Forest Brow is a residential care home based in Liss, Hampshire. We pride ourselves as a care home that always places the residents first. This is at the heart of all we do and means that we have a person-led and driven approach to care, tending to the unique needs of each resident.
Quick answer: There is no secret!
In fact, transparency is key across our home, and any questions are welcomed. Feel free to reach out with any queries and we will do our best to provide a sufficient answer. Moreover, we welcome feedback and use it to only better the facilities and care here. The magic that seems to appear is through the work of our staff, the care we provide and our drive to be the best residential care home for our residents. This is all based on the residents themselves, which we put at the heart of what we do. With up to 32 residents staying with us at once, we always have care and comfort to provide across our home.
What are residential care homes and how do they help residents?
A residential care home is a home that provides support and care for those that are unable to do this from their own homes. It is their new home where they have care and support in place to ensure that they can continue to thrive in their daily lives, knowing that they always have someone to tend to their needs and to be there at all times. This is especially given the 24-hour elements of the care provides at residential care homes typically, seen at Forest Brow. We do, however, offer day care and respite options dependent on the individual needs of patients. Our communication and closeness with our residents and their loved ones ensures that we can provide the best care for their needs and what they would most benefit from, as again they are at the heart of what we do.
Mainly, residential care homes help residents through their typical day to day. Care is in the name for a reason – carers are there to look after the residents at all times and help them through tasks they may require assistance with and to ensure that they are safe and comfortable throughout their day-to-day. At Forest Brow, this is fulfilled by our specialised carers, who are all trained to a Level 4 diploma in care with some up to Level 5, that work to ensure each individual is content throughout their day. Each resident is assigned a carer to make this process more familiar, safe and comfortable as they are welcomed into their new home. Tailored assistance with personal care allows for our residents to go through their daily lives without any challenges, making them feel at ease.
What is the difference between a residential care home and a nursing home?
The main difference between a residential care home and a nursing home is the medical care provision. Whilst both deliver personal care, the difference is found in the nurse availability in a nursing home. In nursing homes, they have qualified nurses that are present at all times, whereas residential homes focus on personal care. Therefore, the level of medical care is the main difference with residential homes not having the constant presence of a nurse.
Residents at residential care homes are often those that do not need frequent medical treatment. Part of the daily routine of residents may involve medication, however staff are not trained to a medical level. At Forest Brow, we do offer specialist care for those with dementia which is our speciality, but this does not qualify us as a nursing home but rather a residential home with a speciality in the realm of dementia care. A residential care home, therefore, often has a lower cost of living. Nursing homes are more equipped to look after those with complex needs, with nurses and care assistants, whereas residential care homes staff care assistants.
How do residential care homes provide support for elderly people?
Residential care homes offer personal care, helping those who currently struggle with daily tasks they did not previously. This is a personal approach and means that ensuring that residents feel comfortable, safe and at home with us at Forest Brow is so important. Each resident is assigned a carer to allow for familiarity and comfort as they stay with us. This also allows us to ensure that we can always have someone ready to assist the resident when necessary, creating a system which runs smoothly and provides the best level of care.
This personal care is assisting them through their day-to-day. This begins with washing, dressing, toilet duties and medication taking where necessary, and goes through to eating and the activities put on at Forest Brow. Helping them get clean and ready for bed then follows, and our carers are there 24-hours to ensure that the needs of those in our home are tended to at all times. Problems throughout the night can therefore be resolved quickly, and elderly people can rest comfortably knowing that there is always someone present ready to help them if they need it. This level of comfort allows for a home environment that is positive and beneficial, creating a real positive community within the home.
What services can I expect in a care residential home?
At Forest Brow, care is the overarching theme through all we do, as it is our role as a residential care home. Overall, the services can be described as day-to-day, constant and personal care. This is divided into our personal care, dining, accommodation and activities.
Personal care has already been thoroughly described but is at the heart of what we do. Each resident is then made to feel entirely at home and can feel safe and comfortable whilst staying with us. Our staff are keen to improve and often undergo extra training courses to improve their personal abilities in caring for our residents.
Dining is not only a time for nutrition but for a community to be built. Our chefs use locally-sourced ingredients to cook meals that are both delicious and nutrient-full. This allows for each meal to be pleasant and fulfilling. Yet, emotional needs are also tended to during meal times. Our residents are provided with the opportunity to build relationships and spend time together, building a close-knit community. This is especially seen in summer where there is the opportunity to dine together outside, onlooking the greenery that surrounds the home.
Our accommodation is based in the tranquil village of Liss, fitted with boutique-style ensuites that are suited for comfort and style. This again makes it really feel like home, and allows for functional care to be provided.
The activities coordinator works tirelessly to organise both internal and external events, allowing for tasks ranging from crafts to a day trip at the beach. This variation provides entertainment and stimulation throughout their stay, adding to the experience staying with us here at Forest Brow.
How are residential care homes regulated in the UK and how does Forest Brow engage with this?
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates residential care homes. There are four main ratings, and Forest Brow ensures full transparency and honesty regarding this. It allows us to fully benefit from the issues raised and improvements that are possible from it, ensuring that again our care can be improved to the highest possible level. Our secret is one that comes from a constant process of evaluation and improvement within the home.
Forest Brow are proud to have ‘good’ in three leading categories: effectiveness, care and responsive. This is testament to our level of care and our around-the-clock, immersive approach that puts the residents’ needs at the centre of all that we do. Though the areas of safety remain on ‘requires improvement’, the report notes the incredible improvements that have been made already which will continue as we strive to better our services. As well as this, the improvements cited in the ‘well-led’ category to improve us from requiring improvement are being implemented to ensure that we have the best living environment possible for our residents. Those that stay with us are at the centre of what we do and by engaging with this report we can continue to better our care home.
FAQs:
What is the cost of residents staying here?
Though fees do vary depending on individual requirements and the type of room, typically our weekly fee is between £1,200 and £1,500. This includes all meals, most in-house activities, the care and accommodation cost. We only charge for certain outings and events, individual lifestyle items and we ask that residents provide personal toiletries.
How can families get in touch?
Families can either call 0800 193 1158 or email us at info@forestbrow.org.uk
What type of care is on offer?
Our main priority is the needs of the residents and with this comes flexibility. Day care residents are more than welcome and we can also offer respite placements subject to availability. Every resident is made to feel part of the Forest Brow community in order to maintain a high-quality care environment.