The Eastwood

At The Eastwood we are committed to the well-being of our residents, especially those with mild memory problems. We provide regular exercise, outings, fun and activities. We try to ensure that normal life continues as much as possible with the introduction of a community plan. Live life is what we say at The Eastwood! Having a diagnosis of Dementia is upsetting for anyone especially as in the early stages people often have insight and fear the future. Staff at The Eastwood have been working in Dementia care for over twenty years and have seen many changes over this time. The care provision provided these days by those who are committed to making people’s lives better, is the best we have ever seen. It takes imagination, being able to put yourself in client’s shoes, patience and kindness to provide a service that makes people feel safe and able to be themselves, not being judged by their behavior or lack of understanding; a happy smile, a touch or squeeze says many things. Being a small home we ensure all our clients have regular interaction, we also understand how important it is to get people out into the local community; it makes people feel involved, part of life and valued as an individual. Regular training is undertaken so that staff understand the actual process of dementia – however, nothing beats getting to know individuals and the personal touch.

The Eastwood is a small friendly care home where we put the residents at the center of all that goes on. New residents are asked to complete, with their families, a life history book and a “this is me” profile as advised by the Alzheimer’s society. This means that all activities truly reflect individual interests. To establish clients’ capacity, we undertake an initial assessment – this is a short exercise that involves answering a few questions. Following this a more in-depth ‘assessment of need’ will take place starting as soon as a new resident arrives. By bringing together the resident, their families and a named carer, we can collaborate on establishing a comprehensive well-being plan; the plan will ensure that residents are able to function to their full capacity in a safe, happy, and homely environment feeling included and in-control of their lives.

The staff at The Eastwood are committed to training using courses provided by the local county council including N.V.Q’S and training related to Health and Safety. We also use augment this with training external providers. Clients and families are welcome to review training undertaken by the staff in our statement of purpose – please ask to see it if you are interested. Everyone at The Eastwood is committed to improving our service and your input really counts.