Essential Care Givers
All Essential Care Giver visits MUST be pre-booked through our online booking system: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
All residents are able to choose an ‘Essential Care Giver’. This is someone who provides not only companionship but also additional care and support to their loved one. Essential Care Giver’s can visit during periods of isolation or if there is an outbreak of coronavirus (providing the Essential Care Giver does not have covid-19). As an Essential Care Giver you will be required to take frequent coronavirus tests and wear appropriate PPE.
The Essential Care Giver role is vitally important to supporting residents’ health and wellbeing. Every resident at Farthings can choose an essential care giver to benefit from companionship and additional care and support provided by someone with whom they have a personal relationship.
Essential care givers must follow the same testing arrangements as staff, for both regular asymptomatic testing and in an outbreak situation. Further information about testing regimes can be found in the care home testing guidance.
Essential care givers should read and follow the appropriate guidance for using PPE in the different care scenarios laid out in the guidance on how to work safely in care homes. PPE recommendations are different depending on whether direct personal care or companionship is being provided. More information on how to safely put on and remove PPE can be found in the guidance and visitors should also be encouraged to view the video demonstration.
Essential care givers will be supported by the staff at Farthings as they put on and take off PPE for the first few visits to ensure they are doing so correctly. Essential care givers will also be briefed on the relevant IPC measures in place and the areas of Farthings they will have access to. Essential care givers should remain at least one meter from staff and any other resident they may encounter.
If you wish to discuss the Essential Care Giver role further, or your loved one has nominated you to be their Essential Care Giver, please get in touch with Lynne Fardell-Wain (Registered Manager) on 01777 838219 or email [email protected]
Visitor Guidance
All visits MUST be pre-booked through our online booking system:
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
Bedroom, Marquee & Garden Visits
- Every resident can have unlimited visitors who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits in the residents bedroom (up to 2 at a time and only 2 on any one day).
- A visitor questionnaire is to be completed before coming into the Home and the visit must not take place if the visitor has/is:
- feeling unwell; even if they have tested negative for COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated and have received their booster.
- if visitors have any symptoms that suggest other transmissible viruses and infections, such as cough, high temperature, diarrhoea or vomiting, they should avoid the care home until at least 5 days after they feel better
- visitors who are not legally required to self-isolate are advised against visiting the care home (for 10 days) if they have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, unless absolutely necessary, even if they have been fully vaccinated. Where visits do take place, visitors should have received a negative LFT earlier in the day of the visit.
- been in contact with someone who is covid positive
- been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- A Coronavirus Lateral Flow Test (LFT) must have been conducted on the day of the visit. These can be provided and taken at Farthings or can be taken home to conduct prior to visiting.
- It is a legal requirement for LFT’s to be logged on the government website https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result utilising Farthings Unique Organisation Number (UON) 10122059 and evidence of negative result MUST be seen prior to entry to the Home.
- Full PPE MUST be worn at all times throughout the visit, this includes, IIR facemask, apron and gloves all of which will be provided.
- The visitor will be escorted to the marquee or residents bedroom.
- Visitors are politely requested to maintain strict social distancing from other residents, visitors and staff at all times.
- Staff will return to escort visitors out of the Home at the end of the visiting time or visitors can press the residents call bell to request to be escorted out.
Gate, Window & Virtual Visits
- Visitors are also able to have gate, window or virtual visits but they must still be booked via the above booking link
- The resident will be ready waiting for the visit to take place at the booked time
- A face covering must be worn if conducting a gate visit and strict social distancing must still be adhered to
- During a window visit the window must remain closed
- Virtual visits will be supported by a member of staff if required
Visits Outside of the Home
- Any visits being conducted outside of Farthings MUST be discussed with the Registered Manager beforehand, this is to enable a Risk Assessment to be carried out and to establish whether any isolation will be required upon return to the Home.
Book a Visit
Welcoming Residents Through Safe Admissions
WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS THROUGH SAFE ADMISSIONS
(amended January 2022)
We continue to welcome new residents to our home using our robust covid-secure admission process, whilst protecting those who already live with us and offering safe visiting opportunities. We specialise in providing care to older people and as a small care home with 22 en-suite bedrooms our team really get to know all residents, understand their needs, and encourage social friendships amongst residents living at Farthings. We have a robust admission process in place to enable us to offer a safe and compassionate start to living within our care home.
