Introduction

At Andway Healthcare, we’re passionate about supporting care homes across the UK in providing the best possible care for their residents. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new series: Care Home of the Month.

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Hayes Cottage Nursing Home in Middlesex for their inspiring work and dedication to improving the lives of their residents with dementia.

About Hayes Cottage

Located in the west London town of Hayes, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home offers 24-hour specialised nursing, residential, and palliative care.

As part of Serencroft, a family-owned care home group committed to providing individualised care assistance and the highest standards of nursing, Hayes Cottage fosters a caring environment that promotes wellbeing and dignity.

The nursing home is situated in a peaceful setting with 50 bedrooms, many with en-suite bathrooms.

Improving the Lives of Residents with Dementia

Hayes Cottage Nursing Home kindly chose to share this story with us during World Alzheimer’s Month, an important time to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

The nursing home is participating in the ‘Happiness Programme,’ a project run jointly by the Alzheimer's Society and Social-Ability, exploring how to create exciting and accessible physical activities for people living with dementia.

As part of the programme, Hayes Cottage was recently selected to receive a sensory table designed specifically for those living with cognitive and physical care needs. 

The sensory table, which provided care home residents with opportunities to participate in games and interact with personalised content using interactive light technology, was provided free of charge for three months, enabling the nursing home to evaluate its impact on residents' daily lives.

The objectives of introducing the sensory table were:

• To promote engagement and improve mood among individuals with dementia

• To create a safe and stimulating environment through sensory experiences

• To foster social interaction and cognitive stimulation

The sensory table proved to be a positive addition to the dementia care facility at Hayes Cottage. Residents who had been withdrawn became more engaged and interactive as they explored the table, and the range of sensory experiences led to conversations and laughter.

Eventually, residents felt safe and comfortable enough to play games together. The various activities allowed them to express their creativity and connect with others, reinforcing their sense of self and community.

Recognising the sensory table's positive impact on residents with dementia, Hayes Cottage Nursing Home, which is continuously exploring innovative ways to support their care, is fundraising to acquire one of its own.

Could Your Care Home be Featured?

To be considered for a future Care Home of the Month feature, we invite you to share your stories with us, contact us at marketing@andwayhealthcare.org.uk

Let's celebrate the positive impact that care homes are making on the lives of their residents!

Largest Molicare Supplier In The UK: Regain Control With The NEW Molicare® Premium Elastic

Living with urinary incontinence can be tough and it's completely understandable to feel isolated and embarrassed. But we want you to know that you're not alone in this. With over 14 million people living with bladder problems in the UK, new treatments and resources are becoming available every day to keep sufferers comfortable, happy and clean. 

Those of us in the care industry are here to help people experiencing incontinence, offering support and understanding whenever they need it. Fear of leakage or odour may result in people withdrawing from social activities and seeking quieter environments; investing in top-quality incontinence products can help to change that. 

What Are The Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence?

There are two significant types of incontinence, but it’s not uncommon for people to experience a combination of symptoms:

Stress Incontinence: Occurs when urine leaks due to physical pressure and can happen when coughing, laughing or exercising. 

Urge Incontinence: Characterised by a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often followed by involuntary leakage. This type usually stems from a neurological disorder or urinary tract infection.

The Role of Carers

Did you know that incontinence affects two in three care home residents? With that, we can begin to recognise the weight and responsibility that comes with nurturing happiness and maintaining dignity for residents living in care homes.

Incontinence can take over a person’s life, often leaving them feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable. One of the many roles of a carer is to help residents feel like themselves again by providing quality care and supplying them with the best possible products. 

Support will vary between patients and your approach should always be personalised. A continence service assessment is a great place to start when trying to find a solution to make residents feel more comfortable. This tool helps establish a personalised plan for both the patient and carer to make sure they’re receiving the support and reassurance they need. 

MoliCare’s New Premium Elastic Range

With both residents and caregivers in mind, we’re determined to provide the highest quality incontinence products to keep patients clean, warm and comfortable. 

