The Knowles / Terms and Conditions
Pets
We do not permit pets because of the potential tripping danger to other clients and the problem of animal upkeep should you get ill. Visitors can, however bring pets as long as they are kept on a leash and under control.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking is not permitted throughout the home because of the potential risk of fire, and the difficulty of evacuation of the type of client group residing within.
We are not licensed to sell alcohol, however, we do provide some on Sherry mornings or special functions. At other times you may make your own arrangements for moderate consumption of alcohol subject to a risk assessment and may be subject to supervision.
Fire safety
We have a modern fire alarm system with ‘Fire Exit Notices’ and ‘Fire Emergency Instruction Notices’ displayed at strategic points throughout as advised by the local fire department. All staff are trained in our fire prevention and drills policy within their induction training, which includes use of the fire appliances, evacuation, muster points, raising the alarm, etc. You will be informed of the emergency procedure during admission.
Fire drills are regularly carried out to help staff, and you, to have a comprehensive understanding of responsibilities. Our fire systems and alarms are tested regularly and fire-fighting equipment annually with full records kept.
Where applicable, furniture, fixtures and fittings will be fire-resistant and fabrics and materials are fire retardant. Clients own items brought in must also comply.
Gifts
The Owners and staff are not allowed to personally accept gifts. Bequests or gifts from clients, families and friends of money or property may be given to the Clients Social Fund. Property will be used within the home for the general good of the clients or sold with the full proceeds going into the Clients Social Fund. Any property which is unsuitable for client’s use or sale will not be accepted.
Your obligations
You are responsible to:
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Ensure that the home is aware, prior to admittance, of all information whether medical, physical or personal to allow a fair and honest assessment of needs.
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Ensure all financial arrangements are in place for funding and paying fees prior to admittance.
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Complete the Personal Possessions Inventory upon admittance and keep updated with all incoming and outgoing items during the stay.
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Provide suitable, appropriate and sufficient clothing and personal toiletry products.
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Not offer gifts or bequests to the owners or staff, particularly of money or goods of value, except to the Clients Social Fund.
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Take out adequate insurance cover for all personal valuables kept at the Home. We accept no liability for cash or property lost, damaged or stolen.
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Arrange for a friend or family member to carry out all out of home tasks i.e. hospital accompaniment, shopping, collecting hearing aid batteries etc If you are unable.
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Look after the fabric and contents of the room and not to use nails or drawing pins in the walls and be responsible for all damage costs other than fair wear and tear.
You, or your appointee, are responsible to:
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Handle and administrate all of your personal finances, including pocket money.
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Collect your pensions and other state benefits.
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Notify Government departments and answer their correspondence.
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Complete all forms etc. in connection with the above.
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Pay the home fees and all other sundry charges on time.
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Pay for all external services at the time they are provided.
Notice requirements
Your stay may be ended by either party with one months written notice. Where this is not practical because the timing is outside of our control, we will give as much notice as possible. For example a change in your funding arrangements or your needs change quickly.
We reserve the right to, unilaterally and at our sole discretion, terminate your stay with immediate effect and without notice should your fees not be paid or your behaviour becomes violent, seriously antisocial or disruptive to the other clients and staff, or your obligations (as above) are not met. Fees are due for the whole notice period.
Illness
Where reasonably possible we will allow you to remain in the event of illness except where nursing or hospital care is required.
If you require additional care during your stay, due to health or other reasons, we reserve the right to increase the fees.
Hospital Visits
If you need to attend hospital, Opticians, Dentists etc for any reason, arrangements will be made with your family or friends for them to accompany you there safely. If this is not possible, and the appointment is a pre-planned appointment, there will be an additional charge for a staff member to accompany you, at the tariff rate. In an emergency, we shall contact your family, if they cannot accompany you, a member of staff will do so (if possible) without charge.
Should you be required to spend time in hospital, your room will be reserved for you. Depending on the length of time, you may have to spend in hospital and on how your stay in the care home in funded, we may have to consider reallocating you room. This would always be fully discussed prior to action being taken.
