The relaxed smile of one elderly resident said it all: “We’re just like one big family.”
These were the words of Zoe Bates, owner and manager of the 17th century Valerie Manor Residential Care home near Upper Beeding.
The Home has a string of awards to its name, including being one of seven finalists for the National Care Team of the Year and a finalist in the prestigious Care Innovator of the Year.
Currently completing a major extension to provide a nursing wing with state-of-the-art beds, the home is also on a large recruitment drive for care assistants and Registered Nurses. The new wing means an increase of 15 registered places to 23, over half of which can be for nursing care. There is a spacious new dining room with high ceilings and a stunning new conservatory with spectacular views across the landscaped garden towards the South Downs.
The garden will be a real feature, incorporating easy access and raised flower beds that encourage residents to get involved. The staff will have new facilities too; care work is a demanding profession and it’s important to have facilities that make the job enjoyable and comfortable.
Zoe’s philosophy is simple: “All staff treat all residents as a member of their own family,” a maxim that has resulted in a waiting list for rooms. Residents are involved in choosing carpets, fittings and even room names. These are delightfully named after birds – Kingfisher, Swan and Nightingale were my favourites.
There is a packed programme of activities on offer including arts, crafts and painting; it was great to see residents’ work framed for everyone to enjoy. There is an outing of choice each week – apparently the seaside, small animal farms and garden centres are the most requested trips. There are themed lunches, singalongs, fresh flower arranging and vegetable growing classes as well as exercise classes run by Zoe’s mum, who runs her own business called Let’s Dance. Even Zoe’s newly retired dad carries out maintenance at the Manor.
Valerie Manor has close links with local nurses, doctors and pharmacists. There’s even a dedicated GP who looks after the Home and holds regular monitoring and medication reviews. Prices for residential care start at £550 per week per room all inclusive.
All the rooms will have broadband, satellite connection and wi-fi access. With user-friendly touch screens, staff can show photos that have been emailed from friends and family, which is invaluable for those with distant relatives.
Valerie Manor really seems to resonate with a family feel and residents soon feel part of the extended family. I suddenly realised why the lady I saw earlier was smiling: Valerie Manor is not just a home. It is her home.
Valerie Manor Residential Home
Henfield Road, Upper Beeding,
West Sussex BN44 3TF
Tel: 01903 812105
www.valeriemanor.co.uk
email: zoe@valeriemanor.co.uk
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