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Issue X: XXX to XXX 2014

Winter 2014Our Voices

Edna’s delight at new home

Win £250 in vouchers!

Your inspiring stories

RCS Stars Special

Winter warmer recipe

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The 10 Boxes of Christmas

Maizie Mears-Owen, Care UK’s head of dementia, has come up with an Advent idea to engage residents living with dementia in the run up to Christmas.

All you need is 10 boxes of any shape or size which residents can help to decorate. Fill them with items that will trigger memories of Christmas and create a talking point for residents. Why not try it in your home? Below are some ideas of what you could include in your advent boxes.

Christmas scent e.g. a stick of cinnamon or a jar of all spice

A silver sixpence

A clementine or satsuma

Christmas baubles or vintage decorations

Christmas photos

CDs of Christmas songs or carols

A Nativity figure

A Christmas cracker

Christmas paper and ribbons

A mince pie or Christmas cake

Well what a great way to start the new financial year in Residential Care Services by celebrating the wonderful achievements of

the very talented and caring people that we have within our organisation. As you will read in this issue of Our Voices, our people are not only being recognised through our own RCS Stars awards but some colleagues have also received recognition externally. It is great to hear the high regard in which our people are held by residents, relatives and colleagues.

Before I look forward to the year ahead I think it would be worth reflecting a little on last year and the world we work in. One thing is for sure, we provide a very important service to our society and with an estimated 1.7 million UK

residents requiring care by 2035 our services are in high demand. At the same time the demands on us are getting forever greater, for example increasing numbers of residents have complex needs and CQC requirements are becoming ever more rigorous. Over the last year we fell short of our own expectations of care quality in a number of our homes which was disappointing. However, we have worked very hard to improve and meet the higher standards that are now expected from the CQC and deserved by our residents.

We have built a good platform over the last year to help us move toward our aim ‘To be the UK’s favourite care provider – enabling residents to lead fulfilling lives’. To help us achieve our aim, over the next year we will be focusing on our people - continuing to recruit, develop and retain skilled people; our services - improving care quality, developing dementia care and investing in our care home buildings;

and, growth - building new state of the art homes, whilst ensuring that we run our existing homes efficiently.

The next year will not be without its challenges but I believe that by working together we will be able to meet them. We need to remember our values - Everyone makes a difference; customers are at the heart of everything we do; and, together we make things better. These are the values that will get us through the challenges and help us to develop an organisation that we are even more proud of.

Last but not least, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

A message from Andrew

Andrew

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To find out more about the 10 boxes of Christmas activity visit our website: www.careuk.com/news/the-10-boxes-of-christmas-an-advent-idea-to-engage-people-with-dementia-in-the-run-up-to-christmas

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Volunteers from sales and marketing, finance, HR, business development and legal services, arrived at our care homes armed with spades, rakes, forks, barrows and brooms. They spent the day weeding, digging, planting, painting, mowing, pruning and even jetwashing whilst residents watched the transformation take place.

At Appleby House, the Sales and Marketing team created a Japanese memory garden and gave a tired love seat a new lease of life with a coat of paint and some Japanese symbols.

Home manager Shona Bradbury said “What a difference you have made and with so much fun and laughter. Thank you for travelling hours to get here and for all the thought you put in to giving our garden a new lease of life! You far exceeded my expectations and we are so grateful to you.”

Members from the Group Marketing team visited Colne View and created a wow factor at the entrance to the home with a bed of striking plants.

Home manager Ana Tudorache at Colne View said “Thank you to all of our colleagues who attended Colne View yesterday, the garden looks beautiful. All the hard work is very much appreciated by us all and we have already received comments from visitors!!”

Other homes that benefitted from a garden makeover included Manor Lodge, Little Holland Hall, Haven Lodge, Silversprings, the Orchard Centre and Norfolk House. We are hoping to get even more members of the support teams out to our homes next year, so watch this space!

