FAQs / Documents
What training does the care staff have and how many staff are on?
What are the daily routines of The Alphington?
Are single rooms available or will you have to share?
Can a resident who progresses to high care needs remain at The Alphington?
Can you have your own private telephone?
What provisions are there for couples?
What arrangements are there for privacy?
What furnishings can you bring and what is supplied?
Who pays for everyday items?
What provision is there for storage of personal items?
Are the bathrooms shared?
How are social/cultural activities decided?
How are residents’ interests taken into account in the running of The Alphington?
What are the meal arrangements?
Is there easy access to well-maintained outdoor areas?
How can family & friends be involved in resident care?
Does the Alphington provide for residents’ special occasions?
What public transport is available for visitors or residents who like to go out?
How can the Alphington meet your medical and special needs?
How do I gain an understanding of the cost of living at The Alphington?
What special features of The Alphington make it unique?
What training does the care staff have and how many staff are on?
In addition to the Care Manager and Diversional Therapist, The Alphington has four direct care staff on in the morning, three in the afternoon and two overnight. At all times at least one registered nurse is rostered on.
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What are the daily routines of The Alphington?
After breakfast there is an activity such as exercises, an entertainer or a bus outing. This will be interspersed with morning tea. After lunch there is a quiet time, afternoon tea and another group activity before dinner. Residents enjoy reading in the lounge or some TV viewing before supper and bedtime. Residents are free to participate or not and those able come and go from The Alphington as they choose.
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Are single rooms available or will you have to share?
All rooms are singles with private ensuites.
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Can a resident who progresses to high care needs remain at The Alphington?
Yes you can “age in place” at The Alphington. As your care needs become more complex we can still look after you. This allows you to remain in our lovely hostel environment much longer, with familiar staff and residents and a homelike atmosphere. We recommend that you have a chat with our Care Manager about Ageing in Place.
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Can you have your own private telephone?
Yes you can. Most rooms have telephone line connections. Provision of the service and usage bills is paid by the resident.
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What provisions are there for couples?
We have some rooms with inter-connecting doors ideal for couples but this is subject to availability.
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What arrangements are there for privacy?
All bedrooms are secure and staff adhere to a strict privacy and dignity policy in their dealings with residents. The facility is locked after 6.30pm and visitors ring the door bell to be allowed in. Visitors are requested to leave the facility by 10.00pm unless special circumstances apply.
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What furnishings can you bring and what is supplied?
You can bring whatever items of furniture you would like such as a bed, desk and favourite arm chair. Otherwise we will supply you with all the furnishings you need. All your personal electrical items such as TV’s radios and hairdryers need to be tested and tagged annually.
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Who pays for everyday items?
All of your meals at The Alphington are included in your daily care fee. All linen is supplied and laundered for you and your clothes can be washed too. Residents supply personal items such as clothing, toiletries, batteries and stationary items etc.
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What provision is there for storage of personal items?
Each room has a built in cupboard for clothes and storage.
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Are the bathrooms shared?
No, all bedrooms have private ensuites.
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How are social/cultural activities decided?
When a resident enters The Alphington we ask for a brief on your social, family and life history. From this we compile a Lifestyle Care Plan which is designed to maintain community links, preserve your interests and keep you active. Your Lifestyle program is reviewed and updated regularly as part of your overall well being plan.
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How are residents’ interests taken into account in the running of The Alphington?
Residents have meaningful input into all aspects of life at The Alphington. You are invited to participate in the two monthly residents meeting to provide feedback to management about any issues or concerns. Of course at any time we value your opinion and insist you to let us know immediately if something is worrying you.
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What are the meal arrangements?
Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper is provided. All meals are prepared on site with menu choices and alternatives offered to you. The menu is reviewed by a dietician as part of your overall food and nutritional plan. You are allocated a seat in the dining room to help you settle and this is changed from time to time if this suits you. Visitors are welcome to join you for a meal. This can be on a special table and usually there is no charge required, just a days notice.
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Is there easy access to well-maintained outdoor areas?
The paved court yard is accessible from the lounge and dining rooms. There is seating and an umbrella to protect you from the sun. There is another courtyard that has special height gardening boxes. Residents who are keen gardeners are encouraged to use them.
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How can family & friends be involved in resident care?
Families and friends are welcome to attend all the activities and outings and even run a group activity or slide night displaying their special interest or hobby. There is no limit to how families and friends can get involved.
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Does the Alphington provide for residents’ special occasions?
Birthdays are always celebrated and acknowledged and catering can be arranged to accommodate your family and friends. We recently hosted a milestone birthday with 50 guests. It was a fantastic party! For the family it was an ideal alternative to having the function at their home.
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What public transport is available for visitors or residents who like to go out?
There is a bus stop on Heidelberg Road and Alphington Station very close. Some residents like to walk or catch the bus to Ivanhoe shops which are a little over a kilometre away.
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How can the Alphington meet your medical and special needs?
Many residents’ doctors visit here and we also have a prompt locum service. Routine appointments for physio, podiatry, optometry etc. are held in house. Most residents take advantage of these appointments but you can maintain your external provider. Our trained care staff are expert at spotting someone who is not feeling well and appropriate action commences immediately.
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How do I gain an understanding of the cost of living at The Alphington?
Refer to the Fees and Charges section of our website and call our accountant with further questions.
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What special features of The Alphington make it unique?
The Alphington is personal and feels homely. It is run by husband and wife directors who are on-site and determined to make The Alphington the best it can be. They care about each resident and member of staff and are responsive to suggestions through a thorough continuous improvement plan. The Alphington prides itself on a friendly atmosphere, well trained professional staff providing the best of care and a dynamic activities program to keep residents engaged and stimulated.
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