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IT may have been cold outside but elderly residents at a Northumberland care home were feeling very warm at a Hawaiian-inspired party.
Residents living in the Wellburn House home in Ovingham enjoyed an afternoon of tropical treats, including non-alcohol cocktails and music.
The idea for the themed party came from deputy manager Carol Ridgeway, who bought a frilly Hawaiian-style umbrella in the summer but because of the bad weather never used it.
She said:I thought it would be good to bring the warmth of Hawaii into the home so we had the umbrella, real palm trees, inflatable palm trees and monkeys, cocktails and even garlands made out of napkins.
REGULAR visits from a dog called Ollie are bringing joy and companionship to the residents at a Cheshire care home.
Ollie, a registered Pets As Therapy dog and the pet of Bob McPartland, who used to be a care assistant at the home, has proved popular at Parklands in Poynton.
Residents at the CLS owned home are even hoping to adopt a donkey after the Elizabeth Svensden Trust arranged for two, Molly and Rusty, to visit last year.
Manager Chris Machin said: Our residents love animals so having Ollie visit the home so often is fantastic. He is a very friendly dog and he loves being looked after and showered with affection by the residents.
Many of our residents used to own pets so seeing Ollie brings back happy memories. He boosts morale and provides joy and laughter throughout the home.
LAMBHILL Court Ltd head chef George Gray won the nutrition and eating well award at the Scottish care national conference, exhibition and care awards held at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel.
George joined the company 12 years ago, and is currently head chef for the five Glasgow care homes within Lambhill Court Ltd - a business with a turnover in excess of £10m.
Managing director Sunita Poddar said: 'George goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our residents have everything that they need and that the service is perfectly suited to their needs.
'It's testament to all of the hard work that George and his team have put in. I have nothing but admiration and respect for George and am delighted he has won such a fantastic award.'
The Royal Bank of Scotland was the main sponsor for the event.
JIM Calder has been appointed home manager of Lambhill Court Limited's Cumbrae House in Glasgow.
The home is a unique development at St. Georges Cross located where the city centre meets the West End and currently runs at high occupancy.
Jim has worked in management roles previously to being appointed to his new role.
He said: 'My person-centred care approach means that you will be respected as an individual and treated with dignity.
'Because each person's needs are so different, all our residents have a personal care plan that outlines details of their care and recognises their individual preferences and needs.
'These plans help us tailor the care and support we give and I will continuously promote this approach throughout our home.'
A DEPUTY nursing home manager from Felixstowe has raised £750 for charity after scaling some of England's highest peaks.
Tina Kerry, who works at Mill Lane, took part in the Four Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.
The tough three-day event saw Tina and her fellow walkers battle adverse weather conditions as they ascended four of the Lake District's most challenging mountains.
She said: 'I really enjoy walking but this was something else. We had to climb Skiddaw, Scafell Pike and Scafell itself as well as Helvellyn.
'Unfortunately the weather deteriorated so badly we could barely see our feet, so were unable to climb Scafell Pike as it was just too dangerous. We did however climb a nearby waterfall so we could complete the challenge.'
Tina has worked at the Healthcare Homes run home for 13-and-a-half years.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE care home is set to welcome new residents following the completion of an expansion and refurbishment project.
Six new bedrooms have been added to the purpose-built The Hillings in Eaton Socon, increasing the total to 70. Thirty of these are specifically for residents with dementia.
New communal lounge areas have been introduced and bathrooms have been modernised with state-of-the-art equipment.
SPECIALIST property agent DC Care has completed the sale of Emerald Care Services Ltd in South Yorkshire, a group providing care for adults with learning disabilities or autism who may display challenging behaviours.The group was established by operators Gary and Julie Hurlstone six years ago and in that time has grown substantially. Their vision and experience in the sector enabled them to ensure the business was built on quality care and sound business model. They also forged excellent links with local and regional referral teams.They have decided to take early retirement and are now looking forward to spending more time with their family.The purchasers of Emerald Care Services Ltd are also established, experienced operators, who can now build upon the excellent foundations already there and further develop the business.
NEARLY 200 new jobs are to be created in Hampshire with the building of two care homes costing more than £15m.
Colten Care, which operates 18 care and dementia homes in the south, has already started work on one of the homes, St Catherine's View in Winchester.
The £7m specialist dementia home will employ 80 people and is due to open next spring.
Managing director Ian Hudson said: 'The building of the homes represents a major expansion for Colten Care.
'Both will combine the highest standards of care with the latest technology and building techniques.'
The second home is on the site of the former Linden House residential home in Lymington.
Demolition work is due to begin shortly, with building of the new £8.5m home expected to get under way early next year.
The home will be the largest care home to be built by Colten Care which already operates three homes in Lymington.
It will create between 80 and 100 new jobs and is due to open in early summer of 2013.
DC Care has been confirmed as a sponsor of next year's prestigious Pinders Healthcare Design Awards.
Director Anita Allen said: 'This award ceremony and lunch is the key care industry event of the year. We are extremely proud to be one of the main sponsors next year and look forward to joining the great and good of the long term care sector as we celebrate the design innovations and achievements of developers, architects and care operators.'
ISG Jackson is building on its relationship with Quantum Care after securing its second project with the not-for-profit care organisation in just four months.
The £1.7m scheme to extend residential facilities at the Willow Court Care Home in Harpenden, Hertfordshire closely follows an earlier £2m project at Belmont View Care Home in Hoddesdon.
At Willow Court, ISG Jackson will build 20 additional residential rooms set across two, two-storey timber frame extensions to the existing care home.
The en-suite rooms are purpose-built for residents with dementia and all have access to communal dining and lounge facilities.
January 2012 | Maria Mallaband Care Group strike a deal with Shackletons Ltd to be the sole furniture provider for MMCG and Countrywide Care Homes
Shackletons Ltd have been in the furniture industry for over 50 years and are famous for designing, manufacturing and creating comfortable, long lasting craftsman-made furniture for the nursing and care home industry. The Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) have been using Shackletons furniture since we began in 1996, so we know the quality is good and is specially designed for its functionality, practicality and comfort.
MMCG has recently taken over 35 Southern Cross care homes and launched Countrywide Care Homes to manage the homes. We felt that these homes also needed the special touch of Shackletons and we are now pleased to be able to announce this partnership.
Commenting on the deal, James Burgan, Commercial Director said: “We have grown quickly in a short space of time and they have always been committed and shown dedication and compassion to our own changing needs. The Countrywide Care Homes will take our group into a new sector - this is a very exciting time for both organisations. We expect the same high standards, quality and comfort from the furniture and furnishings we use in all our care homes, and we are positive that Shackletons will not only meet, but exceed our expectations. It has been a pleasure working with Shackletons over the years and long may this continue.”
Jason Bloom, National Sales Manager, commented: “Shackletons are very proud to be associated with a caring, progressive and superior quality care home group such as MMCG. Our corporate goals and that deserving of our furniture, is to align ourselves with the very best operators in the sector and MMCG and Countrywide Care Homes are certainly one of those. We look forward to extending our already successful relationship”.
For further information contact Clare Boitelle (clare.boitelle@mmcg.co.uk) on 0113 2382690.
24/04/2012 | Care Roadshow Glasgow, Glasgow Concert Halls
22/05/2012 | Care Roadshow Gateshead, The Lancastrian Suite



















