Month: June 2017

Sherborne House resident Ivy Platt celebrated her 102^nd birthday on Saturday (24^th June). Family and friends joined in the fun with a birthday cake, flowers and balloons.  Originally from London, Ivy lived in Bridport before moving to Sherborne House in Yeovil 18 months ago.

Ivy has a daughter and two granddaughters. She loves to spend her time knitting and has created many of her own outfits.  When asked what her secret to a long life is she replied; ‘Chocolate, lots and lots of dark chocolate’.

Staff and residents were delighted to be part of Ivy’s big day.

Sherborne House Care Home will celebrate the completion of its new extension with an open day on Friday 16^th June at 2.30pm. Altogether Care, who own Sherborne House, a home that specialises in dementia care, are now delighted to offer a dedicated Nursing Care wing, with additional living spaces and refurbishment to the existing building.

Deputy Mayor of Yeovil, David Recardo will attend and cut a cake and assist in welcoming local people to see the new facilities. Bruce Trigger, Yeovil’s Town Crier will also attend.

Responding to the growing demand arising from an aging population, Altogether Care sees the Sherborne House extension as a chance to make the best use of the structures and open spaces already available on the Sherborne House site. The new extension has created nine additional bedrooms plus additional day space capacity that will improve the Home’s facilities.

Brian Westlake, Chair of Altogether Care said, ‘Most people with dementia move into a care home once their dementia progresses to a certain stage. Some people with dementia also have other illnesses or disabilities that make it difficult for them to remain at home. We are pleased to be able to increase local facilities for people suffering with dementia and or general nursing needs to improve their quality of life and give peace of mind to their families’. Sherborne House also offer Respite and Day Care provision.

Altogether Care is a family owned business offering a wide spectrum of care facilities in Somerset and Dorset. Sherborne House has been rated ‘GOOD’ by CQC in their last inspection published in May 2017.

Animals are renown for having a therapeutic effect on people of all ages. But animal therapy can be particularly beneficial for the elderly, as they can provide those who do not normally receive animal contact with companionship, as well as enhancing their wellbeing.

Lofty the miniature therapy horse brought smiles to resident’s and staff’s faces at Weymouth Care Home recently when he visited every room and spent time with each resident. His size made it easy for him to ‘access all areas’ and he even gave certain residents a kiss!

A few days later, residents received a visit from two friendly Alpacas who paced around the lounge and enjoyed lots of fuss.

Residents at Weymouth Care Home were recently treated to a rare sight when a cute 10-week old baby owl called Crystal dropped in and got to meet every resident.  Local rescue centre Mike’s Owls ensured that everybody got to see the young owl up close.

Residents at Steepleton Manor had a grand sing-a-long earlier this month when local band Jurassic Drifters dropped in to play some tunes. An eight piece band performed tunes from the 60s on banjos, guitars and ukuleles, with toe-tapping and familiar songs providing residents with a trip back in time. Staff and residents really enjoyed the performance and look forward to a return visit in the future.

What is Live-in Care?

It’s not surprising that this modern solution to care is popular. Live-in Care provides a direct alternative to care homes. It combines high levels of care with the added independence and reassurance of living life in your own home. Whether you or your loved one requires personal one to one care assistance, domestic help or if companionship and independence is all that is desired, a tailored service can be created to suit your needs.

Your carer will move into your home with you, allowing you to stay in your own safe environment surrounded by your own possessions and community. This is also very advantageous if you have pets, where many care homes are unable to accommodate individuals pets, your carer will be able to assist in helping to keep your pet by your side. With the right encouragement and support, you or your loved one is able to continue living an independent, enriched life without the worry about receiving the right level of care.

Your one on one carer will learn what you need help with most and what you can ably do independently – so care is suited to your individual needs. Spending so much time one on one means they get to know you; sharing smiles, laughter, trips out, social activities and meaningful conversations together.

Live-in Care can also be provided for end of life care, so there is no need for uncomfortable upheaval to a different environment such as a hospice. Understanding that this is an extremely emotional and difficult process, your carer will offer the highest quality of care as adaptably as possible. Reassuring and supporting both you and your loved ones every step of the way.

Live-in Care Fees

The fees associated with Live-in Care vary depending on level of support required during the day and potentially the night to suit your needs, but may be more affordable than you think. Live-in Care is comparable in cost to residential homes and compared to some of the more elite homes, is a much more cost effective option. In many instances one live-in carer can provide care for a couple, which is a far more viable financial option compared to the cost of two beds in a residential care home.

For more information on funding care, we have put together a guidance document outlining the current Government arrangements which can be found here.

For more information on Live-in Care from Altogether Care or to discuss your requirements with us please contact us on 01202 894 925. Alternatively, visit our website or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.  Or if you would like to speak to us in person why not pop into one of our local branches, to find a local branch to you take a look at our map here.