Busting the myths around the DBS check
As most people working within the care industry will know, all staff in care homes, hospitals and working as care providers in someone else’s home are subject to a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check. Employers can encounter staffing problems if DBS checks aren’t done quickly and efficiently. Here, Care & Nursing Essentials editor Victoria Galligan busts some of the myths regarding DBS checks and explores what a DBS check actually is, who needs one and how to avoid costly delays when applying… There is only one level of DBS check for care workers Yes – for general employees in England and Wales there are three levels of DBS check – Basic, Standard and Enhanced. However, an Enhanced with DBS Barred List check is required for all staff carrying out “regulated activity” who work with vulnerable adults who fall into the definition of adults set out in section 59 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (before it was amended by the PoFA). Not all elderly people are classed as vulnerable adults True – but those requiring care are. The DBS clarify what a vulnerable adult is on their website, and the term ‘vulnerable adult’ was amended after it was felt to be inappropriate to label an adult as vulnerable solely due to their circumstances, age or disability. It states that, in general terms, a person aged 18 or over is classed as vulnerable when they are receiving one of the following services: All care work is classed as regulated activity True. Regulated activity – which a barred person is prohibited from doing – is clarified by the Department of Health document Regulated Activity (Adults) and there are six categories within the new definition of regulated activity which are listed above. There are similar rules concerning care employees working with children and the government document Regulated Activity in Relation to Children: Scope clarifies what is considered regulated activity which a barred person must not do. This is important to check, as regulated activity does not cover certain activity if it is supervised by another adult. But generally, all forms of health care relating to physical or mental health – including palliative care and procedures similar to medical or surgical care, advice or guidance provided for children relating to their physical, emotional or educational well-being and personal care cannot be carried out by someone on the barred list. If someone only works with vulnerable adults occasionally, it’s not regulated activity False: the Department of Health states: “There is no longer a requirement for a person to carry out the activities a certain number of times before they are engaging in regulated activity. Any time a person engages in the activities [listed above], they are engaging in regulated activity.” Staff such as porters and cleaners don’t need a DBS check It depends – any member of staff who carries out regulated activity with vulnerable adults needs an Enhanced DBS check. The DBS checking service check.co.uk clarifies: “This includes porters who transport patients around a hospital, as ‘conveying’ those who are receiving healthcare is listed as part of the definition of regulated activity.” However, people working for care homes who have access to care facilities but do not carry out a regulated activity – in roles such as food, cleaning, office work or maintenance – will likely be eligible for a Standard DBS check. Volunteers don’t need a DBS check Wrong – volunteers are under the same rules as paid workers but they can apply for a DBS check free of charge. The DBS checking service CRBS says of Enhanced DBS checks: “This level of check is only available to request on behalf of applicants who are working or volunteering in certain roles. For Enhanced DBS checks, this typically includes those interacting with children or vulnerable adults.” Employers have to pay for staff members’ DBS checks Not necessarily – it’s up to the employer whether or not to foot the bill. One DBS advisory service, clear check.co.uk. states: “There is no law which states that employers should be the ones who cover the cost of having a DBS check done, it’s just good practice for the employer to shoulder the cost. Not all employers take this approach though, and some may ask employees to stump up the cash themselves. For people who move jobs regularly of have more than one employer might then find themselves quite out of pocket, so if applying for a job which requires DBS checks it is worth enquiring about the process at the interview stage.” The answer to this may be to take out an Enhanced with DBS Barred List check, which costs £44, and pay the extra £13 to be added to the Update Service. This £13 is a yearly fee which will allow the applicant to make changes, and for the employer to make a status check of the certificate to see if changes have been made. And remember, with NHS staff complaining in the media recently that they are having to pay their own fees in some roles, employers have the opportunity to show how much the employee is valued by covering the cost. Employees can transfer their DBS check from job to job Possibly. If employees opt to be added to the Update Service, a new DBS check is not necessarily required for each place they work in – it’s up to the new employer. The Update Service website says employees will only need a new DBS check if: Employees can process a DBS check themselves Not for an Enhanced or Standard DBS check – they can only be done via the employer, who must use an “umbrella body” company to process the applications. They umbrella body can help avoid mistakes and omissions and generally speed up the time taken from application to receipt of the DBS certificate. And remember checks should be done on a regular basis to ensure they are still current – another reason to opt for the Update Service which will list new criminal convictions. The
Tackling diversity and retention issues through social work apprenticeship
Joanna Rawles, Head of Social Work at The Open University, discusses its new social work apprenticeship and how a wider range of applicants can be reached… Social work is a sector facing numerous challenges. Despite over 1.45 million workers currently employed, experts have predicted that an additional 650,000 employees will be needed by 2035 for the sector to keep pace with the rising numbers of people aged 65 and over, who rely on their services. Yet this surge in demand is being undercut by diminishing supply. The sector struggles with retention; with figures suggesting around 390,000 workers leave social work each year. These figures paint a concerning picture, and make exploring alternative avenues for tackling this shortage essential for leaders in the sector, who are looking to build a sustainable talent pipeline. The new Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship comes at an opportune time then, as it allows the sector to open up opportunities for all workers looking for a fulfilling and engaging career. With these issues of attraction and retention undoubtedly taking their toll on the social work sector, it is crucial that careers in the sector are open to all, regardless of their background – which is why this new route is crucial, for creating a sustainable talent pipeline. In such a people-orientated field, it makes sense for social workers to reflect the diversity of the society they serve. And diversity can have a positive impact on culture and performance within all organisations. Given that traditional routes into the sector have often proved problematic for certain demographics, The Open