WENHAM HOLT NURSING HOME NEWSLETTER July 2009   Welcome to everyone who has joined us since the last newsletter was issued which was in April 2009. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with what is going on in the Home and some of our plans for the future.   The Environment. We have recently erected a new fence along the wall to the front of the continuing care unit which has been on our ‘to do’ list for some time. We hope it will soon feel as if it has always been there and that it doesn’t affect anyone’s view of the garden.   The old office on the ground floor adjacent to the main lounge has been turned back into a wc for resident’s use, as planned some time ago. We still have to install some handrails which will be done shortly.   The old slab patio to the side of the lounge has been re-laid in brick pavers. All we need is some fine weather and we can get the patio chairs and tables out!   The lighting system to the old part of the house is being replaced at present and some extra smoke detectors are being installed to the roof spaces. This work is being carried out in stages for a number of reasons. We hope there will not be too much inconvenience.    We have some more sets of bedroom furniture on order and will replace the old chests of drawers and wardrobes, which are no longer

repairable, if you notice any of our existing furniture which needs repair please tell a member of staff and it will be attended to.   The car park and other parking areas around the Home still get congested at times and we would ask you to please continue to park considerately and make best use of the space available.   Please follow the directional arrow down the drive and take care when exiting as there may be cars coming in as you are leaving. As an initial move to improving our signage we have had the sign on the roadside replaced and hope to add some more directional arrows/signs soon.   The garden is looking lovely at the moment, hedges have been cut and the grass-mowing season is well underway. We have recently purchased some new patio furniture so please make use of the patio areas when visiting if the weather permits. We have ramps to the rear of the house, which allow access to the middle lawn and rose garden. If you wish to take your relative/friend outside and require any assistance please ask a member of staff.   We have re-organised some of our rooms again and the dining room is now downstairs next to the large lounge. This makes things easier for residents who can get to the dining room without having to take the lift to the first floor as in the past. We still have three lounges and the sensory room on the ground floor so there is plenty of room for everyone.

Relatives Support Group Attendance at this long running (15 years) forum remains as strong as ever. If your relative has recently joined us and would like to attend this informal, friendly meeting that provides an opportunity for spouses/carers etc to meet one another and help each other with practical and emotional support. Please speak to Rosemary. The support group meets every second Monday of the month at 5.00pm, everyone is very welcome to attend and supper is provided.   Additional Services We have a chiropodist (Angela) who visits every 6 weeks and will treat your relative if you would like her to do so. There is currently a charge of £12.00 for a treatment.   In addition, we have a hairdresser (Barbara) who visits once a week on a Wednesday. Prices are as follows: Trim, shampoo & set £12.00 Shampoo & set          £ 8.00 Cut                             £5.00 Perm                          £25.00   Our local shop Rake Stores deliver newspapers papers and if you would like to have one please ask Madeleine who will make the necessary arrangements.   The internet is available wirelessly via our router, please ask Dan to set you up if you or a relative have a laptop they wish to bring in.   Care Plans If any resident or their relatives would Like to see their care plan please make an appointment with the nurse- in-charge.

Quality Ratings Just in case you missed seeing this excellent news in the last newsletter....our inspectorate the Care Quality Commission have issued our final report and  We have been awarded the top score of 3 stars and are now officially an excellent service. Thanks to all of you who assisted the inspector by either completing one of their surveys or being interviewed on the day of the inspection. We will of course continue to keep up our high standards and strive for continuous improvement. A copy of the report is available for viewing via our website  www.wenhamholt.co.uk     Activities Amanda continues to provide a wide ranging variety of activities for residents to enjoy. In addition, we have live musical entertainment on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We are also now taking the minibus out at weekends so residents can enjoy a drive in the country. We also have 8 chickens whose run and coop is in the rear garden adjacent to the ramp. They are very attractive white hens which lay brown eggs please feel free to go and see them.   Finally If you have any questions, comments or queries about any aspect of the Home or the service we offer. Please ask the nurse-in-charge and they will be only too pleased to assist.

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