The St Monica Trust has long been recognised for the high quality accommodation, care and support it provides for older and disabled people. Regarded as one of the leading providers of continuing care in the south west of England, the Trust supports a wide variety of people with differing needs in many imaginative ways and in a number of settings.
As part of the Trust’s commitment to the continued development of services that meet the changing needs of a changing society, its latest venture, Monica Wills House, in Bedminster, south Bristol, is the third location in which the Trust operates. Two other retirement communities in Westbury-on-Trym, Cote Lane and Westbury Fields, also provide a range of services and support in an environment that is designed to promote independence, dignity and fulfilment. Furthermore, the Trust’s services extend beyond these locations to individuals who live in and around Bristol.
RETIREMENT/SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION
Individuals who live in the Trust’s retirement/sheltered accommodation occupy a variety of well-appointed flats and apartments, which are available on a range of tenures. The Trust’s lease purchase scheme allows individuals to buy a lifetime lease, which is also available on a part-rent, part-buy option. Depending on location, residents may also rent their home, either privately or through the Trust’s partnership with Bristol City Council in a city-wide Very Sheltered Housing (VSH) or ‘extra care’ initiative.
Many people prefer to ‘stay put’ as their care needs increase. The combination of services and support on offer at the Trust are specifically designed to make this happen. A programme of care and support can be provided that enables individuals to maintain their independence beyond the traditional limits of care at home. This assurance that care is on hand if it is ever needed takes away the worry for residents and their families about what might happen if a period of illness occurs.
COMMUNITY LIVING
A strong sense of community at the St Monica Trust is built around a choice of activities that residents can enjoy together. Facilities include pottery and arts, restaurants, fitness suites, swimming/spa pools and hairdressers. Shopping tips, entertainments and outings are a regular feature in the weekly calendar of activities. There are also outdoor areas for residents to regularly enjoy fresh air and, depending on location; some have large expanses of village green, gardens or parkland.
Ecumenical services are available across all the Trust’s operations and a chapel forms an integral part of life at Cote Lane, which is a focus for the spiritual well-being of many residents.
CARE HOMES
High quality nursing and residential care are key elements of the support that is provided by the Trust. In addition to long-term care, short-term places for respite care are available to give a carer a much-needed break, to aid recovery after a period of illness or a spell in hospital, or simply to provide rest and recuperation.
In recent years, looking after people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms dementia has become a central feature of the care that is offered by the Trust. Specialist care is provided in a safe and positive environment where activities and therapies are a regular part of daily life.
Residents who live in our purpose-built care homes benefit from being part of a larger community, where they are able to participate in the wide choice of activities that are on offer to all of our residents.
PHYSIOTHERAPY AND HYDROTHERAPY
Perhaps one of the facilities that makes the Trust unique is its physiotherapy and hydrotherapy department, offering therapeutic treatments for residents, including those who are visiting the care home for short-term care.
CARE AND SUPPORT AT HOME
The Trust has also become increasingly aware that for many people, leaving their own home just because they need a little help from time to time is not always necessary. A team of personal carers offer a home visiting service for people in the Bristol area, providing home care services that will enable individuals to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible.
COMMUNITY FUND
The Community Fund gives financial help to people with a physical disability or long-term physical health problem. Some of our funds go to organisations that are working to reduce the loneliness and isolation often experienced by this group of people. The Trust recognises that they often face financial hardship alongside the challenges that living with an illness or disability can bring. We strive to make a real difference to people’s daily lives by helping pay for the things they need, from a warm winter coat to a wheelchair.
We also provide ongoing financial help to individuals and families at times of crisis. Every year we contribute in excess of £500,000 to help hundreds of people living in Bristol and the surrounding area.
OUR TEAM
The people who work for the St Monica Trust are a vital part of our operation and the Charity recognises that the ongoing development of our staff underpins the excellent care we offer. The Trust runs a comprehensive programme of in-house staff training and is an approved centre for the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) award. Our training programme incorporates the many aspects of caring and offers a continued approach to the development of every member of staff.
The organisation is committed to ensuring that the staffing requirements for all our services are fulfilled by the recruitment of dedicated people who have a knowledge of (or are willing to learn about) the needs of older and disabled people and how their role plays such an important part in residents’ lives.Address: Cote Lane, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3UN
Telephone: 0117 949 4000
Website: www.stmonicatrust.org.uk
; 
