8 November 2018
Finding Chamberlain Court Care Home
Relative Tim shares his story of finding the right care home for his mum.
Over the past few years, our mother, Kathleen, occasionally visited her cousin who resides in a care home within the Marlow area and was impressed with the high level of quality care being provided. She said that when the time came she would like to go into one of this group’s homes, irrespective of the fact that the closest one to her hometown of Crowborough was over an hour-and-a-half drive for her relatives and friends. We were concerned that this isolation would not be beneficial, especially as she had been our next-door neighbour for 18 years!
Approximately 18 months ago, my sister carried out an online check of all care homes within the Crowborough/Tunbridge Wells area, identifying what quality of care was being offered. Nothing appeared to come close to Mum’s aspirations. In October 2017, she announced that ‘D-Day’ had arrived. Although she was still very mentally alert and physically able, she said she had got tired of the mundane everyday chores of life and wanted to be pampered and cared for.
Not wishing for Mum to move to a home which was so far away from us, I went back online and found that a new care home, Chamberlain Court, had opened in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The online details and brochure seemed to tick all the boxes. Was this too good to be true? My initial phone call arranging a viewing was answered with professionalism, politeness and assurance that what was on offer would match and surpass her cousin’s care home. With a degree of scepticism, the appointment was made with Sales and Marketing Director Christine Aldridge in November 2017, attended by myself, my wife, my brother and sister and, of course, the most important person – Mum. We were all impressed with Christine’s professional, caring and honest approach.
Chamberlain Court is a well-designed home with excellent facilities both inside and out, creating a very homely atmosphere. The home provides residential through to nursing and dementia care, should the need arise. Chamberlain Court emphasised the home’s ethos is to provide a caring and supportive environment for my mother, whilst encouraging and promoting personal independence. All essential costs were transparent without any hidden charges – even Mum’s favourite tipple of a G&T was covered!
Mum had decided that Chamberlain Court had ticked all her boxes and a room was reserved for her. On 1st March 2018, she moved in. A new era of her life had started. She was warmly welcomed by the amazing care team, who were friendly and caring in their approach. A welcome card and bouquet of flowers awaited her in her bedroom – a personal and touching thought. My wife and I stayed for dinner that night. The menu offered a good choice and excellent quality including the wine.
Mum has now been in Chamberlain Court for five months and she feels like it is her home. All the team are friendly, caring, professional and hard-working in their approach. They are continually assessing the residents’ needs to ensure their high standards are maintained. They are open to constructive comments, emphasising the need for feedback from the residents on any concerns that they may have. In the case of Mum’s salads, she asked for ‘proper lettuce’ like Little Gem or cos – not the fancy varieties! It was immediately noted and acted upon by the chef.
Mum enjoys the daily activities and trips out and endeavours to participate regularly. She is a keen bridge player and still, at 94 years old, loves to have a game. She was encouraged by the lifestyles team to invite her friends from the club in Crowborough to her new home for matches. They visit her on a fortnightly basis, when a room is allocated and refreshments provided.
We, as a family, are totally satisfied with all aspects of care being provided by Chamberlain Court. We would, without hesitation, happily recommend Chamberlain Court to any other prospective residents.
Tim Pawson
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