Gifford House Care Home

My Mum was a resident of Gifford House during the month of January. On arrival, she was greeted by management welcoming her to the home. She was treated with respect all the time during her stay. Staff were always respectful and helpful to both my Mum and me when I visited. I am a nurse at a hospital in London was very impressed with the facilities the home provided and was pleased that she had been placed at Gifford. My Mum was at Gifford for palliative care so when the time came and she was passing away, I was supported by the staff so well and your staff are a credit to the home. I also found the team very supportive to my bother at the time and after my Mum passing everything was done with dignity.

Care is poor in all areas, would not recommend placing your loved one in this home. I wish I hadn’t.

My mum is receiving end of life care and they are so mindful of the family's needs as well. I can’t believe that a home of such value is available to my mum, who is of very limited financial resources. I hope the home and staff get recognition for their exemplary level of care and dedication.

Staff are very helpful. Food is good. Accommodation and cleanliness is excellent.

Our experience of the care staff has been good but personally, I feel that they don't have enough staff on at the time to provide good care, meaning it's hard to find free staff to help change my dad or help sit him up, which impacts on his dignity. Food is also a slight issue - main meals 'ok-ish' but desserts are never thought about or adequately provided. For us, value for money is poor. In respect of my dad, he is unable to use facilities or activities, so his care and support and being treated with dignity are our top priority and we just don't feel they have enough staff to provide my dad with the care he needs at this difficult time. I have spoken to the home about staff numbers (4 in the am/3 in the pm).

On recommendation, we viewed this home and felt it was up to the standard we had heard about. On admission, the home staff and residents made me feel welcome. The room allocated to me was very comfortable and neatly decorated. This met all my wishes. I feel adjusted and settled well into the home. Staff are excellent in the care they give. Also very helpful. My only concern is that I feel there is a shortage of staff during the 12 hour night shift. I enjoy the activities on offer and try to take part - my initial outlook was dubious, but now I feel happy and settled here.

My husband has been treated with so much respect and care. The staff are all fantastic and understanding with patience.

the home is very clean and with recent refurbishment looks fantastic.

I highly recommend Gifford House.

Experience has been horrendous for all involved. I would not recommend this place at all. There has been a catalogue of errors from start to end.

Whilst I am certain the residents receive physiotherapy sessions and group therapy, I have never witnessed it. Maybe I do not visit when this is on the timetable. There doesn't appear to be any motivation between staff members and the residents.

Residents feel secure and well cared for.

The staff being mostly friendly and helpful. Home itself is always clean and tidy. Any concerns raised with management seemed to be dealt with. Food is varied and adequate and cook always prepared to do alternatives if required. Happy that my husband is well cared for.

We made a visit to an old friend. She was not able to have a conversation with us due to her illness. We signed in on arrival and were taken to ger room. The staff we met were really pleasant and helpful. We were pleasantly surprised as to how it was such a lovely, clean and warming place. Whilst there was a young lady entertaining the residents that seemed to go down well. Overall it had a very pleasant atmosphere.

My husband has been a resident at Gifford House nursing home for almost 18 months. I find the home to be really good for my husband's illnesses. The home is well cared for and modern in decor. I find the staff very helpful and ready to help in any way they can.

The home is very welcoming to visitors both in its appearance and in the way staff are approachable. Every effort is made to interest residents and stimulate them through seasonal decorations and special occasions. Staff throughout the home seem to know the residents. Visitors are welcome at any time and in any part of the home. It is pleasing that there is no 'smell' which can be evident in other homes.

Lindford Ward does not always have enough staff. Agency staff are used that do not know the residents. Not enough staff in dining room or lounge to assist with eating and drinking.

My mum came to Gifford House ten months ago from hospital, she was very weak and poorly. She needed nursing care and we feared the worst. The nurses, care assistants, catering staff and cleaning staff all done a great job and cleaning staff all done a great job and thanks to them my mum got to see her 90th birthday in May 2017. She continues to have a quality of life we never thought she would have.

If there is a negative, it would be that staffing levels at the weekend are sometimes lower than during weekdays.

But the main thing for me was the care and attention - Somebody looked into the room every hour and people were constantly in and out to bring refreshments or one of the excellent nurses checking up on her. Somebody would go with her to hospital visits and they really took great care of her.

Our mother lived at Gifford House for nearly 5 years until her recent death. Mum was well cared for with the staff being attentive and friendly. The facilities are modern and well maintained and Mum enjoyed the food, which she felt to be a good standard. There was also a good variety of entertainment and things to keep her interested. Overall we had no concerns at all during Mum's time at Gifford House and we were impressed by the staff, especially those who had worked there for some time and got on really well with Mum.

Excellent from start to finish and accepted my mother in law with very short notice. All staff are friendly and professional and seem to care for the residents in a genuine way.