Uncategorised Archives - Page 4 of 7

Apetito – Food and Drink for People With Dementia

Posted on 2 October 2019 by dukadmin

Apetito has been established since 1928; they employ their own in-house dietitian and registered nutritionist to create and ensure that all meals are not only delicious but that they also meet the nutritional standards required by the British Dietetic Association (BDA), the National Association of Care Catering and the Hospital Food Standards Panel. In 2016, Apetito won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for the second time for our texture-modified meals for people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing.

Altogether Care recognises that good nutrition and providing an enjoyable dining experience are central to promoting good health and well-being among our residents, values we hold dear at Sherborne House.

In September, Sherborne House held a food tasting afternoon delivered by Apetito. The afternoon was a resounding success with residents, family members and staff enjoying an array of mouth-watering dishes; with cleared plates all round.

Following on from this successful afternoon with everyone having the opportunity to fire questions fielded by a team of staff from Apetito; the question was asked whether Sherborne House should adopt Apetito? The decision by all was a resounding yes.

So, what does this mean for our residents?

We can now offer our residents a choice of over 200 delicious meals and desserts, so there’s something for everyone, with a wide range of meals tailored to every taste, dietary and cultural requirement.

For residents who have dementia, we acknowledge that the enjoyment of their meal starts with the eyes, with every mealtime a highly sensory experience, the visual aspect is essential.

We wanted to make a difference for all of our residents but faced our biggest challenge was the presentation and taste of our texture modified meals for residents with swallowing difficulties. Typically, these meals were shapeless, somewhat tasteless, not to mention visually unpalatable. We are now delighted that the meals we now provide are visually appealing; with clean plates all around proving the success of the new recognisable shaped foods.

Most importantly, using Apetito means that all of our meals meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) and National Association of Care Catering (NACC) standards and are in line with the British Dietetic Association (BDA) guidelines. The meals carry the optimal nutritional value, all while catering for dietary requirements and conditions such as dysphagia.

What do CQC Inspection Reports Really Tell You?

Posted on 12 September 2018 by dukadmin

First of all, Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections are a good thing. It is important that there is accountability so that people placing their trust in care services can have confidence that the system is properly regulated.

Accountability also helps providers with common performance benchmarks and guidance on where we can improve.

To make best use of CQC inspection reports when choosing a care home or home care provider, it can help to understand a bit of background and context. Inspectors report on whether services are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led. There are four possible ratings: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate. There is no category for ‘satisfactory.’

Some of the inspection rating is based on documentation such as procedures and record keeping and some of it is essentially a snapshot of what inspectors saw and who they spoke to. So, there could be some subjectivity in the findings- there’s also potentially some randomness based on exactly when the inspection happened.

There’s no doubt too, that some providers are better at the process of preparing for inspections than others. Although you could argue that this is what you’d expect from a well-managed organisation.

What do Ratings Mean?

Don’t dismiss homes simply if they are not Outstanding or Good. Care providers, and more importantly, care users are highly individual and other factors should also be considered.

For example, a home with a lower rating may be a better choice for an individual if the location makes it easier for relatives to visit and for the resident to maintain links with the community they come from. It may be that the facilities and activities on offer are more in line with what a particular person wants.

Similarly, you shouldn’t necessarily be put off a care home because its CQC rating at its last inspection was ‘Requires Improvement.’ There may not be that much practical difference between a provider that just got over the threshold to be rated ‘Good’ and one that didn’t quite make it.

If a home or provider is said to require improvement, it’s important to understand what this means. It could be that they provide essentially safe and effective care but need to tighten up some of their management processes. Even a provider with an ‘Inadequate’ rating shouldn’t be discounted out of hand if the management is taking urgent and purposeful action to correct the shortcomings found in the inspection.

The best way to identify the most suitable care home is to arrange a visit during a normal day to see for yourself whether residents look happy and well cared for. By all means, take along a copy of the most recent inspection report and talk through any concerns with the manager. More importantly, go with an open mind and ask: ‘is this a place where I or my loved one could live the life they want to live. To arrange a visit at any of our ‘Good’ care homes, contact us today on 01305 300 161.

Steepleton Manor Open Day 6th October

Posted on 13 July 2018 by dukadmin

On the 6th October 2018, between 12pm and 4pm we are opening our doors at Steepleton Manor care home to celebrate 30 years as a family business in care.

