Merlewood

I was given a very pleasant and comfortable room with splendid views across the grounds and the arboretum. The staff were very kind and friendly and popped in and out socially. I was very taken with how well they looked after people in the dining room who needed help and care.

Finally, Merlewood's response to the Covid pandemic has been exemplary. Well done, Merlewood!

The fact that I have stayed for the third week speaks for itself. All the staff have been helpful day and night.

Merlewood has exceeded my expectations - my father was suddenly discharged from hospital on a Friday afternoon and they were able to take him at short notice and managed the situation for us - my father has settled well and has gone from respite to permanent resident. He is well looked after and we are kept informed of changes promptly.

My mum has been a resident in Merlewood for 3 years now and the care is exceptional. They have looked after her so well when she had pneumonia and nursed her through COVID19, which she survived despite being 97 years old. She has a lovely sunny room overlooking the grounds and she has enjoyed the social activities and trips out in the minibus. The carers are lovely with her and are also very efficient and professional. Mum is happy here.

Fine!

The care home, which I have volunteered at from 2006 until the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a friendly place. Lovely decor and caring staff. The home is set in stunning grounds and has good accommodation.

My wife has been in Merlewood Care Home for more than twelve months during which she has received constant and overwhelming support and attention. All the staff, nurses, carers have become her friends and she tells me she is very happy at Merlewood.

My mother is extremely well looked after. All of her needs are met and she is included in social activities. I am regularly informed of her progress and the staff are all so kind and helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Merlewood go above and beyond to ensure their residents are happy and stimulated.

My mother entered Merlewood 3 weeks before the national lockdown in March 2020. Her arrival from hospital was extremely well managed by Marlewood and our family was made very welcome by all staff there. Due to lockdown restrictions, access has been minimal, however, communication between the home and my father has been excellent with daily phone calls being made by Marlewood. My mother has built a close, happy and trusting relationship with the staff.

Mum moved to Merlewood nearly two years ago after being unable to continue living at home. She was reluctant at first, but it did not take long for her to settle and to join in with some of the activities on offer. She has been very well looked after, her needs are all met with unfailing kindness and it is a great relief to her family to know that she is safe. The last 12 months have been so challenging, but everyone at Merlewood has risen to that challenge and dealt with whatever was thrown at them. We are now hoping for some normality to return - but we know that whatever happens, Mum is well cared for and safe - and we cannot thank the manager and her team enough for that.

My mother is very happy here.

All the staff at Merlewood are courteous, caring and helpful. They have made every effort to engage residents in activities and keep contact with friends and family during these difficult months during the covid pandemic.

I would like to congratulate Merlewood for the wonderful way in which everyone has worked to keep everyone safe, secure, and thriving! I have come there as a volunteer for many years and have seen and witnessed your great kindness and care for friends and residents - a wonderful place when the time comes to enjoy and relax.

My husband has been a resident for nearly 1 year. During this time he has received the most outstanding care and nursing. The whole feel of Merlewood is one of sincere friendliness and professionalism. Management, which has eased the sadness of missing him at home. I am highly grateful and consider ourselves very fortunate to have found this nursing home and to have a place there.

My aunt has been a resident for 4 years at Merlewood in Virginia Water. She is very happy there and we both are very impressed and happy with the way the home has handled the Covid-19 crisis. Some visiting from outside her room has certainly helped and hopefully, this will be able to be increased to some extra visiting time slots in the near future.

The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged everyone, but we hear so much in the news about how care homes, in particular, have struggled at this time. Merlewood, however, has done a brilliant job. They closed to visitors before the national lockdown and since then have maintained excellent vigilance and precautions. The staff have been aware of how much the residents miss contact with visitors, but have put on events and services to raise spirits. The home has been free of cases of the virus and is now able to start lifting restrictions in the same careful way that they were put in place. We really appreciate the care and protection our mum has received during this very difficult time for all, especially the elderly.

Management has kept relatives updated throughout.

My mother became unable to cope during lockdown. As she had previously been to Merlewood for a short stay, it was our first choice. They were able to accommodate my mother within 24 hours which was amazing. The transfer was arranged and she was very efficiently transferred to her room. It was very strange not being able to help her settle but the staff have helped her to adjust to the new surroundings and she is being looked after very well.

The most delightful staff who were so caring at all times. My mother was given the best end of life care from September 2019 to April 2020. She was happy and comfortable. Could not fault anything.