Our Values
The following sections will help you understand our values, what we stand for and learn more about the home in general. At any point you have a question, please do get in touch.
Statement of Purpose
Staff Details
Proprietor / Manager - Mrs Georgie Rixon
Deputy Manager - Mrs Sharon Nix
Head of Nights and Senior Carer - Mrs Peggy Freshwater
Head of Doctors Weekly Round - Mrs Wendy Freshwater
Head of Infection Control - Mrs Lisa Connell
Head of Health and Safety - Mrs Vicky Piosek
Head of Fire - Mrs Sharon Nix
Head of Kitchen - Mrs Sarah Owen
Head of First Aid - Mrs Georgie Rixon
Head of Activities - Mrs Wendy Freshwater
Dignity In Care Champion Lead - Mrs Sharon Nix
To complement, and support the above staff Lime Tree Court employs 16 Care Assistants, weekend Cook, Housekeeping Support Staff, Students and an Activities Organiser.
Lime Tree Court has a very established and stable staff team, the Care Supervisor has worked at Lime Tree Court for 17 years, and the Deputy Manager for 20 years. The Care, Housekeeping, Catering and Support staff have gained many years experience working at Lime Tree Court. The team are committed and strive to provide a professional care service for residents with a personal touch.
Registered Provider / Manager - Mrs Georgina Pamela Rixon
Mrs Rixon worked as the Manager of Lime Tree Court since 1978, at this time the home accommodated nine older adults. In 1980 Mrs Rixon purchased the business from the previous owners and increase occupancy to sixteen residents. To accommodate increased interest, in 1992 an additional seven placements were made. Lime Tree Court is registered with the Care Quality Commission to care for 23 residents.
The Registered Manager is actively involved in all aspects of Lime Tree Court, and leads and supports a committed and caring staff team. A person centred approach is at the forefront to providing care for residents, and individualised care planning ensures residents are valued as individuals, with respect shown for their uniqueness and their personal needs.
The homes reputation testifies to the high quality of the care provided by experienced trained staff.
Examples of appreciative letters and thank you cards from families, carers, and visiting professionals, are a testimony to all who work and live at Lime Tree Court and available to for you read.
Registration
In Compliance with: - Health and Social Care Act 2008 [Regulated Activities] Regulations 2010 Care Quality Commission [Registration]
Lime Tree Court provides care home service without nursing and provides the following activity:-
- Accommodation for persons who require personal care
- Treatment of disease, disorder or injury
The home is registered with the Care Quality Commission for the provision of accommodation for a maximum of 23 services users both male and female. We are pleased to accept residents for long term care, respite care, and day care
The CQC office is:-
Care Quality Commission
South East Regional
City Gate, Gallowgate
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4PA
Telephone Number 03000-616161
Aims and Objectives
The management and care team at Lime Tree Court pride themselves on offering a specialist professional care service for older adults with varying degrees of dementia type illness, and dementia related conditions. To provide a person centred approached that promotes residents to maintain their daily living skills by encouraging independence where possible, and support to maximise their potential.
Our aim is to provide the people we care for a happy and homely atmosphere, by offering a safe secure environment in which each resident feels at home, cared for and respected. Well being and comfort is of prime importance. Carers strive to maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all residents within a warm and caring atmosphere. In doing so be sensitive to the changing needs of those living with dementia. Residents and families are encouraged to participate in the development of individual Support Plans and care reviews. Our person centred care planning approach is designed to recognise the changing needs of our residents We operate a Key Worker system , enabling the member of staff to take responsibility for building a trusting and caring relationship with the resident, offering one to one support, and ensuring the homes care planning truly reflects the individual residents needs and wishes. When a particular need is identified, the care plan highlights how staff can effectively address an unmet need. Support plans are reviewed monthly, and any changes are recorded in the support plan.
Care reviews are an integral part of meeting resident's needs. This is particularly important when care needs change.
In the event of changes to residents well being the key worker and management team document how to support any changes to care plan and ensure this is affectively communicated and understood.
Organisational Structure
The home Manager is responsible for all aspects of the day to day management of the home.
