Lydney care home resident celebrates her 100th birthday in style
A Lydney care home resident was overwhelmed with birthday wishes from across the community after receiving 160 cards to mark her 100th birthday. Brenda P who lives at Nodens Manor care home, woke up to the surprise on the 1st of August following an appeal encouraging local people to help make her milestone birthday extra special. Among the cards were special handmade gifts and messages from Crossroads, Severn Banks Primary School, Come and Play Nursery and the Family and Children Centres. The children at Severn Banks Primary School wrote: “Keep shining your light! You are amazing!” Brenda spent the afternoon enjoying arts and crafts at the home, where she painted a picture of a cat, before heading out for a celebratory birthday meal with her family. Originally from Barry Island, Brenda has faced challenges throughout her life, including the loss of her son, Gary, to cancer at just 34. Following his death, she made a promise to herself to live each day feeling grateful for what she has and to always lead with kindness. As for her secret to reaching 100, Brenda credits plenty of coffee! Brenda shared: “It was nice for me to have such a fuss made on this special day. I wouldn’t normally be one for it, but I had a lovely day and felt so special and cared for. The cards were amazing, the fact the community all did that, I am so grateful.” Charlotte Scarrow, Front of House Manager at Nodens Manor, part of Elmfield care group, shared: “Special occasions like Brenda’s birthday highlight the strong sense of community both in Nodens Manor and our local area. We are fortunate to be part of a community that is always ready to lend a helping hand, as demonstrated by the incredible response to our 100 cards campaign. “Brenda had an amazing birthday, overflowing with love, joy, and delightful surprises. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making her day so special, it would not have been the same without you.”
Birthday card appeal for resident’s 100th birthday
Local Lydney care home has launched an appeal in the hope of receiving 100 birthday cards for their resident, Brenda, who reaches the milestone on the 1st of August. Wanting to make the 100th birthday as memorable as possible for Brenda, Nodens Manor Care Home, part of Elmfield care group, is appealing for members of the public to send birthday cards to their beloved resident. Brenda Beatrice Price grew up in Barry Island, and after tragically losing her son Gary to cancer at the young age of 34, she has lived everyday being grateful for what you do have and always being kind to others. Her secret to turning 100, drinking lots of coffee! The team at Nodens Manor are encouraging people to either hand deliver them by the 1st of August (Brenda’s birthday) or post them to the following address before July 25th. Brenda Price Nodens Manor, Naas Lane, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 5AU Naomi D’Andrea, manager at Nodens Manor said: “We always want to make the birthdays of our residents as memorable as possible, and with this one being especially significant, we decided to launch the appeal so we could give our resident as many birthday cards as we possibly can on the morning of her birthday. We can’t wait to see the look on her face when we give her the cards!”
Care expert reveals simple exercises
Building strength isn’t something we should only think about in later life. The habits we build throughout adulthood can help us stay mobile, independent and confident as we age.To help people of all ages build healthy movement habits, Naomi D’Andrea, General Manager at Nodens Manor Care Home, part of Elmfield Care Group, has teamed up with physio Fikri Fikriev from Physiotherapy Matters to share simple exercises that can help support strength, improve balance and keep you active throughout life. Three simple at home strength and balance exercises that help you stay independent longer. Fikri shares: “This exercise will make the thighs, hips and core muscles stronger, which are needed for standing, walking and climbing stairs. Stronger legs will make daily movements much easier and reduce the risk of falls. “Sit on a sturdy chair with feet flat on the floor, lean slightly forward and stand up without using your hands, if possible, then slowly sit back down. Perform 8–12 repetitions, one to two times a day, on alternate days. A higher seat makes it easier than a lower seat. Adjust the difficulty if needed. “Heel-to-toe walk challenges balance and coordination, improves stability and helps reduce the risk of falls. You can further increase the difficulty by walking backwards or walking with your eyes closed. “Perform the exercise by standing near a wall, kitchen bench or long handrail. Walk forward by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot. Take 10–20 slow, controlled steps. Perform once or twice a day, three to four times a week. “These will help improve the strength of the calf muscles at the back of the shin, while the toe raises will target the muscle at the front of the shin. Together, these muscles are essential for standing, walking, running and lifting your ankle, especially when walking on uneven surfaces. “Perform the exercise combination by standing with feet shoulder-width apart, using support for safety. Slowly lift the heels up off the ground and hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower them back down. Following that, lift the toes and the front of your feet off the ground, hold for a few