Looking for care for an elderly loved one? Here’s five little known care aspects of charity Lilian Faithfull Care….
For over 77 years the charity Lilian Faithfull Care has been providing residential and nursing care for older people in Gloucestershire, but here we shine a light on five lesser known care aspects of the charity’s work.
1) End of Life care is provided in all of the Lilian Faithfull Care homes in Stroud and Cheltenham, and in addition, a new specialist suite was opened last year at St Faith’s home. The new Fairhaven suite gives privacy, peace and comfort for adults in their final days, weeks or months. A key part of its care is the support, space and facilities it offers to families and friends, enabling them to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Cheryl Hossle’s parents moved into a double room in the Fairhaven Suite at St Faith’s. After 62 years of marriage they were able to stay together during, what turned out to be, the last six weeks of her father’s life.
Cheryl’s shares her experience; “I am sitting here knowing he has had a wonderful time for the six weeks he was here.”
“The care, activities, standard of cleanliness, furnishings and equipment are amazing. The carers don’t just help with feeding but they are engaging with the residents at the same time. It is how they talk to people – that is excellent here. Even though mum has dementia she is treated with respect. All the little details makes the big picture work.”
“Very quickly after arriving here Dad said ‘This is my home’ and told us ‘Your mother is looked after and loved’. He told us how all the staff were so kind and thoughtful and that gave us total trust in St Faith’s.”
“The carers were so brilliant and very gentle with him. I honestly don’t think you could get better care. I know dad would want me to say thank you.”
“I don’t think going into care is something to be feared. For anyone going through this I would absolutely say, don’t panic, it can be the best way forward.”
More about Cheryl’s story: www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/going-into-care-is-definitely-not-something-to-fear
New Fairhaven suite: www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/our-care/end-of-life-care
2) Care for those living with dementia is offered in all of the Lilian Faithfull Care homes and day care hub in Cheltenham and Stroud. In addition, for those who have a higher level of needs, there are two dedicated Extra Care Suites, with another opening soon. These suites offer care in family-sized communities and help to bridge the gap between residential and nursing care.
“We opened our first extra care suite over 5 years ago and we are continuing to expand the number we offer as we’ve seen so many positive benefits for those living with us. Residents gain reassurance from the calm, quiet environment and the familiarity of having a dedicated staff team.” explains Suzanne Booker, Director of Care at Lilian Faithfull Care.
“Our newest is at Royal Court care home, their second, where residents will have their own apartments within the suite. There will also be safe access to a garden, which can give a feeling of wellbeing and stimulate memories with physical activity.”
www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/our-care/dementia-care
3) Couples can live together at all six Lilian Faithfull Care homes. Options include double rooms and/or apartments and some couples also choose to have their own rooms to accommodate varying needs. The charity can also alter rooms to suit people’s particular requirements. Margaret and Joseph moved to Faithfull House earlier in the year and Margaret shares her experience of ‘moving into care’;
“It’s been good for us and we’re still together. It took me a while to settle but I am very glad not to be running a house. I hadn’t realised what a pleasure it would be to come down for a meal that’s been cooked for you. We get a dessert at lunch and supper which is a treat and we have a sherry before lunch – something I would never have had time for at home as I would be busy cooking.”
Since coming to Faithfull House they have been able to enjoy trips out together organised by the activities team. In the summer this included going on a canal boat cruise with The Willow Trust. This was particularly special for Joseph as he had been an officer in the Royal Navy reserves and it was the first time in a long while that he had been on a boat.
www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/our-care/care-for-couples
4) For people living independently the charity has a hub offering adult day care. Mike Clayton who is a regular visitor to the Secret Garden Hub in Cheltenham explains; “The things I enjoy about going to the hub is the normality it brings and a feeling of being safe. If you get a chance to visit the hub, come, you will not regret it”. Mike’s visits have been supporting his recovery from a serious health episode, “Coming here and seeing other people with disabilities – for want of a better word – it makes me feel I am not on my own. My visits are the highlight of my week.”
As another of the guests, Loretta explains; “It’s got everything you need here, friendships, food and activities.”and Loretta particularly values the lively conversations with staff and fellow guests.
Trips and activities include watercolour art, pottery, baking, poetry, word games, 1960s theme day, boat trip, live music, bowls, gardening and a visit from a rescue Shetland pony.
A new younger group has recently started each Tuesday for those diagnosed with early onset dementia. This separate group have activities and trips of their choosing and help people face the particular challenges of living with this condition at a younger age.
www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/our-care/day-care
5) Have you spotted the Lilian Faithfull Care ‘Trishaw’ around Cheltenham? When the weather allows the charity offers cycle rides on traffic-free routes to residents and day guests thanks to a specially adapted bike and a team of volunteers and staff.
“It always gives people a real boost. It is stimulating out in the fresh air and there is always a lot of interaction with other people when we are out riding,” explains Martin DeGroodt, Physiotherapist at Lilian Faithfull Care.
www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk/life-at-lf-homes/activities/cycling-without-age-project
For advice and to find out more about their day, residential, dementia, nursing and end of life care visit www.lilianfaithfull.co.uk
