Assisted care Archives - Altogether Care

Is Now the Right Time to Move Into a Care Home?

Posted on 17 November 2021 by dukadmin

Moving into a care home is a big step. Ideally, you’ll want to take some time over the decision so that you’re well prepared for the adjustment. It’s then much more likely to be a successful transition.

In current times, with high Covid rates across the country, moving into a care home can seem like an even bigger step. But should you worry?

After almost two years of learning to live with the virus, care homes are among the safest places you can be. Anybody who isn’t fully vaccinated is not permitted into our homes, this includes staff, tradespeople and even delivery drivers.

We are also inspected by the Care Quality Commission and local councils and must demonstrate that we have robust infection prevention and control measures in place.

There are other reasons why you could benefit from moving into a care home. Isolation and loneliness increased during the pandemic. In a care home you always have company and the opportunity to take part in a pre planned activities programme including bus trips to local beauty spots or local tea rooms.

You also get three nourishing meals every day freshly prepared for. Your medications are taken care of, and there are always trained staff on hand to look after you 24 hours a day.

Moving Into a Care Home – Practical Steps

So, if moving into a care home sounds like a more reassuring and appealing prospect, what should you do next?

Always do your research. We try to offer as much information as possible to help people decide whether an Altogether Care home is the right choice for them.

Booking a short stay is a good way to sample life in one of our homes. This can also give family members who’ve been helping to care for you a bit of a break. However much information you have about life in a care home, there’s no substitute for trying it out and seeing whether it feels right – and whether moving into a care home is something you’re ready to do.

Once you’ve selected a care home, decide which clothes and other personal possessions you want to take with you. We encourage our residents to bring pictures, ornaments and items of furniture with them so that your room feels like home.

If you have any questions about moving into a care home or would like to arrange a visit to take a look around and see what life might be like, just get in touch on 01305 300 161 or email contact@altogethercare.co.uk.

Imagine Retirement With More Time To Do The Things You Love

Posted on 1 November 2021 by dukadmin

Our entire life seems to be made up of things we love doing and other ‘necessary’ stuff that isn’t much fun – like housework, shopping, mowing the lawn and house maintenance.

As you get older, time becomes more significant and precious. How good would it feel to get rid of all the chores and tedious features of everyday life? What would it be like to spend that time on something more enjoyable and worthwhile?

This is what assisted living is all about; keep the bits of life that give you the most pleasure and satisfaction – and get rid of the rest.

The ‘best bits’ are different for everyone. It might be a walk in the country, a day out, learning a new skill such as drawing or painting, trying out new activities, or just time spent in good company.

The first step is to find a way to make time. You’ll then have little problem finding ways to use it.

Assisted Living at Steepleton Manor

Assisted living and time well spent are very much the themes of life at Steepleton Manor – our Grade II listed retirement home in Dorset. We take care of all the routine tasks while our clients concentrate on how to take advantage of the wealth of leisure facilities and varied activities available.

There are impressive and extensive grounds, a croquet lawn and kitchen garden offering opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle. There’s also a library, shop, conservatory and spacious communal areas where people socialise and relax. We also have regular bus trips out in our modern mini bus to local beauty spots or to local tea rooms.

Assisted living is also about keeping your independence. We have en-suite rooms and suites with a separate living room and kitchenette. There’s plenty of choice over how you prefer to live.

So, if you’re thinking seriously about how you want to spend your time after retirement, it’s worth considering assisted living. And at Steepleton Manor, you’ll be able to spend your days in luxurious surroundings in a stunning country manor house.

If this sounds appealing, you can find out more and take a glimpse inside Steepleton Manor by watching our video. You’re also more than welcome to spend a day with us. Just follow this link for more information and to arrange a visit.

Forget Residential Care, think of it as Assisted Living Instead

Posted on 2 October 2018 by dukadmin

Everyone has their own idea of what life in a residential care home would be like. That view isn’t always based on fact or experience and often isn’t accurate. To help get over some of the preconceptions we like to talk about assisted living rather than residential care.

Care sounds a bit passive. But for most of our residents, living is anything but a passive experience. Assisted living means that we see our role as helping our residents live the most active and fulfilling life possible, free from the day to day tasks and concerns of running their own home. Personal care needs, if any, are taken care of by skilled and qualified care staff, but that is far from the whole picture.

Easy Access to Activities

One of the biggest advantages for our residents is that it’s so much easier to take part in a wide range of activities and excursions. It’s possible to end up with a busier and more active social life than when you lived in your own home. There are always people to go with and somebody takes care of the arrangements and transport.

A glance at a monthly activity programme for Steepleton Manor reveals a wide range of excursions and events. Many of these are free and some have a small additional charge to cover entrance fees, transport and so on.

The programme includes theatre trips, pub lunches, a balloon festival, food festivals and trips out to museums and local attractions. This is in addition to the regular craft and exercise activities at the Manor. How many of these would have been available and accessible without assisted living?

Even if you don’t fancy a trip out, there is plenty on offer. If you just want a pleasant stroll, Steepleton Manor is set in beautiful grounds for you to take advantage of, with picturesque landscaped gardens right outside your door.

For an increasing number of people, assisted living is far from being the last resort. It’s the result of a positive choice to get some assistance with everyday life while getting on with things you really want to do.