Homes enjoy garden makeover!Care UK gardens across the country have been given a new lease of life thanks to volunteers from the support teams.

Win £250 in vouchers!Complete our survey and help us improve communications

In the last Over to You survey, many of you told us that communication needs to improve. We want to make this happen but we need you to tell us what the best way to communicate with you is. You can help us by filling out the survey included with this magazine and returning it in the prepaid envelope provided by 9th January. If your home has run out of surveys please speak to your manager or administrator who will be able to print another one out for you.

All colleagues that complete and return the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 worth of high street shopping vouchers – a great way to kick start the New Year!

Both awards

seek to celebrate the very best in long-term care and finalists are interviewed by a panel of independent expert judges about their work before a winner is announced.

At the 16th National Care Awards Denise Sewrey, deputy manager at Care UK’s Jubilee House, reached the finals of the Dementia Care Manager category for her work creating an outstanding, yet homely environment for people living with dementia.

Home manager Totka Zhelyazkova said: “Since Denise joined us just over a year ago she has helped to transform the home inside and out.

Denise said: “I love my job. Each day I get to hear about residents’ lives, their interests and their opinions on lots of subjects. I never know from one day to the next what awaits me and that is a very rewarding challenge.”

Outstanding care and a passion for dignity and respect led judges to select Joana Martins, a nurse from Care UK’s Laurel Dene care home, to join Denise in the finals.

Joana enthused: “I was delighted to hear that the judges had selected me to go through to the finals of the Registered Nurse category. I love my job as it gives me the opportunity to improve people's wellbeing, and I am fortunate to work with a dedicated and committed team.”

Care UK also has two finalists in the 5th annual National Dementia Care Awards. Chris Belton, a health care assistant at Care UK’s Heather View care home in Crowborough, is shortlisted for his dedication and commitment to improving the wellbeing and quality of life for residents living with dementia.

Home manager Trish Banks explained: “The quality of Chris’ care is exceptional and his sincere, caring personality shines through, whatever the circumstances.”

Chris said: “I am privileged to work with valued colleagues at Heather View to provide care, support and guidance to people for whom, with the onset of dementia, life has changed, and with it brought new challenges and concerns.”

Finally, the work of a devoted husband and care home volunteer John Hawkins caught the judges’ attention. Chalfont Court care home manager Jane Jones explained: “John was dedicated to his wife Tess, who sadly passed away before we learnt he had reached the finals.

“John spent so much time with Tess but he still found time to volunteer as a driver at the home, taking residents on trips to Ruislip Lido, Whipsnade Zoo, Butterfly World and many other loved places."

John said: “Dementia is a cruel condition and I’m glad Tess and I had the team at Chalfont Court, where she spent the last seven years, as well as the support of our family. I was delighted to be nominated for the award and very surprised when I reached the finals."

Tracy Mitchell nominated for Adult Safeguarding Award Tracy Mitchell, who has been home

manager at our Chester based care home Pinetum for 11 years, reached the finals of the Adult Safeguarding Awards run by West Cheshire Council.

Tracy commented “I would just like to say how humbled and happy I am to be nominated for this award. I’m thrilled to be nominated as recognition for the good work that we do at Pinetum.”

Celebrations as Care UK carers reach the finals of national awards Care UK carers have reached the finals of the two most prestigious care awards in Britain – the National Care Awards and the National Dementia Care Awards.

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Our property team was nominated and shortlisted for the PFM Partnerships Award for FM Corporate 2014.

Aberdeen activity team reach the finals of esteemed Scottish care awards

The activity team at our Aberdeen based care home Tor-Na-Dee, have been named as finalists in the prestigious Scottish Care National Care Home Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to improving the lives of residents.

Gosia Duncan and Lise-Lotte Grooby both activities coordinators at Tor-Na-Dee, who are responsible for

organising all of the daily activities in the home, were nominated for the award by home manager Maureen Barrett for their exceptional enthusiasm and creativity.

