When I was helping my widowed brother choose a care home during the winter of 2025/26, we visited 6 local care homes. Whilst many appeared adequate, Portsdown View, in my opinion, was head and shoulders above the others. Instantly, on entering the property. There was a upbeat, happy and welcoming attitude. Without exception, everyone we met, was cheerful, enthusiastic and courteous. The Customer Care Manager, who showed us around the premises, has a wonderful, reassuring and measured approach, which inspired confidence. The rooms and public areas are comfortable, very well decorated and maintained, with a cosy feel to the interiors. Residents choose from a menu for lunch and dinner and the quality of the food is excellent. What we liked and found at no other home we visited, was that residents and their families and friends can book to dine in the Bistro on the ground floor any time, subject to availability, or pop in for a coffee or a beer, at no cost to themselves. This is such a bonus and makes for a relaxed and enjoyable visit. Iso, residents benefit from an on-site hairdresser, podiatrist and cinema and all these costs are included too. On the caring side, the caring team are professional and responsive, but also sensitive and kind. My father was admitted to Portsdown View for end of life care. cannot praise the quality of the care we all received whilst Dad was passing. Everything was done, that could be done, and the family was included in the staff's circle of care. We could not have wished for more during Dad's final days. The fact that my mother is now a resident, is a measure of how much we value their service and support.
