Living in a Barchester care home FAQs

We hope that some of the questions below will help answer some of your queries. If not, our team are always happy to help.

Can residents choose if they have a male or female carer?

We do our best to accommodate each person in the best way, but can’t guarantee as we do have an equal opportunities approach to recruitment.

Are families encouraged to be involved in the life of the home?

Absolutely. We always invite families to our special events and joining in is encouraged, as well as in day to day life.  Families can be involved as little or as much as they like.

Are there regular social activities such as: music or singing, reminiscence groups, exercise classes, gardening, celebrations for special occasions and visits from entertainers, and outings to shops, entertainment venues or places of worship?

Yes we have wide selection of activities and events as part of all of our homes’ life enrichment programme. These can be both grouped and solo activities. We encourage community engagement and volunteering and often have intergenerational activities. Our programmes are tailored to the needs of our residents.

Does the home have its own pets, or can residents bring their own pets?

Depending on the residents needs we do from time to time have pet therapy but animals are not permitted in the home except following the prior agreement of the General Manager.

Do staff read to those with sight impairment?

This is, of course, an option.

Do staff sit and chat with the residents?

Knowing our residents well is the key to delivering great care. We want residents to feel at home and our friendly teams are always interested in learning about the lives of those at our home.

Is there an activities co-ordinator?

Yes, and planned activities each and every day.

Are residents encouraged to stay active and do as much as they can for themselves? Are they prompted to wash and dress?

This is dependent on the person, but we highly encourage and support independent living- we're right here if anyone needs help.

Is there a mix of female and male residents?

All of our homes are a mix of male and female residents.

Can residents choose whether they have a bath or shower and how often?

Yes of course, it is their home. If they need help with this we are happy to arrange on their personal needs and preferences.

Are there arrangements for handling personal money?

Where a resident has the capacity to manage their own finances, we can hold a small amount of money on their behalf in our safe, but often our families prefer to receive invoices for sundry items such as hairdressing, and chiropody. Where residents might have limited capacity, additional costs are paid for by the home (for example for a trip out) but then invoiced to the bill payer.

Can staff ensure that clothes don’t get mixed up between residents?

Occasionally mix ups do happen, but clothes are labelled and the laundry system in place aims to limit and prevent such confusion and mix ups.

Can residents choose what they wear?

Of course. Our wonderful hospitality team launder and prepare each of the residents clothes ready to wear, and our care teams can support each person with their daily outfits should support be required.

Are they encouraged to go outside and exercise?

Most of our homes have lovely gardens which we make the most out of when the weather is good especially! We also have regular exercise classes as part of our life enrichment programme.  Please ask for details when you enquire.

Can residents choose their routine, such as when they get up and go to bed?

Of course. This is their home and we encourage residents to feel as comfortable as they can. We have set meal times and planned activities every day but we can determine a schedule that is fit for each person and their needs.

Does the home use signs or pictures to show where things are?

We do in many of our homes.  Bathroom doors are often painted inky-pool blue to be identified as bathrooms and are a different colour to bedroom doors, corridors are colour coded, and bedroom doors are labelled, often with photos, so residents can have as much independence as possible.  Please ask for details at the specific home.

Is there a manager in post and a senior member of staff on duty at all times?

Each home has a General Manager (unless we are in the process of recruiting)  When the General Manager is not in the home, a senior member of the team is designated to lead the service, ensuring one person is in charge at all times.

Do the staff get to know about residents’ lives and experiences?

Yes- this is a top priority at our homes and each resident is encouraged to fill in their "getting to know me" booklet on arrival which helps build a picture of each resident and all of their favourite things.  Staff also spend time with residents to understand their lives and experiences.