Bridge Haven Care Centre

During July 2017 my wife has spent three weeks on respite care. During this period, I have been very impressed with all aspects of the care she has received. She is happy and has enjoyed the various social arrangements.
Whilst my wife has very poor communication skills, it is clear to me, she is in a safe and caring environment. I will be happy to place her on a long term permanent basis.

The ongoing care and support that my mother received from the care staff is first rate. The compassion and devotion shown is evident. We visit regularly and the rapport between mum and the staff is clear to see. Mum is in a very good environment and I am content that mum is cared for, A more personal understanding approach by management towards the staff would enhance the feel good factor in the home.

I have found this care home to be well run. The staff show care and consideration for the people in their charge. In my mother's case, she calls them her friends.

The room she sleeps in is perfectly adequate for her needs. We have spoken to other residents and they all say the food is good.

The home itself is clear with a modern appearance.

The decision to place a loved family member into care is always going to be a difficult one but the staff at Bridge Haven allay concerns; compassionate, caring and kind they go out of their way to build relationships with their residents as well as looking after them.
The building has a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere with bright airy lounges, family and visitors can access kitchenettes to make hot/cold drinks although staff always offer, my father's room is well furnished and cleaned to the highest standard. A real "home from home" feeling with a cinema room and "snug" by way of bonus.

Carers are always helpful and attentive. They engage with the residents and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. There's always something going on and my dad loves it there. The food is good too and the rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. All in all, it is much nicer than other care homes I have visited and the complete opposite from the 'Gods waiting room' atmosphere in most care homes.

My mother's care at the Haven has been really good. The staff are great, doing a very difficult, specialised job for which they are outrageously underpaid. Though this has regrettably resulted in many staff changes in the time my mother has been there, luckily there a core of extremely professional, dedicated people who have provided the continuity that is vital to everyone's care.
You must invest more in training and appropriate pay for these marvellous people!

In general, I am happy with the care Mum receives and most of the staff are caring and helpful. There have been a couple of occasions when I have not been satisfied with the standard of care especially at the weekends when Mum has been left in bed, her pads not changed, neither has she been washed or had anything to eat. This I feel is due to a shortage of staff which I find unacceptable. I also find that the staff do not always fill in the necessary information in the handover notes and I often have to repeat conversations several times to find out what is happening.
It is difficult to give an overall score to the questions below as it depends on what staff are on duty, some are much better than others.

Bridge Haven is a friendly home with caring professional staff which includes not only the care staff but also the domestics, admin, kitchen and maintenance staff. Many of the care staff (mainly Avante employees) have been employed for years which is reassuring for residents and families. Most agency staff are again regulars who therefore are familiar to both residents and their families. The Home is well maintained (very rarely smells), rooms bright and airy, on one level and food excellent. It also benefits from lovely outside spaces and internal areas for families to take their family member when visiting. Things do go wrong and some residents are particularly challenging. Staff (only the manager is a nurse) do their best in the event of illness or accidents and seek expert help if required. Varied activities are organised. Take up is limited by residents abilities and willingness to participate. An active family forum is supportive and inclusive. My mother has been a resident for 4 years.