At Elmwood, we believe moving into residential care is the start of a partnership, not the end of your involvement. We encourage families to remain as involved as they wish in their loved one's life.

You are welcome to visit whenever it suits you, join us for meals or special events, attend our regular Residents' and Families' Meetings, and take part in celebrations throughout the year. We also host seasonal events, entertainment, and community activities that families are warmly invited to enjoy alongside residents.

Our management team and care staff are always happy to discuss your relative's care, answer any questions, and keep you informed of any significant changes. We know that every family is different, so we will work with you to find the right level of communication and involvement.

At Elmwood, we do not just care for residents—we build lasting relationships with their families too.

Yes. We actively encourage residents to personalise their rooms to help them feel comfortable and at home.

You're welcome to bring photographs, pictures, ornaments, favourite blankets, cushions, and other treasured belongings. Subject to available space and safety considerations, many residents also choose to bring small items of furniture, such as a favourite chair, bedside cabinet, or chest of drawers, helping to create a familiar and reassuring environment.

Before any furniture is brought into the home, we will simply check that it is suitable for the room, can be cleaned effectively, and does not present any health and safety risks.

Our team will be happy to discuss what you would like to bring before moving day, so together we can create a room that feels as much like home as possible.

Every resident at Elmwood receives a personalised care plan that is built around their individual needs, preferences, routines, and life history.

Before moving in, we gather information from the resident, their family (where appropriate), healthcare professionals, and any existing care records. This helps us understand not only the support someone needs, but also what matters most to them as an individual.

Once a resident has settled into Elmwood, we continue to get to know them and refine their care plan as we learn more about their preferences, interests, and daily routines. Our care plans are held securely on our digital care system, allowing staff to record updates in real time and ensuring the latest information is always available.

Care plans are formally reviewed on a regular basis and whenever a resident's needs change, following a hospital stay, illness, fall or another significant event. Families are encouraged to contribute to reviews wherever appropriate, helping us ensure the care we provide remains truly person-centred.

Our aim is simple: to make sure every resident receives care that reflects who they are, not just the support they need

At Elmwood, we believe that every resident should be supported to live as independently as possible while always being treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.

We take time to understand each person's abilities, preferences, and routines, encouraging them to do as much for themselves as they comfortably and safely can. Whether it is choosing what to wear, deciding how to spend the day, helping with their own personal care, or maintaining favourite hobbies, we focus on what people can do rather than what they need help with.

Our team always promotes privacy, choice, and individual preferences. We knock before entering bedrooms, explain what we are doing, seek consent wherever possible, and respect each resident's wishes and personal routines.

We also recognise that independence looks different for everyone. For some residents, it may mean walking to the dining room with support; for others, it may be making decisions about their care or enjoying time in our gardens with family. Whatever that looks like, our role is to provide the right level of support so residents can continue to live fulfilling, meaningful lives.

At Elmwood, dignity is not just about the care we provide—it is about ensuring every resident feels valued, listened to and at home

It is not uncommon for people living with dementia to find visits confusing or emotional, particularly as their condition progresses. Every resident experiences dementia differently, and we will work closely with you to find what works best for your loved one.

Our team will take the time to understand how your relative responds to visits, including the best times of day, the length of visits they find comfortable, and any approaches that help them feel calm and reassured. Sometimes a shorter visit, a quiet walk in the garden, or sharing a cup of tea together can be more meaningful than a longer visit.

If a visit appears to cause distress, we will always discuss this with you sensitively and never make decisions without involving you. Together, we can explore different ways of maintaining your relationship, whether that is changing the timing of visits, joining in with activities, looking through photographs, listening to favourite music, or simply spending quiet time together.

At Elmwood, we understand that dementia affects the whole family, not just the person living with the condition. Our aim is to support both residents and their loved ones with compassion, guidance and understanding, helping every visit become as positive and meaningful as possible.

At Elmwood, we understand that care needs can change, sometimes gradually and sometimes quite suddenly. Our role is to adapt the care we provide so that every resident continues to receive the right support at the right time.

Our experienced team monitors each resident's health and wellbeing every day, and any changes are reflected in their personalised care plan. We work closely with GPs, community nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure residents receive the specialist support they need.

If your loved one's needs increase, we will discuss this with you, review their care plan, and make any necessary adjustments. This may include changes to personal care, mobility support, nutrition, medication, or specialist equipment. Families are kept informed throughout the process and are encouraged to be involved in care planning wherever appropriate.

Should a resident's needs become more complex than we are able to safely meet within a residential care setting, we will always be open and honest with you. We will work alongside health and social care professionals to help identify the most appropriate next steps and support you through any transition.