The government guidelines were amended on 20 January 2022 and as such we too have amended our processes inline with differing scenarios as follows:
A Pre-Planned Admission from the Community
In order to follow this process the individual must satisfy the below requirements:
- Be fully vaccinated (plus 3 weeks wherever possible) – evidence will be required
- The local guidance from the Director of Public Health about community transmission of variants of concern is followed
- No known contact with a COVID-positive person or someone with covid-19 symptoms during the previous 14 days
- We will take into consideration the current circumstances at home in terms of risk
- An enhanced testing regime is followed, which consists of PCR prior to admission (within 72-hours), a PCR test on day of admission (day 0) and a further PCR test 7 days following admission (day 7) and daily rapid lateral flow testing (LFT) until the results of the day 7 PCR have been received (we will provide all tests)
Discussions: will take place prior to any admission with the home’s Registered Manager, this may be with yourself or a loved one. This is to gain an overview of your current care needs and requirements.
Assessment: if it is likely we would be able to meet your specific needs the Registered Manager will arrange a Pre-Admission Assessment. This is to meet you, discuss what your needs are and how you would like to be cared for. It will also enable us to give you and your loved ones more information about our home and the facilities we have available to you. Ordinarily, dependant on circumstance, this would take place face-to-face but rest assured all of our staff are vaccinated, tested three times per week and would be wearing all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety.
Time: after initial discussions and assessments our prospective residents are given time to consider their decision, possibly alongside their loved ones. Once a decision has been made please get in touch with the Registered Manager again who will work alongside you to arrange your admission at a time which is convenient to yourself, this could be the same day, in a couple of days or in a few weeks’ time, it is your choice.
Testing: we will provide a PCR coronavirus test which is to be completed within 72-hours before moving into the home and returned a negative result. A further PCR will be required on the admission day (day 0) and on day 7. In addition, rapid lateral flow tests will be required daily until the results of the day 7 PCR has been received.
Moving In: you are welcome to bring any personal effects to help you feel at home. All our rooms are en-suite, and are equipped with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair, and a television. You are welcome to bring a named visitor with you to help you settle in, they must follow the current visiting guidance which will be discussed prior to admission.
Settling In: a full Care Plan will be developed with you; this will include all the information the staff need to ensure they care for you how you would like to be. In addition, the Activities Co-ordinator will spend some time getting to know you and will arrange tailored activities for your interests. You are welcome to have visitors in line with the visitor guidance.
An Admission from Hospital, an Interim Care Facility, another Care Home, an Emergency Community Admission or a Community Admission unable to satisfy the requirements detailed above
Discussions: will take place prior to any admission with the home’s Registered Manager, this may be with yourself, a loved one or a healthcare professional. This is to gain an overview of your current care needs and requirements.
Assessment: if it is likely we would be able to meet your specific needs the Registered Manager will arrange a Pre-Admission Assessment. This is to meet you, discuss what your needs are and how you would like to be cared for. It will also enable us to give you and your loved ones more information about our home and the facilities we have available to you. Ordinarily, dependant on circumstance, this would take place face-to-face but rest assured all of our staff are vaccinated, tested three times per week and would be wearing all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your safety.
Time: after initial discussions and assessments our prospective residents are given time to consider their decision, possibly alongside their loved ones. Once a decision has been made, please get in touch with the Registered Manager again who will work alongside you to arrange your admission at a time which is convenient to yourself, this could be the same day, in a couple of days or in a few weeks’ time, it is your choice.
Testing: a PCR coronavirus test is to be completed within 48-72-hours before moving into the home and returned a negative result. A further PCR will be required on the day of admission (day 0) and again 7 days following admission (day 7). Daily rapid lateral flow testing (LFT) will take place until the day 7 PCR result has been received.
Moving In: you are welcome to bring any personal effects to help you feel at home. All our rooms are en-suite, and are equipped with a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers, wardrobe, chair, and a television. You are welcome to bring a named visitor with you to help you settle in, they must follow the current visiting guidance which will be discussed prior to admission.
Settling In: a full Care Plan will be developed with you; this will include all the information the staff need to ensure they care for you how you would like to be. In addition, the Activities Co-ordinator will spend some time getting to know you and will arrange tailored activities for your interests. You are welcome to have visitors in line with the visitor guidance.
Every admission is different and above outlines some key stages throughout the admission process, however they are adaptable for everyone’s individual situations. A thorough risk assessment will be carried out prior to any admission and the requirements for admission will be fully explained beforehand.
If you are considering care for yourself or your loved one, please call our friendly team who will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have, 01777 838 219
alternatively you can email [email protected].
