Moving into care can be a big change. Our approach is to understand what matters to each person, offer the support they need and help them keep a sense of choice in daily life.
Care starts with the whole person. We learn about someone’s health and support needs, but also their interests, relationships and the ordinary things that make a day feel like theirs.
We plan care with the person and those close to them, then review it as needs change. Families should know who to speak to and be able to raise what matters to them.
Whether someone needs a permanent home, a short stay or support during the day, we can talk through the options and what each home can offer.
A place to live with help close at hand: support with personal care, meals and medicines, alongside the choice and independence someone can enjoy.
Acorn House, permanent stays. Oak House [to confirm]
At Acorn House, dementia care is shaped by the person’s life, relationships and changing needs. We take time to understand what helps them feel comfortable and review the support they receive.
Acorn House, mild and moderate dementia. Oak House [to confirm]
A short stay can give a family carer a break or offer support after a change in circumstances. The person staying should still feel included in the life of the home.
Acorn House, subject to a room being free. Oak House [to confirm]
Day care brings support, a meal and the chance for company into the week, while the person continues to live at home. It can also give a family carer some time to rest.
Acorn House, by arrangement. Oak House [to confirm]
At Acorn House, we look beyond a diagnosis to the person’s interests, relationships and sense of independence. As their needs change, their care should change with them.
Acorn House cares for people living with mild and moderate dementia. For Oak House, please ask.
Meals and care bring some structure to the day. Around them, people can choose company, a visit, an activity or some quieter time.
A familiar start, with help to get ready where it is needed.
A conversation, the paper or a quieter moment.
Lunch together, with a quieter choice for anyone who prefers it.
A visit, time outdoors, an activity or a rest.
Supper and the familiar routines that help someone settle.
Sitting down to eat together can bring conversation and connection into the day. Our families often mention the food at Acorn House; their words below say it best.
We also make room for individual tastes, dietary needs and any help someone needs to enjoy their meal.
“... the staff all get to know the likes/dislikes of each resident. They accommodate those, whether that's with food, TV or conversation. Nothing's too much trouble. The food is great. Proper vegetables! ...”
The things someone uses and enjoys every day can make a new room feel like their own. It can all be worked through gradually, with the team there to help.
A radio or favourite music can help a room feel more personal.
A pillow, blanket or photograph can make the space recognisably theirs.
Everyday clothes and a few favourites, labelled if possible.
Well-fitting slippers and a dressing gown can help them feel comfortable.
We will explain how to bring medicines safely. A current medicines list is helpful.
Glasses and hearing aids, with their cases and any spares.
Preferred toiletries and the small things that feel like theirs.
Contact details for family and friends they would like to stay in touch with.
There is time to work it out. Other belongings can follow later. Ask us about laundry, valuables or anything you are unsure of.
The route depends on the person’s care needs and finances. We can explain each home’s fees; Medway Council or an independent adviser can help with funding questions.
When someone’s savings and assets are over the government’s upper limit, they usually pay for their care themselves. Ask us for the weekly fee, and what it covers, before you decide anything.
Usually the route when savings and assets are over the upper limit.
Medway Council starts with a needs assessment, then a financial assessment, which works out how much someone puts towards the cost and how much the council pays.
Usually the route when savings and assets are under the upper limit.
Where the council is funding a place and the home chosen costs more than the council will pay, a relative or friend can sometimes agree to pay the difference. It is arranged with the council.
Usually the route when the home you prefer costs more than the council’s rate.
For some people whose needs are mainly health needs, the NHS pays the full cost of their care. Whether someone qualifies is decided through an NHS assessment.
Usually the route when an NHS assessment finds a primary health need.
Ask about the home’s fees and what they include. For advice about paying for care, speak to Medway Council or an independent adviser. Get in touch
Care is reviewed as needs change, with the person and those they want involved. If the home can no longer meet those needs, we will discuss the options with you.
Please do, and come more than once if that would help. A quick call ahead means someone can give you plenty of time, and there’s no pressure to decide anything on the day.
Yes, and we encourage it. A favourite chair, photographs or a familiar bedspread can help a new room feel like theirs from the beginning.
Acorn House is pet friendly, by arrangement. Tell us about the pet and we’ll consider their needs alongside everyone else’s, then let you know whether it could work. For Oak House, please ask.
Some people pay for their own care, and some have help from Medway Council or the NHS. The main routes are explained above. We can explain the fees at each home. Medway Council or an independent adviser can help with funding questions.
Call the home you’re interested in, or send us a message, and tell us a little about what’s happening. We’ll listen, arrange a visit and help you understand what care may be right.
Bring the person who may come to stay, if they would like to visit. Call ahead so someone can show you around and discuss what care is available.
Acorn House on 01634 848469 Oak House on 01634 XXXXXX
