December 2021 Newsletter
The last 12 months have presented Pelham House with yet another year of considerable challenges which, in common with the care sector as a whole, we are working hard to meet.
In response to the ongoing pandemic and a disappointing Care Quality Commission assessment which have impacted on us so evidently, we have appointed a dynamic newmanagement team to set us on course for Gold Standard care we aspire to.
A brighter future for Pelham
Sharon Geary and Julia Horton joined us in August as Manager and Care Consultant respectively, and bring with them peerless ability and experience in the care industry. Sharon, who has worked at Pelham previously, has enjoyed an illustrious career in domiciliary care, while Julia has been a care home manager locally for 21 years in a career in care spanning 34 years.
“I love the atmosphere that we have been able to create amongst both staff and residents in a short space of time,” says Sharon, “although there are still plenty of challenges to contend with, as Covid doesn’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon.
New year, new era...
“The two original properties which make up Pelham House were individual homes, which is what I believe provides us with the perfect foundation to continue to build on our homely environment and reputation.”
Julia is equally enthusiastic about the new management partnership which sparked as soon as the pair met.
“We very quickly got to know how we work, which means that we can make the most of each other’s abilities and positively discuss how to address the challenges ahead,” she says. “I am determined to work our way back up to the top of the CQC scale, which is where I believe Pelham House firmly belongs.”
“I love the atmosphere that we have been able to create amongst both staff and residents in a short space of time."
The effects of the pandemic have had a devastating impact on the care industry, and Pelham House has not been immune to the most deadly of viruses in a century. But the new management partnership remain positives about the future.
“We are still looking for day and night carers, and a part-time chef, but we are making every effort to recruit in an industry which is desperately short of effective and committed carers, But I think we can build an impressive team which can put Pelham House back at the forefront of dementia care in this area and beyond,” concludes Sharon.
LIVING WITH COVID
With new cases of the coronavirus still running at around 250,000 each week, as well as up to a thousand deaths, it is clear that we must continue to be alert to the ongoing dangers this virus presents.
“We are doing everything possible to minimize any risk to residents, staff and visitors alike,” says Sharon, “Everyone who comes into the Home must have proof of a negative lateral flow test, and at least two vaccinations.
The pernicious virus
And staff must have had a nnegative test before their shift.,” explains Sharon. “We are confident that we are completely covid-free, but we can’t afford to let our guard down for a minute.”
The cleaning regime is even more rigorous than ever with intense fogging cleansing undertaken every month. Staff have all been trained in the use of Personal Protective Equipment by the Infection Prevention Team, and continue to be trained in Infection control and the safe use of PPE. Testing, retesting and infection control procedures are updated daily, and we have a generous stock of PPE, in stark contrast to the terrible situation which hit care businesses across the country in 2020.
“We go beyond what is required to ensure that everyone associated with Pelham House is kept free of Covid, in the hope that we may one day return to some form of normality so that the Home and its gardens can be enjoyed to the full.”
The Home has not been short of media coverage of how it has dealt with the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the pandemic, with owner Roger Waluube becoming a regular spokesperson on radio and television broadcasts, both regionally and nationally.
MATT SCOOPS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
The ever-upbeat Matt Hopkins has been acknowledged for his consistent effort in keeping the Home ticking over, with the awarding of the hotly-contested ‘Employee of the Month’. Matt has been part of the Pelham team for more than two years, and his versatility has gained him a reputation for being something of a ‘jack-of-all-trades’. He is currently overseeing maintenance which involves health and safety.
Matt's Employee of the Month Award
Matt's Scoop...
fire regulations, and ensuring that all rooms and communal areas are kept to a safe working condition. But invariably he is also called upon to help in the kitchen.
“I’m delighted to have won the award, but it must have been a difficult choice, as all the staff have been going the extra mile to keep Pelham going,” he said.
Congrats Matt!
One of Matt's offices...
Channel 4 scriptwriters call on Pelham for dramatic input
The Home’s owner, Roger Waluube, was called upon to provide advice for the critically acclaimed Channel 4 drama Help.
Starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham, Help aired on Channel 4 in October 2021, and the production team called upon Roger to find out the reality of working in a care home, and during the pandemic.
