Your life at Brookside

Moving into a residential care home, even for a short period of recuperation, is a big step for anyone. You are bound to have lots of questions. We are happy to answer them all for you, but we have detailed our most commonly asked questions below. We hope this will give you a picture of what you can look forward to.

Where is my new home?

Brookside is a lovely traditional property that combines many of its original features with a tastefully updated and modernised interior. The home is small enough to retain the feel of a real home and all the residents and staff know one another. You'll soon feel part of the community, make new friends and feel at home after moving in.

There are several comfortable communal areas such as the large and airy lounge and spacious conservatory where you can chat with friends, read, watch TV, or join in the many activities we provide (more on that later).

Brookside is easy to get to from Stafford via local bus links and taxis. Being close to the M6 it also offers excellent access from other major towns and cities in Staffordshire and beyond. The home is always open so your friends and loved ones will find it easy to come and visit you as often and whenever they like.

You’ll find Brookside within a quiet residential neighbourhood in Stafford overlooking the spectacular views of Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve.

Is there a garden?

If you enjoy the outdoors you're in for a real treat at Brookside. The home has a very large, easily accessible garden full of wildlife, wild and tended flowers, shrubs, trees and a large lawn. There is a patio and seating area to the side and the whole garden has spectacular views over the nature reserve.

In summer you'll be able to sit in the garden, enjoying a nice cup of tea while chatting to friends or watching the visiting birds, squirrels and other wildlife. You could even choose to do a bit of train spotting! Or if you want a bit of quiet time to read a book or simply contemplate life, the garden offers many private areas.

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During the summer the garden plays host to many events  where your family and friends can come along and join in the fun and activities with you.

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And even if it rains or snows you'll also be able to enjoy the views and see the garden from the comfort and protection of the spacious conservatory.

What will my room be like?

Brookside offers a variety of sizes and layout of room to suit all budgets and preferences. 

All the rooms have been tastefully decorated, have a full suite of furniture and, most important, a supremely comfortable bed for a guaranteed good nights sleep.  

Whichever room you choose, this is your home. We'd love you to bring your own ornaments, treasured mementos and small furniture items to make it feel comfortable and familiar. We'll even decorate it in line with your personal taste to truly make it feel like home if you'd like.

How will I spend my day?

We have a dedicated activity coordinator who provides a variety of entertaining and interesting things to get involved in. This is updated weekly and displayed in the lounge so you can choose and plan what you'd like to have a go at.

We also have regular visitors who come to the home to provide additional activities, entertainment and support. Particularly popular is the qualified Personal Trainer who'll get you moving and motivated with music and exercise in a fun format using a variety of appropriate equipment.

Also very popular are the singers and performers who regularly come into the home to provide entertainment for you. There are always seasonal activities, and the Christmas Panto is a special favourite.

If you're not in the mood for activities or performances our staff are always on hand to have some one to one time for a chat. 

Take your pick from our regular options...

• Weekly visits from a local hairdresser
• Music and movement coach visits weekly to supplement the in-house activities
• Hand massage and manicure therapy
• Pet therapy
• Regular chiropody services
• Local priest provides service and communion as required
  
  

Or tell us what we can arrange for you. Whatever you like doing, be it gardening, making the most of the local amenities, being pampered in the comfort of the home, or simply relaxing, you can continue to do it with us at Brookside.

Will I enjoy the food?

Our chef prepares a variety of delicious and nutritious meals that will have you eagerly anticipating every meal time. Ingredients are sourced locally, freshly prepared daily, and served in our spacious airy dining room. This is the hub of the home and everyone looks forward to both the food and the chance to have a natter and a catch up with friends and staff members.

If you have special dietary requirements we'll make sure they're accommodated and there are always alternatives if ever you don't like something that's on the menu. Similarly, although we take great care to ensure everything is fresh, you can still have whatever you want (so don't worry about that special hankering for Angel Delight or Heinz Cream of Tomato, it's no problem!)

Who will be looking after me?

What we believe to be the best team in the business.

Unlike many care homes in the area, our staff turnover is very low. Our team is strong and stable. The majority of our carers have been with us for many years.

What it means for you is that you'll be looked after by a highly skilled, highly trained, expert team who have vast experience of caring for the needs of those in their later years. More importantly, they will become trusted friends
and companions for you. So you can feel comfortable when they help with more sensitive aspects of your personal care.

What about the medical stuff?

Inevitably as we get older medical issues come to the fore. We want you to be sure you have the support you need.

• Our local GP surgery and chemist are adjacent to each other and will happily attend the home when required. The GP provides medication reviews in line with national policy or if requested, earlier
  
  
• One to one support with hospital appointments and other medical appointments can be requested should your family or friends be unable to attend (at an additional cost)
  
  
• Access to Advanced Nurse Practitioners who visit the home weekly or more often if required to provide support to the staff and give medical advice to you
  
  
• We have an excellent relationship with the local pharmacy that delivers the residents' medication. They can provide you with advice on health issues and support the management team with medication safety and compliance in line with CQC requirements
  
  
• Assess to Occupational Therapy services and equipment reviews if needed
  
  
• Visiting phlebotomist to reduce the need for you to travel to the local surgery or hospital for routine blood tests
  
  
• Regular District Nurse visits to support the staff with providing care to our residents such as dressings and suture removal, continence advice and assessment, and all issues relating to skin integrity etc.
  
  

If you have any medical concerns please feel free to contact the Home Manager for a confidential chat.  

What should I do next?

P.S. Brookside is a very popular home and places are often snapped up very quickly as they become available. To avoid disappointment before a visit, please call us to check availability of rooms.