CARE & SUPPORT
Think about what your loved one needs from their accommodation and assess each home by its first impression: is the home inviting, with welcoming staff? Does it have a clean appearance and fresh smell, with comfortable, well-decorated rooms and an attractive outdoor space? Consider visiting times and parking, ease of access and local facilities. Ask about the ratio of staff to residents, choice of male or female carers, staff qualifications, training and turnover. Find out how a resident’s care needs are met, what will happen if their needs increase and whether families are involved in decisions about their care. You might also want to discuss the range of social activities, outings and food options on offer; whether they have facilities to bring pets in, go shopping or to a place of worship; and how spending money is handled. Try to get a chance to talk to other residents and their families to get an independent opinion, and be sure to check the care home’s ratings on the Care Quality Commission website too. There are lots of good local examples to consider. For instance, Barley Manor Care Home in Great Shelford is part of the Porthaven Group and offers 24-hour residential, nursing, dementia and respite care in a stylish, comfy setting. Residents have a generously sized bedroom with en- suite wet room, plus access to a communal gym, cinema, cafe and hair and nail salon. Care UK’s Heathlands House in Cherry Hinton also has a welcoming on-site cafe, comfortable cinema and hair and beauty salon. Each bedroom is individually styled and has its own en-suite facilities; many of the rooms on the ground floor also have their own patio doors that open directly onto the south-facing landscaped gardens. Arlington Manor in Girton is run by Hallmark Homes and offers an all-inclusive package that comprises mouth-watering meals prepared by professional chefs, as well as hairdressing and beauty services. The beautiful private suites and spacious bedrooms at Cambridge Grove Care Home in Fulbourn are designed for relaxation and privacy. For a social experience, residents can visit an elegant cafe to enjoy a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake. Try to talk to other residents and their families to get an independent opinion
TIME FOR TEA Residents at Uplands Place (top left) and Cambridgeshire Care Home (left) can head down to their respective in-house cafes to enjoy a cuppa and lots of social interaction
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK JANUARY 2025 67
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