Oversteps

Oversteps is situated on the outskirts of the Royal Burgh of Dornoch.   It stands in it’s own extensive grounds, including a putting area, and is surrounded by gardens and trees.

There is also an area of garden, which was designed and structured by ‘The Hit Squad’ from the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden programme.  The home is within walking distance of the town where all local amenities can be found. 

Accommodation
Oversteps provides residential care to 24 older people.
  
Accommodation is in 24 single rooms. All bedrooms are en-suite.
For rooms on the first floor, access is gained by use of the lift and stairs.

There is a TV Lounge and one large sitting room with views of the putting green and surrounding mature woodland trees.

Service users and visitors can use any of the lounges to sit in if they wish when not in their own room.  

There is a designated dining room.

Toilet facilities are situated throughout the home and some will accommodate wheelchairs.

Services

Aims & Objectives
To create a happy and homely environment where your rights, freedom of choice, privacy, dignity and independence are promoted, respected and maintained.

Service users are encouraged to live as independent and normal lives as possible and are consulted routinely about matters of care.

Family Involvement
Involvement of family and friends is important to each service user and every encouragement and opportunity for this is given.

We have open visiting times at Oversteps and if you do decide to make Oversteps your home we do hope you will treat it as such and welcome your visitors in the same way as you would normally.

Many service users go to relatives’ homes to visit or to stay overnight or longer.   All we ask is that you inform us that you are going and when we might expect you back.   You are free to accompany relatives and friends on holiday.

It is important that all service users and visitors sign themselves in and out of the building using the book provided.   This is necessary in order to comply with fire regulations and Health and Safety rules.

Community Involvement
We actively encourage independence but, of course, help will be given where appropriate as we appreciate that needs and abilities will fluctuate.

Residential Care
We realise how difficult it can be leaving your own home and we try to make it easier whenever we can.   We certainly do not expect you to give up your independence, and we are very happy for you to continue to do as much for yourself as you are able.   We hope you will continue with any activities you are involved in and you are welcome to bring with you anything from your home that you would like to keep, such as small items of furniture, curtains, bedding, photographs, or even a favourite chair.   There are sockets in every room for a radio or television.   You may like to decorate your room at your own cost if you desire to do so.

Your bedroom is your personal and private area and is respected as such.   There are locks for bedroom doors and each service user has a lockable cupboard to lock away private possessions.   If you prefer a personal phone in your room you may consult the Manager – you, or a member of your family arrange a telephone, and would be fully responsible for the rental and call charges.

Respite Care
Oversteps offers short-term placements, e.g. someone wanting care for a specific length of time whilst relatives take a holiday.

Facilities

Other Services include:
Medical services come into the home – just as if they would in your own home.   If you wish to stay with your present Doctor you can do so, as long as he agrees to keep you as his patient when you move, otherwise we can arrange for you to join the local general practice.   If you need to see a Doctor and are unable to make an appointment yourself – tell a member of staff and they will arrange a visit.

A District Nurse can also visit the home to deal with any nursing procedures required.

If able, individuals are encouraged to visit Dentists and Opticians,   
but  if necessary we can arrange a visit to Oversteps.

A Chiropodist visits Oversteps on agreed designated days.

A hairdresser visits each week.
We have full laundering facilities and understand the importance of clothes care and, with this in mind, we should like to make some important points:

• It is invaluable for service users' clothing to be named to ensure they are returned after washing.
• If any individual prefers to make their own laundry arrangements, they can do so.
• Every care is taken, but we regret we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to clothing or personal possessions.   Private personal insurance is recommended.

There are local churches of a few different denominations in Dornoch.     The Church of Scotland and Free Church Ministers alternately conduct services in the home fortnightly. If you wish to attend a local church we can arrange transport for you.

We have Residents’ Meetings every two months.  This is your forum to speak your mind and we listen and consider your comments.
 
Management & Staffing

Management
CrossReach (Church of Scotland Social Care) manages the Service.

Staff
The Service Manager, who is assisted by a Deputy Manager, leads our team.   Other staff include – Day and Night Care Staff, Kitchen and Domestic Staff, an Admin. Assistant and a Gardener/ Handyperson.

We provide 24-hour care and our friendly staff are available to assist both residents and visitors where necessary.   Total confidentiality is observed at all times.

Any query or complaint should, in the first instance, be addressed to the Service Manager.   
If you are still not satisfied the Service Manager will inform you who to contact in the Registration & Inspection Office of the Care Commission.

Admission Procedure

Criteria
You can apply directly to Oversteps, but you may still require to be referred to the Social Work Department for assessment of financial viability. This is required to assess if and how long private funds may be utilised to pay for care or if you need financial assistance. 
When private means reach the Government level of savings allowed, an agreement with you and the Social Work Department is required to assist with the cost of care.

Applications are usually made through a Social Worker.   You can telephone your local Social Work Department and ask to speak to a Social Worker regarding an assessment for residential care.

Trial visits can be arranged if desired.

Additional Information

Activities
We have various social afternoons and evenings with entertainment provided by – local church groups, friends of Oversteps and by professional entertainers.

There is a weekly programme of activities that residents can choose to participate in.

Please contact the Service Manager if you would like help in reading and understanding this information.