Introduction
Whittlesey is a small market town situated approximately seven miles east of Peterborough. The Hermitage is right in the heart of the town, nestled between St. Mary’s Street and Falcon Lane. It is situated 25 yards from Market Street which is the main street that runs through the town centre. The Hermitage is within walking distance from The Library, shops, cafes, Doctors, Dentist and all other local amenities.
The Hermitage was formally the old vicarage. It still has many of the original features. The Hermitage opened its doors in 1982 and was originally run by Mrs Rita Smith and Mr Peter Thory. Today it is run by the second generation of daughters. Unique in itself, The Hermitage feels like a family home and not a purpose built home, it is a care home for people who are no longer able to look after themselves in their own homes.
Our Home Offers
Comfortable single bedrooms or double bedrooms for married couples or those wishing the companionship of others. All rooms are equipped with washing facilities, smoke detectors and radiators fitted with thermostatic controls and covers. Each room also has a 24-hour call bell system, as do the bathrooms and toilets throughout the Home. Personal telephones are available in the rooms as well as television aerial points. The rooms are fully furnished to a high standard. Residents are encouraged to bring photos and a few small personal belongings for their room. En-suite rooms may be available on request. We have two / three lounges with a television loop system in the main lounge for the hard of hearing or alternatively you may wish to have your own television in your room. All electrical equipment that is brought into the Home must carry a Certificate of Safety to comply with the standards and specifications required. All our equipment is yearly P.A.T. tested for safety. Bathrooms are fully equipped to a very high standard with hydraulic chairs and hydrotherapy baths. Alternatively a shower room is available if preferred. We also have a passenger lift to assist those who find stairs difficult, plus a stair lift. We have two separate dining rooms where the meals are served. For breakfast we offer the choice of being served in your bedroom or in the dining room, with a choice of menu. Dietary needs are catered for. Our main cook and cooks are always on hand to discuss any special requests and in 2023 we achieved a 5 Star ‘Scores of the Doors’, we have achieved this rating since the award was first recognised in 2009. All our food is prepared on the premises by our cooks, locally sourced where possible using local butchers, bakers and with fresh vegetables and fruit provided. We run weekly menus with residents’ input at all times.
Personal Care
A qualified hair stylist visits the home on a weekly basis. The charge for these services is made directly to the resident from the hair stylist.
We also have a qualified chiropodist who visits the home every 10-12 weeks. The charge for this service is again made directly from the resident to the chiropodist.
Dental and optical services can be arranged for the residents, including home visits. Again, the charges for these services are made directly from the resident to the Dentist or Optician.
Continence services can be accessed by The Hermitage and a team of nurses and advisors can offer support, assessments, treatment and advice.
Laundry is carried out within the Home on a daily basis at no extra cost. Laundry is normally returned to your room on the same day. However, any items requiring dry cleaning will be arranged for you but will be charged to the resident.
Staffing
At The Hermitage we pride ourselves on having a very committed, experienced and loyal team of carers on hand to help 24 hours per day. Our carers range in age from nineteen years to retirement age and we find this age balance works well and helps to create a happy and buoyant feeling throughout the Home. The Manager and Assistant Manager have achieved NVQ Level 3 and NVQ Level 4 in care and management. The majority of our staff has completed their NVQ Level 2. All of our staff are fully trained, a training list is available in the main hallway. All staff are trained in Fire Safety, basic First Aid Skills, Food Hygiene and Moving and Handling techniques, and a course for the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults. Training is an ongoing requirement within The Hermitage and all staff are asked to attend training courses as and when necessary. All our staff are caring, patient and interested in everything the residents have to say, and should any resident experience any anxieties for any reason, the carers would do their best to allay their fears and answer any questions they may have.
Management are always on hand to support the staff within their roles and play a very active and ‘hands on’ role themselves in the day-to-day running of the Home.
Please do not hesitate to contact us.