“Our home is known as the ‘House of Smiles’ by our residents and friends.”
Harbour House is a residential care home for the elderly located in beautiful grounds with seaside and harbour views. We are registered to provide residential care without nursing for up to 35 residents. We also provide respite for individuals or couples. Harbour House was inspected by CQC in December 2018, and we are proud to have achieved an ‘Overall outstanding’ rating. A review of the data that was made available to CQC about Harbour House on the 6th of July 2023 says they have not found evidence that they need to carry out an inspection or reassess of our rating at this stage.
Harbour House was considered, created and commissioned by Eileen Morland in 1961. The building was up and ready for occupants in 1962. It was registered as West Bay Housing Society in November 1962 (per Companies House).
Also, it was our 60th anniversary last year – which means it has been a going concern since 1962!
Eileen was an eminent Quaker from the Bridport Meeting House with a vision of semi-independent living for the elderly. Her innovative and forward thinking enabled her to have individual rooms purpose-built for residents. These have recently been updated/modernised.
Eileen ensured that the board of trustees consisted of both Quakers and volunteers from the local area. The Quaker faith and ethos is evident in everyday life. This includes management decisions and ensures that residents and staff operate in a respectful, fair and supportive manner at all times.
Our Philosophy
Harbour House was built 60 years ago and we ensure that we work to the Quaker ethos of ‘thinking with an open mind rather than following strict rules and regulations.’
This ethos is shared by all the staff and residents and encourages a dignified, respectful, honest and open living /working environment.
We are committed to preserving and encouraging every resident’s privacy, individuality and choice by making Harbour House, in the Home Manager’s words “not just a Care home, but their home”.
We strive to achieve this by;
- empowering residents to have their privacy and time alone respected by all.
- understanding that each resident is an ‘individual.’
- encouraging residents to take and make their own decisions whilst supporting the risks and outcomes.
- assisting residents with their daily routines and choices ensuring that we are mindful of their social needs.
- ensuring our daily routine is resident-driven rather than task-driven.
Harbour House is open to friends and families 24 hours a day and everyone is encouraged to see it as their home.
Residents are encouraged to hold their own meetings where they discuss issues within the home that may need addressing or debating. These views, opinions and requirements are listened to and acted upon. A comments box in the main lounge is open to residents, staff and visitors, and is checked weekly by the Home Manager.
Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible. We never make it easy for ourselves, only the residents of Harbour House!
Nourish care planning system
At Harbour House we utilise the Nourish system. It is a smart care planning system that records, reports and helps co-ordinate care in residential settings.
