FAQ’s

We believe it is important that all residents and their loved ones understand everything there is to know about Valerian Court Care Home before moving to our home; whatever question you might have, we’re eager to help and provide peace of mind.

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we often get asked and we welcome you to look through them. If you have any other questions that are not listed below, we’d be delighted to speak with you and welcome you to contact our friendly team.

Care Questions

We provide palliative care for those who are nearing the end of their life. We endeavour to make a person’s last days or weeks as comfortable as possible and extend our support to loved ones during this time.

We offer respite care at Valerian Court Care Home. Prior to admission we will evaluate a person’s care needs and assess how long someone should stay at our care home. Respite care is suitable for those who have recently had an illness, injury or operation and cannot return to normal life straight away. It can also be arranged for someone who is caring full-time for their loved one at home and who needs a well-deserved break.

We support residents’ overall well-being through the excellent care we provide that helps to alleviate daily stresses associated with personal care, mobility or medical care needs. We also support mental, physical and emotional well-being through the all-inclusive facilities and activities we provide that enable residents to socialise with others, learn new skills, gain new experiences and continue with their hobbies regularly. We encourage residents to live their lives the way they want to.

Residential Care provides live-in accommodation, with supervision 24 hours a day to those who need extra help and support with personal care or mobility. Nursing Care equally provides 24-hour care and support but the main differential is the assistance from a registered nurse, who is available day and night to provide medical care.

Our care plans are tailored to each individual and are assessed regularly to ensure that they continue to fulfill residents’ needs and requirements if a resident’s care needs change. We recognise that people’s health and well-being demands change over time, therefore our care is tailored to adapt to this. We work with each resident and their family members to create a personalised care plan that is ideal for them.

Care during Covid-19 Questions

Whilst being vaccinated is no longer mandatory we strongly recommend that all residents, their visitors and team members at Valerian Court are fully Covid-19 vaccinated, including future boosters, unless medically exempt. To reduce the risk of infection to others we will continue to encourage our team members to have all their vaccinations.

When transferring from the community or another care home a person does not need to isolate if the circumstances at the care home / interim care facility from which the person has transferred are known.

If the resident is symptomatic or has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, then they should isolate and perform two LFT tests on day (0), and again on day (2). Isolation can end following two negative tests.

If the resident tests positive in the home, they must be isolated for 5 days. The resident can then return to their normal activities if they feel well and do not have a high temperature (without the use of medication paracetamol).

Residents who test positive should avoid contact with other people who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments for 10 days after a positive test. Residents unable to take the test should isolate for 5 days.

In line with recent Government recommendations effective from 15th December 2022, care homes in England can make risk-based decisions as to whether face masks are required to be worn. Following a risk assessment, our care home has made the decision to remove the universal wearing of masks. It is a personal choice whether visitors still wish to wear a mask and people receiving care can ask staff to wear face masks; our staff will continue to work in whichever way makes our residents most comfortable.

At any time, the decision to not wear face masks can be changed as determined by the Home Manager, company, local or national healthcare agencies. COVID-19 regulations and guidance from the Government, National, and Local Healthcare Agencies may also change. For further information, please click here or contact the Home Manager directly.

Our top focus is to support our residents’ well-being, and we take special care to ensure that their health is taken care of properly. Our professionals provide around-the-clock care, along with wonderful and stimulating activities that keep our residents mentally, physically, and emotionally fit. Masks are no longer required to be worn in care homes, however, our staff continues to work in whichever way makes our residents most comfortable and will wear masks in line with our residents’ wishes. In line with Government guidance, vaccinations are still going ahead, and social distancing is still being followed.

Facilities Questions

Yes, we have a friendly, professional hairdresser that visits our salon regularly to provide residents with a variety of hair services so that they can look and feel their best.

All of our residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture or personal items to make their rooms their own. Residents can make their room feel like their own by incorporating personal belongings such as photographs and decorations, small pieces of furniture and furnishings. It’s the little additions to a room that can make all the difference.

Our in-house chefs and kitchen staff cater to all dietary needs, with a varied seasonal menu to choose breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. Meals can be served in the dining area, or even in a resident’s room. Residents can also spend time in the private dining room with loved ones.

