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We hope everyone’s okay in the storm! There’s a link to the Met Office weather warning below, as sent out in our PEN Newsflash yesterday,
It was great to be sent this week’s good news story about llamas visiting an East Devon care home. Please remember to let us have any good news from your services.
We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
Weather Warning
The Met office currently has yellow and amber weather warnings in place for yesterday through to Friday with the peak expected from the early hours through this morning when very strong winds and attendant floods could disrupt travel, utilities, and cause structural damage endangering life.
Weather warnings
The Care Provider Locality Forums have been cancelled in November. We will continue to keep you updated of any changes so please do check The PEN Website and weekly Newsletter for updates.
There is more information as to why they are stopping for now, on our website PEN participation - Provider Engagement Network (devon.gov.uk)
We will also be sending communications to you all when the review has concluded.
Skills for Care report on State of the adult social care sector and workforce in England
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This month Skills for Care published its annual state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England report, alongside the Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set.
The report and data set provide analysis at the England, Regional and Local levels.
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Safeguarding Adults Week 20-24 November
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Safeguarding Adults Week this year is being led by the Ann Craft Trust, and it's an opportunity for organisations to come together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues.
The aim is to highlight key safeguarding key issues, start conversations and raise awareness of safeguarding best practice. Each day during the week there is a different safeguarding theme focus, which relates to how individuals and organisations can safeguard themselves and others.
Locally, led by the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership there will be activity to raise awareness of safeguarding and the sharing of resources to support safeguarding activity.
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Occupational Therapist Week 6-12 November
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This year Occupational Therapy (OT) Week is taking place from the 6 November. The programme for the week is still developing but daily sessions will be held so staff can find out more about the work of OTs and share what we are proud of.
For more information including how you can get involved please contact Laura Temple laura.temple@devon.gov.uk or Vanessa Hughes vanessa.hughes@devon.gov.uk
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Are You Ready for Winter? National Care Home Webinar 21 November 1.30pm-3pm
To find out the latest on:
- Immedicare
- Vaccinations
- Business Continuity Planning
- Falls & Frailty
- End-of-Life
- Urgent Community Response
Save the date in your diary and click here to join this FREE online event for care home staff
Provider Quality Support Process Policy update
The Provider Quality Support Process (PQSP) was introduced in January 2019 and has been instrumental in establishing a coordinated response to quality concerns related to care homes, domiciliary care services, and other unregulated care services.
Over time, with feedback and evolving needs, we recognised the necessity for a review.
Earlier in the year we embarked on a comprehensive review of the PQSP policy. The aim was to ensure it remains fit for purpose and addresses the current and future needs of care service provision. This review involved a thorough examination of the policy's practical applications, and we also actively sought feedback from stakeholders and continue to do so until 24/11/23.
Key Changes:
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Conciseness and Clarity: We've produced a more succinct policy alongside a separate guidance document. This restructuring aims to provide clearer direction and understanding for all involved.
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Threshold Level Approach: Based on practical reflections, we've introduced a simplified Threshold level approach, making it easier to determine when PQSP applies.
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Decision-Based Process: Services will now be either "in" or "out" of PQSP based on clear thresholds. This eliminates the previous scale of escalation, streamlining decision-making.
Your feedback is invaluable. After reviewing the documents which is the overarching policy and guidance, please share any insights or queries you might have. Your feedback will be crucial in the successful implementation of these changes.
After reviewing the documents which is the overarching policy and guidance, please share any insights or queries you might have by emailing qualityimprovement-mailbox@devon.gov.uk. Your feedback will be crucial in the successful implementation of these changes.
Devon Wellbeing Hub – supporting those who support others
Are you or your team feeling stressed, burnt-out or struggling with things? The Devon Wellbeing Hub provides free, confidential support for colleagues working in healthcare, social care and the police who are struggling with any element of their wellbeing.