Steepleton Manor is our luxury care home, specialising in assisted living and residential care, set in the picturesque village of Winterbourne Steepleton near Dorchester. Surrounded by six acres of mature landscaped parkland, it features its own walled kitchen garden where residents can grow their own produce. At Steepleton Manor you will find a vibrant living environment with a range of social and exercise activities, a library, tailored nutritional food and therapies to support a healthy and high quality lifestyle.

We want to celebrate our commitment to providing quality care for 30 years and demonstrate what life at the Manor is really like by opening our doors for the day. The event will feature information on the events programme we run, a tethered hot air balloon, classic car display, nutrition information and catering, music sessions, and some freshly made cakes and cream teas to enjoy. Plus, there will be an opportunity to have a look around the manor and learn more about what we do to provide a family feel with our care environment.

For more information, please call us on 01305 300 161.

Steepleton Manor,
Winterbourne
Steepleton
DT2 9LG

A Concise Guide to Direct Payments for Social Care

Posted on 14 December 2017 by dukadmin

Direct Payments are based on the view that you are the best person to decide what care is right for you. We agree that you and your loved ones are the best people to decide what care is right for you. This principle has shaped our care services for nearly 30 years.

Under certain circumstances, instead of your local council choosing your care provider and paying for that care, you can receive money yourself to use with who you choose.

Direct Payments are optional. If you prefer for your council to arrange and pay for care on your behalf that is your choice.

Direct Payments are available to the following people:

Older people who need community care services.
Disabled people over the age of 16.
A parent of a disabled person.
A disabled person who needs help being a parent
A carer or somebody looking after a person who cannot take care of the money themselves.

Before claiming direct payments, you will need an assessment of needs by your local council. You can only buy equipment or help using your Direct Payments if the assessment says you need it. You must keep records of what you spend. Anything you spend on items not included in your assessment may have to be paid back.

What you can buy:

Equipment or help needed so that you or somebody you care for can carry on living at home or leave long-term residential care.
Short-term residential care (if your council agrees).
Employing a helper. This cannot be your husband, wife or a close relative who lives in the same home.

Direct payments cannot be used to buy care from your council or for long-term residential care.

To receive Direct Payments, you will need to prove that you are able to manage the money and spend it on the right things. The amount you get will be sufficient to cover only the care or equipment identified in your assessment of needs. If you would like additional support, you can buy this without it affecting your Direct Payment.

Direct Payments will not affect any benefits you receive such as child support or independent living fund payments. The amount you receive may depend on your income, but payments are not taxable.

We hope this guide will help you understand whether Direct Payments are the best option for you or somebody you care for. You can see an infographic of this guidance here or to find out more about how Altogether Care could help you contact us on 01305 300 161.

Employees of the Month – November

Posted on 29 November 2017 by dukadmin

We are delighted to reveal our Employees of the Month for November for each of our care homes. Each month, care home managers at Sherborne House, Steepleton Manor and Weymouth Care Home will hand pick team members who demonstrate a passion for their role and go above and beyond to provide excellent standard of care and support to residents.

Our Employees of the Month for November are:

Steepleton Manor

Iain Adshead

Iain is Steepleton Manor’s Employee of the Month. Iain works hard throughout the grounds of Steepleton Manor to ensure the gardens are bright and beautiful for the residents.

Sherborne House

Amy Navey

Amy is Sherborne House’s Employee of the Month. Amy is a true asset to the team who is always happy and covers shifts in any department when she can. Nothing is a problem for Amy, who goes above and beyond to brighten up the resident’s days with her bubbly personality and smile.

Weymouth Care Home

Elsa Peneyra

This month’s Employee of the Month for Weymouth Care Home is registered nurse Elsa. Elsa is always ready to go the extra mile for Weymouth Care Home. She has embraced all the new changes that are happening in the home with enthusiasm and a good sense of humour.

Many congratulations to all of our Employees of the Month!

Taking to the sky for charity

Posted on 13 November 2017 by dukadmin

We held an internal competition this year to see which of our colleagues could raise the highest amount for our chosen charity, Hangers Heroes. This charity raises money for local charities in Dorset through many different events and fundraising activities that are thrown throughout the year. Just some of their supported charities include Dorset Search and Rescue, Stella Hayward Rising for the Disabled, Steve Charles Help a Friend Fund and Weymouth Street Pastors.

We are delighted to announce that the winner of this competition is Jessica Thompson!

