Brookside is an established care home in Melksham and has been serving the local and wider Wiltshire community for over 40 years. It offers compassionate, individualised residential care for up to 50 residents, and has been awarded an overall 'Outstanding' rating in its latest CQC inspection in November 2016.
Set in its own attractive and accessible grounds which includes a patio, summerhouse, greenhouse and an attractive enclosed garden to the rear, the home is situated in a quiet residential area, a short walk from Melksham town centre.
Activities and wellbeing
The dedicated Activities Coordinator is there to make life as stimulating and varied as possible with activities, including visits to the local garden centre, games and quiz evenings, external entertainment, pamper sessions and talks and performances from local school children.
With so many well-being activities for body and mind, they also recognise that everyone needs some time to honour their spirit with relaxation and mindfulness for personal reflection. There are various lounges and comfortable seating areas around the home for you to relax quietly in.
The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) operates 71 homes and 14 extra care housing schemes across Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, West Sussex and Suffolk. OSJCT’s broad range of services includes dementia, intermediate, respite and day care, and specialised nursing.
Their ethos of care, which underpins all their activities, is based on their belief that all individuals living in their homes, should be given care that meets their individual needs. They also believe that residents and day care visitors should enjoy life in an atmosphere of warmth, harmony and understanding, being cared for by people who appreciate their need for privacy and who will respect their dignity and freedom of choice.
Group: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Person in charge: Jamie Carter (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Wiltshire Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned , Registered for a maximum of 50 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age
Admission Information: Ages 65+.
Single Rooms: 50
Rooms with ensuite WC: 0
Facilities & Services: Day Care • Respite Care • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Pets by arrangement • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Brookside: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.5 out of 10 for Brookside is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 21 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Brookside in Google's Search Results – more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.544 for Brookside is calculated as follows: ( (157 Excellents x 5) + (69 Goods x 4) + (22 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 248 Ratings = 4.544
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 24 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 48 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this care provider to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews; 3.00 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 24 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 48 months. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Brookside is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as follows:
3.00 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 10 positive Reviews (50 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 13 Reviews ÷ 10 Target Reached = 1
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Brookside has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.544) out of 10 and an Average Rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 21 Reviews over all time
Review submitted on 3 October 2018 from a Postal Card by E C (Resident). on Wednesday 3 October 2018 . Relates to September 2018.
Love it here, everyone is so kind. we go out on trips, we sing and we dance. I love life here.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 8 June 2018 from a Postal Card by Sylvia N (Wife of Resident). on Friday 8 June 2018 . Relates to May 2018.
It is a very happy crowd, always willing to help.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 5 June 2018 from a Postal Card by Jane E (Daughter of Resident). on Tuesday 5 June 2018 . Relates to May 2018.
Always found this carer consistent within her role. Extremely efficient and acts quickly and appropriately to any issues raised by me in relation to my Mum. This has been particularly evident in regard to Mum's physical and mental welfare. Thank you.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 5 June 2018 from a Postal Card by Gemma H (Granddaughter of Resident). on Tuesday 5 June 2018 . Relates to May 2018.
Very good care home, always a lot going on to keep the residents busy and happy. The staff are great with the residents and you know they are being very well cared for.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 30 January 2018 from a Postal Card by Sylvia R (Sister of Resident). on Tuesday 30 January 2018 . Relates to January 2018.
My mother was in Brookside from 1994 to 1996. My sister when she couldn't cope anymore decided to come here.
She is settled and happy here.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 30 January 2018 from a Postal Card by Druin H (Partner of Resident). on Tuesday 30 January 2018 . Relates to January 2018.
Very impresses with caring staff and standard of entertainment provided.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 29 January 2018 from a Postal Card by Alison G (Daughter of Resident). on Monday 29 January 2018 . Relates to January 2018.
I am very happy with the care my mum receives in Brookside. The staff are all very caring, patient and helpful. There are plenty of organised activities for the residents to join in and it is nice to see the weekly timetable with all the various activities and trips.