University’s Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship, with its mix of online and face-to-face learning, meets the needs of a diverse range of employees, allowing them to fit training around both home and work commitments. This means that the sector is opened up to prospective apprentices who have not previously been able to undertake a conventional degree as a result of time, money or capacity. Taking disabled students as an example, relocating or commuting to university – a huge barrier that comes with in-classroom delivery methods – is removed. This flexibility is exceptionally valuable to the many who otherwise wouldn’t be able to pursue degree-level training, helping to widen the sector’s pool of talent. This also means that study is made available to those who have always found themselves simply too far from a typical education hub, or who have struggled to balance the demands of work, training and personal life. The Open University apprenticeship could be particularly helpful in addressing shortages in more rural areas, where education facilities are harder to access. Most learning is delivered online, which allows apprentices to learn whenever and wherever suits them, but those enrolled will also receive face-to-face support from qualified social workers throughout. By offering existing workers the opportunity to earn while they learn, local authorities and private providers can also increase retention and loyalty. Training makes employees feel valued, and also gives them a clear path of their own progression, giving them a reason to remain with their employer, and within the sector. So, the new apprenticeship is confronting some of the issues the social work sector has been facing for far too long. As an important new route into social work, it can help to widen participation, improve diversity and enhance staff retention rates. In turn, this can help to create a more sustainable talent pipeline, addressing support and demand issues both now and in the future. [1] skillsforcare.org.uk [2] linkedin.com
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.
Stout and sandwiches a hit with care home residents
A Stout and sandwich afternoon was enjoyed by Northumberland care home residents – after they asked for more foodie activities. Staff served up flavoured stouts and various cobs, bagels, loafs, wraps and cakes at The Oaks Care Home, on Durban Street, Blyth. The feast was a hit with residents, who enjoyed a taste of the milk or chocolate flavoured beers with their spread of sandwiches. Resident Derek Grassie said: “That’s a lovely ale. Many thanks to the staff for their effort. It was such a lovely spread.” Fellow resident Elsie Patterson said: “It was lovely to have a piece of stottie cake again and a variety of fillings.” The activity was the first time many of the residents had tried bagels and wraps, with tiger cobs, a sesame seed loaf and beetroot and raisin bread also on offer. They had a choice of pork, beef, cheese, tuna and chicken, alongside salad, for the fillings. The home’s activities coordinator, Angela Hedley, came up with the idea of the stout and sandwich afternoon. She said: “The simple things can sometimes make for a really memorable day for our residents. “I thought a stout and sandwich afternoon was something different and it turned out for many of the residents it was their first time experiencing bagels and wraps.”
Why therapeutic sensory support is important for people with dementia
by Joanna Grace, author of Sharing Sensory Stories and Conversations with People with Dementia You may have heard people saying they do Sudoku or the crossword daily to keep their grey matter active. Well they are right to do this, but in order to maintain our brains we need to experience a broad range of stimulation, including sensory. Many people in later age end up in environments of limited sensory scope so there are always benefits to bringing in the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and touch sensations from other places. For over two decades we have known that multi-sensory environments can benefit people with dementia. In 1998 K.W. Hope reported residents of a dementia care setting responding positively to sensory environments. More recent research confirms that sensory interventions can support people with dementia, Livingston et al (2014) noted reduced agitation in the residents of a dementia care setting following sensory sessions. Baker et al (2001) found that during and immediately after multi-sensory sessions the people he was supporting talked more spontaneously, related better to others, did more from their own initiative, and seemed happier. How fabulous is that! Research into the benefits of the sensory world continues to this day with groups such as Mileski et al (2018) reporting that sensory therapies have the potential to benefit patients with dementia. But that word ‘therapy’ what does that mean? Once people start promising things will help we are vulnerable to being taken advantage of by people selling easy fixes and getting rich off our desperation to help those we care about. I am not promising that. In my book Sharing Sensory Stories and Conversations with People with Dementia I show you how you can use low-cost, everyday items to provide therapeutic sensory support for people with dementia. Sensory stories themselves are a wonderfully simple resource, they are concise narratives – typically less than ten sentences, where each line of the narrative is accompanied by a sensory experience that also carries the meaning of the story. Shared slowly with time taken to explore the resources they can be a rich communicative experience that does not rely on language. My own research into the use of the stories with people with Dementia whether at home or in care settings made the cover of Dementia Care here and in Australia! (Leighton, Oddy and Grace 2017). The book contains a sensory story to start you off, and also advice on how to choose sensory experiences most likely to appeal to the person you care for, and how to use sensory strategies to support independence and to minimise the chances of challenging behaviour and distress. Sharing sensory conversations is very simple and can be full of connection, joy and meaning. I encourage everyone to have a go! Sharing Sensory Stories and Conversations with People with Dementia, by Joanna Grace, is available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers at £19.99. For a 10% discount, valid from 3rd-10th August, use the code SHARE. Baker, R. Bell, S. Baker, E. Gibson, S. Holloway, J. Pearce, R. Dowling, Z. Thomas, P. Assey, J. Wareing, A. A randomized controlled trial of the effects of multi-sensory stimulation (MSS) for people with dementia British Journal of Clinical Psychology (2001), 40, 81–96 Hope K. W. (1998) The effects of multisensory environments on older people with Dementia Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 5, 377±385 Leighton, B. Oddy, C. and Grace, J (2017) Using sensory stories with individuals with dementia The Journal of Dementia Care July/August 2016 Vol 24 No 4 Livingston G, Kelly L, Lewis-Holmes E, Baio G, Morris S, Patel N, et al. A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sensory, psychological and behavioural interventions for managing agitation in older adults with dementia. Health Technol Assess 2014;18(39). Mileski, M. Baar Topinka, J. Brooks, M. Lonidier, C. Linker, K. Vander Veen, K. (2018) Sensory and memory stimulation as a means to care for individuals with dementia in long-term care facilities Clinical Interventions in Aging 2018:13 967-974
The Alzheimer’s Show returns to Olympia London this week!
