http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/ Caring UK is the number one magazine for managers in the elderly care sector. en-uk Copyright Wharncliffe Publishing Limited 2008 2008-08-05 10:16:24 2008-08-05 10:16:24 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/ http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/images/rsslogo.gif http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-08 STAFF at a Portland care home have turned around their poor 'no-star' rating service to offer a 'good' standard of care in just three months. Portland Residential Home in Wakeham has been awarded two stars in its latest report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Manager Jennifer Gillespie, who bought the failing home 18 months ago, said the turnaround in fortunes is the result of a lot of hard work by staff. 'We're very pleased with ourselves and we're going to have a little celebration at work," she said. 'This last 12 months has been tough. Everything needed changing - care plans weren't being done, there was no system in place in the office and the paperwork was all over the place. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-08-05 10:16:24 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-08 RESIDENTS at a Sheffield care home were so fed up of getting wet walking to their local pub during the winter months that they opened their own. Now whenever the elderly residents at SheffCare's Grange Crescent home in Sharrow fancy a pint or game of darts they simply pop into The Olde Oak Tree - their own pub specially created in one of the home's lounges. And the pub, which opens Wednesday nights and at weekends, has everything a good local should have, including a snooker table, traditional tables and chairs, a velcro dart board and a plasma television to watch the sport on. Themed nights featuring bingo and quizzes are also held. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-08-05 10:15:42 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-07 By Dominic Musgrave A WATCHDOG is to be set up next year which will vet care staff and offer more robust checks on migrant workers. The move follows concerns by senior police officers that thousands of migrants are working with vulnerable elderly people in care homes without undergoing full criminal record checks. But Chris Webb Jenkins, head of social care at law firm Browne Jacobson, said the watchdog is unlikely to address the problem entirely - and that care home owners should put better measures in place. He said: 'The UK care sector has suffered from chronic staff shortages for several years and overseas workers have helped to meet this need because it can be poorly paid arduous work." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-07-01 13:56:07 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-07 By Dominic Musgrave CARE home staff should be better trained to allow them to deal with a potential influx of residents with HIV. Baroness Joyce Gould, chair of the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV, said the problem may come as a generation of people suffering from the disease grow older. She said: 'Growing old with HIV is a relatively new reality. People who do so have a range of previously unconsidered needs such as isolation, the long-term effect of medication and living in care homes, with the need for specialist social care teams. 'It has always been considered to be a young person's problem, but people suffering from the disease are now living longer and it doesn't seem that any provision has so far been put in place to care for them.' Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-07-01 13:55:23 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-06 A £40m funding gap in Scotland's flagship policy which offers free care for the elderly has been plugged by the government. The funding black-hole was identified after an independent report into the scheme by Lord Sutherland which followed complaints that some councils were not implementing the policy correctly. The free care policy was introduced in 2002 and more than 50,000 people in Scotland now have free care - the extra £40m-per-year will ensure the smooth running of the scheme. Cabinet member for health Nicola Sturgeon said: 'Everyone involved in delivering it agrees we must ensure that the additional funding delivers improved services for our most vulnerable older people, and addresses the aspects of the policy that have lacked clarity.' Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-06-03 09:21:38 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-06 CARE home owners and managers need to do more to prevent the abuse of residents, according to a university professor who specialises in the problem. In a public lecture, Hilary Brown said there is too much emphasis on blaming individual carers, when the wider environment needs to be addressed. She said: 'Managers have a responsibility to ensure their staff understand the vulnerabilities of their clients, and to identify those most at risk from abuse - which are often the more challenging residents. 'They need to make sure staff are trained and inducted properly - and a one off talk or course won't cut it, it needs to be ongoing so they understand the needs of the people in their care.' Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-06-03 09:21:07 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-05 THE partnership between an artist and a care organisation has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Sarah Edwards has been the artist in residence at Pendine Park, in Wrexham, for 12 years and has already been recognised at the Wales Care Awards. Now, she has been shortlisted for the Arts and Business awards in Cardiff. Sarah said: 'I could see how art could benefit the quality of life for people in residential and nursing care. It can give people focus away from their illness or depression or problems just for a short time and it gives them a new sense of achievement.' Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-05-02 09:37:45 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-05 CARE homes should appoint dedicated nursing teams to reduce hospital admissions and save NHS cash, according to research. A study, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, found that teams of community nurses and physiotherapists also improve the quality of residents' lives. It revealed that between 80 and almost 200 potential hospital admissions were averted and that 20 early discharges were made possible during the two-year study. Researcher Deidre Wild, from The University of West England in Bristol, said: 'Allowing people to remain in their care homes by bringing in specialist care during episodes of illness was greatly valued by both residents and staff. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-05-02 09:36:48 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-04 By Dominic Musgrave CARE homes have been accused of pocketing NHS money which is meant to go towards nursing costs for their residents. A study by Saga says a number of homes are not reducing fees to reflect the £101-a-week NHS contributions. Saga's head of care funding Owain Wright said: 'Although this may not happen that much, when it does it is not right. The NHS pays the home a £101 weekly contribution for the residents' nursing costs and this should be reflected in how much the home charges the residents and knocked off. 'Some don't take the money off and that is clearly wrong.' Janet Davies, of independent adviser Symponia - which provides financial advice for the elderly - said as long as residents and relatives are aware of what the money is being spent on, care homes have nothing to worry about. She added: 'So long as what care homes do with the money is clear and transparent then I don't think there is any problem. If they don't then that is where they could find themselves in trouble. Everything a care home does should be transparent and I don't see that they are doing anything wrong. Nursing care costs a lot of money.' A report published by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) last year found that older people paying as much as £30,000 a year for a room in a care home often do not know exactly what they will be paying for. CSCI chair Dame Denise Platt said: 'The evidence from our inspections and research with over 1,700 older people and their carers shows that many do not receive a fair deal. 'Some people looking for a care home place are left confused about what they will be asked to pay, and what they will get for their money.' n What do you think? Send your letters in to Dominic Musgrave, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AS or email dm@whpl.net. