A guide to Branksome Hall, Darlington

Branksome Hall in Darlington is an old people's which is home run by Darlington Borough Council. Located in the Cockerton West area of the town, the centre offers 51 one-bedroomed apartments for elderly people, on ground, first and second floor levels. It is situated close to a number of local facilities, including the Post Office.

Overview

Branksome Hall is council-run care home for elderly people, offering a good range of amenities in its comfortably appointed apartments. Each apartment has a fully-fitted kitchen, a living room, bathroom and a guest bedroom. The apartments The apartments are double-glazed, and crucially for the elderly, there is gas-fired central heating as well as electric fires. Security and safety concerns are addressed by the being of a door entry system. Enclosed grounds offer privacy as well as enhanced security, and the majority of apartments include the cost of heating and water rates in the rent. There are also two two-bedroomed bungalows on the site, which offer a similarly comprehensive range of living accommodation. There are also 42 one-bed bungalows or ground-floor apartments available at nearby Selby Crescent.

Amenities

Branksome Hall offers a range of communal facilities and activities to its residents. Regular social events and entertainments are organised, with whist, dominoes and bingo on offer. Trips to local attractions are frequent during the summer months, while coffee mornings help to keep all the residents in touch and involved in the wider community. The council The council also offers a 24-hour, 7-day a week call service 365 days per year. The Scheme Manager is responsible for the administration of the scheme, and their job includes making sure that all residents are comfortable and that their concerns are dealt with using appropriate levels of care, concern and courtesy, as well as confidentiality. Security is paramount, and the manager will also make sure that the residents know how to use all the facilities in their homes. The Scheme Manager also has as duty, to ensure that the social life of the residents is suitably active and that residents do not become isolated. The manager contacts each resident, with a visit, each day of the working week from Monday to Friday. Branksome School is also nearby, allowing pupils relatively easy access if they have elderly relative to visit. Applying for a place at Branksome Hall can be done online, and the Darlington Borough Council website should be referred to for details. Rents at the centre currently vary from £70 to £85 a week, rates which are inclusive of water rates, service charges and scheme manager support.