alexandra house nursing home

21 Pages·2010·0.89 MB·English

ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
Wroughton Court
Nottingham Road
Eastwood
Notts
NG16 3GP

TELEPHONE: 01773 530601
FAX: [phone]

Resident’s Handbook
(Service User’s Guide)

this booklet gives a brief overview of our home
and the services we provide
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME

This Handbook has been produced to assist you and your
nearest and dearest to settle quickly and smoothly into this new
and strange environment, and to learn what is on offer during
your stay.

We have attempted to guess the many questions you are likely
to have, and to make them easier to find we have listed them in
alphabetical order.

We realise that it is impossible to guess every conceivable
query, but staff are always on hand to assist and advise as
necessary, you only have to ask.

On admission, the staff will note your likes and dislikes, your
preferred daily routine, and any other relevant information so
that we can tailor the care that we give you to suit your own
very individual needs.

Alexandra House is to become your home; we want you to feel
welcome and at ease here. Do not be afraid to make your
wishes known, we will always do our best to make sure they are
carried out if at all feasible.

We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay!

Contents
About the Home
Frequently asked questions
Youre ‘A to Z’ of the Home
Our Philosophy of Care
The Mission Statement
The Residents’ Charter
Admissions Policy

Complaints Procedure
Terms and conditions of residency
About the Home

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
Alexandra House has space for 38 residents, it was purpose
built in 1990 to provide a safe haven for the frail elderly
residents of Eastwood. It is privately owned, being part of a
small group of homes run by Eastgate Limited, and the
Homeowner is Mr J. W. Day. The other homes are Park House
at Bulwell, and Melbourne House at Aspley.

The Home is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, yet is still close to
the shops and other local amenities. These include a chemist,
hairdressers, greengrocers and other shops, and ‘The Man in Space’,
the local public house. Other hostelries, three churches, a post office,
and the local doctors’ surgery are all within easy walking distance.

Members of the clergy from any denomination will come into the Home
on request, and two church services are held in the main lounge each
month.

The home offers full board accommodation on a permanent or
temporary basis, and all meals, laundry service, Chiropody and
Physiotherapy are included in the price. Only hairdressing is an
‘extra’. There are good links with all the doctors’ surgeries and
the district nursing services in the area, and both these
professional bodies visit the Home regularly.

The grounds are open plan and pleasant, with a small fishpond,
residents may sit outside when the weather is warm enough.

The Home employs an Activities Co-ordinator who arranges
activities for the afternoons, and trips out from the home at
various times of the year. These include outings to the
pantomime at Nottingham Playhouse in December and trips to
other local venues at other times of the year.

Eastwood itself is an historic place, being known worldwide as the
birthplace of D. H. Lawrence. It boasts several small museums and a
large library, all within easy reach of the Home.

The staff are happy to arrange outings to any local places of interest on
request, providing a family member is able to accompany them.
Transport can be arranged through Amber Valley Community Transport
Services for a modest fee. The cost of all our social outings is met by our
fundraising events.
June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the visiting times?
We have open visiting at Alexandra House, which means
visitors may come and go as they please. We do expect visitors
to be sensible about this however, so the smooth running of the
home is not compromised.
If visitors need to come after dark, they must make themselves
known to a member of staff before they will be allowed into the
Home, this is for safety / security reasons.

Can I bring my own things with me into the Home?
The staff actively encourage prospective residents to bring
some of their possessions into the Home in order to personalise
their bedroom. If furniture is brought in, the family are
responsible for removing it again if the room is vacated;
otherwise the only restriction is the size of the room. All items
must be safe to use, and not pose a risk to anyone.

What is there to do at the Home?
Alexandra House employs an Activities Co-ordinator who organises
activity sessions every afternoon, and outings to local places of interest
on an occasional basis. Residents are encouraged to talk to the staff,
visitors and other residents, and to form friendships if at all possible. This
helps to strengthen the ‘sense of belonging’ and the feeling of
‘community’ that is so important for contented living.

