Barchester Hickathrift House

The musical activity afternoons have a marked therapeutic effect on all the residents and their relatives.

My mum has been at Hickathrift for a year now and although her dementia has increased, the staff remain calm and kind and continue to treat her as normal as possible. The most beneficial part of her care is that most of the staff live close by and remain constant so my mum knows them all and feels safe with them. She has lots of niggly ailments associated with dementia but the district nurse comes very quickly and dresses her very tender skin when she knocks herself. I have to drive a long, difficult journey to visit her and it is a tremendous relief to know when I leave that she is being looked after well and is safe.

The staff are well skilled at all levels and well chosen for their individual jobs. They are conscious of their responsibilities and we as a family are kept well informed of any possible issues at all times. We feel assured that our mother is receiving the best care in the best place given that many variables can be forced into the equation when making a decision to place a loved ageing parent into a residential care home. Many might say that they couldn't possibly do that. Most of our family are still active with work, "Mum" needs people around here, that type of care would simply not be possible if she were to live with any one of us.

I would like to commend the staff at Hickathrift House. This is particularly to say that the deputy manager, unit manager and care assistant have supported me so strongly with updating care and the welfare of my Uncle. He is now dying and the care has been wonderful. He feels as if the staff at Hickathrift have been his family and he has spent his final years in a very happy environment. All the staff are super but I really wish to commend the three above in particular very special.

It is such a relief to know they are being cared for by people I trust and they like. I can phone at any time and any requests that I have made have been acted on without question.

Such a lovely atmosphere in the home.

Mum has been here for 3 years 8 months and has always been well looked after. She is very frail now and the care she receives is very good. The staff have a difficult job but they are caring, kind and supportive.

The meals are very good, well presented and nutritious.

Very good management and staff, always helpful and very kind to residents. Rooms are clean and tidy, meals excellent with a good variety. Residents always have something to do if they want to, activities are very good.

It is so reassuring that our loved one is getting great care. Dad has settled in really well!! If he is happy so is his family!! If I have any concerns the staff are reassuring. The food is very good. Dad has a lot of anxiety with his food and Hickathrift House makes sure that they accommodate his needs.

My mother has been a resident at Hickathrift House for over 5 years having been diagnosed with vascular dementia. The care she receives from the dedicated team of staff is exemplary. The attention to detail of the personal 'little things' in life makes Hickatrift a home rather than an institution and the building of the new lounge will enable the residents to relax in a communal area with all the comforts of home. With an emphasis on individual care and attention, Hickatrift offers a happy, safe, caring environment for dementia sufferers or those no longer able to remain independent. The valuable support showed to family members having to witness the decline of a loved one cannot be measured in words. I will be eternally grateful to the staff at Hickathrift for making my Mum's twilight years as happy and comfortable as possible. I would welcome an increase in the entertainment budget but am fully aware of the economic constraints this poses, however, we can live in hope.

I am very pleased with the facilities at the care home and the level of care that my mother receives. The care staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. I am sure that the new extension to the building in Memory Lane that has just started to be constructed, will prove to be very beneficial to the residents.

Care is excellent and the interaction between staff and residents is a joy to see.

The ambience in the facility is very good and appears to be well structured.

My wife and I are well satisfied with the care and attention that my father receives.

I think Hickathrift House fits the bill.

The home is very pleasant and the carers are very nice, however, it does sometimes appear that there aren't enough carers to deal with things. My mother often requires 2 people to move her and there often aren't 2 people available. This means that my mother, who is extremely independent then either wets or dirties her pads, which she hates doing. This then makes her miserable. She also feels she is treated as someone with dementia.

This is a good home but it very much depends on the resident. Some will speak up if there is a problem some do not, despite being told continuously, just ask. I feel for this type of resident they need to be asked specific questions. Are they feeling well or have they any pains or worries. When being washed to look out for any sore patches, ie bottoms and ask does your bottom feel sore and act accordingly. Also, ears are another issue. I understand that you are not allowed to poke the inner ear but you can ask the resident to take a cloth and clean their inner ear. Another question would be can you hear ok and replace batteries and wipe the earpiece and if necessary requesting any maintenance especially replacement of the tube which gets clogged with wax. Having eaten there myself I was not at all impressed with the food, I am well aware of difficulties with heat, again residents differ and having a meal spoilt this way is unnecessary. Common sense should be applied. They are individuals.

I stayed at Hickathrift for two and a half weeks whilst my daughter went on holiday. When I asked for different food that was not on the menu staff were happy to oblige, eg Egg sandwiches unfortunately I was on the first floor which needed a lift, which was really tiny and claustrophobic. It also broke down for two days and I had to have my meals in my room. I would have liked a bath and some of my laundry was difficult to find. I liked the chatty staff who were good company.

Whilst nowhere is perfect, having looked at many homes we are confident that Hickathrift offers a safe, friendly and caring environment.

Any concerns are listened to by the Care Manager and addressed.

Overall, we would recommend the home.

Staff are kind to residents and give them time. Only concerns - clothes can get muddled, but resolved ok. Sometimes unable to find staff when required, especially bank holidays, possibly working on minimum staff (understandably) but would prefer to see more staff at these times. Elderly very vulnerable and falls etc could happen without anyone being around to assist. Most residents seem to be happy. Food seems ok but again bank holidays not so good.

My mum's condition has deteriorated quite quickly and during the last four years previous to her going into Hickathrift House she had been very agitated and angry. I believe that she has found a sense of peace there, the staff are very attentive and caring. It is a well run home and you are made to feel like you are still part of the caring team. They always have time for you and any concerns that you may have. It came recommended to me and I would recommend it you.