Scones!
Delicious sultana and citrus scones on the menu at Farthings today......fresh out of the oven......
Food Hygiene Rating
Our Environmental Health Officer visited yesterday (15 June 2022) from Bassetlaw District Council for our routine Food Hygiene Rating and we are delighted to have retained our 5* rating!
We have received the highest possible score, demonstrating a ‘high’ level of compliance in every area of the inspection, which were as follows:
- Compliance with food hygiene and safety procedure
- Compliance with structural requirements
- Confidence in management/control procedures
A huge thank you to our wonderful catering team at Farthings!
Project Hydration
Due to physiological changes as we age, older people are at a greater risk of dehydration. These risks are further heightened by changes to mental capacity and physical frailty. The elderly population are incredibly vulnerable to the consequences of not drinking enough fluids. Changes due to the ageing process may mean that the older person has a reduced sensitivity to being thirsty. If they are not reminded to drink water regularly, then they can easily become dehydrated. Older people who have had a stoke or who have Alzheimer’s disease have a reduced sensitivity and need careful monitoring. Other risk factors include declining renal function, cognitive impairment and the regular taking of laxatives and diuretics.
At Farthings we understand how important it is to ensure that our residents received adequate amounts of fluids to remain hydrated and our staff team know the key signs of dehydration. Common signs of dehydration in an older person could be a dry mouth, sunken eyes, skin that has lost elasticity, drowsiness, disorientation or confusion, low blood pressure and feeling dizzy; one or more of these signs may be seen, along with a reduced urine output.
Whilst the care team at Farthings offer drinks regularly throughout the day and night, we found these regular offerings were not always accurately reflected in the individual residents daily notes.
This got us thinking, so we considered the Bradley and Rees (2003) Red Tray Project, in which utilised red trays to identify people who were ‘at risk’ and who needed additional support whilst eating. There was another campaign by student nurses in south Wales which utilised yellow lids on jugs to identify individuals who were having their fluid balances monitored. Neither of these were quite what we needed at Farthings, as we were looking to easily identify quantities of fluids being consumed which would enable the team to ensure residents were drinking recommended quantities and aid with the reporting of intake too.
Liking the idea of utilising a coloured approach to make recognition easier, it was agreed that a traffic light system would be implemented at Farthings. All individuals who are required to have their fluid intake monitored will be given a 750ml jug of water with a red lid each morning. When the first jug of water has been drunk, it will be refilled with fresh water and the lid will be changed to yellow. When the second jug has been drunk, again it will be refilled, and the lid will be changed to green. At this point the resident will have drank 1500ml of water the risk of dehydration will have been reduced. If the red lid is still on the jug by the afternoon, the senior carer will take further action.
New smaller 750ml water jugs were purchased along with red, yellow and green lids. This will make the jugs easier for residents to pour and will also prevent the water becoming warm as it will be replenished frequently. In addition, new water trays and cups were purchased to keep the hydration set together.
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
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.
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].
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.
Essential Care Givers
All Essential Care Giver visits MUST be pre-booked through our online booking system: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
All residents are able to choose an ‘Essential Care Giver’. This is someone who provides not only companionship but also additional care and support to their loved one. Essential Care Giver’s can visit during periods of isolation or if there is an outbreak of coronavirus (providing the Essential Care Giver does not have covid-19). As an Essential Care Giver you will be required to take frequent coronavirus tests and wear appropriate PPE.
The Essential Care Giver role is vitally important to supporting residents’ health and wellbeing. Every resident at Farthings can choose an essential care giver to benefit from companionship and additional care and support provided by someone with whom they have a personal relationship.
Essential care givers must follow the same testing arrangements as staff, for both regular asymptomatic testing and in an outbreak situation. Further information about testing regimes can be found in the care home testing guidance.
Essential care givers should read and follow the appropriate guidance for using PPE in the different care scenarios laid out in the guidance on how to work safely in care homes. PPE recommendations are different depending on whether direct personal care or companionship is being provided. More information on how to safely put on and remove PPE can be found in the guidance and visitors should also be encouraged to view the video demonstration.
Essential care givers will be supported by the staff at Farthings as they put on and take off PPE for the first few visits to ensure they are doing so correctly. Essential care givers will also be briefed on the relevant IPC measures in place and the areas of Farthings they will have access to. Essential care givers should remain at least one meter from staff and any other resident they may encounter.
If you wish to discuss the Essential Care Giver role further, or your loved one has nominated you to be their Essential Care Giver, please get in touch with Lynne Fardell-Wain (Registered Manager) on 01777 838219 or email [email protected]
