Interview with Claire Lousteau, Manager of Winterbourne Care Centre

Following an Excellent Care Quality Commission Inspection, Salisbury Life Magazine Interviews Claire Lousteau, Home Manager of Winterbourne Care Centre

Q. What are the most important factors to consider when looking into long term care options?

The most important thing is finding a home that provides the right kind of care for you or your loved one. Homes can offer straightforward residential care or more specialist forms of care like nursing and dementia care, which have dedicated facilities and nursing staff to meet different care needs. Some newer care centres, like Winterbourne, offer several kinds of care at one location, which means that we can continue to meet a person’s care needs even as they may change over time.

Q. Where do people start when it comes to choosing the right form of care?

Family and friends can offer good advice, but I’d always recommend that an individual also speaks with their GP and/or social services to make sure they know exactly which type of care provision is best for them. The GP and social services team can also provide a list of suitable services in the local area.

Once you know what type of care you are looking for then it’s important to visit several homes or care centres to find out which one is right for you. Don't be afraid to visit more than once and ask as many questions as you like. It’s really important that an individual is happy with their choice before taking a decision.

Q. What sort of questions should people be asking on visiting any care centre?

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you like. How many residents are there? Are the staff friendly, welcoming and interested? Are the residents relaxed, content and occupied? Does the home look well maintained and have a pleasant ambience? Would it be a reassuring place for you/your relative to live? Are visitors welcome at all times? Can they stay for a meal? Which activities and outings are available to residents? Are the activities organised by a dedicated coordinator whose focus is activities?

Q. What makes Winterbourne Care Centre different?

Winterbourne Care Centre provides three distinct types of care under one roof; residential, nursing and dementia care. As such we offer a true care pathway. As a resident’s care needs change, Winterbourne is equipped to meet those needs ensuring that our residents are able to remain within the community they have become an integral part of.

Q. Is there a range of accommodation on offer?

Winterbourne has 80 bedrooms which are designed to meet a range of care needs. All bedrooms are singles and have en suite facilities.

Q. Do you cater for younger people too?

We don’t provide accommodation for younger people. Our registration with the Care Quality Commission is for elderly care only. Of course, we welcome younger family members who can visit their relatives at any time.

Q. Why should people choose Winterbourne Care Centre as opposed to anywhere else?

In addition to the extensive range of care facilities we have on offer at Winterbourne, we also have a real focus on activities. We believe that a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body, so as well as ensuring that all residents enjoy wholesome and healthy foods with the well-known ‘five-a-day’ fruit and vegetables, we apply the same principle to activities. At Winterbourne we know that life is very much for living, no matter what your age.

Q. How do you go about ensuring peace of mind for relatives and residents?

I work closely with my dedicated staff team to ensure that we are consistently delivering the very highest standards of care. My door is always open for residents or relatives to have a chat. Winterbourne Care Centre is also part of the Caring Homes family and benefits from Caring Homes’ commitment to quality in care.

Q. What piece of advice would you give someone considering long-term care for themselves or a loved one?

The most important thing of all is to ensure that you are happy with the choice you make. Don’t feel rushed. Take the time to talk with staff and residents and really get to know a place before you make that decision. Moving into a new care home can and should be an exciting step in one’s life journey, so you’ve got to take the time to find what’s right for you.