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-04-01 10:15:56 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-03 By Dominic Musgrave STAFF at a care home in Wales have saved the life of a man who was choking. Melvyn James, 83, got a piece of sausage stuck in his throat at lunchtime at the Llwynallt care home near Swansea. But quick thinking staff, led by manager Pippa Wheel, used their first aid training and saved his life. She said: “All of the residents were sat around the table in the dining room when one of our members of staff rushed over and said that one of them appeared to be choking. “When I arrived he was turning blue so we tried the bear hug a couple of times and nothing happened. “I daren’t do it again in case we broke a rib so we rushed him into a wheelchair and moved him into one of the bedrooms.” At this point Pippa ordered one of her colleagues to ring for an ambulance. “We got him on the floor and started mouth to mouth and CPR,” she added. “Eventually we dislodged the sausage and thankfully he has now made a full recovery.” Melvyn was taken for a check-up to the hospital but is now back at the home. “We thought he was unconscious but he wasn’t and can remember everything,” added Pippa. “I am just very grateful that all of the staff here have done their first aid training and they have all said ‘thank God they have done the training’ and that it has all turned out well in the end. “It makes you realise how important first aid is when you save someone’s life and we hope it will make others aware of the importance of keeping up to date with the training. “Had he been living at home he probably wouldn’t be here. I am so proud of the way all the staff reacted to the situation.” Llwynallt care home has 22 residents and is hoping to extend to 40 in the near future. It is owned by Wolverhampton couple Jackie and Alan Sheldon. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-03-03 10:44:18 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-02 A CARE home in the North East is turning one of its little used lounges into a traditional pub. Willowdene Care Home in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear which is part of the New Century Care group. has been given numerous artefacts from The Long Ship public house in the town, which the pub manager planned to throw away while it underwent a major refurbishment. Willowdene’s manager Richard Maddison said: “We wanted to turn the little used area into a reminiscence room and decided to utilise the artefacts for a pub theme. Richard explained “A friend of mine was talking to The Long Ship’s manager, who told him he planned to throw away a load of old photos and signs he had found in the pub. My friend told me I should go down and have a look as he knew I was planning to create a reminiscent room. I took a van and met the manager who said I could take my pick.” Many of the photographs and prints that Richard has acquired are of the now demolished White Hart pub in Newcastle and date back to the turn of the 20th century. Willowdene’s own pub will be called The White Hart and the original signs will be used. Other prints feature John Barras, who took over the Tyne Brewery in the 1880s and formed the backbone of the Newcastle Breweries, and features staff and customers from his pubs in the region. “All of the residents, staff and relatives are very excited about the new room and can’t wait to get it open,” added Richard. “We are also trying to locate some old fashioned beer pumps as decoration for the bar from somewhere, but we won’t be serving from them! We will just be serving cans and bottles of a suitable beverage.” Richard has also received numerous unused artefacts from the region’s Beamish Open Air Museum to use in the room, including old bottles, fire extinguishers and a phone box. The home is also going to open a sensory garden paid for by money obtained from a Government grant. The garden will be dedicated to Betty Coombs, who lived at Willowdene for 10 years. Willowdene became part of the New Century Group upon the acquisition of Premier Nursing Homes Limited in 2006. It is home to 52 residents. Have you turned any of your care home’s t rooms into anything unusual? If so why not let editor Dominic Musgrave know by ringing him on 01226 734407, texting him on 07825 264211 or emailing dm@whpl.net Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-02-07 14:29:05 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 STAFFORDSHIRE County Council has confirmed that 14 of its 21 care homes are to close. The county council had initially looked at shutting all of the homes, but following consultation which generated more than 1,300 comments from relatives and residents a decision to keep a third open was made. There are over 300 residents in older peoples' care homes, of which approximately 75 were assessed to need nursing care, which councils, by law, are not allowed to run. In addition, most residents of the homes that will close will be able to move to another home nearby if they choose. County council leader John Taylor said Staffordshire was just one of many authorities across the UK that was having to go through similar shake-ups. He said: “We have always said that this was true consultation and the decision proves that. We've not only consulted with those with the loudest voices, but with every service user and their families. The council has said more people should be cared for in their own homes or through the independent sector. Six of the homes that will be closed will be developed into specialist residential centres for people with dementia. Councillor Taylor added: “We have consulted widely with all our service users and their families and as a direct result six of our residential homes for older people will remain open. “Not only this, but following consultation and research we know there is a need for the county council to make an additional investment to build at least eight new extra care schemes, one for each of the county's districts. In addition to this, for those with disabilities needing residential care, we will build new premises to deliver these. “All over the country, councils are going through the same process that we at the county council are going through. The historic model of institutional care is simply not working anymore and will deny service provision for so many people in the future. “The option to do nothing and bury our heads in the sand is just not an option I or the Cabinet will take. To do that, would be tantamount to disaster.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 14:34:22 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE’S newest state-of-the-art care home with nursing has opened. Lewin House, situated on the old Meadowcroft School site in Aylesbury, is a purpose-built care home funded by Housing Solutions Group and built by Castleoak Care Partnership. It is the first of eight care homes for older people being built as part of The Project Care Initiative, a partnership between Buckinghamshire County Council, Housing Solutions Group and The Fremantle Trust. Fremantle will manage the home, providing services to older people who require high levels of nursing or dementia and nursing care. “It is essential that we have good quality, up-to-date, purpose-built premises so that we can provide those older people who need to move to residential care with the right kind of care services together with the environmental surroundings they deserve to live in; things like en suite bathrooms, easier wheelchair access and all sorts of other ergonomic features which make the environment better suited to the needs of older people,” said Carole Sawyers, chief executive of the Fremantle Trust. “So we are completely delighted with the high quality facility which Housing Solutions Group has provided and the council made possible and we are thrilled to be opening Lewin House.” There are 70 places in the main home for older people, split into four smaller community groups of 15 or 20. In addition there is also a self-contained eight room unit for people with learning disabilities. The home will transition to full nursing care over a period of time and initially there are only two vacancies in the nursing care unit. