Facilities...

Types of care provided

The Alexian Brothers Care Centre provides long-term care for 72 older people who require residential and nursing care.

There is also a 17 place day centre on site which provides a wide range of services including hot meals, entertainment, trips assistance with shopping as well as arranging help with care for individuals such as visits to the chiropodists and physiotherapist.

The home is registered under the Care Standards Act 2000 and has been assessed as “2 star” this means that the people who use the services of Coloma Court “experience good quality outcomes” A copy if the latest inspection report can be obtained via the following link:

http://62.73.173.233/CSCI/CRH/76/DS0000066876.V370769.R01.S.pdf

The Care Centre has recently received the Dignity In Care Award, a national scheme ensuring the dignity of the individual is at the heart of care provided

Accommodation

The centre is arranged over three floors, with St Alexius and and St Joseph having 45 nursing rooms and St Mary’s having 27 rooms providing residential care.

The Care Centre provides single bedrooms, many of which have en-suite facilities. There are separate bathrooms fitted with specialist hoists and lifting equipment. The bedrooms are equipped with a nurse call system, piped music and a television point.  Three lifts provide access to the upper floors.

Staffing and Care of Residents

Julie Archer-Moran, the Matron Manager, has more than 20 years nursing experience most of which has been dedicated to caring for the elderly. She has an NVQ4 qualification in healthcare management. Maria has worked for The Hospital Management Trust (HMT) since 1994 and has held the post of Matron Manager since 2004. Particular emphasis is placed on training staff to preserve and maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all residents within a warm and caring atmosphere.

Julie is supported by three unit manager who are responsible for the day to day running of St Marys, St Josephs and St Alexius.

Registered Nurses are on duty 24 hours every day. Care assistants are trained to meet the specialised needs of the residents. Many care assistants hold a National Vocational Qualification in ‘Care’ (NVQ) at level 2 or level 3. NVQ training is recognised as a good standard of training for care staff.

A team of registered trained nurses manage the care of the residents supported by a team of competent carers. The Alexian Brothers Care Centre provides sufficient care staff at all times to meet the assessed needs of all residents. Support Service staff include administration and ancillary staff including those in catering, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. The Chaplain and some of the Brothers provide pastoral care for residents, their families, friends and staff.  Reliability, honesty, integrity, friendliness and professionalism are all qualities we look for when recruiting staff. Prospective employees are screened by the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority and references thoroughly checked prior to commencement in post.

All staff receives regular training in moving & handling, food safety, health & safety, first aid, fire safety, and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults. Other additional training relevant to each post is provided in line with the latest developments and guidance in care practices as laid down by the National Minimum Standards and the National Service Framework.

Prior to admission, the Matron or a designated nurse will arrange to visit a prospective resident to answer any questions about the home and to establish individual needs and expectations.  Residents and their family are encouraged to visit the home prior to the assessment. If the Care Centre is able to meet the resident’s needs a trial stay at the home will be offered.

During the first few days following admission, staff will identify specific needs and discuss these with the resident and the family and a ‘care plan’ will be developed taking into account physical, clinical, emotional and spiritual needs as well as input from health and social care professionals. This plan will be reviewed every month, more often if required and the plan revised accordingly. Residents and their relatives are invited to discuss their plans of care with the Matron Manger or the nursing staff on a six monthly basis or more frequently if required.

Minibus

The Home has a mini bus adapted to accommodate wheelchairs. A driver is available to take residents to hospital appointments or on an outing with trained care staff to local places of interest. The minibus is used to collect and return day-care visitor from and to their homes. A member of trained care staff always accompanies residents/clients when travelling in the minibus.

Services

The following social and medical services are provided

• Newspapers and magazines can be requested and delivered to the resident’s room (these will be charged on a monthly basis)
• Laundering of all personal clothing (not dry cleaning). Personalised name marking will be required, prior to admission.
• Facilities for making telephone calls. A private telephone can be connected to every room. Accounts for private telephones will be sent to the resident or the resident’s representative monthly.
• The hairdresser visits the home twice a week, normally on a Tuesday and Wednesday. Payment should be settled direct with the hairdresser or via the Financial Administrator.
• A physiotherapist visits the home three times a week, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. A charge is levied per session.
• There is a fully integrated nurse call system in each resident room and in the bathroom and toilet areas.
• A mobile shop is available daily for residents to purchase toiletries and sweets.
• A daily Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated in the Chapel at 10.30. Ministers of all denominations and faiths are welcome to visit the home at any time.
• Residents are encouraged to retain their General Practitioner wherever possible and visits are arranged when required.
• Chiropodist visits the home every approx every four weeks. For details of charges please contact reception.