Harrogate Neighbours 

Heath Lodge Questions & Answers

 

Q. Can I bring my own personal possessions such as a TV and furniture?

We encourage residents to personalise their rooms but all furniture must meet with current Fire and Health and Safety regulations.

 

Q. Can I have meals in my room?

We encourage residents to eat in the dining room but if the resident wishes to eat in their room if they are feeling under the weather, or if they want to be on their own, then the care and catering staff will provide a meal on a tray.

 

Q. What arrangements are made for me to see a GP, Dentist, Chiropodist, Optician, Hairdresser etc?

If you become a permanent resident we will ask you to change your GP to the homes GP (St Luke’s Mowbray Square). Relatives may have to accompany residents to dentists and hospital appointments. Private chiropody service can visit the home. Hairdressers come in once a week or by arrangement. If Heath Lodge care staff are unavailable to accompany residents on any of the above, then arrangements can be made via our domiciliary care company Greenfield Court Care and charges are available on request

 

Q. What kind of activities are there?

There is a full range of activities including bingo, Knit and Natter, Choir and outings in good weather.

 

Q. Can visitors come at any time?

There are no restrictions on visiting times however we would prefer it if meal times are avoided. Some of our residents retire early to bed so we expect visitors to respect that.

 

Q. How much capital am I allowed before applying for local Council funding?

The current limit is £23,250.

 

Q. Can I go out for meals?

Residents may come and go as they wish. All we ask is that you let a senior care assistant on duty know where you are going and approximately what time you will be returning.

 

Q. Am I allowed to bring pets with me?

No. Unfortunately this is not possible as we operate a no pet policy. However ‘pat a Dog’ comes in to the home regularly and we encourage relatives to bring pets to visit but they must remain on a lead at all times.

 

Q. How do I get my personal clothing washed?

We have an in house laundry person who will be happy to wash all your clothing but we do ask that all clothing is labelled.

 

 

Greenfield Court Extra Care Scheme Questions and Answers

 

Q. Who is Greenfield Court for?

If you become unable to look after yourself in your own home, you may need help with general day to day activities. At Greenfield Court, we provide you with this assistance whilst at the same time, ensuring the opportunity for you to make choices on how you live your life. Anyone over 55 who no longer feels able to cope or does not wish to live alone at home.

 

Q. What are the charges?

Low income is not a problem when coming to Greenfield Court. You may be entitled to claim income support or housing benefit when living in a Greenfield Court Extra Care Scheme. The level of your savings may affect your entitlement to benefits.

 

Q. Will you need to know my financial circumstances?

The association will need to ask how you will meet the charges and will request that you sign a tenancy agreement to pay. All personal information is always treated in the strictest of confidence. You may wish to ask for help in claiming certain benefits, if not, your privacy will be respected.

 

Q. Will my room be decorated and furnished?

You would move into an unfurnished carpeted room. This is to allow you to bring your own choice of furniture and furnishings with you. Tenants occasionally take the opportunity to use a temporary vacant room to redecorate and you may change the décor and carpets providing they meet with health and safety and fire regulations.

 

Q. Do I look after my own room?

The general cleaning of your room is your responsibility. Every third week our housekeepers will thoroughly clean your room for you.

 

Q. Cooking is a real chore and what happens if I need a special diet. What facilities are there?

A chef is employed at Greenfield Court who is responsible for providing two meals a day and will accommodate special dietary requirements. Tenants are usually responsible for the preparation of their own breakfasts and enabling you to have breakfast when you wish?

 

Q. Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is permitted in your room only.

 

Q. What about a telephone and television?

All rooms have the facility to have a phone point if you so wish to install a phone at your own expense. There is a TV in the communal lounge and you can also use your own TV in your room.

 

Q. How will I know if a Greenfield Court flatlet will suit me?

At Greenfield Court you may book in for respite care/lunches to help you make a decision.

 

Q. What happens if I become ill?

Minor illnesses may be managed within Greenfield Court by the Scheme Coordinator/Care Manager & team. Tenants are able to buy our care services should they need them.

 

 

Greenfield Court Care

 

Q, What is the background of your company?

Greenfield Court Care is a division of Harrogate Neighbours who has been delivering care services to the community for over 40 years. The company is registered with the Care Quality Commission and North Yorkshire County Council.

 

Q. How long has your company been in business?

The agency began 4 years ago and has gone from strength to strength delivering over 400 hours of care in Harrogate. The staff work very closely in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council, District Nurses, GP’s and Care Managers.

 

Q. What qualifications, experience and training do you require of your staff?

All staff complete a stringent recruitment and selection process ensuring suitability to the post. All new care staff will shadow a senior member of the team during the induction process and continual support is given. A full annual training programme is completed by all staff to ensure all areas of care are continually updated.

 

Q. Are your staff employees or contract workers? Are they insured?

All our staff are employed on a permanent basis and work regular hours every week. Greenfield Court Care is fully insured and we ensure that staff have insurance to cover car journeys as well.

 

Q. How do you supervise your workers to make sure the proper care is given?

All staff are supported by Team Leaders and a Home Care Manager. Regular 1-2-1 supervisions are held and documented and the Manager will do regular spot checks on the staff and the information documented in your care plan.

 

Q. Will the same employee continue with my case?

As a good home care provider we will be concerned with continuity of care. Where possible we will ensure the same staff to do your calls regularly, however from time to time this will vary to cover annual leave and sickness.

 

Q. Do you conduct a home visit before starting the home care service?

All new clients will be visited by the Home Care Manager at a pre-arranged time and a full detailed assessment carried out with assistance from your family if you wish them to be present. We will discuss and plan together the kind of care you require which will help you determine whether we can meet your needs.

 

Q. Do you work with my doctor in developing a plan of care?

If you require care beyond that associated with activities of daily living, your doctor will be involved and any other care professionals that have input into your health and well-being.

 

Q. Can you give me some references from doctors, hospital personnel or social workers?

We are happy to provide references from North Yorkshire County Council, GP’s, and other care professionals. We would expect you to ask us “Would you use this company again for yourself or your loved ones?”

 

Q. Do you guarantee customer satisfaction?

We carry out regular reviews, an annual customer service questionnaire and welcome suggestions, and feedback and we will provide you with a copy of our complaints policy. You have a right to cancel your services if you are not happy with the care provided but hope that if you have any issues they will be dealt with immediately.