Those that we care for may attend religious services either within or outside the home, as they so wish. If services are outside the home, where possible, transport should be arranged and accompaniment with friends and relatives. The event of this not being possible, care staff may accompany people on specific occasions, if staffing levels permit, a separate charge would be made for this service.

Those that we care for have the right to meet clergy of their chosen denomination at any time. If required, a private room will be made available for such meetings

We appreciate that communication and contact with family and friends is essential to maintaining a sense of well being for those with dementia. Our philosophy is that the resident and their friends and relatives become part of our family at Higham House Nursing Home. We aim to provide opportunities for the people we care for to keep in contact with the wider community. This can be done through providing areas for people to entertain friends and maintaining friendships and attending local clubs and churches.

Family, relatives and friends are encouraged to visit regularly or maintain contact by letter or telephone, when visiting is not possible. Staff will offer to assist with responses where help may be needed.

Visitors are welcomed at all reasonable times, and are asked to let the Person-in-Charge know of their arrival and departure from the Home. For security and fire safety reasons, visitors must sign the visitors book on each occasion.

The people we care for have the right to refuse to see any visitor, and this right will be respected and upheld by the Person-in-Charge who will, if necessary, inform the visitors of the person’s wishes.

Higham House Nursing Home offers a wide range of leisure and therapeutic activities designed to encourage mobility, and most importantly, staff encourage and help pursue their hobbies and interests. Resident’s interest, skills, personalities and medical conditions are all taken into consideration when doing activities with them. We learn a great deal about the resident from our in depth life history from which we ask family and friends to complete. This gives us an insight into likes and dislikes of the person. We offer family and friends to join the resident for meals whenever they wish. Birthdays, anniversaries are always celebrated. Our Cook makes the most wonderful cakes. Residents in our care can play the following games using the equipment that is designed for fading sight and those with dementia.

Cards Scrabble Bingo Draughts Ball games

Activities with the staff and activities co-ordinators

Chatting to individuals Going for walks Manicures Playing games Armchair exercises Reading letters/magazines/newspapers Helping to choose library books

Music and sing-along Maintain life long hobbies, crossword puzzles etc Reminiscence work and occupational therapy Art and craft sessions Gardening Film shows

Whilst we acknowledge the fact that many people have pets for company during their lifetime and that they wish to bring an animal with them when they move, the management has a responsibility with regard to health and safety. This is not to say we do not permit pets, the Manager treats each case independently, taking into account the number of pets already at the home. The Home recognises the therapeutic benefits of animals for those who have dementia. With this in mind we have a cat that visits the Home

At Higham House Nursing Home we recognise the importance of medication in the effective treatment of illness and we ensure that the highest professional standards are adhered to in the storage, administration, monitoring and disposal of medicines. On admission, all residents have their medication administered by our care workers who, along with our manager, monitor its effects in conjunction with the resident. We use the Monitoring Dosage System. Staff organise medication for leave periods with the pharmacist.

Each resident’s medication is reviewed at regular intervals. If changes are needed between reviews, a referral is made to the ’ consultant and/or GP. Should a resident wish to self-medicate, provided that it is consistent with their risk assessment and Support Plan, they will be encouraged to do so.

Any resident may request to see a doctor in private if they wish

We consider Nutrition to be of paramount importance to our residents. Our Cook prepares healthy, good, wholesome, varied meals daily and any special dietary needs are catered for. We also receive advice from dieticians, and speech and language therapist on nutrition/hydration and issues surrounding diet and associated issues such as swallowing and oral problems

Menus are varied and favourite dishes and special diets can be catered for. The people we care for are encouraged to eat in the dining room but may eat in their own room if they desire. Tea and coffee are served, and available, 24 hours a day, visitors are also catered for

There are designated areas within the facility including a designated smoking area. Smoking is not permitted in residents’ bedrooms or in any other areas inside the home.

Alcohol is not permitted at Higham House Nursing Home except for special occasions under the staff supervision. Please seek advice from the Manager or Nurses regarding resident’s alcohol consumption

Non-prescribed or street drugs are not permitted at the Home

The Home has a phone, which can be used for incoming calls in the privacy of their own rooms. It can also be used for outgoing calls at a nominal fee. Residents may have their own private line through telecom provider at their own expense

All outings are geared to individual needs and capabilities. Examples of outings are listed below;

A drive around the countryside Visit to a garden centre Visit to a pantomime or play Visits to the zoo