First Few DaysWe promise to give everyone a warm welcome with tea and biscuits on arrival. Your room will be carefully prepared and include any personal things that have been brought in advance to the home.
When we admit new residents we have clear protocols in place to ensure that it is appropriate for them to move in.
We also ensure that any new residents coming into our homes, whether from a local hospital or the community, have been tested in advance and are negative for COVID-19. On arrival, there is a period of ‘isolation’, where contact with others in the home is restricted. During these initial first few days, we make sure that the resident settles in and has plenty of contact with our designated team members.
Some of the isolation period can be completed at home beforehand. A family member can help on the important moving in day. A quick Lateral Flow test, temperature check and some PPE provided by the home will mean resident and their loved one can spend a little time together on moving in day to get settled.
The first day in our home could be spent settling in and unpacking. The team will be on hand to provide advice and reassurance if needed and will start to capture more information about the resident's preferences. The welfare and happiness of residents is our number one priority and we will do our best to make sure the moving in day goes as smoothly as possible.
Then all that’s required is to decide which activities to join in with. There’s no cleaning, no clothes washing, no cooking to worry about...
Staying in TouchAs well as face-to-face visiting indoors and out, our team can help arrange Zoom, Skype, Facetime and even Google Duo in some cases. Our iPads help make that face-to-face screen time easier.
In addition to the more traditional forms of staying in touch, brighterkind homes offer a Magic Moments Club App to help families stay in touch. With secure video, photo and text messaging as part of the App, families can share stories and memories knowing that residents can keep returning to them for reminiscence whenever they want.
Visiting ResidentsWith restrictions on visiting, we are so pleased to offer a wide range of visit options for family members. We always work within the local and national guidance of course, but our online booking system makes it so easy for families to book, re-arrange or cancel visits. This can all be done on a mobile, desktop or tablet. Visits are so important that each home has a Visitor Champion to support booking and smooth running of visits during the day.
Our Visitor Protocol keeps everyone safe and ensures that appropriate PPE, testing and social distancing takes place.
Proactive Infection ControlWe are committed to the wellbeing of our residents and never forget how susceptible they can be to infection.
We take a dynamic, risk-based approach in response to any outbreak at a home or within the local community where they are based, working with the relevant local authorities on latest guidance and ensuring proactive communication for all involved.
Over the last few months, we have focused time, investment and energy on an enhanced approach to housekeeping and cleanliness. This long-term approach aims to lower the risk of any virus in our homes and has, and continues to be, a whole team effort to ensure a consistently clean place for all to live, work and visit.
The dedicated Infection Prevention & Control Champion in each home has completed an enhanced training course and has delivered short, informative briefings to all team members in their home. We are further investing for the long term by providing new equipment and shortly each home will receive a new ATP testing kit, which swabs for bacterial presence and will allow team members to measure the levels of cleanliness being achieved as part of an accurate and reliable audit process.
Hand HygieneHandwashing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection and we've made significant investment to encourage increased hand hygiene in line with government advice.
Permanent hand sanitiser stations are in place across all care homes and hold enough sanitiser for 10,000 uses, providing long-lasting protection without the need for constant refilling. They're a key part of our infection control strategy and help to protect the safety of those living and working in our homes, as well as visitors.
Safe Essential VisitsWe ensure that visits only take place from essential external professionals when absolutely safe to do so. They are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Home Manager and are subject to a number of conditions.
We are taking steps to ensure that where we have to use agency staff, they do not work in other homes too. Any external team or contractor visits are strictly only when essential and require a negative test before entering the building. Plus, we've put controls in place to minimise the number of locations visited within a period of time and visiting team members is required to wear appropriate PPE at all times. All visits to our care homes are supported by the home Visitor Champion and visits are pre-booked and staggered to minimise the number of people on-site at any time.
PPE Availability and UseTeam members follow guidance to ensure the appropriate use of PPE during their working day.
We have a sufficient supply of PPE for our teams and continue to work closely with suppliers to ensure stock levels are maintained. Visitors to our homes are asked to wear PPE provided by brighterkind, which may include a face covering, apron or gloves.
They have done extremely well to keep residents COVID free. During lockdown they’ve regularly updated me and also made the effort to call me so that I can talk with my mother.
Keith M, son of resident at Houndswood House in Radlett, September 2020
Ongoing Infection Control TrainingAs well as completing a thorough induction in infection prevention and control before they enter the home, all team members receive an ongoing programme of training through both face to face sessions and via a digital platform. The training includes a mandatory module on infection control and prevention which has been completed once again.
