Review from Dawn J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2019 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum moved into Howard Lodge last year as she had dementia. From the first enquiry to moving her in the staff at Howard Lodge made the process so easy and were amazing at helping mum to settle in. What I thought was going to be a really difficult transition was actually incredibly smooth. I cannot

recommend this care home highly enough. All of the staff are really patient, caring and go above and beyond the call of duty.

Reply from Sean Watson, Director at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Many thanks for the review Dawn, so glad you and mum are happy with our service. I will also print this off and put it up in the staff room if ok with you. Thanks again.

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Review from June P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 March 2018 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother in law has been a resident of Howard Lodge for 18 months now. During her time here, we as a family have found the staff caring and friendly, the home clean and all of my mother in law's needs are met to the best of their ability.
We have seen her slowly decline with dementia over the time

she has been here and the staff not only support her but the family as a whole during stressful times. Care plans are discussed with us on a regular basis to ensure that we are aware of everything that is changing towards Mum's care and if we have any concerns they are discussed immediately. We have access to Mum 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have always been happy with the care that she receives at whatever time of day or night we have turned up. We feel that rather than lose our mum we have gained a Howard Lodge family.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Home Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you, June for such lovely feedback. All our residents and families are an extended family to us. We are very lucky to have such wonderful support from all our family members. This helps us greatly in working together in being able to provide person-centred care to our residents. We have a great staff team who genuinely care and want the best for our residents and their families.

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Review from Tom T (Son of Resident) published on 6 April 2017 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our mother was taken in on Dec 29th, 2016 and to say that she would have tested the patience of saints would be an understatement but the care, attention and patience she received was second to none. She found it difficult to settle and was also obviously in failing health, both physically and mentally.

She was also particularly hard to please because she had herself owned and run care homes and knew exactly what she was doing. All the team, from senior management down to her individual carers and assistants on Honeysuckle were absolutely first class. We were enormously grateful for all their help, support and their understanding of our plight as a family. The place itself is a palace and spotlessly clean. The rooms are lovely and the setting is out of this world. We have no hesitation in recommending Howard Lodge Care Centre and would almost put our own names down but hopefully will not need to for a while yet.

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Review from Jane H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2017 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother lived in her new home, and that is what she called Howard Lodge, for only a few months. The final chapter of her life was exceptionally happy. I cannot thank the team at Howard Lodge enough for their love and kindness to her. She settled in very quickly and felt safe and cared for. It is never

an easy decision to take but in hindsight, I would make the exact same decision and choose Howard Lodge. The place is bright, modern and clean. The reason, however, why it is such a great place is the staff. Without exception they were fabulous. I cannot think of a time they were sitting in the office -they were always sitting chatting or helping the residents. I unreservedly recommend Howard Lodge to anyone thinking of a care home.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Home Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for such wonderful feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to know your mum for the time we did, she is greatly missed by us all. Thank you too for being such a great family.
We are very proud of our staff team and the care we provide. Our whole staff team care and receiving such positive feedback, makes our job more worthwhile. Thank you once again.

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Review from Pauline H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 August 2016 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The care that the staff provide is excellent, my mum has many problems which all the staff understand and care for her as if she were their mum or nan.

This home gives me peace of mind everyday that my mum is loved and cared for at all times.

I am always informed of any changes and feel very comfortable

with all the staff and management whom are all extremely approachable.

Rooms are very spacious and having their own bathroom is great.

Everyone is encouraged to make their rooms feel like home with personal belongings so they feel at home.

The care this home shows is 100% person centered care and that is the most important thing I believe for families knowing your loved ones are cared for.

Well done to all Howard Lodge staff you should all be proud of the job you do.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Home Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you Pauline for such a wonderful review. It is always lovely to receive thanks for all the hard work the staff team at Howard Lodge do. We are also so very lucky to have such supportive families and friends who work with us to achieve our aim of ensuring the health and wellbeing of all our residents. Thank you, once again.

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Review from Liz J (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2016 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We have viewed over 30 care homes in Essex and have stayed in two others (both bad experiences), prior to this our loved one was at home with us for four years until the progression of the disease became too much, so this has been a long process to find somewhere that we are okay with. This is by far

the BEST care home there is. The design of the home with separate units for the various stages of dementia is perfect. The staff always know exactly what is going on with my loved one and are pro-active and on the ball to alert us to any issues. They want to work with you to find the best solution. It is not about profits it is about real care looking after people who are very ill. Every leader who I have met whether it is unit manager, manager of home, housekeeping manager is dedicated to doing the best for the residents. My loved one has severe Alzheimer’s at a young age and so can be very challenging, the carers are always patient and caring. Thank you to all.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Home Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for the positive feedback. it is always very refreshing to hear relatives feedback.
I have passed your review onto the Team caring for your loved one.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Bill B (Son of Resident) published on 31 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Home is good and clean - the staff are excellent - my only criticism is the activities which are very limited - not enough opportunities for residents to attend activities outside the home (only 1 organised trip out since Christmas)
Food is okay but very basic.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Home Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

We are always seeking feedback from relatives and visitors to the home as well as from the residents who live here.
We send satisfaction surveys to residents, relatives, staff and professionals to ensure we continue to provide a quality service to all our residents.
After reading Bills feedback I contacted him and invited him to meet with me to discuss his feedback and how we could improve. Bill did not feel we needed to meet and said that 90% of the service we provide is excellent.
We discussed activities and the choices on offer. We do provide a varied choice and have begun to use the garden to play bowls etc.
We have also started a D.I.Y. club and gardening club.
This will be held in the afternoons, times will be advertised and residents informed.
We also discussed the food choices, Bill stated that at times his Dad has said the food can be bland and he likes curries etc.
We do provide curries and spicy foods as part of our lunch menu. As Bill usually visits around tea time he may not have seen these choices provided.
I have assured Bill we will in future keep him informed more about the activities offered and what ones his dad has taken part in.
We will also inform him about the meal choices and what dad has chosen.
Thank you Bill for your feedback.
I hope our discussion was helpful.
Lin,
Home Manager

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Review from Amanda H (Niece of Resident) published on 28 May 2016 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Lovely care home, the staff are always pleasant and do a great job as sometimes very testing (as my aunt has severe Alzheimers) but are always kind and caring, nothing is to much trouble. Thankyou.

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Howard Lodge Care Centre Reviews (48)

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