FAQs

When it comes to the way we work at Bothwell Castle Care Home, we understand that potential residents, friends and loved ones alike might be a little curious as to the inner workings of our care home. They have every right to, after all. 

From questions about the facility itself to the financial aspects of calling Bothwell Castle your home, we understand that the care home choosing process can be a confusing one. Whatever questions you may have, we’re more than happy to answer them.

Care Questions

At Bothwell Castle Care Home, we require a 28-day notice period for residents receiving any of our long-term care types and are looking to move out. Our compassionate team are on hand around the clock to support you with your moving transition and answer any further questions you have.

We offer respite care at Bothwell Castle 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 provide palliative care for those who are nearing the end of their life.

We endeavour to make a person’s last days, weeks or months as comfortable as possible and extend our support to loved ones during this time.

We support residents’ overall well-being 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 supervision 24 hours a day to those who need extra help and support 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 fulfill 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.

Care during Covid-19 Questions

During an outbreak, there may be risk assessments carried out to include but not limited to the control of visiting arrangements, admissions to the home, and the use of communal areas for a period of time. We work closely with local and national agencies in accordance with local agreements and guidance.

For more information please contact our Home Manager directly.

When transferring from the community or another care home a person does not need to isolate if the circumstances at the care home / interim care facility from which the person has transferred are known.

If the resident is symptomatic or has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, then they should isolate and perform two LFT tests on day (0), and again on day (2). Isolation can end following two negative tests.

If the resident tests positive in the home, they must be isolated for 5 days. The resident can then return to their normal activities if they feel well and do not have a high temperature (without the use of medication paracetamol).

Residents who test positive should avoid contact with other people who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments for 10 days after a positive test. Residents unable to take the test should isolate for 5 days.

Our aims are to ensure that:

  • Residents, staff members and visitors remain as safe as possible from the risks of COVID-19.
  • There are clear protocols and procedures in place, which align with the legislation and guidance issued by the government and key sector bodies.
  • There are clearly defined company-wide responsibilities to mitigate the ongoing risks of COVID-19, with strategic and flexible leadership provided by the Operational Leadership Team.
  • Procedural guidance is regularly reviewed and communicated across the company.
  • Accessible information is provided to ensure staff, visitors and residents are well-informed, particularly of the steps to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and what to do in the event of a person becoming infected.

From Wednesday 14 September 2022, the guidance to wear a face mask when visiting a care home in Scotland stopped.

This means that you are no longer required to wear a mask when visiting a loved one in a care home.

However, if you would prefer to continue wearing a mask during your visits, then you will be supported.

There may also be occasions when a care home requests visitors to wear a mask, such as during an outbreak in the home.

Facilities Questions

All of our residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture or personal items to make their rooms 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.

Yes, all of our bedrooms have access to a private en-suite wetroom including a sink, toilet and shower.

Residents are encouraged to participate in group activities and events by our fantastic teams 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.

We have an in-house hair salon, as well as a cinema room, activities programme, landscaped garden for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.

Finance Questions

In Scotland, care home fees are assessed based on an individual’s income and assets. The Scottish Government has a system in place for assessing an individual’s ability to pay for their care home fees, which is based on the principle of “fair and affordable contributions.”

The assessment process takes into account an individual’s income, savings, and capital assets, such as property and investments. The amount of contribution that is expected to be made towards the care home fees is calculated based on these factors.

If an individual’s income and assets are below a certain threshold, they may be eligible for financial assistance from the Scottish Government to help pay for their care home fees. The government may pay some or all of the care home fees, or provide a contribution towards them. Get in touch with the team for more information.

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.

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.

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 Bothwell Castle, 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.

All fees associated with the Care Agreement will be terminated as of the date of death.

The costs of staying with us here at Bothwell Castle Care Home will be covered for up to ten days after the death, or until the residence has been thoroughly cleaned of any personal effects.

We recognise that this will be a difficult time for loved ones, and we will treat them with the highest respect throughout the process.

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 Bothwell Castle 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.

Bothwell Castle Care Home is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Care Inspectorate to ensure our care home in South Lanarkshire continues to meet a high standard of care in all areas of the home.

Exceeding Expectations at Bothwell Castle Care Home

Our caregivers recognise the value of getting to know each of our residents and their families so that we can provide the best possible individualised care for every single one of them. We can make homes where people feel ready to face the day and that their ideas and opinions are valued. We constantly accomplish this by working together as a team to ensure that our residents are as happy as possible.