By Admin 
Finding the right care home for a loved one is a significant decision, filled with questions about quality of care, daily life, and overall well-being. If you are exploring options in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, Penhurst Gardens Care Home is likely on your list. This comprehensive guide provides the essential information your family needs, covering everything from the types of care offered and the official CQC rating to practical advice on arranging a visit. We aim to give you a clear, honest picture to help you make a confident choice.
Overview: What is Penhurst Gardens Care Home?
Located in the picturesque Cotswold market town of Chipping Norton, Penhurst Gardens is a modern, purpose-built care home operated by Porthaven Care Homes. Opened in 2016, it was designed to provide a comfortable, safe, and engaging environment for its residents. The home is registered to care for up to 60 older people, offering a range of services tailored to individual needs within a luxurious setting.
What sets Penhurst Gardens apart is its combination of high-quality clinical care and a focus on lifestyle. Every resident has their own spacious bedroom with an ensuite wetroom, ensuring privacy and dignity. Beyond the private rooms, the home features a variety of communal spaces designed to encourage social interaction and activity. These include a café, a cinema, a hair salon, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The core philosophy is to create a true home, where residents receive professional support while living a full and enjoyable life.
Care Types Offered: Nursing, Residential, Dementia & Respite
Penhurst Gardens provides a spectrum of care services, allowing it to support residents with evolving needs. The main types of care available are:
- Residential Care: For individuals who need support with daily tasks like washing, dressing, and meals but do not have complex medical requirements. It provides a secure and social environment, with care staff available 24/7.
- Nursing Care: Delivered by registered nurses, this level of care is for residents with more significant health conditions or clinical needs that require ongoing medical attention and support.
- Dementia Care: The home offers specialist care for people living with dementia. Staff are trained to provide compassionate, person-centered support in a safe and stimulating environment designed to reduce anxiety and encourage engagement.
- Respite Care: Short-term stays are available for those who need temporary care, perhaps while their usual caregiver is on holiday or to recuperate after a hospital stay. Respite stays are also an excellent way to experience life at Penhurst Gardens before making a long-term commitment.
CQC Rating & What the Inspection Says
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Its ratings are a crucial indicator of a care home’s quality. Penhurst Gardens was last inspected by the CQC and received an overall rating of Good.
The inspection report provides a detailed breakdown across five key areas:
- Safe: Good
- Effective: Good
- Caring: Good
- Responsive: Outstanding
- Well-led: Good
Achieving an “Outstanding” rating in the “Responsive” category is particularly noteworthy. It means the service is exceptionally tailored to meet each person’s individual needs and preferences. The report highlighted how staff go above and beyond to ensure residents can pursue their interests and maintain important relationships. For families, this rating offers strong reassurance that their loved one will be treated as an individual with unique needs and wishes.
Facilities, Accommodation & Daily Life
Life at Penhurst Gardens is designed to be both comfortable and enriching. The accommodation and facilities play a huge role in the residents’ daily experience.
Each private bedroom is fully furnished and includes an ensuite wetroom, a flat-screen television, and a telephone. Residents are encouraged to personalize their rooms with their own furniture and belongings to make them feel like home.
Beyond the private rooms, the home boasts an array of shared spaces:
- Café and Bar: A social hub for residents to enjoy coffee, cake, and conversation with friends and family.
- Cinema: A dedicated cinema room shows classic films and new releases, providing a popular form of entertainment.
- Activities Room: A space for arts, crafts, games, and other organized activities.
- Landscaped Gardens: Secure and accessible gardens offer a peaceful place for residents to walk, sit, and enjoy the fresh air.
A typical day is structured but flexible. Residents can choose to participate in a wide range of activities, from exercise classes and gardening clubs to musical performances and local outings.
Food, Health & Clinical Support
Good nutrition and excellent healthcare are fundamental pillars of the service at Penhurst Gardens. The in-house chef and culinary team prepare a varied menu of fresh, home-cooked meals every day. They cater to all dietary requirements and personal preferences, ensuring that dining is a pleasurable and social experience.
The home’s clinical support is robust. With registered nurses on-site, Penhurst Gardens can manage complex medical needs, including medication administration and wound care. The home has established strong relationships with local healthcare providers, including Chipping Norton GPs who visit regularly. This integrated approach ensures that residents receive prompt and consistent medical attention whenever it is needed.
Costs, Funding & How to Ask About Prices
Understanding care home fees is a critical step for families. Costs can vary significantly based on the type of care required and the specific room chosen. While exact figures are typically provided upon assessment, it is important to know what questions to ask.
When inquiring about fees, be sure to clarify:
- What is included in the weekly fee (e.g., accommodation, meals, laundry, activities)?
- What services cost extra (e.g., hairdressing, newspapers, private excursions)?
