FAQs
General Questions
Some questions everyone has about Kirk House
Kirk House is a 42-flat, purpose-built facility designed to support those in need of high-quality care, including those living with dementia. Kirk House provides practice-leading care in Northern Ireland encompassing everything needed to create a genuine home from home where people can enjoy fulfilling and spontaneous lives.
Managed by Belfast Central Mission (BCM), all the features are designed to evoke feelings of safety and belonging, particularly important for people on their journey with dementia.
Kirk House is situated just off the Kings Road in East Belfast, set between Dundonald and the Upper Newtownards Road areas. It boasts a secluded yet accessible setting, which is easily reachable via Belfast’s Outer Ring.
Kirk House promotes independence from within, as the residents each have their own flatlet living space, equipped with mini kitchen. The residents are supported by a bespoke care model which has already been developed by BCM’s award-winning residential care team at Kirk House. Through this care, you will be encouraged to continue being active for as long as possible, although staff are readily at hand to support you when you need an extra helping hand. This sense of independence is designed to slow the ageing process as much as possible.
Choosing a care home is an important decision. You can find useful advice on some of the processes involved on the following links
https://www.myhomelifeni.co.uk/quality/pre-admission-process
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/paying-your-residential-care-or-nursing-home-fees
https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-funding-northern-ireland
Questions about Living at Kirk House
Answers to some of the questions we are asked by prospective residents or carers
Spaces are for those aged 65 and over who require residential and/or residential dementia care, and who meet the Kirk House criteria for admission. We assess prospective residents prior to arriving at Kirk House.
Our criteria exclude those seeking nursing care, or nursing care in a dementia setting. There are also certain challenging behaviours associated with cognitive illness that we do not cater for.
Please be aware that registration on our waiting list does not guarantee a permanent place, and is subject to assessment.
Kirk House comprises of two levels. All 42 flatlets are spacious with each flatlet having its own front door, kitchenette and ensuite shower room with fold -down seat, WC and wash hand basin.
Memory Lane offers adapted living for residents with dementia. Major changes were made to residents’ flats and communal areas, combining a cutting edge approach to dementia design with a homely feel to make residents more comfortable and independent and reduce confusion. Features such as contrasting colours and bright lighting, work alongside personal touches like encouraging residents to choose the colour and number of their own front door to help them find their way. These features also help with retaining memory.
Our communal living rooms each cater for ten flatlets, and are equipped to a comfortable standard. Our hope is that residents use these spaces to share life with each other and eat with one another regularly.
As well as communal gardens, residents have access to a specialised dementia- friendly garden area, that evokes memories of ‘home’ for someone who is starting to suffer from the stress of memory loss and diminished cognitive ability.
Kirk House also has a main common room, used for larger gatherings, activity sessions and faith-based services and ceremonies.
The home has its own salon and nail cutting room for the use of residents.
A unique feature of Kirk House is its own resident-operated shop- a mainstay in the life of Kirk House over the years.
Yes, there is a weekly activities programme to fully utilise the communal indoor and outdoor spaces. There are also regular events to which family members, friends and the local community can be invited. Our aim is to ensure that Kirk House remains very much a part of the local community.
- Baking sessions
- Board games club
- a ‘Wee Shop’ run by a resident
- Weekly church service
- Reminiscence
- Chair aerobics
- Entertainment nights
- Arts and crafts activities
- Regular shopping excursions
We also have regular services attend in the home which residents can choose to use.
- Hairdresser
- Podiatry
Costs can vary and will depend on personal circumstances. If you wish to discuss the fees, please contact us, or liaise with your care manager or social worker.
You can register your interest by emailing kirkhouse@belfastcentralmission.org to arrange a show-round. You will be contacted by a member of the team and an assessment of the potential resident’s needs will be carried out at that stage.
Questions about Volunteering
Some questions people typically have about Kirk House
Jobs will be advertised in the local press, job centres and via our website and social media.
Volunteering opportunities will be shown on our website. Or, if you have an idea of how you could help, you can contact our Community Services Manager at people@belfastcentralmission.org
Get In Touch With Us
Whether you are considering residential care for yourself or a loved one, or you are interested in working at Kirk House, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly.