If you, or your relatives, are concerned in any way about this, please discuss this matter with the Home Manager.
Bereavement
In the event of bereavement staff will immediately contact your next of kin who can expect our full support and consolation. Your relatives should always leave contact telephone numbers when on holiday etc, in case of emergencies.
We will enact your advice given at the time of admittance regarding any pre-paid arrangements and cultural, religious or personal preferences with regard to funeral arrangements etc. Funeral arrangements are expected to be made by your next of kin, however, the Home Manager can be relied upon to assist and explain what is required and should you have no next of kin, we will attend to the necessary arrangements.
In the case of death, the fees will remain payable until the room is vacated and cleared of possessions. Any outstanding fees will be paid by the estate or co-signature relatives if applicable.
Your finances
We accept no responsibility for cash or valuables held on the premises and advise you to keep them in the lockable drawer (safe) in your room and lock the room door when out. We recommend you only hold a small cash amount on the premises for reasons of security and your safety.
For reasons of security, insurance and administration costs, we cannot handle your pocket money, nor do we offer a credit facility. We do however provide a free of charge SEA scheme (see next item) to deal with your personal spending.
If applicable, Social Services should be asked to pay your pocket money directly to you, or your appointee, where possible, and not to us on your behalf. In circumstances where your health deteriorates to the extent that you are no longer able to administer your own finances and you do not have a representative, Social Services should be asked to organize an agency advocate, such as Age Concern, to act on your behalf.
Leaving or temporarily vacating
If you leave temporarily (i.e : hospital), your room will remain yours indefinitely until your return providing your fee is paid. No discount is given, as our overheads remain the same. If you are Social Services funded the charges and retention period will be as per their contract.
Complaints procedure
Our dedicated staff wish to provide the very best care our resources allow, however, as is human nature mistakes can happen. We wish to encourage your participation in improving our service by discussing any concerns as early as possible. We will respond to complaints within 28 days. Please:
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Discuss any concern, however small, with the staff member in charge at the time.
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If not satisfied, contact the Home Managers: Jenny Toveys
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You may contact our regulators at any time:
Commissioning Unit
Community Services
Coventry City Council
Ss 29 Civic Centre 1
Earl Street
Coventry
Cv1 5RS
Care Quality Commission - West Midlands
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 4PA
Your Personal Belongings
These include all furniture, clothing, valuables etc.
Prior to admission you will:
- Complete the ‘Clients Possessions Inventory’ listing all items you brought with you and get it signed by the most senior staff on duty upon admission.
- Obtain the Home Manager’s prior approval for your own furniture, which may be allowed subject to available space and complying with current fire regulations.Respite clients cannot bring own furniture because of time constraints.
During the stay you will:
- Update the ‘Clients Possessions Inventory’ with all items brought in or taken away and obtain the most senior person on duty’s signature.
- Label all newly arrived garments to the homes specifications.
- Keep personal belongings in the room and if the room’s door is lockable a key can also be supplied, subject to a risk assessment.
- Use the room safe or lockable draw provided for valuables, subject to a risk assessment.
After the stay you will:
- Remove all personal possessions upon termination of stay at your own expense and continue to pay fees until the room is cleared.
- Items not removed within a reasonable time will be disposed of by the Home with yourself being liable for the cost.
- Clients should remove personal fittings such as shelves etc and make good any damage or our Maintenance Engineer may remove them for you at a fee.
Equal opportunities
The Adept Care Group will:
- Not allow unfair discrimination against anyone who receives its services.
- Not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, nationality, national origin, marital status, disability, sexuality, age, trade union, political, religious beliefs or responsibility for dependants.
- Provide training for all the people involved in decision making, planning and service provision so that all Councilors and employees are aware of what they must do to support this equal opportunities policy.
- Listen to the needs of its client’s and their relatives in order to avoid discrimination.
- React positively and quickly to any complaints of discrimination or harassment.
- Review its services and practices to make sure that they are consistent with equal opportunities needs.
- Act to promote equality of opportunity in all the places where it has influence
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