What happens if I become ill?
The Home is run by Registered Nurses and Care Staff trained
to NVQ II standard, so there is always someone on call who
can help you. If a doctor’s visit is deemed necessary, the
trained nurses will arrange this for you. Sick people are cared
for in the Home, they are not sent to hospital unless this is their
wish, and the doctor will always take this into account.

Is Smoking allowed?
There are no facilities available at Alexandra House for
smokers, so the Home does not admit those who need to
June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
smoke. Staff who smoke have to go well away from the
premises in order to do so.

Will I be able to go out on my own?
Residents who wish to go out are free to do so provided a risk
assessment has been done. The risks are balanced against the
need for freedom of movement, and agreed with the family as
necessary.
YOUR ‘A’ to ‘Z’ GUIDE

ACTIVITIES
Alexandra House employs staff who can arrange social sessions during the
afternoons. Bingo, dominoes and Sing-a-long sessions have always proved to be
favourites in the past, and any other activity will be considered provided it is within
our powers to facilitate it.

ADVOCACY SERVICES
For those who have difficult issues to discuss or sort out, and where there does not
seem to be anyone close to help, the staff can arrange for an outside person to come
into the home to listen to concerns. These professionals are trained to offer support
and guidance in an impartial way, allowing you to mull over your own thoughts before
you make any big decisions about your life or your future.

ALCOHOL
Residents may indulge in the odd alcoholic drink provided it does not cause any
problems either to the person concerned, or to other residents of the home. The staff
have a duty, by law, to undertake a risk assessment to minimise the chance of any
problems occurring, before anyone can store alcohol in their room, or drink it
unsupervised. Alcohol must obviously be stored sensibly so it cannot be used
inappropriately by anyone else.

ARRIVAL AT THE HOME
On arrival at the home, all new residents are greeted with a cup of tea if desired,
introduced to other residents and staff, and shown around the home. It is our aim to
make this enormous step as smooth and pleasant as possible.

BATHS / SHOWERS
The home is equipped with various baths and showers one of which should fit your
particular needs and at least half of the rooms enjoy en-suite facilities too. Privacy is
assured at all times, and staff are always on hand to assist as necessary.

BEDS
The home caters for people with a wide spectrum of conditions and disabilities, so
there are various beds available to suit your needs. The staff will assess your
particular needs on admission, and arrange the most appropriate bed for you.

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
BIRTHDAYS
At Alexandra House residents are encouraged to make the most of the fact that they
are ‘coming of age’. If families wish to hold a party or make special arrangements for
the gathering of a few friends, they have only to ask. The home celebrates the
birthday of each resident by baking a cake.

BREAKFAST
Residents can come down for breakfast at any time between 7am and 10am, and
may have breakfast in their room if desired. There is a full range of breakfast choices
available, just tell the cook what you prefer.

CALL BELLS
All rooms are fitted with a nurse call system so residents may ring for assistance
when required.

CHILDREN VISITING
Children are welcome provided they are well behaved. The possibility for accidents is
greatly increased when infirm residents are negotiating the corridors amongst very
boisterous and active children. Visitors are asked to use their common sense in this
matter.

CLOTHING
The home encourages you to bring your own clothing with you so you feel more ‘at
home’. A laundry service is provided as part of your residency agreement. To reduce
the risk of possible loss, all items of your clothing must be clearly marked by sewing
a woven nametag securely into place.

CHIROPODY
A chiropody service is provided as part of your residency package, and the
chiropodist visits approximately every eight weeks. If you require visits more
frequently than eight weeks, you may make private arrangements for this, but will
have to bear the extra cost yourself.

CHURCH SERVICES / CLERGY VISITS
If you require a visit from a member of the clergy or wish to attend a church service,
the nurses will happily arrange this for you.

DENTAL TREATMENT
NHS domiciliary services for routine dental treatment in Nottingham and
Nottinghamshire is variable and inconsistent, and may not exist at all in the future. It
may be possible for NHS intervention in the case of an emergency, but even this
service is very patchy. It is safer for you to remain registered with your own dentist if
at all possible, and for the family to take you to the dental surgery for your
appointments.