We have introduced Infection Prevention & Control Champions in every home who coach team members in how to ensure best practice infection prevention and control. The team have an array of online guides and videos on key infection control topics that can be accessed at any time.
We make sure all our team members are kept updated on the most appropriate way to use PPE throughout their daily duties and handwashing techniques are regularly observed.
During the pandemic, Home Managers receive regular Covid-19 information and updates which are shared with all team members. The home has a meeting everyday to communicate changes, discuss issues and make sure best practice is shared throughout the home.
We are further investing for the long term by providing new equipment and shortly each home will receive a new ATP testing kit, which swabs for bacterial presence and will allow team members to measure the levels of cleanliness being achieved as part of an accurate and reliable audit process.
We are proud to introduce The Train Station - our online learning and development programme for all essential learning, additional learning and career development.
Available on mobile, desktop and iPad, our team can learn at a time and place that suits them. Everything from induction materials for new team members, right through to support for those wishing to advance their career in care.
Robust CleaningWe are committed to achieving the highest standard of cleanliness and hygiene to control the spread of infection and illness in our homes. In addition to our detailed cleaning manual for team members, we have support tools available such as cleaning schedules and method cards to ensure cleaning and disinfection is carried out effectively, focusing on high risk infection areas, surfaces and hand touch points.
Standardisation is achieved throughout our care homes thanks to a company-wide chemical product list and all products are purchased from approved suppliers and supported by evidence of their efficacy and the required health and safety information.
We use a multi-surface cleaner disinfectant for use on all surfaces which is effective against Coronaviruses and personal hygiene protocols are actively followed by all team members.
Supporting Team MembersWe are immensely grateful and proud of our team and the care provided to our residents. For our residents, team members are like a second family.
It isn't our responsibility to just look after our residents, but it’s also vital to take care of our team too. The way people who work in our care homes feel about their work directly affects our residents. We know that a happy, looked after and engaged workforce is vital.
To celebrate the efforts of all team members we have recently launched a new award of recognition — our Making A Difference Award. This gives you, as a family member, alongside our residents and colleagues, the opportunity to recognise those members of our team that have gone above and beyond to deliver great care and make each day the best it can be for all those that live and work in our homes.
To find out more or to nominate someone you feel has made a big difference to you or your relative, please visit www.brighterkind.com/making-a-difference-award. It only takes a few minutes to complete and all nominated team members will be celebrated within their home and then considered for our national Star Award each quarter. I hope you will take the opportunity to get involved.
Sometimes life throws you lemons and this is where our Employee Assistance Programme comes into its own. The programme is free for all team members and is there for any eventuality - from advice about health and wellbeing to concerns about finance, housing or mortgages...it’s all covered and provided as an advice and counselling service for our team members, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Throughout the pandemic, we shared the wonderful care and passion of our team. These joyous stories and individuals were nominated by their peers and shared with the wider team daily.
We thank each and every one of our team members for the amazing part they play in keeping our residents happy and safe.
The care home does a brilliant job. Nothing is too much trouble. All the staff are friendly and always have a smile. The care my mother is receiving is second to none. Their handling of the Covid crisis is exemplary.
AG, son of resident at St Oswald’s House. August 2020
Keeping Families ConnectedCommunication with loved ones is core to the wellbeing of residents, particularly during times of uncertainty. Across our homes, teams are assisting with visits and video calls on a daily basis to ensure residents keep in touch with their nearest and dearest.
We've set up dedicated private family Facebook groups to encourage day-to-day communication and our Magic Moments App continues to keep families connected with private email and video messaging, photographs and shared memories. For face-to-face celebrations or family catch-ups, get-togethers via video have proved to be popular with every generation and have become commonplace in our homes.
Our homes have also connected our residents with the local community through Postcard Pals, keeping them engaged and cheery in receiving drawings, letters and cards from local schools and groups.
The present situation has made visiting impossible, but I have been able to speak to my husband, and his nurse and carers whenever I’ve wanted to, including video calls. Their concern for me as his wife has also been very much appreciated. I feel like we are both being cared for. If I can’t look after him, then I can’t think of anywhere else I’d want him to be.
Violet P, wife of resident talking about Ashbourne Court, August 2020
Safer ReunionsThe welfare and safety of residents and team is our number one priority and we recognise that those living in care homes remain vulnerable to Covid-19. That said, regular contact with loved ones is essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents, so we're following a cautious approach to supporting visits to our homes.
All visitors are asked to follow our Visitor Protocol, which includes a declaration on arrival, use of PPE, testing and observation of social distancing measures. Each home also has a dedicated Visitor Champion to welcome all visitors and support a successful and safe visit. These measures, along with our high rates of vaccinations for both residents and team members, mean we are able to offer a range of visits including bedroom visits for named individuals, indoor visits in our visiting rooms as well as outdoor and window visits.
