Questions and Answers
Quantum Care is committed to putting our residents first and we want our future residents to feel at home when they come to stay with us. For this reason, we have put together some frequently asked questions that may help.
Please feel free to contact our Homes and ask for more information or talk about any particular concern you may have.
Q. What should I look for in choosing a Home ?
A. Points you may wish to consider are; where is the Home located?; where are local facilities in relation to the Home?; how do you feel in the Home?; does it have a good atmosphere?; is it homely?; do you feel welcome?; and do other residents like living there?
Q. Is there a room always available?
A. Not always, but we operate a waiting list system and if you let the manager know that you are interested s/he will let you know as soon as a room is available.
Q. Who will decide if I am eligible to stay in a Quantum Care home?
A. Your local Adult Care Services / Social Services department may be involved in deciding whether you need a place in a Residential Home on the basis of your care needs. They may take responsibility for placing you. If you wish to arrange care yourself, as long as you meet the age criteria, we will try to offer you a room. The initial 6 week stay is the time for both the Home and the prospective resident to decide whether a Home is meeting the expectations.
Q. Will my own doctor still visit me if I live in the home?
A. If your doctor is willing to visit you, he or she will be most welcome. If this is not possible the manager will help you to find a local doctor who is willing to take care of you.
Q. Will there be nurses on duty?
A. No, our Homes provide care without nursing; we do not employ nurses. We can provide for a wide range of complex needs and disabilities, and do have access to District Nursing services as required.
Q. Do you provide Hairdressing services?
A. Yes, all our Homes have visiting hairdressers. A list of hairdressing costs will be available in each Home.
Q. Do the Homes provide services such as Chiropody, Dentistry or Physiotherapy?
A. These services are not provided in-house, but our staff will ensure that you have access to all of these services and others in the community.
Q. Will I be able to keep my own tablets and medicine?
A. Yes, if you want to. We will also be able to help you re-order your medication and arrange for your prescription to be dispensed by a local chemist. If you wish, we can look after your medication for you.
Q. Are staff on duty day and night?
A. We have staff on duty 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Q. How many residents are there in a home?
A. This depends on the Home you choose. Please ask at the Home of your choice.
Q. Do you accept couples?
A. Yes, we welcome couples. You can share one bedroom and use the other as a sitting room or have single rooms. The choice is yours.
Q. Is there privacy?
A. We aim to provide residents with privacy. All of our bedrooms are single and keys are provided. Each Home has a number of lounges or sitting areas, some of which will have television or radio available, and others where you may sit undisturbed. You can entertain your friends or relatives in your bedroom if you wish.
Q. May I bring my own furniture?
A. We are very happy for you to furnish your room as you wish subject to any safety requirements. Please ask the manager or your chosen Home about this.
Q. What about my valuables?
A. For safety, we recommend that valuables are looked after by your family, solicitor or bank. If you do bring them into the Home, we advise you to take out personal insurance as we are unable to take responsibility for valuable items. We encourage residents to keep money in a bank or building society account rather than in the Home. We can help to arrange this if necessary. All bedrooms have a lockable container or drawers which can be used to keep personal items secure.
Q. When can I have visitors?
A. You are welcome to receive visitors at any reasonable time. If you wish, arrangements can be made for your visitors to join you for a meal.
Q. Can I go out when I wish?
A. Residents that are not at risk can come and go as they please. The issue of what constitutes a risk will be discussed with you, your family or advocate if necessary. In any case, we would like you to let a member of staff know if you decide to go out so they will not worry about where you are. If you wish to have a meal later than the normal time, a member of staff will arrange this for you.
Q. Can I go away for the weekend or on holiday?
A. You are free to go away for the weekend or on holiday at any time.
Q. Is there a choice at meal times?
A. Yes, we offer a choice of home cooked food at each mealtime. We also cater for special dietary requirements.
Q. What about my laundry?
A. Laundry facilities are available in all of our
Homes, and our staff will do your laundry for
you. To ensure your clothes are returned to
you, we ask you to label all your clothes
clearly with embroidered name tapes. We
also suggest that you do not bring woollen
clothing or articles that need dry cleaning
as we do not have the facilities to deal
with these.
Q. May I smoke?
A. Yes, but to comply with relevant legislation we ask that residents smoke only in the designated areas. Visitors are not able to smoke in the building. For your own safety we ask that you bring only natural fibre clothing, as these have more fire retardant properties than man made fibre.
Q. Can I make phone calls when I wish?
A. Most of our Homes have the facility for you to have a telephone in your room for private use if you wish. The Home will discuss telephone rates for this facility with you. There will always be a facility made available for private phone calls.
Q. Can I have a bath when I wish?
A. Yes and if you wish, our staff are happy to assist you.
Q. Do I have a say in the running of the home?
A. Yes, you can take part in the residents’ meetings held at each Home, or you can speak to one of the Home’s Management Team at any time. We welcome suggestions and feedback about the service we provide. Staff will always consult you about any changes that may occur in the Home.
Q. To whom do I talk to if I have any worries or concerns?
A. The Manager is the best person to go to first. If you feel that your problem has not been resolved satisfactorily please contact one of our Regional Managers at Headquarters. Our staff can help you do this. We can also assist you in accessing independent advice and advocacy. Our complaints procedure details the steps you should take if you are dissatisfied in any way, and is available in all Homes.
Q. Can I bring a pet with me?
A. If you have a small pet like a bird or a fish which you can look after in your own room, and it is not likely to disturb other residents, then we will always welcome your pet. If you have a larger pet then please discuss this with the Manager.
Q. Do Representatives of the Church visit?
A. Yes, visits can be arranged. You can take communion at the Home if you wish. If you would like to continue attending you local church or other religious service then we will try to arrange for you to be taken there.
Q. What happens if I go into hospital?
A. We will keep your room for you. We do however, ask you to pay a retainer charge whilst you are away. Managers of our Homes will be pleased to discuss this with you.
Q. Will I have someone to escort me if I have to go to hospital?
A. We will try our hardest to ensure you have an escort if you need to attend hospital, but we cannot always guarantee that a staff member will be available. We will, however, endeavour to contact your next of kin so that they can meet you at the hospital. We always send full details with any resident who has to visit a hospital, and we telephone the hospital to ensure they have all the information they need.
Q. Can I try living in one of your homes?
A. Yes you can come and stay with us for up to 6 weeks to enable you to choose whether or not you wish to stay on a permanent basis.
Q. Are there any social activities in the home?
A. Yes, all of our Homes have Activities Co-ordinators who organise a programme of social activities.
Q. Can I leave the home if I decide it is not for me?
A. Yes, however, four weeks written notice period is required after the initial 6 week assessment period.
Q. How can I get a place in a Quantum Care home?
A. There are several ways...
- Contact the home directly
- Through the Adult Care Services
- Through your doctor, district nurse or health visitor
- Through a hospital social worker
- Through our Head Office in Welwyn Garden City
Q. Are there alternatives to residential care?
A. Yes, you may be able to manage by having support in your own home, by having day care or short stays in residential care.
Q. How much will it cost?
A. . There are two fee rates within Quantum Care Homes; one for Higher Needs care, and one for Specialist Dementia Care. The Manager of the Home will explain the charges to you and provide further information on benefits or assistance to which you may be entitled. The amount that you pay towards the charge depends on your individual circumstances and levels of savings. You can request a list of fees from you local Home or from our Head Office.
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