The Summers

Couldn’t ask for a better home for my mum! I think the world of all the staff that work there! They have made such a hard part of my and my family’s life that bit easier. Even during Covid, they have done their best to make everyone still feel connected!

The Summers continues to be a wonderful care home for my mother, who has been a resident for almost 6-years now. The manager is inspirational in her efforts to make life happy for her residents, and along with her team of carers The Summers feels like home, rather than "a home". During the pandemic, The Summers have kept us in close touch with Mum using technology, striving to ease the stress of separation as much as possible. They have been inventive in keeping Mum entertained and stimulated during this difficult time. I cannot recommend them highly enough and thank them for all the love and care they give to my mum.

Almost a year to this date, the family faced a dilemma. Our aunty, facing health issues, could no longer live without 24/7 attention. At the same time she was not prepared to put aside her independency. The Summers came to our rescue. Our family member is well looked after, cared for, is eating better, has a comfortable place to live with daily activities and friendly people around her. This year was very challenging but it just showed the strength, determination, professionalism, level of responsibility, dedication, care and love members of staff have towards the people under their wings. I say wings because personally I see them as angels.

My sister and I cannot thank the care home enough, in particular the manager for her constant attention to Mum's needs and her love she has shown over the years. It has so helped us adjust to Mum's dementia and the changes we have seen in her life. As Mum is now reaching the end of her life we are so thankful for all the love, care and kindness shown to her over the years.

For me and my family, The Summers is just great, my mum is now staying there and just loves it. When other care homes were not interested, they were very helpful in organising the necessary opportunity for my mum to try their home, bearing in mind she had not settled anywhere else because of her mental health. I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff at the home because my mum is now a different woman, I have not seen her like this for over twenty years! This is all down to the great effort and detail that benefits the people that stay there. I just cannot thank them enough, especially in such challenging times. Keep up the good work; it's very much appreciated.

My brother has been in the home since July 2016 and I can advise his treatment, welfare and support have been excellent and certainly when visiting, I have always found him happy and he enjoys the activities organised for the residents.

My father has been living at The Summers for 14-months now, and he has settled in very well. It’s a welcoming and safe environment with wonderful caring staff. There’s always plenty of activities during the day, and the food is of a high standard. It’s been difficult for the home to keep the residents safe since March, but they have coped well with the challenges COVID has presented. I’ve been able to visit my dad regularly this summer in a safe area at the front of the building. I know my dad is in safe hands, and I can see how he has benefitted from his time at The Summers.

It has taken a long time for my aunt to settle in, but during this difficult time, she received all the support and care that she needed.

My father came to The Summers after a three-month hospital admission, after it was apparent that he could not return home. I have visited many times and am so pleased that he has been welcomed so warmly by management and staff. Everybody working at The Summers have been lovely, helpful and caring. My Dad's room is a good size and is kept clean. I have no complaints. Thank you!

My mother lived at the Summers for 17 months before her recent death just short of her 91st birthday. She was initially worried about making the transition from living on her own, but she settled in well and was very happy. The facilities are modern and bright, there are plenty of activities and the food is very good. Most important of all, the staff are excellent. The manager sets the tone: she is efficient and expects high standards, but she is also enthusiastic and caring. Everyone we met there was kind and caring and that was really important to my mum, me and other family members. My mum was very sociable and she really liked the way staff would stop for a brief friendly chat. I and other family members were able to visit whenever we wanted and were always made to feel welcome. When the end came, she was very well looked after. I and other family members are very glad we chose The Summers.

It is very reassuring to know she is there and being so well looked after.

I feel my father is well cared for and kept safe in this home. His room is kept clean as are his clothes and him (maybe attention to his personal needs e.g. hair cut and shaving could be a little better, but then it also depends on if he wants these things done). Staff are friendly and well presented - they are caring and attentive. Visitors are welcomed and looked after at any time.

Since arriving at The Summers in October 2018 we have seen a vast improvement in my husband's mental and physical wellbeing. All the staff are patient, knowledgeable and understanding. His needs are constantly reviewed and changes made in a timely fashion. It's a pleasure spending time at The Summers with my husband, for all his family.

My experience of seeing my friend has always been pleasant and happy.

My experience visiting here is always a pleasant experience.

After a real scare, this summer when our mother collapsed had CPR and was rushed to the hospital (dehydration) and returned after a 2/3 week stay in the hospital. It feels like the home has had a real boost and our mother has improved amazingly. She is eating well, walks around again and is generally happier and calmer.

I was very concerned about how she would cope with being moved but my fears proved groundless, as thanks to the wonderful, caring staff at The Summers. Mum has settled in really well, even making a 'best friend'. At her previous home she spent most of the day in bed and was not inclined to join in with any activities. Now she is at The Summers she is out of bed all day and is much more inclined to join in with whatever is going on. The manager of the home is a wonderful leader. Her outgoing, caring personality sets the tone for the rest of the staff, who are all very caring and attentive to the residents. The home is not 'posh' but instead is cosy and caring which is much more important. I am very grateful that I managed to find this home for my mum as it is clearly a rarity - a care home where people actually care.

I visit a friend who is a resident of The Summers about every three weeks. I find all the staff and management who I come in contact with, to be very friendly and helpful. As far as I can see, my friend is very well looked after.

Both my parents are living at The Summers and my mother recently celebrated her birthday. The care team got together and we all sang happy birthday. They helped my mother blow out the candles and cut the first slice in a birthday cake prepared by The Summers kitchen staff. My mother was delighted and my father very happy that everyone was celebrating the birthday of his wife of 67 years. There was a similar happy event on my father’s birthday in June. It is a big relief to me that I know my parents are in good hands and they are well cared for by The Summers management and staff. I am delighted that my parents are able to spend the rest of their lives together in a safe, caring and happy environment.

My mother was made very welcome and has been given a high level of care since she arrived in April. The care and concern for her welfare are clear with a special mention and thanks to the manager who had personally gone out of her way to make a difference for my mother's welfare.