We continue to monitor the situation for each home and their local communities and adjust the visiting policy to the current situation, so please check individual website pages for updates or enquire with the Home Manager.
It’s comforting to know that my nan has the best care for her needs and is well looked after. The activities and variety for residents is great, and even those who can’t participate are not forgotten. I love to see the updates posted on social media too, this was particularly comforting during lockdown and a great way of being able to keep in touch with what was being run. I would highly recommend this home.
Carrie M, Granddaughter, about Meyrick Rise Care Home, August 2020
Resident Wellbeing and HappinessThe welfare and safety of residents and team is our number one priority and we recognise that those living in care homes remain vulnerable to Covid-19. That said, regular contact with loved ones is essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents, so we're following a cautious approach to supporting visits to our homes.
All visitors are asked to follow our Visitor Protocol, which includes a declaration on arrival, use of PPE, testing and observation of social distancing measures. Each home also has a dedicated Visitor Champion to welcome all visitors and support a successful and safe visit.
These measures, along with our high rates of vaccinations for both residents and team members, mean we are able to offer a range of visits including bedroom visits for named individuals, indoor visits in our visiting rooms as well as outdoor and window visitor
We continue to monitor the situation for each home and their local communities and adjust the visiting policy to the current situation, so please check individual website pages for updates or enquire with the Home Manager.
In Partnership with OthersWe are working with hospitals, healthcare professionals, local authorities and family members to continue to welcome new residents into our homes. We follow the latest government guidance to ensure moving into the home is comforting and supportive for all new residents whilst keeping the welfare and safety of all parties our top priority.
We have joined with researchers at UCL, alongside the Department of Health & Social Care, to launch the only major study into the impact of Covid-19 on those living and working in care homes. The study will give the opportunity for both residents and team members living and working in the group’s care homes in England to be regularly tested to help track the virus, understand past exposure and to determine whether this provides immunity from Covid-19. Testing has already begun and the study will continue with further tests over the next 12 months.
First Few Days
Staying in Touch
Visiting Residents
Proactive Infection Control
Hand Hygiene
Safe Essential Visits
PPE Availability and Use
Ongoing Infection Control Training
Robust Cleaning
Supporting Team Members
Keeping Families Connected
Safer Reunions
Resident Wellbeing and Happiness
In Partnership with Others
First Few Days
We promise to give everyone a warm welcome with tea and biscuits on arrival. Your room will be carefully prepared and include any personal things that have been brought in advance to the home.
When we admit new residents we have clear protocols in place to ensure that it is appropriate for them to move in.
We also ensure that any new residents coming into our homes, whether from a local hospital or the community, have been tested in advance and are negative for COVID-19. On arrival, there is a period of ‘isolation’, where contact with others in the home is restricted. During these initial first few days, we make sure that the resident settles in and has plenty of contact with our designated team members.
Some of the isolation period can be completed at home beforehand. A family member can help on the important moving in day. A quick Lateral Flow test, temperature check and some PPE provided by the home will mean resident and their loved one can spend a little time together on moving in day to get settled.
The first day in our home could be spent settling in and unpacking. The team will be on hand to provide advice and reassurance if needed and will start to capture more information about the resident's preferences. The welfare and happiness of residents is our number one priority and we will do our best to make sure the moving in day goes as smoothly as possible.
Then all that’s required is to decide which activities to join in with. There’s no cleaning, no clothes washing, no cooking to worry about...
Staying in Touch
As well as face-to-face visiting indoors and out, our team can help arrange Zoom, Skype, Facetime and even Google Duo in some cases. Our iPads help make that face-to-face screen time easier.
In addition to the more traditional forms of staying in touch, brighterkind homes offer a Magic Moments Club App to help families stay in touch. With secure video, photo and text messaging as part of the App, families can share stories and memories knowing that residents can keep returning to them for reminiscence whenever they want.
Visiting Residents
With restrictions on visiting, we are so pleased to offer a wide range of visit options for family members. We always work within the local and national guidance of course, but our online booking system makes it so easy for families to book, re-arrange or cancel visits. This can all be done on a mobile, desktop or tablet. Visits are so important that each home has a Visitor Champion to support booking and smooth running of visits during the day.
Our Visitor Protocol keeps everyone safe and ensures that appropriate PPE, testing and social distancing takes place.
Proactive Infection Control
We are committed to the wellbeing of our residents and never forget how susceptible they can be to infection.