DRINKS / SNACKS
You can ask for drinks or snacks at any time of the day or night

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
DOCTORS’ VISITS
The home has good links with all the local G.P. surgeries. Doctors do not visit
routinely; they only come when called because trained nurses staff the home, but
visits can be arranged upon request if you wish.

ELECTIONS
Arrangements can be made for you to have a postal vote whilst resident in the home.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
A competent electrician must check any electrical appliances brought into the home
before they can be used. This is to safeguard against fire or other accident.

ENTERTAINMENT
Our Activities Co-ordinator arranges activities and entertainment throughout the year,
so there is usually something happening most days. Outside entertainers visit
roughly once a month, and trips to places of interest occur fairly regularly. You are
most welcome to join us.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Your family and friends are welcome to visit you at any reasonable time.
Refreshments can be offered to them, especially if they have had to travel any
distance. If you require a visit during the night, it is best for the visitor to phone before
setting off, so the staff are aware that someone is expected. Staff do not routinely
open the door to callers after dark unless the visitor is known to them.

FEES
Residency fees are usually arranged through a social worker prior to your admission.
Funding and costs for private admissions is agreed between the family and the home
administrator. She handles the accounts, and sends out invoices on a monthly basis.

FIRE SAFETY
The home is equipped with fire and smoke detectors, and is checked annually by the
Fire authority. Each room is protected by a Fire door, and the corridors have fire
doors at intervals. These close automatically if the alarm sounds. All staff are trained
in emergency evacuation procedures. Because the home is staffed twenty-four hours
a day, the possibility of a large fire occurring is minimal. Visitors must, by law, sign
into and out of the building so the fire brigade knows who is on the premises in
the event of a fire.

FURNITURE
You are encouraged to personalise your room by bringing in some of your familiar
items. The only constraint is the size of your room. Anything brought in should be
taken away again if you decide to leave.

GARDEN
The garden is small but peaceful; you will be able to sit out in warm weather if you
wish.

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
HAIRDRESSING
This is the only service that is not provided as part of your residency package. The
hairdresser visits every week, she cuts, perms and styles hair at a very reasonable
price.

HEARING
The staff are aware that some people do not enjoy good hearing, and do their best to
make sure that everyone is included in activities and socialising. Residents who use
a hearing aid must try to keep it safe at all times, it is not unusual for them to be
found in the laundry!

HOSPITAL
Alexandra House is staffed by trained nurses who are able to give the best possible
nursing care to our residents. The nurses will arrange for you to see the doctor if
need be, but you will only be admitted to hospital if it is absolutely necessary, and if
that is the wish of all concerned. People are not sent to hospital against their will.
If you have an outpatients appointment, transport can be
arranged for you if necessary. A member of staff can
sometimes be provided to act as escort if there is no family
member available to go with you, but this will incur an extra
cost.

HOSPITALITY FOR VISITORS
The staff are happy to provide tea or coffee and biscuits for your visitors, you only
need to ask.

ILLNESS / SICKNESS
The home is equipped to look after sick people in conjunction with the local GP. It is
rarely necessary for residents to need hospital admission.

INSPECTIONS AND INSPECTION REPORTS
All care homes, including Alexandra House, are visited regularly by the inspectors
from the Care Quality Commission inspection team. Inspection reports are there for
anyone to see, and are available either ‘on line’, or in the home. If you would like to
see a copy, just ask.

LAUNDRY
The home provides a laundry service as part of your residency package. All we ask is
that clothing is labelled clearly by sewing in a woven nametag. These are available
from a local supplier at a very reasonable cost. Unmarked laundry soon goes astray.

MEAL TIMES AND FOOD
Breakfast is from 7.00am to 10.00am, lunch fro 12.30 – 1.30pm, and tea from
5.00pm to 6.00pm. Milky drinks and snacks are available mid-evening, and other
drinks and snacks are available at any time.