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 14:34:18 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 A MORECAMBE catering assistant who doubles as a care home’s bingo master has been named caterer of the year. Collin Garthwaite, who works at Eric Morecambe House, has won Anchor Trust’s care services awards final for his care of older people. The 70-year-old, who continues to work despite battling arthritis, can often be found in the kitchen late baking cakes for residents or being master of ceremonies at the Harrow Grove home’s bingo nights. The three nominations he received described him as a ray of sunshine whose jokes brought a smile to everyone’s face. Claire Dyson, who sat on the panel of judges, said: “Collin impressed the judges because of his helpfulness, dependability and cheerful nature, being well liked by the residents he cares for. “Nothing is too much trouble for him and he always goes out of his way to help residents in the home. “He is committed to improving the lives of older people, even devoting his spare time to bringing happiness to all bingo goers even if they don’t win. Collin really deserves to win this award as he exemplifies all that Anchor stands for.” Joker Collin, from Heysham, said he was stunned to have won the final as he was up against other worthy finalists. He said: “I love to make people laugh because humour is the best medicine in life. If I can bring a smile to people’s faces, by pulling their leg or telling a joke, then I feel I’ve made a positive difference to their day. “I enjoy listening to the residents, finding out about their lives and their interesting pasts. Two of the female residents were in the First World War – one was a pilot and the other worked as a nurse on the front line. They have such fascinating experiences to share with you.” There were 287 nominations for Anchor’s care service awards which is an opportunity for staff to nominate colleagues and to reward them for the remarkable work they do every day. Other winners: Care service manager – Suzan Green Nurse of the year – Shirley Clements Customer services award – Angela Scott Anchor Homes carer – Steven Moulds ICH & Denham carer – Eileen Lee Anchor Care carer – Kay Goodier Support services award – Julie Bennett Outstanding achievement – John Martin. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 14:34:14 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2008-01 AN independent care consultant has hit out at the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), describing it as a “Titanic failure – worse than useless at doing the things it was meant to do”. John Burton, who has more than 40 years’ experience of working in and managing social care, most of it in care homes, said he was angry at CSCI’s decision not to investigate complaints, calling it a “dereliction of duty”. Speaking at the annual Registered Care Homes Association Conference in Eastbourne, which this year had the theme of ‘Surviving Government Policy’, the former care home manager and inspector used his speech entitled “Inspection – what next?” to tell the audience of his feeling of “betrayal” by the independent association set up by the Government, calling it “an overbearing monster” among other things. John claimed CSCI has succeeded in halving the work they were meant to do, with homes only inspected once every three years compared with six before. He was also critical of the new star ratings for care homes, which are set to be brought in next year, adding they were “distress flares from a sinking ship” and claiming that CSCI is “a case of power that has gone wrong.” He was quick to point out, however, that he was not being critical of the inspectors or the people in charge of CSCI, but was criticising the organisation, questioning how many of them really know anything about residential care, how it works and what it takes to run a care home. Looking ahead, John said inspectors should make sure they are at the care home and live the lives of the residents to understand what is really going on. He also looked to alternative ways of inspecting care homes to the “arrogant and blinkered” CSCI, putting forward his idea that there should be a complete redesign with local inspection firms independent from local authorities that have a clear relationship with the home set up, with the inspector accountable for their work, the answer. Do you agree with John Burton’s criticism of CSCI and his plan to redesign inspections? Let Healthcare Editor Dominic Musgrave know your thoughts by ringing him on 01226 734407, texting him on 07825 264211 or emailing dm@whpl.net Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2008-01-02 14:34:07 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-11 A BLACK Country butcher has come to the rescue of people with mobility problems by setting up a new free delivery “Flying Butcher” fresh meat hamper service. Butcher Stephen Grove, of STDN Meats Ltd in Dudley believes he is the first butcher to start supplying hampers of meat by courier anywhere in the country. Packed and insulated in ice - gel, the quality fresh turkeys, steaks, beef joints, pork joints, bacon and sausages are delivered post –free for people who have difficulty travelling to shops, saving them time and effort. The innovative hampers where the temperature is kept below 3°c by state of the art ice-gel packs for up to 36 hours.- can also be packed with poultry and choice cuts, for all tastes. Stephen said:  “We don’t want anyone to miss out this Christmas because of mobility problems. We believe that every one should have the opportunity of tasting fresh good quality meat this Christmas,and that’s why we are offering free delivery anywhere in the country. “If you have family or friends who you want to surprise this Christmas, why not send them a fresh meat hamper. “I have relatives and friends in wheelchairs, and I understand how uncomfortable and difficult it can be to call ‘Ring and Ride’ and have to waste hours travelling around or waiting for lifts.” Stephen, who has been in the meat trade for over 27 years, added:  “We have started taking Christmas hamper orders now.  We don’t want anyone to go short this Christmas, and this is why we are urging people to get their orders in early in good time for the Christmas Festive season. But also people can order meat hampers from us all year round. – just give us a call or order online.  We deliver all around the country daily.”   Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-11-01 14:47:38 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-11 A NORFOLK care home has received a new five star rating for being one of the best ‘pet friendly’ care homes in the county. The Manor House in North Walsham, which offers long and short term residential care facilities, has become one of only three care homes in Norfolk to have received a five star rating from national charity the Cinnamon Trust. Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems, and injustices, faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets. It provides a list of the top care homes across the UK that cater for elderly residents with pets. The care home gained its five star rating after being assessed on the home’s attitude and ambiance, its pet care facilities and its processes for dealing with pet mortalities. Manor House manager Pam Davis said: “We are so pleased at receiving this excellent feedback about our home. Residents' pets are very welcome as part of our philosophy of encouraging residents to lead as active a life as possible. When somebody moves out of their own home into care, the last thing they want to do is leave their pets. Often, owning and caring for an animal is the only thing that gets people motivated for the day.” The home accommodates two Chihuahuas, a Labrador, a poodle, one cat and two budgies. The Cinnamon Trust showed The Manor House in its ‘Seriously Pet Friendly' DVD and the home has been winner of the Pet Friendly Care Home (PFCH) Award 1997 and 1998 and nominated for the PFCH Award 2001. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-11-01 14:44:08 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-11 RESIDENTS at a Felixstowe care home are to benefit from a new sensory garden after its green-fingered chef swapped his spoons for a set of spades. Mill Lane Nursing and Retirement Home is in the process of creating a new sensory garden for its residents and their families. Led by chef, Ben Garnham, the staff are encouraging residents to lend a hand in creating a specialist area containing colourful and strongly-scented flowers, plants and two new fish ponds. The home is also planning to expand the existing garden facilities by creating a special remembrance area, which will commemorate past occupants and offer a quiet relaxation area for residents and their visitors. Ben said: “Although usually I am creating culinary dishes for our residents, I really wanted to help create this special place. The sensory garden will provide a stimulating environment for everyone at the home. By involving our residents, we are aiming to give them a sense of ownership. Many have a keen interest in gardening – it is a real team effort.