As part of the Hartmann Group, MoliCare provides an excellent, diverse range of products that are specifically formulated for individuals facing incontinence. They design effective products that help both residents and carers - that’s why we’re the leading MoliCare supplier in the UK! 

Unbeatable Incontinence Control

MoliCare has released its newest range of incontinence pads, utilising the best absorbent core technology available. Each innovative product is created with the goal of providing comfort, dryness and protection, all whilst remaining discreet (and affordable!). 

With the new and improved Premium Elastic, absorption isn’t a problem. Urine is absorbed up to 67% faster than other pads. That means that patients will experience more comfort and less risk of skin irritation. 

Feeling self-conscious and wary of incontinence when out in public? These pads are equipped with reliable odour neutralisation so that sufferers can feel confident and empowered when continuing their daily tasks. 

Making Caregiving Easier

MoliCare products are ideal for carers. With a 20% faster application compared to traditional slips, assisting patients can be much simpler. Caregivers will also experience up to 24% less overall body stress when choosing MoliCare products. 

Committed To Sustainable Care

We all know how important it is to look after our planet. That’s why we actively support environmentally friendly companies and manufacturers. 

MoliCare is not only committed to excellent resident care but also to sustainable initiatives. It’s important to note that all MoliCare pads are packaged using 100% recycled materials - now that’s a bonus!

How Can Andway Support You?

At Andway, we supply high-quality products to help you care for your residents and ensure they feel safe, secure and cared for. Need advice on the best products for comfortable living with incontinence? Reach out to our team today for support and guidance!

Farewell 2023, Welcome 2024

January is already well underway and the Andway team is filled with gratitude and anticipation for the year ahead. Looking back on 2023, we enjoyed a year of growth, welcoming fresh faces whilst bidding farewell to cherished team members.

Our aim for this year remains clear - to keep growing, supporting our community and strengthening ties with our clients.

Community at Heart

At our core, we're all about making a positive impact in our local community. Last year, we took a step forward in our commitment by regularly donating to local food banks; something we hope to continue this year.

With ongoing donations to the Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP), including bedding, self-care essentials and health & beauty products, our goal is to create a community where everyone feels supported and cared for.

From Expo to Excellence

In March 2023, Lydia, our Head of Sales and Marketing, attended The Cleaning Show, organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media.

This event united professionals from the cleaning and hygiene industry, providing insights into new products, services and suppliers. These connections continue to drive us toward delivering adaptable and reliable services to our community. 

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events like The Cleaning Show.

Highlight Events: The Care Show and Care Sector Supplier Awards 2023

The Care Show was a defining moment of 2023, enriched by the visitors’ presence, questions and insights. Our gratitude extends to partners like Molicare and Therapy Dogs Nationwide for their invaluable support throughout the event.

Additionally, the Care Sector Supplier Awards 2023 brought together suppliers from across the care industry and we found it inspiring to network with dedicated individuals making a difference.

As finalists, it was an honour to attend, and we extend our congratulations to the well-deserving winners!

New Faces, Fond Farewells

Last year, Andway experienced remarkable growth with new team members bringing a fresh outlook and expertise. As we welcomed these new faces, we also took a moment to celebrate and say goodbye to cherished colleagues whose contributions will always hold a special place in our journey.

Networking and Growth Opportunities

In October, we had the pleasure of attending a Nottingham Care Association event at the invitation of one of our customers.

The event provided an opportunity to connect with others dedicated to improving care in the region. The NCA's commitment to enhancing care practices left us inspired and grateful to be part of this caring community.

British Sign Language Workshop

To celebrate and raise awareness for British Sign Language Week, the team at Andway completed a team-building workshop around learning BSL.

By increasing our understanding of sign language, we aim to raise awareness and educate our community about its significance.

Sign Language Week 2024 is just around the corner - get involved here.

