Forest Brow is a residential care home tucked into the village of Liss, Hampshire. We are a home of 32 residents, with a staff team that is on-hand and constantly looking to improve our facilities and services. Through our care, dining, accommodation and activities our home really comes to life, creating a thriving environment with a close-knit community. Get in touch with us today to find out more!

Quick answer: Why does Forest Brow meet the criteria?

As a home with a staff team that always wants to do the best for the residents, our care is of high quality due to this goal. By placing the residents at the centre of what we do, we are always working towards improving our services.

Through our various services, grounded on our high-quality care, we are able to provide holistic support to each of our residents us. This makes us an ideal residential care home, welcoming and suitable for those with wide-ranging needs.

How do I evaluate the quality of a residential care home?

Residential care homes are centred on the quality of their care and how they look after those that stay with them. Quality starts with the treatment of each resident, and how residents shape the services of the home. 

This should look like a residential care home that puts residents first through constant care and a structured system that benefits the residents. This is seen in Forest Brow, where there is 24-hour care provided by highly trained staff. All of our staff have a Level 4 diploma in care, some reaching level 5. As well as this, our staff are eager to improve and undergo extra courses and training in order to greater fulfil their role. It is for this reason that some of our team has been award-winning, such as winning Carer of the Year. Awards represent the effort and quality of the care that we provide. Providing around the clock care means that residents can always be tended to, making them feel truly at rest and comfortable here with us.

This care isn’t just consistent but is also personalised. By assigning each resident a carer, they get to see and communicate with a familiar face who can be there for them at all times. This familiarity, combined with the 24-hour support, creates an environment that feels welcoming and safe, creating a real homely feel in residential care homes. We also offer specialised dementia care if this is needed, as well as being able to tailor our care based on the individual needs of residents. Please do specify and ask questions so that we can offer the best care for our residents when they stay here with us. 

The quality of a residential care home is also seen in the quality of the care offered there. At Forest Brow, our high quality of care is emphasised by our CQC report with our care as ‘good’. This is testament to the hard work of our staff and simply the high quality of care that our residential care home provides to all that experience staying with us. 

What questions should I ask when visiting a care residential home?

There are many key questions to ask when you are visiting a care home.

Immediately, you should be asking about the daily life and routine of the home. This involved what day-to-day care looks like, what sort of activities residents get involved in and what they experience on a typical day in the home. This allows you to understand whether the care is constant, personalised and fitting to each individual.

You should also ask about visiting hours and accessibility, that can be a crucial part of residents staying here with us. Our opening hours at Forest Brow and the excellent transport links across Hampshire means that visiting is made easy, but please do ask us when you come to visit or contact us via the details that are in the FAQs or on our website. 

As well as this, make sure you are asking about the facilities and services on offer that are specifically tailored to the needs of your loved ones. Residents deserve to feel completely and wholly looked after when staying in a residential care home, and so you should ask how the home can cater to the individual needs of the resident that will come to stay.

You should also ask about the living arrangements and building, which you will be toured around. At Forest Brow, without visiting we can give you plenty of information on this. All of our rooms are single occupancy and en-suite, allowing for the residents to each have their own personal space. These questions are important so that you know how your loved one will live in and navigate the home. 

How do residential care homes compare to assisted living facilities?

The key difference between residential care homes and assisted living facilities is the level of independence. Whilst in both there is the opportunity for 24-hour round the clock care, care homes offer much more structured support. In assisted living, there is a structure of care that is on hand to assist whenever necessary, but this is done in a less direct and all-encompassing way, allowing for those staying to remain independent and in control of their daily lives.

Assisted living is aimed at people who still have great ability to care for themselves but they have the care there if needed, whilst residential care homes have a constant stream of support for those that are within them. As well as this, assisted living typically used small apartments or flats, allowing for the individuals to have their own space whilst residential care homes are contained within the one building. In terms of personal care, assisted living facilities will have staff on site but they will be waiting to be called upon rather than a constant presence.

At Forest Brow, we are a residential care home that provides this constant stream of support. With a dedicated, hard-working staff team we ensure that the care we provide is of the highest standard to ensure that every resident is having a comfortable, safe and valuable time when they stay here with us. At the core of our ethos is the needs of our residents and one way which we fulfil that through our care home is the role of the staff who are crucial in delivered care.

What ratings or reviews should I check for residential care homes?
The main rating to check is the Care Quality Commission Reports (CQC) which are the official regulator for care homes in England. At Forest Brow, we are proud to have received a good rating in three out of the five categories inspected, and are avidly improving in the areas which require improvement.

Our care being good is representative of our focus on personalised care for the unique needs of the patients, revealing our ability to tailor our services to each resident that stays here with us.

Are there residential care homes that specialise in dementia care?

Residential care homes have varied specialisations that are often outlined on their individual websites. There are certainly some that specialise in dementia care. At Forest Brow, we are proud to specialise in dementia care.

