The Centre For Better Health runs a 7 bed residential care home (Chesterfield Gardens) in the London Borough of Haringey. Residents at Chesterfield Gardens live as a ‘family’, sharing the decision-making, the responsibility and the costs. Shared meals are an integral part of group living, with residents receiving 24/7 support from the staff.
A proposal for a new resident to join Chesterfield Gardens requires the agreement of all existing residents. Several visits by the applicant are arranged so that all concerned can exercise some choice in the composition of their household. An initial informal visit will be followed up by a full day visit, including staying for dinner. If this is successful, the next stage is an overnight stay and following this, a stay is arranged for a whole weekend.
Chesterfield Gardens becomes the person’s home where he/she can feel secure. Residents are entitled to benefit from attending wider Centre for Better Health services such as groupwork, the counselling service or the social enterprise. Staff at Chesterfield Gardens will also encourage and support residents to access community adult education and leisure facilities.