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. 

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.

The Importance of Nutrition in the Elderly 

Good nutrition is important for everyone no matter your age. Not only can a good diet boost your energy levels, but it can also help control your weight and mental health, which is especially important as we age. 

Nutritional problems in the elderly can cause several health complications, including a weakened immune system, lowered energy levels, and other chronic health issues. By making small changes to diet, such as incorporating more fruit and healthy fats into everyday meals, the risk of health implications can be reduced. 

Nutritional Concerns

When considering nutritional implications for the elderly, there are three main areas of concern that should be regularly monitored. 

Weight 

Both weight loss and weight gain frequently effect elderly people. It is important to keep an eye on their fluctuating weight to ensure they remain at a healthy level.

As people age, their metabolisms and energy levels decrease meaning that they have an increased risk of obesity. Alternatively, limited access to food and reduced appetites can lead to dramatic weight loss along with plummeting energy levels. 

Taste 

Elderly people can have problems recognising salty and bitter tastes, making it more common to oversalt food. Not only can this lead to an increased salt intake placing more strain on their hearts, but it can also cause a rise in blood pressure. 

Dehydration 

With the body being less able to conserve water and less attuned to thirst signals, elderly people are more likely to suffer from dehydration. This is a serious issue within older generations, with dehydration causing severe health implications. Encouraging a healthy water intake can help to reduce the risk of severe dehydration.

Avoid Cholesterol and Fat 

Cholesterol is important for keeping the cells in our bodies healthy. However, if cholesterol levels get too high, your blood vessels can become blocked, increasing chances of heart problems or strokes. 

High cholesterol can be caused by eating fatty foods, not exercising enough, and being overweight.  

What Foods Can Help Keep a Balanced Diet? 

There are many different foods which can nutritionally benefit the elderly. While fruits and vegetables are a staple food group for maintaining weight and energy levels, it is also important to incorporate healthy fats and proteins. 

Protein

Foods such as fish, lean meats, poultry, and eggs are all great sources of protein. Not only can these foods help to maintain your overall health, but they are also great for repairing the body after injury. 

Carbohydrates 

Potatoes, bread, rice, and other carbohydrates provide the body with energy and nutrients, which are essential for the body as we age. 

Fluids 

Fluids are equally as important as other food groups. Water is vital for keeping our bodies healthy and energised. Age UK recommends that the elderly should “aim for 6-8 glasses of fluid a day”. However, this does not have to be solely water; milk, tea, and soups count too. 

How Can Andway Help?

Here at Andway, we understand how important it is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, especially as we grow older. 

Whether you are looking for catering supplies or weighing equipment, we have a range of supplies to help keep your patients healthy. For more information, contact a member of our team today!

Being a carer comes with many responsibilities; and with that, your top priority must be the well-being of your patients.

Urinary incontinence can significantly impact a person’s confidence and mental health. With issues including embarrassment and involuntary stress, it’s up to the caregiver to ensure their patient gets the help they need.

What Is Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder, can affect anyone. The condition is more common in older people, particularly women, and it’s estimated that 1 in 2 of us will be diagnosed with a urological issue at some stage in our lives. 

The first signs of incontinence can include problems passing urine, both before and after the urge to go to the toilet. While incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing, it can be managed and even prevented with effective treatments.

What Are the Two Main Types of Incontinence?

While many people experience occasional incontinence, others may have more frequent occurrences. However, there are two significant forms of incontinence to be aware of:

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is when a person’s bladder leaks when it is put under sudden, extra pressure. Sudden stress can be caused when coughing or when lifting heavy objects.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence can often cause a person to have the sudden and intense need to urinate with no control over it. This form of incontinence can be caused by conditions such as infections or neurological disorders.

How Can a Carer Help with Incontinence?

There are many causes for incontinence, but a continence service assessment can help to establish a plan for both the carer and the patient. The information collected during this assessment includes the patient’s medical history, how often the patient passes urine and the details of their diet and fluid intake.

Carers will also help to treat or manage incontinence depending on the type and cause of the person’s incontinence. They can also help with bladder and toilet training.

Changes to a person’s toilet situation can also be implemented, with aids such as a raised toilet or wall-mounted grab bar, providing support for patients who are particularly unsteady on their feet. It is also important to pay attention to a patient’s toilet patterns, considering how often they urinate to help the carer and doctor assess the severity of the situation.

When to Get Professional Help

If incontinence is causing significant disruption to a patient’s everyday lifestyle and is beginning to affect their mental health, it could be time to see a professional.

By visiting a GP or a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, both the carer and patient can begin to discuss the next steps. A GP will usually ask for a urine sample, which will help to check for problems such as blood in the urine. GPs will also commonly refer the patient to a specialist for extra testing including an ultrasound or urodynamic testing.

How Can Andway Help?

Here at Andway, we offer a range of practical solutions to help manage incontinence. From protective undergarments to PU mattress protectors, our product range includes almost everything you will need to keep incontinence under control.

If you would like more advice on incontinence, contact a member of our team today!