Jessica braved the skies and completed a tandem 15,000ft skydive raising over £500 for Hangers Heroes. We are extremely proud of her fundraising work; this money will help support Hangers Heroes vital work with local charities.

As the winner, she will receive £150 alongside the incredible memories and stories that she can now share about her brave and exhilarating experience.

Find out more about Hangers Heroes here and like them on Facebook.

Firework Art at Steepleton Manor

Posted on 10 November 2017 by dukadmin

Residents at Steepleton Manor enjoyed sketching a variety of fireworks to mark bonfire night this November.

Although sometimes tricky to capture in the form of a drawing, residents created accurate and life-like pictures.

Drawings pictured are by Margaret, Anne and David.

Fireworks at Sherborne House

Posted on 10 November 2017 by dukadmin

A colourful and fun firework display was enjoyed by residents, staff and their families at Sherborne House last weekend.

Hot dogs, marshmallows and hot chocolate was served whilst everyone watched a sparkling display in the sky.

A Poppy Wreath to mark Remembrance Day

Posted on 9 November 2017 by dukadmin

Residents at Steepleton Manor have created a special poppy wreath to mark Remembrance Day on Sunday 11^th November.

Remembrance Day has been observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

The day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War 1 on that date in 1918.

Drums please

Posted on 8 November 2017 by dukadmin

Residents at Steepleton Manor enjoyed a drumming session with local drummer ‘Magdalena’ this month. The popular musical activity has become a monthly event, with everyone making the most of the opportunity to create some rhythm and fun.

Fast flying bird at Sherborne House

Posted on 6 November 2017 by dukadmin

Residents at Sherborne House were treated to a special visit from a bird of prey back in September when Sharandys Birds of Prey visited with a friendly kestrel. Staff and residents enjoyed petting and stroking the bird.

Kestrels are able to fly at high speeds and change direction rapidly. They have exceptional powers of vision and have been recorded diving at speeds of 200 miles per hour.

This was a fantastic experience for the residents to get involved with and has provided them with fond memories.

Art and Animals at Weymouth Care Home

Posted on 29 August 2017 by dukadmin

The benefits of art therapy are wide-ranging – it can help keep the mind active, promote dexterity, and is a great form of self expression.

Residents at Weymouth Care Home recently enjoyed a day of arts and crafts, creating different animals from clay and then painting and glazing them. A selection of animals including a pig and a crocodile were made.

The residents were really pleased with their animals, which will take pride of place in their rooms!

Picture: Val and her crocodile

Alpacas visit Steepleton Manor

Posted on 21 August 2017 by dukadmin

Two Alpacas dropped into Steepleton Manor on 3^rd August and made friends with residents and staff. Hurricane and Sirocco took advantage of being stroked and cuddled whilst having their own special guided tour of the care home.

Special thanks are given to Wendy Williams from Alpaca Adventures for bringing the friendly pair to visit.

Employees of the Month – July

Posted on 18 August 2017 by dukadmin

We are delighted to begin sharing with you our Employees of the Month for our care homes. Each month, care home managers at Sherborne House, Steepleton Manor and Weymouth Care Home will hand pick team members who demonstrate a passion for their role and go above and beyond to provide excellent standard of care to residents.

Our Employees of the Month for July are:

Weymouth Care Home

Natalie Fourier

Natalie has been nominated due to her dedication to the home and the rest of her team. Natalie goes above and beyond to assist her colleagues and residents, and has recently been covering cooking and cleaning duties on her days off.

Steepleton Manor

Nicola Stanzl

Nicola has been nominated for Steepleton Manor’s in July. Nicola joined as a HCA staff member in February, and since then has demonstrated a passion for her role through her hard work and perseverance, with excellent professional conduct throughout her time with us.

Sherborne House

Kelly Eason

Kelly has been dominated for Sherborne House, having worked with us for 6 months. She is described as an asset to the team, Kelly provides an excellent standard of care for all residents.

Happy Birthday Ella!

Posted on 17 August 2017 by dukadmin

Ella Fossey celebrated her 96^th birthday on 1^st July at Weymouth Care Home with family, friends and staff. Ella had her very own party in the library and was presented with flowers, puzzles and her favourite word search books.

Ella, who adores doing puzzles and word search games, also enjoyed a buffet together with her family.

Latest Residents are Furry Friends

Posted on 15 August 2017 by dukadmin

Five guinea pigs have moved into Sherborne House Care Home and have become an instant hit with residents and staff.