The home has recently undergone some refurbishment which has brought it more up to date. Overall I am very satisfied.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 29 January 2018 from a Postal Card by Dawn E (Daughter of Resident). on Monday 29 January 2018 . Relates to January 2018.
The quality of care at Brookside is first class. Nothing is too much trouble and they are always trying new ways to engage the residents in activities and social outings.
The new decor and furnishings make the place look homely and welcoming. I can't praise the manager and staff highly enough for their efforts.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 4 January 2018 from a Postal Card by Pamela V (Wife of Resident). on Thursday 4 January 2018 . Relates to December 2017.
I enjoy visiting my husband. I visit several times each week and I am always made very welcome. The staff are very helpful and caring.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 9 August 2017 from a Postal Card by L G (Daughter of Resident). on Wednesday 9 August 2017 . Relates to July 2017.
To all the care staff, thank you so much for your fantastic care of Mum for the last eight years. We have nothing but praise for you all. I'll miss my visits to Brookside and seeing you all.
With best wishes to you all.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 26 June 2017 from a Postal Card by David V (Volunteer). on Monday 26 June 2017 . Relates to April 2017.
I take a small team into Brookside to lead monthly services of worship for residents and visitors. We are always warmly received by our liaison manager and other staff and can see that the residents are looked after with care. The provision of food and recreation activities is excellent and the main foyer and lounge where we operate are always kept clean and tidy.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 15 March 2017 from a Postal Card by Audrey T (Resident) assisted by family/friend. on Wednesday 15 March 2017 . Relates to March 2017.
The staff are very good and I cannot fault them in any way.
I feel the staff are my friends.
I don't need much care but I see others being helped whenever they need it.
We do try lots of different activities and we get taken out.
One of the best places.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 10 February 2017 from a Website Submission by Angela H (Daughter of Resident). on Friday 10 February 2017 . Relates to February 2017.
A very friendly home, staff and management always approachable and helpful. Residents seem to be well catered for and plenty of activities throughout the week. Clean and tidy throughout. Love attending their themed events, always brings a smile to residents faces.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 7 April 2016 from a Website Submission by Raymond B (Son of Resident). on Thursday 7 April 2016 . Relates to March 2016.
My mother took up residence at Brookside in Jan 2014 and died there in March 2016. During that time she was cared for by dedicated and caring staff who we cannot praise highly enough. We saw the care and attention that she received and the genuine concern when she became terminally ill. Knowing how well she was cared for has made her passing that much easier for the family.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 3 December 2015 from a Postal Card by Margery D (Resident) assisted by family/friend. on Thursday 3 December 2015 . Relates to October 2015.
Brookside is very open, lovely in the garden when the weather is nice. The staff are excellent - they are very caring, gentle and anticipate the residents needs. It is important that they are looked after by their employees to keep them here as this is the nucleus of Brookside.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 23 October 2015 from a Postal Card by Stella M (Resident) assisted by family/friend. on Friday 23 October 2015 . Relates to October 2015.
A lovely home, very welcoming and caring, all the staff very happy and always willing to help. Can not fault them at all, would gladly go back again for respite care. I always felt safe and very well cared for.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 16 September 2015 from a Postal Card by Rachael C (Daughter of Resident). on Wednesday 16 September 2015 . Relates to September 2015.
My mum has been in Brookside twice for respite, she absolutely loves it. At home she is so lonely she has dementia and won't watch telly, at Brookside she is a different person she is happy and entertained, she loves the company and the food, at home she has micro meals because she can no longer cook. She loves playing skittles and other entertainment, she thinks she is on holiday, excellent place.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 28 August 2015 from a Postal Card by Elizabeth N (Sister of Resident). on Friday 28 August 2015 . Relates to July 2015.
My sister entered Brookside in December 2014 and remained there until she died on 25th July 2015. She was extremely happy to be cared for and found the staff extremely kind and caring. She enjoyed many of the activities provided as well as the meals. Being of a general nervous nature she felt safe and secure at the home and never complained.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 24 August 2015 from a Postal Card by Mavis K (Power of Attorney Solicitor of Resident). on Monday 24 August 2015 . Relates to July 2015.
