Abbeyfield

Review of Abbeyfield, Stockport, Greater Manchester by Rachel W (Visitor from Local Community)

Tuesday 9 November 2010

I have been involved with Abbeyfield for seven months now, creating and developing links between them and Stockport based St James Catholic High School, and I can unequivocally say that Abbeyfield is a sheer delight to work with in every sense. Exceptionally strong relationships have struck up between St James pupils and the residents. Many don`t have grandchildren who live locally and really appreciate our visits. They are clearly very happy in their home and this comes across very clearly in their interaction with our pupils who benefit enormously from their time spent at Abbeyfield. The staff are more like family within their roles - their job is clearly a passionate vocation for them; they support residents selflessly, clearly understanding the individual personalities and needs of each resident and displaying unconditional love, patience, respect and empathy towards them. There is almost a physical feeling of warmth and love as soon as you step through the door of Abbeyfield. It is a home in the true sense - staff provide the residents with an environment that allows them to be themselves and enjoy their lives to the full. I take our Duke of Edinburgh students to Abbeyfield for lunch every Thursday - and we particularly look forward to this time because of the strong bonds that have developed between the pupils and the residents. We are about to embark upon a multi media musical project will explore the musical similarities and differences between the generations of Abbeyfield residents and St James pupils. I can`t imagine undertaking this type of project with any other care home I have experienced, either in my professional or personal life and it is a testament to the confidence, trust and respect in Abbeyfield that we have. My final say would be...I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with Abbeyfield, and I would choose it as my first choice residential home for any of my family members who may require that type of loving accommodation in the future.

Review of Abbeyfield, Stockport, Greater Manchester by Mrs J L W (Relative of Resident)

Friday 24 September 2010

My mother has been a resident there for 6 years and a happier woman I have yet to meet. She suffers from vascular dementia so she cannot communicate at all, but she recognises people and whenever any of the staff pass by and speak to her she just beams! All the staff are so caring kind patient and conscientious in their work - even the cleaner takes time to say hello to everyone. I pop in at all hours and have always been made to feel very welcome - usually with a cup of tea. From my side of things, having Mum in Abbeyfield and so well cared for and happy has taken a massive weight from my shoulders, as I have a close relationship with mum and frankly was terrified of not finding the right place for mum to spend the last years of her life - but I certainly did find the right one and thank God every day for it. I hope my daughter puts me somewhere like Abbeyfield, if the need ever arose. I always joke that I am going to book a place in advance. But deep down I really would like to find myself in a lovely place like Abbeyfield. It is not pretentious with amazing interiors etc, it is homely clean, warm, an altogether wonderful atmosphere, which makes visiting Mum a joy. I hope that families of other residents in Abbeyfield- Bramhall will write to nominate them as the best care home because, frankly, it is the best.