Bruce Lodge

I was very concerned about her going into a care home but my worries have been put to rest with the care she received.

Rooms are basic - mattress thin, drawers - handles are falling off.

Senior Management is despicable and incompetent, won't put service users' needs first, and won't respect relatives' wishes or views. Items and clothing go missing on a daily basis, and the laundry system is in tatters (not managed). Service users being dressed in other people's underwear and clothes is not acceptable. There is no face-to-face interaction between the senior Manager and relatives when visiting, they just walk in and out, a simple hello or goodbye would be nice.

Hello to all the great team at Bruce Lodge Care Home, this is just an update on Mum, who was with you for 3.5 months, up until late August. Mum has continued to do well, all things considered, and we are proceeding in a happy-go-lucky fashion. Mum has, thankfully, not fallen over since she returned home, so a big thank you for all the efforts made by the great physios both physiotherapist and occupational therapist. I shall presently be popping over again just to say hello to the gang and distribute yet more copious amounts of treats. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. If you can't afford a turkey this year, then there are plenty of Pigeons around - just grab a net! Ho, Ho, Ho.

Mum has been a resident now for three months - originally in the discharge to Assess unit and more recently in the main part of the home. I cannot fault the care Mum has received from the moment she arrived. The staff are constantly vigilant and keep me well informed of any changes to Mum's health. They are always welcoming and go above and beyond what is required to ensure that I feel included in all aspects of her care. There have been minor issues regarding temporary loss of clothing (and wearing things that do not belong to her) - but she always looks clean, neat and tidy. Mum has really settled well and enjoys the activities which are regularly provided. I now feel that I can relax knowing Mum is so well cared for.

We have not been told about a recent illness (chest infection) and upon visiting, our relative was in wet clothing and was not changed into dry clothes (one can but hope) until after we had left. In addition, personal and sentimental items have gone missing and quite frankly no one cares. Nothing but issues since moving into Bruce Lodge. Appalling doesn't quite cover it. We expect, for the price, high-quality care. Never seen or experienced it here. Shocking. Would give 0 stars if I could on care, dignity, management, safety, and value for money.

I couldn’t speak highly enough of the care and services my gran is receiving at Bruce Lodge. Living overseas while she is there, I was concerned for her well-being, but having built a relationship with the lady who looks after the emotional welfare of the residents, keeping them engaged and entertained. I am totally reassured that she is being well looked after. She has gone above and beyond to make my gran feel loved and welcomed, including her in various activities and showing a personal touch with hugs and reassurance. She has facilitated multiple video chats between us and took it upon herself to ask for and print out my gran’s favourite family pictures for her to look at in her room. I see my gran’s face light up when she is around, giving her a big hug, and it gives me peace of mind that she feels settled and loved at Bruce Lodge, you are a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you to you and to all the other amazing staff at Bruce Lodge - you’re doing a great job!

Bruce Lodge is in an enviable location with level access to Vernon and Woodbank Parks, ideal for taking your loved one in a wheelchair to enjoy the outdoors. The ensuite wet rooms and modern facilities with attractive gardens have given us peace of mind that our mother is in an attractive, safe and secure environment. All the staff and management, without exception, are extremely helpful and courteous to my mother and our family each and every time. They have faced an extremely difficult period over the past couple of years with lockdowns, etc, but their commitment and dedication have never been in question and all done with a smile! It is good to see the same faces each time too. Any concerns by the staff about health or welfare are raised immediately with relatives, giving total peace of mind. The future planned activities programme sounds very promising. Keep up the good work everyone!

Bruce Lodge have been caring for eight years now. They have been very professional in all aspects of mums well being. The facilities are great and the room is a good size. We have got to know the staff over the years and the love and affection they show to mum is lovely. Just wish we could visit without booking as covid regulations have eased for a while now.

We are so glad that we chose Bruce Lodge as the team really do demonstrate that they care - taking time to really get to know the residents. The consistency of carers for mum makes a huge difference, as she is starting to build better relationships with everyone. We all feel confident that mum is in very safe hands.

Always quite easy to get through on the phone, and all staff seem to have access to up to date records for my Mum and can tell me what's going on with her right up to the time I'm speaking to them. They are very patient with her even when she's not on her best behaviour lol.

Looking forward to visiting restrictions being lifted!!

I find the home administrator extremely helpful and knowledgeable and when I visit Bruce Lodge I am left feeling I am part of a family. I am always welcomed with warmth.

I am happy to be celebrating with my mother today and would be very happy to recommend Bruce lodge to anyone.

Every staff member is so supportive and understanding of the needs of the residents. Nothing is ever too much trouble. I am constantly kept updated on all events and there is always someone to talk to.

My mother developed vascular dementia and required specialised care for the final 3-years of her life. Until the Covid pandemic, I visited my mother 1-2 times a week. Mum was always dressed smartly and well-groomed. She appeared to be well-nourished also. The staff always spoke to residents and visitors with kindness and respect. Trips and entertainment were many and varied. Staff kept me informed of any issues around Mum’s care. The home gave Mum a lovely party for her 90th birthday earlier this year, before Covid. Mum passed away peacefully last week, and the staff were lovely and helpful, especially the manager. I will be eternally grateful to all the staff who looked after Mum so well, during her stay at Bruce Lodge, allowing me to be confident in the fact that she was being well card for by the team. Thank you to them from the bottom of my heart. I would highly recommend Bruce Lodge for the care of a loved one with dementia.

My dad had been a resident at Bruce Lodge for over 18 months. He settled in very well/quickly, I felt that it was safe and comfortable. The staff are lovely and professional. It's so important to feel confident that your loved ones are in good hands, on my visits I felt reassured by what I witnessed. My dad went on a number of trips, to a Safari Park and to the seaside with a fish and chips lunch. Onsite activities are regular, it’s great to see that the activity coordinators, are always trying new things and really make it happen, Dad also loved and enjoyed the food. Bruce Lodge, being located close to the local park is a win, the home actually backs onto the park, so it is a very pleasant and practical setting for the residents and visitors. The home manager leads the team with a real passion and genuine enthusiasm, her expertise and experience in the sector is clear. This is all about leading by example. Bruce Care also encourages progression and development for their staff.

It was a hard decision to put Mum into care but it needed to be done. The staff made the process easier and provided me with help and information. All the staff are friendly and caring and treat my mum with respect.

My mum has been here for nearly five years. In this time she has received love and care from all the staff, not only this month but in all the years. The staff are brilliant, any problems sorted, phone calls to update on mums health. What a great place, always clean and the food looks lovely - homemade.

I cannot praise Bruce Lodge too highly. My husband has been there for almost a year and is now reaching his final pathway. The standard of care has been exceptional. Without the support of the carers and managers at Bruce Lodge, I would have gone under. The management team is always available and approachable, the staff are pleasant, conscientious and caring. Finally, I love the fact that I always see the same staff faces when I go there.

When we initially chose Bruce Lodge for our Dad, we were happy with what was offered. There have been a lot of changes since the beginning of 2018 and not for the better. On entering the home, there were always residents sitting together chatting and keeping each other company and whom always had an 'hello'. This has all changed in that there is now a bus stop and a bench and no-one sits there anymore. The old dears just sit in their respective lounges.

They used to have 'pie and pint nights' for the residents and other activities going on but there is nothing now. They have closed the bar area and changed it into a sweet shop.

If I thought a move would not upset my Dad, I would move him elsewhere.

We, and everyone that visited him, found his care to be excellent. We had great difficulty to find a good care home for him. We found Bruce Lodge after a long search and I hope this review will help others who are in a similar situation. Not only were they excellent but very good value for money compared to other care homes.