Applecross Nursing Home

CCTV Discussion

A proposal to install CCTV in communal areas such as corridors and lounges was introduced. The discussion covered potential benefits, including enhanced security, safeguarding, and incident investigation, as well as concerns about privacy and ethical considerations. It was noted that no final decision has been made, and the plan is to involve relatives, residents, staff, and key stakeholders in a wider discussion before progressing further. Updates will be provided as discussions develop.

New Digital Newsletter & Website

Applecross has launched a new website, which includes a jobs section for recruitment, a news and blog section to keep relatives and staff updated, and a dedicated newsletter section where relatives can subscribe. Relatives were encouraged to visit the website and provide feedback.

A new digital newsletter will be sent via email. Initial sign-ups were conducted through direct phone calls to relatives, but ongoing sign-ups will be managed through the newsletter subscription on the website. The newsletter will allow relatives to stay informed about updates, projects, and news within the home, and there will always be an option to unsubscribe if needed.

Security Updates

The group was updated on recent changes to security protocols, particularly in response to a recent incident where a vulnerable resident exited the home unaccompanied.

Key changes include the removal of keypad code access at the YPD entrance, meaning all visitors should now enter via the main reception. A new doorbell has been installed at the Main Building entrance, and Arran Unit staff will respond to this. All visitors must now sign in at reception before entering the home to ensure security and accurate visitor records. Visitors should ask a staff member for assistance if they need access to the YPD building.

John also pointed out that some visitors had been by passing the sign-in process by using the keypad at the YPD entrance. This presents a security risk, and all visitors were reminded to follow the new sign-in and sign-out procedure to maintain safety.

Ongoing Investments & Future Projects

Applecross remains committed to continuous investment in the home. Planned areas for improvement include room refurbishments, security upgrades, technology improvements, and enhancements to outdoor spaces. It is important that relatives and residents are involved in this type of decision-making. We want relatives and residents to help shape the direction of the service, ensuring that investments align with the needs and priorities of those living in and connected to Applecross.

Introduction of DepenSys – Dependency Tool

DepenSys is a new tool being introduced to assess and track resident care needs, ensuring that staffing levels align with actual care requirements. The tool will help with improving staffing efficiency and personalising care, supporting compliance with regulatory bodies, and providing greater transparency for families. More details will be provided as the rollout progresses.

Relatives interested in learning more can visit the DepenSys website: DepenSys Website

Introduction of PainChek – AI-Powered Pain Assessment

PainChek is being introduced to enhance pain detection, particularly for residents who may struggle to express pain, such as those living with dementia or communication difficulties. The tool uses AI-driven facial recognition to detect subtle signs of pain and provides structured assessments to support more accurate pain management.

Integration with existing care records ensures that pain assessments are effectively documented. PainChek has been developed in collaboration with the Care Inspectorate in Scotland, aligning with best practice standards.

More information is available here: PainChek Website

AI TECHNOLOGY

AI in Care Planning & Risk Assessment

Plans were outlined to explore the introduction of AI tools to assist with care planning and risk assessment. AI is being considered for use to improve clarity and completeness of care plans, identify missing information and highlight potential risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

AI will not replace human decision-making. 

Instead, it would act as a support tool to assist staff in refining documentation while ensuring that all final decisions remain with qualified professionals. Any AI-assisted recommendations would be reviewed, validated, and signed off by a registered nurse before being used in any care plan or risk assessment. AI would not make care decisions, nor would it or could it override the professional judgment of our staff.

If introduced, safeguards and controls would be put in place to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly. AI outputs would always be checked against up-to-date resident information to ensure recommendations remain accurate and relevant. Staff would receive training on how to critically evaluate AI-supported suggestions, ensuring that AI remains a tool to enhance, not replace, professional judgment.

To ensure transparency and involvement, we intend to establish a focus group made up of relatives, residents, staff, and stakeholders to help guide discussions on AI. This will provide an opportunity for open conversations, feedback, and reassurance that any AI use would be carefully considered and aligned with best practices in care.

Future Relatives’ Meetings – Format & Frequency

Future meetings will be structured with a focused discussion topic for 30 minutes, followed by an informal chat and shared experiences session for 30 minutes over tea and coffee.

Meetings are initially scheduled for every eight weeks, with flexibility to adjust based on feedback. Meetings will be chaired by both staff and relatives, depending on the topic and expertise required.

Next Meeting

Thank you again for your participation, and I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on 2nd May at 18:30 in the Iona Unit.

For this meeting, Andrei Stoica will chair the first part, providing an overview of our care planning system, how it works, and how it is used to shape care. We believe this will be an interesting and useful topic for everyone.

Remember, you can attend from the comfort of your own home, as all of our meetings are available through Microsoft Teams. If you are new to Teams, you can download the app or join via a web browser by visiting Microsoft Teams. We will send full details and a link to join the meeting closer to the time.

We hope you can attend, and as always, homemade fancies, tea, and coffee will be available for those attending in person.

Thank You

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who attended the meeting. Your time, input, and willingness to share your stories and experiences are truly appreciated. The discussions were valuable, and I hope that everyone found the meeting useful—I know that I certainly did.

Your insights and perspectives are incredReaibly important as we continue to develop and improve the care and support we provide. I look forward to ongoing conversations and working together to shape the future of our service.