We take a dynamic, risk-based approach in response to any outbreak at a home or within the local community where they are based, working with the relevant local authorities on latest guidance and ensuring proactive communication for all involved.
Over the last few months, we have focused time, investment and energy on an enhanced approach to housekeeping and cleanliness. This long-term approach aims to lower the risk of any virus in our homes and has, and continues to be, a whole team effort to ensure a consistently clean place for all to live, work and visit.
The dedicated Infection Prevention & Control Champion in each home has completed an enhanced training course and has delivered short, informative briefings to all team members in their home. We are further investing for the long term by providing new equipment and shortly each home will receive a new ATP testing kit, which swabs for bacterial presence and will allow team members to measure the levels of cleanliness being achieved as part of an accurate and reliable audit process.
Hand Hygiene
Handwashing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection and we've made significant investment to encourage increased hand hygiene in line with government advice.
Permanent hand sanitiser stations are in place across all care homes and hold enough sanitiser for 10,000 uses, providing long-lasting protection without the need for constant refilling. They're a key part of our infection control strategy and help to protect the safety of those living and working in our homes, as well as visitors.
Safe Essential Visits
We ensure that visits only take place from essential external professionals when absolutely safe to do so. They are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Home Manager and are subject to a number of conditions.
We are taking steps to ensure that where we have to use agency staff, they do not work in other homes too. Any external team or contractor visits are strictly only when essential and require a negative test before entering the building. Plus, we've put controls in place to minimise the number of locations visited within a period of time and visiting team members is required to wear appropriate PPE at all times. All visits to our care homes are supported by the home Visitor Champion and visits are pre-booked and staggered to minimise the number of people on-site at any time.
PPE Availability and Use
Team members follow guidance to ensure the appropriate use of PPE during their working day.
We have a sufficient supply of PPE for our teams and continue to work closely with suppliers to ensure stock levels are maintained. Visitors to our homes are asked to wear PPE provided by brighterkind, which may include a face covering, apron or gloves.
They have done extremely well to keep residents COVID free. During lockdown they’ve regularly updated me and also made the effort to call me so that I can talk with my mother.
Keith M, son of resident at Houndswood House in Radlett, September 2020
Ongoing Infection Control Training
As well as completing a thorough induction in infection prevention and control before they enter the home, all team members receive an ongoing programme of training through both face to face sessions and via a digital platform. The training includes a mandatory module on infection control and prevention which has been completed once again.
We have introduced Infection Prevention & Control Champions in every home who coach team members in how to ensure best practice infection prevention and control. The team have an array of online guides and videos on key infection control topics that can be accessed at any time.
We make sure all our team members are kept updated on the most appropriate way to use PPE throughout their daily duties and handwashing techniques are regularly observed.
During the pandemic, Home Managers receive regular Covid-19 information and updates which are shared with all team members. The home has a meeting everyday to communicate changes, discuss issues and make sure best practice is shared throughout the home.
We are further investing for the long term by providing new equipment and shortly each home will receive a new ATP testing kit, which swabs for bacterial presence and will allow team members to measure the levels of cleanliness being achieved as part of an accurate and reliable audit process.
We are proud to introduce The Train Station - our online learning and development programme for all essential learning, additional learning and career development.
Available on mobile, desktop and iPad, our team can learn at a time and place that suits them. Everything from induction materials for new team members, right through to support for those wishing to advance their career in care.
Robust Cleaning
We are committed to achieving the highest standard of cleanliness and hygiene to control the spread of infection and illness in our homes. In addition to our detailed cleaning manual for team members, we have support tools available such as cleaning schedules and method cards to ensure cleaning and disinfection is carried out effectively, focusing on high risk infection areas, surfaces and hand touch points.
Standardisation is achieved throughout our care homes thanks to a company-wide chemical product list and all products are purchased from approved suppliers and supported by evidence of their efficacy and the required health and safety information.
We use a multi-surface cleaner disinfectant for use on all surfaces which is effective against Coronaviruses and personal hygiene protocols are actively followed by all team members.
Supporting Team Members
We are immensely grateful and proud of our team and the care provided to our residents. For our residents, team members are like a second family.
It isn't our responsibility to just look after our residents, but it’s also vital to take care of our team too. The way people who work in our care homes feel about their work directly affects our residents. We know that a happy, looked after and engaged workforce is vital.
To celebrate the efforts of all team members we have recently launched a new award of recognition — our Making A Difference Award. This gives you, as a family member, alongside our residents and colleagues, the opportunity to recognise those members of our team that have gone above and beyond to deliver great care and make each day the best it can be for all those that live and work in our homes.
