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Effective medication management is a vital aspect of providing high-quality care in a care home setting. In order to ensure that residents receive the right medication, at the right time, in the right dose, care homes are increasingly turning to Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMAR) and robust medication management processes. This article explores the value of eMAR and robust medication management in a care home and provides some do’s and dont’s for implementing these practices.

The Value of eMAR and Robust Medication Management

There are several benefits of using eMAR as part of robust medication management in a care home, including:

• Improved medication safety: eMAR systems can help to reduce the risk of medication errors by providing real-time information about medication administration, dosage, and timing. Robust medication management practices, such as regular medication reviews and staff training, can also help to reduce errors.
• Enhanced efficiency: eMAR systems can automate medication administration and reduce the amount of time staff spend on paperwork. This can help to improve efficiency and free up staff time for other important tasks.
• Better communication: eMAR systems can improve communication between care home staff and healthcare professionals, as well as between staff members. This can help to ensure that everyone is aware of any changes to medication regimes or resident needs.
• Increased accountability: eMAR systems can provide a clear audit trail of medication administration, which can help to increase accountability and reduce the risk of medication-related incidents.

Do’s and Dont’s for Implementing eMAR and Robust Medication Management

When implementing eMAR and robust medication management practices in a care home, it is important to follow some key do’s and dont’s to ensure success. Here are some examples...

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Resident transfer tasks occur across multiple healthcare settings and are often
high risk activities for both caregivers and residents. Risk of resident, patient
and staff injury has led to the development of global Safe Patient Handling
programmes.
These programs promote the development of processes, education,
identification of appropriate equipment and technologies to support safety of
both caregivers and residents. An aspect of these programmes is the provision
of medical devices such as resident transfer equipment to assist in the common
transfer tasks.
Common resident transfer tasks in care facilities include:
 Seated transfers
 Supine/lateral transfers
 Bed and chair re-positioning
 During these tasks different transfer devices are used depending on
resident mobility.
How do caregivers choose a transfer device?
The resident’s level of mobility is key when choosing appropriate aids and
planning for the right amount of space. As the resident’s mobility decreases,
the number of aids and necessary space increases accordingly.
It is particularly important to select equipment that continuously encourages
the resident to use all residual physical function and to stretch their ability,
thus maintaining a greater degree of independence and mobility.
Arjo has developed solution charts to indicate the correct aids for each level of
dependency. Similar tools can be found in the CEN/ISO TR 12296(16)2 while,
in Europe, there are Clinical Practice Guidelines, which typically use a
classification system of three or five mobility levels.
At Arjo, we have developed our Mobility Gallery to classify these five mobility
levels from independent to dependant as A,B,C,D,E or Albert, Barbara, Carl,
Doris and Emma. For example, we can conclude that with Albert's mobility level
there is little necessity to apply any transfer device. Furthermore, a resident with
Barbara's mobility may require a: non-powered sit to stand aid while a resident
with mobility level of a Carl most often requires a powered sit to stand aid also
used for early mobilisation and rehabilitation. Residents in healthcare facilities

with limited or no mobility such as a Doris or Emma will require a floor lifter or
a ceiling lift.

 

Here at apetito, we are passionate about making a real difference to people's lives with delicious meals for everyone to enjoy. This includes our Texture Modified meal range which has been created in line with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative or IDDSI - a set of global industry standards with terminology and definitions to describe texture modified foods and thickened liquids used for all individuals with dysphagia.

Enhancing Health & Wellbeing

Good nutrition and providing an enjoyable dining experience are central to promoting good health and well-being among patients and residents.

All our food is developed and prepared by our dedicated in-house team of chefs, dietitians, and food technologists. Together, they  ensure our meals are nutritious, whilst also catering for dietary requirements and conditions such as dysphagia.

Innovating to Improve Lives

We pride ourselves on evolving with new trends to improve the patient and resident experience. Our specialist nutrition team work tirelessly to research and develop innovative products that make a real difference to people living with conditions such as dysphagia. This forward-thinking approach has been acknowledged across the industry, with us receiving the PwC West of England 2018 Business of the Year Innovation award, as well as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise; Innovation in 2016.

