Our experience tells us that it’s the little things that make an Orchard Care Home a better place to live. Here are some of the ways we deliver on the promises set out in our Customer Charter.

Where you live
None of us like red tape, but it is generally accepted that the National Standards for Care Homes for Older People ensure residents will be well looked after and relatives have peace of mind. These standards cover, among other things, the suitability of buildings and rooms for elderly care.

The majority of care homes are converted older buildings, with only 25% being built for purpose. However, because all Orchard Care Homes are purpose-built, they often go beyond National Standards for Care Homes for Older People and provide a better standard of living.

• Bedrooms are built to give residents more space than is specified in the government regulations. Each is equipped with en-suite bathroom, television, telephone-point and internet connection.
• Lifts to all floors are positioned centrally, for easy access. Floor levels are constant throughout the home, making mobility easier.
• Windows are positioned at a lower, more convenient level for residents, and are designed to maximise daylight.
• Lighting in the home is designed specifically to cater for the visually impaired.
• Lounges are positioned adjacent to bedrooms for residents convenience.
• Swing-free fire doors can be easily opened by the elderly and frail, and state-of-the-art alarms are used for maximum safety.

Award-winning care
Orchard has been shortlisted in the top three for ‘The Caring Business & Healthcare Design Awards’ every year since 2002. The awards acknowledge architecture, innovation and the degree to which the home has recognised the needs and desires of residents, and incorporated these into the final design

How you live
Orchard Care Homes offer residents a variety of different activities on a weekly basis. With entertainment including bingo, tea dances, film matinees and weekly visits from singers and pianists, there’s something to please everyone. Activities such as armchair aerobics offer gentle exercise that is suitable for those with restricted mobility. Friend and relative coffee afternoons offer a great chance to socialise. Children and grandchildren are encouraged to visit, and take part in family activities. Residents have access to a hairdresser, dentist, optician, beautician or chiropodist whenever it suits them. Please see the noticeboard in the home you’re visiting for the monthly activity plan.

Our staff
We believe that the professionalism of our staff and the relationship they have with our residents is key to creating a happy and homely environment. Every employee has an individual training plan and have, or are working towards, an NVQ in Direct Care. Furthermore, all our carers are reviewed and assessed on a bi-monthly basis. This ensures they are proficient in delivering high standards of care.

The little extras
We believe ‘caring is in the detail’, and consideration for the little extras can make a big difference: things such as access to the internet in every bedroom, with the option to send and receive emails; being able to bring personal items from home; specially devised menus that are both varied and healthy; and the freedom to choose when to get up and go to bed. These details promote independence and help residents to live just as they would in their own homes. Upon moving into the home, we ensure that all new residents receive a welcome pack to help them settle in.