Promoting Dignity in Care: Everything You Need to Know

Fundamentally, we all want to be treated with respect and dignity. It is essential that people being looked after feel understood and supported, and have an active role in their own care.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) define dignity and respect as “making sure that people have privacy when they need and want it, treating them as equals and providing any support they might need to be autonomous, independent and involved in their local community.”

Dignity can be sustained within care by recognising a person’s strengths, ambitions and abilities, whilst working with them as an equal to ensure they are living a fulfilled life.

What Does Dignity in Care Involve?

Communication is crucial in creating an equal and respectful relationship. It is important to talk to patients in plain English, do not overcomplicate or patronise; some people may need more time to understand what you’re saying.

Try to consider ways of effectively communicating with people who have learning disabilities, sensory impairments or neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Ensuring that the patient feels informed and confident in their care plan can help make them feel more comfortable and in control of their life.

Choice is another major factor in ensuring that patients have autonomy over their own life. Patients should feel empowered and ready to make an informed choice based on the information and advice that you provide. Information should not be manipulated or moulded, but instead portrayed in a way that is easy to understand and digest.

What Are the FREDA principles?

The FREDA principles were created to help care professionals understand and use the core values of dignity in care. The acronym stands for:

•          Fairness
•          Respect
•          Equality
•          Dignity
•          Autonomy

It is vital to remember these 5 human rights when treating an individual to ensure they remain happy and comfortable in care.

Ways to Promote Dignity in Care

Dignity in Care can be enacted through very basic acts that mean a lot. Below are some simple way to ensure your patients feel they are treated fairly.

Privacy

If your patient is asking for more privacy, it is important to listen and make that change. Be sure to always respect their personal space and possessions too.

Choice

Always involve the patient in any decisions that are to be made. This does not always relate to important healthcare issues. Many of us create our identity through how we dress, so allowing the patient to choose their clothing is one way to promote dignity.

Hygiene

Older people may need more support to maintain standards of hygiene that they are used to. This includes showering, oral hygiene, haircare and continence needs. Be sure to listen and respect the patients’ requests. For example, a female may not want to be washed by a male carer.

How Can Andway Help?

At Andway, we provide a range of products and services to help with your healthcare needs. Our service can assist you in creating personalised treatment plans, facilitating independence and supporting each patients’ needs.

For more advice, contact us now.

Everyone’s needs are different, especially when it involves caring for an individual’s health. Growing pressures on healthcare services in the UK are causing healthcare professionals to lose sight of the patient they are treating, placing too much focus on their condition or illness.

With the right tools, you can realign your practices, and support people in a way that caters to their specific needs.

What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care involves healthcare workers focusing on certain needs of the individual they are caring for. Co-produced care between professionals and patients ensures their preferences are catered to and helps the individual to feel supported.

Recognising that everyone’s needs are different is essential to this approach. Considering the persons values, circumstances, and lifestyle puts them at the centre of all decisions, and consequently, ensures they feel acknowledged, a sense of equality, and that they are receiving the best care.

Establishing a caring relationship between a patient and carer shows that their relationship is just as important as the help that they receive. Flexibility in services, one-to-one discussions and overall partnership shows that their care is person-centred. It is about “doing things with people, rather than ‘to’ them.”

Why is Person-Centred Care So Important?

Ensuring individuals are at the centre of their treatment results in high quality healthcare, which is important for both the individual and the professional.

Sustaining compassion and dignity illustrates to the patients that healthcare providers see past their condition, and therefore stronger relationships can be built.

Upholding these standards of person-centred care can motivate people to stick to their treatment plans – improving their independence and healthcare journey.

One essential by-product of person-centred care is the opportunity it creates to alleviate the strain placed on healthcare providers in the UK. Patient awareness may work to decrease the unnecessary use of emergency services or unrequired occupancy of vital space in hospitals.

How Can Person-Centred Care Be Delivered?

As a result of how varied person-centred care can be, there are many different approaches in how it is delivered. Some of these include:

•          Emotional support
•          The involvement of family and friends
•          Respecting and understanding people’s values
•          Putting individuals at the centre of all care and decisions
•          Treating people with compassion and dignity
•          Continuous and consistent services
•          Providing communication and information
•          Personalised treatment

Ensuring You Have the Right Facilities

Understanding the ins and outs of person-centred care is the first step in ensuring you can deliver treatment effectively and efficiently. Next step? Making sure you have the correct equipment and facilities in place.

At Andway, we provide a range of products, services, and maintenance to help you keep healthcare in hand. Our reliable and responsive service can assist you in supplying personalised treatment plans, facilitating independence, and supporting each patients’ individual needs.

Still in need of advice? Please get in contact.

Jay and Rob are at the Care England Forum 2018 on Monday 23rd - Tuesday 24th July at Forest of Arden, a Marriott Hotel and Country Club, meeting care home professionals from across the UK. Pop over and see us at the event. https://bit.ly/2IOKjX2 #Networking #Care #Solutions #nursinghomes