This means that at Forest Brow we are suited to care for those that have dementia, and have both the staff and facilities to fulfil this role to a high standard. Whilst we recognise and value the differences in the needs of each resident, it is our pleasure to be able to offer specialised care for those that have dementia. This is due to the training undergone by our staff to allow for such care to be offered, again showing the dedication of our staff to their roles as carers within our home. 

So, certainly some residential care homes specialise in dementia care, including Forest Brow care home that is located in Hampshire. Please feel free to get into contact with us with any queries, we are happy to help and recognise and value the differences in needs between residents. 

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.

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.

 Locating our Residential Care Home 

Where is Forest Brow Located? 

Our residential care home within Hampshire is specifically located within the peaceful village of Liss, a calm area ideal for older residents. It is a tranquil area and is a perfect location for end-of-life care. Hampshire has rural elements whilst also being a seaside town, allowing for residents to gain the best of both worlds during their time with us. With the provision of external activities our residents also get the opportunity to experience the surrounding area and integrate into the local community. 

How can I get to Liss?

Its primary transport link is its railway station, which is on the Portsmouth Direct Line and allows for an easy and direct route to get to residential care homes Hampshire. As well as this, there are also numerous roads channelling into the area allowing for easy access to Forest Brow and to countless home visits whenever you wish for. Our generous opening hours mean that you can come and see your loved one whenever you wish, again focusing on the needs of those which are within our home. All we work towards is maximising the experience of every individual that stays with us, and those that wish to visit them. The people are at the centre of our ethos here at Forest Brow to allow for the best quality care to be provided. 

What are the perks of this location?

The tranquillity found within Liss is unmatched, allowing for a feeling of calm without the feeling of isolation. Hampshire is an idyllic town which is often buzzing with people, ensuring that the residents feel part of the wider community whilst also having an area to themselves. This is also helped by the trips we take outside the home to introduce and integrate the residents into the community which we are based in. Our home is detached with a nice bit of greenery surrounding the building, allowing for a nice view from the boutique rooms of the residents, and for a peaceful location within Hampshire. 

Where can we cater to?

Given the excellent transport links and road connections into Hampshire, we are happy to take residents from all over England as long as they are happy with the distance from their previous home. At Forest Brow it is all about the residents and catering to their individual needs so if they are content, so are we. Our residential care home easily caters to the Hampshire area itself, as well as the nearby towns of Petersfield and Waterlooville. If you or your loved one is from these towns or nearby, Forest Brow would be an ideal choice of Hampshire residential care home. Our high-level care, alongside a location which is ideal for care provision, combines to make our home an archetypal place to reside nearing the end of life. 

Why our Hampshire Residential Care Home is Ideal

The Care We Provide

Our care at Forest Brow is high quality, with trained and eager staff which focus on the individual and unique needs of the residents to foster an ideal environment within our Hampshire residential care home. This is evidenced through the undertaking of additional training courses by many of our staff to only better their individual efforts as part of our home. We offer 24-hour, one-to-one care, making it comprehensive and in the best interest of every resident through being able to constantly answer to any requests that they may have and ensure that they are content. This is a priority at Forest Brow as we put the well-being of our residents first to ensure that they have the best possible time when residing with us. 

The Facilities We Offer

The care that we offer varies slightly, with a focus on respite care but also the offering of day care if that is what is needed. Please get into contact with us if you have any queries and wish to know more about what we can do for you to ensure that you or your loved one has the best end-of-life care. In terms of physical facilities, our building is catered entirely to those which reside within! With boutique-style rooms, some of which have an en-suite, every resident is made to feel at home and comfortable in their environment. Our catering provision is also high level, with chefs that are highly skilled and make use of locally-sourced ingredients, making the meals both personal and nutritious to help the well-being of the residents. 

Activities and a close-knit community

With an activities co-ordinator that works tirelessly, you can rest assured that your loved one is consistently being entertained as they reside with us. We provide a mix of both internal and external activities to ensure that the residents are kept entertained whilst also being given the opportunity to experience new things and to build invaluable relationships with those that are also staying in this residential care home in Hampshire. This is further encouraged during dining, as the residents come together to eat, if the weather is favourable on the terrace. This opportunity to eat with others fosters a community which is coherent and close-knit, upkeeping the well-being of the residents that stay with us. Both of these opportunities combine to create this community that we work hard to maintain within our home. 

A Focus on Individualism

At Forest Brow, we acknowledge and focus on the fact that every resident has individualistic and unique needs that need to be dealt with. Through our system of care, with one-to-one and specialist carers such as our dementia care provision, we are able to look after every resident at the highest level so that they can feel valued and cared for here with us. As a residential care home catering to Hampshire, Waterlooville, Petersfield and other surrounding areas, individualism becomes even more important as residents from different areas will have even more differing needs. That is why it is so important that we strive to deal with every individual need of each resident to create the best experience.