The main theme is the undervaluation of care home workers and the challenges they faced in an unprecedented situation, unable to get the help they needed or the medical information required to care for their residents.
“The main issue was stress on the staff; some of whom found themselves in a position where their jobs were a risk to their families; some stayed, and some chose to go,” explains Roger.
“The series depicted the lack of PPE, lack of clear guidance and support from the authorities and a very stretched industry trying to cope with levels of care that was beyond its capability and resources.”
“I think they did well to show important aspects of a major pandemic in a 90-minute drama, covering not only the practicalities but also the huge impact on the staff
required to get everyone through it safely. It also shows the outcomes of covid 19 which was the undignified death of the people we are here to care and support at a time of need.”
Some parts were obviously dramatic and out of the ordinary, but the story of events was accurate in many parts – with events moving very fast and a huge amount of stress on staff.
Millions tuned into see the drama and was one of the Channel’s most watched series of the year – viewers may not have realised that it was all the more realistic from the experience
You can still see Help on Channel 4’s streaming service All 4. (www.channel4.com/programmes/help)
FIVE STAR AWARD FOR FIRST CLASS FOOD
We were delighted to receive a five-star food rating following a recent food and hygiene inspection by District Council representatives, who judge premises by the Food Standards Agency’s Rating Scheme.
“I think the secret of our success is that we aim to keep all our ingredients as fresh as possible, and of course, buying locally,” says Head Chef, Denise Hopkins.
Head Chef, Denise Hopkins creates another 5* meal
Our residents consistently say they love the food at Pelham, which is so important for their ongoing health and wellbeing.
Well done kitchen team!
CHRISTMAS IS COMING
…in case it has escaped your attention! Last year, along with the rest of the country, we were subject to the worst of restrictions. This year, at least families will be able to be together (at the time of writing!), and we anticipate celebrating the season in the best of Pelham tradition!
TOUGH TIMES, BUT PROSPECTS REMAIN HIGH
Roger Waluube has marked ten years as owner and executive manager of Pelham House in the most challenging and unpredictable of ways – but remains characteristically positive about the Home’s future.
“There’s no doubt the last two years have been the toughest the Home has had to endure, and ones which have tested the resilience of the whole of the Pelham family,” Roger reflects.
“At one stage last year, we had just five care staff who really held the Home together – we owe a huge debt of gratitude to them, and others who displayed exceptional commitment to Pelham’s residents in the most challenging circumstances possible.”
All those involved received certificates to mark their exceptional contribution to the Home’s survival, but Roger accepts that no amount of thanks could be adequate.
“However, we have learned from the experience, which sets us in good stead for the future. We are in the process of building a highly capable and versatile team with a mix of established staff and younger carers.
“Sharon and Julia bring with them immense ability and expertise with the aim of capitalising on the signs of positivity we are already seeing.
“Pelham House is now a social enterprise business which means that we are looking at how we can take that initiative forward - we are keen to fulfil our role in the community with increased engagement and events, when conditions allow.”
Despite the disappointing CQC report in October, Roger is determined to pursue Pelham’s core cause.
“The report recognised the high standard of our care which is fundamental to our work, but we need to improve on our administrative processes. However, our purpose is to provide the best possible care and support for human beings in their latter years, and how we achieve that is something we continue to focus on.”
A team of students from Leeds University has been looking at ways for Pelham to improve and work with the younger generation, as part of a consultancy project, and we look forward to seeing their recommendations. The staff team meanwhile has proved its resilience in the face of considerable adversity.THE BUS NOW STANDING...
As part of its social enterprise remit, Pelham House is to be the venue for a national initiative aimed at helping a variety of local organistions understand how those living with dementia can be better understood.
“We have yet to finalise a date in 2022, but the Dementia Bus will stop at Pelham House to not only train our own staff, but those from other organisations such as the fire service and the police,” says Sharon.
The 2022 Dementia Bus stops at Pelham House
This is the first of a new series of regular newsletters to keep staff, residents and their families up-to-date with what is happening here – we hope you enjoy them!
Pelham House, 5-6 Pelham Gardens, CT20 2LF.
www.pelhamcarehome.co.uk