New Year, New Opportunities

With the new year in full swing, it's with a heart full of appreciation that we reflect on a remarkable 12 months at Andway. Thank you for being part of our journey in 2023. We eagerly anticipate the opportunities, relationships and shared moments this year will bring.

Andway Christmas News: Spreading Festive Joy in Care Homes

The holiday season is upon us, and we’re thrilled to share our festive initiatives to brighten care homes across the UK. Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a feeling, and we’re all about fostering that warmth, joy and magic, especially for residents, staff and families within care environments. 

Deck the Halls for Andway's Festive Care Home Contest 2023 

We're on the lookout for the most dazzling Christmas setups in care homes. Think trees adorned with tinsel, baubles and bright lights - and feel free to be as creative as you like! 

But this isn't just about decorations - it's about encouraging the magic of Christmas into your care home. All you have to do is send a snap of your heartwarming, festive care homes to lewis@andwayhealthcare.org.uk to be in with a chance of winning fabulous prizes. 

Set your reminders - this competition ends on December 15th, with winners announced on the 18th.

Christmas Questions for Care Homes

Attention care home owners based in the UK: As a festive treat, Andway's giving away FREE packs of biscuits to every care home owner that answers our Christmas Question for Care Homes: What's the number one thing your care home does to ensure your residents feel the Christmas spirit?

Simply give us your answers via this form, and voila! Your biscuits will be on their way to add a sprinkle of joy to your festive celebrations.

This promotion ends Friday 22nd December, but if you missed us, feel free to get in touch with our representative lewis@andwayhealthcare.org.uk to discover how we can help you.

Prepare for Christmas with Andway

Time is ticking, and the clock is counting down to the most wonderful time of the year. To ensure your stockings are filled in time, remember to place your orders before December 15th for guaranteed courier dispatches. 

Our team is here to assist you during our regular office hours until December 22nd, and we’ll be back in the office from January 2nd. If you have any queries regarding deliveries or our Christmas schedule, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Christmas Wishes

As Christmas approaches, we want to give a special shout-out to the incredible care staff, spreading cheer and comfort this festive season. Your commitment brings added warmth to the lives of numerous families and residents across the UK and beyond. 

From the depths of our hearts, thank you for all you do!

Wishing you all a festive season filled with warmth and happiness! 

How Profiling Beds Enhance Quality of Care

We all know that a good night's sleep is crucial, especially for those dealing with health concerns. When it comes to residents with limited mobility or long-term illnesses, the right bed becomes essential for personalised care.

Choosing the perfect bed for your residents is more than a decision; it's a commitment to their health and happiness. Profiling beds are ideal for residents struggling with their mobility, providing care that supports both comfort and recovery. With the ability to be tailored to each resident’s specific requirements, profiling beds assist patients and care home workers alike. 

Dementia Care 

As many of us know, dementia often leads to a serious impairment of cognitive functions, including memory loss, poor coordination and emotional instability. As dementia progresses, brain cell damage can lead to difficulty with movement. With that in mind, Profiling beds provide a comforting solution to ease some of these symptoms regarding mobility.  

With height-adjustable settings supporting residents getting in and out of bed, profiling mattresses offer a heightened sense of independence whilst reducing the risk of falls and injuries. 

Most importantly, the sleeping environment for a dementia patient must make them feel at home and at ease with their surroundings. Consider adding bedding and a familiar blanket to help kickstart a great night’s rest. 

Respiratory Conditions 

Respiratory diseases affect one in five people in the UK. However, with the right sitting and sleeping position, carers can ease residents' symptoms. With four (or more!) sleeping positions available with profiling beds, including ‘head raised’ and ‘feet and head raised’, there are multiple ways to help relieve pressure from the chest to aid breathing.  

In many cases, elderly residents who experience respiratory symptoms tend to spend a significant amount of time in bed, making it even more important to secure a snug, safe sleeping environment. By utilising the back and leg elevation controls, care workers can help residents by clearing congestion and keeping their airways clear.

Pressure Care Management 

For many care home residents, mobility and comfort can only be achieved with the help of specialist products and equipment. For residents who spend a lot of time reclined in bed, profiling beds help to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. 

