FUNDING the Perfect Residential Home – how to budget for residential care

Oakridge Care Group Ltd gives its advice on the key points families and residents should consider

After 25 years in the business, the Oakridge Care Group Ltd http://oakridgecaregroup.com  prides itself on giving families and individuals the very best advice in selecting residential care homes. The Oakridge Care Group is  unique in that is the the only home to have an information booklet endorsed by the local authority that gives potential residents and loved ones the very latest advice about funding care and how to get funding, should that be necessary.

Where do I start looking?

A doctor is a good place to start for needs assessment advice, as is the local social services, and families, friends and individuals shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, this does not mean that they are giving up the right to choose in anyway whatsoever - the resident and  family members/friends will always have the final say! There are organisations  such as the Quality Care Commission, Age Concern and Help The Aged that can help with advising people  on how to find retirement accommodation, your doctor, social services and even local assisted residential living centres and day centres will all help people to find out as much information as they need before making that all important decision. Be warned, the star rating they previously awarded is no longer operational and so it can be tricky to use this as a guide in the present day if ownership or management has changed since then. Oakridge was previously awarded the very high accolade of three stars and as the management and ownership is still the same, individuals and families can expect the same level of care even if the rating no longer applies.

Who can I talk too?

We as a service provider recognise that at times it can be bewildering journey placing either yourself or a loved one into care.  Taking this a step further we have instigated a Finance Information Clinic.  This is open to everyone who is looking into reserving a placement within the Oakridge Care Group Limited homes, or is placed with us through the local authority.  The aim of the clinic is to try and reduce the stress individuals go through when placed in this situation.   The clinic is available to current and potential residents and their family representative.  It is a walk in clinic but appointments are recommended for the weekends.  You can book a one to one with Philomena Smith Group Finance Manager, by contacting Oakridge Care Group Limited on 01652 240293. This is a FREE service, and as far as we are aware the only one of its kind certainly in North Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire.   

Also you can contact your

Local Authority Adult Health Care Team, Local Carers Support Group, and Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Do I have to sell my/their property?

There are myths pertaining to this question that are raise regularly.  The short answer is “No”, but if the Local Authority were paying the funding there is a protocol to adhere too.

·      The local authority may place a Restriction against the Residents property to ensure the local authority is notified when the property is sold.

·      When the property is sold the resulting capital will be taken in to consideration when assessing the charge.

·      After 12 weeks a resident will be liable for the full cost of their care, but will continue to pay an assessed charge pending the sale of their property.  During this period a debt will accrue against the sale of the property.

What benefits can I claim for while in care?

·      DLA Care / AA cease after 4 weeks in care (LA/NHS funded stays only)

·      Any payments for dependants or housing costs included in Income Support / Pension Credit will normally cease on admittance to permanent care

·      Couples on Income Support / Pension Credit must claim as single people when one or both is admitted to permanent care

·      As from May 2003 benefits for people admitted to hospital will not normally be reduced unless the stay exceeds 52 weeks.

·      There is no extra income / benefit available to people admitted to Residential Care

·      Self-Funding residents can continue to receive AA/DLA care after the first 4 weeks in care.

What happens if Inheritance Tax applies?

What happens when a property is sold to finance nursing or residential home costs?

If the capital is simply held in a bank account then it can be included in their estate for inheritance tax purposes on death. If the capital is used to purchase a long term care plan, then it may be ‘lifted’ out of his estate. If inheritance tax is a major concern for the family, speak to an accountant who specialises in estate planning.

Finding the Perfect Residential Home

Oakridge Care Group Ltd gives its advice on the key points families and residents should consider

After 25 years in the business, the Oakridge Care Group Ltd http://oakridgecaregroup.com  prides itself on giving families and individuals the very best advice in selecting residential care homes. The Oakridge Care Group is  unique in that is the the only home to have an information booklet endorsed by the local authority that gives potential residents and loved ones the very latest advice about funding care and how to get funding, should that be necessary.

However, it’s not all about money; there are many things to consider when choosing residential care for a loved one, so Oakridge Care Group has produced a “Top 10 Tips” list  to bear in mind and ensure that one of the biggest decisions in someone’s life is perfectly planned. Oakridge Care Group pride themselves on providing a ‘home from home’ and that’s exactly what any care or nursing residence should feel like – home.

