HOW CARE HOMES ARE CHANGING
To borrow a line from The Teddy Bear’ s Picnic: if you go down to a care home today, you’ re sure for a big surprise.
That’ s certainly the case if your idea of a care home is a group of bored older people sitting in a semi-circle in a room that smells of disinfectant.
That image may once have been true, but visit a high quality, modern care home and you’ ll find things are very different.
A DISCERNING AUDIENCE
The best residential care for older people has the distinct feel of a boutique hotel.
The thought that has gone into the interior design is evident from the stylish furniture to the wallpaper and lighting. The uninspiring institutional paint that was once used on every wall has been replaced by a variety of colours and textures, creating interest for the eye and a more homely feel.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Meal times are unrecognisable from care homes of a few decades ago. Older people still love classic Great British dishes but many also enjoy a range of world cuisines from French and Italian to Indian or Chinese.
Variety goes hand in hand with quality, with choices to suit every appetite and palate. Behind the food lies real nutritional science, ensuring that meals are balanced and residents are receiving the calories, vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.
Some older people experience difficulty in swallowing( dysphagia) and the best care homes will not only ensure a tasty and varied diet but also that it comes in the appropriate consistency and is well presented.
STIMULATION FOR BODY AND MIND
Choice and quality is equally vital when it comes to activities. It’ s very normal for care homes to offer a range of things for residents to do, but not all activities are the same.
“ We employ a specialist company to help design and coordinate our activity programmes,” explains Lesley Loizou, Customer Relations Manager at Baycroft.“ Not only do they have the expertise to ensure there’ s something to keep everyone engaged and active, they also help train our staff.”
Many older people wish to keep up with activities they enjoyed before moving to a care home. For some that may be gardening, where raised beds help save stiff backs. Cooking can become a hobby for residents, rather than a daily chore.
DEMENTIA CARE
Specialists are particularly important for ensuring those with dementia can
take part in activities. Having the right equipment for such activities is very important, especially for anyone with more advanced dementia.
“ We have an amazing‘ magic table’ that really help residents with dementia,” adds Lesley.“ Images are projected and people can alter them or play simple games just by moving their hands across the table. It can really draw those with dementia out of themselves and help enrich their lives.”
FANTASTIC FACILITIES
Leading modern care homes boast a fantastic range of special facilities and services. Look out for cinemas, gyms, hairdressers, treatment rooms and even snooker rooms. A mini bus is on hand to ensure our residents remain connected to their local community and are able to visit both new and familiar local landmarks.
There is now a very different attitude towards patient care. Independence is highly valued and each person is considered as an individual. Quality care comes through providing whatever is required to keep residents happy, well and fulfilled.
If you’ d like to arrange a visit to our new home in Orpington, get in contact via the details below:
LUXURY CARE HOME
NOW OPEN
75 BEDS RESIDENTIAL CARE
NURSING CARE
DEMENTIA CARE
GRAYS FARM ROAD, ORPINGTON, KENT, BR5 3AD 020 8302 2567 info @ baycroft. co. uk baycroft. co. uk