Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Residential Care Home?
A residential care home offers security and cares for older people and relieves them of day to day practical worries and the concerns of family and friends. We respond to residents as individuals and respect their privacy, and we aim to maintain each person’s dignity and independence. Quality of life can be enhanced as new relationships are formed. There are opportunities to pursue personal interests and retain existing personal relationships outside the home.
We provide help with personal care, dressing, washing, bathing, getting to the toilet, medicines, and help with managing finances when necessary. Our home also cares for people with dementia.
What is a Nursing Home?
A Nursing home is a place of residence for people who require constant nursing care and have significant deficiencies with the activities of daily living.
Will I have my own room?
Yes. You can make the room your own by bringing pieces of furniture and other belongings with you. You will have a key to your room. There is also a bedside locker with a lockable drawer for you to keep small valuables and money. Staff and visitors will not enter your room unless invited by you. Your room is your personal space. You may use it as you choose. Domestic staff will negotiate with you a convenient time to clean your room. However, it has to be recognised that some people have a legal right to inspect any part of a Residential Care or Nursing Home.
Do you cater for married couples?
Yes. Some of our homes have married couples staying with us. A double room is provided if available.
Is there anywhere for relatives to stay?
Our homes do not have a permanent facility for visitors to stay overnight, however there may be circumstances when the management would like to/need to accommodate such a request. On these occasions each case will be dealt with on an individual basis.
How much will it cost, and what will I have to pay?
If you have capital assets of over £23000.00* you will be required to pay the full cost of the care provided. This fee starts at £550.00 per week* If you have capital of less than £23000.00* you will be expected to declare your income and savings. An assessment of your charges will then be made. In this instance you will have a social worker to help you. There is a minimum charge which everyone has to pay and the Department of Social Security (DSS) will ensure that you will at least have sufficient income to meet this charge and be left with a statutory personal allowance.
*figure may change – ask for the up-to-date amount.
What are the arrangements for having a bath?
In our home we like to give you the choice to decide when you have a bath or shower. You can discuss what your preferred arrangement is with your allocated Key worker.
Are there hairdressing facilities?
Yes. We have a visiting hairdresser operating in our own salon. If you wish to continue to use your own hairdresser this can also be arranged for a small charge on the remaining days each week. This would need to be booked via the manager.
What laundry facilities are there?
We provide a laundry service in the home. Bed linen is always changed on a weekly basis. Personal clothing can be laundered as and when you require it. All clothing will need to be labelled.
Are there any restrictions that affect me?
Restrictions are kept to a minimum and you have the freedom to choose your own lifestyle, so long as this does not infringe on the rights of others. Our philosophy is to make our Home as flexible as possible. There are no set times for getting up and going to bed. Some residents like to rise early, others prefer a lie in.
What time is visiting hours?
There is no restriction. Your family and friends can come to see you anytime you like, and continue to be involved in you care if that is what you want. Guests can have a meal with you by prior arrangement. A nominal charge will be made for this service. Tea and coffee making facilities are available both in the upstairs and downstairs kitchen. A donation system is in operation, which goes towards our resident’s fund.
Do you cater for special diets?
Yes. We have very experienced Cooks who can provide special diets. Every effort will be made to meet your medical and cultural needs.
Is there a choice of menu?
Yes. Our home offers a choice of menu. Likes and dislikes about food can be raised at resident’s meetings and discussed with you on admission.
How flexible are mealtimes?
We try to be as flexible as possible for all meals. Arrangements can be made if you want to go out and are unable to return in time for a meal. You can choose to miss a meal or request a snack at another time.
Does the home have a shop?
No, but our home keeps small items for sale, e.g. toiletries and stationery.
Can I become involved with chores around the home?
Yes. We want you to feel at home. You can tell one of the staff what help you want to give. Your bedroom is your private area, and although staff are employed to keep your room clean, you may prefer to do this yourself.
Can I retain links with local community?
Yes. Because you are living in a Residential Care Home it doesn’t mean that you have to spend all your time here. We want you to carry on your lifestyle as if you are living in your own home. If you need any help let us know.
What about outings and activities?
Our home arranges outings and activities in which you can take part. We have our own minibus to facilitate outings. We also arrange regular entertainment and fundraising events. Your suggestions are always welcome.
Can I bring my pet with me?
This is usually left to the discretion of the other residents and the manager. Our home has some pets here at present. They consist of goldfish and budgies. Each request has to be looked at individually.
Can I keep my own GP?
Yes, providing that your GP agrees. It is a good idea to discuss this with your GP before you move in. Our staff will also be of assistance if you need to change.
Can I look after my own medicine?
Yes, or if you want us to look after it we will. Sometimes your doctor may recommend that you let us deal with this for you.
What happens if I become ill?
You will continue to be looked after in the home if you fall ill. Should you have to enter hospital, then your room will be kept available while you are there. So far as possible you will be cared for, as you would be at home.
Can I leave the home for holiday periods?
You can arrange to go on holiday, stay with family or friends, just as you did previously.
How is the home staffed?
We employ skilled and experienced staff in the home to provide a 24-hour service, 7 days a week. Each of our homes has a manager, carers, domestic staff, kitchen staff and administration staff.
Can I voice my opinion?
Yes. We encourage all our residents to voice their opinions. We hold regular resident meetings and at various times you may be asked to complete questionnaires. We are always keen to hear your ideas and suggestions as to how we can improve the service we provide. We also have a quality circle, members include residents, relatives and staff, who meet regularly to discuss quality within the home and introduce changes which can enhance the lives of everybody in the home.
How can I make a complaint?
Anybody who wishes to comment or complain should ask to discuss the matter with the senior officer on duty in order to resolve any misunderstandings and to take immediate action to rectify the situation. This person will make a record of any such complaints. If this avenue proves unsatisfactory then you can ask to see the manager, who will also make a record of your concerns. If you are still unhappy about the situation you can contact our head office or the Care Standards Commission. All complaints are taken seriously and are fully investigated.
Will there be facilities for making phone calls?
Yes. You may have your own telephone installed in your room at your expense if you wish. There is also a telephone available for all our residents. This facility accepts coins, 10p, 20p and 50p denomination.
What do I do next?
We hope that the information we have given you in this section will help you to make a good decision. If you would like to visit a home, to see for yourself and ask your own questions please phone us on at the relevant homes phone number (hyperlink to page with lists of homes) to arrange an appointment.
