Care Homes Owned by Grace and Compassion Benedictines

9.6 Group Review Score (the average from all locations with a review score)
  • Care Homes Owned by Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Grace and Compassion Benedictines Locations (6)

 
6 Care Homes and Extra Care Housing owned by Grace and Compassion Benedictines
Holy Cross Care Home

Lewes Road, Cross-in-Hand, Heathfield TN21 0DZ 

9.8 18 reviews
"The home has looked after my mother for around 3 years. She has been provided with excellent care and compassion. We could not have wished…"   Read all 18 reviews
Location Type Care Home

Holy Cross Care Home pride themselves on delivering outstanding nursing and residential care, prioritising the enrichment of each of the resident’s daily lives. The purpose-built, 60-bed home sits within the tranquil landscaped grounds of the retirement… Read more about Holy Cross Care Home

  • Care Provided
  • Long Term/Permanent
  • Short Term/Respite
  • Older Person Care
  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Palliative Care
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • 60 Rooms from £1,568 / week
Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

East Barton Road, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2RF 

9.9 157 reviews
"When you walk into Montana Care Home, you walk into a family home. The Sisters and staff make everyone feel safe, cared for and included.…"   Read all 157 reviews
Location Type Care Home

Montana Care Home is a residential and nursing home with strong values, allowing residents to choose their own way of life and personalised support. They provide person centred care based on respect for human dignity and the personal development… Read more about Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

  • Care Provided
  • Long Term/Permanent
  • Short Term/Respite
  • Older Person Care
  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Palliative Care
  • 19 Rooms from £1,000 / week
More Hall Convent

Randwick, Stroud GL6 6EP 

9.3 4 reviews
"My 91 year old mother was admitted to More Hall with mild dementia and after after several falls. I cannot praise highly enough the…"   Read all 4 reviews
Location Type Care Home

More Hall Convent is a small, Christian (catholic) residential (not nursing) care home, run by Benedictine Sisters, together with lay staff, for up to 10 residents. It is a lovely, Elizabethan house, situated 2 miles outside of Stroud. The Sisters… Read more about More Hall Convent

  • Care Provided
  • Long Term/Permanent
  • Short Term/Respite
  • Older Person Care
  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Palliative Care
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • 12 Rooms from £1,000 / week
St Mary's House

St Mary's House, 38-39 Preston Park Avenue, Brighton BN1 6HG 

1 review
  • Care Provided
  • Long Term/Permanent
  • Short Term/Respite
  • Older Person Care
  • Residential Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • 12 Rooms from £900 / week
Oakhampton House

East Barton Road, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds IP31 2RF 

Holy Cross Retirement Apartments

Lewes Road, Cross-in-Hand, Heathfield TN21 0DZ 

Grace and Compassion Benedictines Reviews (180)

9.6
Grace and Compassion Benedictines has a Group Review Score of 9.6 (9.640) out of 10. The Group Review Score is calculated using the average from all locations with a Review Score, and in addition 75%+ of all locations belonging to Grace and Compassion Benedictines must have a Review Score.

Overall Experience

  • 20
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

180
20
52
58
122
Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from Martin E (Son of Resident) published on 15 July 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home has looked after my mother for around 3 years. She has been provided with excellent care and compassion. We could not have wished for more loving care.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We are honored to have cared for your mother with compassion over the past three years and are so glad we could meet your family's needs.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from Rory H (Great-grandson of Resident) published on 17 June 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Each time I visit my great grandmother she tells us week in week out how the service is brilliant and Holy Cross is paradise. And that she can't fault it. She is always happy and celebrated her 100th - 103rd Birthdays here with fun and laughter.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you for sharing such a lovely review. We are glad she feels so happy and cared for at Holy Cross. Celebrating her 100th to 103rd Birthdays with joy means a lot to all of us and it is a privilege to be part of these precious moments.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from Gillian F (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother lived at Holy Cross for a year before her death. Throughout her time there I was greatly impressed with the quality of the care provided. It is a beautiful place, very well looked after, very clean and calm. There is a peaceful and respectful ethos. The home is very much run as a place to
live a full and active life with a multitude of varied activities, outings etc. There is even a pub!
The best part of Holy Cross are the amazing care staff. They are universally kind, compassionate, patient and caring. My mother was hugely fond of them and they of her.
The nursing staff were also exceptional. I never ceased being impressed by how attentive and professional they were.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We are glad your mother enjoyed a calm, welcoming environment and took part in the activities we offer. It is especially touching to hear how much she connected with our care and nursing staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Holy Cross Care Home for 3 Yesrs. During that time she has experienced kindness, care and compassion.
The staff are quite exceptional and reach out to each person with a warm and welcoming smile.
There is a real sense of community. The food is excellent and the staff
offer a wide range of activities as well as organising suitable trips and excursions.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We are pleased to hear your mother feels cared for and part of our community. Your feedback means a lot to our team and encourages us to continue providing the best care possible with grace and compassion.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from L D (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum recently stayed at Holy Cross whilst she recuperated from an illness. The staff were all brilliant, made her feel really welcome and helped her settle in. The regular activities also helped her meet other residents. It was such a relief to feel that she was in such good hands.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your mum felt welcome and well cared for during her stay at Holy Cross. We truly appreciate your feedback and wish your mum continued health and happiness.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from H S (Friend of Resident) published on 29 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When you walk into Montana Care Home, you walk into a family home. The Sisters and staff make everyone feel safe, cared for and included. The sitting room is comfortable and relaxed and there is a well-stocked library.


The food is really, really good, and the atmosphere in the dining room is fun

and relaxed with lots of conversation.


Outings around and about Bury St Edmunds are frequent and well organised, alongside events at the home like the recent VE Day celebration party which was really well attended with residents, friends and sisters enjoying the sunshine, music and celebratory food and drinks.


The home has a beautiful rose garden to the front surrounded by a flowering rosemary hedge. Lovely, tranquil gardens surround the home, including an 600 year-old oak tree annd lots of wildlife, and there's a pretty courtyard in the centre.


Montana is a truly wonderful home.

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you so much for your kind and generous words about Montana Care Home. Your heartfelt review perfectly captures the warm and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create for our residents and visitors alike.We're delighted that you feel part of our family when you walk through our doors, and it's wonderful to hear that the food, outings, and events contribute to such a vibrant and enjoyable experience. The recent VE Day celebration was a truly special occasion.The beauty of Montana, from the tranquil gardens to the historic oak tree, is something we treasure, and knowing that it brings joy to those who visit means so much to us.Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts-it's feedback like yours that inspires us every day!Warmest regards, The Montana Care Home Team

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from J W (Great Great-Niece of Resident) published on 23 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is a lovely home run by nuns. The care is free good and excellent. Always welcome anyone coming to the home.The food is always nice and tasty.Always there are choices of food. Staff are friendly and caring. Manager is approvable and office is always open for us to see her. We are very happy with
everything.

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review of Montana House. It truly warms our hearts to hear how much you appreciate the care, warmth, and dedication of our team.Providing a nurturing and welcoming environment is at the heart of everything we do, and it's wonderful to know that you felt that during your visit. We take great pride in offering excellent care, delicious food, and a variety of choices, ensuring that everyone feels at home.Your recognition of our friendly staff and approachable management means a lot to us, as we strive every day to create a space where residents and visitors feel valued and supported.We are delighted that your experience was so positive, and we deeply appreciate your feedback.Kind regards

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from Madelyn M (Respite Resident) published on 23 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This review applies to both times I have been resident at Holy Cross Priory Care Home. The first visit being in Autumn 2023 when I stayed there for 6 weeks after fracturing my left knee, and the second visit for 2 weeks after carpal tunnel surgery this May (2025)
I was already familiar with the Holy
Cross facilities as my mother was resident for a couple of years in 2008/9.
In all cases it has been an exemplar of the very best kind, efficient and professional care.
On my first admission in 2023 I was amazed to find several people still working there who had looked after my mother all those years ago, and who remembered both her, and me as a regular visitor.
It is a testament to the beautiful atmosphere that staff remain so loyal for so many years, and still exhibit the same warmth, friendliness and patience.
I thank everyone from reception to cleaners, care staff to caterers, nurses to management, and of course the lovely Sisters who lead by dedicated loving and cheerful example.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you for your kind and thoughtful review. We are so pleased that both your stays with us, and your mother's time here, left such a positive impression. It is heartening to hear how our long standing team and caring environment contributed to your comfort and recovery.Your recognition of the entire staff, including the Sisters, means a lot to us. We are proud to be a place where warmth, dedication and community truly matter.Wishing you continued health and happiness.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from G R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It all started with a Oakampton house.
Mum lived there for two years and during that time she was always acknowledge by all this Sisters making it's a lovely friendly community.
When Mum needed more care I had the support from Montana. It was a very smooth transaction. From Oakampton to Montana.
The care for my mum is 24/7, and nothing is too much trouble. They have got to know my mum, her like and her dislikes, and it is a pleasure for me to go in and see her smile on her face, ever time l see her. She is very happy, calm and contented.
It has been a blessing in disguise that we had moved to Oakampton .
I myself enjoy my visits to Montana as they are all one big happy family every single one of them from the gardener to the manager.
Who is the main heart of a successful carehome .

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with Montana Care Home. It means a great deal to us to know that our team's dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment is recognised. Your feedback is incredibly encouraging, and we are delighted to hear that your loved one is receiving the care and support they deserve. We will continue to strive to provide the highest level of service. Once again, thank you for your support. Best regards, Care Home Manager

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from Margaret J (Niece of Resident) published on 13 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely care home, my aunty is very much looked after by sisters and staff. Manager is always approachable and friendly. No problem at all. Food is very nice and tasty. Always someone to welcome me. My aunt is speak about sisters and staff very highly.

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with Montana Care Home. It means a great deal to us to know that our team's dedication to providing a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment is recognised. Your feedback is incredibly encouraging, and we are delighted to hear that your loved one is receiving the care and support they deserve. We will continue to strive to provide the highest level of service. Once again, thank you for your support. Best regards, Care Home Manager

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from P R (Friend of Resident) published on 12 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very close of mine has been at Holy Cross since 2019. He moved into the residential part of the home and was made very welcome from day one.


During his time here he has always been cared for to the highest standard by friendly experienced staff. A testament to the home is that many of the staff

have worked at Holy Cross for years, they are incredibly supportive and helpful. My friend struggles with communication following a stroke and the patience and understanding of those around him has been superb.


The home arranges fantastic events for the residents and their family's both on site and as external trips. This allows the residents to experience days out and mix with their family and friends. A quick note to say the quality and variety of food menu is excellent! (Very important!)


The level of care from medical to personal on a daily basis cannot be faulted. I would recommend anyone wishing to visit to see it first hand and experience the warmth and high level of professionalism.

Reply from Tracy Chant, Home Manager at Holy Cross Care Home

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We always appreciate hearing customer feedback and would like to thank you for taking the time to complete this. Your comments on our care home mean so much to us and we are very happy you have had such a positive experience. The team strive to ensure we provide the highest level of care to all our residents and their loved ones. Kind regards, The Team At Holy Cross Care Home

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was in this care home. I felt so reassured every time I visited my mother. She had such peace here. Excellent care from the nuns and the carers. She was able to go to daily mass. The surroundings are beautiful She had such loving, good care

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear that you're pleased with the care and support we provide. Your positive feedback means a great deal to us. Once again, we truly appreciate your kind words.Kind regards Care Home Manager

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from John R (Son of Resident) published on 12 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is in this care home and is getting excellent care. She is able to go to mass and her spiritual needs are met.
We are very happy with the excellent care my mother is receiving. I visit my mother every week and she is very relaxed and cheerful.

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted to hear that you're pleased with the care and support we provide. Your positive feedback means a great deal to us. Once again, we truly appreciate your kind words.Kind regards

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from Jennifer W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Sisters at Montana are wonderful and very caring, nothing seems too much trouble. They are excellent at keeping us informed and up to date with my father's care, often sending messages and photos which is great as I obviously have limited time to go to visit.

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you for taking the time to review. I am happy to share that your dad has settled in well. He enjoys doing things in his own way and prefers not to participate in the activities provided by Montana.If his lack of participation has influenced your rating of our activities, please know that we continue to encourage him to join in. However, we respect his personal preferences and value his choices, taking them into careful consideration in his care.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

from Joy R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 12 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nothing is too much trouble in assisting and supporting all residents. The care my Mother-in-law receives on a daily basis is second to none. She enjoys the daily activities with the other residents and the morning mass which she attends most days.Overall she is extremely happy living at Montana

Reply from Sister Moses, Care Manager at Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of Montana Care Home. We truly appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear that your mother-in-law is happy with the care and support she receives. We continuously strive to enhance our services, and we hope to improve from four stars to five with your valuable input. Your support means a great deal to us, and we are committed to providing the highest standard of care. Warm regards, Montana Care Home

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

Holy Cross Care Home

from H S (Friend of Resident) published on 9 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our family friend has lived at Holy Cross Care Home for the last six years.


He is exceptionally well cared for by the lovely staff who ensure he is able to enjoy activities and events on and off site.


We love visiting him and frequently enjoy meals with him onsite.

Reply from Iulian Halus, Clinical Lead at Holy Cross Care Home

We truly appreciate you sharing this. It is wonderful to know that your family friend has found a supportive and engaging home with us over the years. We are glad you enjoy your visits and spending quality time together. Those moments are just as important to us as they are to you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

More Hall Convent

from Jackie H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father lived at Morehall Convent Care Home for 4 years and was very comfortable there. He received excellent care and loving attention. He was able to attend mass in the chapel every morning which was very important to him. The Sisters and carers were very caring and catered for his individual needs
and preferences. He felt comfortable and secure there as it has a smaller amount of residents making it feel more homely and intimate. There was good communication between the Home and his daughters to ensure that we were all able to provide him with holistic individual care. We were included in their activities and outings. They have a good relationship with the GPs and DNs who visit the home regularly. I think it is a unique residential home because it does provide a spiritual dimension of care with a residential priest which is often not found in other residential homes. I like to thank them all with my with my whole heart for looking after Dad so respectfully and beautifully.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

More Hall Convent

from catherine M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 91 year old mother was admitted to More Hall with mild dementia and after after several falls. I cannot praise highly enough the affectionate and impressive expertise with which she is cared for by the nuns and staff, which is greatly reassuring to her family. With only twelve residents, there
is a warm community atmosphere. 24 hr care is attentive, and never seems rushed. It is a priority that residents are given as much exercise and social interaction as possible, to maximise their physical and mental health. Their personalities and dietary preferences are appreciated, and the care is responsive. The en-suite rooms are simply furnished, all looking out onto the gardens. More Hall is grade II listed, set in grounds of old apple trees, with pathways and a stone terrace from which residents can enjoy the sunshine. It is non-denominational, though there is internal access to a chapel for optional daily Catholic mass. More Hall is a rare find, and I most warmly recommend it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

More Hall Convent

from Naomi S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Sisters and the Carers are kind and attentive. They are friendly, good humoured, engaging in their conversation, quick to laugh and always treat the residents with respect. They are always welcoming to visitors and take time to communicate any concerns or share small anecdotes of the day. More Hall
is homely and the grounds well tended. The garden is full of flowers and fruit trees. There are good seating areas in the courtyard and by the orchard. Wholesome, home-cooked food is served every meal time, with attention to presentation and portion size. Afternoon refreshments of tea and cake are also served. The communal dining room encourages eating together and conversation between residents. Afternoon activities and general engagement ensure residents do not feel isolated in their rooms.
The level of nursing care is good and residents are treated with dignity and love.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review of

More Hall Convent

from Ricahrd' H (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 10 April 2025
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a relative of a resident recently deceased, I know she was lovingly and sensitively cared for over a number of years. Nothing was too much for the staff and regular suitable activities, trips and entertainment were organised.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Loading...

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Loading...

Loading

Loading
Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Loading

Frequently Asked Questions about Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Costs for care homes owned by Grace and Compassion Benedictines

Average costs per week for care homes owned by Grace and Compassion Benedictines by care type provided. The weekly fees are calculated using the starting price for self-funded care provided by Grace and Compassion Benedictines, based on 4 out of 4 settings.

Type of Care Provided Average Weekly Cost
Residential Care £1,205
Nursing Care £2,016
All Care Types £1,205
Keep in mind that fees can vary between providers and factors such as specific needs, location, room type and more can affect costs. For more information on care home fees across the UK and advice on how to pay, see our care home fees guide.

How many Care Homes does Grace and Compassion Benedictines own?

Grace and Compassion Benedictines own 4 Care Homes.

Which Grace and Compassion Benedictines Care Homes have the highest review score?

Montana Care Home Grace and Compassion Benedictines, Holy Cross Care Home & More Hall Convent have the highest review score.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Grace and Compassion Benedictines to verify any information. View our terms and conditions.