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Some of you may remember that last year I took on the inaugural 48-hour cycle challenge – and won – cycling 747km from the Scottish Highlands to Salisbury Cathedral. And thanks to the support of many of you, I raised £2,000 for The Care Workers’ Charity, which provided much needed financial aid to our frontline care workers.

Well the challenge is back. And so am I.

On Friday 19th May I’ll be embarking on what I hope will be my longest cycle yet. I have 48 hours to cycle as far as I can, completely unsupported. And I have an even more ambitious fundraising target of £10,000.

To meet it, this year I am calling on my business network to support The Care Workers’ Charity. Suppliers to the care industry, and businesses that support what the care industry does, I’d like you to dig deep and offer your support. There will be a range of corporate sponsorship packages available, each limited to just a few businesses, which will have a real impact on our vital care workforce.

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14NRG offers care homes a full service solution and is proud to support you  in all your equipment and servicing needs.  We service a wide range of equipment, makes and models, providing you with dedicated point of contact for quality, safety and an exemplary service.

• Sales and after sales support
• LOLER Inspections
• ASSET Management
• Service and Repairs
• Planned and Preventative Maintenance
• Replacement Equipment
• Installation
• Commissioning

 

 

At COTS 2023 we will be showcasing lots of new innovation and technology please find some useful links below:

 

Meiko Bed Pan Washers https://youtu.be/YlKirHlIQQw

 

Jeeni Housekeeping and Infection Control made Easy  Jeeni - Housekeeping made easy on Vimeo

As healthcare professionals, we know that providing the best care possible means constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to engage and treat our patients. That's why we're excited to share how OM Interactive's interactive projection systems are revolutionizing healthcare and providing a new way to care for patients of all ages.

At OM Interactive, we believe that technology can be harnessed to improve people's lives - and nowhere is this truer than in the healthcare sector. Our interactive projection systems use cutting-edge technology to create a truly immersive experience for patients, providing both entertainment and therapeutic benefits.

Our projection systems are designed with sensory input in mind, providing a unique and engaging experience that activates all the senses. For patients who may be in pain or anxious, our systems offer a welcome distraction that helps them relax and focus on something positive. For children, our systems offer a way to learn, explore, and play, even during a hospital stay.

One of our proudest partnerships is with Great Ormond Street Hospital, where our projection systems have been installed throughout the hospital, from the bright and colourful circle projection in the reception area to the soothing and calming projections in the hallways and surgery rooms. These interactive systems provide a much-needed distraction and source of entertainment during what can be a stressful and frightening time for young patients and their families.

But it's not just in hospitals that our projection systems are making a difference. We've also partnered with care homes, hospices, and other healthcare facilities to bring the benefits of interactive technology to patients in a wide range of settings. By using technology to engage patients and improve their quality of life, we believe we're helping to pave the way for a new era of healthcare that's both more effective and more patient centric.

At OM Interactive, we're committed to using technology to make a positive impact on people's lives, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this exciting new movement in healthcare. To learn more about our interactive projection systems and how they're being used to improve patient outcomes, visit our website omi.uk or contact us today on 01442 215 555.

 

Suitable for both adults and children, the trolley will prove an excellent choice for private homes, Changing Places facilities, schools and care institutions.

Pressalit’s mobile shower change trolley can be positioned easily to provide the space carers need to work effectively. A safe and comfortable working environment is especially important when providing care for people who are highly dependent and for those with challenging behaviour. Additionally, the number of transfers between the shower and other rooms can be reduced when using a mobile shower change trolley, as the extra transfer from a hoist or chair to the shower and changing surface can be eliminated. 

The easy-to-fold rails not only provide security for the patient and help prevent falls, they can promote a greater sense of ease and calm by providing a real visible definition of space. The contoured laminate rails feature black trim edges to aid the visual definition, with integrated grab handles.