Often, for residents who cannot move without help from others, profiling beds can make it much easier for them to find comfort whilst limiting the amount of pressure on their skin. With medical guidelines stating that patients should be turned every four to six hours, the ability to use simple handset controls is effective for reducing and managing bed sores. 

Provide Your Care Home Residents With Premium Comfort

Working to support both residents and caregivers, profiling beds are an essential part of any care facility. With tons of profiling beds available for your care home, it can take expert guidance and time to find the right one for you, your staff and most importantly, your residents. 

Our team are always looking to offer the most up-to-date profiling beds, and our brand new ELECTRA Profiling Bed provides a cost-effective solution to the perfect night’s sleep. With four different profiling sections and simple handset controls, patient independence is at the forefront of its design. 

If you would like to know more about our ELECTRA Profiling Bed or find the right profiling bed for your home, a team member will be happy to help! 

The Care Show 2023 has drawn to a close, leaving our hearts full of gratitude and minds filled with fresh, new ideas. The event’s electric atmosphere gave us the energy to form valuable connections and interactions with clients, suppliers and partners alike - so, what were our key takeaways?

Care Show Takeaways

From our Zoflora range to our TTS Trolleys and Profiling Beds, we found that visitors to our stand most commonly inquired about pricing and sought to better understand our wide array of products, including lesser-known offerings such as LOLER/servicing and equipment.

In particular, Lydia, our Head of Sales and Marketing valued the customer feedback received at the Care Show. This feedback not only pertained to our clients but also shed light on how other individuals were engaging with their suppliers, providing essential insights into the broader industry landscape.

But perhaps our most crucial takeaway was the ability to reconnect with our loyal customers and forge new relationships with potential clients. With that in mind, we want to express our sincere thanks to all of you who joined us for a fantastic few days filled with valuable insights, meaningful connections and enriching experiences.

Special Guests at Stand B60

First and foremost, we want to give a big shout-out to our guests this year. Their presence not only added immense value but also brought a warm and welcoming atmosphere to our stand - we couldn't be more thankful for their involvement! 

Therapy Dogs Nationwide

It’s no secret that everyone loves a puppy cuddle and this year, our stand was made even more special by the Therapy Dogs Nationwide. The wonderful Sandy, Nelly and Raya were the stars of the show, showing visitors how these special dogs can provide comfort, distraction and stimulation in care homes.

If you want to learn more about their incredible work, visit their website here.

MoliCare

Our exclusive supplier partner, MoliCare, played a crucial role at the Care Show, especially in addressing incontinence concerns that affect millions in the UK, particularly in care homes.

We can't forget to acknowledge Paul McIntyre and Claire Harris from the MoliCare team for delivering informative demonstrations and invaluable insights to our visitors. Their expertise helped people understand how MoliCare products can better serve their clients and residents, making a real impact in the lives of those in need.

Exclusive Profiling Bed

Our new Profiling Bed garnered significant attention and enthusiasm from visitors - particularly the brand-new stylish grey colour. We were proud to see the interest it generated and to help people understand how this product can help their clients and residents.

If you missed us at the Care Show, get in touch with a member of our sales team to discover how our new Profiling Bed assists various high-risk groups.

Our Outstanding Team

“Being on the stand for Andway gave a great sense of togetherness and pride to see how happy our customers and suppliers were to visit us” - James Wright, Purchasing Manager

A huge part of our success at the Care Show is owed to our extraordinary Andway team. Their dedication and professionalism in the lead-up to the event and throughout the week were nothing short of remarkable. 

A heartfelt thanks to Lydia, Annie, Luke, James and Lewis for their presence at the event and to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. 

Get in Touch

Thank you for being a part of the Care Show 2023 and for your continued support. We look forward to more moments and collaborations like these in the future!

Whether you attended the Care Show 2023 or missed out, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Andway Returns to the Care Show 2023

The Care Show is making its return, and we're coming back with a bang. 

