Friars Lodge

Overall a good care home, small and comfortable. Situated in a town area. Staff are friendly and helpful. Clean and tidy, lovely garden for residents and staff. Bright and airy. Good communication between staff and families.

Dad has been at Friar's Lodge for over 8 years now. I cared for him at home for 7 years prior so it was a very difficult decision to have to make when vascular dementia took hold. Yet, I could not have been luckier than to find Lucy and her team. They know him well and his needs are not just met, but often anticipated. They are welcoming and friendly to visitors even when clearly busy.

Linda and Dave C

Wonderful staff who care deeply for the residents. It feels like they are part of our family in a way. Rooms are cosy, warm and ours set out with family artifacts.. My mother-in-law lived there for 6 years and she was very happy there, making many friends with the carers and management. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for looking after mum.

The staff are always welcoming when I visit Dad, and the home itself is small enough that everyone feels like one big family. All the staff treat Dad with so much care, compassion, patience and dignity - nothing is too much trouble. There is an excellent staff to resident ratio, and always members of staff to assist if needed. The manager is amazing - so lovely, calm and approachable. She always keeps us informed and is very proactive at ensuring all of Dad's needs are catered for. Dad is very happy and settled at Friars Lodge, and we honestly believe he couldn't be at a better place.

My mother has been in Friars Lodge since June 2022, and we are so pleased we chose this home. We chat with the managers and staff whenever we're there. The continuity of staff is excellent - reflective of a stable, happy team. Mum is really well cared for. I get regular updates on even little things. They do craft, keep fit, take trips to the glorious park 2 minutes away and even Elvis comes every now and again! Their own rooms are lovely. The main room is light and sunny. The staff do their admin in the same room, so the residents are continually looked after. They work really well with the local surgery and other care staff. My brother and I are really pleased mum is being so well looked after.

Our Mum has been a resident at Friars Lodge for over 8 years. Despite the challenges that old age and dementia bring, we are confident as a family that she is well supported by staff who care for her and have been with her for many years.

Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken down. We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.

Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one into Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.

She always has good things to say about the staff.

Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.

Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.

Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.

My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel so welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.

From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!

My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It appears well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.

We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.

The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.

The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.