Avante Partnership

We’re all living longer. That means we’re all facing a higher risk of one day developing dementia. It may be you or it may be someone in your family.

But what can you do about it? How do you recognise the signs? And how will you cope if you or someone you love develops dementia? One thing’s certain. The more we know about dementia, the more prepared we’ll be to face it.

Dementia Week is 19th – 25th May 2013 and aims to increase understanding of this growing condition and tackles misconceptions about dementia, to ensure people receive the necessary support to live with the condition.

Avante Care and Support is one of the largest non-profit providers of care homes, with 15 locations in London and the South East of England and they specialise in dementia care. At the heart of their work is their Philosophy of Care, where they encourage social interaction, engagement and the eradication of boredom. They help develop interests and hobbies within their homes and provide as many opportunities to meet and make new friends. This is all part of the group adopting The Eden Alternative which is a powerful tool for improving quality of life and quality of care for those living in care homes.

During Dementia week there will be many activities at the homes across Kent, for example, pupils from Bridge and Patrixbourne Primary School will visit Bridge Haven care home in Bridge near Canterbury, dressed as Evacuees and meeting the residents who lived through WW2.

The staff at Avante Partnership are also getting involved. Encouraged by the Senior Management Team, 12 staff from the Head Office in Faversham, will be volunteering for a day in some of its care homes during Dementia Awareness Week, working and talking together alongside care staff. It is hoped that staff involved will increase their own awareness of dementia, experience first hand, the day to day work of care staff and most important of all, give a little extra to the residents.

Avante Care and Support is also mindful of the strain dementia puts onto families who care full time for a relative.

The charities “My Time” package of support provides short-term respite care, allowing carers looking after their family members to take a much-needed break.

“My Time” service user A Fletcher said,

I became a full time carer for my 83 year old mum with dementia. Although it was a privilege to spend time with such a lovely lady, it was incredibly draining due to her condition. I initially found respite at the local day centre where I was able to take mum for a few hours most days. The staff were very caring but sadly due to mum’s dementia she was unable to interact with the other attendees. I decided she needed somewhere to go where she could receive more dementia focused attention, and I found that at Bridge Haven. Bridge Haven provides My Time, which is a fantastic, flexible approach to respite care. It is flexible in that I could leave mum there for anything from 2 hours to 24 hours according to our needs.

The activities that Bridge Haven provide are extensive. Mum got her hair and nails done, she received reflexology and hand massages, as well as lots of trips out, which she loved. The staff were incredibly welcoming and supportive, both to me and to mum. They showed her great respect and patience, good humour and cheerfulness, something that I sometimes found hard to maintain because of the pressures of caring for her full time. After a few months of mum attending on a day basis I had to return to work, which meant that mum’s stay at Bridge Haven extended to weekly stays whilst I worked. Mum came home when I didn’t work. The fact that mum had had such a positive experience during her attendance previously, meant that her transition to longer stays was much easier for her and a lifeline for me. Bridge Haven’s flexible approach to respite care made it possible for me to consider returning to work, happy in the knowledge that mum was receiving really good care and stimulation, which is so important for her well-being. I am so grateful to all the staff at Bridge Haven for their kindness and support, giving both me and mum a better quality of life.

Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive for Avante Partnership said,

“Many carers feel guilty about taking time away from caring for their loved ones. “My Time” allows them to take an hour, a day or a longer to re-charge their batteries and their relationships with other family members and friends.”

Avante Care and Support has also strengthened its team of experts to further offer the best service to its clients.

Anne Child, a specialist in the study of dementia medication management and recently appointed as consultant to the Care Quality Commission, brings a wealth of experience to Avante Partnership, improving lives through careful management of residents’ medication.

Anne said,

“My work ethic and purpose is to be someone who makes a real difference to people and their care. I am passionate about the care of the elderly and those with dementia who become residents in care homes. I fully support Avante’s belief that medication should be the servant of care and support, and never its master.”

Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive for Avante Partnership said,

Excellent care is at the heart of what we do. Initiatives like “My Time” and the appointment of sector-leading experts like Anne are testament to our commitment to being the best we can be. Anne’s appointment as our Head of Pharmaceutical Care and Clinical Standards has strengthened our commitment to our service users and their families and we are continuing through innovation and learning to improve the care we offer.”

Cedric Frederick, Avante Partnership Chief Executive, talks frankly in an interview with Trevor Sturgess, Business Editor at the Kent Messenger Group. Avante Partnership cares for and serves more than 3,500 people and families of all ages, employs 2,000 staff and has a turnover of over £30m annually.

Cedric explains,
“Avante Partnership is a charity, here to care for and support primarily older people, many with dementia, though we support children, young people and families and those with disabilities. “We have very strong Governance and Management teams, standing up for quality assurance and audit to oversee services to ensure the best possible care”. “Financially, we are aware of how difficult things are for the country. We need to work smarter, more efficiently and get best value for every pound income brought into the organisation. Our vision is to grow and diversify what we do to serve the community. We believe that if we fulfill that vision we will be successful long into the future.”

