Darwin House

Mum has been at Darwin House for just over a year, after a couple of previous short respite stays. She is much safer here, well cared for by attentive staff and has numerous activities to take part in. The rooms and communal areas are always very clean. A little more communication with family would be beneficial, but we understand that they are missing a member of admin staff currently.

They and the management are easy to communicate with and any information is quickly passed on to us. The maintenance of the home is exemplary and Darwin House is like home from home. A warm cosy place with lovely decor and fresh flowers. It is well run with lovely staff all round.

Mum has been in Darwin House for 6 months, after a week's respite stay made her decide to move in permanently. I have spent a lot of time there and speak to mum every day - and I would recommend this home to anyone. It is a lovely building, grounds etc and always feels clean and pleasant, Mum has been in two lovely rooms and the communal areas are very welcoming. The food is generally excellent and the team really try to ensure preferences are taken into account. Mum prefers to eat in her room and this is happily accommodated. However my main praise has to be for the staff - all the team are pleasant, kind and very caring. They do their utmost to help at all times, and any issues are swiftly sorted. They are efficient, and have left no stone unturned to settle mum in and make sure her room is how she wants it. It is always a sad time when your parent has to go into a home but if that is the case then you couldn't do any better than Darwin House.

I find that everyone at Darwin House works so very hard to make sure my mum and all the residents are well looked after. Carers so often get overlooked yet despite their own worries in these troubling times. I have found all that work at Darwin to be friendly, kind and dedicated to making sure the residents feel wanted and looked after, giving me peace of mind.

My dad has only been in Darwin House so far for one week, he's booked in for another week respite so it's early days, but he's enjoying his stay so far. The staff 'are very kind to me' he says. Everyone is lovely, accommodating, friendly and helpful. The manager has been very nice, helpful and wiped away a few of my tears! The place is spotless, in every way. Everyone makes time to speak when we visit. A lovely atmosphere.

Mum had been very anxious about her week's respite care at Darwin House. However, she thoroughly enjoyed her stay, found the staff unfailingly kind, the food delicious and loved the view from her bedroom window. The family found the receptionists extremely helpful and kind. Would recommend this home.

Just back from ten very happy days in this home. The food is excellent, room likewise (en-suite) activities, a street party complete with flags all over for the King's Coronation, painting, the library and best part of all, the staff. They created a genuine friendly atmosphere. Nothing was refused. Everything was done with enthusiasm. Will go again.

I have lived here for four years. Since my wife died in 2018 the manager, strict as should be and her wonderful staff saved me from a nervous breakdown. God bless them all. Catering is better than a five-star hotel in Paris where I have been!

Very satisfied with the care provided to my Aunt during her stay. The rooms are nice and bright, it’s clean, staff are friendly, food is good. It felt like ‘home’ to her. I enjoyed spending time with her there in the library when not in her room.

Nothing is too much trouble, the staff are always available with a smile. What we expected to be a very difficult time for my daughter was made so much easier by all the staff at Darwin House and in my mum's words she is in a family home.

It's taken until now to write this review on Darwin House as I am grieving losing my dad. Dad spent seven months in the care of Darwin House and it was an amazing place. Dad got the love and care he needed. He was a big character in there, the staff loved him. Thank you to all of the staff, you were all amazing. What an amazing care home, it's the best. Thank you so much. Love to you all.

Good food. Caring, helpful and lovely staff. Nothing is too much trouble. Would go again, went for respite.

My mother had to go into Darwin House at very short notice, during the pandemic. I had to leave her at the door! However, I need not have worried, the care she has received over the last two years, has been exceptional. The staff are all excellent, caring, kind individuals. I cannot speak highly enough of the place, the surroundings and the facilities.

Grandad moved in about a month ago and he has already settled in well. He says he is treated well and enjoys it. The staff seem very welcoming and kind - easy to chat to and seem as if they care about the residents' welfare. It is a beautiful building with a lovely dining room and Grandad says he enjoys the food a lot. I feel that he is in good hands and am at ease knowing that he is happy at Darwin House.

Due to Covid restrictions, it is difficult to see other residents and how our family member reacts with others.

Extremely impressed with the care and dignity given to my relative recently coming to stay at Darwin House. Very good at listening and responding to him about his needs. Family members feel they can work with the staff to make it a home-from-home experience. Excellent service with a friendly and homely feel.

Today, in particular, one staff member was so kind and concerned about not only my friend’s comfort but even mine by providing me with a drink after I’d climbed the steep hill in warm weather! She also ensured we were in a peaceful space for the visit in the library so we could enjoy chatting.

Friendly staff and a well-run home. As not allowed inside due to Covid-19 rules not easy to comment but based on the video tour a very well-appointed home. Visits in safe outdoor pod well organised. Mum is happy.

Mum came for four weeks of respite, she had to spend the first 2 weeks in quarantine due to Covid-19 restrictions but she was never lonely as the staff kept her company. Once able to mix with the other residents she joined in with the activities. All the staff were very kind and made mum feel very much at home. The food was superb so much variety and all delicious.

Staff are always polite and helpful to visitors and when I've seen them with my mother. On the phone, each carer is helpful and informative. My last visit was well organised due to Covid-19. Protection was paramount - instructions were clearly given. It gave me much pleasure for my mum to see me.