The activities team were shortlisted from a vast amount of nominations to be named as finalists in the ‘Meaningful Activity Award’ category after demonstrating that they planned a programme of meaningful and fulfilling activities that involved residents, relatives and staff whilst being committed to vibrancy, creativity and well-being.

Ambleside chef has recipe for success at care awards Ambleside care home in Stratford-Upon-Avon are celebrating after a team member scooped a top award at the West Midlands Care Awards.

Lisa Morris, Head Chef at Ambleside, was announced the winner of the Nutrition and Hydration Award after being nominated by her colleagues following

countless compliments from residents and their loved ones.

Lisa was shortlisted for the award, which recognises outstanding and exceptional individuals within the care industry, after demonstrating her commitment to delivering good quality food with high nutritional value.

Following the award win, Lisa is now shortlisted for the Nutrition and Hydration Award at the National Great British Care Awards which will take place early in 2015.

RCS awarded Gold for Health & Safety:

RCS have been awarded the RoSPA Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety for the third year running! The award celebrates high standards of health and safety at work. Well done team!

The home, which provides a full range of care services for up to 80 residents, was announced the winner of the ‘New Build’ category at the SBID International Design Awards which took place at The Dorchester Hotel on 14th November.

The award entry for Winchcombe Place described how the design was inspired by a brief from Care UK to create a home from home for residents, as well as supporting a range of care needs whilst reflecting the local history of the site.

Michelle Sides, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “The team is absolutely thrilled to have won such a prestigious award. We are all very proud of Winchcombe Place, and not only does the design and layout of the home reflect our person-centred approach to care, we have also had some wonderful feedback from residents and their families. To have now received this recognition is the ultimate accolade.”

Winchcombe Place wins international design award

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Newbury based Winchcombe Place, and the teams that designed and built the purpose built home, have won a prestigious award which recognises and celebrates design excellence on an international level.

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Deputy Manager is award-winning sheep farmer

Deputy Manager at our County Durham care home also finds the time to be an award-winning sheep farmer in her spare time.

Jules Coulthard from Kings Court farms 60 acres of hill farming land with her husband in beautiful Baldersdale. They have 120 sheep and this summer won overall district and breed champion.

Jules takes her annual leave in March of each year to assist with lambing season but is involving Kings Court more and more into her farming life. Many of the residents were farmers in their

younger years and Jules has arranged a day’s sheep clipping and a visit to a milking farm to take place next year.

In August of this year Kings Court sponsored the Teesdale Sheep Grand National which raised over £2,000 for their local pre-school and Jules brought two of her own sheep in to meet the residents.

Residents remember at The Poppy FactoryResidents from Whitby Dene paid their respects to the fallen whilst enjoying a fascinating visit to The Poppy Factory in Richmond.

The Poppy Factory has been making poppies, wreaths and crosses for the Royal Family and The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for over 90 years and provides employment opportunities for disabled veterans.

Colleagues and residents from Whitby Dene toured the factory and learnt how to make their own poppies. The visit was especially important as it gave residents the chance to remember the fallen including loved ones and pay their respects on the centenary of the First World War.

Back at the home residents enjoyed drawing, painting and making their own poppies.

A blooming great award for Maplestead and Colne ViewOur Halstead based services Maplestead day centre and Colne View care home are celebrating picking up an award from Halstead in Bloom as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ campaign.

A team of green-fingered residents from the day centre and care home were led by Beryl Kibble, a Care Assistant at Maplestead. Beryl, a keen gardener who has previously won several awards for her own garden, turned her attention to the outdoor space which is shared by day centre members and care home residents.

The team worked together to produce a remembrance-themed garden based on a red, white and blue colour scheme, in respect of all those who lost their lives in the First World War. The judges gave the garden a ‘Thriving’ award and made special mention of what had been achieved in such a small amount of time.

