It’s been a busy few months since our last newsletter – we have had World Mental Health Day. Eggs have become safer to eat which is eggcellent news. ‘Restart A Heart Day’ was a good day with many children learning CPR. Sugar Awareness Week made us think about how much we are eating. The latest this month was the Anti Bullying Week, and I think it’s good to remind ourselves that bullying doesn’t…
Care Training
FSA launches Safe Summer Food Guide
The Food Standards Agency – FSA launches Safe Summer Food guide as UK picnickers head out in the sun Over 20 million people in the UK (40%) plan to get out into the great outdoors for a picnic this summer but al fresco dining doesn’t come without worry for some. That’s according to a snapshot survey* from the FSA which shows that nearly a quarter of people (23%) are concerned…
Such a shame that there is still poor care out there
A care home company has today been fined almost half a million pounds after an elderly resident fell from her first floor window and died. Guildford Crown Court heard that the 87-year-old was staying at the Coppice Lea Nursing home in Surrey, owned and managed by Caring Homes Healthcare Group Limited. In the early hours of 3 October 2013, the woman fell about four metres through her window. She was…
Dementia Research
Researchers at the University of Florence and other institutes in Italy have carried out tests which appear to confirm that even low to moderate exercise prevents the milder forms of cognitive decline in older age. Published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
CQC New Arrangements
Last year CQC increased their number of inspectors to enable them to carry out inspections on a yearly basis, instead of the 3 years we have been used to in the past. They carried out themed inspections and as a result we now have approximately 45 homes across Dorset with embargoes on them, due to “safeguarding” issues, which must be addressed before allowing new residents in. Training of the carers…
Dementia Care
The government are setting aside a lot of resources for this area of care at the moment for research and improvement in the sector. This follows the TV Panorama programme covering the Winterbourne Care Home problems, which highlighted the safeguarding issues that can occur behind closed doors.
Infection Control
Researchers in University College London, in partnership with Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta have carried out a study to look at whether the reduction in certain levels of micro-organisms in our food, soil and gut is contributing to an increase in depression. Published in the Archives of General Psychiatry
First Aid
Vinnie Jones introduced the new standards for first aid guidelines by being the front man for the British Heart Foundation TV commercial “you only kiss the misses on the lip”. These new guidelines are easier for carers to “have a go” at the concept of basic life support.