Bennetts Castle Care Centre

My mum was in the home for palliative care, as she had terminal cancer. Our experience of the home was awful. The food was poor, and very rarely hot. Sometimes they even forgot to ask her what she wanted, or even bring her anything at all. Near the end of her life, she was left overnight in a soaking wet bed, even though she had pushed her alarm for help multiple times. While staying with her into the early hours, my family and I witnessed residents being shouted at and grabbed by staff. On the day mum died, we were told we could take as long as we needed to clear her room, two days later they were calling insisting we clear it immediately. All the directors and manager were interested in was filling the rooms and making money, they treated our complaints as meaningless. I feel sorry for the day staff who do their best but would not recommend anyone send their relatives here.

Mum was here for 6 months with many medical issues not curable. The staff were always at hand and when we visited at least five to six times a week they always listened to us. Mum was always in full capacity for making decisions, which was respected. If she did not feel like getting up due to her illnesses, she was looked after in bed and waited on. Before Mum passed away in December 2022 she was being assessed and in her assessment, she had stated to the social worker while we were present, that she wanted to stay at Bennetts Castle Care Centre and not go anywhere else. During our time of visiting, we found all staff respectable and the care home manager gave us time to speak to us when we required updates. One thing we were impressed with was the knowledge individually the staff had about Mum and the interaction they had with her. They made us feel at ease, she had conversations with staff at lonely times. Facilities are good, food range is good, cleanliness no issues and staff are respectful.

My brother was very well looked after and cared for by very friendly staff and enjoyed his stay very much. I would recommend this home to anybody looking for a care home.

There is only one word to describe Bennetts Castle Care Centre - "excellent".

My father came to Bennetts Castle Care home with stage 4 stomach cancer. We weren't able to keep him comfortable at home. The staff are amazing, I cannot praise them highly enough! From the moment Dad entered their care to the moment that he passed just three weeks later, they couldn't do enough to help him. We felt assured that when we couldn't be there, they were looking after him. The reception staff were welcoming and helpful and helped make difficult visits much lighter. They even allowed me to bring Dad's Dog into the home, so they could say their goodbyes properly. The rooms are tidy and clean, the residents all seem very happy and the staff are the most caring wonderful people. Supportive right up to the end.

My husband was only at Bennetts Castle Care Centre for a short while but the care he received was amazing.

My dad was taken care of superbly. The staff at Bennetts Castle are like family. We felt totally at ease trusting him to be treated with love, kindness, care and dignity. He received all of the above in abundance! We couldn't have asked for more.

Whilst Mum was in here we cannot fault how she was looked after. She was very happy with all aspects - the staff, food, her room and all the care she received. Thanks to all the staff for looking after our mum!

The staff were fabulous, so helpful and so nice. Mum was so happy here. A big thank you for how all the staff looked after Mum.

My mother-in-law was a resident in this home for two years. We were so happy with her care there and the way the staff went out of their way to care for her. The palliative care and end-of-life care were exemplary, and we have nothing but praise for the staff there.

My uncle is safer and happier than at his home, as he wasn't being looked after by some services. This is less stressful for his family. He loves the food and staff. Thank you.

Very welcoming and very clean and tidy. Nurses are very good. The residents have plenty of entertainment and things to keep occupied.

All areas are clean and tidy.

We had high hopes for this care home after I visited and spent a long time with the manager and staff. When my mum went there for respite in February 2022, sadly the home did not meet our expectations. The quality of Mum’s meals were often not acceptable. On one occasion Mum was given just mash and spaghetti hoops as her main meal, sometimes we had to ask for more nutritious items. I spoke to the cook and nursing staff at length but things did not improve. Many meals were also not hot or not satisfactory due to content. Our mum’s hair wasn’t combed every day, I had to ask or I did it myself. There were several visits when Mum didn’t have proper undergarments on. Mum caught Covid on the second week of her stay and was treated successfully thankfully, for it and sepsis in hospital. However, home staff did keep us informed when Mum became unwell and acted swiftly. Most of the staff however, were nice and even cleaning staff stopped to chat to our mum. The home is kept clean and tidy.

Overall, the home is satisfactory and well maintained. They put on a variety of activities and do try to get all the residents involved. The care home needs to relate to the family more - what is the resident's care plan. The staff member who writes about residents to relatives should read as they seem to make mistakes with personal information.

First impressions, staff were extremely helpful and polite. Home is clean. So good first impressions.

Pleasantly surprised - seems fantastic with the residents.

My sister entered Bennetts Castle in October 2021 in a state of very poor health. She has early-stage dementia and a history of frequent falls. She is 84 and was living alone. Most of her family, including myself (next of kin) live in Ireland. I give credit to Bennetts Castle for restoring my sister to good health with their special care, both nursing and social care. This is a family business, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I am grateful for their support of me and my family, as well as my sister.

On the last day, the staff were very empathetic, and the nurse who looked after him stayed with us until we were ready to leave. I can not thank them enough for the support to not only my dad but also us during this time.

Overall I'm satisfied that my dad is being well cared for. Generally, the staff are helpful and diligent. As a family, we've had one or two issues but they were resolved to our satisfaction. I would recommend this care home to others if asked. I feel that the management is striving to continually make improvements and that is very reassuring.