerned by the results. As Lizzie recalled; “The results from the monitor flagged that Ella’s heart was beating too fast and could stop at any minute. It was a very scary time for us and so unexpected.” Ella’s condition is now managed by beta-blockers which slow her heart rate and she will continue to be monitored for the next three years. “Ella is incredibly sporty and has always loved playing football, so having to give up sport has been very hard for her,” said Lizzie. Cavanna Homes purchased both defibrillators after learning that the family were trying to fundraise for the lifesaving equipment.Kevyn Dixon said: “As a Sales Advisor, you become close with the new homeowners and once I found out about Ella and everything her and her family have been through, it really struck a chord with me. “I put the idea forward about purchasing the defibrillators for the family to the Senior Management Team and it was a unanimous yes!” Keith Miller, Managing Director added: “This is exactly the sort of thing we’re proud to do by giving back to the communities we build in and to support our new homeowners. “We hope that by purchasing this vital piece of equipment for Ella and her school it will provide added peace of mind and allow Ella to continue thriving at school.” The equipment has been life-changing for Ella and provided reassurance for her parents Lizzie and Tom, and her two sisters Megan (15) and Rosie (7). “Ella can now attend school trips and join in activities without feeling like she’s missing out,” said dad Tom. “This was incredibly generous of Cavanna Homes and we’ll always be grateful to them,” he added. “We also want to say how much we love our new home”, said Lizzie. “As a new build, there’s no need to do any DIY which has freed up our time to focus on our family and Ella’s condition. As the youngest of 12 siblings, I can’t wait to get the family over to celebrate us moving in!” Lizzie regularly shares home updates on her Instagram account @newbuild_canford which has over 5,400 followers.
Manfred Sauer – manufactures of urology products with a difference.
Our products are often designed by patients and healthcare professionals with innovative, unique features and benefits which are available on prescription. B. Sure self-adhesive sheath range is shorter in length with a stronger adhesive with a buffer zone to prevent backflow. Available in 9 different sizes from 18mm to 35mm. P. Sure self-adhesive sheath range is our standard length and adhesive with a larger buffer zone to prevent backflow. Available in 11 different sizes from 18mm to 40mm. Discreet thigh leg bag with 500ml capacity, this is the perfect leg bag for wearing under shorter clothing such as shorts or skirts. Bendi bag this product is designed for those who are wheelchair bound or in a seating position for majority of the day, this leg bag contours to the shape of the leg and comes in 1300ml and 700ml capacity. Comfort leg bags is our standard leg bag which is available in 600ml and 1000ml capacity with an adjustable inlet tube and lever and slide tap options. Nephsys nephrostomy system comes with a luer lock connector to enable a direct connection to the nephrostomy tube, the drainage bag comes with a 500ml capacity and the option of a lever or twist tap. Our nephrostomy system also come with a discreet waist belt to enable thebags to be worn around the hips rather than being strapped to the leg. URIbag our pocket size urinal which is available in a male and female option. Manfred Sauer Care a personal prescription service which can supply all manufacturers product which are available on prescription. Complimentary items available with every order such as wet and dry wipes and disposal bags. For more information or samples, please contact our Helpline on 01604 595 696.
Duplex Cleaning Machines are proud to be preferred supply partners to Cinnamon Care
Cinnamon Care Collection is an exclusive group of luxury care homes and retirement developments in beautiful locations throughout the country. The Cinnamon team have a strong commitment to Cinnamon’s vision and values to help transform their residents’ lives for the better. Duplex Cleaning Machines are proud to be preferred supply partners to Cinnamon equipping their homes with high performance floor and multi-surface steam cleaning machines which not only clean but also sanitise with the power of steam.Our picture shows members of the team at the brand new Cinnamon Care Home in Stourbridge, Parkfield Grange following an installation and training session carried out by one of Duplex’s knowledgeable and experienced Business Development Managers. Duplex shares Cinnamon’s company values displayed on the wall in our picture and the principles such as Passionate, Dedicated, Respectful, Inspired & United apply equally to the Duplex ethos with an emphasis on supplying robust and well-built machines designed to tackle the most demanding cleaning tasks backed up by certificated training and friendly and helpful aftercare and customer service.
Care home residents can stay overnight as visiting restrictions ease
Care home residents will be able to spend more time with family and friends, including overnight stays as part of an easing of visiting restrictions announced. Currently residents can only leave the care home for a visit if outdoors or for high-priority reasons, such as a dental or GP appointment, but will now be able to leave the home for more social reasons without having to isolate. From 21 June, people admitted to a care home from the community will no longer have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, so residents will have a less disruptive introduction to their new home. To ensure this happens safely, residents will undergo an enhanced testing regime – a PCR test before admission, a PCR test on the day of admission and a further PCR test 7 days later. Minister for Care, Helen Whately said: “I have heard first-hand from those living and working in care homes how difficult the restrictions around visiting have been and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone working in the sector who has helped reunite families safely. “Thanks to the continued success of the vaccine rollout, I am pleased we can now take another step towards normality, helping more people enjoy visits out of the care home while protecting them from the continued risk of COVID-19.” The government has also strengthened the role of the ‘Essential Care Giver’, which means every resident should be able to nominate a friend or family member to provide extra care on their visits. Essential Care Givers can continue to visit during outbreaks. The Essential Care Giver role is intended to provide additional support from someone with a unique personal relationship with the resident. They have access to the same PPE and testing supply as care home workers and should be allowed to continue to visit during periods of isolation or where there is an outbreak. Care home residents would still need to isolate for 14 days following a visit out that would be deemed high risk through a risk assessment or after an overnight stay at hospital. If a person is admitted from a hospital or another care home they must also self-isolate. The government has worked to do everything it can to make sure staff are kept as safe as possible while they support others, including prioritising them for the COVID-19 vaccine, increased testing and a constant supply of free PPE. Almost £1.8 billion has been made available for adult social care including infection prevention and control measures to support providers to pay staff who are self-isolating and limit the movement of staff where possible.
