Heathfield

This home has been very good. My husband has dementia with Lewy Bodies.

My father has settled in well at Heathfield and is very appreciative of the care provided by staff. Previously, a very independent person living in assisted accommodation, the transition into a care home could have been very difficult. But the staff's kind, considerate and tactful handling of my father's situation has made it so much easier for him, and reassured his family. We like the fact that we can visit without giving advance notice - the staff are always welcoming, and they have made it possible for my father to speak weekly to his brother in the U.S.A. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and it is clear that all residents are encouraged to be as active as possible, and the trips and activities are varied and imaginative.

The staff are caring, friendly, attentive and on hand to assist if need be. My father's mobility and his general health has improved since he has been at Heathfield.

The staff are very cheerful and caring and the food is freshly cooked and of excellent quality. Visitors are welcome at any time and the manager is always keen to discuss my Mother's progress and well-being. There are plenty of activities going on, with excursions being planned for Summer.

I can wholeheartedly recommend Heathfield as a small, friendly, warm place for anyone who is unable to cope in their own home any longer.

Although Mum has dementia she sometimes says to me ''I like it here, I have no complaints'' which I find very comforting !!

My mother (96) developed a bed sore grade 2 within three weeks of arriving at Heathfield. The home claimed she had arrived with a pre-existing bed sore. Instead, aged 96 she has fragile skin and a predisposition for such sores. They showed no compassion or sense of responsibility. On occasions her teeth were dirty and her pads unchanged when very soiled / wet. Furthermore, little effort was made to dress my mother in co-ordinating clothes and once at least she was dressed in a skirt so loose it fell down in public. There was a lack of supervision in the day room - I saw approximately 10 elderly residents on their own without a member of staff present. In similar circumstances, my mother fell causing significant bruising to her face. Within six weeks I moved my mother to another home whose benefits were worth the cost of the move. Heathfield is not a terrible home (some of the rooms are very nice and the atmosphere friendly), but their standards of compassionate care are too low.