The Lady Nuffield Home, based in Summertown with strong local community links, is a small residential home for the older person, aiming to help residents maintain their individual level of independence. The home offers care to men and women over the age of 65, providing accommodation over two floors, with facilities suitable for the needs of the elderly.

In 2003, the home underwent extensive refurbishment to include thirty single rooms, eighteen of which have en-suite facilities. Rooms are decorated and elegantly furnished to a high standard, all with television, a digital telephone service and a nurse call system. Communal areas include a lounge on each floor, a light, airy conservatory dining room leading onto an attractive terrace, and a garden.

Home Manager, Jenny Timbrell, is keen to distinguish The Lady Nuffield Home from other care Homes, citing the homely atmosphere generated by the Home as a key factor in attracting residents, “As soon as potential residents and their relatives step into the entrance hall, they sense the warm, comfortable feel generated by the Home and feel that it is right for them”. The Victorian building has character and a sense of maturity, with the benefits of a modernised, functional living space equipped for the needs of the older person.
Jenny is also very clear that the Home’s philosophy of care is upheld for the residents at all times, “We place the rights of our residents at the forefront of our philosophy of care, treating each resident as a valued individual. We aim to provide high standards of care in a safe and comfortable environment, whilst promoting independence, maintaining dignity and preserving privacy.”

Privacy, dignity, independence, choice and fulfilment are keywords at the heart of the Home’s raison d'être, as Jenny explains that they strive to retain as much privacy for the residents, preserve respect for the residents, and to create an environment where the stigmas associated with old age and disability are minimized. They try to maximize residents’ abilities for self-care as well, so they have as much independent interaction with others and can carry out daily tasks unaided. They offer residents a wide range of leisure activities and meal options from which to choose, to help residents to realise personal aspirations and abilities in all aspects of their lives.

As I witnessed a group of residents partaking in a story making session in the main lounge, it was heart-warming to see The Lady Nuffield Home’s philosophy acted out almost in full in front of my eyes. As the activities organiser insisted the ending of the drama should be, well, dramatic, one of the more sprightly residents pleaded, “Oh please can we have a happy ending, it’s so much nicer.”

Reviewed by Richard Rosser