React To Home Rounds........Coming Soon
Our Registered Manager, Lynne, has been busy behind the scenes working with lots of our colleagues from the local CCG and NHS as well as the private sector. Collectively working towards a combined goal of improving care for people cared for in Care Homes across our local counties.
React To is a care home specific training resource which is developed by healthcare professionals. For more information on the “React To” training please see their website www.reactto.co.uk.
Lynne has been working with our local healthcare professionals to develop React To Home Rounds training package.
At Farthings we have found the relatively new model of a multidisciplinary ward round held remotely weekly to be extremely beneficial for our residents. It enables all healthcare professionals to discuss every resident in the home collectively creating a holistic approach. Previously lots of phone calls were made to various healthcare professionals as and when required, this approach took a lot of time away from our residents. With a scheduled weekly meeting any reviews can take place during the meeting and non-urgent medical concerns are able to be raised. Due to these meetings taking place virtually via video, video consultations are also able to be held with the resident and relevant professional as and when required. Of course, this approach does not replace urgent medical needs, but it most certainly aids healthcare needs and access to medical reviews promptly. Furthermore, our relationships with our healthcare professionals has developed further due to the regularity of such meetings. This gives the care team the confidence to raise ‘thoughts’ or ‘observations’ or possibly unusual occurrences with the wider healthcare team.
On 4 May 2022 we were delighted to welcome a film crew into the home to capture some footage for the React To Home Rounds training package. A huge thank you to our wonderful residents many of whom featured in our filming and to our newly appointed Deputy Manager, Louise, for supporting with the filming and of course her acting skills!
We will share the training package with you once it’s published…see if you can pick out any familiar faces!!
CQC Inspection
We had our first Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in March 2022 under our new legal entity (Ashall Care Ltd) at Farthings and are pleased to have achieved GOOD overall and GOOD across ALL five categories (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-Led) during the two-day unannounced inspection.
During the inspection the CQC spoke to several residents who use the service and their relatives, as well as staff members and the Registered Manager. The CQC reviewed a range of records including care records and records relating to the overall management of the service inclusive of staff files.
In summary the CQC reported that the premises were clean and staff knew and followed infection control principles. People were cared for by staff that protected them from avoidable harm. Enough staff were available to respond to people's needs in a timely manner. Systems were in place to manage and monitor medicines safely. People received their medicines as and when they needed them. Accident and incidents were investigated and measures were in place to prevent recurrence. People's needs were assessed and people were involved in their care planning. People's choices and preferences were adhered to. Staff completed an induction, received relevant training and supervision support for their roles. People were supported to eat and drink where needed. The service work well with agencies and other professionals to help provide effective care. The provider was working in line with the principles of the mental capacity act. People were supported, respected and well cared for. People were involved in making decisions about their life choices. The provider promoted equality and diversity, which was also reflected in people's care plans. People, their families and staff gave positive feedback about the quality and leadership of the service. Systems in place showed effective governance processes were available to monitor the service and drive improvement. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.
Furthermore, the inspection report observed a positive person-centred culture within the home, with a staff member informing the inspector “we make sure each and every resident is happy, making sure they have all their needs met and beyond. If they are feeling down, we do not ignore it we take time out to talk to them to cheer them up.”
We would like to say a huge thank you to the whole staff team for delivering such a great service and achieving this rating. It was heart-warming to hear all of the wonderful feedback the inspector had received about our services from residents, their loved ones and our staff team.
To see the full CQC report please click here
Birthdays
If you ask any resident at Farthings what they treasure the most, their response is likely to be ‘family’, ‘friendships’ and all of the many memories and events celebrated with their loved ones.
A Harvard study tracked hundreds of people’s happiness levels since 1938 and found that the happiest people were not the wealthiest or smartest, but that happiness was as a result of social wellbeing. The researchers found when looking for predictors of long and happy lives the links and ties people have with others was more influential than social class, IQ or even genes. Furthermore, it was found those with strong social support and relationships experienced less mental deterioration as they aged.
Dr John Rowe and Dr Robert Kahn wrote a concept of successful ageing (1997). The researchers ‘better than average’ ageing was namely contributed to three components:
- Avoiding disease and disability
- High cognitive and physical function
- Engagement with life
As a residents physical and cognitive abilities decline or they may experience disease or disability their engagement with life becomes all the more important. This is why something which is important to the resident becomes all the more important. For instance this could be a visit from a loved one, playing their favourite game, eating their favourite food or engaging in a social activity.