seconds, then lower them back down. Alternate between heel and toe raises. “Repeat back and forth for 8–12 repetitions, once or twice a day, 3–4 times a week.” Why strength and mobility matter as we age Naomi shares : “The most important thing is to keep moving. Finding exercises you enjoy means you’re much more likely to stick with them, and regular movement helps maintain strength, independence and confidence as you age. “You don’t need a gym to build strength. Just 15 minutes a few times a week can help. Try five minutes of brisk walking, five minutes of gentle chair-based exercises, followed by five minutes of gentle balance exercises. Small, consistent movements like these can help improve strength, balance and confidence over time.” Fikri adds: “We naturally lose muscle mass, strength, balance and reaction time as we age. These changes can significantly affect daily life and activities such as getting out of a chair, getting in and out of a car, walking up and down the stairs, going to the supermarket and many more. Creating a weekly routine that includes strength and balance exercises will help significantly delay muscle loss, and may even reverse it to some degree. “Older adults should aim to do strength and balance exercises a minimum of 2–3 times per week, alongside being active daily with activities like walking, gardening or swimming. “Nutrition also plays a significant role in slowing down muscle loss as we age. Eating enough protein daily helps maintain and build muscle, especially in combination with strength training. On average, there should be about 20–30g of protein per meal to support healthy ageing. “Having a weekly routine with regular strength and balance exercises is one of the best ways to stay independent and reduce the risk of falls. Pairing exercise with adequate protein intake, and if appropriate creatine, can significantly help the muscles stay strong, adapt to load and activities, and recover faster. “Families can make a big difference by encouraging their loved ones to stay active, sharing walks and exercises together, and supporting healthy eating habits. “Small, consistent changes to physical activity, over time, can have a significant impact on confidence, independence and strength, and can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.” https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/safe-mobility-falls-prevention
Care expert shares the importance of bonding with residents
Friendship is important at all stages of life, but even more so as you age and move into the later phases of life. Care experts at Elmfield care group share how important intergenerational friendships are, and the benefits they bring to all involved. Michael Berkley Blezard, General Manager of Old Sarum Manor care home, comments on the connection he sees forming between residents and staff: “Increasingly, we are seeing residents bonding with the care staff on a level that goes deeper than just acquaintances. It is really special to see these connections grow as they bond over shared experiences or show each other a unique perspective. “For older adults, connecting with younger generations can help them feel more youthful and for the younger adults, they gain a wider perspective on life that might be able to support them as they navigate the world.” Esther Cambridge, General Manager of Flowers Manor care home, highlights the emotional impact these friendships can have: “The most significant benefit for our residents is improved emotional wellbeing. Strong connections within the home make them far less susceptible to loneliness and social isolation. This then has a knock-on effect, helping to lower stress and fostering a sense of self-worth for both the resident and the member of staff. “Another benefit we see in the home, especially among the care staff, is increased empathy. When staff form bonds with residents outside of their typical social circles, they can develop a more inclusive worldview. At the same time, our residents are reminded that they still have so much to offer.” Naomi Griffith, General Manager of Nodens Manor care home, explains how the home actively creates the conditions for these friendships to flourish: “These friendships don’t happen by accident. In our homes, we create the environment for them through structured activities and more relaxed, informal socialisation time. “Our care staff are encouraged to be genuinely curious about residents, asking questions about their lives and passions to get to know them better. When residents feel heard, this helps them open up and allows conversations to become more free-flowing, which is where the real friendships begin.” One example of a special friendship at Elmfield care group comes from Nodens Manor: When Pam Ruck, 90, joined the Noden Manor community roughly two-and-a -half years ago, her journey has been defined by connection. She quickly formed a friendship with fellow residents, but it was with care team member Aimee Bowden, 32, that she found a truly unique bond. The pair instantly connected over their shared passions, a love for nature and gardening, and their mutual love for children gave them a foundation for endless conversation. Whether the sun is shining or there’s a morning chill, Aimee and Pam have a cherished daily ritual. Every shift begins with a warm hug, followed by ten minutes of coffee and a gentle stroll through the Nodens Manor gardens. These quiet moments have paved the way for a friendship so deep that Pam often describes Aimee as being ‘like a daughter to her’.
