Antokol

I cannot speak highly enough of Antokol. My mother spent the last 4 months of her life there, in a caring and safe environment and surrounded by the nurses, carers and other staff who all made it very special for her and for me. It is the most wonderful place, and one that has given me memories that are irreplaceable. Long may it thrive and continue to care for our parent's generation.

This is an outstanding care home (and I have seen many in my professional capacity). From the moment my mother arrived, she was treated with respect, dignity and above all kindness and tenderness. In the twenty months that she lived at Antokol, I never witnessed any of the staff treat any of the residents with anything less than gentleness and attentiveness, despite the fact that some of the residents have dementia. The residents are treated as individuals and activities are tailored to their particular needs. There is an atmosphere of calm efficiency fostered by the excellent leadership of the manager. The home has mainly Polish residents but the English residents and their families were equally happy with the care and had chosen the home for its caring ethos. In the last days of my mother's life, the staff treated my mother and us with exceptional solicitude and care and we could not have hoped for a better place for her to end her days.

My daughter (3 years old) loves coming to see grandad, in what she calls his, lovely hotel.

My mother spent the last five years of her life at Antokol. She was treated with great care, affection and respect during this period.

Our Mother was accepted here, for a short term stay. She was welcomed wholeheartedly and seemed to be instantly known to every member of staff. The quality of input from the manageress and staff is truly amazing. They are all so kind and thoughtful. Nothing is too much trouble and they are proactive. The range and quality of food that is provided is first class. Visitors are welcomed and treated hospitably.

Anyone needing love and care - Antokol is best.

My mother became ill halfway through January and was bed bound. The staff tried their very best to get her to eat and drink. Slowly it became apparent that she would not recover. They changed her pads four times a day and twice at night. She eventually refused all food and drink, she died on 3rd February, aged 94. She had been at Antokol for four years. The staff cared for her exceptionally. We knew as a family she was safe there.

I have found all the staff - management, nursing staff, carers, cooks and cleaners all very helpful and a very cohesive group.

They treat all the residents with respect and with dignity, and are always ready to help.

I would very much recommend this care home.

My wife has MS in advanced form. She is wholly reliant on others for both nursing and her oral care. She can do nothing for herself and her needs are complex and require close monitoring. I had researched for some time to identify a nursing home which could provide the best of respite and potentially long-term care. Having completed two weeks of respite at Antokol, where I was present throughout, I do not hesitate to say that they exceeded my highest expectations. Both nursing and personal care were of the highest standard.

Whenever I have visited my friend I find all the staff polite and respectful. There is a homely atmosphere and my friend is treated with patience and respect.

My client ws on an 'end of life' process and I chose Antokol over the other homes because of their strong Catholic ethos, but also because of their 'Excellent' rating for care. I was not disappointed, they provided great care on every level for my client up to and beyond her death. They assisted with funeral arrangements and staff attended the funeral.

I am very grateful to the home for their care of him.

My mother was very comfortable in this care home, The staff were always very helpful and friendly, giving my mother constant care and attention. She was very happy in this clean, attentive environment. A first-class residential care home.

I think a LOT of other UK homes should take a leaf out of Antokol's book when it comes to treating older people with empathy and respect. The environment here is so refreshing and feels like a real 'home' to those that live there. Our only regret is that we did not get our Gran here years ago!

Antokol is a most amazing place which gives its residents first class care. It is like being in an extended family setting. Activities are organised, festivities are celebrated, food is fresh, cooked on the premises and all these aspects reflect the cultural needs of the residents. There is a large garden, with a summer house. Staff are warm, committed and professional and stay for a long time. My mother was there for eight years and as her needs changed, staff would adapt to look after her in the best way possible. Carers knew when to give in to her stubbornness, when it was important to insist, and very importantly how to get through to her in a gentle manner. Visiting family are made welcome and always informed of any needs and changes. One of the most touching aspects is that no one is left to die alone. I have no hesitation in recommending Antokol as an excellent care home.

My mother's stay in Antokol was happy and satisfactory. Home has quiet location, beautiful garden with mature trees, perfect for walks and relaxation. Rooms are well equipped and cleanliness is high on the agenda. Freshly cooked meals, often using homegrown vegetables are tasty and served in a bright spacious dining room. Care is provided on "one to one" system by carefully selected staff. Doctor visits home weekly as well as other medical people. Residents enjoy varied daily acitivites, stimulating mind and body i.e. quiz, book reading, handicraft, physical exercise, watching films, concerts etc. There are also occasional visits by performing artists. Antokol has its own chapel to satisfy spiritual needs of residents. Everyone is treated with dignity, affection and utmost care.

My mum spent 2 years in Antokol, she loved her stay there. She made many friends there and the staff and management are fantastic. Care and support for mum and us were superb. Couldn't wish for a better home. It was like home from home. Thank you to all the staff. We will never forget your help!

Antokol is a really loving home. Such was my mother's life at Antokol for over 30 years with her extended family of sisters and staff who gave her so much love and care. I am so grateful for all that Antokol stands for: Autumn lives lived in dignity, security, love and peace. Antokol is truly a very very special place.

Real old-fashioned care. I even miss going there.