GENERAL BACKGROUND

Devenish House was opened by St. John's in 1990 as a nursing home for frail elderly residents who need nursing or residential care. It was developed principally to provide such care for residents of the Charity's existing almshouse accommodation who cease to be able to manage independently in that accommodation. Applications can however be made for direct admission and the procedure for doing so is set out below. The Home is registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection, from whom can be obtained publicly available inspection reports.

 

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of Devenish House is to provide as wide a range of care for frail elderly residents as possible but in a homely non-institutional setting that allows residents as much independence as possible. We believe in holistic care for residents which values their dignity and independence at all times. Devenish House is regarded as part of the wider community of St. John's and every effort is made to encourage a sense of belonging to this wider community through linked activities with residents in the Charity's almshouses.

ACCOMMODATION

Devenish House has 21 rooms, all of which have a built-in wardrobe, en suite W.C, variable height bed and bedside locker. Residents are encouraged to introduce items of their own personal furniture The rooms are socketed for T.V. and telephones.

There are three main floors with a bathroom on each floor with a central lift. There is a dining room where residents meet for main meals. The main lounge is a conservatory situated at the top of the building with a view over the roofscape of Winchester. There are also some additional small sitting areas.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

The Home has a well equipped kitchen and great care is taken in planning menus. Our cook makes a point of getting to know individual residents and their requirements. All laundry is washed within the Home. There is a small hairdressing room and a visiting hairdresser attends weekly.

The Red Cross Library Service have a depository of library books at the Home. A regular programme of activities is organised, such as music and movement, reminiscence sessions, bingo and whist. Residents from the Charity's almshouses join some of these. Regular outings take place in the Charity's mini-bus which has a tail lift for wheelchairs. There is a chapel available for use by anyone in the Home for prayer and peaceful reflection.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

The Charity is governed by its Charity Commission Scheme, which provides that only needy older persons are eligible for appointment as residents. Accommodation at Devenish House is subsidised by the Charity and an assessment has to be made of all applications for accommodation. This will involve a home or hospital visit. Given the number of residents whom the Charity have in almshouse accommodation, vacancies will tend to be filled by existing residents, and the number of long stay places available for direct admission is likely to be limited. In considering applications the Trustees will pay particular attention to an applicant's financial position, their need for extra care and the extent of their existing care support.

CHARGES

Charges are usually reviewable annually with effect from 1st April. There are three scales of charges, set at the rate at which Hampshire County Council purchase care. These rates are all subsidised by the Charity and are currently as follows:

Residential Care (very dependant rate) - £347.06 per week.

Nursing Care - £460.04 per week [N.B. There is an addition of £40, £87, or £139 according to the statutory nursing assessment.]

Assistance in payment of all, or part of, these fees, may be possible from Social Service and advice will be given about seeking financial support.

Go to 'How to contact us' for further details.