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
MEDICATION / TABLETS AND TREATMENTS
In Care Homes medication is usually locked safely away by the nurses then
administered as it becomes due. If you wish to look after your own medicines, a risk
assessment will be carried out to make sure the procedure is safe. All medicines
must be kept in a locked area.
Families are asked not to bring medicines into the home without the knowledge
of the staff; this could be dangerous as some medicines are not compatible

MOBILE LIBRARY
A mobile library brings a small selection of books into the home, and changes them
on an occasional basis. Please ask the staff for details if you are interested.

MONEY AND VALUABLES
Please bring only those items that you really cannot do without, as space is
limited, and security is a perennial issue. If necessary, some things can be locked
in the treatment room for safekeeping until a relative can take the item home. Money
is not normally required on a day-to-day basis as all the services, apart from
hairdressing, are included in the residency agreement, and are therefore free.

MUSIC
We encourage residents to listen to music of their choice. Old time music is usually
played during activities sessions, and Sing-along afternoons feature music from
years gone by. You are welcome to join in with any of these events.

NAILS
A chiropodist visits the home every eight weeks to cut toenails, and the nursing staff
look after fingernails at bath time. If you require extra visits by the chiropodist, you
would need to fund this yourself.

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
Newspapers can be ordered from the nearby newsagents. The resident concerned
would need to make an agreement with the newsagent regarding the bill.

NIGHT CARE
The home is staffed by trained nurses and care staff twenty-four hours a day, so
there is always someone on hand to offer assistance as required.

OPTICIANS
An optician visits every few weeks to assess and test any new residents, and to
provide ongoing surveillance for the other residents. Spectacles have to be paid for
unless the resident concerned is receiving benefits.

PETS
The home does not normally accept pets, as the facilities are limited, however each
case is decided on its merits. Please ask the staff for details if you wish to bring a pet
with you.
Visitors can bring pets into the home provided they are kept under control.

June 2009
ALEXANDRA HOUSE NURSING HOME
PHOTOGRAPHS
We try to take photos of all our functions so residents have a keepsake of the
occasion. We encourage families to bring in photos to hang in residents’ bedrooms.

PRIVACY AND DIGNITY
We always endeavour to look after our residents with the utmost care; this includes
maintaining their privacy and dignity.

QUALITY ASSURANCE
The senior staff regularly monitor the care received by the residents of Alexandra
House, and outside agencies such as Nottinghamshire County Council, Social
Services and the Care Quality Commission all scrutinise the home and its practices
at regular intervals. Anyone with concerns regarding any aspect of care at Alexandra
House should speak to the Matron or manager without delay.

RELIGION
The home is open to all denominations, and members of the clergy are always
welcome. Several church groups are prepared to visit the home to facilitate simple
services on request, and visits from a particular minister can be arranged if desired.

RESIDENTS SUGGESTIONS
We are always interested in any ideas to improve our service to the residents of
Alexandra House. There is a monthly residents meeting with the staff, but you can
speak to the matron at any time, your views will always be listened to.

SHOPPING
When the weather is warm enough, the staff will take residents to the shops in
Bulwell on request. Organised shopping trips to other shopping centres some
distance away can be arranged in advance if desired.

SMOKING
Alexandra House does not have the facilities to cater for smokers, so we do not
admit smokers to the home. Visitors and staff who wish to smoke must do so away
from the premises, not in the grounds.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
An Activities Co-ordinator arranges sessions in the afternoons, including bingo,
dominoes, singalongs, etc., and outings to local places of interest on occasion. All
activities are optional; if you would like to join in just ask staff for details.

STAFF
Qualified nurses manage Alexandra House, and there is always a trained nurse in
charge of the home twenty-four hours a day. The nurses look after the medical needs
of the residents and maintain comprehensive plans of care for each of them. The
Care Assistants look after the day-to-day needs of the residents, and have
undergone various levels of training up to and including NVQ 3 in care.
All staff are committed to giving the best possible care for each resident, and care is
tailored to suit the needs of each individual. An Activities Co-ordinator assists the
June 2009