St Dominics Residential Home

After a fall at home, mum entered St Dominics in February 2017 and was made welcome by the friendly staff. She soon made a small group of friends and enjoyed the visiting singers and musicians, plus the odd outing organised by the home. Following Covid restrictions, mum became more reclusive, preferring to stay in her room despite the efforts of the staff encouraging her to eat with the other residents but she was happy to watch her TV and chat with the staff, who would pop in to see her, saying they had come in for a rest.

As she deteriorated and became confined to bed, this was where the staff really shone, regularly attending to her, be it washing, changing, feeding or turning her on the air bed sourced by the home. I was kept informed of any major changes in her condition between my visits, and in her final days, the staff would even sit with her, holding her hand. They could not have shown her more love and affection, and throughout, the home has always been clean and tidy.

Mother moved into St Dominics eight years ago as she had started to fall on a regular basis, was lonely at home and because she had dementia, and would forget if she had taken medication. She was made to feel welcome and soon made quite a few friends in the home. Until Covid, there were outings and lots of outside entertainers and employed activity staff to fill their days. Visits were welcome anytime. The meals and snacks were made on-site and were plentiful and delicious. Staff were kind and well-trained to cope with residents' needs.

We feel Mum is loved and cared for and is happy. Means a lot to us.

My mother was admitted to St Dominics in January 2017. She had a number of medical conditions on admission and was assessed to lack the mental capacity to make a decision on her accommodation. Being a very independent lady, she found it very difficult to accept that she needed full-time care. The staff at St Dominics displayed an exceptional level of personal and professional care, far exceeding the job description, and took on the challenge of helping Mum to settle, which is something that other care homes had not been able to do. Mum was treated with respect and dignity, and an extra special effort was made at all times by the staff to understand her and to assess and manage her condition. In addition, on my regular weekly visits to see Mum at the Home, I was also treated with a great deal of kindness and the staff always had time to discuss my Mum's condition with me and to help me to cope with the situation. St Dominics is an outstanding home and is highly recommended.

My mother first stayed at St Dominics for respite last year. Unfortunately, she was then unable to return home. We were very happy with her staying permanently; she was receiving the best care she could. The staff are very friendly and helpful with excellent facilities and lots of activities.

Mum moved into St Dominics in October 2021 when she was no longer able to manage in her retirement apartment on her own. The staff have been amazing, both in terms of kindness and care that they show Mum, but also in the help and support that they have given me. They treat Mum with dignity, respect and encourage her to be independent, whilst also providing whatever help is necessary. I have been so impressed that when another of my relatives was taken ill and also required care, I didn't hesitate to call St Dominics. They have pulled out all of the stops and were able to place my two relatives in rooms next to each other, which has been so reassuring for them both. They both speak very highly of all of the staff and never fail to mention their kindness. I am extremely grateful to all of the staff for all that they have done/do for both of my relatives. They truly are a first-class care home.

My mum went into St Domonics in April 2020, and at the start of Covid restrictions. The staff were great in keeping us informed of Mums day-to-day care. When we were able to visit Mum, we saw for ourselves how kind and caring all the staff were. The rooms were always clean, and with activities going on for the residents, we were very happy with Mum care and cannot adult the care and love she received.

I went into St Dominics in a wheelchair, I came out walking with a walker!

I cannot thank the staff enough for the care and compassion they have shown to Mum in the 2 months she has been there; she seems very settled and happy. Not only this but when Mum was discharged from the hospital she was not in a very good way at all (she has dementia); however since being at St Dominics she has picked up tremendously and seems very happy to be there. I cannot recommend this care home highly enough.

My mother became a resident of St Dominics just before the Coronavirus pandemic. The home has been good at keeping the family informed about all the changes that have had to implement. The staff have shown kindness and support to my mother whilst treating her with the dignity and respect that we expected. The staff have put the residents first at all times, and my mother has said she feels safe and well cared for.

My mother fell ill just after Christmas, to the extent that I tried to care for her and found after three days, it was impossible to cope. Mother had prior to entering St Dominics been at home on her own, saying how lonely she was. In the home, she had many people to socialise with.

Mother took a while to settle down, but soon was really enjoying her stay. She really enjoyed the quiz's, bingo and chatting with the other residents. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, even pushing her in a wheelchair around the garden in the snow when she wanted! Whenever I asked her about the staff, she would tell me how wonderful she found all of them.

Whenever I contacted St Dominics, they were reassuring about Mums health and welfare.

Despite lockdown, we were fortunate to be able to move two sisters to St Dominics to individual rooms close by each other. Although we have been unable to go into the premises, (due to COVID lockdown), we have had every assistance from the staff to settle the ladies in their rooms and provide them with the care they needed. They have been fortunate to have hairdressers and chiropodist visits during most of the lockdown, and we now look forward to seeing them in person in the coming months. Both ladies have been very appreciative of all the care staff who have been extremely friendly and helpful. The residential home has been very accommodating in allowing beds, riser/recliner chairs and pictures to be put up in their rooms from their home, together with various personal effects.

We cannot thank the whole team enough for their hard work.

The management team have also taken on a healthcare issue which has needed to be addressed which is a relief to both my brother and myself.

Lovely clean, welcoming and friendly residential home with very caring staff who make a concerted effort to ensure that all their residents are happy, comfortable and treated with respect. My dear friend and neighbour has been completely transformed in the two weeks he's been here. He's put on some much-needed weight, he's brighter and less forgetful and most importantly, he's no longer lonely! There are lots of activities every day, and it would be difficult to not find something that you liked. The tea/coffee time cakes, buns (and mince pies!) are all home-baked by the cook and they're delicious! Residents are always encouraged to be as independent as possible but kindness and help are always present as and when required. Rooms are clean and personalised... some smaller than others, but with pleasant views of the beautiful surrounding gardens mostly. A little haven of homeliness.

St Dominics helped make the last months of our mother's life comfortable and secure. The staff were friendly, cheerful, caring and showed great kindness and patience when helping our mum. The care home provided many good activities for the residents, our mum's favourites were the harp recitals. As my mother's health began to fail, the staff gave her such special care whilst making sure she maintained her dignity. The most outstanding aspect of the care home was the great care and attention that was given to our mother in her last hours. They made sure that she was never alone and stayed with her through the night. The staff of the care home extended their support to us at the end as we said goodbye to mum. I cannot recommend St. Dominics highly enough as a place which puts the emphasis on care.

Our aunt was cared for by the St Dominic's family for 4 and a half years until her passing on 27.02.19. She was previously cared for by our uncle until her dementia became severe. St Dominic's welcomed our uncle, who was a frequent visitor most days and he participated in activities, entertainment, enjoying lunch with our aunt which benefitted them both enormously. Our aunt was always treated with such dignity and care according to her needs in such a happy environment which we thank St Dominic's so much for.

Extremely impressed with the end of life care for my Great Aunt. Outstanding staff members and very supportive for the family.

Thank you for looking after my mum.

It is professional, empathetic and her dignity is put first at all times.