“Feeling Mum would lose her identity was my biggest concern; she always valued her independence. But the staff are genuinely caring people who respected her dignity; she wasn’t just ‘another grey haired old lady’. They cared for her as much as we would have done.”
Being diagnosed with a dementia can be a very difficult and confusing time for the individual and their loved ones, and it is only natural to feel anxious about what life in the future will be like. At Highcliffe we strongly believe that the transition into our care should be smooth and carefully assessed in order to minimise upset to all concerned.
Whether it’s a friendly face, a warm smile or taking time to listen, making a positive difference to someone’s day is important to us.
Residents who are experiencing memory loss benefit from our enlightened approach to dementia care, which stimulates, supports and comforts in a safe and homely environment. We are committed to providing the best possible outcomes for these residents, and we achieve this through our ‘Wings’ (Welcome, Individuality, Nurturing, Guidance, Sensitivity) philosophy of care. This award-winning approach is nationally recognized and our bespoke learning programme is designed to ensure that the person with a dementia is at the heart of everything we do.
We place great importance on the lives our residents have led, and spend time with them and their family members to find out about their tastes, history, hobbies and interests. Family and friends are significant partners with us and we welcome feedback and suggestions at all times. The information shared helps us to create individual care plans for each individual; this is paramount in providing the best care and helps us get to know them well. Residents are given support to help them achieve their individual aims through taking part in meetings, surveys and one-to-ones.
The staff members at Highcliffe all have a kind and caring nature, they fully understand the meaning of real person centre care and are skilled in engaging residents in meaningful activities. The home is continually committed to specialist training, which enables staff to help individuals express their needs and to maintain a high level of independence, self-worth and well-being.
We welcome and encourage our residents to make their rooms as homely and personalised as possible. This is achieved by introducing a resident’s own belongings to create a space in which they will feel safe and happy. Paintings, a favourite ornament or two and plenty of family photographs can all be of comfort and will help to calm any unsettled feelings.
Residents can rise whenever they like and have a choice between a hot and cold breakfast or have both at times. They are welcome to have breakfast in bed but most enjoy the atmosphere in the communal, friendly dining room. The staff on duty dine with the residents and don’t wear uniforms or badges, which adds to the relaxed, homely feel of mealtimes.
Families and friends are welcomed at all times of the day and residents are encouraged to maintain social contacts they had prior to moving into Highcliffe.
The enthusiastic, caring staff are always on hand to be with residents throughout the day and at night if required. The staff are compassionate people who love to help the residents do what they enjoy. They naturally engage with the residents, to swap stories, to laugh and cry with them, while residents are encouraged to follow their own interests and make their own decisions.
Hot drinks, tea, coffee and snacks are served throughout the day.
For lunch and supper there is a choice of main courses and desserts, and we invite the able residents to help set the tables, which involves them in the daily running of the house. Many residents enjoy helping out around the home with other chores and have a lot of input about all the choices made within the home, such as potential staff, building conversions, additions and decoration.
Mealtimes are a sociable part of the day and staff are skilled at persuading even the quietest residents to become involved in the conversations. After supper, some residents opt to go to bed early or retire to their rooms, while others stay up until later, relaxing in their choice of communal area. There are hot and cold drinks, alcohol available to those that want it, and NO set bed time, as this is the residents’ home.
Each Kingsley care home is unique, but we all have a set of highly respected and award-winning features embedded within the culture. Our daily emphasis is on the care that our residents need, whether that be physical, emotional, and spiritual or with regard to mental health.
“Thank you for your kindness and loving care given to our mum. Life has been hard for her but during her stay with you, no longer is she lonely.” Kingsley resident’s relative.