Providing ‘person centred care’ is paramount at the new Marham House care home, whose manager says residents can enjoy a ‘home from home’ experience – even in-midst of the coronavirus crisis. Leading provider Halcyon Care Homes opened the 66-bed accommodation at the end of March, after being given the green light to do so by the Care Quality Commission.

At the time of writing, 18 people had moved into the home in Marham Park, Bury St Edmunds, which is being led by experienced manager Jan Gibbs. “We want it to be a home where residents may need some care or support with daily living, but can be free to live their lives,” Jan said. “It is somewhere you might choose to live – it is a straight swap, home from home. We want people to carry on with their lives the way they would if they were at home. “It can allow people to go to town every day if they want to, we can facilitate that.” Marham House has committed one staff member to every five Marham House, a new Bury St Edmunds care home that promotes independence, is now welcoming its first residents.

We want people to carry on with their lives as if they were at home Jan Gibbs Home manager residents, and 40 are currently working. Staff are trained to support residents who have dementia. Jan said the team are committed to helping with whatever the needs are, whether that be helping someone have a bath, a shower or getting dressed. “The type of person may be someone who can look after themselves but may need support with cooking and cleaning,” she said. Jan trained and worked in West Suffolk Hospital, and has experience in many areas of healthcare. She entered the care home industry in 2014, quickly becoming a deputy manager.

Since then, as a manager, she has led homes from a Care Quality Commission rating of ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’. Marham House is yet to receive its own inspection from the commission. Jan puts her success down to understanding the needs of her patients. She said: “I am a people person. I have done a few management roles and the first thing is about understanding your residents. It is also about knowing your staff and the relationships you build. I arrive early for work, when the night shift staff are still working – making sure they have a point of contact. “We pride ourselves on personal care. It is about knowing that Fred likes hot water with his cereal, that Mary can appreciate support as she can feel anxious at night.”

The third, top, floor of Marham House is currently on loan to the Advertisement feature During the Covid-19 crisis the NHS has used the third floor of Marham House Care Home in Bury St EdmundsNHS – who are using 25 beds to help reduce some of the pressures placed on West Suffolk Hospital. The beds will be available for patients who are medically fit to leave the hospital but need further assessment and support before they can return home. At the time of writing, nine patients were using the home. But the change around has not stopped the home from operating as staff have adapted the entertainment offering to residents.

Staff have helped some to communicate with their family on Skype. “With Covid-19 it has made us think what we can do as a team, and we have seen some fab artwork produced in support of the NHS. “We also have a couple living with us and we have organised a date night where they could have privacy. We have also had cinema afternoons. “It is about promoting companionship, even during this time. Many may be missing family members and we are trying to take away the feeling of isolation.” Jan said there are still many inquiries coming in despite the ongoing crisis. For £1,150 a week everything is included. Residents have inclusive access to appointments with a chiropodist, newspaper delivery and taxis into town. There is also a sun lounge, a tea room, a cinema, a sensory garden and a sky bar. Ensuite bathrooms are provided in all rooms. Jan continued: “I think it caters for every need, bathrooms are equipped for those with disabilities, people feel safe living here and well supported. “We have a fantastic team here and great connections to the local community.”

Marham House can also offer respite care for residents on a short term basis. To find out more, visit: www.marhamhousecarehome.co.uk