Lydney care home in the Luxury Care Home Guide 2024
Just one year after opening, Lydney care home, Nodens Manor has been featured as a new entry in the Luxury Care Home Guide 2024, which features the UK’s top 100 care homes. Nestled on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Nodens Manor offers residents a blend of restfulness and community. Residents enjoy the convenience of nearby shops and the vibrancy of a neighbouring school, keeping them connected to the surrounding community. The 66-bed care home offers luxurious ensuite rooms, a cinema, library, garden rooms, hair and beauty salon, landscaped gardens, and seasonal menus prepared by a culinary team using fresh, high-quality ingredients for residents to enjoy. “We are incredibly honoured to be recognised as a new entry in the Luxury Care Home Guide 2024,” says Bartosz Turewicz, Care Home Manager at Nodens Manor. “Our entire team has poured their hearts into creating an exceptional living experience for our residents, and this recognition by Knight Frank means the world to us.” The sentiment is echoed by Knight Frank, the organization behind the prestigious guide. They shared: “We’re delighted to launch the Knight Frank Luxury Care Home Guide 2024, the 8th edition of the publication which aims to showcase the UK’s top 100, best-in-class care homes that offer the highest quality in luxury settings, hospitality and design. “In the latest guide, we received a staggering c.£3.5bn of listing submissions – our largest yet! Some truly outstanding care homes were nominated which are a credit to the owners and unsurprisingly, the competition was fierce. Congratulations to all those featured.” https://elmfieldcare.co.uk/nodens-manor/
1st October 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons.
Over the next three decades, the number of older persons worldwide is projected to double, reaching more than 1.5 billion by 2050. This year, the International Day of Older Persons aims to raise awareness of the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the functioning of the societies in which they live. Tarkett are dedicated to designing inclusive elderly care environments which is why we partnered with the creators of VR-EP, a virtual reality tool endorsed by the leading experts in dementia-friendly design. Designing for dementia: how inclusive design can transform lives Shaz Hawkins, Health & Aged Care Marketing Manager at Tarkett explains how empathy-led design can improve medical and social care environments for people with dementia. Dementia has been described as one of the most significant health crises of the 21st century. In the absence of a cure and with an ageing population, we need to design environments that take into account how people with dementia behave and see the world. Spaces to explore Those living with dementia often feel a strong urge to wander, which can cause problems if they become disorientated and forget where they are. Nurses list “wandering” in their top five challenges. However, it is possible to design spaces in a way that works with this urge rather than trying to subdue it. Designing a care home with a focal point that gives the wandering resident the sense that they’re going somewhere, an area with resources like books and a television, or a communal area that encourages socialising. The key point is that the space feels different from the space they’ve just left and offers some kind of stimulation. Signposting is a powerful tool for dealing with possible disorientation during wandering. Simple, well-lit and easy to read signs with recognisable objects will aid orientation. Being and feeling safe It’s obviously essential for any space used by vulnerable people to be safe, but to encourage people to stay mobile, you also need to think about their perception of safety. Someone designing the flooring for a care home would probably think about factors such as the evenness of surfaces, wheelchair access and avoiding trip hazards such as clutter or rugs. However, a person with dementia might still view a perfectly level, clear floor as a hazard and refuse to step onto it. Why? Tarkett’s extensive research into how people with dementia view their surroundings has found that colour contrasts are much more important than most of us realise. People with dementia tend to have trouble with three-dimensional vision, which means that they use changes in colour to fill in the spatial cues they’re missing. (Think about how artists use colour to create the illusion of depth or distance in a two-dimensional painting.) A contrast in colour on a floor could be perceived as a change in depth, making the floor seem uneven and unsafe to walk on. Likewise, if colour contrasts are missing from your design, the person with dementia will miss important information. For example, if a door is painted the same colour as surrounding walls, they may not notice the door at all and may not be able to leave the room unaided. It’s hard to understand how someone could miss a door that’s right in front of them, or feel anxiety over walking on a perfectly level floor. But if we are to design spaces that work for vulnerable and neurodiverse people, we need to