Care Homes
Holy Cross
Ettrick Grove,High Barnes,Sunderland, Sunderland SR4 8QA
Overview
Holy Cross is a Catholic church located in the High Barnes area of Sunderland. The parish serves the local Catholic community and surrounding neighbourhoods, providing spiritual guidance and religious services to its congregation. As part of the Catholic Church's network across the UK, Holy Cross offers regular Mass times throughout the week and on Sundays, catering to parishioners of all ages.
The church plays an important role in the local community beyond its primary religious functions. It typically hosts various parish events, community gatherings, and religious education programmes. Many Catholic churches in similar locations also provide support services and pastoral care to vulnerable members of the community, including the elderly and those facing hardship.
For those wishing to attend services or learn more about parish activities, Holy Cross welcomes visitors and new parishioners. The church is easily accessible from the High Barnes residential area, making it a convenient place of worship for local Catholics. Specific service times and current parish information can be obtained by contacting the church directly or checking local Catholic parish listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holy Cross in Sunderland may provide residential care (help with daily activities like washing, dressing, meals, and companionship), nursing care (24-hour care from registered nurses for complex medical needs), dementia care (specialist support for residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia), and respite care (short-term stays to give regular carers a break). Contact 01915 670862 to find out exactly which services are available.
Care home fees vary depending on the type of care needed. In the UK, the average cost is approximately £700-1,000 per week for residential care and £900-1,400 per week for nursing care, though this varies by region and provider. Your local council will carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you qualify for council funding. If your assets (including property) are above the capital threshold, you may need to self-fund. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding may be available for those with a primary health need. Contact 01915 670862 for current fees at Holy Cross.
Holy Cross is inspected and rated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC rates care homes as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate across five domains: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led. You can view the full inspection report for Holy Cross on the CQC website at cqc.org.uk. Ask Holy Cross about their most recent inspection outcome.
Yes, Holy Cross welcomes prospective residents and their families to visit and see the home before making a decision. A visit allows you to see the rooms, communal areas, and gardens, meet staff and current residents, ask questions about care, activities, and daily routine, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Call 01915 670862 to arrange a visit. It is recommended to visit at different times of day and more than once.
If you have a concern, raise it with the care home manager at Holy Cross first. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact the local authority adult social care team, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if you believe care standards are not being met, the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman for complaints about council-funded care, or an independent advocacy service for support with making a complaint.
Before moving into Holy Cross, you will need a care needs assessment from your local council. Contact your council's adult social care team to request an assessment — they will evaluate your physical, mental, and emotional needs and determine what level of care you require. The council will also carry out a financial assessment. You can also ask your GP, hospital, or social worker to refer you. Holy Cross will conduct their own pre-admission assessment to ensure they can meet your needs.
Holy Cross provides a programme of activities designed to promote wellbeing, social interaction, and enjoyment. Activities may include arts and crafts, music and singing, gentle exercise and chair yoga, gardening, games and quizzes, film screenings, outings and trips, visiting entertainers, pet therapy, reminiscence sessions, and celebration of birthdays and cultural events. Activity coordinators tailor programmes to residents' interests and abilities.
Holy Cross may have a specialist dementia care unit or provide dementia-friendly care throughout the home. Dementia care includes trained staff who understand the condition, a safe and secure environment to prevent wandering, memory-stimulating activities, person-centred care plans, and close liaison with families. Ask 01915 670862 about dementia care provision, staff training, and how they support residents with memory loss.
Some care homes allow small pets such as budgies or fish, though this varies. Holy Cross may also welcome visiting pets and organise pet therapy sessions with animals. Having animals around can boost mood and reduce loneliness. Contact 01915 670862 to discuss pet policies.
If a resident's needs change, Holy Cross will review and update their care plan. If the home can accommodate increased needs (for example, by arranging additional nursing support), the resident can stay. If needs exceed what the home can safely provide, staff will work with the family, GP, and local authority to find a suitable alternative, such as a nursing home or hospital. Regular care plan reviews (at least every 6 months) ensure care remains appropriate.
Staff at Holy Cross hold relevant qualifications including the Care Certificate (minimum standard for new care workers), NVQs/diplomas in Health and Social Care, registered nurse qualifications (for nursing homes), dementia awareness training, safeguarding training, first aid, and moving and handling. The CQC inspects staffing levels and training as part of their assessment. Ask Holy Cross about their staff-to-resident ratios and training programmes.
Holy Cross can provide compassionate end-of-life (palliative) care in partnership with the resident's GP, district nurses, and specialist palliative care teams. Care focuses on comfort, dignity, pain management, emotional and spiritual support, and involving family members. Many residents prefer to remain in the familiar surroundings of the care home rather than transfer to hospital. Advance care planning helps ensure the resident's wishes are respected.
Yes, Holy Cross encourages residents to personalise their rooms with familiar items from home. You can bring photographs, ornaments, a favourite chair, bedding, small pieces of furniture, a radio or TV, and personal toiletries. This helps create a comfortable, homely environment. Large items should be discussed with the care home in advance. Valuables should be kept to a minimum — ask about secure storage.
Yes, Holy Cross may offer short-term respite stays, typically from a few days to a few weeks, to give regular carers a well-deserved break. Respite care can be arranged privately or funded by the local authority following a carer's assessment. Contact 01915 670862 to check availability, costs, and how to arrange a respite stay.