The Herons

My mother has been at The Herons for 6 years and in that time, she has been very well looked after. Over time, her faculties have decreased so her level of care has increased. The staff at the home treat her as a family member, joking with her and even when she runs out of things eg. sweets, buy them for her out of their own money. Whenever I visit, I am always made welcome. The communication with the home is very good.

In conclusion, I am very impressed with the facilities and staff and would not consider ever moving my mum to another care home.

I have 2 aged aunts living in The Herons who have been there 9 and 3 years respectively.

Cleanliness: the home is well maintained and always kept to a very high standard, both in the individual rooms and in the restaurant and public rooms.

Food: Of a very high standard and variety.

Care: Excellent individual and collective care.

Communication: Now that there is a 'front of house' communication with the home is much better.

Staff: Always friendly and willing to help both residents and relatives alike.

My mother stayed at The Herons for the last twenty months of her life. She was very happy and so appreciative of all the love, care, kindness and friendliness of the staff. They made her feel very much at home. She had a lovely room with an en-suite bathroom. The lounge and dining room are very pleasant. As my mother grew increasingly frail, the staff attended very well to her growing needs. There was a very good liaison with the local Doctor's surgery and the community nurse. The chaplain visited regularly and even made a visit to the hospital when my mother was very ill. My mother enjoyed the activities. These helped her keep active and socialise with others. The staff made a very big effort in the summer to put on a "Day At the Seaside" creating a fun and happy atmosphere. Similarly, in the Christmas season, there were some very enjoyable celebratory moments. The garden is very pleasant with a little summer-house and my mother loved going around the garden in her wheel-chair.

Staff/carers patient, kind, helpful, encouraging and always find time to talk/listen. Mum visited friends before she became a resident. Residents have their own things, eg furniture to make it feel like home. Rooms kept clean and air throughout the Home smells clean and fresh. If they don't want the meal of the day they will be found an alternative that they would like. Any queries are answered in the office if they don't know they get back to you. Regular activities each week (exercises, entertainment, sing-a-longs, quizzes and more). Residents get monthly Newsletter with times and dates and newsy information. Regular meetings for anyone who do/don't like something and they do their best to put it right. Can't believe Herons only got "Good" rating. I know lot of older people who live locally that Herons will be their first choice if/when they need a Home.

Our family cannot praise and thank you enough for the care shown to my 98-year-old father in his final days.
Throughout his stay there approximately 10 months, he was very well looked after in a spotlessly clean and comfortable surroundings. During his final days, he was treated with dignity and loving care until he slipped peacefully away. We couldn't have asked for anything more.

MHA has a great strength in it's staff. They are friendly, attentive and competent and make efforts to provide a comfortable and supportive environment.There is clearly a great deal of pressure on them as the home is essentially understaffed. Nonetheless they maintain a positive attitude and treat residents with care and consideration. As a purpose-built facility, it provides a good standard of accommodation and communal areas. Overall I am very satisfied and believe my mother has a good quality of life.