Our aim is to provide continuity, reassurance, and personalised care, helping residents remain at Elmwood for as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Medication safety is one of our highest priorities at Elmwood. All medications are managed by our trained Senior Care Team using a secure electronic medication administration system (eMAR), helping to ensure medicines are administered safely, accurately and at the correct times.

Before a resident moves in, we work with their GP, pharmacy, and any hospital teams to ensure an accurate medication record is in place. Every medication is checked on admission and reviewed regularly, particularly following any hospital stay or change in health.

Our Senior Care Team complete regular competency assessments and follow robust procedures for administering, recording, and auditing medications. We also work closely with local GPs, pharmacists, and community healthcare professionals to review medications whenever appropriate, ensuring treatment remains safe and effective.

Where residents are able and assessed as safe to do so, we can support them to maintain independence with their medication. For those who require full support, our team will administer medicines discreetly, respectfully and in line with their individual care plan.

At Elmwood, medication management is about more than giving tablets—it is about ensuring every resident receives the right medication, at the right time, in the safest possible way, while promoting their wellbeing and independence wherever possible.

Yes. At Elmwood, we can support a wide range of dietary requirements, whether they relate to medical conditions, cultural or religious preferences, allergies, personal choice, or swallowing difficulties.

Our kitchen team prepares fresh, home-cooked meals each day and works closely with our care staff to ensure every resident receives meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, fortified, and other specialist diets, as well as individual likes and dislikes wherever possible.

For residents with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), we follow guidance from Speech and Language Therapists (SALT) and prepare food and drinks to the recommended IDDSI texture and fluid levels. Our staff receive training in supporting residents with dysphagia, and we continually monitor residents for any changes in their swallowing ability, referring back to healthcare professionals whenever required.

Mealtimes are an important part of life at Elmwood. We aim to make them relaxed, sociable, and enjoyable, while ensuring every resident receives the support they need to eat and drink safely and with dignity.

If your loved one has specific dietary requirements before they move in, we will discuss these with you during the assessment process to ensure we can meet their individual needs from day one.

Absolutely. We understand that moving a loved one into residential care is a significant step, and it is natural to have questions or concerns along the way.

If you are ever worried about your relative's health, wellbeing, or care, we encourage you to speak to us as soon as possible. Our Care Team, Senior Care Team and Management Team are always happy to listen, answer your questions and explain any aspect of your loved one's care.

We believe that open, honest communication builds trust. If something is not quite right, we would much rather you tell us so we can address it promptly. We will always take concerns seriously, investigate them where appropriate, and keep you informed of the outcome.

Families are an important part of our care community, and we value your knowledge of your loved one. By working together, we can ensure they continue to receive the highest standard of personalised care.

If you would prefer to arrange a private meeting with the Registered Manager, we are always happy to do so. Our door is open, and we are here to support both our residents and their families every step of the way.

The safety and wellbeing of every resident at Elmwood is our highest priority. If you ever have a concern that a resident may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm, we encourage you to speak to us immediately.

In most cases, concerns can be discussed with a member of our Senior Care Team or the Registered Manager, who will listen carefully, investigate appropriately and take any necessary action to keep residents safe. We believe in being open, transparent, and working together with families to resolve concerns wherever possible.

However, if you feel unable to raise your concern directly with us, or you believe a resident is at immediate risk, you can also contact the Devon County Council Adult Safeguarding Team, who are responsible for protecting adults with care and support needs across the county.

Devon County Council Adult Care Services (Safeguarding)
Telephone: 0345 155 1007
Online: https://www.devon.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/adult-care-and-health/report-a-concern-about-an-adult/

Elmwood has a legal duty to report safeguarding concerns and works closely with Devon County Council, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), healthcare professionals, and other partner agencies to ensure residents are protected and receive safe, high-quality care.

We welcome feedback and concerns, as they help us continually improve the care we provide.

Yes. At Elmwood, we are committed to providing compassionate, dignified end-of-life care, ensuring residents remain as comfortable, peaceful, and supported as possible during this important stage of life.

We work closely with GPs, District Nurses, Community Nursing Teams, Hospiscare, Specialist Palliative Care Teams and local pharmacies to ensure each resident receives the care, symptom management, and medication they need. Wherever possible, we respect the resident's wishes, advance care plans, and the preferences of those important to them.

We understand that end-of-life care is about supporting families as much as it is about caring for the resident. Our team is here to offer guidance, answer questions honestly, and provide reassurance throughout the journey. Families are welcome to spend as much time as they wish with their loved one, and we do everything we can to create a calm, private, and comfortable environment.

We also support families with practical matters, including helping them understand what to expect, liaising with healthcare professionals, and ensuring they feel informed and involved in decisions where appropriate.

At Elmwood, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion until the very end, and we are privileged to support both residents and their families through this time with kindness, sensitivity, and care.