The Old School House

The staff were extremely kind and friendly. They were patient in dealing with both my sister and myself. During this period of Covid and not being able to go in and see the home or my dad the staff were excellent at communicating with my self and my sister. They seemed to be kind to my dad but he was not happy in the home because it was so noisy. Bells are constantly ringing and he could hardly hear us speak on the phone. The home would benefit by having a separate phone line for residents (mobile) so that you could contact staff and residents separately. If my dad raised a problem and nodded off whilst we were talking, the phone line would be open and I wasn’t able to alert staff. But the staff were definitely patient and kind when speaking to me and my sister. More approachable than where my dad is now. We moved my dad to a home more local to myself and less noisy.

I am so impressed with The Old School House during this difficult time of lockdown. Mum moved to the home just before the lockdown began and I have spoken to staff several times during this period and feel very reassured that every effort has been made to keep the residents safe. After a short adjustment period, Mum seems to be settling in really well. I live in Spain and it is a great comfort that she is in the best place and is being looked after so well. I thank you all.

After my mum (who suffers with advanced dementia) needed to go into a care home due to a broken pelvis we were assured she was in the best place by the manager. My mum was unable to walk or stand unaided so we agreed the best course of action was to instigate a pressure mat beside her bed and an alarm on her door to alert staff if my mum moved from her bed. This was critical for my mum due to her injury. Sadly after entrusting my mums care to The Old School House, they did not even plug my mum's pressure alarm in or even close her door. This rendered her vulnerable all night. When I went in in the early morning, I discovered that the night staff were not even aware my mum had a pressure mat or needed the door alarm. A member of staff tried to hide the unplugged mat and informed me she didn’t need it because she had alarm beside her bed. My mum has no capacity to understand how to use an alarm. I removed my mum immediately for her own safety . Unfit for purpose.

The food looked lovely and the home gave a very good impression.

Over this month, The Old School House has improved significantly. Concerns have started to be addressed, new furniture and some painting (further required). Hopefully, this will continue.

If I ever found myself in a position where I needed 24 hour care, I hope I would be allowed to reside here.