The Deputy Manager is responsible for the management of staff, and residents care.
The management team is supported by senior carers.
Staff Training
Developing a well trained workforce is important to us. Staff working at lime Tree Court are required to complete Mandatory Care Skills Training in thirteen subjects. Additional Learning and training opportunities are provided by external trainers. To further complement and promote ongoing development of staff several supplementary care courses are used. The Social Care Institute for Excellence provides good practice materials and e-learning in Dementia related subjects. www.scie.org.uk. The Dignity in Care www.dignityincarecapaign.co.uk is used to inform practice, and promote dignity.
In 2009 we successfully achieved The Investors in People Award rewarding our commitment to training and providing caring, competent, and well trained staff to care for the needs of our residents.
Adult Protection
Our priority is keeping residents safe and free from harm. Our recruitment process involves police checks. Staff are trained to be aware and to report any incident or event which could be considered abuse. We have a clear adult protection and safeguarding policy. All staff receive safeguarding training annually, and good practice in adult protection is discussed in supervision and staff meetings.
Philosophy of Care
Lime Tree Court's philosophy of care encompasses:
The Core Values of Care:
These values are achieved by carers who strive to preserve and maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all residents by understanding resident's changing needs and treating them with respect. Residents are encouraged to make choices and decisions and supported to maintain daily living skills. These Core Values are equally important in supporting resident's holistic needs which may be medical, therapeutic, cultural, psychological, spiritual, emotional and social needs.
Building on these values the care team have signed up to the Dignity in Care Campaign an NHS initiative to improve the quality of care for older adults. It includes action to:-
- Raise awareness of Dignity in Care
- Inspire People to Take Action
- Share Good Practice
- Transform Services by supporting people and organisations in providing dignified services
- Reward and Recognise People who make a difference and go the extra mile
The ten point dignity challenge is a philosophy of care that places emphasis on treating people with the same respect you would want for yourself or a member of your family. Staff training, accountability for care staff and the introduction of Dignity Champions influences and supports care delivery at Lime Tree Court and provides a theory and value base of best practice. Residents are valued as individuals, with respect shown for their uniqueness and their personal need.
Admission
For many people who come to live at Lime Tree Court the home has been recommended. Any enquiries about a placement at Lime Tree Court are encouraged to visit the home. This is an opportunity to view the home, meet the staff and residents. We recognise the challenges of making a decision to move to residential care. Prospective residents are welcome to visit for lunch, spend the day, and given time to make the decision. Any perspective resident, relatives or professionals are able to discuss any questions or concerns regarding admission with the Home Manager. Once a decision has been made for admission the Home Manager or a senior member of staff will complete a full assessment. This information is used to ensure the home can meet the residents assessed needs, and collate the information to formulate a Support Plan to meet the individual care needs. An assessment visit can be completed in the perspective client home, hospital, or current care environment. Family, friends, and relatives, and if appropriate, health or social care professionals are often involved in the information sharing and assessment process. If a room is available a moving in date can be mutually agreed. Financial information and fees will be discussed confidentially with the Home Manager
Visiting Hours
Lime Tree Court has an open door policy, and visiting times are not restricted. We do however request that visits avoid mealtimes. Relatives, Doctors and visiting professionals are asked to avoid going to see a resident while breakfast, lunch and tea is being served. Protected Meal Times is one of the Dignity In Care Factors embraced by Lime Tree Court promotes Eating and Nutritional Care. Mealtimes are served in a calm atmosphere, free from distractions. Staff are able to focus on supporting residents with their meals and to provide assistance to ensure good dietary and fluid intake. To comply with the Care Home Regulations 2001 visitors are requested to enter their details in the Visitors Book on arrival and sign out when leaving. This is also a practice that meets the Fire Authority and Health and Safety requirements.
Medical Care
The local GP visits Lime Tree Court Weekly, or more frequently if required. If required Consultant Psychiatrists, District Nurses, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Dieticians, and Physiotherapist also support the health care needs of the residents.
Medication
All repeat prescriptions and medication changes are ordered in conjunction with the GP. Medication is administered to residents by Senior Staff
Chiropody
A private chiropodist visits the home every six weeks. A payment is required for this service Lime Tree Court pay your bill, then send an invoice for payment to residents representatives.