Home care company gets MP’s vote.
Staff at a Hampshire care company were joined by Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes last week to celebrate the occasion of their 4th birthday. Whispers Care Solutions, based in Colden Common, started in 2017 and has grown rapidly to become one of the leading domiciliary care providers in the South. The company supportsmany of Mr. Holmes’ constituents in and around the Eastleigh area, and has over 120 fully trained staff operating right across south Hampshire. Sean Brewer, Whispers’ Marketing Officer, said: “Our staff all work extremely hard to ensure that our service users receive exceptional levels of care, and it gives us all a real boost to know that our collective efforts are widely recognized and truly appreciated. Mr. Holmes was genuinely interested to know more about how we help vulnerable people out in the community, and it was great to have him join us for our special occasion.” Whispers is currently recruiting care assistants for full time, part time and weekend shifts. For more details visit www.whisperscare.co.uk or call them on 02380 010600.
Care home residents raise funds to mark Dementia Awareness Week
Residents and team members at an Epsom care home have put their best foot forward and raised almost £800 for a cause close to their hearts. The team at Care UK’s Appleby House, wanted to create an exciting fundraising activity for residents and their relatives, which everyone could participate in no matter what their walking ability might be – and so the ‘Appleby Chair to 5km Challenge’ was born. With the aim of raising £300 for the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Action Week by completing a 5km walk within the home’s ground, residents and team members donned trainers and set out to have some fun and get their steps in. The outdoor challenge saw 17 residents taking part, some covering just a few steps, others walking more. Residents enjoyed every moment of the challenge, and cheered on by relatives and team members, completed well over the target of 5km – making it to 13,124 steps, and smashing their fundraising goal, raising a total of £798. Resident Milly said: “It felt wonderful to be able to raise money for a good cause, be part of something special and be able to help others”. Shona Bradbury, Home Manager at Appleby House, said “A fantastic day was had by everyone involved – and I’m thrilled we raised such a wonderful amount for charity. “One of the residents, who uses a frame, got to 70 steps then spurred herself on to go further and further, until she reached the road where she was cheered by some passing workmen. Another passer-by donated all the money in his pocket, which was a very heartening moment. “The Alzheimer’s Society’s care and research to help people with dementia and their families is vital, and we hope this donation will play a part in supporting their invaluable work. We loved getting our steps in for a good cause, and we’re already looking forward to taking on our next challenge.” Dementia Action Week, an initiative organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, is a national event that inspires the public to come together to take action to improve the lives of people living with dementia. To donate to the home’s fundraising challenge, please visit their online donation page. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Appleby_House&pageUrl=2 Appleby House has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The modern care home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.
5 Benefits of Outdoor Cover in Care Settings
With the summer in full swing and the recent pandemic situation, the need to spend time outdoors has never been so prevalent. We’ve therefore outlined five of the greatest benefits that a canopy brings to care settings when paired with a nature garden. 1. It’s Safer to Socialise Outside Right now, it’s safer to spend time with others outside making your residents, staff and visitors feel much safer and at ease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation.” Correspondingly, spending time outside when the weather is pleasant seems to make the occasion more enjoyable for all involved. The sun has put a smile on everyone’s faces, particularly after being cooped up indoors all winter. 2. Nature Heals It is well known that nature heals and spending time within nature can help patients to feel better in themselves. Over the years, several studies have found that something as simple as windows that look out into a natural outdoor area with trees, foliage and flowers, can improve attention span, reduce stress and even help hospital patients heal after surgery. Alongside many other studies, Roger S. Ulrich, Ph.D. published a paper in 2002 titled Health Benefits of Gardens in Hospitals which stated that “simply looking at environments dominated by greenery, flowers, or water — as compared to built-up scenes lacking nature (rooms, buildings, towns) — is significantly more effective in promoting recovery or restoration from stress. (See Ulrich, 1999, for a survey of studies.) A limited amount of research suggests that viewing settings with plants or other nature for a few minutes can promote measurable restoration even in hospital patients who are acutely stressed.” 3. It’s Great for Our Mental Health In relation to healing, spending time within nature is also known to be highly beneficial to our mental health. The mental health charity Mind explains: “Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression. This might be due to combining regular physical activity and social contact with being outside in nature. Being outside in natural light can also be helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that affects people during particular seasons or times of the year. And people tell us that getting into nature has helped them with many other types of mental health problems.” 4. A Covered Outdoor Space Encourages Movement For patients with limited mobility, they may be put off going outside by worrying that it may rain or be too hot and the effort to go outside won’t be worth it. However, if they have a canopy that they can sit under, without the need to rush indoors if it rains, they may be more inclined to venture outside and reap the benefits of the great outdoors. This will also keep them more physically active my moving about instead of staying seated indoors. 5. All-Year-Round Outdoor Protection A canopy enables your nature garden to be used all year round as it provides protection from both the sun and rain, keeping you cooler in the hot, summer months by creating a cooling shade underneath the canopy. It also protects from the rain by providing a sheltered area where residents and staff can take time out to recharge sit outside with a beverage and listen to the calming sounds of the rain whilst keeping dry. A canopy therefore gives your residents the chance to enjoy the healing benefits of nature throughout every month of the year. If you are thinking of adding a canopy to your care home or healthcare setting, contact the canopy experts Able Canopies Ltd. on 0800 389 9072 or email sales@ablecanopies.co.uk you can also visit: www.ablecanopies.co.uk
