Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum, in Bruce Lodge, has settled well enjoying a variety of food.
The room is kept spotless, Mum has improved in many ways since being admitted to 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.

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate this feedback and will be sure to feed this back to the team.

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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Awful miserable place.
Staff are miserable. Every time you walk through any sitting rooms the staff are sat with their head in their hands or on the 'work' phones updating!
No atmosphere. Clothes go missing every day - Residents aren't watched or respected and are not even talked to.
Rooms are basic

- mattress thin, drawers - handles are falling off.

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Review from K S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Stephen J (Son of Resident) published on 14 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeHi, thank you for another lovely review. We are glad to hear Mum is doing so well. Have a great Christmas!

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Review from Janet A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeThank you so much for such a wonderful review. I will share this with the team. Thank you again.

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Review from Kathrine M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 24 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeWe are very proud of Bruce Lodges high score for quality of care on carehome.co.uk, so we are disappointed that you feel your loved one has not had the same experience.
We had fully investigated the matters mentioned, profusely apologised for your family not being made aware of his chest infection, and communicated the relevant actions that have been taken, so we had considered this matter taken care of prior to your review.
We understand that your relative was wet at the end of your visit, however, this was not the case when he was dressed and brought to meet you, and this is documented on our PCS system. We would ask that you alert us at the time if this happens again as it was not brought to our attention on the day.
We will continue to communicate with you to ensure you are satisfied with the care your loved one receives by the team at Bruce Lodge.

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Review from Jenna P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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!

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeThank you so much for your lovely words, I will share this with the team!

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Review from T E (Son of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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!

Reply from Megan Lachevre, Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeThank you so much for this review, we really appreciate your feedback and I will share this with the team.

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Review from K K (Son of Resident) published on 9 November 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Allyson Attward, Business Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeThank you for your review of Bruce Lodge, I will be sure to print it off for the staff to read. We are so glad that you took the time to leave this feedback and glad that you and the family are happy with the care and support mum receives. Kind regards.

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Review from Debbie W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has only been at Bruce Lodge for a couple of months and has been made to feel very welcome. The management team are very helpful, as are the rest of the team. Reception always uses your name and help with making drinks so that you can enjoy the time with your relative.
The carers are worth

their weight in gold. We visited last Friday 17th Sept and mums carer had gone above and beyond painting mums nails, foot massage and providing a mini facial as she knew we were visiting that day! Mum looked so happy when she came in to see us. The home always looks very clean and tidy, fresh flowers in the waiting area - makes such a difference.
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.

Reply from Allyson Attward, Business Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeDear Debbie,
Thank you for your heartwarming review, it is fabulous to know that you and your family are happy with the care and support mum receives. Mum is a character and she always has a smile for everyone.
I will share your review with the team.
Regards,
Allyson

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Review from Maxine P (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Lovely accommodation, reception is always very bright and clean. Haven't got any further than that yet due to Covid regulations so can't really comment in every category.
Plenty of meal times throughout the day, and activities to keep residents busy if they want to join in.
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!!

Reply from Allyson Attward, Business Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeDear Maxine,
Thank you for your review of Bruce Lodge. I will pass your review on to the care team as I am sure they will be pleased to read the positive feedback.
Regards
Allyson

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Review from Linda F (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have had a very good experience with all care staff who have looked and cared for my mother.
I completely trust the care provided and have always been kept up to date with my mum's personal wellbeing.
Today, 27th August 2021 is my mother 97th Birthday and has resided at Bruce Lodge for the past

6 years in which my mums overall wellbeing has improved elongating her life span.
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.

Reply from Allyson Attward, Business Care Home Manager at Bruce LodgeI am so pleased to hear that you are happy with the level of care Mum receives. I will most definitely pass the comments on to the staff in the home.
Many thanks

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Review from Lesley H (Next of Kin) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Jane J (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Tony J (Son of Resident) published on 23 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

Reply from Valerie Egan, Head of Care Services at Bruce LodgeMany thanks for your kind word, I will ensure that they are passed to the team.

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Review from L D (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from D M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Elaine O (Wife of Resident) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from Yvonne S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 September 2018 Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

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.

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Review from A P (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 29 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My brother-in-law was a resident in Bruce Lodge for three and a half years prior to his death.
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.

Reply from Rosaleen Charles, Home Manager at Bruce LodgeWe are so pleased that your experience of care was possitive

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Bruce Lodge Reviews (73)

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