Gittisham Hill House Care Home

We have just returned from Gittisham Hill House where we were treated to Christmas Day lunch with my mother. The staff worked tirelessly to make this a really special day. There were masses of visitors, some staying for lunch and some just visiting. All were treated to a warm welcome from all the staff who were calm and efficient despite being extremely busy.

The staff make a huge effort to keep everyone amused/engaged.

My uncle has had an average service from October-November. He moved rooms and can't complain as the staff have been extremely helpful. His previous room was very poor and far too small for anyone to live in, more like a rabbit hutch. In that room, the hot water is still not available!! Appalling.

I am always made welcome as soon as I arrive. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

Thank you to all.

This is a kind and caring home with patient staff. It is extremely well led. Senior management, although always busy, find time to discuss problems which are well dealt with. They also have time for the relatives of the residents. My husband's difficult behaviours were thoughtfully dealt with. If I were to need care I would not hesitate to stay here.

Lunch was delicious and served very nicely. All freshly cooked. The sweet of ice cream and homemade mango sauce was excellent.

My mother spent her last years at Gittisham Hill House. I cannot fault the care she was given from everyone, even though she was difficult to deal with at times, she was still treated with care and respect. Gittisham is the nicest and cleanest I have seen, and I did look at quite a few. I would recommend this care home to everyone.

My grandmother had complex needs which were very well dealt with at the home. She could be rather abusive and rude at times but was always cared for in a polite and dignified way.

Mum is happy in her surroundings. I feel that she is in a safe and secure environment and is well looked after.

All staff have a real connection with residents and display genuine love and affection. Standards of care together with facilities, activities and entertainment have all improved considerably since the new manager took over earlier this year.

Personal care, such as cutting fingernails, care of spectacles and dressing in the morning could be improved.

As a son, and coupled with family dynamics, I feel that my concerns and need for updates on Mum's health and care needs have been overlooked in the past while first (and sometimes only) contact is with my sister. Interestingly, I find this more of an issue with social services, GPs etc. The manager has responded positively to my concerns on this matter.

Management is excellent, they contact family on visits and any queries are welcomed. Patients have activities - quizzes which are stimulating for them.

The new manager has positioned herself within the residential home and is, therefore, more accessible to residents, family and staff. It has become more homely and friendly. Improvements being made all the time.

Always clean. Residents are very well looked after, clean fresh clothes, tidy groomed hair and fantastic entertainment daily, with trips out. My family member joined this care home a very poorly lady, the first class care in this home, with the in-house nurse and daily visits from the doctor, has brought her back to life.

New manager is improving facilities and activities in the home. There is a more welcoming feel to the home.

Choosing a care home for my father had to meet all the qualities of care, facilities, cleanliness, caring nurses and staff and room facilities, basically what equated to a platinum care home for my dad. After visiting 26 care homes within a 20-mile radius of Sidmouth, Gittisham Hall was the only one that met these important criteria. Not only for my dad but the whole family are happy and content, knowing my dad is really well looked after, safe and happy. Thank you Gittisham.

The team have also helped me to come to terms with the fact that I cannot look after my mother myself due to the progression of dementia.

My husband was welcomed in March and settled well. The staff treated him kindly and with humour, especially when he asked for a beer or glass of red wine! He was always dressed well and shaving and manicures were fine. The lady running the activities worked hard to make the events enjoyable and appropriate. He enjoyed his meals and I was always offered coffee or tea. The atmosphere was peaceful in what could be difficult situations.

I've put good against areas I don't have enough knowledge of to give excellent.

Clean, organised and friendly. The staff truly know and care for my Grandfather.

My father has been a resident for 4 years, he is nearly 96 years old. No matter what time of day I visit, the welcome is always warm (from staff) and dad is happy. The staff are endlessly patient and kind with my father whose behaviour can be challenging on occasion. Whilst busy the staff tend to find time to chat and update me on my father's condition. Other residents generally seem relaxed, happy and well cared for.