At Farthings we really get to know our residents and all staff and residents come together to create a ‘Farthings family’. Celebrating birthdays is one way that residents can have meaningful engagement with life. A resident’s afternoon can be brightened up by having their favourite dessert, just imagine their enjoyment from having a birthday celebration with delicious birthday cake topped with candles with banners and balloons around the room, it will probably make their week! Our team talks to residents and their loved ones to plan each celebration individually to ensure it is meaningful for the person celebrating, this in turn makes it a celebration to treasure.
April 2022 News
EASTER
Every resident and staff member were visited by the (Ashall Care) Easter bunny at Farthings, we hope all of our friends and family members also had a visit and a wonderful Easter!
Everyone was egg-cited for Easter! Our Activities Coordinator facilitated some Easter themed craft sessions along side some firm favourites, which were enjoyed by all.
Our fabulous Chef, Diane, put on a wonderful buffet for Easter tea and made a fabulous cake for the occasion.
VISITS
We continue to welcome family and friends into Farthings to visit their loved ones. We would like to thank everyone for continuing to adhere to our Company policies.
A very friendly family dog has been to visit our residents in the garden this month, lots of smiles all round!
GARDEN
One of our regular respite residents got stuck into our raised flowerbeds and did a fabulous job de-weeding.
Lots of residents have been enjoying the sun in our lovely courtyard area, the sunhats have been out!!
BIRTHDAYS
We have shared a lovely birthday this month too
March 2022 News
Firstly apologies we've been rather quiet on the news front recently, it has certainly not been because of a lack of activity, quite the opposite!!
As always March was a busy month, going into spring, getting the gardens ready for summertime enjoyment. The residents enjoyed playing various games, from cards to indoor boules! There has been lots of sharing this month, from memories to photographs to birthdays. We had a few birthdays during March which were celebrated in the home. Lots of delicious buffets and cakes were shared as well as singing and laughter.
Farming
At Farthings our Activities Coordinator, Emily, makes it her mission to get to know each and every resident. This enables Emily to spend quality time with our residents. Emily offers meaningful activities which are appropriate to the needs and wishes of every resident within the home. “An activity that is enjoyable and meaningful to one person may be of no interest to another.” (nice.org.uk).
With this in mind when Emily got chatting to one of our new residents she quickly realised his love for farming. Erik shared lots of lovely old farming photographs with her. So Emily got to work behind the scenes and asked if her son Ben would bring his tractor to Farthings for Erik to see.
On 25 April 2022 Ben did just that and absolutely made Erik’s day! As you can see from the photographs, Erik was delighted to see the tractor and share his old farming photographs with Ben.
Thank you so much Emily and Ben for arranging such a lovely day.
Farthings Pledge to be Breastfeeding Friendly
At Farthings we are delighted to have been certified as being Breastfeeding Friendly in Bassetlaw.
We pledge to:
- Support breastfeeding
- Provide breastfeeding mums with seating and a welcoming, clean and comfortable environment
- Ensure our staff are positive towards breastfeeding mums
- Understand some mums may prefer to feed in privacy and help where we can
Breastfeeding Friendly Certificate 2022
Welcoming New Residents Through Safe Admissions
We continue to welcome new residents to our home using our robust covid-secure admission process, whilst protecting those who already live with us and offering safe visiting opportunities.
We specialise in providing care to older people and as a small care home with 22 en-suite bedrooms our team really get to know all residents, understand their needs, and encourage social friendships amongst residents living at Farthings.
We have a robust admission process in place to enable us to offer a safe and compassionate start to living within our care home.
The government guidelines were amended on 4 April 2022 and as such we too have amended our processes inline with differing scenarios as follows:
A Pre-Planned Admission from a Care Facility or the Community
Discussions: will take place prior to any admission with the home’s Registered Manager, this may be with yourself or a loved one. This is to gain an overview of your current care needs and requirements.
Assessment: if it is likely we would be able to meet your specific needs the Registered Manager will arrange a Pre-Admission Assessment. This is to meet you, discuss what your needs are and how you would like to be cared for. It will also enable us to give you and your loved ones more information about our home and the facilities we have available to you. Ordinarily, dependant on circumstance, this would take place face-to-face but rest assured all of our staff are vaccinated, tested twice a week and would be wearing all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety.
