Service Guide

Why we do what we do

Our guide

The guide has been designed to clearly inform you of the services that we offer at Ashill Lodge and help you make your choice. If you require more information or assistance, we will be more than happy to help you. You can call the home at any time for an informal chat or to look around. Although an appointment is not necessary, it is useful to make an appointment to ensure that the Manager is available

Who we are

Ashill Lodge provides residential care for men and women aged 65 and over from all cultural, racial and social backgrounds. The home offers person centered care in a warm, friendly and peaceful atmosphere. Our care services include elderly frail care, Dementia care, respite care or companionship. We ensure that you, or the person in your care, are looked after in a safe and discreet manner without loss of dignity.

Our philosophy

We aim to provide an environment in which a person will feel comfortable, secure and in which they will have confidence. Through a homely atmosphere we always endeavor to provide an environment that gives service users the fulfilment and quality of life through observing and maintaining their privacy, dignity, independence, choice and individual rights

Privacy

To maintain the privacy of their own accommodation and all things personal.
To have and expect confidentiality when circumstances necessitate the need to confide with management and staff.

Dignity

The understanding of the service user’s needs and treating them with respect.

Independence

Allowing service users to take calculated risks, to make their own decisions regarding their care and to think and act for themselves.

Choice

Giving a service user the opportunity to make their own informed decisions, which may be appropriate to them.

Rights

Ensuring all basic human rights are met by staff and available to all service users.

Fulfilment

Enabling the service user to realise their own aims and helping them to

Things to know

Visiting

Families and friends can visit at any time though we encourage visit between the hours of 8am and 8pm

Activities

Service users are given every opportunity and encouragement to follow hobbies and share an interest in new ones. The home will offer a wide range of activities designed to encourage residents to keep mobile and most importantly an interest in life. Activities are organised by staff or outside professionals, including:

Various games i.e. drafts, bingo, cards, quizzes
Exercise activities i.e. ball games, exercise classes
Staff one to one chats with service users
Going for walks
Animal time
Film evenings
Music & sing alongs
Tea and coffee
Wifi is available throughout the building

Catering

Residents enjoy a high standard of freshly prepared food. Special diets are catered for on an individual basis and are prepared by experienced cooks. Menus are rotated on a daily basis and service users are encouraged to eat in the dining room with fellow residents but may eat in their own room or another designated area if they so wish. Residents are offered a choice at breakfast and of 2 lunch meals subject to dietary requirements and 2 tea options.

GP Surgery

Manor Farm Medical Centre

Mangate Street
Swaffham
PE37 7QN

Phone: 01760 721 786

Out of hours: 111

https://www.swaffham-doctors.co.uk/practice-information/contact-us/

How you can help

Please assist us by bringing in the following:

Adhere to the visitor policy
Toiletries (liquid soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, sponge, shampoo, sterident and fixedent)
Label the clothes
Boxes of tissues
We can help with the purchase of a bespoke chair for personal use if required
Wheel chair for continuous use
Nail clippers

Please do not:

Bring solid soap as its is an infection hazard
Bring home baked or cooked food due to allergies or hygiene standards
Put up pictures, we will assist with this

Other Information

Fees

The fees are dependent upon the individual’s requirements and needs. This is discussed and agreed prior to admission. You are entitled to assistance with care home fees from Social Services, The Primary Care Trust or State Benefits or a combination of these.

Notice is required to vacate a room or in the case of death, fees are payable for 3 days or a maximum of 10 days subject to agreement. Ashill Lodge will assist by packing belongings up and storing them securely.

Petty cash

We request that families deposit petty cash monthly to cover Chiropody, haircuts and other incidental costs. We will need the family member to counter-sign the cash in. A full record is maintained, and receipts are retained and can be share at any time.

Other costs

PAT testing for electrical goods per annum
Chiropodist for feet per visit every 6 weeks. NOTE Carers are not permitted to cut toe nails
Hair dressing depending on what is required every other Tuesday
Accompanied Hospital visits – per hour cost per carer plus 45p per mile
PADS – If not allocated by Continence support, these have to be supplied by family members
Newspapers – varies depending on cost
Meals – there is a charge for family to partake in meals. Please notify the manager in advance and a cost will be provided

Getting an assessment

You can read more on what a care needs assessment is here: The Care Needs Assessment Explained | Age UK and here: www.norfolk.gov.uk/care-support-and-health/how-adult-social-care-works/getting-care-and-support/care-act-assessment
You can read more about the thresholds of savings and capital here: Paying for care at home | Age UK

(Thresholds – If a person has less than £23,250 in savings a capital then we would expect that NCC may provide a financial contribution towards their care. If they have over £23,250 in savings and capital, then we can be confident that NCC would deem them to be a self-funder, and that NCC will not provide a financial contribution toward their care.
When considering home care, day services and respite, the value of the property the person lives in is not considered as part of their savings and capital)

Information, Advice and Advocacy

Your Norfolk Advice Network is a free, independent information and advice service, providing easy and quick access to the services you need. The service is open to all adults in Norfolk, including family members, carers, and professionals seeking information, advice and support.

Professionals can also use this number to discuss individuals they support and receive guidance on services they can refer them to.

The service will:

Answer questions and offer independent advice on a range of issues, such as access to benefits, dealing with financial worries and accessing social care
Refer you on to organisations or charities that can help you with your concern

Your Norfolk Advice Network phone number: 0333 996 8333

Opening hours: 8am-6pm Monday-Friday