1.     Drop in and see for yourself

Just like anyone who is considering a move, it’s important to see where one will live and visit a few homes to help to make a decision. Most homes shouldn’t have a problem if people simply drop in, as this is a good way to get a real view of how the home operates and so, what it might be like to live there. Prospective residents mustn’t be shy and should do their research thoroughly.

2.     Location, Location, Location

This is as true of finding a residential home as it is of any other type of dwelling. Families and residents needs to know exactly where they want to live. For example, do they want to be nearer to their family? Do they want to live in a rural location or perhaps nearer the shops and bus routes? Residents and families need to carefully consider what they want and what they need and how they want their life to be after they live in the residential home. If being a member of the local WI, church or samba dance class group is important to them, they will need to make sure these places can all be easily reached from their new home.

3.     Needs Must

Choosing a home is as much about the level and type of care required as it is about the first two points above. Choosing a lovely nursing home in a great location won’t work if funding is required, as the local authority will only pay for nursing care for those that have a medical need for it. If there is no medical need you will need to find a residential home without nursing specialities and then the local authority will fund you if you fit the means testing criteria. Likewise is true of the opposite scenario and some homes do not accept people with dementia, or like Oakridge Care Group, will have specialised homes for those with memory problems.

4.     Get Help and Advice

A doctor is a good place to start for needs assessment advice, as is the local social services, and families, friends and individuals shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, this does not mean that they are giving up the right to choose in anyway whatsoever - the resident and  family members/friends will always have the final say! There are organisations  such as the Quality Care Commission, Age Concern and Help The Aged that can help with advising people  on how to find retirement accommodation, your doctor, social services and even local assisted residential living centres and day centres will all help people to find out as much information as they need before making that all important decision. Be warned, the star rating they previously awarded is no longer operational and so it can be tricky to use this as a guide in the present day if ownership or management has changed since then. Oakridge was previously awarded the very high accolade of three stars and as the management and ownership is still the same, individuals and families can expect the same level of care even if the rating no longer applies.

5.     Talk Between Yourselves

Unfortunately, not everyone has a family that can help them, but that’s when friends can step in and lend a hand! It’s important to have another set of eyes and ears to help people when they visit homes, or speak to people who offer advice on finding homes.  Friends will often think of things that family members and residents might not, and see things that could be easily missed. Working together as a team will make the whole process easier and less stressful. After all, what are friends and family for if not to help with life’s big decisions?

6.     Try before you buy

Most good homes have a respite or guest service where potential residents can try out a home for a weekend or even longer. Visitors can treat it as a little break, but really use it as a chance to test every facility, from the comfort of the beds, to how the staff treat the residents most in need. It is a chance to try all meals and drinks and have a good chat with as many people as possible about how happy they are, as they will give a good insight into what to expect as a long term resident. Many of the residents found Oakridge that way and the staff are only too happy to accommodate prospects in any way they can before they decide to move in permanently.

7.     Bust those myths!

There are many myths around residential care, such as the need to sell one’s own home, that couples can’t live together or that a resident’s independence will take a back seat. Oakridge Care homes have spaces for couples, and its  exclusive financial advice booklet will explain how to fund care and all the  residents can get out an about make full use of their bus passes so are free to come and go as they like. It is worth checking out all these things with the homes before making a decision either way about one particular place.

8.     Don’t be bored

Many of Oakridge’s residents find a new lease of life after being widowed and/or isolated and lonely in their own homes. Activities range from quizzes to clay pigeon shooting, baking cakes to choir groups, gardening to regular pub lunches – any good residential facility should offer such diverse things for their residents to join in with, so it is worth asking about these kinds of activities or to see a calendar of events. Also, many good homes now have dedicated activity staff team - ask to be introduced to them!

9.     Technology helps

It is definitely worthwhile using technology to get another insight into residential homes. If internet access or use of a smart phone is not readily available, it’s worth asking friends or other family members if their computers or other types of technology can be used. The internet is a fast way to see what the home looks like, what goes on there, and to get an idea of what it might be like to live there. It is in no way a substitute for a real hands-on visit but will help families and residents to decide which ones they want to know more about. It is also a great way of checking out the history of a home via old press stories and forums.