After four years of daily care, dementia was confirmed and residential care had to be found. I visited 3 local care homes and on the fourth felt "at home" immediately. The entrance doors open into a most pleasant lounge, attractive with colour, lots of photographs, nicely presented information displayed. A pleasant well designed room with picture window was offered. My friend has been a resident for 6 months. All the staff are capable, pleasant, lots of smiles and polite and caring. This is a well organised establishment.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 24 August 2015 from a Postal Card by Margaret H (Daughter of Resident). on Monday 24 August 2015 .
Mum has been a resident at Brookside for nearly two years and I feel she has been looked after very well. The staff always seem happy and very helpful and understanding and I know there are times when it is hard for them with staff sickness, leave etc.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted on 17 August 2015 from a Postal Card by John S (Wife of Resident). on Monday 17 August 2015 . Relates to August 2015.
Our first time and hopefully not our last. As my husband is vegetarian, although eats fish, could frozen meals be brought in and placed in oven for 40 mins, and being diabetic as well, needs to be on time with all meals.
How likely would you be to recommend Brookside? Likely
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Esther Thomas, Home Manager at Brookside responded to this review on 18 Aug 2015:
Thank you for your review. I am glad that you and your husband were satisfied with his stay with us and we look forward to seeing you both again. I have taken note of your request about meals and suggest we discuss this next time you are arranging a visit to Brookside.
Job Title: Home Manager
Joined: 2016
Description:
Jamie Carter has been the Manager of Brookside since April 2016.
He has over 10 years’ experience in the care sector having started his career in 2008 at Brookside as a Carer. He worked through NVQ’s level 2 and 3 in health and social care before taking on the role of Care Leader. He went on to work at Marden Court Care Home as the Home Manager which was another residential care home within The Orders of St John Care Trust group, before finally returning to Brookside as Home Manager. He has held this post since April 2016.
Jamie likes to start his day at Brookside with a walk around the home. He will wish residents and staff good morning and find out if anything specific needs to be dealt with that day. His day ends in much the same way as Jamie takes the time to say goodbye to everyone in the home each day before he leaves.
He has a strong emotional connection to the home, its team and the residents and describes it as his second home. Jamie loves his job because every day is different which keeps things interesting. He describes the residents and team at Brookside as wonderful people and says he is lucky to wake up each morning feeling excited to go to work and see his extended family.
The best memory Jamie has of his time at Brookside so far is working with a resident on an idea to light up the front of the building with their very own Christmas light ‘switch on’. Jamie and his team raised £1500 towards this and supported the resident who had the idea to be the one to press the button.
Jamie has two children aged ten and fourteen. In his spare time, he loves to go on family walks in the countryside.
Jamie is continually looking to enhance his knowledge and skills which he passes on to his team. He sets very high standards of conduct and performance and is passionate about delivering high standard person-centred care and promoting daily living skills.
Job Title: Head of Care
Joined: 2011
Description:
Helen joined The Order of St Johns Care Trust in 2011 and holds an NVQ level 3 in health and social care. She is currently working towards her level 5 in leadership and management of health and social care services.
Helen's job is to support the care team to deliver exceptional standards of care for each resident. One of the most rewarding things for Helen about her job is seeing the residents flourish and continue to live fulfilled lives under the care of herself and her team.
Helen says that she enjoys making a difference to people’s lives. As Head of Care Helen also enjoys mentoring new team members and enhancing the quality of care provided within the home.
In her spare time, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Jasper, a long-haired Daschund. She does Zumba classes every week and loves taking holidays.
One of Helen’s favourite memories from Brookside is when they laid on a virtual cruise and the team learned traditional dances from various parts of the world and performed them for the residents.
Job Title: Head Chef
Joined: 2009
Description:
Matthew has worked in the care sector since leaving school. Joining The Order of St John Care Trust in 2009, he has worked his way up from Kitchen Assistant to Head Chef, a position which he proudly holds today.
He is a people person and loves to see the smiles on the resident's faces when they have enjoyed their meal and have full tummies.
