Brenalwood

Mum is 90, has dementia and has been living at Brenalwood for a year. I've always felt that the carers want to do their best for her. She enjoys taking part in the different activities arranged for the residents. Today I was invited to join them for a trip to the beach for a picnic at a beach hut. I believe most of the residents came for at least part of the day and the carers worked hard to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. I am always made very welcome at Brenalwood and when I leave, I am happy that I am leaving Mum somewhere she is safe, well looked after and (something that is important to me) allowed to be herself.

I am very happy that my nan's remaining time will/is spent at this care home.

I do believe it would ease the staff's load if they had additional staff/carers and a cleaner in the evening/night time, so the carers don't have to clean up and do their own job.

My aunt receives adequate care from hard working and friendly staff.

I am very happy with the care the staff give my mother. My mother seems quite content at Brenalwood. She has a nice room, which has a good view of the garden.

My mother has been happy at Brenalwood and her particular needs have always been catered for, with regards to comfort and health. The staff are always friendly and accommodating.

Senior staff go over and above their job roles for Aunty and other residents and are a credit to the home as not only have they made Aunty feel part of one big family they also have made me feel so comfortable when visiting. Senior staff go out of their way to make sure Aunty has everything she needs for her care on a day to day basis and I cannot thank them enough for the hard decision we had to make in putting Aunty in a home at 98, but they have made this an easier decision with having given excellent care.

My husband has resided in Brenalwood care home for 2 1/2 years. I have been very pleased with the care and support of everyone. I cannot fault the care staff. My husband is extremely poorly now, he is treated with dignity and humour (which is extremely important). Wherever possible the senior carers work hard to make sure he is pain-free and comfortable. They are very good and they are supporting me as well. Nothing is too much trouble for everyone. The manager is approachable, supportive, has a wonderful way of reassuring my husband and me, but it's everyone - it's a home from home, family and friends are always welcomed. The whole staff try very hard to care and make it a happy family place. I would recommend this home.

Well done everyone. You all work very hard.

Pleased with the care that my dad receives. He is well looked after here and has settled very well. The staff are all family and there is a nice atmosphere.

Mum has settled really well and is always happy when we visit - Mum thinks that she is still in her own home.

My mother and father are both residents, they receive excellent care. The carers are always on hand and nothing is too much trouble for them.

Mum came to Brenalwood at very short notice for respite so that as mums main carer, I could have a much-needed break. I was very upset at having to leave mum there but left her reassured that she would be well cared for. All the staff are wonderful and put all at ease. Mum has settled in so well and we can visit and ring anytime, day or night if we wish. Brenalwood is like a big happy family. I can't thank them enough.

My mum always seems very peaceful when I visit. She has been given a quiet area of the main room which suits her well. Staff are friendly and courteous and treat the residents with respect. I feel mum is in the best place for her and is being well cared for.

First class!

My mother has been a resident since November 2015. She has been very well cared for and the staff have been excellent. I feel my mother was lucky to have been so well cared for at the ned of her days. Sadly she passed away on 16th March.

Having spent ten days over the Christmas and New Year with my partner at Brenalwood, I could not fault the care and love that was shown to the residents by the care staff. The kitchen staff were also helpful. The meals were nicely presented and every need catered for with a choice of menu, with a well-balanced diet. The decor and rooms could be improved but I felt the main thing of a care home is a good caring staff which Brenalwood has. The manager has tried to make it like a family unit and I think this has been achieved. I would highly recommend.

Meals are a very important part of the day and they are of an extremely high standard, well balanced and very much to the palate of the older person. Extra helpings, snacks, drinks and fresh fruit is always available. The general feel of this home is a small family unit full of laughter and love. Obviously, improvements could be made but for me this is very much my home and I wouldn't change it.

The main thing that I find so comforting about dad being at Brenalwood is how happy he is there. It is always apparent when I visit that he has great relationships with the staff. The staff are definitely the heart of Brenalwood's success. The decor may be dated but don't judge a book by its cover. The home always smells clean and fresh which is the best sign of cleanliness and the care dad receives is second to none.

We arrived at Brenalwood to take my stepfather out to lunch and all the residents were sitting quietly. Some were being assisted to help them eat their lunch. Over all it seemed to be a calm and settled atmosphere.