INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

 Residents’ personal care plans are regularly reviewed and updated.  The homes encourage residents to work towards greater independence and to pursue their individual interests and enthusiasms.  A person centred approach is applied to all aspects of a resident’s life and care.

A ROOM OF THEIR OWN

 All rooms are well furnished and decorated but we also encourage residents to personalise their private space with their own furnishings and belongings.Some residents redecorate with the help of their family, personalising their room with their own taste.

Many residents have their own television, audio equipment or computer in their room and enjoy quiet time alone pursuing their own interests. All the homes have broadband.

Our staff respect the privacy of personal rooms and will always knock and ask for permission before entering - except in an emergency.

HEALTHY EATING

All the homes provide healthy and tasty meals, cooked on the premises. Some of our residents help to grow fresh fruit and vegetables which are used in their kitchens alongside other local seasonal produce.  Many residents now work at our new” Local Food” allotment at Barham, which has increased the supply of local fresh food.

Residents choose the weekly menus and the larger homes offer a choice of main course. Homes cater for individual medical diets and personal choices such as vegetarians.

Progression

 All residents are encouraged to develop their personal skills and independence.  In the two smaller homes residents  live on a more independent  basis and take prime responsibility for cooking their meals and cleaning the homes. Any resident who wishes to move on to a Supported Living basis or who wishes to seek some outside employment is encouraged and supported.

The FI Homes community is investigating the feasibility of developing  ‘Supported Living’ units within its range of services.

Day Centres

 Residents usually stay at home on one week day to take their turn with routine housework and with cooking or food preparation.  On the remaining weekdays most choose to attend the Day Centres and decide which of the many opportunities to take part in.

For full details please click the link to the Fifth Trust website and learn more about the Fifth Trust charity and the Day Centres

Evenings and Weekends

 Evenings and weekends may be spent at their home or residents can pursue their own interests, sometimes joining local community activities or at the evening yoga and aerobic sessions provided at the Day Centres.  Some play table tennis or snooker locally or visit the local pub.

 At weekends those residents able to travel on their own visit the shops in Canterbury or Folkestone, on their own, or with friends from their Home.

The homes have their own transport (cars and mini-buses) so outings and visits are available as requested by the residents. Residents are encouraged to maintain contact with families or with extended circles of friends.

Professional Support

 In addition to each home having an experienced professional Care Manager, the homes jointly own a management support Company, FIH Ltd.

FIH Ltd has an office at the Elham Valley Vineyard and its General Manager, Nikki Marley, is available to provide back-up support to a Home when needed.

This Company takes care of routine administration including CRB checks on new staff, billing Local Authorities and ensuring that the Directors and Managers of each home are kept up-to-date with changes in relevant legislation and working practices.  The Company also provides the day-to-day management of the Day Centres on behalf of the Fifth Trust