Beryl Kibble from Maplestead Day Centre said: “With it being 100 years since the beginning of the Great War, we were inspired to produce a very special garden that would honour our fallen and mark the anniversary in a respectful manner. Everyone involved enjoyed being out in the garden and playing a part in the project, and we are all proud of what we have achieved.“

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Edna moved into the new Davers Court care home from Glastonbury Court in Bury St Edmunds. A few months later, Edna has settled in well and is communicating more during family visits. Her daughter Lesley tells us how she’s getting on and what Edna likes best about the new home…

Lesley visits Edna at Davers Court three times a week, and Edna’s husband visits up to four times a week.

Lesley said: “Mum was a little anxious to start with but she quickly settled in, made new friends and started to enjoy the new facilities like the hair salon and the coffee shop.

Edna loves the hair salon in the new home. She always used to get her hair done once a week and is delighted that she can continue to do that in fantastic facilities of the new home.

The coffee shop is a big hit too. Lesley said: “We both love the coffee shop – it’s completely new compared to the old home. Before, we used to either have to pull up a seat in the lounge area, which would often disturb other residents, or we would all sit in her bedroom.

Now we can come here for a nice hot drink and a freshly baked cake and we’ll both feel more comfortable and relaxed. The coffee shop is also a great place to meet other residents and relatives, and a place where the whole family can come and visit mum.”

Edna is living with dementia, but her family has noticed a difference since she moved into the new home.

Lesley said: “It was always difficult to communicate with mum, but here, when we take our trips to the coffee shop, she is definitely interacting and communicating a lot more.

“Glastonbury Court was a perfectly good home, but I am delighted at the amount of benefits the new Davers Court home has provided for mum and the family.”

Welcome home!This year we have built and opened a record 10 new homes taking us to 114 care homes!

AugustDavers Court, Bury St Edmunds

JuneAsterbury Place, Ipswich

SeptemberScarlet House, Stroud

OctoberMountfitchet House, Stansted Mountfitchet

NovemberBritten Court, Lowestoft

Edna’s story...

A night of stars!It was an unforgettable evening when 250 guests gathered for the RCS Stars Gala Awards Dinner to celebrate the hard work and dedication of their colleagues. Congratulations to all our winners, and many thanks to all who nominated.

Maintenance Person of the YearVernon Filby and Paul Chignell from Manor Lodge received the award because, in Business Development Director and judge Richard Pearman’s view, “Their dedication to meeting the constant and changing demands and priorities of the residents, relatives and colleagues was exemplary. This was achieved in the context of maintaining one of the biggest care homes in the RCS business.”

Vernon said: “I am very touched by all the compliments paid, and it is an honour to receive this award.” Paul said: “I was really pleased when I heard about the award and it is good to know that what we do is really appreciated.”

Presenting the awards, RCS managing director Andrew Knight said: “The standard of entry this year was incredibly high across all the categories and, as part of the judging panel, I can tell you we had a very tough time narrowing the finalists down to our final winners.

“When I read the nominations I was moved by the stories of compassion and empathy and proud to hear how teams are making a real difference to the lives of residents in our care.”

Housekeeper of the YearMargaret McPherson, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, may have had the furthest to travel – but judge and Director of Quality & Governance Caroline Roberts made every mile worth it. Caroline said: “Margaret’s passion really shone through. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help residents with activities and outings. Every home should have a Margaret!”

The Housekeeper of the Year award is given to someone who not only offers an excellent service to residents but who can also demonstrate that they make a real difference to helping residents lead fulfilling lives. A delighted Margaret said: “I love my work at Mowat Court and really enjoy getting to know all our residents and helping them to feel really at home.”

Chef of the YearWon by Dan Moss, of Tall Trees, this was the only category to include an external judge. Unilever’s head chef, Paul Wright explained why Dan took the title: “Dan stood out because of his attention to detail, his well-planned preparation and the faultless execution of his dishes. He showed great technical skills, as well as delivering great flavoured dishes. His residents are fortunate to have him as their chef.”

Dan said: “When I got to the finals, the other competitors were all very experienced and talented. I just got my head down and cooked my menu. I was shocked and delighted when my name was called at the ceremony.”