Visitor Guidance
All visits MUST be pre-booked through our online booking system: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
Bedroom, Marquee & Garden Visits
- Every resident can nominate three ‘named visitors’ who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits (up to 2 at a time).
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of the named visitors must be given to the Registered Manager prior to any visits taking place.
- A visitor questionnaire is to be completed before coming into the Home and the visit must not take place if the visitor has:
- any coronavirus symptoms; high temperature, cough or loss of taste or smell
- been in contact with someone who is covid positive
- been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- A Coronavirus Lateral Flow Test (LFT) must have been conducted on the day of the visit. These can be provided and taken at Farthings or can be taken home to conduct prior to visiting.
- It is a legal requirement for LFT’s to be logged on the government website https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result utilising Farthings Unique Organisation Number (UON) 10122059 and evidence of negative result MUST be seen prior to entry to the Home.
- Full PPE MUST be worn at all times throughout the visit, this includes, IIR facemask, apron and gloves all of which will be provided.
- The visitor will be escorted to the marquee or residents bedroom.
- Visitors are politely requested to maintain strict social distancing from other residents, visitors and staff at all times.
- Staff will return to escort visitors out of the Home at the end of the visiting time or visitors can press the residents call bell to request to be escorted out.
Gate, Window, Garden & Virtual Visits
- Additional friends and family are able to have gate, garden, window or virtual visits but they must still be booked via the above booking link
- The resident will be ready waiting for the visit to take place at the booked time
- A face covering must still be worn if conducting a gate visit along with full PPE if having a garden visit and strict social distancing must still be adhered to
- During a window visit the window must remain closed
- Virtual visits will be supported by a member of staff if required
Visits Outside of the Home
- Any visits being conducted outside of Farthings MUST be discussed with the Registered Manager beforehand, this is to enable a Risk Assessment to be carried out and to establish whether any isolation will be required upon return to the Home.
Company Benefits
We appreciate everything our team does to enrich the lives of our residents every single day and we recognise how important it is to ensure our team feels valued and appreciated. We therefore provide a benefits package to recognise the kind and committed care delivered to our residents which promotes our colleagues wellbeing.
Free Uniform and DBS Check
All of our care home colleagues will receive free uniforms. When you start working with us we will cover the cost of your DBS check.
Free Meals
All of our care home colleagues working six hours or more will receive a free nutritious meal.
Paid Breaks
All care staff receive paid breaks when they work six hours or more.
Pension
All colleagues have access to a pension scheme to help save for their retirements, we also make contributions.
Flexible Working
Ashall Care offers flexible working opportunities through part time or bank contracts. This also includes a rota app allowing shift swaps, unavailability requests and holiday requests to be easily requested by all colleagues, in addition to claiming additional open shifts.
Holidays
At Ashall Care we appreciate everyone needs a break that’s why you can access your holiday entitlement from the day you start working with us.
Recommend a Friend
Once you’ve joined Ashall Care, you may know someone who would make a fantastic addition to our team. If you recommend them to us, and they join us on a permanent contract, you will receive £250 through payroll as a thank you, once the referred friend completes six months service.
Discount Scheme
You will be eligible to apply for the Blue Light Service discount scheme, Ashall Care will pay for you to join the scheme which provides members with thousands of amazing discounts online and on the high street.
Learning and Development
Ashall Care encourages and supports colleagues to complete various nationally recognised qualifications, in addition to the comprehensive mandatory training package.
Healthy Mind
Our myWellbeing plan has qualified counsellors and advisors available 24/7 should you need confidential and independent advice with any mental health or practical life problems.
Free 24/7 GP Access
Our SimplyConsult plan offers 24/7 video GP services and physiotherapist assessments, which allows our colleagues to easily book consultations with both doctors and physiotherapist and get a diagnosis with advice from qualified physiotherapists or GPs with access to prescription delivery. Colleagues can manage and order repeat NHS prescriptions through the app with free delivery to their door.
Optimise Health Plan
Ashall Care recognises the importance of our employees health and wellbeing and from joining you will be enrolled on the Optimise Health Plan. Our colleagues are able to claim money back towards the cost of medical check-ups, appointments and treatments. Cash back is available for; healthy eyes and teeth (sight tests, dental treatment), seeing a chiropractor, osteopath or acupuncturist, chiropodist, podiatrist or reflexologist, healthy checks (consultant appointments, health assessment) and hospital stays and birth or adoption. Furthermore, as you progress in your career with us at key milestones the level of your health plan will also increase, raising the cashback benefits. Up to four children under the age of 24 can also be covered for free.
