Nursing homes are here to provide essential carer support and relief for the families and carers of our residents and respite guests. Offering robust support to families is vital in preventing carer-breakdown, overwhelm, and stress, therefore our focus is on benefiting both the carer and the cared-for person.
Understanding and emotional support for families
We have a deep understanding of how family members arrive at the moment of needing help. Our team, many of whom have shared similar experiences, welcomes conversations with families who have concerns or questions.
Allowing people time to talk about their feelings during this transition – listening to their worries and answering questions – is an imperative part of how we support families. This initial support helps families explore their options, whether it’s for respite care or full-time residential nursing care or other external support they need.
Carer support aligned with NHS principles
The People and Communities Board, alongside the New Models of Care Vanguard Sites have produced six principles for changing the way health care relates to people and communities. One of which is: ‘Carers are identified, supported and involved’.
How we deliver this carer support principle in practice:
- Valued Partners: Family members and carers are valued and treated as partners and equal members of the care team
- Active Involvement: We ensure you are actively involved in building the managed care plan alongside your loved one
- Early Consideration: Carers are always considered at the first meeting to understand who is involved in the person’s life and care
- Staff Training: Our staff are trained to recognise and engage with family carers and understand the importance of their role
- Support Assessment: We conduct a less formal care needs assessment specifically for family members. Here we consider options for respite care, residential care, and further emotional support that may be needed
- Resource Signposting: If additional support is needed, we act as a signpost towards external services from the local council or national charities.
Respite care: Essential relief for carers
Respite care is designed specifically to give family members and carers temporary relief from their duties. Taking this time away prevents stress, burnout, and overwhelm, allowing you to improve your mental and physical health.
Families choose respite for various reasons, including:
- Allowing time for a holiday or work deadlines
- Home improvements or personal time
- Giving their loved one new experiences and activities.
At Ash Lodge Nursing Home, we offer respite care for two weeks or more, ensuring you get the break you deserve, and your loved one gets the care they need.
Major benefits of comprehensive family support:
- Prevention of burnout and reduction of stress
- Improved well-being
- Maintaining other relationships
- Flexibility and choice.
Every guest is welcomed as warmly as any other resident – taking part in all activities alongside benefitting from a tailored meal plan and continuity of nursing care.
Hear from the families that experienced our carer support
We are touched and grateful for the many positive reviews our residents’ and guest’s families leave us on carehome.co.uk. We always try to reply personally and welcome any feedback to aid our continued improvement of nursing care.
Here are some of the reviews left by the people who know us best…
‘Staff are warm and friendly and do everything they can to meet not only the patients’ needs but all their visitors too.’ Jayne R
‘Ash Lodge Care Home is brilliant, clean, nice rooms, and staff are so nice and always at hand if you need them. Cannot praise them enough. We are so pleased to know that our mother is having the best treatment and being well looked after.’ Joseph B (son-in-law)
‘High praise for the care my brother received in every respect. Nothing was ever too much trouble, staff always cheerful and smiling and cared about the relatives too.’ Ann S (sister)
‘They showed him such kindness and respected his dignity at all times ensuring all his needs were met. We were able to visit at any time, and I cannot thank the staff enough for all the support and advice they gave us.’ S.L (sister)
‘Leaving your beloved home is difficult for anyone but Ash Lodge made this easier for him. He was welcomed warmly. I visited him regularly and observed the staff to be kind and caring to him. They treated him with dignity and respect. They were welcoming to visitors as well as approachable if we had any concerns. It’s the little touches like the receptionist fetching his paper every day that made such a difference to him.’ Liz H (next of kin)
Consider Ash Lodge your partner for carer support
At Ash Lodge Nursing Home, we understand that asking for help is a big step. Our commitment to carer support in our nursing home goes beyond just caring for the resident, we prioritize the well-being of the whole family. By offering emotional understanding, following the best practices for family involvement, and providing dedicated respite care, we help you prevent burnout and maintain a healthy relationship with your loved one. We treat family members and carers as valued partners in the care team.
Take the next step: We have time to talk
If you are experiencing stress or overwhelm and need to explore options for carer support or temporary relief, we are here to listen and guide you without pressure.
Ready to explore your options?
Contact Ash Lodge today for a private, no-obligation conversation about your loved one and your specific support needs.
