Willow Bank Residential Home

I cannot thank the staff enough for all their love and support to my mother in her last months. This place is like one big family with a lovely homely atmosphere. They show respect and dignity to everyone.

I can't speak highly enough of Willow Bank. My dad's care is exceptional. All the staff really do care about the residents and their attention and love is second to none. It is like he is part of their family. My dad has dementia and all his needs are taken care of promptly and without any questions. The communication to and from Willow Bank is excellent and we are always kept in the loop as to what is happening. Our advice is also sought should a problem arise. The best thing is the amount of activities that are organised. They are appropriate to the age group and the carers don't treat the residents like children. I think my dad has benefited from being there and I am happy in the knowledge that he is being extremely well looked after.

My Mum had daycare for some time at Willow Bank and was then a resident full-time for the last three weeks of her life. I cannot praise the team enough. The care they showed her was exceptional and the fact that I was able to stay with her round the clock for the last few days of her life and be met with such compassion and dignity for my mum too is something I will always be extremely grateful for. Willow Bank went above and beyond for us - We can’t thank them enough and although those last few days were extremely difficult I am so grateful I had the opportunity to spend that time with my mum and witnessed the lovely relationship she had with so many staff members. Thank you all.

Mum has been looked after here for coming up to two years. She doesn't engage much but can always manage a smile for her carers. Great range of activities to keep residents stimulated and happy. She is so well looked after, such a weight off our shoulders knowing she is so well cared for. Being a small home suits our mum as it's a nice, friendly atmosphere.

Where to start? The staff make a home, and that's what Willow Bank is, my mum's home. An inviting place filled with love, respect, humility and humour. Residents are impeccably respected and cared for; even the most challenging. It's a place where the cruelty of dementia is laid bare, but met head-on with a heart-warming tenderness. We are lucky to have been able to place my mum in their care. From the management down to the youngest member of staff, it's the place I'd want to be should I be unfortunate enough to need it. I know my mum is cared for and is loved in WB and that puts my family at ease. I only wish my dad could have ended his days in the Willow Bank embrace. I count the staff; every one of them as friends. The food is amazing (just like the cooks), the entertainment is quality and frequent, and the parties; well, they're legendary - and good for the soul. There's nothing I can say that can adequately express my gratitude but I hope these comments go some way to doing so.

There's always something happening at Willow Bank. Singers come in with a mixture of styles, a good old-fashioned piano sing-along to some top local acts. A lovely dance teacher comes in for a bit of chair dancing and stretches. A hairdresser every week and someone always offers a bit of nail pampering and colour. The therapy dog comes around regularly with his waggy tail in exchange for a stroke. Even a local nursery visit to bring some youth to the lounge with songs and drawings. The staff always keep an eye out for everyone, doing a wonderful job of looking after the residents (from helping them to get around, personal hygiene, making sure everyone has regular drinks) They take the time to sit with residents and listen. A dedicated cook ensures a varied menu. Then there are the games, play your cards right, bingo, snakes and Ladders and general knowledge quizzes. I'd definitely recommend Willow Bank to anyone looking for a caring care home for a family member.

Wonderful place, close to home, clean warm and welcoming. Staff are fantastic, always have an activity on everyday, which you can also attend. Ticks all the boxes I’ve needed. They looked after everyone over Christmas really well.

Willowbank is an exceptional residential home. We couldn't ask for more. The staff are wonderful and feel like friends. I trust them implicitly with mum’s care as I know they treat her as if she were their own. I go most days and can honestly say it’s a joy. The residents are so well looked after, with so much love, care, compassion and dignity. They have high-quality home-cooked food and they cater for individual tastes and needs. The effort they put into the entertainment programme is fabulous; with different singers booked, the local nursery children coming in, Sam the dog, armchair exercise classes, trips out to the pub for food and entertainment as well as quizzes, baking and crafts. I love how family members are welcomed to join in too, it really has the best homely atmosphere with clearly very happy residents. Spot on!

The food is all home-cooked and amazing. Entertainment is great. Overall I feel staff go above and beyond to enable residents to feel happy and safe. Thank you everyone we appreciate your kindness and hard work.

My mum has recently been for daycare at Willow Bank; going 7 days a week, ate all her meals there and only came home for the evenings and to sleep. The care mum received was second to none. Even though she was initially resistant to being looked after, (and not always the easiest person to help because of her condition), the staff were so kind and compassionate and treated her with love and dignity. During her time there, mum's health and appetite improved significantly because of the excellent care and support she received. It felt like a real home, cosy and informal, nothing was ever too much trouble. Every single member of staff was genuinely lovely and obviously highly competent. I wished for a vacancy for residential but (not surprisingly!) they were full with a waiting list. Yet they even helped smooth the transition to another home for residential care. I am so grateful, can't speak of them highly enough, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Our experience only covered by a short period, 7 weeks from start to finish; my mum went in at the end of life from a stint in hospital and then the Willow Bank was recommended to me. From my very first phone call enquiring, I felt reassured they were able to help and provide the care she needed so much. (She had very suddenly become extremely confused not knowing where she was, plus unable to move around/look after herself) the staff never failed to amaze us with their compassion, understanding and care. Sometimes in very difficult circumstances, my mum was less than gracious, due to her illness. They were not only constantly lovely, patient and supportive with her, but with us the family too. Right up to, including and after the end. In such a short period I felt very close to the girls there, we relied on them for literally everything. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this amazing place for anyone needing the best for their loved ones.

Willow Bank is a residential home that both sets and delivers high standards of care. Overall running and management of the home is of high standards and quality. The staff are caring, pleasant and professional in their manner both to the residents and visitors to the home. Activities and entertainment are constantly being provided for the residents. My father is 91 at the writing of this review and expresses his happiness of living at Willow Bank emphasising he feels happy, safe, secure and most importantly cared for. Thank you all at Willow Bank for your effort and service you provide in caring for my father, much appreciated.

The care given from the manager, deputy manager and all the carers was amazing. As a family we could not of had our mother looked after any better anywhere. We are so grateful for the very happy 5 years mum was there.

Mum was left without a home when her previous home closed suddenly. Willow Bank Residential Home met her and took her in at short notice. From the first day to her last the staff looked after her with the utmost care and patience. I was happy to leave her knowing she was as safe and well looked after as she possibly could be.

This care home is an amazing place the care standards are excellent and wouldn’t have wanted my mother to have been anywhere else the staff go above and beyond there is always somebody around if you need help with anything nothing is too much trouble and looking at the other residents happy makes me happy

Well done to everyone at Willow Bank, you're all amazing.

My nana seems really happy here. All the staff do so much to make sure everyone is happy. Always activities on for everyone to enjoy. Such a nice environment. All the staff have been really welcoming when I’ve been to visit and it’s lovely to watch them interact with the residents. There is a very homely feel.

And finally, no-one can improve on perfection!

Love always.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Willow Bank.