The Alzheimer’s Show is returning for its sixth year in 2018 and will be at Olympia London on Friday June 8 and Saturday June 9. The UK’s leading event for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or memory loss, The Alzheimer’s Show brings help and hope to families and carers and welcomes the public and professionals. The Alzheimer’s Show is invaluable for anyone concerned about memory loss or dementia. Dementia is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales and research from Saga Healthcare revealed that more people feared getting dementia than cancer. A survey of 9,000 people over 50 showed that 43% feared developing dementia, with women (often the main carers), 20% more likely to be worried about developing the condition than males. There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK and 650,000 carers looking after loved ones. The practical responsibility and emotional distress can be overwhelming but help is at hand at The Alzheimer’s Show with a vast range of experts and exhibitors, speakers and advisers sharing their expertise on living with Alzheimer’s. Who should visit Anyone who is experiencing memory loss, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or is living with dementia should come along to access a wealth of support and guidance on planning for their future. Families affected by Alzheimer’s, carers and professional support service providers should attend to find the latest advice, services and products to help those in their care. About the Show Dementia care has come a long way recently: The Alzheimer’s Show brings all the latest thinking, support, advice, practical tools and experts under one roof to help families, carers and professionals access the support and help they need. The two-day event offers advice and insight from expert speakers, the latest products and services from care exhibitors and insight and empathy from people living with dementia. Highlights include: Hundreds of practical ideas and new solutions – businesses and organisations offering a range of products and services including care at home, care homes, living aids, reminiscence therapy, furniture, funding, training, telecare, assistive technology, charity support, latest research, legal services, education and financial guidance. Four Seasons Healthcare Dementia Experience – an interactive session designed to give participants a sense of what living with dementia is like. Families with loved ones with dementia, care professionals and business & community groups working towards becoming dementia friendly would all benefit from understanding the sensory and cognitive impairments experienced by those with dementia. Alzheimer’s Research A Walk Through Dementia – This app was developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK, guided by people living with different forms of dementia. They were all keen to help you understand what everyday life can be like for them. They will have headsets on their stand for visitors to try this virtual reality experience. The Alzheimer’s Matters Theatre – hosting in-depth talks from leading dementia and care experts on key topics of interest for carers, relatives and professionals including those living with dementia sharing their personal experiences. The Talks & Topics Theatre – hosting carers sharing their unique and invaluable experiences of caring for a person with dementia alongside professionals providing practical advice. Dementia UK Admiral Nurses – free, confidential consultations with specialist dementia nurses. Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisors – free, confidential sessions with Dementia Advisors who can help you find exactly what local support is best for you. 91% of people affected by dementia say having a Dementia Adviser makes their life better. Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, says: ‘Alzheimer’s Society is delighted to be partnering with The Alzheimer’s Show for the sixth year. It’s a great opportunity to unite experts, professionals and people affected by the condition under one roof to share knowledge and provide support. We’d encourage anyone affected by dementia to join the Show to listen to talks, visit Alzheimer’s Society’s stand, have one-to-one sessions with our dementia advisers and learn from leading experts.’ Times and tickets The Alzheimer’s Show takes place at the Olympia London: Friday 8 June 9.30am – 5pm Saturday 9 June 9.30am – 4.30pm Tickets booked in advance cost £15 each (£10 concession). On the door tickets cost £20 each (£15 concession). For more information and to book tickets for The Alzheimer’s Show visit the website. Related articles: Tania Plahay on her book: Yoga for Dementia Care & Nursing Essentials’ Naidex 2018 highlights Misconceptions about dementia are putting lives at risk Dementia research programme investigates the power of music