10.  Don’t be put off

Some older people can feel that they are a nuisance if they ask too many questions, but it is crucial they do just that. If they feel uncomfortable doing that, take someone along who isn’t uncomfortable. If they don’t have anyone who can do that for them, they could drop into some of the charities mentioned above and see if someone from the voluntary sector can help. The local church or community group are also worth approaching. Stick to it and ask, ask and ask again!  -this is one of the most important decisions a family or resident will ever have to make, so they need to get it right from the outset. If anyone in the home is irritated by questions from prospective residents or doesn’t want to answer them, well, maybe it’s not the right home and it’s best to look elsewhere.

Mums Are Great and that’s a FACT!

We couldn’t let Mother’s Day pass and not commemorate it in some way, after all Oakridge Care Groups homes are filled with truly wonderful mothers, grandmothers and even great grandmothers. So, we thought as it is a well known FACT that every mother is great that we would put together some other less well known facts about Mother’s Day.... And don’t worry Dad’s, we’ll do the same for you on Father’s Day.

1)     Mother’s Day, despite being a fairly commercial event these days, is not the invention of a card company - it actually dates back nearly 3,000 years to Ancient Greece!

2)     The earliest tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele.

3)     In the UK Christians celebrate the Mother’s Day festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honour of Mary, mother of Christ. The holiday was later expanded to include all mothers and is now called Mothering Sunday. 

4)     This year countries in the Balkans, North Eastern Europe and as far afield as Bangladesh and Nigeria will celebrate Mother’s Day in March, but most countries celebrate Mother’s Day in May, including the USA, Australia, Denmark and Singapore. Only Norway celebrates in February.

5)     In the United States, Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian Mountain homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day." 

6)     Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. 

7)     In 1905 when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers." 

8)     At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually, by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed that the day's sentiment was being sacrificed at the expense of greed and profit. In 1923 she filed a lawsuit to stop a Mother's Day festival, and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a convention selling carnations for a war mother's group. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition. 

9)     Despite Jarvis's misgivings, Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. In fact, the second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to dine out, and telephone lines record their highest traffic, as sons and daughters everywhere take advantage of this day to honour and to express appreciation of their mothers.

10)  Britons send on average around 23 million cards every year to the nation’s mothers, about 30%of those are homemade... and we know they’re the best ones!

Anyone For A Cuppa?

We all love a nice cup of tea and maybe even a biscuit to go with it on occasions, so it can only be good news to hear how healthy a cuppa can be. Recent research shows that the health giving properties of tea can be greatly beneficial to the more senior citizens among us. However, before you reach for the kettle or ask for cuppa you may have to change the nation’s favourite drink for something a little more exotic, because it’s GREEN TEA that has all the health giving properties.

A report from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and another by the University of Japan found that GREEN tea helps pensioners stay more physically active than their peers who don’t partake of the brew and that coffee and standard tea did not provide this particular health benefit at all.

Researchers tracked the health of almost 14,000 men and women aged 65-plus for three years, noting what they ate and drank and factoring in data on any care they needed. They found that the more green tea they consumed, the more mobile and self-sufficient they were. Those who got through at least five cups a day were 33 per cent less likely to develop a disability than those who drank less than one cup and three to four cups a day cut the risk by 25 per cent. Overall, green tea drinkers fared better as they grew older than the non-drinkers, even taking into account that they generally had healthier diets and lower smoking rates.

It is not clear why green tea gives such a boost to health, but it does contain high levels of polyphenols, plant chemicals thought to cut cholesterol and protect DNA from damage. These are found at much lower levels in normal tea or in coffee.

However, as with many of the so-called health fads, super-foods and wonder drinks there is a down side - the drink should be avoided by those taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin as the vitamin K in it can stop the drug from working properly. We ensure that all the residents taking medication in our homes are monitored closely and would advocate anyone on any medication to read the instructions on their medication very very carefully. All Oakridge staff are trained in the administering of drugs, as anyone working with medications and caring should be, so you can all can all rest assured that anyone taking warfarin will not be drinking green tea with us.

At Oakridge we generally approve of anything that’s going to help our residents live longer, healthier lives, although we have to say dunking a digestive into green tea just isn’t the same. YUK!

