Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Crescent Nursing Home
Quick Navigation: Please click on a question if you'd like to move straight to that section
About Our Home
Q: How long has Crescent Nursing Home been operating?
A: Crescent Nursing Home opened in 1987 and has been providing exceptional care for over 35 years. We're part of Apex Care Homes Ltd, which has been established since 1983.
Q: What type of building is Crescent Nursing Home?
A: Our home is a beautiful conversion of two large Victorian houses, giving us distinctive character and charm. The building has two floors and features the elegant architecture of the Victorian era while providing all modern care facilities.
Q: How many residents can you accommodate?
A: We have 27 bedrooms and provide care for up to 28 residents, offering both single and double occupancy rooms based on individual preferences.
Q: Do you have gardens?
A: Yes, we have large, landscaped gardens to the rear of the property. These are thoughtfully maintained and provide areas where residents can enjoy fresh air, relax, and socialise. We use our gardens extensively for activities, especially during the summer months.
Care Services
Q: What types of care do you provide?
A: We specialise in care for adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, dementia, and palliative care. We generally serve individuals aged 18-65, though we may accommodate older residents in specific circumstances.
Q: Do you use agency staff?
A: No, we prioritise consistent care by avoiding reliance on agency staff. We maintain a core team of permanent employees, which fosters stability and continuity in resident care and contributes to low staff turnover.
Q: What training do your staff receive?
A: Our staff undergo extensive training in dementia awareness, mental health care, and person-centred care principles. We're accredited by Investors in People, highlighting our commitment to staff development and care standards.
Q: What is your CQC rating?
A: Crescent Nursing Home achieved an "Outstanding" CQC rating until 2023. We've also received the Smile Award for excellence in care and achieved an "Excellent" rating during our COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control inspection.
Rooms and Facilities
Q: What room options are available?
A: We have 27 rooms in total - some single occupancy and some double occupancy. Some rooms have en-suite facilities, and all rooms are equipped with washbasins and ceiling track hoists with personal slings for mobility assistance. Bathroom and shower facilities are available on both floors.
Q: Can residents personalise their rooms?
A: Absolutely! Residents are encouraged to bring personal belongings from their previous homes to make their space feel familiar and personalised. We're also willing to repaint rooms if residents have particular colour preferences.
Q: What communal areas do you have?
A: Our communal areas include a lounge, dining area, a conservatory for smokers, a quiet room for relaxation, and a day centre for activities. We also have a sensory room for special activities and a hairdresser's room for residents.
Food and Dining
Q: What activities do you offer?
A: We offer a wide variety of activities including indoor board games, painting, quizzes, bingo, arts and crafts, film screenings, singing and dancing, ball games, and themed events. Our day centre operates on weekdays with various social activities.
Q: Do you organise trips outside the home?
A: Yes, we organise regular outings including trips to local garden centres, seaside visits, bowling excursions, and shopping trips. We have a minibus available for convenient group travel.
Q: What celebrations and events do you hold?
A: We celebrate numerous occasions throughout the year including every resident's birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and cultural events. We're a diverse culture home and celebrate all festivals possible. We also hold summer fetes and garden parties.
Q: Do you have visiting entertainment?
A: Under normal circumstances, we arrange visiting entertainers including singers, dancers, and mobile theatre productions to provide residents with enjoyable performances and social activities.
Location and Visiting
Q: Where exactly are you located?
A: We're located at 12 The Crescent, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 2RU, right in Bedford town centre, within walking distance of local shops, banks, post office, and library.
Q: How accessible is your location by transport?
A: We're very accessible - within walking distance of the bus station and railway station (main Thameslink line). We're easily reached from the A1 and Junction 13 of the M1 motorway, approximately half a mile from the main Thameslink line.
Q: What security measures do you have?
A: Access to our property is highly secure with monitored entry to ensure the safety of residents and visitors (friends and families).
Concerns and Feedback
Q: What should I do if I have a concern?
A: You can initially discuss concerns directly with staff or the Manager. If the issue can't be resolved informally, we have a formal complaints procedure. You can also contact the Care Quality Commission, seek assistance from an advocate through POhWER, or contact the Local Government Ombudsman if needed.
Q: Do you conduct satisfaction surveys?
A: Yes, we conduct regular satisfaction surveys and questionnaires with residents and families. We also implement a "Your Say" campaign where representatives meet with senior managers to ensure residents' voices are heard and feedback is used for improvements.
Q: What additional services can residents request?
A: Residents can request additional services, and we try our best to provide them. Services available include hairdressing, chiropodist services, and other supportive therapies, provided regularly or arranged as needed.
Experience Crescent Nursing Home for Yourself
The best way to understand what life could be like for your loved one at Crescent Nursing Home is to visit us. Come and see our beautiful home, meet our caring team, and discover how we can support your family member's independence and wellbeing.
Book your personal tour today: 01234 266933
Email us: alison@apexcare.co.uk