Handsworth

This may sound what you should expect from a care home, but in my experience, that is very often sadly lacking and when you find it, it needs to be honoured and highlighted.

Whilst fees are a little higher than the Local Authority indicative rate for funded care, the quality of accommodation and care provided is at an altogether higher level. A not-for-profit, charitable organisation, hence good value for money.

I take my lurcher dog to visit my dad on a regular basis. My dad likes to see her and other residents enjoy meeting her.

Staff very good, kind and considerate.

I have felt welcomed as a person, not just an old person here. As the staff and I have got to know each other, I feel as if I have made new friends, I enjoy the company and am encouraged to live a life. This is my fourth week here.

The staff are all so very friendly. Always on hand to assist at all times. Although extremely busy- never a problem to acknowledge or help you. There's something happening at Handsworth most days, a birthday, a garden party, a sing-a-long. The entertainment - marvellous. As is a lovely cup of tea at Handsworth.

Food regular and healthy and enjoyed by my mun. Activities also good. Room well maintained and clean and facilities were good. Being checked in on at night sometimes disturbed sleep but for health and safety, I acknowledge it was important. My mum has benefitted from the care and is now living independently again. Thank you.

Throughout my father's time at Handsworth, he was cared for by all the staff in a warm, friendly and courteous manner. Always respected and supported as well as invited to get involved with activities. During the last couple of months of his life (he passed away 29.1.18), the staff went above and beyond the call of duty. They were his family, that made all the difference as I live far from Handsworth. Whilst the building may be getting tired and in need of a refresh, it's the staff that make all the difference. Well done.

My mum has been at Handsworth for nearly 3 years. Initially, she was very withdrawn and depressed, (recently bereaved). The staff have been very good with her, helping her through that initial period and certainly, in the last year, she seems much happier. She still stays in her room apart from mealtimes (her choice) but now smiles a lot more and is happy to exchange banter with the staff. Her room is very nice and she now considers it 'home'. Staff have been very attentive to the several faints/falls (due to a pre-diagnosed condition) and illnesses she has had and I am always informed asap. My comments on the survey. The list of activities look good but mum doesn't join in so I can't comment, food and drink has been tricky as mum is a fussy eater, value for money - I hope so but it still seems expensive.

The staff are always willing to help and are very caring and aware of the need for dignity. The overall ambience is warm and friendly and you are welcome to visit anytime.

My husband has settled well, I visit him every day and have always felt at home. The majority of residents are wheelchair bound including my husband and the staff deal with this very well.

Very caring staff. The home is warm and there is a very friendly and helpful ambience.

The facilities are very good, although my father would have liked an en-suite shower, and so far an applicable room hasn't become available.

I would thoroughly recommend this care home.

My mum has been a resident for six months and has eventually settled in really well after some early confusion as to why she was in Handsworth and not at home. She is now content with her surroundings and likes the staff, meals and entertainment. I am pleased she has settled in well and happy that she is safe and sound and well cared for by the team.

My friend has been a resident at Handsworth for 3 years 9 months and I visit regularly every 7-10 days. I feel able to call whenever I want and am made welcome by the staff on duty. When I walk into the home it feels fresh and clean and my friend's room is the same. The windows are open when she is not in the room. I have a good relationship with the staff and know that they do the best for my friend and will contact me if there is a problem. Keeping track of hearing aids is a common problem but staff now do better at renewing the batteries. I feel staff are required to do too much routine paperwork much of which is unnecessary repetition and gives them less time to be with the residents. The activities that I see are interesting and the weekly visits from the clergy and others are well received. I have no hesitation in recommending Handsworth.

My mother died in Sept 2016. The staff were fantastic in her last weeks. She was able to die peacefully in her own bed we couldn't have asked for more.

My aunt moved to Handsworth in December 2014. She was looked after with great care and respect. She settled, put on weight in a healthy way and made friends. The staff were friendly and helpful whenever we visited. When unwell, we were kept promptly informed. The care in her declining last weeks was excellent.

She has mental health issues and the staff are always caring, reassuring and 'go that extra mile' to ensure that she feels safe and loved in her home. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff and you only have to ask and it is done! I would highly recommend Handsworth to anyone looking for a place for their loved one to live and be cared for by fabulous staff

Mother is dying, as I write, having lived here 6 years. She is being beautifully cared for now in her last few days, as she has been throughout and up to her recent decline only a week ago. Up to then, despite severe dementia, this nimble 92 yr old was up and a loved part of the community, despite frequent falls as her frailty rapidly took over and needing all personal care. The staff are calm, competent, very kind, respecting of personality and tastes of the resident and have (this is not a sentimental remark) given her the best 6 years of her life- she felt safe at last.

Everything good/excellent with no problems.