Housing

RNIB Wavertree House

Summary: Information about RNIB Wavertree House.

• Accommodating all
• Building accessibility
• Bernie talks about his home
• Specialised care
• Commitment to quality
• Contact Information

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Wavertree House is a purpose-built residential facility for older blind and partially sighted people. Located in the city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, we are within walking distance of the seafront with convenient amenities, local shops, a post office, a park and churches nearby. Both Brighton and Hove train stations are less than a mile away.

Accommodating all

Redeveloped and opened in 1998, Wavertree House is a modern, purpose built development comprising 42 self-contained flats designed to promote independent living with support for older blind and partially sighted people and those with failing sight and hearing. The accommodation consists of studio and one-bedroom flats (including two flats for couples) for permanent, convalescence, respite / preview and holiday stays. There are additional assisted bathrooms and a guestroom for visiting family or friends.

The flats are designed to provide comfort, security and privacy, and are all equipped with:

• showers and kitchenettes
• colour contrasting electrical sockets, tiling and aids in the bathroom
• TV and telephone points (telephone rental is free)
• a link to a modern 24-hour call system.

The one-bedroom flats also have baths and separate kitchens.

New residents are welcome to bring items of furniture and personal belongings when they come to live at Wavertree, to help them feel at home.

We encourage people to sample our service before moving in, for instance by taking a short break with us. Contact Maxine Miles, Wavertree's manager to find out more (maxine.miles@rnib.org.uk / 01273 26 22 00).

Building accessibility

The interior of the home has been thoughtfully designed, using natural light and space where possible. Each floor has its own colour scheme, with different textures of flooring and walls to assist with orientation. All corridors have guide rails with junctions, and stairs and rooms are indicated by changes in marking and tactile signs. Three simple-to-use 'talking' lifts make it easy to move from floor to floor, and talking notice and menu boards help keep residents in touch with what is going on.

Grounds and gardens

Wavertree has two gardens, a courtyard with guide rails and scented flowers, and the rear garden which is mainly lawn with trees and shrubs. This also has a walkway with guide rails to allow people, whether walking or using a wheelchair, to move around easily, safely and independently. Both are equipped with garden furniture.

There is a car park at the front of the building, and a dog compound.

Bernie talks about his home

Bernie was involved in a car crash in 1971, while in his 20s, which left him with head injuries and rendered him eligible to be registered blind. Bernie spent years in and out of hospitals and other types of accommodation which were totally unsuitable for him. Bernie came to Wavertree in 1994, “I have never been so happy as I am at Wavertree. I have gained confidence and independence, I go out alone and manage my own financial affairs. The new flats are wonderful and I have made it my own. I use the kitchen facilities but mostly go to the dining room as the food is so good. All the staff know me well and understand my sight loss and how at times it affects me. They are always helpful and I have a good laugh with them. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, I have everything I need.”

Specialised care

Wavertree House has a range of specialised facilities and equipment situated throughout the building to help blind, partially sighted and deafblind older people, such as:

• talking notice boards, to keep people informed of daily events
• talking lifts
• talking book service and radio / cassette machines which residents can use to listen to a wide range of literature
• a Braille embosser for those who read or write Braille
• easy reader magnifiers
• large screen plasma TV.

We also have a range of facilities which include:

• visiting chiropodist
• hairdressing room with visiting hairdresser
• library with books in large print, Braille, moon and tape, as well as audio described videos and music tapes
• resource centre which provides information, aids and equipment for people with sight loss. Some local people also come to Wavertree House to use the centre
• free in-house laundry service.

Meal times are very important and can be a time for people to meet socially. Our dining facilities are of the highest quality and the dining room is comfortable, light and airy. We have a qualified chef and two assistants on duty during the morning, and an assistant cook and assistant in the evening. All dietary needs are catered for, including vegetarian and diabetic meals. As well as the main meal at lunchtime, we also offer a choice of breakfasts (including continental, cooked, etc) and a light supper, as well as coffee, tea and biscuits during the day.

Caring staff, caring community

RNIB has a strong commitment to staff training, with continuing training programmes covering all aspects of caring for our residents. Our staff all understand the needs of people whose sight and hearing is impaired and have mobility and guiding skills as well as skills in supporting daily living.

We operate a keyworker system. This means that each resident has a particular member of staff assigned to them to provide any assistance they might need, in a personal and confidential manner.

Residents can register with our GP at the nearby Surgery or, if having lived locally, remain with their own one. GPs will attend Wavertree when requested.

We have two activity organisers who enable residents to pursue hobbies or develop new interests, and we organise a wide range of activities and trips for groups of residents using our minibus.

We also have good links with the local community and our community based volunteers offer support, friendship and assistance to residents.

Commitment to quality

We are registered with the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and have received excellent reports from them. RNIB Wavertree House was rated as 'Excellent' at the CSCI’s last inspection – this is the highest rating available under the National Minimum Standards scheme.

We are part of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – the UK’s leading organisation for blind and partially sighted people, with access to over 60 specialised services.

Contact Information

For further information about RNIB Wavertree House please contact the Maxine Miles, the Resident Manager on 01273 26 22 00 or by email at maxine.miles@rnib.org.uk.

Content author: maxine.miles@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13