FAQ’s

At Sandmere Care Home, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. These enquiries cover a wide range of topics, from financial choices to what daily life is like.

When you’re moving or assisting with a loved one’s move, finding accessible answers can be difficult. To make the transition process as simple as possible, all of our most frequently asked questions have been gathered in one location. If you’d like to discuss any of our questions in greater depth or if you have any we haven’t included, we invite you to contact our friendly team.

Care Questions

We customise our care plans for each individual and regularly assess them to ensure they meet residents’ evolving needs.

Understanding that health and wellbeing needs evolve, our care plans are flexible to accommodate these changes.

We collaborate closely with residents and their families to develop personalised care plans that are uniquely suited to their preferences and requirements.

Residential Care offers round-the-clock live-in accommodation and supervision for individuals needing additional assistance with personal care or mobility.

Nursing Care provides the same 24-hour support, distinguished by the continuous presence of a registered nurse who offers medical care day and night.

We enhance residents’ overall wellbeing by offering exceptional care that addresses daily challenges related to personal care, mobility, and medical needs.

Additionally, our comprehensive facilities and activities promote mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Residents can socialise, learn new skills, engage in hobbies and enjoy varied experiences.

Above all, we empower residents to live life on their own terms.

At Sandmere, we provide respite care services. Prior to admission, we conduct an assessment of each individual’s care requirements to determine the appropriate duration of their stay.

Respite care is ideal for individuals recovering from recent illnesses, injuries or surgeries who require additional support before returning to their regular routines. It can also be arranged for caregivers who need a temporary break from their full-time responsibilities of caring for a loved one at home.

We offer palliative care for individuals nearing the end of life, aiming to ensure their last days, weeks, or months are as comfortable as possible. We also provide support to their loved ones during this challenging time.

Yes, Sandmere Care Home is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission to ensure that our Exeter facility consistently meets high standards of care in all areas.

Facilities Questions

We offer a variety of facilities for our residents, including an on-site hair salon, a cinema room, communal and private dining areas, an engaging activities programme and a landscaped garden where residents can enjoy pursuing their hobbies and interests.

Our chefs and kitchen staff accommodate all dietary requirements with a diverse seasonal menu offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Throughout the day, residents have access to beverages and snacks. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining area or served in residents’ rooms for their convenience.

Additionally, residents can use the private dining room to share meals with loved ones.

Residents are encouraged to engage in group activities and events organised by our dedicated Activities Coordinators.

Activities include pet therapy, arts and crafts, film nights, pampering sessions, gardening, exercise classes, live entertainment, games, quizzes and more.

Yes, we have a skilled and welcoming hairdresser who regularly visits our salon to offer residents a range of hair services, ensuring they look and feel their best.

When you pay your weekly care home fees at Sandmere, it covers your accommodation, all meals, snacks and beverages provided, as well as access to activities and facilities during your stay.

Additionally, the fee includes hair appointments, beauty treatments and local excursions. Certain medical services such as dental care or chiropody may require an additional charge.

For further details, please reach out to our team.

Yes, we encourage all prospective residents and their families to tour our care home to ensure it meets their needs.

Allowing pets in our home depends on the allergies of current residents. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Prospective residents are welcome to schedule a 4-week trial stay at Alexander House, allowing them to experience life here before making a permanent decision.

Finance Questions

All fees outlined in the Care Agreement will be waived immediately upon cancellation. Housing expenses will be covered for up to ten days following the passing, or until the room has been thoroughly cleaned and cleared of personal belongings. We recognise the challenging circumstances for family and friends, and at Sandmere, we are committed to treating all individuals with dignity throughout this period.

There are various payment methods for care home fees:

– If an individual has been assessed as having eligible care needs and limited financial resources, the local authority may cover some or all of their care home fees based on their means.

– Individuals with complex healthcare needs requiring full-time nursing care may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, which covers all care costs, including accommodation and personal care.

– Individuals with sufficient income, savings, or assets are typically responsible for paying their own care home fees. In some cases, family members may choose to contribute.

– Care home fees can also be covered by a combination of funding sources, such as contributions from the local authority and self-funding.

If someone is experiencing financial challenges, we are committed to assisting in any way possible. This includes exploring alternative finance options or arranging relocation to a smaller suite within our facility.

Please reach out to our team to discuss how we can provide support.

If your care home fees exceed the amount your local council is prepared to pay, the difference between their contribution and the home’s fees can be covered by someone else, such as a family member.

In England, care home fees are determined based on an individual’s care needs and financial situation.

The local authority assesses care needs to determine the appropriate level and type of care home required. Financial assessments, conducted by either the local authority or an independent financial advisor, consider the individual’s income, savings and assets to determine their contribution towards care costs.

If an individual’s assets and income fall below a certain threshold, they may qualify for financial support from the local authority to help cover care home fees.

Individuals eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare will have their care fully funded by the NHS. Eligibility for this funding is based on overall care needs and the level of support required, rather than a specific diagnosis or condition.

For more information, please contact our team.

Fees are reviewed annually, with any changes communicated at least 4 weeks in advance of implementation.

The current fee adjustment takes effect each April. For more details, please contact us.

Rooms & Suites Questions

Yes, every bedroom is equipped with a private en-suite wet room containing a sink, toilet and shower.

We encourage all residents to personalise their rooms by bringing their own furniture and personal items. This can include photographs, decorations, small pieces of furniture and other furnishings. These personal touches can truly transform the space and make it feel like home.

Personalised Care in a Welcoming Environment

Sandmere Care Home offers a haven for those seeking exceptional care and a warm, welcoming environment. We cater to individual needs through a range of services like Residential Care and Dementia Care, and personalised care plans to ensure resident well-being.

Residents at Sandmere enjoy an engaging lifestyle. We offer a diverse activities program, encourage community integration through outings, and empower residents to make choices about their daily lives. We believe in building meaningful connections and creating a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.