Optician and Dentist
Appointments can be made for local opticians and dentists, and arrangements made for home visits. Residents are required to pay the charges and payment for this service.
Hairdressing
An experienced hair stylist visits the home weekly, there is an additional charge for this service. Lime Tree Court pay your bill, and send an invoice for payment to your representative. Residents have the choice to go out and have their hair done, or ask their own hairdresser to visit.
Religious Needs
We can offer pastoral care for all faiths. A monthly church service is held at Lime Tree Court. The Church of England Church is next door, and residents are welcome to attend the weekly service.
Meals
We like to establish your meal preferences on admission. Our cooks provide wide range of home cooked food and pride themselves in producing homemade traditional cooking, using fresh local produce. Special diets are catered for, and daily choices are available. Snacks and drinks are available any time of the day or night.
Accommodation
Lime Tree Court has sixteen bedrooms, some of which are shared. Large bedrooms can be used as bed sitting rooms, or for couples, friends and relatives who preference would be to share accommodation.
Two communal lounges, and one dining room.
Separate toilets throughout the home, a shower room, and a parker bath.
Call Bell System
All bedroom are fitted with a call system, staff will show you how to use these. If you require help please ring, and staff will respond and turn off your alarm. Call bells are also in the communal areas of the home, once an alarm has been activated the area you are in shows up on the electronic consol, these are situated in the corridors upstairs and downstairs. This enables staff to indentify who is ringing and respond quickly.
Housekeeping and Laundry
To ensure the home is kept clean, the housekeeping staff work seven days a week. All laundry is collected and returned daily. To help us identify clothing we ask you to put residents name inside clothes.
Valuables
We ask you not to bring in or wear valuable jewellery, or large amounts of money. Please be aware the home is unable to take responsibility for such items.
Therapeutic Activities
Social Activities are an integral part of life for the residents living at Lime Tree Court. Activities are designed to encourage mental alertness, self-esteem, and social interaction. Activities are promoted by two dedicated Activity Coordinators. We want to help and support residents to lead an active and fulfilled life.
We encourage residents to continue with hobbies both inside and outside the home. The Activity Organisers meet with new residents to discuss the activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed, and builds a programme of interest suited to individual needs and to support varying levels of ability.
The home offer a range of activities inviting community entertainers for sing a longs, local school and church visits, and outings for a pub lunch, afternoon tea and shopping trips. In house activities include flower arranging, craft groups, board and card games, exercise to music, PAT dog visits and quieter sessions for listening to music and reminiscence. One to one time is available, and some residents benefit from this input with the Activity Organisers. The IT Organiser facilitates and produces Lime Tree Court News, a monthly newsletter. Residents, staff and visitors are encouraged to contribute articles, special interests and upcoming events and birthday celebration Weekly activity programme is displayed in the hallway, and any special requests can usually be accommodated
Residents Consultation
An important part of our quality programme is to involve residents and their relatives. This is achieved in feedback during Residents and Relative Meetings, and questionnaires. This information informs our practice, and assures us that we continue to provide a quality service, and meet the care needs of the residents living at Lime Tree Court.
Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions
Lime Tree Court is committed to providing quality care and constantly reviewing ways to improve. Your comments, complements, suggestions and complaints are welcome please contact georgierixon@hotmail.com
Complaints
Regardless how small they may appear will be investigated and if reasonable acted on and used to improve the service. It is our policy to log any complaint, respond quickly, effectively and honesty. We make every effort to provide the best possible service. We do recognise however, there may be occasions when people are not happy with the service. If this is the case, please consult the manager who will try and rectify the problem immediately. If you are not satisfied that your complaint has been rectified you should contact the Manager who will investigate and try to resolve the matter, and reply to you within three working days.
Suggestions
We welcome any suggestions and include your comments and feedback in our quality assurance questionnaire for visitors.
Compliments
Compliments and thank you cards and letters are very much appreciated. With your agreement we would like to maintain the reputation of the home by using your complements in sharing with others recognition of good practice.