What’s it like living in a residential home?

What long-term care may be available if I cannot manage at home?

The most common reason that people choose to move into a residential or nursing home is because it has become difficult for them to manage in their own home. Places in residential homes and nursing homes are available to older people who are unable to remain in their own homes safely even with the support of care services such as Home Help and Meals on Wheels. A residential home is for people who need help or support with tasks such as dressing, bathing and cooking. Nursing Homes are similar to residential homes but have qualified medical staff on duty at all times.

 

Hounslow Council has 4 of its own residential homes, plus the Roshni Centre which specialises in residential care for Asian Elders Other Residential Homes and Nursing Homes are run by private or voluntary organisations. If you are assessed as needing residential or nursing home care you can choose whether it is in a council or independent home.

Applications for a place in a residential home should be made to the Social Work Team where the person lives.

 

Who is eligible for services?

When you ask for help from Social Services, you will be asked questions about your circumstances. These questions will determine if we can offer you an assessment. Whether you qualify for a particular service will depend on your level of need.

 

What other help is available?

We will be happy to advise you on the care that may be available whatever your age and family circumstances, even if you do not qualify for a service from us we will try to put you in touch with someone who can. For more service information select Disability, Older People or Mental Health needs.

 

What’s it like living in a residential home?

There is no single answer to this question. The rest of the questions in this section give specific information on different aspects of daily life. In addition, each home has its own brochure and statement of purpose. These will tell you more about life in that particular home.

Overall, however, you can be sure that the staff of each home run by Hounslow Social Services will provide, within the resources available, physical, emotional and social support and care of the highest quality. They will respect your individuality and your privacy at all times, and they will make every effort to meet all your needs so that you can live a full and satisfying life with as much independence as possible.

 

How large are the homes?

I’m worried about living in a big institution.

-Each home is organized into several small self-contained units. This means that much of the time you would be living in a small group of about 10 residents. Each unit has its own lounge and dining-room, plus a kitchenette. This is in addition to the bigger communal areas and facilities that serve the whole home.

 

There must be a lot of staff. Will I ever get to know any of them really well?

Yes, at first there will seem to be a lot of people. But everyone is friendly and you should soon start to get to know different individuals.

One staff member will be asked to be your key worker. They will help to assess your particular needs and make sure that they are met. In time, they can become a particular friend who knows you well and provides care and support.

 

Will I have my own bedroom?

Nearly all the bedrooms are single rooms.

 

Can I bring my own belongings?

Of course. It is your room, so please bring ornaments, pictures, plants, family photographs, and a radio and TV.

You can also have your own private phone line installed, so you can talk to family and friends whenever you like. Please note that you will have to pay for the installation, line rental and the calls yourself.

If you bring any valuable items – such as a picture or jewellery – you may wish to insure them separately.

 

What about furniture?

Every room is fully furnished. You are very welcome to bring small pieces of furniture – a favorite armchair or coffee table, for instance. If you want to bring something larger, such as your own bed or a wardrobe, please discuss this with staff first. They will do their best to accommodate your own things.

 

What are the washing and toilet arrangements?

Every room has its own wash hand basin, and there are plenty of communal toilets and bathrooms. If necessary, staff will help you to have a bath or shower.

 

Will my clothes be washed for me?

Yes. All your clothes will be machine-washed in the home’s own laundry facilities. This is included in the charges. If you prefer, a relative can wash your clothes for you. Whichever you choose, please make sure all your clothes are marked with your name.

Dry-cleaning can be arranged, but is charged for separately.

 

Can I bring my pet with me?

If you own a cat or a bird, you may be able to bring it with you. Please discuss this with the home’s manager.

 

What happens about meals?

Meal times and menus vary between homes, and meal times are flexible. You can have your meals in your room on request.

Broadly speaking, the day starts with breakfast, which can be full or light, as you prefer. Lunch is the main meal of the day with a choice of hot and cold dishes. Supper is a lighter meal in the early evening. In between times, morning tea and coffee and an afternoon cup of tea are served, and a hot drink is always available before going to bed. You are welcome to make yourself a drink or snack at any time – a member of staff will assist you if you need any help.

The meals provide a varied and well balanced diet with a choice of dishes. Every individual dietary requirement is catered for.

Residents are actively involved in planning menus with staff, who are always open to suggestions.

 

Can I have visitors?

Of course – this is your home. You can take visitors to your own room or can entertain them in one of the lounges. Many homes have visiting areas or visitors’ rooms.

You are welcome to have visitors at any time. For safety purposes, visitors are required to sign in and out of the building.

 

Can I smoke in the home?

All Hounslow homes are non-smoking. However, some have a smoking room and allow smoking outside in the garden.

 

What sort of activities are there?

Each home organizes a lively programme of activities. These can include games, arts and crafts, exercise, quizzes and bingo. Variety shows and theme evenings are arranged throughout the year, and there are also visits to places of interest and summer outings.

Residents are involved in planning what happens, so the programme varies according to their wishes.

Each lounge has a television, video and stereo plus a good supply of videos, CDs and library books, including many in large print. The books are changed regularly.

 

Can I go out to the shops?

Of course. Most homes have local shops nearby. Staff will help you if you can’t manage on your own, or you can go with a friend or relative.

In most homes, volunteers organize a shopping trolley where you can buy sweets and drinks, writing paper, stamps and so on. If you want a regular newspaper or magazine, staff will order it for you. You pay the bill each week.

Some homes organize shopping trips to local shopping centers such as Hounslow and Hammersmith.

 

What about days out and visits?

Friends and relatives are very welcome to take you out for a few hours or for the whole day. Naturally, the staff like to know when to expect you back so that they don’t worry unnecessarily.

Longer visits to family or friends and holidays are not a problem – but please notify the staff in advance.

My religion means a lot to me. How can I continue worshipping?

Every staff member understands the importance of enabling each individual to continue practicing their religion if they wish to.

Ministers of various faiths hold regular services in each home. You are of course welcome to continue to attend your usual place of worship. A staff member or volunteer may be available to accompany you.

 

Can I continue to have my own doctor?

If your own doctor is close enough, she or he will continue to look after you.

If this is not possible, staff will help you choose a doctor nearer the home.

 

What happens if I feel unwell?

Always tell a member of staff immediately. They will know what to do. There are staff on duty all the time, day and night.

All the bedrooms, and also the lounges, toilets and bathrooms, are connected to a call bell system. In addition, someone from the Residential District Nurse Team visits each home at least twice a week.

What about my medication?

If you already look after your own medicines, you will be encouraged to continue doing so. If this is not possible, staff will give them to you as your doctor prescribes.

Staff will make sure that you get your prescriptions made up by the pharmacist.

 

What happens if I go into hospital?

Your room will be kept locked for you until you return. If you stay in hospital for six weeks, your needs will be reviewed to see if the staff of the home can still give you the care you require on your return. The staff or your social worker will keep in contact with you and with the hospital staff so that they know how you are progressing and when you are likely to return to the home.

 

What about the chiropodist, dentist and so on?

An NHS chiropodist visits people who qualify for the service. If you do not, staff will arrange chiropody for you, but you will have to pay for the service.

Many homes have a visiting dentist and optician. Staff can arrange for you to visit your own dentist or optician if you prefer.