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Carer of the YearJoanne Stephenson’s dedication won her this award, because, as Carole Hunt, Chief Operating Officer and awards judge, said: “Joanne understands how dementia affects people and their families and works from her heart with a smile on her face.”

Joanne, who works at Highbury New Park day centre, said: “I was thrilled to win this award. I have a great team and they are all dedicated to doing the best for the people using the service.”

Nurse of the YearLia Smochina, who works at the Highbury New Park home, was praised by Carole Hunt for demonstrating a true passion for nursing while seeking to improve her own practice and knowledge.

Lia, who started caring at the age of 14 in Romania and has been a nurse all her professional life, she told us: “This is a real honour. I love my work and I think we have a great team at Highbury New Park, which makes my job so much easier.”

ABC championMavis Fluen, who works at Church View, received her award for her commitment to finding the right activities to engage residents. Caroline Roberts said during the judging: “Mavis really demonstrated a passion for making the lives of residents varied and interesting, ensuring hobbies and prior interests are captured within the activities in the home.”

Mavis said: “I love being able to find just the right activity for our residents and being able to understand how best we can help them.”

Best dementia-friendly serviceGlowing tributes from relatives helped Heather View’s Chelwood team win this award. Caroline said: “The letters from family members were extremely moving, talking about the little things that make such a difference to the lives of people. The passion of this team was truly inspiring.”

The team were delighted that their work has been recognised but said the real joy was seeing their residents and their relatives truly happy and feeling at home.

Sales & Marketing (New)The team from Brook Court took this award and Director of Marketing, Belinda Moore, praised their efforts in engaging the local media and creating a place in the community very early in the home’s life. The home has a busy events calendar giving people in the area a chance to view the home and the work of its team.

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Sales & Marketing (Mature)There was also praise from judge Belinda for the team promoting Hadrian Park. She explained that the judges had been impressed by their hard work creating an excellent service that has built a first class reputation in the local community. The home’s reputation has secured a constant stream of both enquiries and recommendations.

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GEM of the YearNishan Jayathilake, from Chalfont Court, received the award for the person who gives outstanding service, supports colleagues and always makes the extra effort. Richard Pearman said: “Nishan’s genuine commitment to making the lives of the residents as comfortable and interesting as possible shone through.”

Nishan said he was touched and honoured by the award and paid tribute to his colleagues.

Support Team of the Year This award, for the team who have consistently given excellent service and shown expertise and professionalism, was hotly contested this year with 17 teams competing for the award. The category was won by the mainly Colchester-based Business Systems Support Team for their outstanding work assisting CareSys and iTrent users whilst continuing the rollout. The team’s helpdesk function, alongside its invaluable reporting and analytics support, was appreciated by colleagues across RCS.

Region of the YearBased on a number of Key Performance Indicators this year’s award went to the team representing Surrey. Karen Seabrook, Regional Director in the county for seven years, said: “I am very proud of my team and I think they really deserve the award. Not only do they work hard and creatively but they work well as a team too.

“We have 13 homes in the region and we strive to lead the way and be innovative in the way we work and care.”

Home of the YearThis year’s winner was Clara Court because, as judge Carole said: “When you visit you are made to feel truly welcome, from the minute you walk through the front door. The team members provide care and services with a smile on their face and treat every resident with respect and dignity.”

Manager Debbie Winwood said: “The team was very happy when our name was announced. It is an honour I think they deserve as they work so hard, each and every day, to give residents the same care they would wish for their own loved ones. I am so proud of all my team – this award recognises their dedication and genuine care for all our residents.”

Administrator of the YearRising to the challenges of three homes’ administration, Matthew O’ Leary, of St Vincent’s House, won the award because, as Richard said: “Matthew inspires confidence in the role he fulfils. His integrity and sense of humour have endeared him to all those with whom he has worked.”

Matthew said: “I have been glad to support the homes in the various ways needed over the last year, helping the region to reach its targets.”

