FAQs

Choosing a care home can bring up lots of questions, and Ivy Gate Lodge is here to help. Our FAQs page is designed to provide clear, helpful answers about life at our care home in Southport, the support we offer, and what you can expect from us. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, our friendly team is always happy to help.

General Questions

Yes, we allow prospective residents to schedule a trial stay for a 4-week period so that they can experience what life will be like at Ivy Gate Lodge before making the decision to move in permanently.

Allowing pets into our home is dependent on any allergies others may have who live in our home. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

Yes, we welcome all prospective residents and their families to tour our care home to ensure it’s right for them.

Yes. Ivy Gate Lodge Care Home is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission/Care Inspectorate to ensure our care home in Southport continues to meet a high standard of care in all areas of the home.

Care Questions

We offer respite care at Ivy Gate Lodge Care Home. Prior to admission we will evaluate a person’s care needs and assess how long someone should stay at our care home. Respite care is suitable for those who have recently had an illness, injury or operation and cannot return to normal life straight away. It can also be arranged for someone who is caring full-time for their loved one at home and who needs a well-deserved break.

We support residents’ overall wellbeing through the excellent care we provide that helps to alleviate daily stresses associated with personal care, mobility or medical care needs. We also support mental, physical and emotional well-being through the all-inclusive facilities and activities we provide that enable residents to socialise with others, learn new skills, gain new experiences and continue with their hobbies regularly. We encourage residents to live their lives the way they want to.

Residential Care provides live-in accommodation, with support 24 hours a day to those who need extra help with personal care or mobility. Nursing Care equally provides 24-hour care and support but the main differential is the assistance from a registered nurse, who is available day and night to provide medical care.

Our care plans are tailored to each individual and are assessed regularly to ensure that they continue to fulfil residents’ needs and requirements if a resident’s care needs change. We recognise that people’s health and well-being demands change over time, therefore our care is tailored to adapt to this. We work with each resident and their family members to create a personalised care plan that is ideal for them.

Finance Questions

Fees will be reviewed annually, and any change will be advised at least 4 weeks in advance of any change taking effect. The current fee uplift is effective in April each year. For further information please contact us.

In England, care home fees are assessed based on the individual’s care needs and financial situation.

The assessment of care needs is carried out by the local authority, which will determine the level of care required and the type of care home that is appropriate. The financial assessment is also carried out by the local authority or by an independent financial advisor. It will take into account the individual’s income, savings, and assets to determine whether they need to contribute towards the cost of their care.

If the individual’s assets and income are below a certain level, they may be entitled to financial support from the local authority to help pay for their care home fees.

If an individual is deemed eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare, their care will be fully funded by the NHS. It’s important to note that eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare is not based on a specific diagnosis or condition, but based on an individual’s overall care needs and the level of support required to meet those needs.

Get in touch with the team for more information.

If your care home fees cost more than what your local council is willing to pay, someone else can make up the difference between that figure and the home’s fee, such as a family member.

All fees related to the care agreement will remain in place until 3 days after death. During this period, loved ones are required to remove all personal items from the room. Get in touch with our team for more information.

If someone is having financial difficulties, we want to be able to help you in any way we can, whether that’s looking at different finance options or relocating you to a smaller suite inside the home. Speak to our team about how we can support you.

There are different methods for paying care home fees. If the individual has been assessed as having eligible care needs and limited financial resources, the local authority may cover all or part of their care home fees. The amount of funding will depend on the individual’s means. If the individual has complex healthcare needs that require full-time nursing care, they may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding. This funding covers the full cost of care, including accommodation and personal care. If an individual has sufficient income, savings, or assets, they may be required to pay for their care home fees themselves. In some cases, family members may choose to contribute towards the cost of care. An individual’s care home fees may be paid for by a combination of sources, such as local authority funding and self-funding.

When you pay your weekly care home fees at Ivy Gate Lodge, this includes your accommodation, all meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as any activities you participate in, in-house facilities you use, and local excursions (some may incur additional charges where applicable). All care and support are also included within your weekly fees, although some additional medical services such as dental care or chiropody may come at an extra cost. We try to accommodate all our resident’s requests but some may incur additional charges. Please contact the team for more information regarding this.

Facilities Questions

All of our residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture or personal items to make their bedrooms their own. Residents can make their room feel like their own by incorporating personal belongings such as photographs and decorations, small pieces of furniture and furnishings. It’s the little additions to a room that can make all the difference.

Yes, we have a friendly, professional hairdresser that visits our salon regularly to provide residents with a variety of hair services so that they can look and feel their best.

Residents are encouraged to participate in group activities and events by our fantastic team of Activities Co-ordinators. Examples of activities include pet therapy, arts & crafts, film nights, pamper sessions, gardening, exercise sessions, live entertainment, games, quizzes and much more.

Our in-house chefs and kitchen staff cater to all dietary needs, with a varied seasonal menu to choose breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition, beverages and snacks are available throughout the day. Meals can be served in the dining area, in the resident’s rooms, or in the garden during the summer months. Residents can also spend time in the private dining room with loved ones.

We provide a range of facilities for all of our residents including an in-house hair salon, as well as cosy snugs, a bistro, communal and private dining rooms, an activities programme, and landscaped garden for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.

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Life at Ivy Gate Lodge Care Home

At Ivy Gate Lodge, every day brings opportunities for connection, comfort, and engaging activities in a warm and supportive community. Residents enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle with person-centred care, beautiful facilities, and the chance to make lasting friendships.