At SCL Care Ltd we understand that the admission process to a care home can seem to be an overwhelming process. For that reason we have prepared a detailed admission procedure with the aim to support you and your family both emotionally and practically, and to make moving in as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

 

Before You Move

Prior to admission you are encouraged to visit the home to satisfy yourself that the ambience is to your liking. Our home manager will also wish to discuss your personal preferences and whatever care and other needs you may have (a needs assessment). This is essential to confirm that we are able to provide the correct environment for you. In certain circumstances a member of our staff will visit you in your own home, hospital, or in another home.

 

Once this has been carried out successfully, a place is offered, contracts are drawn up and a date is set for admission. You should normally allow a week for all the relevant documentation and payments to be in place, but in exceptional situations admission can be brought forward.

 

Because we are aware that moving is such a big decision to make, we are more than happy to offer you a trial visit. You may want to stay with us for a day or prefer to try a longer period. Whichever your preference, we will work with you to meet your expectations. The manager will be happy to discuss this further.

 

As with any house move, it's important to let family, friends, people and providers know that you're moving, and give them your new address. The list of people you need to contact may include:

• Healthcare providers such as your GP, Dentist or Optician. (You're welcome to continue using your usual healthcare providers if they're happy to come and see you in your new home.)

• Service providers such as gas/electricity companies, banks, pension providers, water board

 

When packing your personal luggage, we recommend you include the following:

• Daytime clothing

• Two or three sets of night clothes

• A dressing gown

• Slippers

• A supply of toiletries

• Socks or stockings

• Underwear

• A coat or jacket

• Medicines

 

(You don't need to pack towels and bed linen as we provide these for you.)

 

Before you move, it's a good idea to think about what you want to bring with you. Favourite small items, such as ornaments, pictures and books, are a perfect way to personalise your room. To help you get started, here are a few ideas of the sort of things you may want to bring:

• Furniture - you're welcome to bring small items of your own furniture with you. Check with your care home manager that they'll fit in your room first, though. (Furniture must be fire retardant.)

• Clothing - each care home has a laundry service so make sure you label your clothes before you arrive. Our minimum temperature wash is 40°C, so check washing instructions. If you want to bring any delicate items, perhaps family and friends can help by washing them, or taking them to the dry cleaners.

• Electrical appliances - you can bring your own TV for your room and other electrical appliances as long as they've been PAT tested by your home (for free) and you have a TV license. All rooms are heated so you won't need to bring electrical fires or fan heaters.

• Mobility aids - if you have your own wheelchair we're happy for you to bring it with you. Some Primary Care Trusts supply wheelchairs to Residents who need them.

 

Unfortunately we can't provide insurance for your personal possessions. So if you have any items of value, it's a good idea to organise personal belongings insurance for them.

 

Settling In

We want your new home to feel just that - home. When you first arrive, you will be welcomed by a senior staff member who will co-ordinate the admission and make it as easy as possible for you and family members. We will give you, your friends and family time to adjust to your new surroundings. Then, when you're ready, we'll introduce you to your key carer. They'll give you a guided tour of the home, tell you about meal times and activities and introduce you to some of the other Residents and members of staff. Your family or friends can then help you unpack or, if you prefer, we can help. Once your loved ones leave, your key carer will spend time getting to know you, unless you'd prefer to relax and be alone.

 

Take time to get to know your new home and feel comfortable. If you have any questions, your key carer and any other member of staff will be happy to help answer them.

 

Our night duty staff will already know what time you like to go to bed and wake up. And your carer will show you how to use the 24-hour call system, in case you need assistance at any time, day or night.

 

Your Care Plan

At SCL Care Ltd we appreciate that each Resident is an individual. So, too, is the type of care needed. Understanding you or your loved one’s physical and emotional well-being is imperative to us in order to determine the best type of care. Soon after you arrive we'll put together your personal care plan, which sets out your care needs, goals and personal preferences and helps us get everything just right for you. Your care plan is unique to you and covers all the details of your care. It’s designed to maximise your health, comfort and peace of mind. We'll ask you about things like:

 

• Personal routines

• General likes and dislikes

• Any medication you're taking

• Favourite activities, interests and hobbies

• How you'd like to be helped by the staff on a day-to-day basis to maintain your dignity

• What you like and don’t like to eat and drink

• Your sleep pattern

• Preferences for contact with relatives, friends and representatives