Matthew's job is busy and varied. He can be found doing anything from ordering food to planning menus and guiding and supporting his team. Matthew is passionate and understandably proud of his five-star food hygiene rating and is determined to maintain it. Matthew takes an active and engaged approach to planning by spending time with residents and their families to constantly improve and tailor the offering.
The most challenging part of Matthew's role is the big events hosted by Brookside which are open to the community. Usually around once or twice per month, Brookside will open the doors to the community and this means that sometimes Matthew's team are tasked with catering for around a hundred people. Matthew says however that his dedicated team always work well together to rise to the challenge.
Matthew loves the variety of his job and says there is nothing more satisfying than piles of empty plates.
In his spare time, Matthew loves sport and having just bought his first home he will be spending a lot of time doing DIY.
When you listen to Matthew talk about his job you will feel the passion pouring from him. He describes the people at Brookside as his family and his team as amazing.
Matthew is determind not to let the difficulties of old age stop people from enjoying their food and will tailor his offerings to individuals particular needs, residents have entered Brookside
Job Title: Head of Care
Joined: 2018
Description:
Paul Feddery is a Head of Care with over 20 years of experience within the care industry.
Paul has completed his NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care as well as Children and Young Peoples Services. He joined OSJCT in March 2018; bringing a passion for care as well as a desire to know and understand each resident he cares for. Paul enjoys getting to know not only the people within his team, but also makes a point of getting to know every resident’s individual likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests.
He joined the care industry when he was 17 years old due to his passion to help and care for people. Paul finds his role unique and loves the challenge of no two days being the same; working within dementia care he enjoys thinking outside the box.
Paul has spent time managing a residential home as well as starting up his own care company. He now prefers his role which allows him to take each shift as it comes and he takes pride and pleasure in focusing entirely on his residents.
In his spare time, Paul is a keen dog lover and has been all around the country, showing his dogs in various competitions, not to mention WINNING CRUFTS!
Job Title: Activities Coordinator
Joined: 2000
Description:
Elena has worked in the care sector for twenty years, eighteen of which have been spent with The Order of St John Care Trust. She first entered care as she wanted to do something meaningful that would impact positively on her community.
Elena ensures that Brookside is a constant hive of activity by planning varied and diverse activities led by the residents' likes and interests. Elena regularly plans trips out into the community whether that be a trip to the local garden centre or a big day out at the beach, she likes to make sure that residents have something to look forward to.
Elena explains that the team at Brookside set very high standards for themselves where activities are concerned. She says that no matter how unorthodox or challenging a concept may be, if the residents want it they will move mountains to make it happen. The ultimate reward for Elena is seeing the smiles on the residents' faces.
One of Elena's fondest moments at Brookside was when they hosted 'I'm a carer get me out of here'. Always willing to sacrifice themselves for their residents the team ate dried scorpions and worms, stuck their heads in slime and competed to provide entertainment within the home.
In Elena's spare time you might find her gardening or taking long walks in the countryside.
Job Title: Head Housekeeper
Joined: 2009
Description:
Jeanette has worked in the care industry for sixteen years and joined The Order of St John Care Trust in 2009.
Jeannette starts each day with a walk around the home with Home Manager Jamie. They discuss and prioritise what needs to be done that day and then Jeannette will work with her team to make sure these things are achieved. Jeannette takes a great deal of pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the home. Sometimes this can be a big challenge but Jeanette has the attitude that if like gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Jeannette is a people person so loves to spend time getting to know the residents and making sure they are happy and feeling valued. Jeannette and her team also like to encourage residents to join the team to help keep the home clean and this provides those individuals with a greater sense of well-being and a feeling of worth.
Jeanette's favourite memory of the home is sitting in a bath of custard, jelly and baked beans in order to raise money for the residents' amenities fund.
In her spare time, you may find Jeannette walking or running and enjoying the countryside
February 2018
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Thursday 01 Feb 2018
April 2017
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Saturday 01 Apr 2017
February 2016
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Monday 15 Feb 2016
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