Waterproof, non-slip, and quick drying, the durable mattress which is produced from high quality, PVS coated fabric, provides a comfortable lying surface, and has gable ends acting as further security. With flexi-pipe and drainage, the shower water runs off and away quickly and efficiently.

Freestanding trolley is easy to move

The Pressalit Shower Change Trolley is freestanding and will fit neatly into the bathroom. It can be moved into position next to the shower when needed, its large diameter wheels ensuring easy manoeuvrability while the user is lying on the bed. The non-slip press-down foot pedals provide a secure central locking system across all four wheels.

Its metal frame is lifted off the floor so that the wheels and lower frame of a mobile hoist can fit underneath if required.

As with all Pressalit products, hygiene is always a priority. Smooth surfaces and round edges ensure the table is easy to clean and keep safe. There is also a basket underneath the table for convenient storage of accessories.

Variable height for safety and comfort

With a height range of 550mm – 950mm, carers can adjust the table to suit their personal work preferences, including wheelchair transfer and minimising inappropriate lifts.

It features a gentle vertical tilt, with two secure, telescopic legs. As well as user comfort, the tilt allows for efficient water egress. The height adjustable table is powered by an easy to reach battery with an intuitive hand control. 

The Pressalit Shower Change Trolley has a maximum weight of 200kg.

Alongside the Shower Change Trolley, the company has also introduced a Mobile Change Table. This is suitable for school hygiene rooms and Changing Places Facilities where no shower is required. 

Contact Pressalit directly for more information – phone 0118 923 2696 or send an email

Starting any care business is exciting but not always easy. Here are a few things to consider before starting your journey.

Know the market

It’s crucial to know what’s already offered in the geographical area where you intend to offer services. There is likely to be a range, all with varying fees, almost all of varying quality. Just like house buying, there will be a market ceiling of what customers will pay.

It’s also vital that you fall within the right price range for the quality of the services you intend to offer. While regulations are minimum standard requirements that all providers must meet, some will go far beyond them in their service provisions. It’s always worth remembering, however, that a Rolls Royce service cannot be delivered at ASDA prices.

Priced for the market you are in or identifying a niche service with a price to match – or any combination in between – a knowledge of your local market will help you make the right choice.

Know your local authority

There are over 150 local authorities in England, all of which are presently grappling with the new social care funding arrangements. Local authorities work under a broad framework, which is set by central government but subject to very different interpretation, charges and support levels. In effect, they are a second regulator.

If you choose to offer your services as a provider to a local authority, each will have its own approval process and offer contracts in varying forms for a range of services. You will find the information on their website – although as a note of warning: some are easier to navigate than others.

Know the self-funding customer

This ‘market’, depending on the geographic and demographic features of your area, varies hugely with any local authority boundary. Census data will identify areas of relative wealth, but local postcodes are usually known and labelled as ‘deprived’ or ‘well off’. This could determine where you are going to offer your services, and what type of contractual arrangements are available with the local authority area.

It's wise to consider this before a decision on premises is taken, as one of the biggest cash costs as a domiciliary provider is mileage.

Know where to come for help

When it comes to the social care sector, W&P’s experienced team are here to help. Our wide range of services include business start-up support, CQC registration support, ongoing compliance support and complete policy and procedure sets. For more information on how we can help, visit www.wandptraining.co.uk

 

With over 116 years of supplying quality uniforms, Grahame Gardner Ltd are firmly planted as experts within the healthcare sector. The latest exciting collections feature innovative fabric technology that take workwear to the next level.

In a recent exclusive healthcare partnership with Micro-Fresh®, we introduced a new scrub range which uses leading antimicrobial technology to stay fresher longer and help reduce cross-infection.

The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cutting-edge technology - Micro-Fresh®- to help keep healthcare workers safe by ensuring wearer sterility, reducing cross infection and at the same time, maintaining all day comfort and form.

The garment fabric is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only continues to kill 99.9% of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2%.