Next month, the Andway team will be back in Birmingham for the Care Show 2023 alongside fellow care professionals to explore the latest and greatest in the industry.

With the launch of our brand new Profiling Bed, the chance to meet our experienced sales team and plenty of prizes to be won, this year is bound to be our best Care Show yet!

Get Ready to Win Big

This year, be prepared to win big with our Spin-to-Win competition. We're offering exclusive prizes that will be up for grabs throughout the event, and participating couldn't be easier. Just make your way over to stand B60 and scan your details – that's all it takes to be in with a chance to win.

Looking for Advice? 

Although we’re always available over the phone to address your queries, sometimes there’s nothing better than an in-person chat to put your mind at ease. That’s why we’re offering 1-1 meetings with our most experienced team members at this year’s Care Show. 

Our experts, Luke, Lydia and Annie will be available to provide personalised insights and guidance on all aspects of care home servicing, ranging from essential LOLER requirements to up-to-date care home regulations. 

If you’d like to book a 1-1 meeting with a member of our sales team, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can easily book your meeting by sending an email to lydia@andwayhealthcare.org.uk, annie@andwayhealthcare.org.uk or luke@andwayhealthcare.org.uk.

Indulge in Exclusive Comfort 

We’re so excited to introduce our brand-new Profiling Bed, exclusively available at this year’s Care Show. Specially designed for all care environments, this bed has everything you need to ensure a comfortable, safe night’s sleep for your residents. 

Alongside our new Profiling Bed, we’ll also be showcasing our Pressure Relieving mattress range. Intricately designed for optimal comfort, there is no better way to spend the night! 

Invaluable Insights on Incontinence

Interested in ways to better support your residents? We’re thrilled to be hosting live demonstrations and offering valuable information on incontinence, all in collaboration with our exclusive supplier partner and proud member of the Hartmann group, Molicare.

Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and solutions that enhance the quality of care for your residents. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with continence care experts and discover how the Molicare incontinence range can benefit your care home.

Meet Our Comforting Therapy Pups

But wait, there's even more to look forward to. This year’s Care Show is going to be packed with excitement, and it doesn't stop at exclusive prizes and products. We're delighted to announce that Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) will be joining us on our stand, providing love, comfort and cuddles to every visitor. 

Known to improve communication and the general health of care home residents, these generous therapy dogs will demonstrate firsthand how they can provide invaluable support to your community.

Come and Visit Us 

So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit us on stand B60 at the Care Show on October 11th and 12th - you won't want to miss us! 

From therapy dogs to exclusive prizes, our stand will be the perfect place to learn all about the latest industry developments and care home enhancements. For more information about the Care Show 2023 and to register your place, visit their website here. 

As of 2022, over 400,000 people lived in care homes throughout the UK. With the continuing demand for exceptional care facilities, it comes as no surprise that the sector is under more pressure than ever to meet the standards set out by regulators. 

As the country faces higher costs of living and tighter budgets, some care home owners may begin to question the necessity of regular maintenance checks on equipment. However, when using specialist equipment in healthcare spaces, care providers must stay in line with all regulations, including Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines. 

Why Are Servicing and Maintenance Important in Care Homes?

From keeping residents safe to lowering the cost of maintenance, regular servicing of care home equipment creates a better experience for everyone involved. Properly maintained manual handling equipment will have an extended lifespan and boosted reliability - because let's face it, no one wants to see equipment discarded because it wasn't looked after correctly. 

Another benefit of servicing your care equipment is the reduced upkeep cost. By spending small amounts of money now and again on maintenance, care homes can save extra cash in the long run rather than digging into the savings pot for replacement equipment. 

How Can I Effectively Service My Care Home?

Two of the most significant regulations for care homes are LOLER and CQC, both working to protect staff and residents against injuries and fatalities caused by faulty equipment and practices. 

Each year, various accidents and injuries occur within the health and social care sector due to incorrectly maintained equipment. Yet, by simply following regulations and actively servicing care home equipment, accidents can be prevented. 

