Page 2. South East Times. Issue 66
How to Choose a Care Home
to family and
friends to come
to consensus of
what you feel
they would like in
a care setting.
- Research at
least five care
homes in the
locality you want
the process of selecting a care home.
Choosing a care home is a very
to look at, check the latest CQC
emotional and stressful experience You will need to take into account
report, the homes website, talk to
of this there is no doubt. At the time the needs of your loved one, location,
people who may know about the
your own perceptions of what
when this debate starts in families
service etc.
there is a realisation that the loved
you think is needed, the funding
- Make an appointment to visit as
conundrum and of course that all
one is now at a stage in their lives
many homes as you can not giving
where they cannot continue to care important needs assessment carried
a specific time but an approximate
out by the professional social care
for themselves and the combined
one i.e. morning, afternoon. This
team.
forces of family and friends is not
will give you some flexibility and
So at this highly charged period what
sufficient to ensure that they can
also a chance to see normality in a
provide the level of care needed and can you do to make sure that the
service
choices you make are informed and -
indeed deserved.
Write down the questions you
Set that against the media perception in the best interest of your loved one.
want to ask about the service; staff
Here is what I did when we faced the
portrayed on a regular basis of
training, managers qualifications,
same dilemma a few years ago:
an industry prepared with cruel
meal options, recreational activity,
- make sure that you have the best
and uncaring individuals who slip
visiting times, what happens if
possible information about your
through any amount of scrutiny to
there is a deterioration of the
loved ones medical condition, both
work in caring environments you
condition, medical support from
physical and mental
will be faced with a life changing
GP, communication and reviews
- If they have capacity, make sure
decision for the loved one and
with family etc. ask the questions
you are fully aware their wishes;
yourself. Life will never be the same
and make sure you have drilled
if they lack capacity then talk
again in your life as you go through
deep enough to
satisfy yourself.
- Ask to have
tea, if offered,
in the lounge
with residents
so you can feel
the atmosphere on the service. Gut
instinct is always good to go with,
the decor is not the most crucial
thing although it is always nice to
see a clean fresh environment.
- Watch the way the staff interact
with the residents and how
the residents interact between
themselves.
- Once you have found a service
you like and feel confident in, visit
it again unannounced.
Just a few minutes drive from the A3 and
M25, and close to the Station, this attractive
Victorian house still retains many original
features including stained glass windows and
stripped pine woodwork.
The well planned layout provides a warm
and comfortable environment for residents to
enjoy life to the full.
Rooms
All our rooms are singles, the majority of
which are ensuite. These elegantly furnished
rooms have been specifically designed to
be light and spacious, but most of all, as
comfortable and welcoming as your own
home.
All our rooms are equipped with 24 hour
nurse call system, telephone point, TV and
smoke detector. Residents are welcome to
bring personal items of furniture to make them
feel more at home.
Activities
At Springfield House, it is easy to make new
friends as well as enjoying an active lifestyle.
Personal interests and hobbies are encouraged,
such as embroidery and painting, to help us
provide a stimulating and happy environment.
Throughout the year we hold a number
of social engagements where relatives are
actively encouraged to attend and enjoy the
festivities. Examples include the Summer
Garden party, the Xmas party and Carol
Service.
Wifi is also provided at the home.
Garden
The nursing home benefits from a quiet
and large garden at the back of the home,
and during the warmer summer months,
to their fees from the NHS. An assessment
of their needs is carried out by a registered
nurse and if approved by the NHS, the
contribution is paid directly to the home and
offset against the monthly fees. The level of
this contribution is currently (until 30/3/14)
£109.79 per week.
We know that with the demographics
as there are more of us will be
considering these pathways. That
vast majority of care services provide
good care in a safe and loving
environment so find one that matches
your needs. There is no need to feel
rushed or compromised - you owe it
to your loved one and to yourself to
get it right.
Springfield House is a traditional character nursing home situated within
walking distance of the charming yet sophisticated village of Cobham, Surrey.
we actively encourage our residents to take
advantage of the fresh air.
The well stocked bushes and shrubs provide
a lovely setting to peacefully pass the time, or
engage in some form of activity.
Springfield House is registered with the Care
Quality Commission to provide nursing care
for 26 residents over
the age of 65 years:
- long-term nursing
care;
- palliative care;
- respite or short-term
care;
- day care.
We can also provide
care for a limited
number of residents
within the category of
dementia.
Our staffing ratios
ensure that individual
nursing needs are
carefully identified
and personal
care programmes
developed by our
Registered Nurses.
During this process,
we fully involve
client and relative
part icipation.
A comprehensive
training programme
and our skilled multi-
disciplinary team maintains our high standards
of care.
Fees
Fees vary depending on the type of
accommodation required and level of care
needed.
Residents may be entitled to a contribution