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Most Improved Home of the YearKim Tillson, manager of Oak House, stepped up to receive this award because, as Caroline Roberts said: “Kim has supported the home to achieve full compliance whilst ensuring the colleagues not only implemented change but understood the reasons for change.”

The award is given to a home which, after an exacting assessment of its performance over the year, has shown that it can overcome challenging circumstances to demonstrate real leadership achievements and good performance. Kim praised her team for their hard work and compassionate care and says the home will go from strength to strength. “The team are still celebrating and rightly so. They have worked incredibly hard and the award means a great deal to them.”

Care UK AngelsNominated by residents and relatives, the Care UK Angel award had three winners! The award is given to the carer who goes the extra mile to provide the best possible care. Angels must be known for their positive attitude, cheerfulness and willingness to take time to listen and talk whenever someone needs them. Sarah Kingshott, based at Heather View, Emma Harrison, from Station House and Janet Janes, from Amberley Lodge, all received the award.

Five relatives nominated Sarah, who works on the Chelwood unit in the home. Sarah Porter, who has a male relative in the unit, said: “She looks after him so well that it reassures me; it’s as if she understands both his needs and mine as a relative. She’s always happy, professional, caring and respectful. Sarah is our angel through and through and deserves to be recognised.”

Vera Burrows, who nominated Emma, said that her husband had difficulty expressing himself but: “Emma always knew or quickly discovered what he wanted to say. She did this with professional commitment and a sense of humour which dovetailed nicely with his highly-developed sense of seeing the funny side of things. It is so special for me to know that Emma received this award following Jack’s death on the 25th October; my sadness is that he did not get to know she had won."

Sally Stewart, who has a relative living at Amberley Lodge and who nominated Janet, said: “Knowing her angel wings are protecting him has given me a peace of mind I never thought I would feel.” She said that Janet’s practical and intelligent approach, also adopted by her team, championing residents even when their behaviour was difficult, was at the heart of her success. Mrs Stewart also praised Janet’s ability to deal with residents’ worries and fears, “reassuring them and bolstering their confidence.”

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New e-learning system gets thumbs-up

The new e-learning system for you which has been rolled out across Care UK since the spring has been given the thumbs-up by colleagues because it is accessible, flexible and interactive.

Launched in April, with shorter modules, more easily updated portfolios and a comprehensive training compliance report for all homes, the new system is now accessible across all computers in homes, as well as being accessible from colleagues’ homes on their own devices.

The system means that managers can easily see who has had which kind of training, and can pull reports off the system each week which give them evidence of that information – exactly the kind of documentation the Care Quality Commission needs.

Sarah Evans, home manager at Station House, Crewe, has been able to use it flexibly to ensure that her team has regular training, by working on a ‘module of the month’ basis. She said: “It means that we can tie in other training or briefings into the module, so that one area of work is covered really thoroughly. It is pitched at the right level too – it is not condescending.

“The fact that it is highly interactive is a bonus – one of the most popular modules was fire safety training, something which could be dull and easily forgotten, but which in fact was memorable and both educational and entertaining. Putting out the interactive fire made it really stick in people’s minds, which is great; that is exactly what you want from any training.”

Since its launch, over 41,000 courses have been completed on the e-learning system and all certificates will now be endorsed by City & Guilds, which mean that the quality, rigour, structure and fairness of the qualifications is assured. That endorsement is a real tribute to the efforts made to improve the system and a recognised benchmark for colleagues who want to advance their careers.

Gráinne Wokes, clinical development manager, says: “As I go around our homes the feedback is positive, mainly around the fact that it is better than the old EL box system, easier to access, easier to navigate, more interactive and actually more attractive to look at.

“I have certainly found the completion of modules online easier, the questions are more user friendly than those on the older system and the modules don’t take as long.

I also think the fact that it is City & Guild’s certified is important as it gives people recognised qualifications.”

