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Matt Seex Editor mattseex@stepcomms.com


CARE HOME


ENVIRONMENT Editor Matt Seex


mattseex@stepcomms.com Business Manager


Mike Gammon


mikegammon@stepcomms.com Journal Administration


Katy Cockle


katycockle@stepcomms.com Design


Steven Dillon Publisher


Geoff King Publishing Dire


geoffking@stepcomms.com Publishing Director


Trevor Moon trevormoon@stepcomms.com


THE CARE HOME ENVIRONMENT is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


HOME ENVIRONMEN


is published monthly by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road,


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1892 779999


Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. +44 (0)1892 779999


Email: info@thecarehomeenvironment.com Web: www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


Dementia – misconceptions abound


Homes still struggling with dysphagia nutrition


Welcome to the May issue of The Care Home Environment. New research commissioned by care


New research by care homes meal


home provider Care UK has laid bare many of the misconceptions and fears that people have about dementia. Almost two thirds of the 2,000 people questioned by OnePoll are afraid of developing dementia when they get older. More surprising is the revelation that 11 per cent started worrying about the condition in their 20s. Misconceptions about dementia abound – a fifth of adults wrongly believe that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are different names for the same thing, while 17 per cent believe that if a member of their family develops dementia, this means that they will, too. While fourteen per cent of those questioned think that people living with dementia cannot lead a meaningful life, over a third admitted that they actually know little about the condition. Even though there are (according


provider apetito and Care England has revealed that over half of care homes are still finding it difficult to provide residents living with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) with adequate nutrition.


The new study – Elevating Mealtimes


in Dysphagia Care: Exploring Specialist Nutrition in the Care Sector – follows apetito and Care England’s 2024 report Nourishing Lives: A New Era of Care Home Dining.


According to the study, almost 90 per cent of care homes surveyed are supporting residents living with dysphagia, a significant increase since research for the Nourishing Lives report was carried out in 2023.


to Alzheimer’s Society) an estimated 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia (a number expected to rise to


Worryingly, the new study also found that some 13 per cent of care homes are currently not adhering to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI)


ISSN NO. 2398-3280 The Publisher is unable to take any


responsibility for views e


ISSN NO. 2398-3280 The Publisher is unable to take any


contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the journal. Readers


responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not


d by


are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be


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accurate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.


ate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.


This publication is copyright under the Berne ention and the International Cop ention. All rights reserv d, apart from any copying under the UK Cop right Act 1956, part 1, section 7. Multiple copies of the contents of the publication without permission is


This publication is cop right under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention. All rights reserved, apart from any copying under the UK Copyright Act 1956, part 1, section 7. Multiple copies of the contents of the publication without permission is always illegal.


ys illegal.


cessarily shared by the journal. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents


STEP COMMUNICATIONS


Welcome to the September issue of The Care Home Environment.


1.6 million by 2040), Care UK’s research found that 72 per cent of adults have made no effort to learn about the condition. In response, Care UK has launched a new video guide which aims to debunk the myths surrounding dementia and provide support to families whose loved ones have been diagnosed with the condition. Suzanne Mumford, head of nursing,


care and dementia services at Care UK, said: “There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to dementia, and what this means for the person living with it and their family. “In reality, dementia is a condition that


can be managed to ensure those who live with it can continue to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives and can be supported to still do the things they love. That’s why we’ve launched our latest video guide, One step at a time. Featuring tips from our experts, but also testimonies of residents’ families, it is designed to help people navigate through the dementia journey, from dealing with the initial diagnosis to learning how to live well with dementia.” While the results of Care UK’s research


might be troubling, they are perhaps not all that surprising. The spectre of dementia – along with the prospect of old age itself – is something most of us push to the back of our minds. It is a scary thing to think about, and most of us would prefer not to do so. Yet it is only a matter of time before dementia affects somebody we love, or indeed us personally. Perhaps, then, we all need to be a little braver and find out more about a condition that is almost certain to come into our lives one day. I hope you enjoy the issue.


involved in meeting individual resident needs with texture modified meals that are both safe and nutritious, whilst simultaneously providing a full regular menu for others. And this is only exacerbated by the increasing economic pressures on labour and services. “However, the consequences of getting this wrong are severe. Rising numbers of care homes are struggling to meet IDDSI guidelines when preparing meals, and with a high proportion finding it difficult to provide appropriate nutrition, the findings signal a concerning trend in the world of care catering.”


Commenting on the new report, Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “This important research underlines the importance of good nutrition for people living with complex health conditions in care homes. This report clearly identifies the challenges but also offers some clear and tangible ways in which care providers can get specialist advice and ensure that people receive the nutrition that they need for a good life.” I hope you enjoy the issue.


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framework when preparing texture modified meals for residents – a seven per cent increase compared to previous research findings. The IDDSI Framework was designed to provide a common terminology to describe food textures and drink thickness. Richard Woodward, general manager at apetito and Wiltshire Farm Foods Professional, said: “It is clear from this data on specialist catering in care homes that there are still grave concerns and challenges across the sector. “We understand the complexities


THE


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