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-11-01 14:43:07 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-11 BBC Look North weatherman Paul Hudson officially opened the new facilities at Troutbeck Nursing Home.The Ilkley care home has undergone extensive redevelopment, including the addition of a new 16-bed wing, which was unveiled to over 50 members of the public. Paul chatted to residents and guests throughout the afternoon. “The home is finished to an extremely high standard,” said Paul. “I was impressed by the attention to detail and the planning that has gone into project. The residents also seem more than happy with the results.” Troutbeck Nursing Home is part of the Leeds-based Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG). The company has more than 43 properties throughout England and Wales, and offers specialist care facilities for the elderly and people with learning disabilities. “The open day was a huge success,” says Maria Twarowski, MMCG managing director. “A lot of hard work has been put into the redevelopment and refurbishment over the past 18 months. It was extremely rewarding to see everything finally come together. “We received many positive comments about the home during the course of the day and five new enquiries have been made as a direct result of the event. Troutbeck can now cater for 54 residents and specialises in nursing, respite, convalescence and terminal care of the elderly.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-11-01 14:41:05 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-10 FORMER Heartbeat and Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt! star Bill Maynard officially opened the Ashlands II Care Centre in Leicester. Bill cut the ribbon at the new £2.5million development which has been constructed in the grounds of the existing Ashlands home. All of the residents and staff from the existing home have transferred to the new centre, which has 40 single en suite bedrooms and has been built to an eco-friendly design. The day was marked with a 1950s and 60s-style celebration including music and a themed buffet. Owners of the care home Prime Life Limited presented a cheque to Bill for £1,000 to the BBC Radio Leicester Ruby Rainbow Appeal to mark the occasion. A refurbishment programme is underway to upgrade the old home, which we will be renamed and will open as a specialist dementia unit for the elderly in November. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-10-02 08:52:38 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-10 DARTS legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor opened a community fete at Stadium Court Care Home to mark the launch of a £1.3million extension to the home and BUPA’s 60th anniversary. The fete included activities and entertainment for all ages, and also featurde displays by the local emergency services. Extensions to three of the five houses in the development at the home have added an additional 18 en suite bedrooms. Phil, the 11 times world champion, said: “Older people deserve dignity and regard - two key elements which are at the heart of this care home extension, and it is a pleasure to play a role in bringing the local people together to celebrate the older members of their community through this fete.” The home will now accommodate 168 people, with each house in the development having its own character. Home manager Sandra Bradbury said: “We're very excited to see the way in which our vision has taken shape and how the extra space has enhanced the feel of the home. We are proud of the end result and we would like the local community to share it with us through the open day and fete.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-10-02 08:51:19 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-10 AUBREY Cooper has put pen to paper to recall the traumatic time he spent as a Japanese prisoner of war between 1942 and 1944. Care workers at Hazelmere House in Wilmslow have been so moved by the 80-year-old’s account they are looking to set up a computer at the home to help him type out his manuscripts. Staff first became aware of Aubrey’s experiences through a series of letters he had written to his wife, Megan, while in captivity. He wasn’t able to send them, but more than 60 years later his family had them bound together and they have been read out at the home. Called ‘Letters from the Edge of Despair’, they provide a moving account of the time he was kept as a prisoner at the Alexander Hospital in Singapore. His latest account is called ‘Letters from Hell’ and is a much more horrific recollection of the atrocities he witnessed. “Aubrey’s account of what prisoners went through during the Second World War is really harrowing, but also touching,” said Beryl Caldwell, care home manager. “From the little anecdotes that make you smile, like soldiers’ reaction to getting their hands on chocolate, to the horrific sight of seeing other prisoners massacred, I found myself reaching for a packet of Kleenex tissues. We owe our freedom to people like Aubrey.” She added: “Aubrey gave us permission to read the letters he wrote to his wife to the rest of the home, as well as show residents the drawings he made during his time at the hospital. “Aubrey’s experiences have been a real talking point at the home.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-10-02 08:50:22 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-10 EIGHT Nottinghamshire care homes are facing closure in the county council’s new five-year programme. Seven other council-run care homes in the county are expected to remain open subject to a cabinet decision and three months of public consultation beginning in October. These are likely to be called ‘care and support centres’ and will provide services such as emergency, intermediate and short and long term care as well as breaks for carers, day services and extra care. The homes set to close are St Michael's View in Retford, James Hince Court in Carlton-in-Lindrick, Daleside in Mansfield, Kirklands in Sutton in Ashfield, Ashcroft in Kirkby in Ashfield, Leivers Court in Arnold, Beauvale Court in Eastwood and Bishops Court in Boughton. They are likely to enter into a formal consultation process. The council also hopes to create 150 new "extra care" places, where support is provided in people's own homes or sheltered housing rather than traditional residential care homes. A spokesman said: "The review has been carried out to look at how best to meet the care needs of older people in the future and to widen the choice and increase the availability of extra care facilities. "Some of the county council's current care homes need heavy investment to bring them up to the modern standards that older people in Nottinghamshire deserve. Even with this investment, refurbishment would mean we would need to reduce the number of beds in each home and we would still not have en-suite facilities in every bedroom." He added: "The county council has always reviewed its services on a regular basis to ensure that people are receiving the services they need and that the council is making the best use of taxpayers' money." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-10-02 08:49:08 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-09 THE Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury have officially opened Colten Care’s first nursing and residential home in Wiltshire. Set in landscaped grounds within a prime residential area close to the city of Salisbury, Braemar Lodge will provide residents with a choice of spacious, en-suite bedrooms, with some including showers. The rooms are fully equipped with internet access, flat screen televisions and private telephone lines. Specialist and hydrotherapy baths and assisted showers are all easily accessible. Coun Kevin Cardy said: “Braemar Lodge feels instantly welcoming, the friendly staff and beautiful setting will provide residents with a wonderful home in which they can relax and enjoy many leisure activities. The city of Salisbury will benefit from the opening of this new Colten Care home, Braemar Lodge has sourced local suppliers and many of the new team are from the area.” A full time activity organiser will provide residents with a varied programme of optional activities that will brighten each day. In order to offer a ‘something for everyone’ approach Colten Care has appointed a social carer to work with residents who feel too frail to join in with group activities or prefer one to one care and attention. Matron of Braemar Lodge Irene Gray added: “I and my team of highly trained staff have already welcomed our first residents and we are looking forward to welcoming many more. At Colten Care we recognise the importance of giving our residents a home from home environment. We pride ourselves on our ability to cater to individual needs on every level.