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Advice and Regulations
Age Concern Scotland provides good advice for older people and has a particularly good section on what to consider if you feel a care home may be right for you, a relative or friend. Click here for more information on Age Concern Scotland
The Care Inspectorate is the regulatory body for care services in Scotland. www.careinspectorate.com
Useful information will also be available from the Local Authority in the area where you live.
Further Information
Who are Eligible
Anyone can apply for admission as the Masonic Homes are operated on an open referral basis. If there is a connection with Scottish Freemasonry, the cost of fees will be discounted.
Conditions of Entry
Each home provides 24-hour care and support in accordance with the terms of its registration. The application for admission includes a medical report by the applicant’s GP which forms the basis of an assessment of care needs. For applicants being placed by the Local authority, an assessment of need will have been carried out by the Local Authority prior to the placement being arranged.
What accommodation is offered?
Residential accommodation is provided in single rooms, although a small number of double rooms are available if requested, and a large number of rooms have en-suite facilities. Bathrooms and shower rooms are fully equipped with the appropriate aids, if required. There are communal areas in each of the Homes. To comply with current legislation and for the Health and Safety of all smoking is not permitted in any part of the Homes.
Bedrooms are fully furnished to a high standard, but Residents can bring items of furniture, and are welcome to personalise their rooms with their own pictures, soft furnishings etc. Each bedroom has a television point and each Resident, at their own cost, may request a telephone line to be installed in their room. All bedroom doors are numbered and are also personalised with a nameplate. Each bedroom is lockable and Residents can choose to have the key. We recognise that the bedrooms are very personal and individual areas so Residents and their families are actively encouraged and enabled to be part of the process in terms of choosing colour schemes etc. which has worked very well and has meant that Residents have a bedroom which reflects them as individuals. Residents are responsible for insuring their personal belongings and, whilst the home will endeavour to put valuables in its safe, it is stressed that this is at the Resident’s own risk.
There are mature, pretty, well stocked garden grounds at each of the Homes where Residents can sit in sunny weather. There is a conservatory and a family room at Sir James McKay House and a sunny terrace area at the Marcus Humphrey House.
Activities
We continuously monitor the Activities which we provide so that the Residents are motivated and encouraged, whilst ensuring that we promote and maintain a person – centered approach. There is a dedicated Activities program in place and an Activities Room -although activities also take place within the other communal areas of the Homes.
Some of the bullet points which underpin our Activities provision:
- To provide activities which are relevant and interesting to each Resident based on individual assessment and knowledge of their past experiences
- To provide activities which create and enhance feelings of self- worth and self- esteem.
- To provide activities which improve quality of life.
- To provide activities which help to maintain existing life skills
Medical
Each home has its own Medical Advisor, however, Residents can still see their own Doctor if the surgery is within the catchment area of the home. Similarly, Residents can continue, if possible, to be registered with their Dentist. The health and welfare of Residents, including any special needs, is monitored through their Personal Support Plan, regular assessments using recognised assessment tools and via a system of formal and informal reviews. Arrangements are made for Chiropodists, Opticians and Community Health Care Services to attend, as required. Transport can also be arranged if appointments outwith the Home are required.
Social/Recreational
There is no restriction on visitors.
The Friends of the Homes Volunteer Groups support each of the Homes and the Day Centre and great interest is taken in the wellbeing and social welfare of the Residents and Day Care Members. The Groups work with the Staff to organise many outings, visits, social activities and ‘in-house’ entertainment.
The Homes each have
- A communal lounge with a television
- An activity room which is fully equipped
- A dining room
- Attractive and well maintained garden grounds
- A wide range of activities are provided, for example craft work, card making, movement to music, reminiscence, dominoes, bingo, quizzes – we are always open to suggestions
- Residents can choose to have the newspaper of their choice delivered daily
- A hairdresser visits regularly (for a nominal charge)
- External entertainers regularly visit the Homes
Mealtimes
Mealtimes are one of the most important times of the day in a care setting. It is the time to make sure that Residents are being provided with and eating a balanced diet consisting of good quality, nutritious food. Not everyone will want, like or be able to eat the same things so it is important that there is a choice to cater for individual likes and preferences. Some people will have special dietary requirements and these are taken into consideration. Portion size should be based on individual preference as some people find it off putting to have too much food on their plate. Fluid intake is important at all times, including mealtimes, in order to ensure that Residents and do not become dehydrated. Care is taken to present the food well in order to make it visually appealing and appetising. The environment is also important and the dining rooms are always well laid out, tables are set with clean table covers and flowers and table settings are attractive. Mealtimes are also an important social part of the daily routine when Residents and Staff come together and, bearing this in mind, all Staff will work together to make the dining experience as enjoyable as possible for all.
Spiritual Welfare
Religious services are held in each of the Homes as regularly as possible. Transport can, sometimes, be arranged for Residents who wish to attend a church outwith the home. Residents are welcome to arrange for a representative for their own religious denomination to visit.