With wash resistant antibacterial protection, Micro-Fresh® garments remain effective even when washing at 40C and also boast odour prevention, are hypoallergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly.

The scrub top design features multiple pockets, with two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket with useful pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers also have side and back pockets, along with a drawstring waist.

Available in two fits – unisex and female – and the scrub top is available in six colourways: each with a classic contrasting white trim. The trousers are available in 3 complimentary colours.

CiCLO® fabric technology - an innovative way to combat plastic waste.

Did you know that over 60% of today’s textiles are made from synthetic fibres which are not biodegradable. Almost all fabrics shed tiny microfibres during manufacture, use and care. When we wash these materials they shed millions of these plastic microfibres that pass through wastewater treatment and into the sea… unless they are made with CiCLO® technology.

CiCLO® is an invisible, sustainable additive blended into the garment fabric at the manufacturing stage. The non-toxic technology is permanently embedded, so will never wash out.

It enables the synthetic plastic-based fibres to behave more like natural fibres, such as wool, but improves on natural fibres by biodegrading faster and helping to reduce the accumulation of plastic waster in landfill and plastic in our oceans.

Our new Landau Forward range is made with this innovation CiCLO® technology. An exciting addition to the healthcare scrubs portfolio, not only are these textiles eco-friendly and kinder to our planet but are also designed for style, comfort and adaptability.

The premium scrub collection offers six activewear-inspired styles that include scrub tops and bottoms, zip jacket and a modern crew-neck base layer. In addition to the sustainable element of the fabric, the  Forward collection also boasts 4-way stretch fabric, flexible side panels for added movement and modern ribbed trims on necklines, waistbands and cuffs for enhanced optimum comfort and styling. For practicality, the scrubs are moisture-wicking, include plenty of pockets and are also fade and wrinkle resistant.

www.grahamegardner.co.uk

Info@grahamegardner.co.uk

0116 255 6326

Image Credit: Grahame Gardner Ltd & Kindthread Ltd

There are times and situations that we all find ourselves in that are unexpected and some of those situations may mean that people find everyday tasks challenging whilst undergoing therapy or realising that they may no longer be able to carry out those tasks as before.

For one British manufacturer such challenges in tackling everyday tasks has been the driving force behind its most popular product – the Surestop Stopcock.

Design key to success

Designed to allow water supply to be controlled by either the flick of a switch or the swipe of an app, the alternative to the traditional brass stopcock has imparted greater control to homeowners, property managers and landlords alike.

Particularly appealing is the control and peace of mind that it has given to homeowners with limited dexterity or limited movement; typically, stopcocks are located under sinks or in cupboards that an pose a significant problem to homeowners and property occupants who experience one or both of these challenges. With three options available ranging from a switch at source, a remote switch option and a fully integrated ‘smart’ option gaining easy control of domestic water supplies has never been easier.

In conjunction with ease of operation the design also accounted for ways in which water control can be managed to alleviate the worry, inconvenience and concern associated with water leaks in our homes and properties.

 

 

Supporting occupational therapists

Equipping people to be able to carry out independent task is key to confidence and rehabilitation and the Surestop range of stopcock solutions has been applauded by occupational therapists who have seen the benefits that it brings to homeowners. Not only does it re-establish practical control it also brings peace of mind, eliminating a worry as to what they would do if they had a water leak at their home and balancing the mental impact that physical limitations can have.

Occupational therapy has proven to be hugely important across a range of mental, physical and emotional platforms and successful engagement can be delivered in a variety of ways. Rarely a singular approach, it is often the more holistic treatment plans that achieve the greatest outcomes, and this includes making the home environment as safe, reassuring and accessible as possible.

Surestop products, both our switch and our i-water control system, is just one element where either independence can be restored or reassurance given that a family member or friend, or landlord or property manager is able to remotely control your water supply when a leak has been detected.

 

Future proofing our homes

Championed by installers as the best stopcock solution for all homes we look forward to greater integration in existing and new build homes to give homeowners greater control and remove the unpleasant and costly effects of water damage to our properties.

