NURSING CARE HOMES
The Leonard Elms
Situated in the heart of Somerset the countryside, the Leonard Elms provides specialist dementia and nursing care for those in need.
PROVIDING QUALITY CARE SINCE 1985
The Leonard Elms
The Leonard Elms Nursing Home offers specialist dementia and nursing care. The home has 37 rooms split into 2 floors:
The Ground Floor offers 22 en-suite bedrooms for specialist dementia care, boasting 2 very generous sized lounges and a cafe servery.
The First Floor offers 15 en-suite bedrooms for our residents who require general nursing and dementia care with stunning views across the local countryside.
Care Services: Specialist Dementia Care, General Nursing Care, End of Life Care
Registered Care Manager: Katie Maidment
Tel: 01934 852 553
Email: leonard.manager@optimacp.co.uk
Brinsea Road, Congresbury, North Somerset, BS49 5JL
Welcome to The Leonard Elms
The Leonard Elms, named after Wilfred Leonard Bliss, the father of Paul Bliss, Optima Care Partnership’s founder.
Our experienced and dedicated management team are supported by a skilled care team that provide effective, person centred care for those needing specialist dementia and nursing care. Our care does not stop at the door and we ensure that all families and friends know we are here to support and care for them as much as their loved ones.
A family run home for over 25 years.
The Leonard Elms prides itself in understanding the needs of families and their loved ones who move into our care.
Choosing a care home for your loved one is a difficult decision to make, our team are here to help you make that decision a little easier and support you through each step of the way. We also understand that dementia brings its own complications and changes to how you live your life.
We take time to allow you to explain exactly what you and your family require from us. These early stage conversations are the start of our team learning about your needs so that we can deliver the best tailored care specific to you.
Understanding you and your family
We have spent a great deal of time and research recognising the impact that the environment has on people living with dementia.
Between 2019-2021 we invested over £80K in modifying and designing our internal and external living space for our residents. Our courtyard was a 6 month project supported by the University of Stirling and the DSDC. We now have a dementia specific designed courtyard incorporating sensory gardens with fully accessible space for all abilities.
We do not promote ourselves as a 'chandelier care home'. Our interior is specifically chosen to best suit the needs of the people we care for. It is a warm, well thought out space within the home orientated around specific researched dementia requirements.
So what does this mean...?
We have spent time in researching into the importance that environment has on people living with dementia. Over the last 3 decades there has been a growing body of research and evidence collated to understand the impact has on increased levels of anxiety, disorientation, agitation, and social withdrawal. A well-designed supportive environment has been recognised to have positive effects on those living with dementia.
The importance of the environment
We know that memories of the past contribute to identity in the present. When dementia disrupts memory and narratives reminders of life history can be helpful. Recall in dementia is more severely impaired than recognition. Getting to know who comes into our care and their history is one of our foundations of care. It allows us to relate to and understand communication and the ability to address unmet needs. We will coordinate and build the base of your care plans through talking with you, your family and friends to really understand who you are.
We constantly assess the cognitive functioning, sensory and physical ability of each individual, paying particular attention to the individual abilities not their disabilities.
The current sense of identity
current sensory abilities
Current motor abilities
Enhanced understanding of current needs habits and preferences
This allows the care team to tailor meaningful activities to aid interventional care, reducing distressed presentations and enabling a friendly, warm and calm living space.
Identity and personhood
Amenities
Recreation and Activities
A range of activities are on offer to suit each individual residents needs, we help you follow your hobbies and interests and we facilitate social engagement and help organise recreational events. Residents can have access to our wonderful mature gardens and courtyard that offer attractive features and wondering space. So come and enjoy the wild life found in our beautiful Countryside setting.
Accommodation
A modern purpose built home that provides a choice of ensuited bedrooms offering light and airy accommodation, fully furnished with multi positioning beds, nurse call points, media and WiFi access, assisted bathing facilities and a choice of stylish air conditioned lounges for formal and informal dinning and relaxation. The environment is Dementia appropriate and offers security and peace of mind.
Good food - an important part of our lives
For many of us, the enjoyment of good food is an important part of our lives. Our team of chefs do their upmost to accommodate our residents wishes through the preparation of attractive meals using the freshest of local ingredients. The menu choices change each season and include many traditional dishes. We cater for those with special dietary needs and specific clinical nutritional requirements.
Care Services Provided
Specialist Dementia Care
Optima Care have specialist nursing services with specially trained staff that understand the challenges associated with complex dementia conditions; helping those who are distressed or at risk of harming themselves.
End of Life Care
Our care homes offer palliative care, where a dedicated team of nurses provide around-the-clock care in a calm and comfortable environment for every resident. We understand end stage illnesses affect everyone differently, so work with you to tailor your loved one’s individual care needs.
General Nursing Care
Treatment of disease, disorder or injury accredited nursing care services for those with long term conditions; higher clinical care and personal support needs.
Our Experienced Team
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Katie Maidment
Registered Care Manager
Katie first worked at The Leonard Elms in 1995 as a care assistant. Leaving to undertake her diploma in adult nursing, Katie soon established herself as an accomplished NHS community nurse in Worle.
“I am a motivated and enthusiastic registered general nurse with established managerial and community nursing experience, I strive to improve standards and to enhance patient centred care”
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Ed Bliss
Director of Dementia Services
Ed started work with Optima in 2010 as a Care Assistant. When qualifying with a BSc Hons degree in 2017, Ed went on to specialise in dementia and has further studied at the University of Stirling.
'I am always looking to better improve our service for our residents and families. I love my job and there is nothing that I would rather do'.
Contact The Leonard Elms
The Leonard Elms Care Home values your interest in our care services and accommodation. We would be delighted to discuss with you your views, needs and desires for you or your loved one and will respond to your enquiry below as soon as possible; thank you.