The Old Downs Care Centre

Very satisfied with the overall care and professionalism of the staff. Improvements could be made in the common areas as there is always a very unpleasant and unfortunate odour which could be mostly eliminated with a review/improvement to the air circulation, also air fresheners. As my grandchildren alway ask why does it smell so bad.

My mum has been in the Old Downs for nearly five years now. I can only praise the manager and the entire team for their care, support and dedication to all the residents needs. Their continuing support for both my mother and I has been amazing. I cannot thank them all enough in what at times has been very difficult circumstances.

When my mother first took up residence in The Old Downs the atmosphere in the home was happy and jolly if at times a bit chaotic! I was always offered a drink and if it was a meal time when I was there, something to eat.

Sadly it no longer seems a happy place, this may be due to the very high dependency of many of the residents and seeing to their personal needs is a non-stop occupation. I travel almost three hours to get there and I am never offered a drink even when the drink trolley is being bought round. If the home was as it is now when I was looking for care I do not think it is the place I would have chosen.

Activities are often on the go, whilst Mum often declines to participate she is encouraged but her ultimate wish is respected.

Senior carers are excellent.

My mother is in the home. If there are any problems with her the staff call me straight away. She is very well looked after and the staff are very friendly. She seems very happy there.

Dad has been here since February and I can't speak highly enough of the care he has received. It was a hard decision to move Dad to a home but has been made easier knowing how happy and settled he is here. We are always informed of events we can attend as a family and are welcomed every time we visit with a cup of tea and a biscuit or homemade cake which is delicious!

Returning early hours to home staff again made her comfortable, making tea, snacks. Thank you to all staff members doing an amazing job.

Our experience within the home is satisfactory. Our relative seems very happy on a daily basis. Concerns that we have had have been addressed in a timely fashion. Carers seem to treat residents with dignity and when issues have arisen we have been updated. The activity supervisor meets the needs and capabilities of the residents.

My mother has been a resident for a few years now and the standard of care has remained consistently excellent. The dedicated staff are supportive and communicate effectively with family members. I would not hesitate to recommend The Old Downs as a residential care centre that puts people first.

I am very grateful.

Very impressed with the care home. Staff give the residents dignity and respect. Food fab, never a problem to have lunch or dinner with relatives. Rooms clean and tidy, activities good and tries to engage members. Staff pleasant and facilities good.

Next time I'd like brown bread, please.

As soon as we looked around this care home we knew it was the one for our granny. The love that the staff give to the residents is clear, nothing is too much trouble and they are always happy to be there. Our granny is so happy and contented in her new surroundings which is extremely important to us. We would recommend this home to anyone who is struggling with putting their loved one in a home - you won't regret it.

All the staff could not be more hardworking, caring and supportive. I spend a fair amount of time away from home and in the past, I have felt anxious when leaving my father. I no longer worry about that, knowing Dad is being well cared for and I was extremely grateful to them recently when they e-mailed me photos of dad enjoying an afternoon tea party for his birthday. When visiting, I am often shown photos of Dad participating in activities etc, which is lovely to see, knowing he is enjoying himself and is happy and content.

I would say that one of the most important things about a home of any sort is "the staff". The staff at The Old Downs are hard working, patient, caring and kind. The team in the kitchen are also hard working and create lovely nourishing meals, cakes and snacks. Management and entertainment team do their best to create stimulating activities for all.

I am in the most vulnerable situation imaginable living on the other side of the world. However, I feel blessed to know that my mum is being loved and cared for every day. I am always made to feel very welcome when I visit my mum in her home surrounded by professional carers and countless cups of tea!

I think the quality and variety of food that is prepared for the resident is outstanding (the taste is also good since I have sampled many just to be helpful). I think the activities have greatly improved in the past two years and the staff never fail to be supportive, friendly and caring.

Overall, we are very pleased with the level of care.

My mother has been a resident for 17 months and has had excellent care from her first day. Her care has continually been of a very high standard and I have great confidence in all staff at all levels. I am regularly updated if there are any concerns as well as if my mother's health changes. The care home has a very friendly atmosphere at all times with cheery faces. Residents are kept as active as allows, staff work hard to make sure all the resident's needs are met at all times. There are meetings for relatives/relations periodically. All in all, a good care home, and I am pleased to have been able to get my mother a place.