KEEPING YOUR LOVED ONE SAFE
Jim Page of respected care and nursing home Turfcote explains some of the myths surrounding the care industry and why the choice of home is very much a family decision
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recently reported Turfcote ‘good’ – reflecting the home’s dynamic approach to the changing needs of its elderly residents.
The owner of Turfcote, the Page family, took over the property in 1996 with the intention that the nursing and residential home would be fit for the future while retaining much of its historic character.
Making it very much a ‘home from home’ for residents, it still possesses all the facilities to cater for the elderly and infirm including a lift, specialist bathing facilities and wet rooms and a dedicated dementia unit which has extra levels of security and medical expertise to help residents and their families.
At Turfcote, families are central when decisions have to be made – the first being when the times comes to decide whether a care home is right for you or a loved one.
“We have experienced many scenarios over the years as to why families turn to Turfcote for care,” says Jim.
“It may well be that grown-up children have moved away or just don’t have the time to care for elderly parents or they just need a break.”
“We always encourage families to discuss the situation and decide what is best. We also encourage them to take their time – however sometimes they don’t have the luxury of time if they or a family member is discharged from hospital needing immediate care.”
In one instance when a family decided that Turfcote was the place for their father Jack, it enabled Jack’s children to take a holiday, see their new grandchild while Jack was able to keep in touch via WhatsApp, which allowed him to see his new great-grandson for the first time!
Jack settled quickly into Turfcote and was delighted when he was joined by a former work colleague, who arrived at the home after being discharged from hospital. Both ex-engineers, the pair have rekindled their friendship and take an active interest in any ongoing maintenance projects at Turfcote.
“It is not just about our residents it’s about the ripple effect it has on their families. If our residents are happy and content, if they are engaged in their everyday life here, their families are happy too.”
“They can drop in at any time,” adds Jim, who is keen to point out that Turfcote can offer as much or as little care as is required.
Respite and day care is also offered along with long-term care as well as caring for those who need varying levels of assistance.
The dementia unit at Turfcote has specialist trained staff and like the general care wing, the team is committed to providing the highest level of care, giving residents the best quality of life possible.
Having recently made changes to their operating procedures which has seen an increase in efficiency, Turfcote continues to lead the way when it comes to new initiatives.
As an advocate of technology in the care industry, Jim explains: “Telemedicine is spreading into people’s homes supporting them – it makes sense to have specialist nurses who patients can speak to via Skype. So many more patients can be supported rather than nurses spending their valuable time travelling.”
“Also, if the use of community based services were truly integrated, including care homes, then the pressure in hospitals would be reduced.”
While much has been reported about the rising cost of care, Jim encourages families to ‘do their research’: “All families are concerned about the cost of care these days and I am very aware that good care costs more than the authorities are able to contribute.”
“When the time comes, there are enough anxieties to face without navigating the complex issues of financing care. Of course not all patients have to fund their own care as they can qualify for ‘fully funded care packages’ but once again you enter a very complex and controversial area.”
Happily, says Jim, Turfcote is more affordable than most people expect: “I am surprised by the reaction when relatives are informed of our fees. Turfcote appears to be very competitive given the standards and service available.”
Turfcote Care & Nursing Home
Helmshore Road
Haslingden BB4 4DP
01706 229735
www.turfcotecarehome.co.uk