Cedric uses his experience as a former professional and international basketball player, to get the best out of the people in the organisation.

He says,
“Basketball is the ultimate team sport, and my job at Avante Partnership is to help everyone in the team do well in their job.”

To watch the interview please visit: http://youtu.be/mivfPbLHLdI

Please click on the link below to view the recent article written and video footage of Cedric being interviewed by Business Editor, Trevor Sturgess.

‘Workers caring for the elderly have been hailed for doing a good job in challenging times despite going without a pay rise. Cedric Frederick, chief executive of Avante Partnership, a Faversham-based charity, says the squeeze on council costs combined with rising standards make it tough for care providers.’…read more

Avante Chief Executive Speaks at this year’s Care Management Conference

 
Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive for Avante Partnership, was the keynote speaker at this year’s Naidex National, the largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation event in the UK. The event, which attracted over 11,000 healthcare professionals, commissioners, nurses, retailers and members of the public last year, took place from 30 April to 2 May, 2013 at the National Exhibition Centre at the NEC Birmingham.
 
 Cedric said:

 ”I was pleased to be given the opportunity to contribute to such an important conference. I used the opportunity to invite delegates to think differently about the delivery of person centred care as the hundreds of ‘Magic Moments’ of interaction and contact between staff and residents that happen every day in care homes, and the importance of making every one of those, no matter how short, special”.

Pupils and staff at Bridge Haven care home, will dress as Evacuees and meet Kent residents who lived through World War II on Wednesday 22nd May.

The pupils, from Bridge and Patrixbourne Primary School, are learning all about the war in school, and will have the opportunity to meet and interview residents at Bridge Haven dementia care home, Bridge, and hear first-hand recollections of the war years.

As well as a war time tea – rationed, of course – a World War II Jeep will be on hand for the children to sit in, and it is hoped the residents will be in good voice to sing a war time song or two to evoke the sounds of the period.

Philip Moore, Community Engagement Manager at Avante Partnership said,

“I really hope the children enjoy their visit to Bridge Haven and I look forward to hearing the stories our residents have to tell of their time as youngsters, living through the war. I think there will be a real party atmosphere, with tea and a good old fashioned sing song. 

Avante works hard to build links with the communities it serves, and working with the local school in this way helps young people understand those older than themselves, and brings a great deal of happiness to our residents.”

My Time Package Offered a Welcome Break to Carers of those with Dementia During ‘Good Care Week’

Avante Care and Support, a leading dementia care home and home-care provider, believes in excellence in support for those with dementia and for those caring for loved ones living with dementia.

The charity’s “My Time” package of support provides short-term respite care, allowing carers looking after their family members, to take a much-needed break.

Avante has strengthened its team of experts to further offer the best service to its clients.

Anne Child, a specialist in the study of dementia medication management and recently appointed as consultant to the Care Quality Commission, brings a wealth of experience to Avante Partnership and improving lives through careful management of patients’ medication.

At the time of her appointment, Anne said:-

My work ethic and purpose is to be someone who makes a real difference to people and their care. I am passionate about the care of the elderly and those with dementia who become residents in care homes, and I fully support Avante’s belief that medication should be the servant of care and support, and never its master.

Cedric Frederick, Chief Executive Officer with Avante Partnership, said:-

Many carers feel guilty about taking time away from caring for their loved ones. “My Time” allows them to take an hour a day or longer, to re-charge their batteries and their relationships with other family members and friends. By looking after themselves, carers are in a better place to offer excellent care to their loved ones.

Excellent care is at the heart of what we do. Initiatives like “My Time” and the appointment of sector-leading experts like Anne are testament to our commitment to being the best we can be. Anne’s appointment as our Head of Pharmaceutical Care and Clinical Standards has strengthened our commitment to our service users and their families, and I am very much enjoying.

On Thursday 25th April 2013, Avante Partnership held their Annual Stars Awards at Gillingham Football Club, Priestfield Stadium. The Stars Awards are held for Avante Partnership staff that have been recognised for going that ‘extra mile’ within their work and are looked at as being an Avante Star for 2013.
 
As an organisation Avante Partnership value their staff and believe “We are our people”. The Stars Awards are held every year to say a thank you to their highly committed work force.
 
This year’s host of the Stars Awards 2013 was Heart FM DJ James Heming.
 
The following awards were presented on the evening of the Stars Awards,

• Avante Care and Support – Care worker of the Year
• Avante Community Support – Care Worker of the Year
• Stepahead Support – Key worker of the Year
• Avante Partnership – Colleague of the Year
• Avante Partnership – Manager of the Year
• Avante Partnership – Supporter of the Year
• Avante Care & Support Hotel Services Worker of the Year
• Avante Partnership – The Mountbatten Award ‘Above and Beyond creativity at its best’

The Mountbatten Award 2013 was presented by Lady Northbourne for “Above and Beyond – Creativity at its best” for the team, group of staff or individual that saw an idea turn into reality, nominated by the Manager of the Service.

