Jules Dove, registered manager at Forest Hill House said: “Gold Standard Framework (GSF) is a very positive move in the care industry – one of the best changes for a long time and we are happy to work towards accreditation, which takes around two years.
“GSF is a process to attain high standards for end-of-life care – it’s all about staff, residents and their relatives working together to improve the residents’ comfort, peace-of-mind and quality of life while they live in the home.
“For instance, we already have an activities co-ordinator who organises internal and external events, including outings to places of local interest - and daily activities including gardening in raised garden beds, which is possible even from a wheelchair.
“Significantly, GSF also establishes better collaboration with GPs, primary care teams and specialists. ”
Jules is also group development manager of Royal Bay Care Homes, which owns and operates Forest Hill House. Its other two Dorset care homes – Castle Farm Retirement Home in Lytchett Matravers and Larks Leas Rest Home in Blandford Forum – are also preparing for GSF accreditation.
She said: “It is already working really well here, with all our staff getting involved and enjoying the process of accurately matching service to residents’ wishes and needs.
“We focus on living longer and living better. We find out what people love doing and ensure they continue that wherever possible while they are residents with us – their wishes are vital.
“It helps their confidence that they will always be looked after well, and their relatives enjoy the support framework we provide for them.”
Forest Hill House is a historic and architecturally-important country manor set in 15 acres of gardens and woodlands with views over Poole Bay and the Purbecks. Described as a care home with nursing, it has 33 residents and 50 staff.
www.royalbay.co.uk
