Larchwood Care Home

My mother has only been at the home for approx 1 month but has settled in nicely. She was shown into the home after recovering from a broken hip. At 91 years of age with dementia she has not yet complained. The staff have been great. Very helpful and caring.

My mum is extremely happy in Larchwood and very comfortable with the staff looking after her. They are incredibly dedicated to what is a very hard job. They are very respectful of my mum's dignity and desire for privacy but are always there when needed. On occasions when she has been taken ill they have always acted promptly and done all the right things keeping me informed at all times day or night.

Although the staff cannot force residents to do anything, my dad needs exercise because of bad circulation on hospitals request, this is not being carried out. Last Sunday my daughter visited with her dog of which fluff was left on floor from her toy, this was still there Monday lunch time. His bed was wet, when buzzer pressed to change bed it took ages for anyone to come. They stripped bed but was going to leave dirty duvet and pillows on bed. The activities are very poor, almost non existent. Some residents are just wandering around the corridors most of the time. There needs to be a great improvement.

Just a brief chat as mum had only been in Larchwood for a month. All okay though.

By far the most understanding and welcoming home I've experienced. As a maintenance engineer covering council run homes I see a lot of different approaches to care and Larchwood Home and especially staff are by far the most professional and supportive I've had the pleasure to be involved with.

10 out of 10 on all accounts.

I was apprehensive about putting my mum into a care home to begin with. But when I went to Larchwood and met some of the staff, my fears were alleviated. I am impressed with the care my mum gets because her every need is taken care of, from safety; health needs; personal care such as hairdressing, pedicure, manicure, chiropodist; activities and outings. The whole place is kept very clean and tidy and every resident is called by name by ALL the staff. I feel very lucky that Larchwood could take my mum and I think she feels that way too.

The home is very good,. Comfortable bedrooms and very caring staff. Plus plenty of good food.

My mother was taken into respite care at short notice on 22nd December due to my father being taken seriously ill and hospitalised. The staff are excellent in all aspects both in regard to my mother and ourselves. They show a great level of respect and understanding. The home itself is clean, bright and well presented with a very homely and relaxed feeling.

3. Sent to hospital to investigate a fall (her second requiring plaster during her stay). Not escorted and family were not informed. She was unaccompanied six hours. No food/drink. as no one was with her. She returned without meds. When this was highlighted by her son she was told they would sort it Monday. Her son sorted it that night. I feel that two members of staff deal with any concerns but we have had to return to the same issues time and again, 1 and 2 in particular. We are proactive in her care. What happens when a resident does not have an active advocate?

The staff are very caring and helpful you cannot fault them but I would like to say they are not forceful enough. When you tell them your concerns about my dad needing to walk around more as his circulation is not right, as it was tested at hospital, I am very concerned. Also the cleaners in his room could be better. My sister and I am also not impressed with the cleanliness where his bed linen is concerned.

My mother is well cared for by all the carers she seems very happy and enjoys the food and activities. All staff are always friendly and very helpful. The gardens always look good no matter time of year.