The Hub is designed to be a single place where someone concerned about their wellbeing can come, unpick their needs and be supported to get to the right services quickly. Their Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners can support you with a wide range of issues, including stress and mental wellbeing, financial worries and relationship issues.
If you’re looking for support for your team, the Hub’s psychologists or psychotherapists can facilitate workshops or reflective groups, giving you and your colleagues the opportunity to think about your collective wellbeing.
The Hub also run free, virtual workshops for individuals on a range of wellbeing topics. Visit Eventbrite to see available sessions and book your place.
Please get in touch by emailing dpt.devonwellbeing@nhs.net or by calling 0300 303 5455. You can also fill out the simple referral form at https://www.devonwellbeinghub.nhs.uk/referral-form
New apprenticeship levy transfer pledge for Social Care, Education and Childcare in Devon
Devon County Council have opened a new Levy Transfer Pledge for the remainder of 2023/2024.
We have pledged £90,000 for Care, Education and Childcare employers to access for apprenticeship funding. Interested parties can apply here: Transfer fund details for Devon County Council (K8G649) (manage-apprenticeships.service.gov.uk)
There is more information about how to apply on the Gov.uk website, there is also a YouTube Video here: View and apply for transfer opportunities - YouTube showing how to apply.
Please note that providers will need an apprenticeship service account to be considered for funding.
Proud to Care
Proud to Care is Devon County Council’s team dedicated to raising the profile of Adult Social Care, and supporting providers with recruiting, retaining, and training staff in the sector. We have several free-to-use tools to help with your recruitment activities, including:
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A self-service Jobs Board: Advertise and manage your vacancies quickly and efficiently.
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Social Media support: To increase the exposure of your vacancies
To find out more, please email Proud to Care.
Grey Matter Self-Neglect Provider Training
Here is the full list of all the training offers with Grey Matter Learning and details on how providers can access below.
A selection of eLearning that might be suitable for Self-Neglect:
How to access Grey Matter Learning
To sign up for an account, all providers and personal assistants contact the Grey Matter Learning team. Select access training and then complete the contact us page that you would like an account under the Devon County Council funding. A member of the Grey Matter Learning team will then be in touch with you to set up an account.
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Autism Training in Devon Update
Take a look at the updates, letter and brochure for a summary of what has been achieved to date, and what we have planned as the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Autism Training is rolled out across Devon..
Good News Story - Sundial Care Home Welcome Therapy Llamas
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of its residents, fondly referred to as family members, Sundial Care Home delightedly welcomed therapy llamas Harry and George from Peak Hill Farm to pay a special visit to the home. The furry and friendly llamas interacted with the residents, creating moments of joy and connection.
Maggie, the owner of Peak Hill Farm, has always been interested in animal assisted therapy. She has a variety of qualifications under her belt and numerous years’ experience working with adults and children with complex needs and has attended a Dementia Awareness course.
Research has shown that animal-assisted therapy has significant benefits for individuals living with a Dementia. Interacting with animals, such as llamas, has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also promoting social interaction and improving overall emotional well-being. The calming presence of these gentle creatures has a remarkable effect, creating a sense of companionship and happiness.
Sundial Care Home believes in providing holistic care, uniquely tailored to the individual (person centred care), by incorporating unique and engaging activities. They aim to enhance the quality of life for the people living there, ensuring that they lead fulfilling and joyous lives.
"We were thrilled to introduce the llamas to our family members," said Elizabeth Thompson, Home Manager of the outstanding rated care home. "This experience brought smiles to the faces of family members, team members, and relatives alike and it was a joy to witness the happiness and connections made with these lovely creatures."
Sundial Care Home is based in the village of Tipton St John, Devon. It’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, the team at Sundial Care Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.
To find out more about Sundial Care Home, visit: https://www.sundialcare.com/
Remember to share your good news stories in this newsletter
Has your support helped transform someone’s life? Have you got innovative practice to share? Send us your celebratory photos and words and we will help share good practice.
Revisit previous good news stories
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