try. That’s why Tarkett has adopted a virtual reality (VR) tool that allows professionals, including interior designers, to see the world through the eyes of a person living with dementia. This “virtual reality empathy platform” is the world’s first and only evidence-based dementia filter and through it you’ll see scary changes in depth that make a floor seem dangerous to walk on. Knowing what the users of your space actually see will allow you to design dementia friendly facilities. Visual cues The use of visual cues such as painting a door and its frame in contrasting colours will do a lot to help a person with dementia move around with ease. But as well as selecting appropriate levels of colour contrast, it is also important to choose the right colours and textures. A black or dark grey floor could be perceived by someone with dementia as an empty space like a black hole. Asking them to step onto it is like asking someone to walk off a cliff. Likewise, a very shiny floor could look like water. Visual cues can also be used to discourage unsafe behaviour; if there is a specific door that you don’t want accessed, painting it the exact same colour as the doorframe and surrounding walls will make it less noticeable. Maximising light Good lighting is one of the most important tools for making a space dementia-friendly. Maximising access to natural light will help to remove the shadows that might be perceived as a danger and it will also help people with dementia to regulate their body clock, which is an increasing problem as the condition progresses. Good natural light in the day combined with the use of blackout blinds at night helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle as well as providing obvious visual cues about whether it’s night or day. If there isn’t as much daylight as you might wish, the light reflectance value (LRV) of surfaces becomes even more important. Most older people have some sight impairment but also difficulty with glare, so an LRV of between 10% and 40% is perfect for floors. Walls should have a significantly different LRV so that people with poor 3D perception can easily tell where the floor ends and the wall begins. This gives people the confidence to move through the space without fear. Hearing Of course, it’s not just about sight. A truly dementia-friendly environment is designed with consideration for all the senses. People with dementia get more easily overwhelmed by
Healthcare insurance options: are you covered?
by Care & Nursing Essentials editor Victoria Galligan Healthcare professionals must be protected against a range of legal challenges – from slander and libel to workplace injury claims. Here, we take a look at some of the different types of insurance on offer and the companies which can help you gain peace of mind: 1. Medical malpractice, professional indemnity and public liability Medical malpractice and professional indemnity both cover you if a compensation claim is made against you. Public liability insurance covers a lot of compensation claims, but claims arising from professional activities are generally not covered by public liability alone. Insurewithcare’s Combined Liability Section policy includes: “Employers liability, public liability and products liability cover, a meaningful medical malpractice extension and cover specifically in respect of claims for actual or alleged abuse.” See insurewithcare.co.uk 2. Employers’ Liability Taking care of the health and wellbeing of your employees is paramount, and this insurance policy should include loss or injury for all staff – including volunteers. Covering compensation claims and usually bought with other types of business insurance, employers’ liability is a must for any care provider where the risk of injury – particularly through moving and handling – is a concern. AXA offers up to £10million protection for legal costs and compensation due. Constructaquote.com brings together insurance products which are relevant to care homes, so they can arrange employers’ liability and all the other commercial policies they require in one place. 3. Domiciliary care insurance Can cover staff care both in house and in clients’ homes. Many insurance companies will offer a discount for UKHCA members. Some risks which care homes should be insured for include medical malpractice, public liability and infectious diseases. Get a quote online: Bollington.com is highly rated by customers. 4. Talking therapies insurance Covering telephone and Skype calls, generally for counsellors, this insurance allows you to work with clients globally (as long as you are based in the UK). Some policies will include professional indemnity and cover defamation, training and legal assistance to defend a claim. From £35 a year with Towergate Insurance. 5. Complementary therapy insurance For practitioners of complementary therapists from acupuncture to massage, this cover could include working abroad if, for example, you work in the hospitality industry. A good policy will ensure you have liability protection for yourself, any staff and the products which you use. From £17.99 with PolicyBee See related articles on healthcare insurance on Care & Nursing Essentials.