Oakridge Offers a Governmental Challenge

With more depressing statistics and stories emerging about the care for elderly in the UK and the reported lack of budget to look after some of this country’s most vulnerable people,  it appears 2012 may well be following in the footsteps of 2011. Of course, the horror stories about care homes and services in the UK must be reported and companies and individuals dealt with accordingly, but it is how to prevent these occurrences at all that is the real issue. We believe the best way to deal with these serious issues and find a light at the end of the tunnel in the care sector, is to call in some experts and make a powerful steering group that will ensure changes are made where required and standards adhered to across the industry, whether private or public, and NHS.

Of course, with an ageing population the cost of such care is only going to rise, but we must meet the challenge. We cannot allow our elderly population, after a lifetime of service and national insurance payments into the treasury, to simply be abandoned or expect families, where often the children of the elderly they care for are retired themselves, to cope with little or no support.

With experts warning that full-time carers are at breaking point (a fact we know only too well through the families we support via our respite service) and two of Oakridge Care Group’s watch words (dignity and respect) being used repetitively, it seems that finally something is being done about it and both the government and the opposition are going to put together a white paper to find a way forward.

We would like to help, as proven experts in both caring for the elderly and running a highly successful caring business in what are trying times for the entire industry, and sit on any steering or advice committees being set up to where we can help and advice MPs. We will gladly give our time to help take caring to the level it should be in the UK and ensure all of Oakridge’s watch words for excellence in caring become as important to every care home in the country. So, please MP’s give us a call, we’re here to help.

Our Very Special Christmas Dinner....

Apéritif
Bucks Fizz

Starter

Freshly squeezed orange juice

Prawn cocktail with marie rose sauce on a bed of rocket salad 

Smoked salmon salad with a slice of wholemeal bread 

Fan of melon with a raspberry coulis

Main Course

Herb glazed roast turkey or lamb

Orange & cranberry stuffing

Pigs in blankets

Roast potato

Duchess potato

Sliced runner beans

Petis pois

Braised red cabbage in sweet cider vinegar 

Young baby sprouts 

Rich turkey, thyme & white wine gravy

Dessert

Traditional christmas pudding with Courvoisier brandy sauce, vanilla custard or cream 

Pimms jelly with strawberries & cream 

Brandy snap with fresh fruit & cream

Eton mess 

Ten Top Tips for Looking After the Elderly this Christmas

It’s easy to forget with your family and friends around you as you open presents and all sit down together to eat your Christmas dinner, that there are people out there who are all alone and won’t see another human face all day long. OK, it’s true that we should spare time to help people less fortunate than ourselves all year long, but this year we are challenging each and every one of you to take the Christmas Care Challenge.

Follow even just ONE of our tips to helping the elderly this Christmas and see how the old adage that it is better to give than receive will ring truer than a church bell on Christmas morning.

A Little Extra Goes a Long Way

Buy an extra gift suitable for an elderly person and either give it to an elderly neighbour or take it into one of the charities that collect Christmas presents for the vulnerable elderly. Perhaps a tin of special biscuits could be delivered to a local day centre or take a bottle of sherry to a residential home near you.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

With all this talk of a white Christmas we know it’s going to be cold, but when was there ever a warm Noel? Many elderly people are at risk of serious injury just by stepping out of doors and slippery paths often mean a shortcut to hospital. Clear a neighbour’s path of snow and ice with a bit of shovelling and salting (it’s a great way to keep warm and burn the Christmas calories off). Remember, it doesn’t have to be actually snowing for a path to need de-icing.

When Christmas Shopping is Good for the Soul

It’s easy enough for most of us to get about; we have cars or can easily get on the bus or train to the shops, but what about that elderly neighbour? Knock on their door and suggest they accompany you shopping, so they can get all the festive bits and bobs they require. Bear in mind they might need a little more help than just a lift to the shops; those bags might be heavy.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree...

Elderly folk climbing on chairs and fiddling with electrical fairy lights is a recipe for disaster – so go and lend a hand! Putting up decorations is fun and something you can do together.... and a little glass of sherry and a mince pie afterwards makes it all worthwhile. Remember to go and take them down again before the 6^th of January though.

Boxing Day..... But Early!

Make a little Christmas box hamper complete with homemade mince pies, piece of Christmas cake or pudding, some nice ham, pickles and crackers....And a cracker. Then take it round to your chosen elderly person. It can be embarrassing giving gifts as you might not be sure what the other person would like, but everyone likes a traditional Christmas delicacy to nibble on.

