Pendock’s LST radiator guards protect against risk of burns in care homes
Richard Braid, managing director at Pendock, explains how low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards can help care homes manage the risk of burns from radiators. Many of the radiators fitted in UK care homes will be operating at temperatures that can pose a burn risk. Care home residents can come into prolonged contact with radiators, for example if they fall and are unable to move or call for help. In addition, some people can’t recognise or react to hot surfaces, either because their sensitivity to temperature is impaired, or their mental state prevents them from doing so. It’s therefore essential for care home managers to control the risks. According to HSE information on hot water and surfaces in health and social care, contact with surfaces above 43°C can lead to serious injury, and particular care needs to be taken where water temperatures are circulated above 50°C to control legionella. NHS Estates guidance for safe hot water and surface temperatures recommends that surface temperatures should not exceed 43°C. Low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards can help to protect vulnerable people, and are typically installed in care homes, as well as sheltered housing, schools and hospitals. Manufactured in Britain, Pendock’s LST radiator guards are reliable, effective and affordable. We can produce radiator guards in any colour, shape or size. Where guaranteed temperature control is required, a baffle can be fitted below the radiator grill, enabling compliance with NHS Estates guidelines. Guards with this feature have been tested and approved by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA). ‘Bullnose’ corners are an option, providing an extra level of safety for residents at particular risk of falling, or of self-harm. A model with a sloping top panel is also available. In addition, all Pendock radiator guards can be fitted with a welded anti-ligature mesh, which sits behind the radiator grille, removing ligature points. We take an uncompromising approach to the design and manufacture of LST radiator guards, combining our 30 years of experience with innovation and the adoption of new technologies. One example is the inclusion of an antibacterial coating to kill MRSA, Salmonella, E. coli and C. difficile; this added protection is a standard feature of all Pendock radiator guards. Our products are available with skirting cut outs and valve access panels, with no on-site cutting required, speeding up installation time and minimising disruption to care home residents and staff. The Plus models include a drop-down lockable panel to allow for regular routine cleaning, inspection and maintenance. Pendock also manufacturers pipe boxing to cover heating services, water supply pipework, soil and waste pipes and cabling, and we offer site visits and assistance with overall project design. For further information, please visit http://www.pendock.co.uk/lst-radiator-covers/, call 01952 580 590 or email sales@pendock.co.uk.
2 New Contract Upholsteries from Skopos
Alongside their new print, Mau Loa, Skopos have launched 2 new flexible upholstery ranges into the contract market. Contrasting plains, Bonita and Cuba each offer something different for statement furniture. Where durability is keen and style cannot be compromised, these collections bring colour and energy into a scheme. Providing a sophisticated luxury finish Bonita is a soft, matt cotton-look velvet in a palette of bright jewel colours and neutrals. Cuba in contrast, a textured plain, giving a natural linen-look feel in trend-led tones, offers a simple, straightforward solution. Priced keenly for use across a variety of contract projects, the collections previewed at the Care Show in October and Sleep & Eat in November, demonstrating the flexibility of both products for use alone or with other designs. Both collections meet the requirements for care interiors and with a waterproof layer as standard, antimicrobial properties and a soil resist finish. The collections achieve 40,000+ Martindale rubs and meet the flame retardancy standards required for contract furniture. Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 45 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality, cruise, care and leisure sectors. www.skoposfabrics.com
Caring for carers: practical ways to make a difference
Russell Pillar, director of care interiors at Spearhead Healthcare, advises how the right equipment and training makes a huge difference – to staff, residents and families… All of us are aware that the care sector is burgeoning as our elderly population continues to rise. In fact, the Office for National Statistics has predicted a 36% growth in people aged 85+ between 2015 and 2025, up to 2million, and this is expected to lead to even higher demand for care home services. Providing this care is of course reliant on carers, which means attracting and retaining staff is crucial to the sector. However, here there is a growing challenge, with some 110,000 vacancies in England’s adult social care sector at any given time and a 30.7% average annual staff turnover, according to Skills for Care. Outstanding staff care, outstanding resident care It’s unfortunately a common story in CQC inspection reports to see comments about carers being too busy to spend quality time with residents. Also, figures from the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) show that carers have a higher than average risk of developing issues such as work-related musculoskeletal disorders and stress. While care of residents is always foremost, the sector is becoming more aware