INDEPENDENT HEALTHCARE AWARDS WIN

The high-quality end of life training and care in Anchor Homes has won the Excellence in Training category of the Independent Healthcare Awards. The awards were announced in September 2007.

Anchor’s National Care Specialist Team developed an End of Life training course under the expert guidance of Professor Malcolm Johnson from the International Institute of Health and Ageing.  

One of the principle objectives of the course was to remove the taboo surrounding death and dying.  Anchor recognised that there was a great deal of practical help and information as well as emotional support it could give residents; whether discussing funeral arrangements, palliative care or any concerns residents might have about the end of their lives.

Each home has been encouraged to take an individual approach to implementing the training.  Some now offer palliative care to residents, ensuring wherever possible that they can remain in familiar and comfortable surroundings, cared for by staff they know.

After consultation with residents a number of Anchor’s homes now hold memorial services so that fellow residents, often too infirm to attend funeral services outside the home, and staff have the opportunity to say goodbye.

Anchor National Care Specialist Louise Bulcock and her colleagues have introduced a wide range of services to support residents at the end of their lives and their families.

Louise said: “Staff are now much more confident in breaking the taboos around death, meaning they can help address residents’ natural concerns about dealing with the ‘last things’.”

Anchor Managing Director of Care Services Jane Ashcroft said: “Anchor’s training sessions with staff have been so successful that the End of Life project has transformed the way our homes approach the subject of death.

“I’m delighted we have won this prestigious award as it reflects the comprehensive training, hard work and commitment of our staff to really improve the lives of older people in our care as they approach the end of their lives. We are really proud of their achievements and will continue to support staff in this important area.”

The Cater Craft team were also short-listed in the Hotel Services category, an award which they won last year.

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