FAQs

We believe it is important that all residents, current and future, as well as their loved ones, know everything they need and want to know about White House Care Home before committing to staying with us; whatever your question might be, we’re ready and happy, to answer it.

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions we receive and we invite you to have a look. If you have any further questions outside of those listed below, we’d love to speak with you and welcome you to get in touch with our friendly team.

Care Questions

At White House 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 provide palliative care for those who are nearing the end of their life. We endeavour to make a person’s last days or weeks as comfortable as possible and extend our support to loved ones during this time.

We offer respite care at White House 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 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.

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.

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.

Care during Covid-19 Questions

During an outbreak, there may be a risk assessment carried out to control visiting arrangements for a period of time, in accordance with local agreements and guidance. For more information please contact our Home Manager directly.

Whilst being vaccinated is no longer mandatory we strongly recommend that all residents, their visitors and team members at White House are fully Covid-19 vaccinated, including future boosters, unless medically exempt. To reduce the risk of infection to others we will continue to encourage our team members to have all their vaccinations.

Our top focus is to support our residents’ well-being, and we take special care to ensure that their health is taken care of properly. Our professionals provide around-the-clock care, along with wonderful and stimulating activities that keep our residents mentally, physically, and emotionally fit. Masks are no longer required to be worn in care homes, however, our staff continues to work in whichever way makes our residents most comfortable and will wear masks in line with our residents’ wishes. In line with Government guidance, vaccinations are still going ahead, and social distancing is still being followed.

At any time, the decision to not wear face masks can be changed as determined by the Home Manager, company, local or national healthcare agencies. COVID-19 regulations and guidance from the Government, National, and Local Healthcare Agencies may also change. For further information, please click here or contact the Home Manager directly.

In line with recent Government recommendations effective from 15th December 2022, care homes in England can make risk-based decisions as to whether face masks are required to be worn. Following a risk assessment, our care home has made the decision to remove the universal wearing of masks. It is a personal choice whether visitors still wish to wear a mask and people receiving care can ask staff to wear face masks; our staff will continue to work in whichever way makes our residents most comfortable.

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.

Facilities Questions

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

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 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, or even in a resident’s room. 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 & nail bar, as well as a cinema room, communal and private dining rooms, activities programme, courtyard garden and café for residents to pursue their hobbies and interests.

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.

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.

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.

f 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. In some cases, the individual’s care home fees may be paid for by a combination of sources, such as local authority funding and self-funding.

All charges related to the signed Care Agreement will be cancelled immediately. Housing costs will be covered for up to ten days after the death, or until the residence has been fully cleaned and cleared of personal items. We understand that this will be a difficult time for family and friends, and you can rest confident that all parties will be treated with dignity at all times.

It is critical that you notify us as soon as possible if you believe you can no longer afford to stay with us due to financial difficulties. We want to be able to help you in any way we can, whether that means looking at different finance options or relocating you to a smaller suite inside the home.

When you pay your weekly care home fees at White House, this includes your accommodation, all meals, snacks and drinks provided, as well as any activities you participate in or facilities you use while you’re here. The fee also includes hair appointments, beauty treatments and local excursions. Some additional medical services such as dental care or chiropody may incur an additional fee. Contact the team for more information regarding this.

General Questions

Yes. White House Care Home is regularly inspected by the Care Quality Commission/Care Inspectorate to ensure our care home in Hertfordshire continues to meet a high standard of care in all areas of the home.

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

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

Facilities That Cater To All Interests

Our aim is to provide the highest quality of life at White House Care Home. Our luxury, purpose-built care home in Letchworth provides luxurious accommodations and first-class facilities that will allow our residents to excel in their environment. Thanks to our varied daily activities and on-site amenities, residents have all they can ever need to live a rich and diversified life. Improved health and wellness are promised due to an active social life, where daily stresses are taken care of. Our all-inclusive facilities are designed to be enjoyed by all residents no matter their abilities, and support them in living a life that suits them.