Philosophy of Care

Burnfoot House provides on going care, support and a safe homely environment to older people with dementia and/or other significant mental health problems, particularly those individuals who may have developed some behaviours which can be difficult to manage. All potential residents are fully assessed following referral, and prior to admission, to ascertain that Burnfoot House is the most appropriate place for that individual.

Aims

• To provide a high standard of care and support
• To provide a safe, healthy, homely and relaxing environment
• To respect the rights of residents in terms of independence, confidentiality, freedom of speech, dignity, beliefs and individuality

Objectives

• To provide a caring, supportive, homely and safe environment for older people who may have challenging behaviours, where health, personal and social care needs are met.
• To work in partnership with residents, families, carers and other agencies to ensure a holistic, person centred plan of care is delivered to each resident, and meets all their needs
• To create and maintain an environment which affords privacy and freedom to residents and which meets National Care Standards
• To provide a wide range of meaningful social activities tailored to each resident's needs and desires.
• To employ and support an appropriately skilled and qualified workforce to deliver care and support to residents
• To continually monitor the quality of service being provided, making changes as required to ensure excellent services are delivered

Burnfoot House Nursing and Care staff offers care and support for people who have a range of needs and levels of dependency. Each person is fully assessed to ensure that individual needs are known by staff, and that each person has the opportunity to have the best possible quality of life.

We formulate a person centred care plan with each resident, their family and other agencies as appropriate, in relation to the following.

• The care and management of those residents who may be confused and fearful and who may have difficulties with communication and social relationships, even when there is perceived to be no effective contact or communication.
• The care and management of those where some challenging behaviours may occur due to confusion, fear, changing moods, lack of insight or self-control, and may result in an inability to cooperate despite encouragement. It may require direct intervention, e.g. with personal care assistance.
• The care and management of those residents, who due to confusion and disorientation may have absconding behaviour.
• The care and management of those residents who may be confused, fearful, have changing moods and lack of insight and may react to care interventions by becoming verbally and/or physically aggressive towards others.
• The provision of a range of comprehensive and meaningful activities which encompass residents existing interests and pastimes, routines and links to home/community.

The residents are attended by a registered nurse or by carers closely supervised by a registered nurse throughout each day and night. The nursing and care staff have appropriate skills and training to meet the changing needs of residents, to predict future changes and to adapt the pattern of care as needed.

The care and support offered at Burnfoot House is underpinned by the principles of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the principles and good practice guidance ({Rights, risks and limits to freedom" (Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland)