Care Homes Owned by Barchester Healthcare Ltd in Somerset

I am delighted with my husband's progress, after a difficult 2 months' settling in, he seems happy enough in his new surroundings and no longer expecting to go home. The staff treat him with respect and understand his agressive tendancies are due to frustration. He appears to have made progress with understanding this awful decline into Dementia. I only wish he could be given more exercise, in the form of walks, as his leg muscles are deteriorating rapidly now.

Something to take part in everyday

After a long and arduous search for the right kind of care for my wife of 48 years who is suffering from a horrible illness of the brain affecting memory . I visited 4 homes in total all of which were good but the Barchester Manor stood out partially due to its specialist unit and the care staff , who are amazing. It's more of a Hotel than an institution.

We chose Manor Care Home for our father's respite care after the assessment promised personalised care, daily hygiene support and awareness of his conditions. The reality was very different. Staff didn't seem to know he was arriving. His care plan took over a week. His dressings weren't followed, pads weren't allowed without explanation, and hygiene was inconsistent. When a doctor issued an emergency antibiotic prescription, the home didn't collect it or tell us. Our mother found out and fetched it herself at night. He had missed two doses. Shortly before a doctor called paramedics, staff were discussing his return home with our mother, raising no concern. Three days later, after 17 days at Manor, he died of sepsis. We raised this with the home first. We share it so families ask harder questions: who owns the care plan from day one, how instructions pass between shifts, and who to contact when something is wrong. What we were promised is not what he received.

I cannot speak highly enough of the professionalism, kindness and consideration of both management and staff at Crandon Springs, who made every effort to assist me. They made me aware of the facilities offered for residential care and how to adapt them to suit my post-op needs. There is no doubt in my mind that their help has been instrumental in the success of my recovery.

My sister came to The Manor for 2 weeks respite care. She has difficulty walking and we were encouraged that there is a resident physiotherapist who could help with mobility, and the advertised ' delicious meals', which she was looking forward to. Unfortunately she fell just before she was due to leave and eventually stayed 4 more weeks. The physiotherapist was then on annual leave for 2 weeks, so her mobility did not improve after her fall. She became very unhappy about the quality, presentation and sometimes quantity of the food which was often only warm when it reached her. Only after both she and I complained to the manager was the food improved for her last few days there. Staff were caring and kind but there was some problems with communication and I was very surprised that there was no manager on site over the bank holiday weekend when I was extremely concerned about some of the meals and the reception staff had to take messages.

Mum has been a resident at Crandon Springs for the last 5 years, latterly upstairs in the dementia unit. Two of her oldest friends came to visit for lunch today, which my sister and I joined to keep the conversation flowing. The staff laid up a table for us in a separate room and we had a delicious lunch - Mum felt she had been out to a restaurant! The staff are always very helpful and accommodating and we feel Mum is really well looked after there.

My Mum initially went to West Abbey for respite care which soon became permanent. Each phase was managed so well, and with ease. Sadly Mum was only at the home for 9 weeks, but during that time her care was exceptional. She was encouraged but never forced to do anything. The staff are so special. Everyone cares, from office, cleaners, gardeners to the nurses and carers and everyone in between. A continuous dialogue with the nurses kept us well informed. We were updated on visits and care procedures from external professionals. Mum's dignity was always observed, right up to her passing. West Abbey has something special, which should never be underestimated. Thank you so much.

P.S. I have no commercial or family connection to the owners.

We would highly recommend West Abbey to anyone looking for exceptional support, and we truly cannot thank you enough for everything you did for our dad.

Nicky, finance administrator has been particularly helpful to me as Power of Attorney for my aunt over the past 3 years especially when we were waiting over a year for a social care assessment. Thanks for all you do.

Unfortunately Phyllis has never been a sociable person, and after 3 weeks she began to protest. She became belligerent and was hostile to the staff and residents at times. She began to refuse food and drink despite staff trying to persuade her. Lots of activities were available but despite staff tryin to persuade her she avoided joining in. Staff were patient with her but unfortunately she made racist remarks against them.

I thankyou all. I shall be saving up to allow him to come again

My mum has lived in west Abbey for six weeks. It took a while for her to settle but mum is loving life there and said today, "I am so happy." The staff are so caring and mum has learnt to speak up if she needs anything. We are gradually making her room feel like home and mum has been welcomed and made friends who are genuinely pleased to see her. Having the interaction with others is a great way to stay connected in a community and the staff make WA a very happy home. Mums room is in the process of being refurbished and when her new carpet and new furniture arrive the room will be just lovely.

My friend chose Crandon Springs for respite care and I am so glad she did. The staff have been very supportive, helpful, friendly and accommodating. My friend is well cared for and I haven't seen her look as well and happy for at least 2 years. Since staying at Crandon Springs the staff have brought such a positive change to my friend which is a relief to see having been concerned for her wellbeing for some time. I cannot praise the staff too highly. The home is thoughtfully decorated, has a calming atmosphere and is very clean. It is everything you want to feel confident that your loved one is being well cared for.

Mum could not be in a better place. Thank you!

My Civil Partner has been a resident at West Abbey Care Home for almost 3 years. I am very satisfied with her care and the staff are so proffessional and caring. I would recommend the Home to anyone who has a loved one that needs 24 hr care. I have left the Food & Drink rating blank because my partner is peg fed

My mother was a resident at West Abbey for 4 1/2 yrs. Although quite solitary she was content, enjoying the view of the garden. She was well cared for, both by amazing care staff + the medical team. I have to add, that any questions I asked, was always answered quickly, with Mum's welfare in mind. The care staff also made me welcome on every and frequent visit. I loved taking Mum up to the 'cafe' for a cuppa. Her end of life care was second to none. My heartfelt thanks to all.

My mum has been in the care home for nearly 2 years in the Lyde unit. During this time she has received superb care from every member of staff. She is treated with respect and kindness by all the staff whether carers or supporting staff and I am constantly amazed to see the lengths some staff will go to ensure the residents are kept both entertained and encouraged to live a "normal" life in a place that's made as homely as possible for every individual. Thank you!

The home itself feels calm, welcoming, well-organised, creating an environment where Mum can feel safe and supported. Knowing she is treated with dignity.