FAQs


How regularly do doctors visit the nursing home?
Downs Cottage's own GP visits each week. The Tattenham Health Centre is directly opposite the home. Residents moving from other areas are encouraged to register with his practice, as this helps us to provide continuity of care.

Does the Home have a care plan or adopt a particular philosophy?
A planned programme of care is formulated for each resident, reflecting their individual needs. The care profiles are reviewed monthly or as required. We welcome the input of relatives in the planning of care.

Does the Home offer any special activities?
Each of the communal sitting rooms has television and radio, and there are books and board games available. Our Occupational Therapist spends three afternoons a week at Downs Cottage, encouraging those who wish to do so to participate in some recreational activities.

We arrange for entertainers and musicians to visit for concerts, parties and our Summer BBQ. Getting out and about is a feature of Downs Cottage life, with outings to local places of interest as well as visits to Epsom Downs, shops etc.

What are the visiting hours?
Visiting time is unrestricted and if residents are invited out for the day, of course they are free to do so. We are also happy to arrange for small family parties to take place in our quiet lounge.



Are resident's religious denominations and cultural needs catered for?
Ministers of Religion and Lay Ministers visit the home regularly and services can be held.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?
We are able to offer our residents a some choice of meal from a varied, nutritious menu cooked by a professional chef. We will cater for any special medical and religious dietary requirements.

Is there a safe garden to walk in?
Downs Cottage is blessed with beautiful, landscaped gardens which can be easily accessed from our lounge patio doors or garden doors.



There is a patio area with tables and chairs; and benches to sit with disabled access. The gardens are safe and secure.

Are dental treatments, opticians and chiropody available?
There are regular visits from a chiropodist, optician, hygienist and dentist.

Are Hairdressing services available?
Our Hairdresses visits the home fortnightly. Her services are chargeable.

Are single rooms available with en-suite facilities?
The bedrooms are all different, some small, some large, some single rooms have ensuite facilities ensuring maximum privacy. There are three double rooms.

Is there access for wheelchairs or walking frames?
Whilst retaining a family home atmosphere with two sitting rooms we retain a spacious feel to the home and plenty of room for residents to move around. The house is equipped with a star lift.

Are the toilets and baths suitably adapted?
All toilets, showers and baths throughout the home are specially adapted.

Can you take the person's own furniture and other possessions?
All the bedrooms at Downs Cottage are different with their own particular style. All are tastefully decorated and furnished but residents are welcome to personalise them with their own furniture, pictures and ornaments.

What are the arrangements for medical care?
GP services Downs Cottage GP visits fortnightly), all NHS prescribed medication and routinely stocked dressings are included in our fees. A consultant psycho-geriatrician can visit if requested.