Information for Residents

Staff
Little Acre is owned by Geoff and Sarah Betsworth. They both take an active part in the day to day running of the home.
Sarah is a registered nurse, experienced in managing nursing and residential care.
Some of our staff already have nursing or care qualifications, while others are working towards their NVQ in care. They all have experience of looking after older people and take part in training in various aspects of care.
Everyone who works in the home wants to make your stay here comfortable and happy.

 

Your Care Needs
After you arrive we will discuss your plan of care to make sure that all your needs are properly addressed. This care plan will be updated regularly and will always be available for you, or if you prefer, your family, to look at.
We keep daily records to monitor your well-being. You may view these at any time.
If you need to see your doctor we will contact him/her for you and you can be examined in your own room, with a member of staff present if you wish.
If you have any worries or questions, or if there are any ways that we can help to make you more comfortable, please ask.

 

Where can I go in the home?
Inside – It is your home and you are free to move about as you wish. We would only ask that you respect other residents privacy and enter their rooms only when they have given permission. For your own safety you should not go into the kitchen or laundry room unless accompanied by a member of staff.
Outside – We have a lovely garden which is there for your pleasure and enjoyment. Feel free to go in the garden whenever you wish. If you would like to do a bit of gardening, please tell us and we will set aside an area for you and give you as much help as we can.

 

Meals
There is always a choice of meals on the menu. If you have any special requests, please let us know.
You may choose to eat in the dining room or in your own room.

Normal meal times are:
Breakfast 7.30 - 9am
Morning drink  10am
Lunch  12 midday
Afternoon drink  3pm
Tea  4.30pm
Supper  8.15pm

If any of these times are inconvenient for you, please let us know and we will try to accommodate your wishes.

 

Visiting Arrangements
We realise that it important for you to keep in touch with your family and friends. They are welcome to visit at any time, but we ask them to let us know if they will be arriving before 9am or after 9pm.

 

Getting Out and About
We organise trips for shopping or sight-seeing, and you are welcome to join in. If you go out with a friend or relative, please let us know when you leave and return so that we are aware of who is in the home at all times.
If you wish to go out alone, please check with a member of staff. We like to know where you are going and what time you intend to return.

 

Keeping in Touch
Telephone
There is a portable phone which you can use in your room to receive calls. Alternatively, you may have a private phone installed in your room. If you would like this we can advise on cost and arrange installation.
Newspapers
We can arrange delivery of any newspapers and magazines.
Televisions and other electrical appliances
You may bring your own TV or if you wish we will provide one for you. All electrical appliances that you bring will have to be checked for safety before they can be used.

 

Health Care
Doctor
Where possible you will want to keep your own GP. If this is not possible, we will arrange for you to be registered with a local doctor.
Dentist
You may keep your own dentist, but if this is not convenient, we can arrange for you to see a local dentist, either in the town or at the home.
Chiropodist
The health service chiropodist visits the home regularly, but if you would like treatment at other times we can arrange for a private chiropodist to visit.

 
Other Information
Worship
Holy Communion is held in the home every fortnight. If you wish to attend one of the local churches we will try to arrange transport for you.
Hairdressing
The hairdresser visits the home every Tuesday. Please let us know if you would like an appointment. Alternatively we can arrange for you to see a hairdresser of your choice.
Laundry
Your washing will normally be done in the home, but we would ask your family to take any very delicate items home to wash. Dry cleaning can be arranged.
Games and Activities
A selection of games is available in the home. Staff organise activities regularly and will tell you when these are taking place so that you can join in. Please tell us if there is anything different you would like to do.
We have various books, videos and music in the sitting room. We also use the local library and can arrange for you to visit to choose your own books.
Your bedroom
All our rooms are fully furnished but you may bring some furniture from home by arrangement. Please note that any upholstered chairs must comply with current fire regulations. You are welcome to personalise your room with pictures, ornaments etc. Each room has a lockable drawer or cupboard for which you will be given a key.
Accidents / Illness
We will inform your next of kin if you have an accident or if you are ill. All accidents will be investigated and a record kept which you may read at any time.
Bedtime
There are no rules and it is up to you when you want to go to bed or get up.
Alcohol
You may consume alcohol in the home unless your doctor has advised to the contrary.
Smoking
If you are a smoker please ensure that you tell us and we will show you where you may safely smoke.
Local Amenities
Buses into the town stop close to the home There is also a local taxi service.
Staff will be happy to check bus times for you or call a taxi if you wish.
There are lovely walks along the promenade and the sea front is just across the road from the home.
Wills
If you wish to write or change your will we will be pleased to help you to arrange a meeting with your advisors, but please understand that no member of staff may take any part in the process, or the meetings, nor can they witness your signature.
Complaints
Although we try to ensure that residents are satisfied with the services we provide, we recognise that problems may occasionally arise. Any problems should be reported to Sarah who will try to resolve them. A copy of our formal complaints procedure is included in your contract and also displayed in the hall.

 

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