Christmas Is All About the Kids

Many elderly folk don’t see their grandchildren and great grandchildren as often as they would like, some not at all and some don’t have any. A card or homemade Christmas decoration made by a neighbour’s child would not only brighten their day, but the entire festive season everytime they looked at it. Go on, get the glitter out!

Christmas Comes But TWICE a Year!

OK so, you’ve got your plans with your family for the big day itself, but what about Boxing Day or even Christmas Eve? Invite an elderly person round for and early or belated Christmas dinner or lunch and spread the cheer this festive season... and the good news is you get to celebrate twice!

Christmas Dinner is on its Sleigh

Takes hours doesn’t it? All that veg prep and de-frosting the turkey only to be gobbled up in 15 minutes flat, everyone over eats and then sits groaning all the way through the Queen’s speech. Save yourself some calories and drop a lovely hot dinner into a neighbour. Remember to let them know of your kind offer so they don’t go to the trouble themselves.... and let them know it’s on its sleigh....I mean, way (too much sherry already) so they don’t worry that you’ve forgotten them!

Make Sure it is Only Santa that Comes Down the Chimney!

Maybe one of your elderly neighbours is going off to the bosom of their family to enjoy a warm and loving Yuletide. In that case they’ll need someone to keep an eye on their house, turn lights on and off and generally check for frozen pipes and the like... It has to be said that this is one of the busiest times of the year for burglars, so lend a hand and help keep out anyone who isn’t bearing gifts!

The Real Message of Christmas

Of course, you could go the whole hog (perhaps the whole turkey would be more appropriate?) and invite a lonely elderly person to join you this year and share in your family’s special day. Or you could share their day, as there are many elderly charities that could do with some help this time of the year. Now that, is the true message of Christmas.

Ten Top Tips to Finding the Ideal Residential Home

This is an ongoing blog and we will have more tips for you very soon about finding the perfect care home for yourself or a loved one.

After 25 years in the business and a 3 star rating from the Care Quality Commission you can rely on us to give you only the very best advice!

First Five Tips....

Drop In & See For Yourself

Just like anyone who is considering a move, it’s important to see where you’re going to live and visit a few homes to help you choose. Most homes shouldn’t have a problem if you simply drop in, as this is a good way to get a real view of how the home operates and so what it might be like to live there. Don’t be shy and do your research thoroughly.

Location, Location, Location

This is as true of finding a residential home as it is of any other type of dwelling. Consider exactly where you want to live, for example, do you want to be nearer family? Do you want to live in a more rural location or perhaps nearer the shops and bus routes? If someone is suffering from early dementia it might be better for them to stay somewhere familiar. Think carefully about what you want and what you need.

Needs Must

Choosing a home is as much about the level and type of care required as it is about the first two points above. Choosing a lovely nursing home in a great location won’t work if you need funding, as the local authority will only pay for nursing care for those that have a medical need for it. Likewise is true of the opposite scenario and some homes do not accept people with dementia. Your doctor is a good place to start for needs assessment advice as is the local social services.

Get Help & Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, this does not mean that you are giving up your right to choose in anyway whatsoever. You and your family/friends will always have the final say! There are organisations  such as Age Concern and Help The Aged that can help with advising you on how to find a home, your doctor, social services and even local residential homes will all help you find out as much information as you need before making that all important decision.

Talk Between Yourselves

Unfortunately, not everyone has family that can help them, but we do all have friends! It’s important to have another set of eyes and ears helping you when visiting homes or speaking to people who offer advice on finding homes.  They’ll think of things that you might not and see things that you may miss, but together as a team it makes the whole process easier and less stressful. After all, what are friends and family for if not to help with life’s big decisions?

Keeping The Grey Matter Active

We read with great interest last week about how doing a quiz a day keeps dementia at bay and is at least as effective as medication. Now, we would never advocate anyone stopping medication or not taking anything prescribed by a doctor, but keeping the brain active along with traditional scientific treatments for dementia has to be a winner; it certainly can do you no harm. Even those without dementia will benefit from doing a simple crossword or word searches every day and it helps pass the time in a fun way too.

