Melrose House is a private residential care home for the elderly providing accommodation for 34 residents. It is a registered provider with the National Care Standards Commission, whose officers carry out a thorough inspection of the home and its operation every year.

Accommodation

Single bedrooms predominate, with four rooms retained as doubles for couples and those individuals who welcome a need for closer company. All the rooms are comfortably decorated and furnished, provided with individual wash-hand basins and each bed is equipped with a nurse-call point. Power-points are located at a sensible height and there are aerial connections for personal TV sets. The central heating system has thermostatic controls on all radiators, which, no-matter the season, regulates all areas of the building at a constant and comfortable temperature.

The living areas of the home are completely accessible to the residents. All the floors of the home are flat and level - there are no physical barriers such as split levels to negotiate. There is an eight person fully automatic lift serving all floors. Residents are able to socialise freely in three large, comfortable lounges on the ground floor and each is equipped with a modern television set.

Protection from fire is provided by an up-to-date fire-alarm system (there are smoke-detectors in all the bedrooms), fire doors and fire-fighting equipment. All of which are kept properly maintained and are routinely inspected by the Fire Service. There is a fire plan and all staff receive fire training. Additionally, all electrical equipment introduced to the home is inspected and the unnecessary hazard that arises from the act of smoking is precluded from the building.

There are bathrooms on each floor. The main bathroom is equipped with a hydraulic bath-hoist. This provides convenient and safe access for enjoyment of the bath. A shower room has been recently added to the site. Sited around the home are many toilets, which are variously equipped with a selection of aids such as grip handles and high-rim porcelain bowls. Some of the toilets have room to cope with the manoeuvring needs of wheelchairs.

Laundry

The linen and ordinary personal laundry items are washed, dried and pressed on the premises in our commercially equipped laundry. A service to tag personal items with identification labels is available to residents.

Catering

We place great importance on good home cooking to provide a varied diet and the provision of as much fresh food as possible. Attention is given to medical dietary needs and we try to cater for individual tastes. The catering is carried out in a fully equipped kitchen, which has separate washing-up and food storage facilities. We maintain high standards of hygiene. All the food handling areas have been inspected and approved by the local Environmental Health authority and certificates of food hygiene are held by our food handling staff.

A room service is provided to residents, but this is generally reserved to those who are confined to their rooms during times of illness.

And outside?

Residents have unhindered access to the outside. To the rear of the home there is a delightful south facing garden. This is complete with patio, lawn and paths.

Local amenities

Prittlewell Park gardens, the municipal bowling green, the attractive cliff-top gardens and Southend-on-Sea’s popular entertainment venue - the Band Stand - are all close to the home. The town centre with all the main shops, banks, building societies, train & bus stations, public houses, cinema etc. is just a quarter of a mile along the road. Pier Hill, leading to the sea-front, Adventure Land theme park and the world famous pier is just as close by. Also, Southend-on-Sea’s premier entertainment venue - The Cliffs Pavilion - is along the cliff-tops nearby. Additionally, Clifftown is provided with a number of established churches of various denominations.

Care and support from the staff

Every effort is made to make a happy and homely atmosphere. We encourage each resident, regardless of age or infirmity, to lead as active and fruitful life as possible. It is important that each resident remains independent in every practical and feasible way.

There are trained care assisting staff who provide a twenty-four-hour care service to help and assist the residents with any problems and difficulties they may encounter. This help includes personal care such as washing, bathing, dressing and assistance with the toilet. All care is given with dignity and respect.

The care staff are able to supervise the routine administration of any prescribed medication and provide a liaison with Doctors, visiting nurses and the local hospital. Supported by these health care services they are generally able to care for residents who are suffering from temporary or short term illnesses. The home is attended by a local group practice. Where possible, the services of the resident’s own doctor can be retained.

Should a resident suffer a injurious fall, some accident or experience a medical complication; the staff will summon a doctor or an ambulance as necessary and as soon as possible. They also have the backup and support of an experienced manager, or her deputising assistant, who can be called for advice or onto duty by a mobile telephone - at all times. If the resident is sent to hospital next-of-kin relatives will be quickly contacted and notified of events. Normally, depending on the independence of the particular resident and any other arrangements made, a member of staff will go in company and will remain in support until a family member or friend arrives, admittance into a ward environment or discharge and return.

Please note:

Melrose House Rest Home is certified as a registered care home for the elderly and is limited by the terms of this certification as to the type of care it can provide. The type of care provided is sometimes described as ‘home’ or ‘family’ care. Any invasive treatments must require direct support from the Local Health Authority via a liaison with the District Nursing Service, or an admittance to hospital.

Activities and other personal needs

There is a comprehensive scale of activities in which individual residents can participate if they wish.

At home there are frequent sing-a-longs visiting entertainment and sensory activities for those with dementia. Most events are free of charge to the residents and any charge that is made is kept minimal. We always welcome the involvement and presence of friends and relatives at these events.

We also try to help and encourage the residents to keep an active interest in any hobbies or pursuits they may have, newspapers deliveries are available and recently a new wii machine has been installed.

The home does not emphasise any particular religious persuasion, but its location is very well served by the many churches and religious affiliations in the Southend-on-Sea area. The helpful and generous support of local ministers, priests etc. is always welcomed by the home and church services are held in the home twice per month for those who wish to attend.

Visiting clothing shops are invited to the home. A hairdresser and a chiropodist call and are available as required. Naturally these services are chargeable as are the provision of newspapers and magazines. The mobile public library calls at regular intervals.

A payphone (01702-331743) is available to the residents for making and receiving personal calls. Telephones are not provided in the rooms as these days residents have the ease and freedom in the use of mobile telephones.