The Knolls Care Centre

I am very happy with the care provided for my mother and the support that they provide to me on this journey. I only marked down one notch on the activities because it is challenging to engage my mother in these some of the time.

I find the staff very helpful, love the fact they have lots of things going on and they really encourage the residents to participate. There is always someone on hand for the residents and their families to either help or answer any questions.

This is a wonderful care home, especially for those with dementia. All the staff are warm, understanding and caring, definitely check it out if looking for support for an elderly relative. The location of this care facility is perfect with a sweeping driveway and a large garden to enjoy when the weather is nice. Lots of activities are organised and food is very good. Nothing is too much trouble.

Due to a difficult short term service user activities were not able to happen for a cople of days and that was a pity as Dad does get bored easily and needs help to keep his mind and body active.

I cannot fault the care my father received at The Knolls in the few short weeks he was there. The friendliness and compassion both he and myself were shown during his short stay was wonderful and helped me to know that I'd made the right choice for him for the last few weeks of his life.

Call bells are often left out of reach in the daytime. When they are okay, use of them day/night the bells are switched off and the person goes away! Agency staff are better. Eventually, someone will answer and provide what I wanted. The food here is very poor and if I was here full time I would be very unhappy as meals should be looked forward to and not prove disappointing. The laundry service is good.

Although my dad was only resident for a short period of time, he received excellent care from the staff who took the time to get to know him and treated him with great respect. Family members were welcomed when they visited, regardless of the time of day and communication with staff about dad was always open and sensitive. They were very proactive when moving dad to palliative care and involved us in all stages of his care. I would definitely recommend The Knolls Care Centre and am very grateful to them for looking after dad so well for the last few weeks of his life.

Thank you to everyone for looking after him and keeping him safe.

My father was transferred to the Knolls at the end of his life, aged 96. The care he received up to his death was so compassionate. The staff are caring, thoughtful, considerate and attentive, nothing was too much trouble, spending time talking to my Dad and sharing stories, brightening up his day, treating him with respect at all times. When I visited, whatever time of day, I was always made so welcome (always offered a cup of tea) and my Dad was always comfortable, warm and cared for, he always looked peaceful. He said that the staff were the best he had encountered (he had been in two previous care arrangements and hospital in his final year). The management of The Knolls is first-rate, working closely with the nurses and GP to ensure the medical intervention was appropriate, moving my Dad to palliative care, communicating with me sensitively and honestly and proactively getting the NHS Fast-Track Pathway in place. I can't praise the care highly enough.

As my wife received respite care on several occasions in the past it was easy to select The Knolls for a permanent arrangement when I became unable to care for her at home due to an extended hospital stay and convalescence. Any anxiety about her care was removed by the Manager's confident promise that my wife would receive the care she required. As my wife suffers from advanced dementia and cannot communicate her preferences or wishes it was necessary that I and our family members are active in observing she receives the best attention she deserves. This is why I can acknowledge the excellent care given by all members of staff.

I found the atmosphere of The Knolls Care Centre very warm and inviting. My husband was welcomed back with members of staff recognising him from a previous short stay some time ago. As this was only the second time we had used respite care it was reassuring to know he had a very happy experience.

I am the main carer of my disabled daughter. We needed emergency respite as we had been let down by another care home. My daughter arrived with me at The Knolls Care Centre. They were so friendly and understanding and nothing was too much trouble. My daughter had a great 2-weeks there and she was very happy. She enjoyed the care and the staff had been wonderful. My daughter is happily going to have some more respite there in the near future.

I am so happy my mum is here as she is happy and glad. I am so happy with the service at the Knolls care home in Leighton Buzzard. Everyone is so amazing, awesome, kind and good at their jobs. Two ladies, in particular, are the best nurses.

My husband became a resident at ‘The Knolls Care Home’ due to rare dementia in October 2021. I feel extremely lucky that I chose this care home for him. Every member of the staff that looks after him, shows a high level of care, patience and professionalism that has resulted in my husband being looked after to a very high standard, and happy. Their understanding of his ever-changing needs medically and physically has made a big difference to his well-being. My husband enjoys taking part in the wide range of activities that are arranged for the residents, especially enjoying the bingo and the Christmas celebrations. When my husband is on bed rest the staff happily come and chat or listen to him which makes him laugh and smile. As a family, it has been heartbreaking to make the decision of needing a care home but we are so thankful for finding this one. When we leave after a visit we know he is safe and looked after which makes a huge difference to us. Thank you.

I was surprised to see staff members without name tabs. It would have helped me a great deal to see the names of the staff who cared for me. The food generally was too bland and the lack of fruit, salad and vegetables was disappointing. I would have preferred to have more than one shower in two weeks. I found the blow-up mattresses extraordinarily uncomfortable. I found the staff very kind and friendly. With my mobility problems, I found the swing door very difficult to manage.

My father was well looked after by the staff from May 2021 until he died on 2nd August. They showed a great deal of care and respect towards him and me when I visited as an ECG. It was a very difficult time for him and us, his family, but they helped us as much as they could.

Mum was admitted to rehab after a long hospital stay, following a serious fall. She has been looked after well and medical needs are met well and they respond to her changing needs. The staff are lovely, friendly and helpful. Mum refuses to join in with social activities, but they try to include her. They have done so well during the pandemic. They keep me informed of issues. The only negative is it can be difficult to get through to speak with mum and their phone signal does not reach Mum's room, so I have purchased a tablet for video calling, which they support Mum with.

My father has been in this home for 4 months now and is well looked after and is happy with his care. The staff are always welcoming and helpful to me every time I contact them. The home is clean and is set in a lovely part of Bedfordshire.

My gran moved to the care home when her dementia got worse and it was no longer safe to be at home. It was very hard as she was still very independent but the staff within the care home helped her settle in quickly whilst keeping us updated. Throughout the time my gran was in the home, the staff were nothing but friendly and loving and my gran became very fond of them all. My gran, unfortunately, died in April but in the lead up to this, the staff were so accommodating, making sure we got to say our goodbyes and spend some decent time with her. It really was appreciated. Members of staff were all coming up to say goodbye to her which shows they truly care for their residents. I can’t fault the care home at all. I really am happy with the care my gran received. I enjoyed going to see her and I was quite fond of the staff myself. I wouldn’t hesitate to have another family member sent there if the need ever arises. Thank you to everyone at the Knolls for all you do on a daily basis.

As everyone is aware, it has been a tremendously difficult time for care homes and their staff, residents and residents' families. My Mum and Dad went into the Knolls at the beginning of January at the height of the lockdown, in what was a critical situation. Both settled very well and the home cared for my Dad as he reached the end of his life. The staff showed compassion and treated my Dad with dignity and respect, as well as keeping me informed, all the way. Dad sadly died at the end of January and the staff were left to deal with Mum and her rapidly deteriorating Alzheimer’s. They have been kind and compassionate with Mum. I have not been able to access all the home yet, when I visit Mum but I have been very reassured so far. Mum looks well and I know she is safe. Once I have more access, I am sure I would be able to complete a more considered review.