Frequently Asked Questions
My eyesight is very poor but I am not registered blind or partially sighted. Am I still eligible for admission?
No, but it may well be that your condition is such that you can obtain registration, which brings with it a number of benefits in addition to eligibility to come to Braeside House. Many people with a visual impairment choose not to register despite the severity of their condition. If you have been told that you are eligible to be registered blind or partially sighted by your Doctor then this can be done following assessment by an Ophthalmologist. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us.
I am planning for the future and am not at the stage of needing to come into a care home. Can I be placed on a waiting list until I am ready to come into the home?
Many people opt to place their name on the waiting list for the future. We are happy for you to do so. There is no commitment to take up the offer of a place if a room becomes available.
What qualifications do your members of staff have?
We have Registered Nurses in the building over 24 hours, with a minimum of three in the morning, two in the afternoon and two overnight. The majority of our care staff have SVQ qualifications.
Can I bring pets?
While we welcome pets to the home to visit, unfortunately due to safety concerns, family pets are unable to stay permanently.
I am uncomfortable about being looked after by a carer of the opposite sex, can this be accommodated?
We certainly will try and accommodate this as much as possible, but it cannot be guaranteed. All of our staff approach care in a sensitive manner.
How much does it cost to stay at Braeside House?
Braeside House accepts both privately funded and locally authority funded residents. At this time there is no top up fee. Please refer to our fees information page for latest costs. Please feel free to phone the home to discuss this further.
Does Braeside House do respite care or trial stays?
Due to the high demand on our service we are usually unable to provide short stays or respite care. We do encourage prospective residents to come to the home for day visits in order to help them make a decision on whether they wish to make Braeside House their new home.
Is there a dental service?
We would recommend where possible that the resident retains the service of their own Dentist. The home will facilitate visits to the surgery where required. If a resident does not have access to a dentist or are unable to attend the surgery we have access to the domiciliary dental service.
Can I bring personal items?
We encourage all our residents to personalise their room, however due to space constraints large items of furniture cannot be accommodated. Unfortunately due to fire regulations, residents cannot bring their own curtains or any upholstered chair manufactured before 1992. It is advisable to purchase a digital radio as the reception can be poor in parts of the building.
Can I keep my GP?
If your GP is in agreement we are happy for you to retain his/her services. The home GP visits every Monday and as required.
Will my dietary preferences be catered for?
We offer a broad choice of optionsat mealtimes and endeavour to cater forindividual requests.
Can I eat my meals in my room?
We encourage all the residents to eat their meals in the dining room but if you prefer, meals can be taken in your room.
Will I be able to maintain my religious beliefs?
Many of our residents retain the services of their own Minister or Priest. Our own Minister visits weekly and has a Church Service on a monthly basis.
What happens when my funds run low?
You will have to apply for local authority funding. It is important to note that care or accommodation do not change depending on funding sources The Home Management team will be able to advise further on this.
Can I have visitors?
Visitors are welcome at any time, we do however ask that they avoid mealtimes if possible. We would ask visitors to sign in and out of the home for fire evacuation purposes.
Can my visitors stay?
We do have a visitor’s room which can be used by families/friends at times of need, e.g. illness.
Am I allowed to smoke?
We have a strict no smoking policy within the home. However we do have an allocated smoking area on each floor for the residents only. Depending on the residents capabilities staff may be required to supervise.
What happens about my laundry?
All personal laundry is carried out on the premises. It is essential that all clothes are labelled prior to admission. The home will be able to advise on where to purchase labels. Any items requiring dry cleaning are sent out with the home and the resident is responsible for the cost incurred. The home cannot accept any responsibility for lost or damaged items of clothing.
Am I able to go out?
Residents are welcome to continue their outings if they are supported by family, friends or a staff member if needed. The home has a mini bus which is used to facilitate outings to shops, theatre etc.
What can I do to pass my time?
We encourage residents to continue with their interests if still able. Within the home we have a dedicated activity staff who organise various recreational activities – both group and one to one, to suit each individual’s needs.
Do I have to get up or go to bed at a certain time?
You choose your own routine and staff will be flexible to accommodate your needs.
Can I go out with my family and friends?
Yes, as long as you let staff know that you have left the building for fire regulations. We do ask however, if the resident requires a wheelchair when they are out, that an accompanying member or friend has been instructed in its use.
What do I do if I have a complaint?
We have a Complaints Procedure in place. Staff will be happy to discuss this with you.
Can pets and children visit?
Pets and children are welcome. We request that they are supervised during the visit. Braeside House cannot accept responsibility for any accidents/ incidents that occur within the home.
What if I need help to dress and bathe?
The home provides 24 hour care and staff are always available to assist you in your needs. We continue to encourage residents to be as independent as possible and respect the choices they make.
What about my eye care?
A Consultant from the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion visits on a regular basis. We also use local Opticians for routine eye tests.
Is there a television and a telephone in my room?
Every room has a large button telephone, and a personal telephone number that can be dialled direct. At the moment there is no charge for this service. There is a television point in each room but you would have to bring your own television.
Do I need to have my electrical equipment tested before I come in?
All electrical equipment will be tested once you come into the home and then annually thereafter.
What about my personal belongings (insurance)?
We recommend that you have personal insurance in place for any items of value that you bring in with you. The home cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property.
Can I become involved in decision making within the home?
We welcome any input from residents and their families and we have an open door policy. We also hold regular resident and relative meetings in order to update everyone on changes and planning for the future.
What would happen if Braeside House was to close?
In the unlikely event of this happening we would contact the Social Work department to arrange alternative accommodation. Residents and their family or advocates would be kept fully informed and involved at all stages of this process.
What will happen if I become unwell?
At Braeside we are very keen to comply with your wishes, especially in regards to your health. It is important that we are aware of what decisions, if any, you have made in regards to further ill health. While this can be a painful subject we welcome open and frank discussion.
Do you have a resuscitation policy?
Our members of staff are not qualified in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In the event of any sudden collapse, we would call the emergency services.