of the challenges and risks the workforce encounters when fulfilling their duties – and the clear link between well-supported carers and the delivery of outstanding levels of care. So what can be done on a practical level to support carers and raise overall standards? Choose the right equipment In a highly physical job, having the right equipment in place is vital to free up more of carers’ time to spend engaging meaningfully with residents, and also helps to minimise injury risks. Beds that are adjustable in height for example, such as profiling care beds, help reduce the risk of back injuries. Sometimes a low bed is necessary, of course, but homes can opt for specially designed beds that rise to the same height as a standard profiling bed, such as Spearhead’s Encore Low Bed. Providing the right moving and handling equipment such as hoists and slings in the bathroom, and by beds and chairs, will also help to ensure carers are able to move people safely and securely. Equally, the likes of toilet surrounds and seat aids help everyone by enabling residents to be less reliant on assistance. Don’t neglect staff training We offer a fit-out and room-placement service for care homes, which involves taking the furniture into the building, unwrapping, positioning and fixing it in place as required. While this saves handling by staff and ensures that everything is installed properly, it is not a substitute for training staff in how to lift objects safely. All staff should receive training in lifting and moving people and objects with everyone’s safety in mind. When it comes to the vital matter of cleaning, certain chemicals may be necessary to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, but they can often be dangerous themselves if not used correctly. Training in what products to use, and how to do so safely, is absolutely essential. For precisely this reason we are seeing increasing demand for our Platinum Plan cleaning system that comes with detailed cleaning routines and wall charts, with every item is colour-coded for its purpose. Retaining good staff is central to providing high standards of consistent care, as well as complying with regulations and passing inspections with flying colours. Based on our 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the care sector, we can certainly testify to the inextricable link between the health, safety and quality of life of carers and those they care for. See the Spearhead wesbite for more ideas on caring for your carers.
£6 million investment to rebuild Studley care home, Four Acres
Runwood Homes Senior Living has invested £6 million to rebuild former Warwickshire County Council owned care home, Four Acres, turning it into a modernised and expanded version of the former residential care setting, completed to a favourably high specification and now open to new admissions. This state of the art care home, close to the town of Redditch in Warwickshire, has been specially developed to cater for older people, including those living with dementia, creating a spacious and homely assisted living facility perfectly suited to accommodate seniors seeking an luxurious residential offering – a top Warwickshire care home. The home benefits from a concierge service, multiple lounges, desirable dining areas, courtyard garden, hairdressing and beauty spa, sociable café and kitchenettes to encourage independent living. Runwood Homes has remained closely connected with Warwickshire County Council since taking over the ownership of Four Acres and seven other Warwickshire County Council care homes five years ago and continues to offer council referral places as well as appealing to self-funding clients. Consisting of 66 beautifully decorated bedrooms and superb shared spaces, Four Acres residents can be assured to find an exemplary care home experience, offering a truly professional 24-hour service where person-centred care and attention to detail are an everyday importance for residents to thrive in. Four Acres’ Home Manger, Abdul Chirwa, provides an ‘Outstanding’ service for his residents, as rated by the CQC (Care Quality Commission) in his previous home manager role within the Runwood Homes group. To enquire, please visit the Four Acres page via www.runwoodhomes.co.uk.
Heroic Battle of Britain pilot Tom chooses Theraposture Rotoflex bed
96-year-old Tom Neil is a famous Royal Air Force fighter pilot and ‘Ace’ of the Second World War who is benefitting from better sleep and more comfort thanks to a powered profiling and rotational bed. Tom is a highly respected veteran of WW2 and completed 141 combat missions for the RAF during the Battle of Britain. He is the last surviving ‘Ace’ from this historic engagement and has published several books recalling his experiences flying Hurricanes and Spitfires between 1938-1964. Tom has multiple awards for bravery, held the position of Chairman of the Fighter Pilots Association and was a key figure in the 75th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Britain. Now approaching the age of 97 Tom still retains his determined yet Gentlemanly persona – along with a desire to remain independent at home for as long as possible. Tom does not want full or part-time professional carers just yet and only has assistance from his sons a few days per week. Tom wants to remain as active as possible on his own terms so chooses to use assistive equipment. Getting in and out of bed without assistance was becoming more of a challenge as was achieving a comfortable position at night. Tom spent a few years discussing possible solutions with his late wife until he decided upon ownership of an electrically powered Rotoflex bed from Theraposture. This