Elmside

Having had a traumatic time in hospital in late December 2017, followed by reasonable care at a respite home in Stevenage, I was so thankful when my husband was given a place at Elmside Care Home. From his first day at Elmside, it was like being at home but with the specialist care that he needed. As a family, we were always made to feel welcome and during his final days were offered food and drinks, it felt like belonging to a big happy family. The staff were always caring and compassionate and even now my husband is no longer a resident, it feels like we still belong to that family. The staff are truly amazing people. A huge thank you from all my family.

Dad had vascular dementia. The staff at Elmside, Cedars wing, recognised the man he was due to his illness but understood the man was slowly losing. In particular, they cared for and befriended my mother, who visited almost every day and found it hard to cope with losing her husband of almost 60 years. Dad disappeared bit by bit over the 6 months he was in Cedars. During this time we were always made welcome whenever we visited if it was a mealtime we were able to eat with Dad. Towards the end of his life, we were with dad as much as possible, the staff made us cups of tea and sandwiches appeared to keep us going. Every member of staff from the cleaners to the manager comforted us if we were upset. My Dad was treated as an individual and respected as a person by everyone right to the end of his life. As a family we will always be grateful to all of the staff who included dad and us in their 'family', they surpassed our expectations in every way. Thank You.

Looking around the premises before my father became a resident I was very impressed by the welcoming attitude of the staff, their willingness to show me around and to take their time to answer any of my concerns. Everywhere was spotlessly clean, the bedrooms being spacious and having a pleasant outlook. The idea of the shop was well thought out to give residents a sense of independence. Also, lots of seating areas for residents to sit with their visitors. Talking to activities coordinator lots of varied activities on offer. Overall there was an air of sunshine, light, peace and calm about the whole place.

Each staff member from the manager, administrators, catering, cleaners and especially the maintenance men who helped me set up the room to make it cosy are so friendly and carry out their duties with such empathy and care. Nothing is too much trouble. I am very impressed with the high standard of care and dedication given by all of the staff. A big thank you. Such a lovely home.

The carers were kind, the two managers made us feel special. Mum was reluctant at 98 to go in, but she settled and they were brilliant with her. Sadly she died after four months the care she was given in her last days was amazing. We are sure had she gone there years before she would still be here now. A lovely place, lovely people. I can't thank them enough.

My Mother went to stay at Elmside Care Home due to not being able to care for herself any longer. She did not want to leave her house but from day one she amazed me how well she took to life in a care home, calling all the carers and residents her new friends. She loved the food three time a day, biscuits and tea in between, no cooking, cleaning or ironing. She loved to sit in her room with the door open saying hello and waving to people as they passed her door, carers stopped by and had a chat. But, unfortunately, her age (94) was catching up with her and she passed away. But she really enjoyed the last 4 months.

A very well run home with caring staff. My relative was very reluctant to live at the Home however, after the kind and caring attitude from all the staff in all areas, my relative has settled in very quickly.

Excellent care in all respects. Cannot praise the Staff and Home highly enough. My sister was looked after extremely well during a very difficult time. We as her family were given all the help and consideration we required. She was treated with complete dignity. I would like to thank you all very much indeed.

In Feb Mum was admitted to hospital and 2 weeks later discharged for “end of life” care- I was devastated but with the help of the Parkinson’s Nurse we got her back to Elmside - I knew she would be happier and properly cared for there. Sadly, soon after she passed away.

I cannot praise the Elmside Management, their excellent Carers and the Chaplain, enough for their kindness and compassion. Mum was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. They supported me throughout and made our visitors very welcome; they were also very impressed.

Elmside made my Mum’s last days more bearable for all of us - I’m not sure they realise what a difference they made - so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If I ever have to go into Care I hope it’s at Elmside.

When I first visited my aunt at Elmside, the first thing that struck me was it had a lovely calm feel to it. The residents were all just sitting down to their evening meal, once all seated, grace was said by one lady. I found this very moving. The staff served and assisted as required, the food looked delicious. The rooms and the environment are exceptional and the staff all seemed very happy. My mother-in-law had been in a care home, how my husband and I wished we knew about Elmside. For a family member to have to go into a care home, is not an easy decision, I could not recommend Elmside more highly. Our aunt was treated with such respect and dignity, and as a family, we were supported throughout. The manager and his staff could not have done any more for us.

All staff at Elmside provided excellent care for my dad for the 15 months he was there, he was treated very respectfully and nothing was a problem for the staff. Elmside have now found a manager that can deal with all aspects of the care home (at last!!), I have now recommended my auntie to go to Elmside.

Recognising that we could no longer care for my Dad at home was very hard for the family, but we are confident that he is well looked after, and in fact, the level of stimulation exceeds what we could provide for him ourselves.

Thank you without end!

As hoped, Mum is 'home at Elmside' - we just wish she could 'see' how lovely you all are and her surroundings! That will never be...but she knows how kind and caring you all are to her, how lovely the surroundings are. We describe the people, pictures and colours and enjoy time with her. She loves outdoors, enjoying the air; the sounds; the wonderful scents of the flowers and conversations with passing residents and their families and visitors. She enjoys every activity too!

Thank you.

My father has been in Elmside for 13 months. He entered of his own volition, knowing the home from occasional visits over some years. He was made to feel welcome and settled in remarkably quickly, feeling from the outset that it was the right decision to move there. During his time, the staff have been friendly and attentive. The facilities and decor have exceeded the expectations of him and his family. The quality and quantity of food is so good that despite having little appetite, he has gained weight. Despite being a very fussy eater, there have only been one or two dishes he was not keen on.

It is a great comfort to his family to know that he is taken such good care of; we really appreciate all that the management and staff do for him. Having visited other care homes, I know that this high standard is not available everywhere. I cannot fault Elmside in any way.

My mother (96) moved to Elmside 7 months ago after living alone for 10 years. She was immediately impressed by the building in general and her own room in particular. The facilities and the decor meet with great favour. She tells me how well equipped and well staffed Elmside is. She is not a particularly sociable person however she has always been comfortable with the staff and is impressed with the level of care - she says that everyone does their best to help her and she feels that they genuinely care about her well-being. This is true not only of the carers but also of the hospitality staff, who go out of their way to make sure that she has everything she needs to feel 'at home'.

Since being at Elmside her health and her confidence have improved and she is increasing her interactions with the other residents, and bis beginning to join in with group events.

I have visited other care homes in the region and am certain that I made the right choice for her.

I could not have asked for a better environment for him.