Bruce Lodge

Mum has been at Bruce Lodge for a number of years now. She continues to remain hearty despite several physical setbacks, due I'm sure, to the diligence of staff.

As I live abroad and can visit only every couple of months, so it is a great comfort to know that there are people who know and understand mum's foibles and needs and can keep her safe and settled in a secure environment despite the challenges she may present for them.

Unfortunately, the turnover of chefs is a problem, especially if the resident is on 'soft' food. The quality of the meals goes up and down with the different chefs. After our four years at the home, the differing levels of dementia are eroding the calmness of the home.

Mother welcomed to Bruce Lodge where her twin sister already resides. Staff very helpful to establish her in her room. Staff allow my mother and sister to be together for meals or in communal seating areas and to have time apart if they have spent enough time together. The meals are of good quality, offering choices of food. Residents are offered drinks throughout the day. When my mother had fallen out of bed, a deep soft mat was put beside her bed. The home is clean and tidy. Each room has an ensuite wet room. There are a good variety of activities to keep the residents occupied and interested. The home is purpose-built and furnished and decorated to a high standard. There is efficient laundry service.

My mother has been a resident at this care home for 6 years (she is now 102). She has always been treated with care and respect. For several years she was able to joke and tease with the staff and they enjoyed responded. As she became progressively weaker and incontinent they have been patient and kind.

In an ideal world, 2 or 3 more staff would be useful. At weekends particularly, there doesn't seem to be enough to care for the number of residents.

My mum is being well cared for by the staff, as her medical requirements increase as she ages it is very reassuring to know that despite her mood swings, caused by her Dementia, 'they love her to bits'

I would not hesitate to recommend this home to anyone with a relative who has dementia.

Now she has regained continence and although more confused in her speech, she continues to be largely responsive and interactive, particularly on a one to one basis. I applaud the staff for the diligence and patience in helping her regain these important facilities.

Staff cope very well with dementia and all it's problems. Also have good relation with the resident's families. More stimulation needed but that is not the fault of the staff. Needs a specialist.

Bruce Lodge has a very friendly and homely feel to it and the staff are fantastic!. They are approachable , always on hand, caring, understanding, tolerant, sympathetic and if there is a problem they find a solution. This is a breath of fresh air after previous care homes I have experienced.

The staff at Bruce Lodge were excellent. I was very pleased with the way mum was looked after during the 3 and a half years she was there. The staff also kept me full informed of any problems or even minor health issues such as falls. In addition, the staff at Bruce Lodge were in regular contact with me and were professional and courteous at all times.

Staff at Bruce Lodge are very kind and caring. They are always busy but seem concerned for the welfare of all the residents. Bruce Lodge is comfortable and the rooms are maintained to a high standard. I like the way that there are different communal areas which are not all dominated by televisions. There are regular social activities which residents can join in if they wish to.

Mum, now aged 91. has been at Bruce Lodge since October 2014, when her needs intensified and she was unable to remain at home. We live over 200 miles away and visiting her frequently is difficult. Mum has multiple illnesses, which include poor eyesight, arthritis which affect her mobility and safety, and macular dementia which effects her comprehension of the world around her. This has made her more angry and volatile. She dislikes loud noise levels, and unfortunately, at first, the staff did not realise how aggressive it made her to be sat near a television. However, since then the staff have shown themselves to be very considerate, caring and capable. When we have visited, we have always found mum clean, well dressed and groomed, and well fed. Her room and en-suite bathroom were always tidy and spotless. When mum needed medical care, the staff have been prompt to act, and have notified the medical services and when necessary accompanied mum to the dentist or eye hospital. I cannot praise the staff more highly.