Further information can be found by visiting https://www.surestop.co.uk/

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the need for streamlining processes within the care setting, making better use of technology and identifying new ways to support over-stretched care staff. The integration of the latest technologies is essential to ensure that carer’s precious time is better spent and systems allow more efficient ways of working. Nurse Call and Digital Care Planning Integration Technology will, and already does, play an essential part in mitigating risk. Artificial intelligence (AI), wearable technology and 'big data' are all starting to appear in care homes at affordable prices. Nurse call systems have been wireless for a long time, based on robust and reliable radio networks. Radio networks ensure that a call is always able to get through and has far less risk than the risk often associated with the use of WiFi. Wireless call bells provide flexibility, allowing call points to be easily moved and allow rooms to be configured to a resident's individual needs. The core reason for installing a call bell system is to improve safety for residents and staff alike. They all come with a vast range of accessories that can be further tailored to an individual's needs. The data logging integrated within most modern nurse call systems records data on what type of calls have been made and when. More intelligent systems can also allow staff ID to be recorded against each call to show who has responded. Nurse call providers are working hard to make data more detailed through the design of new intelligent accessories and integrate that data with other independent systems used within care settings, particularly with digital care plans. The collection of data from any form of technology is obviously important but we do with that data and how it is collated is even more vital when helping to plan for better care. InstaCare Systems are able to work with all the leading integration companies such as Nexus, Blaucomm, Ascom and Blue Sky, who have produced very clever technology that takes call bell alerts to produce alarm sounds on your digital care planning handheld devices. Taking the call bell data from any nurse call system and integrate it with any digital care platform on one handheld device. Care staff will therefore only need to carry one device instead of two or three. Plans are also in the pipeline for the nurse call data to be fully integrated into the digital care planning applications. This means that more information is fed into a resident's individual care plan. Better still, the calls will be integrated into a digital care plan via the phone. This gives a complete picture of a resident's care needs. Alerts can be tracked by activity and the person delivering the care, whether a planned action or an ad hoc call from a resident's call point. InstaCare Systems are able to take ANY call bell system and integrate it with ANY digital care plan. With 30 years of expertise and all of our specialist engineers trained by the manufacturers, we can provide a tailored solution for your home, whilst keeping costs down due to our locality to the South West.

If you already use digital tools and technology in your setting then access the training on offer from your existing suppliers. Sekoia, a digital care planning solution used across 4 countries work closely with their customers to ensure maximum benefit is gained from their comprehensive training, they promote the use of super users within organisations to be the internal experts in the software. This mirrors the Digital Champions approach to have team members empowered to be the people within your organisation who really lead the way with adopting technology. Sekoia proudly demonstrate that their solution can save staff members 90 minutes each per shift. With the time saved it enables your staff to spend more time delivering great quality care to the people they support.

Person Centred Software – a market leading digital social care records supplier listed on the NHS Transformation Directorate Assured Supplier List offer resources to their customers to support them to complete the Data Security Protection Toolkit. They also offer tools and guides through their website that can really aide care providers to offer that extra level of truly person centred care. These ‘added’ extras offer real opportunities for care providers to push the barriers with digital technology. Integrations such as GP Connect which enables providers to access real time information from GP patient records; eRedBag which facilitates the electronic transfer of paperwork for care home residents requiring hospital care; and National Record Locator Service which supports the validation of an individuals NHS number are key to the future vision of an integrated health and care system.

There are times and situations that we all find ourselves in that are unexpected and some of those situations may mean that people find everyday tasks challenging whilst undergoing therapy or realising that they may no longer be able to carry out those tasks as before.

For one British manufacturer such challenges in tackling everyday tasks has been the driving force behind its most popular product – the Surestop Stopcock.

Design key to success

Designed to allow water supply to be controlled by either the flick of a switch or the swipe of an app, the alternative to the traditional brass stopcock has imparted greater control to homeowners, property managers and landlords alike.