Developing your career with Care UKOver the last year, Care UK has made improvements to both its training and performance review systems, giving better tools to help you develop your career with Care UK. We spoke to some colleagues to find out what they think.

Putting out the interactive fire made it really stick in people’s minds, which is great; that is exactly what you want from any training.

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The new Performance

Conversation Record (PCR) draws on the

personal conversation that takes place between manager

and colleague and moves us away from a ‘tick box’ mentality,

encouraging and supporting individual progress. Managers have already started to experience the new system themselves and it will be rolled-out to those working on the frontline in March as reviews get underway.

Although the focus is very much on personal one-to-one engagement, we are using technology to support the process. The simple to use PCR form can now be completed and submitted online via our existing e-learning portal. A benefit of the online tool is that centrally we will be able to track who has completed their PCR giving all colleagues the opportunity to have this conversation with their Managers.

For leaders and managers, the new system will feature simpler ratings and competencies. The system enables one form to be used for all performance discussions, with competencies and ratings documents also available online- it is your one stop shop for all development materials!.

The aim is to support and encourage high-quality conversations, leading to specific individual and business objectives for

team members at every level. An excellent PCR is likely to include learning on both sides of the discussion and will result both in colleagues making real progress and

in experiences being shared to benefit our work and our

services as a whole.

One home manager who has been through the process is Oak House’s Kim Tillson. “I found it a lot more effective and rewarding a process,” she explained. “It leads to a genuinely two-way conversation and I think it enables you to play a far more proactive role in your professional development as you can talk about your strengths and weakness and how best to develop to fulfil your ambitions and potential.

“There’s room for you to feedback on the electronic forms and the chance to evaluate how you see your own performance. As a manager I see this as a very useful tool and I am looking forward to sharing it with my team.”

Kim’s PCR was conducted by her regional director Richard Scarth, who agrees that the new system has lots of benefits, both for those carrying out the review and

those being reviewed. “Without question this brings a new level of interactivity and purpose to the review process,” Richard explained.

“Like many of the best developments this has a simplicity that makes it genuinely useable for both parties but it has a flexibility and a level of sophistication that means you are offered prompts and tangible ideas.”

He gives as an example a desire expressed by Kim during her review to better understand some of the commercial elements of the broader business.

“Kim is a highly experienced manager and it is important that we give people the type of tool that can help them develop whatever their current level of experience or qualification.

“By having the prompts available in the system we were able to consider a number of measurable achievements including finding Kim a mentor. We have now teamed her with someone within the company who is an expert in the area so that she and the business can benefit from her development. It makes the whole-system more about a conversation about the growth of the individual as well as about the needs of the home or business unit."

Making performance review conversations personal

Our experience of caring for residents and the people who use our services tells us that each person is an individual and situations are often complex, so the fact that we are now applying that knowledge to our own annual performance review system will come as no surprise - and it is due to your feedback on the Over to you! Survey and at Colleague Voices meetings that we have made these valuable changes, so thank you.

Talk not tickGreat things happen when people talk

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Our homes across the country have been benefitting from our partnership with dementia experts Dementia Adventure, enjoying informative and interesting training programmes and events.

Dementia Adventure is a community interest company that offers training, research and consultancy services with its main aim being to connect those living with dementia to nature and provide them with a sense of adventure. They have been working with us on joint ventures in recent years to help people understand the condition, learn how memories are lost and give guidance on how to overcome the barriers.

Maizie Mears-Owen enthused “Dementia Adventure

is an incredibly exciting organisation which really does make a positive difference to the lives of carers and people living with dementia. By working together we can continue to empower those affected by the condition, while also supporting people living with dementia to remain connected and lead active and fulfilled lives.”

This partnership is going from strength to strength with a new joint programme of free events being announced. Many homes will benefit from the new advice-led events which are aimed at family carers and delivered by Dementia Adventure. Over 800 family carers will receive advice and support from the events over the next 12 months.

The plans follow a pilot of ten advice-led events which reached more than 300 people and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who attended.

