Oxfordshire’s Chawley Grove, a purpose-built 70-bed care home operated by Hamberley Care Homes, is delivering the latest in person-centred care through an innovative approach and Gentona baths from Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms.
Chawley Grove is located in Cumnor Hill and opened in May 2019 to support residents requiring residential, nursing and dementia care. Part of a nine-strong network, Chawley Grove is the latest Hamberley development to pioneer a new approach to care.
Part of this innovative person-centred support involves access to specialist hi-lo Gentona baths from Gainsborough which deliver safe accessibility through advanced ergonomic and power assisted design. Combined with ultra-efficient operation, revolutionary BioCote antimicrobial protection and proven performance, these bathing solutions perfectly complement the ‘homemaker’ approach to client support.
The team at Chawley Grove approach care from a different perspective. Their ‘homemaker’ concept ensures a carer’s remit is more diverse so greater companionship is delivered to residents. Staff do not wear healthcare uniforms to provide a homely feel and take pride in understanding the unique needs of each resident.
Tasks involve more aspects of living – ranging from sharing social time to room cleaning and domestic assistance. These tasks complement the healthcare practicalities of care so a closer homemaker-resident relationship is delivered.
Added to this, there is no fixed schedule of group activities. Hence residents and their homemakers have greater flexibility to enjoy passtimes and resident engagement on their own terms. This approach has recently earned Hamberley the accolade ‘Residential Care Provider of the Year’.
Chawley Grove incorporates a range of unique features within its construction which ensure rich and diverse living for residents. These include en-suite bathrooms, a wellbeing and beauty salon, bar and cafe, deluxe cinema and a private dining suite for family and friends.
Each of the three Gentona baths is situated in a beautifully finished accessible bathroom. Contemporary decor, with colour and warmth, works in unison with soft furnishings and details such as a seating area for homemakers – resulting in a more positive time for residents.
Safer working heights for homemakers are facilitated by the variable height baths and their powered bather transfer seats eliminate physical moving and handling so the risk of falls is lowered. Added to this, the risk of musculoskeletal injury is drastically reduced whilst dignity is improved for bathers.
Paul Hill, CEO, Hamberley Care Homes, explains: “Residents and their relatives continue to be extremely impressed with our bathing facilities here at Chawley Grove. The feedback we receive proves our bathroom ambience and advanced Gainsborough baths deliver an impression that far surpasses facilities elsewhere. From personal experience of seeking a care home for a loved one, the availability of welcoming spaces and a relaxed atmosphere can never be underestimated.”
“Living in a beautiful place with a real sense of light and space ensures well-being and happiness are maximised – our bathrooms help deliver on this promise.”
Paul continues: “We regard Gainsborough Specialist Bathrooms as the default choice in power bath suppliers. My previous experience of Gainsborough baths during time as a carer, nurse, care home manager and now Group CEO, confirms their reputation for outstanding performance.
"This is why we selected Gainsborough as our preferred supplier at Chawley Grove so residents could benefit from the most luxurious bathing experience possible. Through the technology encompassed in our Gentona baths, our ‘spa bathrooms’ provide hydrotherapy, chromotherapy and environmental music for ultimate relaxation.”
Paul concludes: “Gainsborough baths perfectly lend themselves to the atmosphere we focus on during bathing. We do not portray solutions as ‘assisted baths’ as this implies dependency; we want bathing to be enjoyable, liberating and fun.
"Operational efficiency and moving and handling best practice are still key, however quality time in the bathroom with homemakers provides a unique opportunity for interaction. We deflect time pressures and eliminate the cold clinical aspects of personal care with a process that is not a chore.
"Our wider ethos is care with creativity and innovation – our aesthetic Gentona baths enhance this approach and clearly demonstrate our values. They empower Homemakers to support residents at a greater level and despite building design being a significant consideration, it will always be service that defines the success of a care home. Gainsborough baths underpin our strengths.”
Theresa Whitford, care home manager, adds: “I always encourage my team to spend time talking to our residents so they really get to know their personalities. Homemakers can do this in our bathrooms by using the cushioned alcove benches which are built into each layout. They can then chat with residents at a more comfortable level without standing over them which can be intrusive.
"Residents enjoy a soak and can request music if they prefer. Some staff even read to their residents. In my 32 years within the care sector I have become familiar with Gainsborough baths and have seen the difference they provide. The latest models we have at Chawley Grove are wonderful, easy to use and simple to clean.
"The BioCote technology that combats Superbugs is fantastic and ensures our hygiene practices will maintain high CQC ratings. Their styling is attractive which works well with our bathroom designs. In fact, they are the best bathing spaces I have ever worked in.”