Baxter Education Centre offers training on home therapies
Baxter Healthcare Ltd has announced the opening of a new residential education training centre in Swinton, Manchester for patients, the first centre of its kind in the north of England. The Baxter Education Centre offers a dedicated, purpose built space where patients who require renal dialysis or intravenous nutrition are educated, trained and supported by specialist nurses to be able to independently carry out their home-based therapies. “Building on the success of the existing Baxter Education Centre in south west London, which has trained over 2,500 patients since it opened in 2006, we’re excited to now extend self-care training opportunities for NHS patients in the north,” said Andy Goldney, General Manager UK, Ireland and Nordic, Baxter. “The new Baxter Education Centre in Manchester provides a residential setting conducive to learning, in which patients and their families are trained to manage their intravenous nutrition or renal dialysis therapy within a group setting, helping to allay anxiety about home therapy and build confidence.” Officially opening the education centre was Lord Smith of Leigh, Chair of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, who said: “I am pleased to be able to support the opening of the centre, which is very much aligned with our strategy to enable patients to take more charge of their own health. It is an innovative project that will provide a benefit to patients across Greater Manchester and the north of England as well as saving the NHS money.” Receiving dialysis in hospital incurs a significant time commitment and impacts a patient’s day-to-day life. (2,3,4) Home dialysis allows patients to spend more time with their family and friends, and to continue work. Being at the hospital less often means a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections, and better health-related quality of life. (5) “It is widely acknowledged by UK physicians, patients associations, the Department of Health and NHS England that home dialysis therapy is clinically and financially beneficial for patients and for the broader NHS,” said Dr Anand Vardhan, Consultant Nephrologist, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. “At a time when the NHS is under growing pressure, home peritoneal dialysis training frees up NHS resources while increasing the quality of life of renal patients and their families.” (1) The Baxter Education Centre will accommodate training of 275 patients a year for 3 days of one-on-one training, with a follow up training day within 6 weeks of completing training, with no costs to patients apart from transport to and from the centre. The new centre could save the NHS 15,000 man-hours per annum, by reducing the burden on NHS teams and keeping more patients on home based therapy. (6) Patients will be referred to the new centre from NHS renal units and nutrition centres across the north of the UK. On average, a referral for renal patients will take 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly the hospital arranges catheter insertion. As access to the new training centre is covered by the national Peritoneal Dialysis Framework, additional procurement costs to the NHS are eliminated. (6) In 2006, Baxter opened the UK’s first purpose-built residential patient training centre, the Baxter Education Centre in south west London. Staffed by experienced qualified nurses, nearly 300 patients a year along with their carers and families come to the centre to learn how to perform home peritoneal dialysis6 and intravenous nutrition. Once fully trained, patients commence their therapy in their own home under the continuing care of their NHS team. Click for more information on the Baxter Education Centre. About Baxter Every day, millions of patients and caregivers rely on Baxter’s leading portfolio of critical care, nutrition, renal, hospital and surgical products. For more than 85 years, we’ve been operating at the critical intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the healthcare providers that make it happen. With products, technologies and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter’s employees worldwide are now building upon the company’s rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative healthcare innovations. References 1. NICE. Guidance on home compared with hospital haemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal failure. Accessed September 2018 2. NHS Choices. Dialysis: Pros and cons. Accessed September 2018 3. Kidney Care UK. Haemodialysis factsheet. 2013 Accessed September 2018 4. Kidney Care UK. Peritoneal dialysis factsheet. 2013 Accessed September 2018 5. The Renal Association, 2014. Update: Renal Association Patient Safety Project. British Journal of Renal Medicine, Vol 19 No1. Accessed September 2018 6. Baxter Data on File Related articles: New range of qualifications for the health and social care sector New research combines medicine and engineering to improve quality of life for patients with kidney failure Care Home manager delivers lecture to future nurses
Check out Alpine HC’s New Hybrid Mattress Video
This revolutionary non-powered mattress combines air and foam so that its users benefit from the comfort of a static mattress whilst profiting from the advanced pressure relief that an alternating pressure mattress provides. The Reposa® Synergy by Alpine HC possesses a cutting-edge technology that uses nature to redistribute the pressure applied on the mattress. Exposed valves naturally inhale and exhale air when pressure is exerted on the inset air-foam cells, evenly distributing pressure across the user’s skin. Using multiple specialist foams, the Synergy mattress greatly enhances user comfort. A rigid foam frame surrounds the air-foam cells, providing a sturdy structure and support for the user when transferring into and out of the bed. A two inch super-soft foam topper provides exceptional comfort and added pressure relief. The foam has 240 individually semi-rounded nodes on the top surface of the mattress, with each node of soft foam compressing easily to provide as little resistance as possible to pressure applied on the mattress. The foot end of Alpine HC’s Reposa® Synergy mattress system is tapered down to relieve pressure on the vulnerable heel skin of the user. By tapering the foot end of the mattress, the thighs take the majority of the weight, relieving pressure on the patient’s heels. Heels are renowned for being at riskof pressure sores, bearing a lot of pressure a small area of skin. The Reposa® Synergy is designed for high dependency users, and safety was at the forefront of the whole Synergy development. Four handle loops are fixed to the underside of the mattress, greatly increasing the ease of evacuation in the event of an emergency. Buckle straps also ensure the Synergy can be securely attached to the bed it is used with. Find out more about the Reposa® Synergy on the Alpine HC website