The five fluffy pets have been named Rhianna, Blondie, Shakira, Doris and Ellie.

Residents and staff have been enjoying feeding, cuddling and playing with the new arrivals who have settled in nicely as the latest residents.

Caroline Sharp, Manager at Sherborne House Care Home said: “Everybody loves our five new residents and they have received lots of love and attention which is great as they are very sociable creatures”.

Photo: Residents Mary and Kate with staff member, Martin, and the five guinea pigs.

In the pink at Sherborne House

Posted on 11 August 2017 by dukadmin

Earlier this month, residents and staff at Sherborne House took part in raising over £20 at their Big Pink Afternoon Tea Party in aid of Breast Cancer Care. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed music, tea and cakes as order of the day, with everyone wearing pink to mark the occasion.

Sherborne House look forward to their next fundraising event!

New Head of Care at Weymouth Care Home

Posted on 10 August 2017 by dukadmin

We are pleased to announce that Stacey Williams, Senior Nurse at Weymouth Care Home, has been promoted to Head of Care.

Stacey has demonstrated an invaluable contribution to the team alongside outstanding care for all residents at the home. We are delighted that she has accepted the new challenge and wish her all the best in her new role.

A break for you and your loved one

Posted on 7 August 2017 by dukadmin

Summer is here – the children have broken up from school, the traffic is a nightmare and the weather is, well, unpredictable – but summer for many does mean a break. But if you care for your loved one it can seem like this is not applicable to you. But everyone needs a break.

The charity Carers UK estimate that 1 in 8 adults which is around 6.5 million people are carers. And their recent report found that among those who have been caring for a year or more estimated at 5,168, 40% have not had a day off from caring for more than 12 months.

In this same report carers were asked what their main concerns were to taking a break which included a concern for the cost of care while they had a break, their loved one was unwilling to accept care from others or they felt there was a lack of specialist support on offer.

Although taking a break can seem extremely difficult it is important for both yourself and your loved one. You will both benefit from the change of routine. This break will give you the vital downtime needed to think about yourself and your health, safe in the knowledge that your loved one is in safe hands in your absence.

Trusting professionals when you provide care yourself can feel daunting but there are people out there ready to help you.

Helping you

As a family run business, our core morals run deep within everything that we do. When you come to stay with us, whether it is for one night, one month or something in between, you are treated as part of the family with professional, yet friendly support. We provide respite care in all 3 of our homes, Steepleton Manor, Sherborne House and Weymouth Care Home. Respite breaks are offered to older people who need extra support following an operation or illness, or while their regular carer takes a well-earned break. We’re passionate about supporting families with older loved ones and respite breaks are available as a one off arrangement or on a more regular basis.

We also offer day care to suit your needs. Day care is a planned program of activities during daytime hours designed to promote wellbeing through social and health related services.

Alongside full time residential and nursing care, Steepleton Manor also provides respite care and day care. This is a memorable break, our Grade 2 listed Victorian manor house offers impressive facilities, grounds, activities and food to make your stay comfortable – and as relaxing or energetic as you’d like.

Weymouth Care Home also provides respite care and day care alongside full time residential and nursing care. Within easy reach of both the beach and the bay in Weymouth, we encourage our residents to be as sociable and active as possible. Regularly taking trips to local places of interest, holding social events and activities and ensuring all residents enjoy a varied, nutritious diet.

If your loved one requires specialist care, the team at Sherborne House are experienced, equipped and qualified to care for those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy, stroke victims or behavioural difficulties arising from a loss of mental awareness. This home provides respite and day care alongside full time residential, nursing and Dementia care. Furnished and decorated with Dementia in mind and benefitting from landscaped gardens to enjoy – you can rest assured that your loved one will be taken good care of whilst you are giving yourself some much deserved TLC.

To find out more about the respite care available at Altogether Care please get in touch on
01305 300 161 or find out more on our website.

Happy at Ham Hill

Posted on 1 August 2017 by dukadmin

Sherborne House residents and staff enjoyed a trip to Ham Hill last week and shared ice cream in the sunshine whilst taking in the views over Stoke sub Hamdon.

A quick stop at a nearby pub finished off the day nicely! The residents look forward to another trip to Ham Hill soon.

Pictured left to right are residents Joan, Olive, Lyn, Richard and at the back, staff members Sharna, Tash and Emma.

Category: Uncategorised