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-09-03 09:58:29 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-09 AN Isle of Wight care assistant who has worked for more than three decades without ever having a day off through sickness has retired. Valerie Cowan has worked at The Gouldings Resource Centre at Freshwater for 33 years as a day care and night care assistant. She said: "The Gouldings has been like a second home to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my colleagues and ensuring with them that we have provided a high standard of care at the Gouldings." She joined the Gouldings in July 1974 after it opened as a residential care home in April 1974 as a day care assistant becoming a night care assistant in April 1991 - a post she has held ever since. Isle of Wight Council chief executive Joe Duckworth made a special presentation to Valerie of a bunch of flowers in recognition for her years of dedicated service. She was then joined by Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for health, well being and supporting people, Councillor Dawn Cousins to formerly open a refurbished reception area at the Gouldings. Staff at the Gouldings also presented Valerie with a present in recognition of her hard work over the years. Valerie's line manager Maureen Sutton said: "Valerie's retirement marks the end of an era as she was the longest serving member of staff at the Gouldings. We will greatly miss her reliability, dedication and competence." Cllr Cousins added: "Valerie has been a competent and dedicated carer and is extremely well liked by service users and work colleagues. "Her record is quite possibly unique and we wish her all the best in her retirement." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-09-03 09:56:50 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-09 A HOUSEKEEPER at a Scarborough care home has won a top award from a local college. Lorraine Ulliott, housekeeper at St Cecilia’s care home in Scarborough, is profoundly deaf and the award recognised her tremendous achievement in completing the course. She took a distance learning course with Yorkshire Coast College in Scarborough and was theirequality and diversity student of the year. After completing her NVQ Level 2 in housekeeping she now has her sights set on a level three. Lorraine said: “I really enjoyed the course. It taught me a lot that I can use here at St Cecilia’s, particularly about developing checklists of things that need to be done to keep the place looking at its absolute best.” Managing director Mike Padgham paid tribute to Lorraine’s efforts. “She has done tremendously well. Notwithstanding the difficulties she faces, Lorraine always puts in 100 per cent and this student of the year award recognises that. She is a credit to St Cecilia’s and to herself,” he said. A representative from the college's distance learning team said: “Lorraine is always determined to succeed against any odds and it was felt that she deserved recognition for her success.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-09-03 09:55:39 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-09 THE last known surviving British soldier to have fought in the trenches of World War I has revisited the site where he fought 90 years ago. Harry Patch, 109, who lives at Fletcher House care home in Somerset, made the trip to Belgium to recall his part in the Battle of Passchendaele, which claimed 70,000 British casualties. He also went to pay homage to the tens of thousands of German soldiers who lost their lives. "Too many died. War isn't worth one life," he said. During the fighting Mr Patch was badly wounded and three of his best friends were killed when a shell exploded just yards from where he was standing. He made the trip with historian Richard van Emden, who helped Mr Patch write down his memories. Mr Patch laid a wreath at the site of the trench, which now forms part of a German war cemetery. The Battle of Passchendaele was officially known as the Third Battle of Ypres - the name of the principal town within a bulge in the British lines. The proceeds from the book based on Mr Patch's memories of the Great War have helped the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to buy a lifeboat for Poole, Dorset. The ceremony for the "Doris and Harry D Class" lifeboat was held at the charity's headquarters. He said: "'I'm feeling proud and overwhelmed - I didn't expect to see all these people here. “Doris (Harry’s wife) was always interested in the RNLI and I gave the boat in memory of her. "It's my tribute to Doris." The boat will enter the RNLI's relief fleet of lifeboats based around the coast at strategic locations. Sarah Sleigh, the RNLI's personal donations manager, said: "We rely on the public to ensure we are able to operate a lifeboat service 365 days of the year, and naming ceremonies such as these really help to show the generosity and dedication of our supporters." Harry, along with two other First World War veterans, has also been invited to Buckingham Palace to visit the Queen. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-09-03 09:52:52 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-08 STAFF at Executive Care Group’s Holly Lodge Care Home in Shildon, County Durham, are aiming to be officially recognised as achieving the highest possible standards in palliative and end of life care, after successfully completing a series of specialist training programmes and government-funded initiatives. The 40-bed care home, which was opened solely as a residential property in July 2005, expanded its remit in August last year when a 16-bed nursing unit was added to offer more specialist care. Shortly after the opening of the new unit, Holly Lodge’s management team, Karen Hunter and Margaret Robinson, and Nurse Jaya George, successfully completed an ‘Understanding Palliative Care’ course run by respected care organisation DECCA.  Margaret said: “End of life care is quickly becoming a major focus of the care sector and we must begin to embrace the fact that we have a significant role to play in the lives of dying residents and their families.  We have the power to give people as ‘good’ a death as possible by adhering to their wishes and catering for their emotional and mental needs as well as the physical ones. The training the Holly Lodge staff have been working through, is all about understanding this privileged position we found ourselves in and how best to deal with all it entails.” The home also began to follow the Liverpool Care Partnership (LCP), which is a continuous quality improvement framework for care of the dying irrespective of diagnosis or place of death, designed by the Marie Curie Palliative Care Institute in Liverpool. Since then the home’s dedicated team of managers and general nursing staff, have been working hard to further develop their skills and expertise in a way that will enhance and expand their nursing capabilities, particularly in the area of palliative care. Margaret Robinson, who has worked at Holly Lodge care home since it opened two years ago, is currently enrolled on an Introduction to Cancer and Palliative Care Course, which is accredited by the University of Teesside and, alongside Karen, recently attended a special day-long conference in London, which focussed solely on the issue of end of life care. Later this year all of Holly Lodge’s nursing staff will be put through Macmillan Cancer Care’s Foundations in Palliative Care course, where they will learn more about the basic principles in end of life care, including how to improve communications with a dying resident and their family, best practice in the management of pain and other symptoms and specialist bereavement care. This will support their existing qualifications in syringe driving, which was last certified in February 2007, and the verification of death training, which all nursing staff are required to complete. In an effort to further ensure their work meets exceptionally high standards the staff at Holly Lodge Care Home are now in the process of registering for the NHS’ recently introduced Gold Standards Framework (GSF), which is designed nationally to trigger real change in care, and help deliver a better service for patients.    Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-08-17 09:55:04 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-08 A GHOULS night out at a haunted mansion raised spirits and plenty of cash for a good cause. Staff from the Wrexham-based care organisation, Pendine Park, went on a paranormal vigil at one of the most haunted houses in Wales. They followed in the footsteps of pop stars Girls Aloud by spending the night at Plas Teg, near Mold. The girl band filmed their spooky experiences for a television programme, Most Haunted. But the aim of Pendine Park’s sponsored fright night was to raise money for their residents’ fund. The group of 12 staff members raised £400 to pay for special treats for the residents. As the spine chilling antics were for such a good cause, proprietor Mario Kreft stumped up the £40 registration fee for each of the brave participants. Senior care practitioner Claire Venables said: “I was really scared before we went. When we went into the cradle room things started happening in there, I felt someone standing next to me. It was really weird in there, I didn’t like that room. “Apparently it was the nanny’s room. I had a tunnel vision experience where everything just went black in there. I could just see the edge of the bed and it was pretty weird. I honestly thought that I had my eyes shut.” She added: “I’ve never experienced anything like that before. I am a believer in the paranormal but I’ve never experienced anything quite like that before.” Mario Kreft said: “I take my hat off to them, they’ve all been exceptionally brave but it’s in a very good cause. “I think their caring attitude just underlines the fact that we have a really excellent group of people working here at Pendine Park.