The sessions led by Dementia Adventure Director Neil Mapes are designed to help family care givers understand what it might be like to live with dementia. The sessions also offer practical advice on overcoming communication barriers and recognising language changes with the focus being on how to continue to be able to connect with someone living with dementia.

Neil explained: “With dementia affecting 820,000 people

in the UK and a startling 25 million people having a close friend or family member living with the condition, there is a real and pressing need to provide easy access to professional support and information, and to ensure there are places people can go where they can share individual experiences.

“We are therefore thrilled to be working with Care UK to host an extensive programme of free events at its care homes. We are looking forward to giving family carers a far more positive understanding of dementia, as well as ‘living well’ tips, resources and models to aid interaction and communication with loved ones – to see the person and not the condition.”

Let’s go on a Dementia Adventure

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The thrill of a holiday and a well-deserved break away from it all is something we all look forward to. It’s no different for people living with dementia. A holiday can provide new experiences, conjure up old memories and give a welcome break from everyday routines.

Residents from our Hadrian Park care home have enjoyed some fantastic holidays thanks to the hard work of the team. In 2013 a group of residents enjoyed a break to Haggerston Castle Haven Holiday Park in Northumberland. The trip proved to be such a success that another holiday was planned for 2014.

This year, team members accompanied a group of residents to Primrose Valley Haven Holiday Park based on the north-east coast. The planning for the trip started months beforehand; activity coordinator Karen headed to Primrose Valley for a site visit that included talking to staff about the residents’ specific care needs, researching the activities and booking caravans nearest the main facilities to minimise walking.

The holiday was a huge success with the residents enjoying a range of activities including making clay pots, bingo, enjoying the surrounding countryside and even quad biking!

Hadrian Park manager Denise Findley enthused: “During our stay we were approached by a social worker who was on holiday with her family. She commented that she had never known a care home take residents on holiday and praised us for the wonderful job we were doing. It's comments like this that make our jobs worthwhile.”

To find out more and to see Hadrian Park’s top tips for planning a holiday, visit our website: www.careuk.com/news/holidays-don-t-have-to-be-a-thing-of-the-past

Following the success of the previous guides ‘As Easy as ABC’ and ‘Listen, talk, connect’ we are developing a new ‘Days out’ guide that will focus on how people living with dementia can be supported to enjoy the outdoors and to continue to get out and about. Once again we are looking to colleagues and relatives from our homes and day centres to share their knowledge and expertise to bring the guide to life. 

We would love to hear from you - please tell us your top tips for making a trip out enjoyable and stress-free and share your stories about the trips you have planned and embarked upon.  For more information about how you can get involved please contact Sarah Hyde or email rcsmarketing@careuk.com.

Holidays don’t have to be a thing of the past…

New ‘Days out’ dementia guide

Winter warmer recipe Spicy Parsnip and Apple SoupChef of the Year, Dan Moss has given us a great recipe for the perfect winter warmer in this cold weather. This delicious Spicy Parsnip and Apple Soup would also make an ideal starter for Christmas dinner – we hope you like it!

Ingredients:

6 medium parsnips

2 onions

2 bramley apples

3 tbsp curry powder (to taste depending on how strong the powder is)

1 ½ litres vegetable stock or chicken stock

Coriander and natural yogurt to garnish

Method: Add all ingredients together in a pan and simmer for 20-30 minutes until all the vegetables are soft, then blitz with a blender, serve and garnish.

The residents of Stanley Park thoroughly enjoyed a visit from Durham Constabulary Police Dog Unit; the working dogs Tilly the Black Labrador and Louis the Springer Spaniel, proved especially popular.

Tall Trees took part in the national ‘wear it pink’ day on 24th October to raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Campaign.

Photo Gallery

Hadrian House provided some spooky entertainment for

residents this Halloween by dressing up as The Addams Family!

It was party time in Poole this October when The Potteries

celebrated their first anniversary.