Good Food

Our head chef, Graeme, holds basic Food & Hygiene Certificates and provides varied, home cooked meals catering for a variety of special dietary and cultural/religious needs and preferences. Our Proprietor Mr. Julian Hitchcock also holds an OND in Hotel Catering and Business Studies. Assistance with eating and drinking will be given when needed. Fruit, biscuits, snacks, soft drinks and beverages are all available on request.
(Special requests not part of our standard stock paid for by clients).
Water heater always on the boil, for a cuppa!
Meal Times Early morning tea

Our kitchen has recently been refurbished in stainless steel, in accordance with current Environmental Health standards. Inspections by the local Environmental Health Authority are always very positive.
It has taken many years to tweek our menu and weed out unpopular dishes, repeated on a six-weekly basis. Consequently, most of our residents select the principal meal of the day; there is always the option of the vegetarian menu for that day.

A Daily Menu is displayed on the Residents' Notice Board but copies can be provided for individual residents in their rooms.

Aronel Cottage's policy is to ask residents not to keep perishable food in their rooms.

Activities
We have a planned activity almost every weekday. The Home has a separate budget of £10,000 per annum to employ outside agencies to come in for a dedicated activity and as a result, it is unusual to cancel. Residents decide on activities they enjoy and who to employ again. Forthcoming events are displayed on the Residents' Notice Board.

Regular visits by Sarah Povey and her voice and movement therapies. Incare Services , who provide reminiscence therapy are always well attended. They also chair the residents' meetings where suggestions such as destinations for mini bus outings and specialised entertainment, are discussed. Minutes of Meetings are pinned to the Residents' Notice Board.

Hobbies such as gardeners club/pot plants/sewing/crochet/knitting/painting/ other indoor activities etc. are all encouraged, and we are open to any other suggestions. Relatives are welcome to join in or help with any of the activities. (Cost of hobbies’ equipment and materials are to be met by residents).

Entertainment
Musical entertainment is provided by karioke, Midnight Sunset, Cliff, Muriel Gilbert, Tim West, Antiques Broadshow, Tony Parkins,Vitalyz, N.E.L.E. and Mark Courtneage. These are popular entertainers and have been chosen to return time and time again at Residents' Meetings.

The Home is a member of a local Blockbusters and will be pleased to hire videos/DVDs on behalf of residents. (Hire met by the resident).

Outings And Transport
We organise outings with Sammy Transport on first Mondays monthly to destinations chosen by the residents at their meetings. A favourite is a mystery trip, with cream tea.

We usually arrange transport for Outpatients appointments via the Resident's GP, or relatives, or voluntary services. Should transport not be provided for free by NHS, ultimately "The Home" will ensure that Residents can attend their appointments. (Aronel Cottage invoices the client for 30p per mile plus £7.50 per hour).

Visiting
Visitors are asked to visit between 10 am and 7 pm (avoiding mealtimes) and are usually offered a 'cuppa'.
Newspapers
Personal deliveries via local newsagents can be arranged. (The invoice is posted directly to named advocate who is responsible for settling the account).

Library
Free Home Library Service usually visits once a month.
We also subscribe to the Blind Association and keep a Talking Book on the premises for residents' use. DVDs are provided free of charge.

Religious Services
Reverend David Thornley , vicar of the local South Bersted Church, is in regular contact with the Home and takes Holy Communion on an occasional basis.
Should any resident require alternative religious arrangements, we will contact the service to request a visit.

Independence
Residents should have the right to make choices. But, when appropriate, should accept the advice of the duty nurse. (Risk Assessment).
Suggestions And Comments
It is always helpful for us to know what you think about the Home. Residents & Families should feel free to speak to any of the staff. There is also a Suggestions Box in the Foyer.