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-08-17 09:53:56 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-08 WEEKLY monitoring of a Calderdale care home, where residents were neglected, underfed and open to abuse, has has led to huge improvements. In April, the Commission for Social Care Inspection found many of the staff at Clover House were unqualified, underpaid and unsupervised, and as a result admissions to the home were suspended. But the latest inspection, carried out last month, shows that people are now being “well cared for, staffing levels are being maintained” and the number of issues requiring attention has fallen. Clover House, formally “Oakfield”, in Savile Road, Halifax, has room for 39 people with dementia or other health problems. Owner Sophie Hussain said they hoped to resume admissionsshortly. “The April inspection was unfortunate because we had a manager who didn’t perform to the standards we would expect but everyone has worked very hard since then to make improvements and we are committed to providing quality care,” she said. Clover House was criticised by inspectors in 2005 and when they returned in June 2006 they judged the home as “poor”. Last July, Clover House was taken over by Castle Villas Ltd but early improvements were not sustained. When inspectors visited in April this year they found staff did not take people to the toilet who had been incontinent and they were left in wet clothing, lunch was often limited to a slice of quiche and residents were at risk of developing infections due to equipment shortages. “Staff at the home are not making sure that people in their care are safe and protected which is leaving them at risk of abuse and neglect,” according to the inspectors. “There are areas of practice that are neglectful - staff are not monitoring people’s food intake properly to make sure they are getting enough to eat.” Staff complained of not being paid on time or being underpaid and only four out of 18 had care qualifications. “The home is not being run in the best interests of the people living there. Their health and safety are not being promoted, which is leaving them at risk,” said the inspectors. A Calderdale Council spokesman said it was still not referring people to Clover House. “But standards have improved since the last inspection and it continues to be monitored weekly. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-08-17 09:52:13 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-08 CARING UK are backing a petition to make care homes exempt from the licensing to screen films. Under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 the viewing of films in care homes qualifies as 'public performance' and is illegal unless licensed. Petition organiser Angela Hunt, who is the business development manger for B and M Care, said: “Care homes are being bullied into purchasing licenses from agencies representing film studios or face a £5,000 fine. The only get-out is to make care homes exempt from this Act. “These care homes are 'home' to these people and they are being denied the opportunity to view films in their lounge. Their lounge is deemed as a public place and therefore qualifies the viewing as a public performance. What other privileges can we possibly deny our elderly people? It is just an excuse to cash in on another loophole in legislation.” “As care home operators we comply with strict guidelines and protocol set down by CSCI in order to be allowed to care for vulnerable people, and ridiculous loopholes in legislation mean that we have to take away yet more from these people. I cannot understand why no other care home operator has challenged this license fee. It is not the cost involved but the principle of the matter. If care home operators join forces maybe we can get an exception forced through on this legislation.” Caring UK editor Dominic Musgrave said: “It seems ridiculous that care home residents are being denied the opportunity to view films because of this Act. When we heard this we immediately decided to give our full backing to the campaign, and we would urge anybody with any connection to care homes nationwide to add your support by visiting the website. With your support we can get this rule changed.” To lend your support follow the link at the top of the page. Let us know what you think by ringing healthcare editor Dominic Musgrave on 01226 734407, texting your opinion to 07825 264211 or emailing dm@whpl.net Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-08-17 09:49:34 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-07 Entrepreneur and Ultimo bra inventor Michelle Mone was the keynote speaker and presented the prizes at the Corn-wall Business Awards. Cornwall Care beat off the compe-tition to win the prestigious award for customer focus, and the award was collected by the retiring head of human resources Judy Owen. The Business Awards presented by Cornwall Enterprise in partnership with Business Link, are designed to raise the county’s profile, by celebrating the quality and diversity of Cornwall’s burgeoning businesses. Picture: www.ultimo.co.uk and www.trimsecrets.com Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-07-02 11:44:48 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 By Dominic Musgrave A FORMER Harley Street consultant is aiming to revolutionise the way care home residents receive dental treatment. Doncaster-based Alan Wilkinson worked as a dentist in a practice on the famous London Street for more than 10 years after graduating from the RAF Dental School and spending several years in the armed forces. Using a fully-equipped wheelchair friendly mobile surgery, Alan, who runs Concept Clinics, can park in a home’s car park and treat patients. The mobile surgery is a legacy of his time in London, when he did a lot of work on film sets and treated celebrities. And for those residents who are bed bound he also has Trans Care Max, a fully equipped portable dental treatment case. “In the past it has been a logistical nightmare trying to get a resident dental treatment,” he said. “If you can find a dentist who will do the treatment it involves at least one care worker accompanying the resident and having to pay for a taxi.” He added: “A few weeks ago I sent out a sprinkle of letters to local care homes to dip my toe in the water. Ever since I have been visiting three, four or five homes a day – I didn’t rea-lise how desperate a need there is.” Alan says he has written to the 182 Primary Care Trusts nationwide to make them aware of the problem, but they have all written back saying there are no funds available. This means he is having to charge residents the basic NHS treatment rates for treatment of £15.90 for an examination, scale and polish and any x-rays, £43.60 for any number of fillings or extractions, and £194 for all dentures. “I want the PCTs out there to realise there is an answer to the problem.” Alan says he is well on the way to getting the 800 patients he can realistically have on his books at any one time, but if necessary he will purchase another mobile surgery to meet requirements. “I feel absolutely disgusted for those people who have probably been a patient at a dental practice all there lives but then move into a care home and can’t get care. In many ways I am also disappointed with my own industry because no one is willing to do the work. I am also disappointed with the PCTs for not recognising what a desperate shortfall there is.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-21 15:19:13 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 SUZANNE Lynam, an apprentice care assistant at CLS Care Service's Park House Residential Care Home in Tyldesley won two awards at a glittering event held at Bolton's Reebok Stadium. Having picked up the Health and Social Care apprentice award, Suzanne then went on to take the top award of the night, Alliance Learning's Apprentice of the Year title. Park House is run by CLS, a charitable provider of 36 purpose-built residences across the North West. The home, provides residential care for people over the age of 65 and is recognised for its friendly staff, and professional level of care. Nick Dykes, CLS chief executive, said: "We are immensely proud of Suzanne and her success at these awards. She is a credit to Park House and to our organisation as a whole. Her commitment to learning is wonderful and we are keen to ensure staff in all our homes have the opportunity to further their knowledge and skills to ensure we can deliver the best possible care. "These awards provide an incredible platform on which to showcase the talents not just of CLS, but the care industry as a whole. I would like to congratulate Alliance Learning for their continued work in providing quality training for our staff and other people employed within this sector." Suzanne is currently undertaking her advanced apprenticeship and has gained qualifications in food hygiene, fire safety awareness and injection control. Her tutor was impressed with her commitment to learning, despite recently becoming a mother. Soap star Vicky Binns, who plays Molly Compton in ITV's Coronation Street, gave her support to the event and praised the region's students in her address to the audience. BBC's North West Tonight news reporter Elaine Willcox was also on hand to present Suzanne with her trophies and cash prize. This is the second occasion that Elaine has supported the event and is an advocate of vocational training. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-13 10:37:08 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 HELP the Aged is warning that the next generation of pensioners will face hardship if the current system of paying for care does not keep pace with changing demographics and ever increasing needs.  The charity is warning that the upcoming Treasury comprehensive spending review must signal clear steps forward which simplify and improve a system that is underperforming today and in danger of plunging into crisis tomorrow. In an uncompromising appraisal of England’s ‘bust’ social care system, Help the Aged is urging the Government to develop a long term plan to balance public and private responsibility for paying for services.  In today’s means-tested system, the balance between the state and the individual is often unfairly ‘all or nothing’, with many people not knowing where state responsibility ends and the individuals’ begins. Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, said:  “We need to clarify the future of social care funding, it currently doesn’t work and urgently needs fixing. Older people are under-served by means-tested services which are near impossible to access and unfit for tomorrow’s pensioners.  “Many people get a nasty surprise when they develop care needs and discover that they may have to pick up the bill. Getting the balance between what is fair for individuals to contribute and what the State should pay is the first step towards creating a fairer system all round. The Government alone cannot make this decision, we all must have a say.” Help the Aged has made over 30 recommendations for a fairer care funding system, including: • A public to private split for funding responsibility of 80:20 • More resources for supporting individuals who provide the lion’s share of care for vulnerable people; • Provision for a ‘one stop shop’ where people can access good quality information and advice about what their entitlements are, what the state will provide and what the processes are. He added: “Clearly no one likes paying for care services, whether it be by selling their homes or through other means.  Getting the right information early on would help many people make the right decisions to enable them to plan for the future with security.   “The strong reactions which paying large sums on care provokes would be reduced if clear advice was made available at an earlier stage.  But the costs are likely to rise, and we need a strategy which cuts down the nasty shock that financing care services creates. “We desperately need a one-stop-shop where people can access information about the services they may need, what the costs will be and what contribution the state will make.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-01 10:50:11 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 SOAP actress Sherrie Hewson dropped in on residents at a new £6.5million Nottingham development for older people to perform the official opening. Nottinghamshire-born Sherrie has most recently been seen as a presenter on ITV’s Loose Women, but she is best known for her roles as Maureen Holdsworth in Coronation Street, and Lesley Meredith in Emmerdale. Hilton Grange, off Leahurst Road, in West Bridgford, is built on the site of the former Hilton Court sheltered housing complex, developed by local affordable housing provider Rushcliffe Homes. It offers 62 high-quality flats for older people in the area, all with two bedrooms, being offered for sale and affordable rent, with a host of support services available. The first residents moved in in January and Ms Hewson spent time chatting to some of them after officially opening the development. The three-storey Hilton Grange scheme, built in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, features integrated CCTV, secure door entry, parking for residents and visitors, a laundry, storage and charging for mobility scooters, an internet suite and two lifts. Sheila Hyde, chief executive of Rushcliffe Homes, said: “We were delighted Sherrie could join us for this special occasion. “Hilton Grange offers a living environment which sets new standards for comfort and quality.” Councillor Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health with Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "With this excellent partnership, we now have the best of both worlds. People can live here independently but with all the support and care they may one day need available on the same site.” Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-01 10:50:08 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-06 THE NHS Trust for Bedfordshire has been ordered by the CSCI to step up standards or face the possibility of prosecution. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) took the rare step of issuing Bedfordshire and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership NHS Trust (BLPT) with the threat after uncovering serious failings. The inspections at the 19 care homes and a home care agency run by the PCT revealed key failings including a lack of clear guidelines on managing residents' behaviour, together with inappropriate methods of control and restraint. Other issues include poor management of aggression by some residents against other residents and staff and concerns about the Trust's policy on reporting incidents under the protection of vulnerable adults (POVA) procedures. The Trust has been ordered to improve staff training and the poor physical condition of some of the homes. It has also been established that an assessment and treatment unit run by the Trust, where personal care is provided, needs to be registered with CSCI as a care home. CSCI revealed standards in nearly all the care homes run by the Trust fall well short of meeting the Care Homes Regulations 2001 and the national minimum standards. The supported living service also fails badly to meet the domiciliary care regulations and standards. Mike Rourke, CSCI's director of inspection, regulation and review said: "Clearly this is unacceptable. We are talking about people with learning disabilities who deserve much better from those who are charged with providing them with care. "We have been meeting regularly with senior managers at the Trust and have done our utmost to help them raise standards in their services. There have been some improvements, but we need to see dramatic change to the standards of care at these homes." As a result of pressure from CSCI, the trust has now handed over key aspects of provision to other providers but the regulator warned the matter was far from closed. Mike Rourke said: "By the Trust's own estimate, it could take two years or more to implement fully the transfer of responsibilities to other providers. "We are determined that everything possible must be done to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents while that process takes place. We will continue to carry out frequent inspections and visits and closely monitor the Trust's progress on its action plan. We will also use our enforcement powers, which include prosecution if it should be necessary." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-06-01 10:50:03 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 THE CARING Homes Group has invited the Minister for Care Services, Ivan Lewis, to drop in for lunch at one of their Surrey care homes in response to his claims that care homes are putting the elderly at risk by failing to feed them properly. Caring Homes, the UK's biggest privately owned care home provider, has written to the MP inviting him to join elderly residents at Cranmer Court, Warlingham, for lunch to see the other side of the coin... a care home that is providing tasty and nutritiously wholesome food. In February, Mr Lewis launched a Government campaign, Dignity for Older People, with a vow to improve standards and claimed the industry was putting thousands of old people at risk from malnutrition because of the poor quality of food on offer. Caring Homes Director, Rob Jeffery, is concerned these claims will create fear among elderly people who might not have any option but to go into residential care. He said: "We want to show Mr Lewis that it is not all bad news and that there are many care homes, such as our own, providing nutritionally balanced, tasty and wholesome meals. "As well as being able to sample the food and meet our chefs, Mr Lewis will be able to talk to residents and get their opinions. We feel this could provide a really valuable fact finding experience for Mr Lewis." Mr Jeffery added: "With this in mind we have introduced many initiatives including Chef Development Days and Ready Steady Cook-style scenarios for our care home chefs. Another initiative has been to acquire Hospitality Assured accreditation, which guarantees a commitment to quality standards. "We are also in the process of trailing new software that assesses the nutritional value and content of each meal, so we are assured that our residents are getting exactly what they need for healthy living. These measures can be adopted at any care home and if Mr Lewis is serious about improving standards we hope he will be interested in accepting the invitation to visit Cranmer Court and get an insight into how things can be improved." A Department of Health spokesman has confirmed a letter from Caring Homes inviting Mr Lewis to visit Cranmer Court had been received. The spokesman said: "There is a set process all ministerial invitations have to go through. The letter from Mr Jeffery at Caring Homes has been going through this process and is due to be submitted to the minister for consideration this week." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-25 15:12:52 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 DETAILED reports identifying the composition of local populations have been launched by CACI for care home owners and managers. Compiled in conjunction with A-Z Care Homes, the reports illustrate current and future demand for residential care services across the UK. The Care Home Report Packs provide detailed information about communities at postcode level. By examining key characteristics, such as age, ethnicity and family ties, the packs help the care home market understand the needs of specific populations and make accurate assessments concerning future requirements. The reports are available in two formats. Both highlight levels of need for residential care resources at a local and national level, as well as documenting current services on offer. The primary care home report pack - at a cost of £395 - shows where demand for care home beds is greatest across the country. The pack includes maps highlighting the highest penetration of affluent elderly people and those approaching old age. The professional pack - costing £595 - drills down further to examine additional issues affecting the provision of care home services. These include the availability of workers in a given area, as well as regions characterised by close family relations where elderly residents may not require external care services. The professional pack also provides listings of existing care homes in each catchment area, which prove invaluable when selecting locations for new facilities. Commenting on the launch of the Care Home Packs, Ashley Blackwell, DataDepot Manager at CACI, said: "The care sector is like any other in that competitive advantage is achieved through a comprehensive understanding of supply and demand. Our new Care Home Report Packs offer a previously unavailable overview of care service provision and how this affects the need for resources at a local and national level. This will enable operators within the industry to make profitable decisions that benefit both themselves and the wider community." Davina Ludlow, Director at A-Z Care Homes, added: "The A-Z Care Homes Guide has long been considered the definitive annual guide to UK care homes, providing reliable, up to date information for families, regulatory authorities, care home groups, operators of community care housing, charities and voluntary organisations. By combining our knowledge of this industry with robust consumer analysis techniques, CACI has produced a product that offers invaluable insight for anyone wishing to invest in the care sector." Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-25 15:06:49 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 NEW DEPARTMENT of Health statistics obtained by Age Concern indicate the scale of the postcode lottery for continuing care. The new statistics show that some Primary Care Trusts - who are responsible for deciding who gets and who pays for continuing care - record over 40 times more people continuing care as a proportion of their population than others. While local anomalies explain some of the most extreme figures, it cannot fully account for the scale of the differences. Continuing care in a care home means that it is fully-funded by the NHS, which includes all accommodation, food and nursing and personal care costs. At home it means personal care as well as health care is provided free. Anyone whose 'primary need for care is a health need' should be eligible - but many unfairly miss out. Rotherham; Newbury and Community; Ashton, Leigh and Wigan; Eden Valley; and Central Suffolk all give continuing care to just 0.5 people per 10,000 adults - this compares to over 15 PCTs that give over 20 people per 10,000 adults continuing care. Some areas have worryingly low percentages of their populations getting continuing care - such as many PCTs in South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire. Neighbouring PCTs - that share the same criteria from their Strategic Health Authority - have vastly different rates of people getting Continuing Care. For example, Doncaster Central PCT has fifteen times more people getting continuing care when taking account of its population that neighbouring Rotherham, Sheffield South West and Bradford City Teaching PCTs. Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "The scale of this problem is unbelievable. "At present some older people, who are paying all the costs of their care, have higher needs than those who are fully funded in other areas. These figures indicate the ultimate post code lottery." The Government is proposing a national framework and assessment tool. The fact that such large differences can be seen, even between areas that use the same criteria now, does not give much hope that decision making will become much more consistent around the country. The new framework will need to be very clear and all staff (both in health and social care) will need to have training to know when to trigger an assessment for continuing care. Otherwise people will continue to miss out on their entitlement to continuing care. Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-25 15:04:16 http://www.caring-uk.co.uk/?page=news&monthyear=2007-04 A RECENT study has shown that the amount of dementia cases in the UK is set to rise to 1.7 million by 2051. The report by The Alzheimer's Research Trust warns that as the UK's population ages the number of dementia sufferers will rise dramatically. According to the report, dementia costs the UK £17billion a year, yet despite urgent action being needed the Government has no plan on how to deal with the brain disease. Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Neil Hunt, said: "We must tackle this huge challenge head on with a national dementia strategy. We need to invest in dementia services, research, support and training and use what money is being spent more effectively. This new research shows that the government is failing to support people with dementia and their carers. As the number of people with dementia soars to a million by 2025, this problem will only get worse. Dementia will place an intolerable strain on our health and social care system unless the right services and support are in place." Several recommendations are made by The Alzheimer's Society including making dementia a national health and social care priority, increased funding for dementia research and improved dementia skills across health and social care. The report prepared by the London School of Economics and King's College London also calls for developed community support, guaranteed carer support packages, a national debate on care funding and the development of comprehensive dementia care models. One of the research directors, Professor Martin Knapp of the London School of Economics said: "This research highlights the desperate need for dementia to be made a national priority. Families and individuals are bearing the biggest financial burden of dementia care, yet the current levels of services and support for people with dementia and carers are clearly inadequate." The report is just one example of the major advances in dementia research yet more needs to be done. In fact the proportion of research papers since 2002 substantially backs up this view with cancer (23.5%), cardiovascular disease (17.6%), musculoskeletal disorders (6.9%), and strokes (3.1%), all gaining more public funding than dementia (1.4%) Caring UK - editorial@wharncliffepublishing.co.uk 2007-04-25 15:00:59