Gillingreane

My husband stayed at Gilling Reane from September 2023 to November 2024 when he passed away. The home has a real community atmosphere and he was always glad to be in the common room with other people during the day. The staff were very caring. It was always a pleasure for me to visit him there.

Gillingreane is a gem of a care home situated in Kendal. It was the only home to offer my husband a permanent place in view of his advanced Alzheimer's. The building is historically old but my husband's care is exemplary and he is so well cared for. Always clean and well dressed and the staff are all fully dementia trained, giving compassionate, expert and friendly care, not only to my husband but to us all as his family. My husband is happy, settled and safe.

Knowing Mum is being well looked after gives us peace of mind, and we are very happy with this care home.

My wife, who has advanced Alzheimer's, entered Gillingreane in August 2023. She was welcomed with care and understanding by the management team and all staff and has settled remarkably well. It comes across very much as a home and not an institution, and family are always welcomed and kept up to date with progress and any problems.

Mum was warmly welcomed into the home at towards the end of last year and the staff quickly put in place an individual care plan for her. On visits, the staff would often update me about any changes and from these it was apparent that they had got to know her well. As Mum’s health deteriorated, they ensured that relevant outside services were involved and her care was adjusted to meet her new needs. Extra equipment was brought in to help with mobility and pressure care needs. Both myself and brother were kept up to date with any changes. We observed staff to be patient and caring with her. Gillingreane is an old building and as such probably not easy to maintain and this does show in a few areas and some of the furniture has seen better days. The home is, however, 'homely' rather than clinical and some items of personal furniture can be accommodated. Food, snacks and drinks seemed plentiful.

I observe that my mother who has advanced dementia is well cared for. She is shown warmth and affection and is treated with understanding and patience when her behaviour becomes difficult.

Staff very friendly and helpful. Homely feeling.

When I visit Mum, all staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming. Mum is made to feel at home. The atmosphere is nice and relaxed. There's always a good smell coming from the kitchen and the food looks delicious. Mum loves the entertainment, especially the singers. The staff are very good at informing us about Mum or ringing if needed. Excellent care.

Gillingreane are a pleasure to deal with. Professional, courteous, caring and compassionate with a top-rank well managing team and home environment that care superbly for all Mum's needs.

Genuinely caring staff who go the extra mile. I feel happy knowing my family member is being well cared for and looked after by people who care. Staff are always smiling and take the time to talk to residents and visitors.

Thank you to each and every staff member for caring for Mum so well, it puts our minds at rest (all the family).

I felt motivated to leave this review on account of the compassionate friendly care that I witness every time I visit.

The premises are clean and well situated in town via a private road. It is a non-clinical residence with personalised features such as photos, pictures and nice decor. The staff are very helpful and even involve, where reasonable, the residents. The staff also appear knowledgeable and professional. The home also features friendly dogs which are a benefit to some of the residents.

Accommodation is dated and somewhat worn, but adequate.

My experience when I first arrived was one of great uncertainty and worry. But I soon found out within the days and weeks that followed my worries and uncertainty had turned to happiness, love and a feeling of security. The staff were so caring and kind towards me, sometimes I cried with happiness. The place did not seem like a care home, it seemed like a big family home and I had been accepted with open hands of kindness and love and help with all my tablets.

From being anxious and very nervous when I first arrived I now feel happy and safe. The staff are most helpful and very caring towards me and the handling my medication is excellent through the day and night. The meals I am served with are good homemade meals, excellent. If I have any worries there is always a staff member on hand to listen and reassure me. Nothing is too small. I am so lucky to live here.

It was a very good review, staff are very good with my Husband. I am very pleased with him being there and feel he is safe and well, looked after at all times.

In general, I feel the staff do a good job. Most are good with my mother ensuring she involves herself.

I would like, if possible, for more help taking mum out occasionally if only for an hour now and then.

My only complaint is her clothes going missing, despite labelling but again the staff are great and track them down.

Overall, a nice atmosphere with lots of laughing. Great.

But the activities seem erratically organised and don't always happen which is a shame because my mum is bored at times. Also, areas of Gillingreane need updating re-decorating or cleaning.

The building is old and some areas are not very light - but the residents are old and, I think, feel more 'at home' in surroundings more familiar than a modern sterile square box. Staff are really really good. I can't stress this enough!