RMBI Homes, Care and Management
Care is provided in the form of sheltered, residential or nursing accommodation. Special house groups are also available with specialist care for people with Alzheimer’s, dementia and similar disabilities. Places are offered on the basis of need rather than first come, first served. Prospective residents need not be fully ambulatory on admission; they can go direct to Nursing Care. Residents pay for care according to their means. About 35% qualify for some form of state support.
A Home’s management team typically comprises a Home Manager and a business coordinator responsible for administration. At least one RGN is on duty at all times in the homes which offer nursing care.
The RMBI itself is managed by a Board of Trustees and its Chief Executive. There are also a Treasurer, Deputy President and President. The Rulers in the Craft and Past Presidents / Patrons form the top tier of Vice Grand, Deputy Grand and Grand Presidents.
Residential Care
Residential Care is for people who cannot, or choose not to, continue living in their own home, even with support from home care services. The homes provide day-to-day physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional and social support, a comfortable and safe environment, a well balanced diet, activities of interest and enjoyment, privacy and dignity, and personal care. Residents in all homes are encouraged to bring their own furniture and personal possessions and make their room their own. They can keep cars and small pets in some homes and can invite guests for meals and overnight stays.
Nursing Care
Nursing Care provides a more specialist level of support from qualified nurses on the premises.
In addition to the benefits of Residential Care the goal of Nursing Care in working with older people, is to achieve optimal health, well being and quality of life for residents.
There are 13 Nursing Care Homes throughout England and Wales. Tithebarn in Liverpool is the closest of such homes to East Lancashire.
Dementia Care
Six homes have a Dementia Support Unit, where specialist care is provided to people with Dementia.
The Dementia Support Unit staff understand the difficulties a person with dementia may experience and are able to support them and their families.
All Dementia support units have enclosed gardens so the residents can enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment. All Homes can offer places to people with dementia depending on each individual’s needs.
Sheltered Accommodation
Sheltered Accommodation is specially designed accommodation which can be rented from the RMBI.
This consists of a number of self-contained flats with their own kitchen and bathroom. They have 24 hour emergency assistance through an alarm scheme.
Respite Care
This is available in some Homes. It can be provided to give Carers a break from looking after their dependant, to allow times for a person to recover from a hospital stay or to sample what it is like to live in a Care Home.
Holidays
The RMBI organises all expenses paid, two week half board, holidays for those receiving Masonic financial assistance. These are held in Eastbourne, Westcliff on Sea, Bournemouth and Llandudno every summer. These holidays are paid for by the ‘Good Neighbour Fund’ which benefits from fundraising by the ‘Friends of the RMBI’ and other Masonic Charity Organisations. There is also a winter holiday in Malta for a limited number of people sponsored by their Provinces.
Home Improvement Loans
A substantial fund exists as a consequence of a generous gift by the late WBro Lt Col VC Donaldson, FRICS, PJGD. This is to lend money to older people or Freemasons’ Grand Charity Beneficiaries for repairs or home improvements, e.g., rewiring, roofs, stair lifts, room conversions etc.
RMBI Homes
- Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court
- Barford Court
- Cadogan Court
- Connaught Court
- Cornwallis Court
- Devonshire Court
- Ecclesholme
- James Terry Court
- Lord Harris Court
- Prince Edward Duke of Kent Court
- Prince George Duke of Kent Court
- Prince Michael of Kent Court
- Queen Elizabeth Court
- Scarborough Court
- Shannon Court
- The Tithebarn
- Zetland Court