As well as daily paper coffee break quiz sections and cross and quiz word books and magazines, there are loads of TV programmes that make you think too. Everyone loves an Egghead (BBC2 6pm weekdays) and of course there’s the ever popular Countdown and sitting down for half an hour with a cup of tea and a biscuit has to be one the best ways to exercise a part of your body! Many of our residents gather to watch these shows and it can get quite competitive on occasions when we actually make teams and pitch our wits against each other.

We regularly do quiz activities ourselves with the staff playing quiz master. Not only is this great fun and often results in great hilarity from some of the answers and comments from one team to another, but by choosing questions from days gone by it becomes a useful reminiscence tool and helps us assess our residents’ dementia status.

We wholeheartedly advocate and facilitate our residents using their brains as much as they can, and their bodies too. This can be done in many ways from a simple armchair exercising (we hold regular sessions), through to simply offering choice (a big deal for us and something each and every one of our residents does and is encouraged to do daily). Every activity requires thought process, which in turn keeps the brain ticking over nicely. For example, we encourage our residents to bake and do gardening, things they would’ve done and enjoyed in their own private homes, this not only gives a sense of enjoyment and pride in the results, but keeps body and mind active and daily living skills going too.  And you can do the same at home!

So, if quizzing is good for you I’m off to find the crossword, as I could do with a little mental agility myself.

Now, seven down, four letters beginning with ‘Q’ and ending in ‘Z’, to test the knowledge of one by posing question.... I wonder what that could be?....

Welcome to the Oakridge Care Group Blog!

Our History

Derek and Judith Pursey bought the 18^th century listed warehouse that was to become Riverside Mews, back in 1971. Set on the banks of the River Ancholme and surrounded by glorious North Lincolnshire countryside, it was originally bought for the purpose of creating a place for the family to live, as well as provide a mooring for Derek’s boat. Derek’s Mother (Bella) also moved into the warehouse with them, although it soon became apparent that Bella would require residential care, so with this in mind, Riverside Mews Care Home was born.

Oakridge Care Group has been providing exceptional care for the elderly since 1989 under the name of North Lincolnshire Care. We rebranded in the autumn of 2011 as our business expanded.

We now have three homes in the North Lincolnshire and York areas, Riverside Mews, Abbey Lodge and Norwood House, with our head office situated in the Market Square in Brigg. The group currently has 75 high quality residential places for the aged across the three locations, but are about to embark on an expansion plan that will see that number rise to 130, as well as improve the quality of our facilities, with more en suite rooms and residential places for couples.

Our Philosophy

We see the elderly as individuals, including their past histories and success. Our skilled staff help our residents to live as independently as possible, with each maintaining their daily routine, which we then fit into and we pride ourselves on this person-centred care giving.  We include family and friends and believe that this collaborative approach to care ensures we know and meet the needs of all of our residents.

Our Care

We pride ourselves on offering ‘excellence in care’ (except nursing care) and all of our staff are qualified, highly skilled and experienced. We continually strive to reach new and improved levels of care and see continual training and learning as essential to improved practices. All individuals’ who either stay or reside with us are assessed by a qualified member of staff, who will then devise a person centred plan of care specifically designed to meet the individual’s needs.

All our homes offer care on a long-term, short-term, respite and day care basis and have an extensive programme of activities and outings designed to entertain, but also stimulate our residents.

Our Home From Home

Oakridge Care Group caters for all stages of later life in a high quality residential “home from home” setting. Our homes are all set within period properties with landscaped grounds, wonderful views and private en suite rooms.

We have instilled a culture within our care homes that ensures all of our clients are treated as individuals and with dignity and respect at all times. We understand that the transition from individual residences to a care home setting requires patience, understanding and support, both for the new resident but also their families. So, to settle and welcome our residents we encourage our residents to decorate their rooms and we even allow pets (subject to a risk assessment). To reach our aim of a home from home it is essential to allow and provide choice. This is key in everything we do - our residents choose when to get up, what, where and when to eat, and ensure their wishes are considered for the present and their futures.

Our Mission

To provide high quality care that promotes a secure, safe, loving, friendly home-like environment, with emphasis on dignity for all, respect for individuality and maintenance of independence.

Our Vision

To be the market leader in providing  best in class care home and assisted living, by putting quality first in everything we do for our residents, relatives and staff.

Contact Information

Find us: 

www.oakridgecaregroup.co.uk 

Contact us:

info@oakridgecaregroup.co.uk