To find out more or to nominate someone you feel has made a big difference to you or your relative, please visit www.brighterkind.com/making-a-difference-award. It only takes a few minutes to complete and all nominated team members will be celebrated within their home and then considered for our national Star Award each quarter. I hope you will take the opportunity to get involved.
Sometimes life throws you lemons and this is where our Employee Assistance Programme comes into its own. The programme is free for all team members and is there for any eventuality - from advice about health and wellbeing to concerns about finance, housing or mortgages...it’s all covered and provided as an advice and counselling service for our team members, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Throughout the pandemic, we shared the wonderful care and passion of our team. These joyous stories and individuals were nominated by their peers and shared with the wider team daily.
We thank each and every one of our team members for the amazing part they play in keeping our residents happy and safe.
The care home does a brilliant job. Nothing is too much trouble. All the staff are friendly and always have a smile. The care my mother is receiving is second to none. Their handling of the Covid crisis is exemplary.
AG, son of resident at St Oswald’s House. August 2020
Keeping Families Connected
Communication with loved ones is core to the wellbeing of residents, particularly during times of uncertainty. Across our homes, teams are assisting with visits and video calls on a daily basis to ensure residents keep in touch with their nearest and dearest.
We've set up dedicated private family Facebook groups to encourage day-to-day communication and our Magic Moments App continues to keep families connected with private email and video messaging, photographs and shared memories. For face-to-face celebrations or family catch-ups, get-togethers via video have proved to be popular with every generation and have become commonplace in our homes.
Our homes have also connected our residents with the local community through Postcard Pals, keeping them engaged and cheery in receiving drawings, letters and cards from local schools and groups.
The present situation has made visiting impossible, but I have been able to speak to my husband, and his nurse and carers whenever I’ve wanted to, including video calls. Their concern for me as his wife has also been very much appreciated. I feel like we are both being cared for. If I can’t look after him, then I can’t think of anywhere else I’d want him to be.
Violet P, wife of resident talking about Ashbourne Court, August 2020
Safer Reunions
The welfare and safety of residents and team is our number one priority and we recognise that those living in care homes remain vulnerable to Covid-19. That said, regular contact with loved ones is essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents, so we're following a cautious approach to supporting visits to our homes.
All visitors are asked to follow our Visitor Protocol, which includes a declaration on arrival, use of PPE, testing and observation of social distancing measures. Each home also has a dedicated Visitor Champion to welcome all visitors and support a successful and safe visit. These measures, along with our high rates of vaccinations for both residents and team members, mean we are able to offer a range of visits including bedroom visits for named individuals, indoor visits in our visiting rooms as well as outdoor and window visits.
We continue to monitor the situation for each home and their local communities and adjust the visiting policy to the current situation, so please check individual website pages for updates or enquire with the Home Manager.
It’s comforting to know that my nan has the best care for her needs and is well looked after. The activities and variety for residents is great, and even those who can’t participate are not forgotten. I love to see the updates posted on social media too, this was particularly comforting during lockdown and a great way of being able to keep in touch with what was being run. I would highly recommend this home.
Carrie M, Granddaughter, about Meyrick Rise Care Home, August 2020
Resident Wellbeing and Happiness
The welfare and safety of residents and team is our number one priority and we recognise that those living in care homes remain vulnerable to Covid-19. That said, regular contact with loved ones is essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of our residents, so we're following a cautious approach to supporting visits to our homes.
All visitors are asked to follow our Visitor Protocol, which includes a declaration on arrival, use of PPE, testing and observation of social distancing measures. Each home also has a dedicated Visitor Champion to welcome all visitors and support a successful and safe visit.
These measures, along with our high rates of vaccinations for both residents and team members, mean we are able to offer a range of visits including bedroom visits for named individuals, indoor visits in our visiting rooms as well as outdoor and window visitor
We continue to monitor the situation for each home and their local communities and adjust the visiting policy to the current situation, so please check individual website pages for updates or enquire with the Home Manager.
In Partnership with Others
We are working with hospitals, healthcare professionals, local authorities and family members to continue to welcome new residents into our homes. We follow the latest government guidance to ensure moving into the home is comforting and supportive for all new residents whilst keeping the welfare and safety of all parties our top priority.
We have joined with researchers at UCL, alongside the Department of Health & Social Care, to launch the only major study into the impact of Covid-19 on those living and working in care homes. The study will give the opportunity for both residents and team members living and working in the group’s care homes in England to be regularly tested to help track the virus, understand past exposure and to determine whether this provides immunity from Covid-19. Testing has already begun and the study will continue with further tests over the next 12 months.
