Resisdential Care

[sunflower68]

Something that is bugging me. My 92 year-old gran has been in a private residential care home for about 4 years. She has a lovely room; all she needs. She always likes to keep the door ajar and watch the human traffic - she has always loved people-watching. Under new rules the home have told its residents that they must have their door closed at all times (health and safety, a fire risk or some clap trap). We haven't delved into this with the management yet as we only found out on Friday. Any feelings on this ABers?

[PatriciaH]

Id definatley look into this further sunflower, youre right about the clap trap,Much safer to have the door ajar i would of thought?surely they have a smoke alarm in each room so that would cover the fire risk! your gran could do with a glazed door (safety door of course) Good luck in your battle with higher bodies!

[Baronvhb]

Recently, (within the past three years), there have been several fires in care homes. As a result of enquiries into each, there have been changes to fire precautions in such establishments, including the use of fire doors. In the event of a fire a closed door can by valuable time until fire and rescue services arrive, thus saving lives. I have not worked in care homes for some time, however we had fire inspections annually, and the correct use of fire doors cannot be emphasised enough.

I will try to find a link. Or try searching care commission and fire safety. I'm sure the manager of the home would be more than happy to reassure you, however it's unfortunate that your grandmother will be deprived of something she so enjoys.

Good luck x

[woofgang]

I really can uderstand the closed door thing as Baronvhb says. Is there a dayroom where your Gran could go to people watch?

[joko]

I would try to get a petition going, that if this measure is enforced, all doors should be fitted with a large glass window and a curtain, for light, stimulation, company and comfort, and also to enable staff to check on the people. the curtain would also brighten up what are often dreary rooms. organise some fundraising if need be

if this doesn't have any effect, if it comes down to it, buy a door and insist you are allowed to install it, or you will move your nan to another home. a doors a door and i doubt they would want to lose the fees. they can replace the old door again in later years if they wish, when your nan is sadly gone.

[WendyS]

Does the residential home not have a communal meeting room where all residents can meet up rather than staying in their own rooms? If she's not bed bound this might give her some of the extra mental stimulation she craves by seeing more "comings and goings", although from my knowldge of residential accommodation, the patients are not always capable of being a very lively group.

[sunflower68]

Thankyou for all your kind replies. I can understand the glass door theory, however if you knew my gran, if I bring my kids around and anyone walks past the room, she just loves to call 'come and see who I have in here!'. It wouldn't be the same. She has very poorly legs and rarely leaves. She's not unsociable; as I mentioned her joy is in the passers by. She's a bit of a well-liked character too. She doesn't like to stay in the lounge too long - she says they are all loopy in there!!

Another thought - there is a smoking room for people whose pleasure is that. Just not fair.