Time: after initial discussions and assessments our prospective residents are given time to consider their decision, possibly alongside their loved ones. Once a decision has been made please get in touch with the Registered Manager again who will work alongside you to arrange your admission at a time which is convenient to yourself, this could be the same day, in a couple of days or in a few weeks’ time, it is your choice.
Testing: we will provide a PCR coronavirus test which is to be completed within 72-hours before moving into the home (or a lateral flow test if have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 90 days). A lateral flow test will need to be taken on the day of admission (day 0).
Moving In: you are welcome to bring any personal effects to help you feel at home. All our rooms are en-suite, and are equipped with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair, and a television. You are welcome to bring a named visitor with you to help you settle in, they must follow the current visiting guidance which will be discussed prior to admission.
Settling In: a full Care Plan will be developed with you; this will include all the information the staff need to ensure they care for you how you would like to be. In addition, the Activities Co-ordinator will spend some time getting to know you and will arrange tailored activities for your interests. You are welcome to have visitors in line with the visitor guidance.
A discharge from hospital or another Care Home
Discussions: will take place prior to any admission with the home’s Registered Manager, this may be with yourself, a loved one or a healthcare professional. This is to gain an overview of your current care needs and requirements.
Assessment: if it is likely we would be able to meet your specific needs the Registered Manager will arrange a Pre-Admission Assessment. This is to meet you, discuss what your needs are and how you would like to be cared for. It will also enable us to give you and your loved ones more information about our home and the facilities we have available to you. Ordinarily, dependant on circumstance, this would take place face-to-face but rest assured all of our staff are vaccinated, tested twice a week and would be wearing all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety.
Time: after initial discussions and assessments our prospective residents are given time to consider their decision, possibly alongside their loved ones. Once a decision has been made, please get in touch with the Registered Manager again who will work alongside you to arrange your admission at a time which is convenient to yourself, this could be the same day, in a couple of days or in a few weeks’ time, it is your choice.
Testing: a PCR coronavirus test is to be completed within 48 hours prior to discharge (or a lateral flow test if the individual has tested positive for covid-19 in the last 90 days). The result of this test should be shared with the Registered Manager at Farthings prior to discharge.
Moving In: you are welcome to bring any personal effects to help you feel at home. All our rooms are en-suite, and are equipped with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair, and a television. You are welcome to bring a named visitor with you to help you settle in, they must follow the current visiting guidance which will be discussed prior to admission.
Settling In: a full Care Plan will be developed with you; this will include all the information the staff need to ensure they care for you how you would like to be. In addition, the Activities Co-ordinator will spend some time getting to know you and will arrange tailored activities for your interests. You are welcome to have visitors in line with the visitor guidance.
Every admission is different and above outlines some key stages throughout the admission process, however they are adaptable for everyone’s individual situations. A thorough risk assessment will be carried out prior to any admission and the requirements for admission will be fully explained beforehand.
If you are considering care for yourself or your loved one, please call our friendly team who will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have, 01777 838 219, alternatively you can email [email protected].
East Midlands Care Home Awards
If you know of a care home or carer who goes that extra mile, why not nominate them for an East Midlands care home award?
Please click on the flyer below for more information:
East Midlands care home awards flyer
No Change to Healthcare Guidance
No change to healthcare guidance poster Feb 22
Whilst there are lots of changes outside of health and social care settings, inside health and social care settings....its NO change
In line with the Government Guidance at Farthings there is:
- No change to the 'Stay at Home' guidance; if a member of staff develops symptoms of Covid-19 or has a positive LFT they will continue to not attend work for 10 days (unless they have two consecutive negative LFTs 24-hours apart after day 5, their isolation may end before 10 days). If a resident develops symptoms or has a positive test they will receive in-room care for 10 days (unless they have two consecutive negative LFTs 24-hours apart after day 5, their isolation may end before 10 days). Visitors and visiting professionals are to continue their current testing arrangements, if they develop symptoms or receive a positive test they should not enter the home.
- Asymtomatic Testing; regular asymtomatic testing of both staff and residents will continue as per the Government Testing Guidance, currently the staff team will undertake a LFT before every shift and residents will be PCR tested monthly. This enables us to quickly identify individuals who are likely to be highly infectious and enables them to stay away from work to reduce transmission and keep our residents safe.