Funding can come from several sources:
- Self-funding: Many residents pay for their care privately.
- Local Authority Funding: If your loved one has limited savings, the local council may contribute towards the cost. An assessment of needs and finances will be required.
- NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC): For those requiring nursing care, the NHS may contribute a set amount directly to the care home to cover the nursing component of the fees.
The admissions team at Penhurst Gardens can guide you through the funding options and help you understand the process.
How to Arrange a Visit or Respite Stay
The best way to get a true sense of a care home is to visit in person. The team at Penhurst Gardens encourages prospective residents and their families to come and look around.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to arranging a visit:
- Initial Enquiry: Contact the home directly by phone or via the Porthaven website to speak with the manager or a member of the admissions team.
- Schedule a Tour: Arrange a convenient time to visit. This is your opportunity to see the facilities, meet the staff, and observe the atmosphere.
- Prepare Questions: Use the checklist below to prepare questions for your visit.
- Book a Respite Stay: Consider a short trial or respite stay. This allows your loved one to experience life at the home firsthand before making a final decision.
To get started, call the home directly or use the contact form on their website to book a viewing.
Family Reviews & Resident Stories (Social Proof)
Reviews from other families provide invaluable insight. Across platforms like CareHome.co.uk and TrustedCare, Penhurst Gardens consistently receives positive feedback. Common themes in testimonials include the kindness and professionalism of the staff, the high quality of the food, and the beautiful, clean environment.
One family member wrote, “The staff are unfailingly cheerful, caring and professional. Nothing is too much trouble.” Another noted, “The facilities are first-class, and the activities programme is varied and engaging.” These stories from real families build a picture of a community where residents are happy, well-cared-for, and respected.
Pros & Cons: Is Penhurst Gardens Right for Your Loved One?
Choosing a care home is about finding the right fit. Here is a balanced look at Penhurst Gardens:
Pros:
- Modern Facilities: Purpose-built with spacious, ensuite rooms and excellent communal areas.
- Outstanding Responsiveness: The CQC’s “Outstanding” rating for responsiveness shows a deep commitment to person-centered care.
- Comprehensive Care: Offers a full spectrum of care, from residential to nursing and specialist dementia support.
- Beautiful Location: Set in the desirable town of Chipping Norton with lovely gardens.
Cons:
- Potential Waiting Lists: As a popular home, there may be a waiting list for a place.
- Pricing: As a premium care home, the fees may be higher than other local options. Full pricing details are only available upon enquiry.
Penhurst Gardens is best suited for families seeking a high-quality, modern environment with excellent clinical support and a strong focus on individual well-being and lifestyle.
Practical Checklist — Questions to Ask on a Visit
Use this checklist to ensure you cover all the important points during your tour:
- Staffing: What are the staff-to-resident ratios during the day and at night? What training do staff receive, particularly for dementia care?
- Clinical Care: How often do GPs and other health professionals visit? How is medication managed?
- Daily Life: Can we see a sample weekly activities schedule? Are residents able to choose when they get up and go to bed?
- Visiting: Are there set visiting hours, or can family visit at any time?
- Contracts: What are the terms of the contract? What is the notice period? Are there any upfront deposits?
Local Context: Chipping Norton & Community Links
Penhurst Gardens is well-integrated into the Chipping Norton community. Its central location makes it easy for families to visit and for residents to stay connected with the local area. The home has strong links with nearby GP practices and other community services. The activities team often organizes outings to local attractions, shops, and events, helping residents remain a part of the town they know and love. This community connection is vital for maintaining a sense of belonging and purpose.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Penhurst Gardens Care Home offers a compelling option for families in Oxfordshire. With its modern facilities, outstanding CQC rating for responsiveness, and comprehensive range of care services, it provides a safe and enriching environment for older people.
The best next step is to see it for yourself. By combining official information with your own in-person observations, you can make a well-informed decision for your loved one.
Ready to learn more? Contact Penhurst Gardens today to arrange a visit or download their factsheet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What services does Penhurst Gardens provide?
Penhurst Gardens offers residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care. This allows them to support a wide range of needs, from simple daily assistance to complex clinical care.
How do I find the CQC report?
You can find the latest CQC inspection report for Penhurst Gardens directly on the CQC website by searching for the home’s name. It provides an independent and detailed assessment of the care quality.
How can I book a respite stay?
To book a respite or short-term stay, contact the home’s admissions team directly by phone or email. They will guide you through the assessment and booking process.
Does Penhurst Gardens accept NHS-funded nursing care?
Yes, the home is registered to provide nursing care and can accept residents who are eligible for NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) contributions towards their fees.
What is the best way to prepare a loved one for moving in?
Involve your loved one in the decision as much as possible. Visit the home together, encourage them to personalize their new room with familiar items, and talk openly about the positive aspects, such as new friends and activities.
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