Residents are encouraged to participate in group activities and events by our fantastic teams of Activities Co-ordinators. Examples of activities include pet therapy, arts & crafts, film nights, pamper sessions, gardening, exercise sessions, live entertainment, games, quizzes and much more.

We provide a range of facilities for all of our residents. We have an in-house hair salon, as well as a cinema room, communal and private dining rooms, activities programme, rooftop garden and cafe for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.

Yes, all of our bedrooms have access to a private en-suite wetroom including a sink, toilet and shower.

Finance Questions

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

The assessment of care needs is carried out by the local authority, which will determine the level of care required and the type of care home that is appropriate. The financial assessment is also carried out by the local authority or by an independent financial advisor. It will take into account the individual’s income, savings, and assets to determine whether they need to contribute towards the cost of their care.

If the individual’s assets and income are below a certain level, they may be entitled to financial support from the local authority to help pay for their care home fees.

If an individual is deemed eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, their care will be fully funded by the NHS. It’s important to note that eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare is not based on a specific diagnosis or condition, but based on an individual’s overall care needs and the level of support required to meet those needs.

Get in touch with the team for more information.

If your care home fees cost more than what your local council is willing to pay, someone else can make up the difference between that figure and the home’s fee, such as a family member.

There are different methods for paying care home fees. If the individual has been assessed as having eligible care needs and limited financial resources, the local authority may cover all or part of their care home fees. The amount of funding will depend on the individual’s means.

If the individual has complex healthcare needs that require full-time nursing care, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding. This funding covers the full cost of care, including accommodation and personal care.

If an individual has sufficient income, savings, or assets, they may be required to pay for their care home fees themselves. In some cases, family members may choose to contribute towards the cost of care. In some cases, the individual’s care home fees may be paid for by a combination of sources, such as local authority funding and self-funding.

When you pay your weekly care home fees at Valerian Court, this includes your accommodation, all meals, snacks and drinks provided, as well as any activities you participate in or facilities you use while you’re here. The fee also includes hair appointments, beauty treatments and local excursions. Some additional medical services such as dental care or chiropody may incur an additional fee. Contact the team for more information regarding this.

Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for financing from the local city councils, or even from the NHS (Funded Nursing Care or Continuing Health Care). We recommend that you seek financial guidance before exploring your funding sources any further.

All charges related to the Care Agreement will be terminated immediately. Housing and accommodation costs will be covered for up to ten days after the death, or until the residence has been fully checked and cleaned of possessions.

Fees will be reviewed annually, and any change will be advised at least 4 weeks in advance of any change taking effect. The current fee uplift is effective in April each year. For further information please contact us.

If someone is having financial difficulties, we want to be able to help you in any way we can, whether that’s looking at different finance options or relocating you to a smaller suite inside the home. Speak to our team about how we can support you.

General Questions

Yes, we allow prospective residents to schedule a trial stay for a 4-week period so that they can experience what life will be like at Valerian Court before making the decision to move in permanently.

Yes, we allow couples to stay together in our residential suites.

Allowing pets into our home is dependent on any allergies others may have who live in our home. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Yes, we welcome all prospective residents and their families to tour our care home to ensure it’s right for them.

Yes. Valerian Court Care Home is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission to ensure our care home in Didcot continues to meet a high standard of care in all areas of the home.

A Premium Lifestyle For All

We aim to provide unrivalled levels of person-centred care alongside the finest possible quality of life here at Valerian Court Care Home. Our elegant, purpose-built home couples luxurious accommodation and facilities with first-class care that is tailored to each resident. It is our mission to provide the finest quality of life with the help of our all-inclusive facilities, activities and amenities, to equip residents with all they need to live a rich, varied life. In addition to improved health, residents that reside with us also experience improved wellness thanks to an active social life. Our premium facilities are designed to be enjoyed by all residents, and help assist individuals live life exactly how they wish.

FAQ’s

Care Questions

Care during Covid-19 Questions

Facilities Questions

Finance Questions

General Questions

A Premium Lifestyle For All

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Care Questions

Care during Covid-19 Questions

Facilities Questions

Finance Questions

General Questions