Keep Safe With LOLER and CQC 

LOLER works to ensure that all lifting equipment used in the workplace is fit for purpose and subject to ‘thorough examination’. Care homes should keep up-to-date records of all examinations and any defects found. 

By keeping track of the age, model, number of repairs and any recommended improvements needed to each piece of equipment, care homes are in a much better position to manage their maintenance - let us know if you need help taking control of your LOLER. 

Much like LOLER, CQC help to regulate health and social care services throughout the UK and provide people with safe, effective and quality care. By monitoring and inspecting services, the Care Quality Commission help to protect care organisations from reputational risks while increasing patient safety. 

When Should I Service My Care Home Equipment? 

CQC inspections occur every five years, but complying with the LOLER Approved Code of Practice is an ongoing and more frequent responsibility.

To verify that all lifting equipment is safe for use, meticulous examinations should be carried out throughout the equipment’s lifetime. This includes before the equipment is used for the first time, before use at each location and regularly while in service. 

Unless there’s an ‘examination scheme’, lifting equipment and accessory inspections should be conducted every six months. 

Take Control of Your Care Homes Safety

We understand that equipment maintenance and servicing can be a significant investment of both time and money. However, it's essential to recognise the potential risks that staff and residents may face when equipment is not adequately maintained.

With the right guidance and routine processes, this vital aspect of care home management can be made simple, hassle-free and cost-effective. Want to learn more about how we can help ensure your care home's safety? 

Chat with a member of our team today!

CQC 2023: The Role of Specialist Advisors in Helping You Prepare for CQC Assessments

Working to regulate all health and social care services in England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) ensure that healthcare services provide people with safe, compassionate, high-quality care. 

However, in recent months the CQC has been taking monumental steps towards streamlining its assessment framework to place greater emphasis on people’s experiences of care. With changes being made to how the CQC will assess local authorities and adaptations to their single assessment framework, the commission hopes the changes will be “in the best interests of people who use the services.”

What Changes Are Being Made to the CQC Assessment Framework?

Single Assessment Framework

CQC have confirmed that they are altering their existing key lines of enquiry (KLOEs) with new ‘quality statements’. These changes will help to reduce the current duplication within the frameworks, allowing the commission to focus on specific areas. 

The CQC has also explained how they will base all their “assessments of quality in all types of services, and at all levels” on the single assessment framework. For more “structured and consistent” judgements to be made, the CQC has developed six new key categories, including: 

• Individual experiences 

• Staff feedback

• Observations of care 

• Feedback from partners 

• Processes 

• Care outcomes

For each quality statement, the CQC will state which evidence they need to collect and look at. However, this will depend on the service being assessed, with the evidence for a GP surgery differing from that needed from a care home. 

The New Scoring System 

Alongside the new assessment framework, the CQC is also updating their scoring system, helping to support consistency and transparency in the industry. Whilst the current rating system the CQC uses to describe the quality of care will remain in place, a new evidence-scoring structure will be used to help determine a more accurate score. 

The new system means that healthcare providers can expect much shorter and more frequent assessments that cover different aspects of the quality and safety of the services. Once the new system is in place, providers should be able to see how the CQC have reached their judgements. 

However, as the year continues, additional information will be rolled out regarding the new scoring system. To help care providers see if their quality of care is improving, the CQC has promised to provide an “update on what good looks like” under their new assessment system and the evidence they'll prioritise.

Ensure Your CQC Inspection Runs Smoothly 

Our team are always happy to help ensure that your care home is compliant with the updated CQC regulations. By providing a full asset register and researching your equipment to make sure it is mutually compatible, we can guarantee the best working order for your care home. 

Amid the ever-changing requirements, we will not only remind you of your upcoming inspections but will also inform you of when your last inspection took place and how you can work to improve. 

Keeping up to date with the CQC regulations can be tricky, which is why our team are always on hand to help. If you have any questions, a member of our team will be happy to help.