South Africa Lodge

We visited our brother recently and were pleased to find him much more alert than he had been prior to admission. He is happy and relaxed. The atmosphere in the home was warm and friendly, and the staff were very attentive to both ourselves and our brother, who has severely limited verbal communication. His room was spacious and full of his pictures. We feel very reassured that our brother has settled in so quickly.

Mum has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for a few months now and she has truly settled in. The staff are so kind and caring to her and manage her needs exceptionally well. This month mum had fun when she went swimming for the first time in years and she had the most wonderful time dancing and singing to 50s/60s music during the garden party. According to Mum, it was the best time she had had in a very long time. Huge thank you to all the staff who care very much and work so hard to make SAL such a warm and welcoming home for their residents and visitors.

My experience of this care home is quite different to their publicity. During my wife’s time there she was on 1 to 1 care but still suffered 9 recorded falls, one broken hip and a broken knee plus many unexplained bruises on her body. The home is split over six lodges so I can only comment on the one she was in. A few of the staff were excellent but many were lazy and inattentive to residents. Interaction and stimulation was not given on a daily basis. Drinks were not mixed correctly and cutlery and crockery dirty to name a few of my observations. I used to visit for a large part of each day to spend as much time with my wife, a situation the staff didn’t care for as I witnessed the daily failings. This was reported back to the management who restricted my visiting time and also threatened to exclude me from the home. Very difficult to give accurate star ratings as the service provided was very erratic from day to day. In my experience, I could not recommend this home.

This review refers to one lodge in particular, I cannot speak for all the lodges but some comments relate to all. Extreme understaffing; sometimes no carer in the lounge, leaving residents vulnerable. There is no routine, staff are often unsure of what they should be doing, or where they should be. Far too many untrained and agency staff with no previous knowledge of caring. Residents are left alone in their rooms with little or no interaction from anyone. When they are in the lounge they are constantly told to 'Sit down'. Activities consist mainly of outside entertainers coming in. Daily activities do not happen and there are no one to one 'chats'. Management and (some) carers resent the presence of relatives and are unwelcoming. There is no respect or care for personal items and very little effort made to resolve this issue. There are some very good carers and I'm sorry that they have been included in this review. There is a very negative attitude all around.

South Africa Lodge staff and the group have been incredibly supportive of our family. They know, understand and truly care for their residents. Our father has been in the home for three years. They know his personality, his likes and dislikes and are supporting him appropriately with his dementia needs and any changes medically or physically, but also trying to ensure he is included in the activities of the home where possible (this has even included a llama visiting his bedroom!). Communication is good between the home and our family, and knowing we can trust their care gives us comfort and peace of mind.

Caring staff and managers, always polite and helpful, ready to answer difficult questions when they arise and very supportive. This has been our mother's home for over 10 years, and we cannot thank the staff enough. The receptionists are pleasant, and the activities team go out of their way to take Mum out when requested. The finance team always respond when you need them. The Wisteria team know Mum and all her family well; we have a lot to thank them for. Thank you for your kindness, help and support. You all do an amazing job.

My dad has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for about three months now, and I visit him every other day. I have been very impressed by the care he has received. The staff are kind, caring and respectful. He is well cared for and settled. Whenever I visit, the staff are very friendly and welcoming, and I can see the positive relationship my dad has with them. The food is excellent, and the cleanliness and laundry services are of a very high standard. It is a very difficult decision to hand over the care of a loved one, but we have been impressed by the excellent care my dad has received.

On top of every care one would expect, they also have wonderful things like little parties, singalongs, dancing and wherever safe for appropriate residents, even little trips out in a minibus. There is even a little mock-up bar with safe darts etc, which my dad would have loved.

My husband, bless him, was diagnosed with severe dementia, and although I desperately wanted to keep him home, I found it impossible to cope. It was heartbreaking to face reality, and finding him a placement was difficult. A place was found in South Africa Lodge, but due to Covid, we were unable to view it before he was admitted. It goes without saying. I was worried for him and full of guilt. The Lodge was extremely helpful in putting my fears to rest by calling me and allowing me to call. The weeks passed, and he began to settle into the all-male Lodge; his anxiety decreased, and he settled with this amazing team. His room is home from home. I can take whatever I like for his treats. I cannot praise all the staff enough. The activities crew are incredible. Always things going on, even during Covid, we have our video calls. As you can tell. My fears were unfounded. I know he is in the right place, is given the love and care he needs... thank you, one and all.

I can not recommend this wonderful home enough. My father was suffering from dementia and spent his final weeks under the care of the beautiful staff of Daisy Lodge. From the amazing people on reception through to the nursing staff, our whole family were embraced and kept informed at every step. Nothing was too much trouble, and someone was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the last precious days we were able to spend with Dad, this was especially important for Mum. Thank you once again.

Any concerns are quickly sorted and everything is explained to me clearly and concisely.

I cannot speak highly enough of South Africa Lodge and the care that our Mum received in the time that she spent at the Lodge. Mum was not at the Lodge for very long but in that time the staff showed her such love and care that I was moved beyond what simple words can convey. In the last couple of days before her passing we, as a family spent 24-hours a day with our Mum - and during that time were treated with the same love and respect. One hears so much written about how people with dementia are treated these days but if there is an exemplar for other care homes to strive for - it is at South Africa Lodge. The facilities are very good but it is the staff and the care with which they have been trained that shines through - such wonderful care not only for the person in their care but for the family too. I will always be grateful for the care you showed to our Mum that allowed her to pass in dignity surrounded by love. Thank you.

I cannot speak too highly of the care my husband receives at South Africa Lodge. He is treated with respect and concern for both his mental and physical health and his personal situation and needs. His illness pushes everyone into unknown territory and can be challenging but everyone cares in ways that go beyond their professional skill into simple human kindness.

The team at South Africa Lodge have been caring for my Mother for over 6 months. Prior to that, we entrusted the care of my Mother in Law for 5 years until she passed away. The nursing staff, catering, cleaning, laundry, occupational therapy staff are all extremely friendly and treat all the residents with dignity and respect addressing them by name and always having a cheerful disposition. I am impressed by the consistency of the staff which is a testament to the organisation as well as the wellbeing of our dear relatives.

Our beloved Mum was looked after at South Africa Lodge for the last year and two days of her life. She was looked after with such care and devotion by the superb team of people there, I have tears in my eyes while I write this. The staff could not have done more for our Mum and the love they showed her was so genuine. When she passed on Sunday the 9th of December, it was very sad, but comforting to know that she could not have been better cared for. We will always remember the kindness and care of the whole team there. Thank you.

My dad moved here around 7 months ago and we have been very happy with the care he has received. The staff appear to really care about the residents and enjoy interacting with them. We would have appreciated a meeting with a manager at the start but our recent meeting was very useful and positive.

The facility is excellent, staff are superb and the place is spotless. I find that the staff are helpful, pleasant and kind to everyone. This faculty is a brilliant advert for anyone. The person who I visit has come on leaps and bounds since he came here.

My husband, who suffers from Parkinson's dementia, has settled into South Africa Lodge really well. He seems to love all the carers and is well looked after. He has his "bad" days but most of the time is happy and I can't ask for more than that.

The staff work as a helpful, caring and happy team. The meals look delicious varied and nourishing. Outings and entertainment are provided. Recently my husband had a relapse and the care was excellent. Together with the paramedics and aftercare, my husband recovered. I am always kept up to date.

Unfortunately, we are not able to visit my brother often. But when we have seen him he is well fed and dressed in clean decent clothes.