October 2021 News
CHAIR EXERCISES
Our Activities Coordinator continues to facilitate armchair exercises, this month the sessions have been movement to music, this has been thoroughly enjoyed by all and often followed by some dancing! The funky chicken movement brought plenty of giggles!
CARD BINGO
Card bingo was enjoyed by lots of residents again this month, lots of smiles and giggles all round!
GAMES
Some games have been played by residents; ball games have been enjoyed, as was a game of play your cards rights, higher – lower.
HALLOWEEN
Lots of activities around Halloween have been appreciated, the residents have made Halloween paperchains, this prompted some good reminiscing around doing Christmas paperchains when some of the residents were younger. Residents also carved plenty of pumpkins to decorate around the home. Residents also discussed bonfire night and what traditions they had when they had growing up.
VISITS
We continue to welcome friends and family into the home to see their loved ones. The visits are facilitated in a safe way, in line with current Government guidance. Thank you to everyone for adhering to our visiting policies and supporting us to keep everyone safe.
STAFF
We have welcomed Charlotte back to our bank staff team and look forward to having her back around the home.
RESIDENT OF THE DAY
Starting on 1 November we will have ‘Resident of the Day’ in place. This means that on the 1st of the month the resident in Bedroom 1 will have their Care Plan reviewed by the Senior Carer on shift. The Cook on shift with have a conversation with the resident in Bedroom 1 to ensure that they are happy with the meals which are being provided and ask if there are any other options they would like to see on the menu, and to discuss personal preferences. The Carers will go through the Bedroom itself; they will ensure that all laundry is put away neatly, they will check the wardrobes, the drawers and also toiletries, this will enable us to then contact family members if additional supplies are required. The Senior Carer will also complete a mini-medication audit on Bedroom 1’s medication. This approach will be new to Farthings and we welcome any feedback about what you feel is working well or what could be improved or added to the Resident of the Day initiative.
National Activity Providers Association - NAPA
Farthings Residential Care Home has renewed it’s membership with the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA). NAPA supports Social Care to prioritise wellbeing by promoting the importance of activity, arts and engagement.
The membership offers free training for employees, resources for the provision of activity, including quarterly magazines with activity ideas and resources within. There is a members hub with activity based articles, research and useful information. There is also eNews twice per week which includes activity ideas, updates on events and news across the Social Care sector. In addition, there is a free phoneline provided by skilled activity professionals.
https://napa-activities.co.uk/
September 2021 News
CARD BINGO
Card bingo was enjoyed by lots of residents this month. Lots of conversations have been held whilst playing card bingo, the residents enjoyed talking about the royal family and how they have changed over the years. There has also been some reminiscing about where residents have lived over the years. It has also been lovely to see residents supporting each other throughout the game and helping one another.
QUIZ
A quiz was enjoyed by all, lots of questions answered and giggles had!
OUTINGS
Some residents have enjoyed external outings this month, our local ice-cream parlour, Thaymars, has been a firm favourite.
VISITS
We continue to welcome friends and family into the home to see their loved ones. The visits are facilitated in a safe way, in line with current Government guidance. Thank you to everyone for adhering to our visiting policies and supporting us to keep everyone safe.
CHAIR EXERCISES
Our Activities Coordinator continues to facilitate armchair exercises, this month the sessions have been movement to music, this has been thoroughly enjoyed by all.
RELAXATION
The residents have made the most of the milder weather this month and have enjoyed relaxing in our accessible gardens, in the sunshine, listening to the trickle of the water fountain in the fish pond.
REMINISCING
Reminiscing prompting cards have been used to promote conversations amongst our residents, lots of good conversations around the royal family have been had.
DOMINOES
Playing dominoes has been enjoyed by some residents this month, creating friendly competition whilst reminiscing.
STAFF
We have recruited a new Senior Carer, Louise, who will work predominantly days. Louise has many years of care experience gained through various roles and establishments and we’re very much looking forward to her joining our team at Farthings. Louise will take over from Jean who has decided to step away from her senior role to enjoy more time with her family. Jean is going to remain on our bank so will still be seen in the home.
We will also be sad to see out Maintenance Person, Steve, leave Farthings in the coming weeks. Steve is an electrician by trade and as demand has increased, he has decided to focus on his own business. We have successfully recruited into his position and another Steve will be joining us in the coming weeks. The ‘new’ Steve has many years’ experience in building maintenance and is a painter and decorator by trade. We are looking forward to welcoming Steve into Farthings.
