We asked Helen Stockton to visit Hailsham House Care Home, she discovered a place where the focus is on creating a warm, welcoming place to call home
When asked for one word to sum up the ethos of Hailsham House Care Home, the answer was ‘people’. At its heart are the residents who are catered for in a variety of ways.
Hailsham House consists of four distinct areas offering everything from residential and respite care, to nursing and dementia care. It accommodates those wanting to be as independent as possible, with a kettle and a fridge in each room, together with communal laundry facilities for those who prefer to do their own washing. Yet it also offers nursing care for those who need greater support.
Whilst each bedroom has its own ensuite wet room, an accessible luxury spa bathroom is available for those who prefer a relaxing soak, and there is also a hairdressing salon with visiting beauticians. The wellbeing team ensures that individual interests are catered for as far as possible, in this instance, a range of Paralympic inspired activities, initiated by residents, for those who wanted to give them a go.
‘People’ also includes the wider community. As Rui, the Care Home Manager, was keen to stress, they encourage residents to pursue their interests outside of the Care Home. “A couple of our residents enjoy bowls, so they have joined the local bowls club, but we also invite people from the wider community to come to us,” explained Rui. “One of our residents still drives and we encourage people to be as independent as possible.” In the new and immaculately refurbished Beach House section of the home, there is a café for residents as well as visitors, and there are breakout areas and smaller lounges, in addition to the main lounge, so people can find an appropriate space to socialise.
Chip, the Business Development Manager, was keen to stress the wider support for families. “If people just want to drop by with mum or dad and have a coffee or lunch then that’s fine.” Hailsham House offers respite care that is currently bookable well in advance. They also offer advice on the variety of care options and funding packages available. And because Hailsham House offers different levels of care, if a resident’s needs change, they don’t have to move, and families know their loved ones are safe, settled and have on-going, appropriate support.
Rui also included the Care Home staff at the centre of the ‘people’ ethos. Many have been there for years and some who left have come back. “They are so important as it is them delivering the care,” explained Rui. They are the ones who can turn a Care Home into ‘their home’ which is what Hailsham house aims to do for all its residents.
Hailsham House
New Road, Hailsham,
East Sussex, BN27 4EW
01323 442050
mgr.hailshamhouse@aurem-care.com