electrically operated rotational, height adjustable and profiling bed has future proofed Tom’s independence at home. The Rotoflex is available as either a bed for one person or part of a double combination that can be shared by couples. Every design is available in a variety of surrounds and conceals precision German-engineered mechanisms that provide smooth and quiet functionality. There is only one Rotoflex – an ergonomic rotating bed that includes a vertical seat lift for safe and controlled sit-to-stand transfers. Tom is able to benefit greatly from a sophisticated and accomplished proven solution that has been developed and continually improved for over 20 years. Tom has owned his Rotoflex bed for a few months and is delighted with the support it has provided. Tom explains: ‘I had considered an assistive bed for some time, but did not want a piece of apparatus that looked like a hospital bed. This is my 38th home after being stationed all round the world and I want it to remain the same. I saw the Rotoflex in an advert and was impressed with its abilities, it is my understanding that it is the best rotational bed on the market. Key to my decision was that it was practical, easily controllable and looked like a domestic bed.” Following a visit to his Suffolk home by one of Theraposture’s Trusted Assessors, the Rotoflex was deemed appropriate for Tom as it would provide increased comfort, support and safety. Tom chose a 4’6’’ wide Rotoflex for increased space to relax and a Damask upholstered surround. The bed is ideally suited to Tom’s decor and its castors ensure the Rotoflex can be moved easily for floor cleaning. Being able to sleep well has always been important to Tom ever since he began flying combat missions during WW2. It was essential he achieved as much rest as possible in between missions so he was alert, able to engage the enemy effectively and return to base unscathed. There was very little time between missions during the Battle of Britain as Tom’s squadron was permanently ready to scramble. Being able to get to sleep quickly was essential and now later in life Tom is able to do the same with his Rotoflex bed. Tom continues: “My Rotoflex is as comfy as a Spitfire. When you are very old you need to move around and readjust yourself regularly to remain comfortable. The movement of my Rotoflex helps me adjust my position without difficultly day or night, this is the joy of the bed.” With ownership of a Rotoflex from Theraposture Tom has the extra support he needs to access his bed safely and on his own terms. He currently does not need to use all of the bed’s functionality but feels it is essential for the future. Patrick Neil, Tom’s son added: “We are continuing to help Dad remain as active as possible as we know his independence is important to him. We are avoiding as much full-time care assistance as possible for now – helped significantly by the Rotoflex. Its lying to seated powered action has greatly improved Dad’s sleeping arrangements and is a major factor in keeping him at home for as long as possible. As a family, we love being here together in our final family home which Dad built nearly 40 years ago. We don’t want that to change for anything – the Rotoflex has made that possible”. Patrick adds: “When you introduce full time carers you quickly become dependent upon them and your capacity to function can deteriorate quickly. This is why we continue to challenge Dad with tasks that are fair and achievable.” Tom concludes: “My son took my car away so I cannot drive anymore which I was not happy about but is probably best. At least I can still move around the house and get in and out of bed on my own. The Theraposture Assessors and installers were impeccable and reassured me. At last I can sleep better at night.” www.theraposture.co.uk
Check out Alpine HC’s New Hybrid Mattress Video
This revolutionary non-powered mattress combines air and foam so that its users benefit from the comfort of a static mattress whilst profiting from the advanced pressure relief that an alternating pressure mattress provides. The Reposa® Synergy by Alpine HC possesses a cutting-edge technology that uses nature to redistribute the pressure applied on the mattress. Exposed valves naturally inhale and exhale air when pressure is exerted on the inset air-foam cells, evenly distributing pressure across the user’s skin. Using multiple specialist foams, the Synergy mattress greatly enhances user comfort. A rigid foam frame surrounds the air-foam cells, providing a sturdy structure and support for the user when transferring into and out of the bed. A two inch super-soft foam topper provides exceptional comfort and added pressure relief. The foam has 240 individually semi-rounded nodes on the top surface of the mattress, with each node of soft foam compressing easily to provide as little resistance as possible to pressure applied on the mattress. The foot end of Alpine HC’s Reposa® Synergy mattress system is tapered down to relieve pressure on the vulnerable heel skin of the user. By tapering the foot end of the mattress, the thighs take the majority of the weight, relieving pressure on the patient’s heels. Heels are renowned for being at riskof pressure sores, bearing a lot of pressure a small area of skin. The Reposa® Synergy is designed for high dependency users, and safety was at the forefront of the whole Synergy development. Four handle loops are fixed to the underside of the mattress, greatly increasing the ease of evacuation in the event of an emergency. Buckle straps also ensure the Synergy can be securely attached to the bed it is used with. Find out more about the Reposa® Synergy on the Alpine HC website
