Quinta da Fonte - Introduction

A Retirement Residence offering Care with Nursing in São Pedro Estoril , near Lisbon, Portugal. (English and Portuguese spoken).

On this page:

Description of Quinta da Fonte
Aims
Management
History of the Home

Description of Quinta da Fonte

Quinta da Fonte is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac within easy walking distance of shops, banks, post office, the beach and Sao Pedro do Estoril railway station. It has a large peaceful and pleasantly landscaped garden for the use of Residents and their friends. There are 10 unfurnished apartments, varying in size from 37m² to 54m² each, comprising a main area used as a living room and bedroom, a kitchenette and an en suite bathroom. There are also 8 individual rooms for those who require a little more help, each of which has its own adjoining bathroom. The larger apartments and rooms may be suitable for couples or as shared accommodation. Both apartments and rooms have individual telephone lines and Cable TV available and are equipped with call systems to contact staff, with 24 hour support provided. Heating, cleaning and laundry of bed linen and towels are included. Electricity is only charged in the apartments and according to usage.

Besides the gardens, there are ample communal areas including a comfortable lounge and dining room. The monthly charges include all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and evening meal) for the Residents of rooms and one main meal per day plus breakfast if required for apartment Residents. Other meals can be taken at additional cost and visitors are always welcome. Apart from our own in-house services and activities, our links with the local community ensure a steady flow of volunteers to help with outings to sites of cultural interest, shopping trips, libraries, social events, handicrafts and games.

Aims

Our fundamental objective is that the Quinta da Fonte should meet the needs and secure the welfare and social inclusion of those who choose to live there. This will be achieved by providing a "home from home" for the elderly; a calm, comfortable and friendly ambience, in attractive, well-maintained surroundings, where each Resident feels treated with respect, their right to privacy is upheld, and they can (with help) live fulfilling and independent lives.

We are not a Nursing Home, although substantial assistance is given, such as help in dressing, bathing, medication and other general support. Our Doctor is available for a consultation during his bi-monthly visit and our Nurse is on site during the week and on call at other times. This service is provided free of charge, excluding the costs of medication or other medical supplies. Should support beyond the limit of our care resources be necessary, extra carers can be provided at the Resident's expense. If full-time nursing or specialist dementia care is required, we will make every effort to find somewhere appropriate to meet these needs.

Management

A group of 50 Members make up the British Retirement Home Association, which is officially an 'IPSS- Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social' (a not-for-profit, benevolent institution). The Association owns and runs the British Retirement Home, which is, for Portuguese legal and registration purposes, a 'lar para idosos' or 'care home for older people'. The Association is subject to many official rules and regulations both on account of its legal structure and because it owns and runs a care home. We are subject to periodic inspections by the Portuguese Social Security.

The Association is managed through a Board of Directors of at least 5 volunteers elected by the Members who should provide a range of skills and experience in business and in care management. The Committee appoints and supervises the senior operational personnel, headed by the 'Director Tecnico' (the official title of this legally required post). The personal care and other services are delivered by a team of staff who are qualified and receive training in all aspects of their work including a full-time cook.

History

In the mid-1980's, the British Community identified the need for a retirement home, principally, but not exclusively, for those of British nationality, meeting the objectives outlined above. A group of volunteers began the search for a suitable property and fund raising for its acquisition and conversion. As a result of this Community effort, the British Retirement Home was opened in May 1988 by the British Ambassador, Sir Michael Simpson-Orlebar. Within 5 years, work had begun on a second phase of development, with the construction of a sheltered accommodation wing of 10 individual private apartments, opened in August 1995.