RESIDENT OF THE DAY
We have been reviewing many of the processes which are currently in place at Farthings and we have decided to change the way in which we review Care Plans. Currently Care Plans are updated by a residents Key Worker monthly, however starting on 1 November we will have a ‘Resident of the Day’ system in place. This means that on the 1st of the month the resident in Bedroom 1 will have their Care Plan reviewed by the Senior Carer on shift. The Cook on shift with have a conversation with the resident in Bedroom 1 to ensure that they are happy with the meals which are being provided and ask if there are any other options they would like to see on the menu, and to discuss personal preferences. The Carers will go through the Bedroom itself; they will ensure that all laundry is but away neatly, they will check the wardrobes, the drawers and also toiletries, this will enable us to then contact family members if additional supplies are required. The Senior Carer will also complete a mini-medication audit on Bedroom 1’s medication. This approach will be new to Farthings and we welcome any feedback about what you feel is working well or what could be improved or added to the Resident of the Day initiative.
August 2021 News
100th BIRTHDAY
We celebrated a very special birthday this month on the 4th Elsie turned 100! Elsie was delighted to receive a card from the Queen and so many other cards and presents from family and friends. Elise has lived at Farthings for many many years and started her special day with her room decorated for the big day, then cards and presents were opened, family visited, and a birthday buffet tea was enjoyed with a very special and delicious cake.
QUIZ
A quiz was enjoyed by all, lots of fond memories of holidays were shared around the home whilst enjoying ice-creams!
VISITS
We are still welcoming friends and family into the home to see their loved ones. This continues to be facilitated in a safe way inline with current Government guidance. It has been lovely to have so many of you back inside our home with your loved ones.
We were delighted that another resident this month has been able to be part of their family wedding, a day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Other social visits have also been facilitated this month, with the pre-planning of all involved and relevant risk assessments, these have been extremely enjoyable visits for all.
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Games of play your cards right continues to be a firm favourite, it transpires we have some very competitive residents at Farthings!!
WORD SEARCHES & CONNECT 4
The residents have enjoyed completing word searches this month and playing connect 4.
BINGO
Bingo has been enjoyed amongst the residents, lovely to see our residents together and supporting each other whilst playing too.
PAMPERING
Several of the residents have enjoyed being pampered this month, having their hair styled, hand massages and nail painted. This was particularly enjoyed by those who had visits outside of the home booked this month.
STAFF
We have welcomed Diane and Rebecca to our care team this month.
We also have a bank carer and a maintenance person positions currently available should you know anyone who may be interested, please pass on our contact details.
Visitor Guidance
All visits MUST be pre-booked through our online booking system: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
Bedroom, Marquee & Garden Visits
- Every resident care nominate unlimited ‘named visitors’ who will be able to enter the care home for regular visits (up to 2 at a time and only 2 on any one day).
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of the named visitors must be given to the Registered Manager prior to any visits taking place.
- A visitor questionnaire is to be completed before coming into the Home and the visit must not take place if the visitor has:
- any coronavirus symptoms; high temperature, cough or loss of taste or smell
- been in contact with someone who is covid positive
- been instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace
- A Coronavirus Lateral Flow Test (LFT) must have been conducted on the day of the visit. These can be provided and taken at Farthings or can be taken home to conduct prior to visiting.
- It is a legal requirement for LFT’s to be logged on the government website https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result utilising Farthings Unique Organisation Number (UON) 10122059 and evidence of negative result MUST be seen prior to entry to the Home.
- Full PPE MUST be worn at all times throughout the visit, this includes, IIR facemask, apron and gloves all of which will be provideds.
- The visitor will be escorted to the marquee or residents bedroom.
- Visitors are politely requested to maintain strict social distancing from other residents, visitors and staff at all times.
- Staff will return to escort visitors out of the Home at the end of the visiting time or visitors can press the residents call bell to request to be escorted out.
Gate, Window, Garden & Virtual Visits
- Additional friends and family are able to have gate, garden, window or virtual visits but they must still be booked via the above booking link
- The resident will be ready waiting for the visit to take place at the booked time
- A face covering must still be worn if conducting a gate visit along with full PPE if having a garden visit and strict social distancing must still be adhered to
- During a window visit the window must remain closed
- Virtual visits will be supported by a member of staff if required
Visits Outside of the Home
- Any visits being conducted outside of Farthings MUST be discussed with the Registered Manager beforehand, this is to enable a Risk Assessment to be carried out and to establish whether any isolation will be required upon return to the Home.