Particularly appealing is the control and peace of mind that it has given to homeowners with limited dexterity or limited movement; typically, stopcocks are located under sinks or in cupboards that an pose a significant problem to homeowners and property occupants who experience one or both of these challenges. With three options available ranging from a switch at source, a remote switch option and a fully integrated ‘smart’ option gaining easy control of domestic water supplies has never been easier.

In conjunction with ease of operation the design also accounted for ways in which water control can be managed to alleviate the worry, inconvenience and concern associated with water leaks in our homes and properties.

 

 

Supporting occupational therapists

Equipping people to be able to carry out independent task is key to confidence and rehabilitation and the Surestop range of stopcock solutions has been applauded by occupational therapists who have seen the benefits that it brings to homeowners. Not only does it re-establish practical control it also brings peace of mind, eliminating a worry as to what they would do if they had a water leak at their home and balancing the mental impact that physical limitations can have.

Occupational therapy has proven to be hugely important across a range of mental, physical and emotional platforms and successful engagement can be delivered in a variety of ways. Rarely a singular approach, it is often the more holistic treatment plans that achieve the greatest outcomes, and this includes making the home environment as safe, reassuring and accessible as possible.

Surestop products, both our switch and our i-water control system, is just one element where either independence can be restored or reassurance given that a family member or friend, or landlord or property manager is able to remotely control your water supply when a leak has been detected.

 

Future proofing our homes

Championed by installers as the best stopcock solution for all homes we look forward to greater integration in existing and new build homes to give homeowners greater control and remove the unpleasant and costly effects of water damage to our properties.

Further information can be found by visiting https://www.surestop.co.uk/

If you already use digital tools and technology in your setting then access the training on offer from your existing suppliers. Sekoia, a digital care planning solution used across 4 countries work closely with their customers to ensure maximum benefit is gained from their comprehensive training, they promote the use of super users within organisations to be the internal experts in the software. This mirrors the Digital Champions approach to have team members empowered to be the people within your organisation who really lead the way with adopting technology. Sekoia proudly demonstrate that their solution can save staff members 90 minutes each per shift. With the time saved it enables your staff to spend more time delivering great quality care to the people they support.

Person Centred Software – a market leading digital social care records supplier listed on the NHS Transformation Directorate Assured Supplier List offer resources to their customers to support them to complete the Data Security Protection Toolkit. They also offer tools and guides through their website that can really aide care providers to offer that extra level of truly person centred care. These ‘added’ extras offer real opportunities for care providers to push the barriers with digital technology. Integrations such as GP Connect which enables providers to access real time information from GP patient records; eRedBag which facilitates the electronic transfer of paperwork for care home residents requiring hospital care; and National Record Locator Service which supports the validation of an individuals NHS number are key to the future vision of an integrated health and care system.

The past two years have seen massive leaps forward in adoption of digital technology in Adult Social Care. Much of this has been in response to immediate pressures and restrictions put upon our workforce and as we move into a period of strategically planning for the new normal we must gather our thoughts, and should use this opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in such a short length of time.

In 2019 as part of the Skills for Care Workforce Development Innovation Fund (WDIF) a programme of training for Digital Leaders was created and delivered by The National Care Forum. Two groups of Registered Managers from both residential and home care organisations attended a 4 module in person delivery of the programme which aimed to equip them to critically appraise their individual and organisational readiness for the adoption of digital technology. The sessions looked at how Managers could recognise opportunities and challenges around the adoption of digital technology.

Flash forward just a few short months from the end of the training and every Registered Manager in Adult Social Care was in a situation where they there thrust into becoming not just Digital Leaders, but also competent jugglers.

Regulatory and Commissioning bodies suddenly required mandatory reporting through tools such as Capacity Tracker on a daily basis. Care providers were forced to utilise technology to communicate with other professionals such as community healthcare providers, GPs and Social Workers. What was a medium priority strategic vision in the minds of the majority suddenly became an immediate necessity for all.