FAQ

The Home is registered by the East Sussex County Council as an approved Residential Care Home and as such it is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We are registered for 26 Residents and by some standards this is regarded as a large Home, however, we have adequate staffing to meet the care needs of our Residents and if you are happy to be part of a large community this Home might suit your needs. There is a family atmosphere in the Home and the staff are regarded as part of that family.

Our aim is to meet your specific care needs and in order that those needs are adequately assessed the initial four weeks of residence will be considered as a trial period at the end of which either party may terminate the agreement by giving one week notice.

The frequency and method of payment of fees shall be agreed individually with the Finance Manager of the Home. Fees would normally be paid in advance. After one week in hospital a £10 per day refund would be given. In the event of death or transfer of a Resident, fees will be deemed to be payable until all effects have been cleared from their room, this should be completed within 14 days.

Fees will be reviewed annually and this review will normally coincide with the date of the DSS Income Support review in April.

A normal period of notice of four weeks shall be given by either party to the agreement unless this is waived or is inappropriate because of the changing needs of the Residents.

In the event of a Resident being hospitalised, the hospital will notify Berry Pomeroy when they feel the Resident is ready for discharge. Management will then carry out an assessment to determine the suitability of their return to the Home, taking into consideration all risk factors and their well being, ensuring their care needs can be adequately met. The Registered Manager reserves the right to decline re-admission.

At no stage will abuse in any form be tolerated by the management of Berry Pomeroy. Should this occur the Resident will be spoken to regarding their behaviour which could affect their placement. All of the Home’s staff and its Residents, deserve to be treated with respect and feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Services provided and included in the fees are adequately furnished rooms, some with en suite facilities. Meals which consist of breakfast, lunch, tea, mid morning, afternoon and evening hot drinks, with a light snack if requested. Personal laundering, provision of bed linen, blankets and towels.
Should it be necessary, assistance with bathing etc. will be given. Individual care plans are worked out with every Resident and these are regularly updated.
Providing the Resident’s previous General Practitioner is locally based they may continue with the same doctor.

Services available but not included in the fees are hairdressing, chiropody and personal telephone. Guest’s meals are not included in the fees but are available at a small cost, and on arrangement with a senior member of staff.

The Home is not able to offer a nursing service to any Resident, but is able to offer a degree of short term nursing should the Home is able to meet the Resident’s needs, with the support and agreement of medical clinicians. Community Nurses and other community service facilities may also be available.

No responsibility can be accepted for any accident or injury which may befall a Resident, which is due to causes other than negligence on the part of the Home or its staff.

Resident’s personal effects are covered by the Home’s own insurance up to a limit of £500. Should the amount not be adequate then the Resident must effect further insurance cover. In the case of valuable items such as jewellery etc. these must be adequately insured separately by the Resident.

The Home has to comply with the various Fire Regulations and the recommendations of the Fire Authority. Residents must co-operate with the Home Management in this respect and this may mean participation in regular fire evacuation procedures.

Ideally all clothing should be marked with the Residents name or initials on entry to the Home.

Visitors are always welcome in the Home and such visits should normally take place between the hours of 9am and 10pm unless special arrangements are made with the staff.

In the best interest of all the Residents, we regret we cannot accept Residents’ pets into the Home.

We have a NO SMOKING rule in the Home, which applies equally to Residents and staff. Sensitive smoke detectors are fitted throughout the Home in the interest and safety of all occupants.

The control of Residents medication will be discussed with a senior member of staff and the outcome noted on the Resident’s care plan. A Resident should not use or keep any prescribed drugs in the Home unless they are currently prescribed for the Resident by a General Practitioner or a Hospital Doctor. A locking facility will be provided by the Home for security.

The next of kin or legal representative would make these arrangements, but it would be helpful if the Home is advised if any pre-arrangements have been made so that appropriate steps may be taken if necessary.

Management and staff welcome suggestions by any Residents, which help and improve the care or service given, but reserve the right not to implement a change should it considered not to be in the interest of the majority of the Residents.

Staff are not allowed to accept any monetary gifts, with the exception of Christmas when a small gift, certainly no more than £10, may be given. Please do not embarrass the staff by offering money to them at any other time.

Every Resident has the right of access to any records held by Berry Pomeroy relating personally to that Resident.

Any complaint should be taken up with the Manager at the earliest opportunity and efforts will be made to resolve matters to the satisfaction of everyone. However, if satisfaction is not obtained the matter should be referred to the Trustees.

In the unlikely event of the matter still being unresolved the complaint should be taken up with the Homes Inspection Unit whose current details of address etc. can be found on the notice board.