Chief Executive, Cedric Frederick said:

This Annual event is an excellent opportunity for the organisation to thank and recognise our outstanding staff. We are grateful to all of our staff for the work that they do and congratulations.

AVANTE PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL STARS AWARDS WINNERS

Avante Care and Support Care Worker of the Year

1. Christine Parsons, Barton Court

2. Tamsin Dixon, Honeyfield

3. Wendy Ford, Pilgrims View

Avante Partnership Colleague of the Year

1. Susan Price, Perrygrove

2. Elaine Cox, Payroll at HO

3. Nick Bennett, IT at HO

Avante Community Support Care Worker of the Year

1. Petra Foster

2. Jeanette Baker

3. Dawn Phipps

Avante care and Support Hotel Services Worker of the Year

1. Suzy Payne, Court Regis

2. Elaine Harris, Amherst Court

3. Maureen Smith, Honeyfield

Stepahead Support Keyworker of the Year

Joint 1st: Kelly Coombes, Steve Page, Phil Jordan

Avante Partnership Manager of the Year

1. Dawn Dwyer, Community Support

2. Lesley Edwards, Amherst Court

3. Andrew Holden, Finance at HO

Avante Partnership Supporter of the Year

1. Tim Harris, Practice Development at HO

2. Jeanette Spooner, Willows Day Centre at Court Regis

3. Rachel Miles, HR at HO

The Mountbatten Award 2012

Winner: Court Regis

A wish has come true for a Medway care home resident, and ended with 500-mile trip for her sister’s birthday and a very special Royal souvenir.

Marjorie was delighted when Activities Coordinator, Dawn Christopher, pulled the wish from the Wishing Well, at Amherst Court, a specialist dementia care home run by Avante Care and Support in Palmerston Road, Chatham,

The wish, among many placed in the Well by residents and their families, read, “I would like to visit my sister Susie in Exeter, who I have not seen for ten years”.

Arrangements were made for the 500-mile round trip, to coincide with Susie’s birthday, which was a further surprise for Marjorie, and Marjorie set about her journey with two Amherst Care Home staff, supplied by Avante Care and Support.

Dawn Christopher, Activities Coordinator said, “After a long but enjoyable journey, we arrived at Marjorie’s sister’s house; it was obvious they were delighted to see each other again after 10 years. Marjorie presented her sister with a birthday cake, the candle on the cake was lit and Susie was asked to make a wish. She promptly said “I wish this day never ends”.

Susie invited the carers to look around her garden and gave them a cutting from a plant called Mertyl, to take back to Chatham for Marjorie. The plant, which is a symbol of love, was grown from a cutting taken from the wedding bouquet of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Victoria.

Susie said,

“Queen Victoria grew the plant at her home Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, and after the wedding, the Princess’s Lady-in-Waiting asked the Queen if she could take a piece of the Mertyl to grow. The cutting grew and after a time further cuttings were taken, one of which was passed to me by a friend, who was also a friend of the Lady-in-Waiting’s family.”

Mertyl is a symbol of love, and has been used at every Royal Wedding since, including last year when Kate Middleton married Prince William, with Mertyl stems from the same Osborne stock in her bouquet.

After a great time visiting her sister, Marjorie was delighted to take this very special gift back to Amherst.

Residents from Amherst Court, a specialist dementia care home run by Avante Care and Support in Palmerston Road, Chatham had a great night at the dogs last week.

Staff at Amherst Court regularly ask residents what day trips out they would like to take part in next and a night at the dogs became the next request. So with this request, Residents were taken to the Ladbrookes Stadium Crayford Greyhound dog track on the Friday night.

Carer Will Chapman said:

The atmosphere was, very busy and very noisy and there was a lot of social interaction. The residents told us they had really enjoyed themselves and it was something that they haven’t done for years and one asked if they could come again.  This is definitely something we will try to arrange.

At the heart of Amherst Court is its Philosophy of Care, where social interaction and engagement is encouraged and boredom is eradicated.   By addressing the ‘three plagues’; loneliness, helplessness and boredom within the home, Amherst Court has been recognised and included in the exclusive Eden Alternative registry of care homes.   Trips out such as these, show the high level of interaction that our residents at Amherst Court receive.

Following an assessment by an independent body, Avante Partnership has been awarded the ISO 14001 Certificate.  This certificate has only been achieved by less than 1% of UK business and this prestigious award is supported by the Government and recognised world-wide.

Cedric Frederick, CEO, Avante Partnership said: We have always been proud of the service we offer our customers.  Now with the award of ISO 14001, this has been confirmed by outside experts who are used to judging service on a daily basis in a wide variety of trades and industries.

 
Danny Little Child, who undertook the assessment for QMS International plc, paid particular tribute to   the investment in people and training that enables Avante Partnership to provide an efficient and environmentally friendly service to their clients.