Westbrook House

Our experience of the Yellow dementia unit at Westbrook House, Margate, was deeply distressing and fell far below acceptable standards of care.

My mum, who had dementia and advanced cancer, was repeatedly left in unclean clothes, allowed to change herself, and on several visits was found sitting naked. She went days without washing, was not helped to dress, and often appeared exhausted, dirty, and undignified.

Staff failed to recognise her cancer-related pain, repeatedly labelling it as "behaviour," despite GP and palliative nurse involvement. She was left in constant pain and given incorrect medication doses, causing dizziness. On one occasion, after being given the wrong medication, medical assistance was not sought for over 24 hours.

She was frequently left alone despite needing supervision, leading to distress, self-harm behaviours, and unsafe situations. Medication records were inaccurate, staff made highly inappropriate comments, and communication with management deteriorated.

Very happy with the standard of care and was called this morning to say that whilst bathing my wife they had spotted a potential DVT.
They spoke to Doctor on our behalf and then asked if I could take her into A and E to be checked over and it turned out that they were right and she needed further treatment.

I shan’t name names but I honestly feel that this is a caring environment with committed staff.

Our mother is regularly in respite - she has always been treated with such care and kindness. Her specific cares and wishes are always taken into account. She is always clean and looks happy when we visit.
We are always made most welcome by the staff. We felt the Covid pandemic was well handled and Mother was protected and cared for in difficult circumstances.

Having to book appointments to ensure the home is not overwhelmed with visitors is sensible, as is the fact that the staff recognise we all come from quite a long distance to visit and accommodate us with a nice visiting area and a cup of tea. Overall, we are very happy with the service, the home and the staff.

My mother was taken into their care in February of 2021.
Whilst there, she witnessed staff arguing, in front of her, with regards to if they should or should not call an emergency ambulance for her.
Also, they wouldn't help her take a drink of water (she was too weak to lift the cup), and told her to try!

Sadly, my mother passed away.