Downham Grange Nursing Home

A bizarre situation in kitchenette whereby no dishwasher is allowed due to regulations and care staff have to hastily wash up often quite large amounts by hand in lukewarm water and dried using dubious tea towels. Then there is a note on the main door about stopping the spread of norovirus…!

Provision of continence aids and pants was a big problem - constantly being borrowed from other sources. I was told after two months that pads were my responsibility and directed to a chemist to make the purchase. Insufficient staff for daily busy times.

My husband settled very easily into Downham Grange, due largely to the caring staff, but also the pleasant surrounding sand calm atmosphere.e other residents I have got to know are happy in the home. I always feel welcomed and enjoy my visits. There is a nice range of activities, particularly for the more mentally able, but I would like to see a more pro-active and inclusive approach in the dementia unit. Staff work hard in the time they have and I know there are several initiatives underway to make this area more stimulating for residents.

I have no idea of any activities given if any. Mum cannot remember what happened 5 minutes ago so I cannot comment on that.

The nursing staff are excellent and full on with her needs.

My only complaint would be a loss of clothing items. Although most were named such as underwear, support stockings and dressing gown for sure, very often other people's clothes were placed Mum's wardrobe.

I can only comment on my own experiences, which have been very positive. My mother has been at Downham Grange for nearly 2 years. I cannot praise the staff that look after mum enough. They are kind, caring, warm and friendly. She has quite complex needs and they have been brilliant in making her time there less stressful. I have always been kept informed about mums care and they have been extremely supportive. There have been periods of managerial change (something all care homes I think experience) but I never found that affected the care given to mum. The Nurses and care - support staff do a brilliant job.

But overall highly praised for the care levels of the staff, all fantastic.

Excellent information given at first contact and subsequent visit. Highly supportive towards family and resident. Surroundings peaceful and welcoming. All visitors have highly commended to me following visits. I did have concerns having read the recent CQC inspection report but can report that there have been no issues regarding this. They have swiftly recovered. My Mother-in-law constantly praises the staff for their care and support. She is comfortable, clean and safe and the pain has gone from her face. The recent experience of hospitalisation and transition to nursing home has been a frightening one but having found a place here, there has been a HUGE weight lifted.

The majority of staff are friendly, helpful, kind and caring, although at times there doesn't seem to be enough of them on duty. Bed linen and rooms are kept clean. Rooms are a good size for residents bits and bobs. Midday meals are varied and look appetising and at least the residents are being offered something different from sandwiches or soup every tea time. There is always a jug of squash in the room and tea or coffee offered regularly. My main concern is with personal hygiene as my uncle doesn't always smell very clean, I am aware that if he refuses to be washed and showered the staff cannot make him and that if they are very busy or short handed they cannot always return to see him later in the day. As things stand I am quite happy that my uncle is kept warm, safe and fed in Downham Grange. It's a hundred times better than the last care home he was in.

I visit this lady weekly, front office staff are charming, carers are very pleasant and appear kind. While I am there lunch arrives, fish needs to be cut up and it doesn't always happen. The room is pleasant and clean. The stairs to the top floor are not always tidy. There are times when I visit the lady and she is not always dressed by 11:15.

The care and food I am given is excellent. The staff are very friendly.