Aldersmead

Very good. Staff very caring.

My father went to Aldersmead on discharge from the hospital with a serious heart condition that could no longer be treated. The staff at Aldersmead were caring and sensitive to his needs. They made every effort to ensure he was safe and comfortable. They would always spend time explaining to me how he was and answering any questions I had. When he deteriorated, and it was clear that he did not have much longer to live; they gave me, my sister and his partner the opportunity to spend time with him. Their caring, sensitive and professional attitude made a very difficult time at the end of my Dad's life easier to cope with. He was only with them for 12-days before he died, but I am thankful that he was with caring, loving people.

Mum was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and her stay was expected to be short term. Seven months on, she's still going strong. Aldersmead has given her a new lease of life at 94! She is very happy there, and the staff are very good to her. She said to us she wishes she could have gone there earlier. Well done Aldersmead staff! Keep up the good work and many thanks for looking after her!

The very professional, individually tailored and warm-hearted care and attention my mother received from the staff at Aldersmead was fantastic. The owner and the manager are very efficient and forward thinking as well as being sensitive to the needs of both residents and their families. My family greatly appreciate all the efforts that were made by the attentive matron, the nurses, the carers and the auxiliary helpers whose friendly and openhearted attitude helped by mother adapt and be comfortable up until her sad passing.

My mother first came to Aldersmead early February this year. She is 91 and is suffering from dementia, and she came to Aldersmead from a hospital where she was very sick with various age-related illnesses. We thought that she would not be with us very long, however, Aldersmead was her salvation. My mother is now stable, and although bed-ridden, is very happy thanks to the wonderful care and lovely surroundings of the home, which is one of the highest. The staff are first class in every department; they are excellent. Thank you Aldersmead.

I am pleased that I moved my mother to Aldersmead as she was becoming unable to care for herself due to ill health. It is good to know that she is somewhere safe and being cared for.

My mother was cared for at Aldersmead for palliative end of life care. The staff were very caring and compassionate towards my mother. I would recommend Aldersmead to anyone for palliative care.

We reluctantly had to put dad into a nursing home after a year with us when his dementia became a danger to himself and others in June 2019. We looked at many in the local area before deciding on Aldersmead. The matron and nurse that visited to do dad's assessment handled him brilliantly. I was concerned I would be blamed for putting him a nursing home as I was the one with Power of Attorney, that didn't happen. Obviously, in the early days he often asked when he was coming home, but as he settled in the question was asked less and less. Up until the COVID-19 we visited dad a minimum of once a week and were always made welcome and given coffee or tea. Since COVID, the home have arranged regular Video calls, so we stay in touch. Dad is not the easiest person to deal with but they have managed him well. It is hard for most people having to put a parent in a care home, but if you have to and live locally enough to benefit from regular visits and their hospitality, check out Aldersmead.

I found Aldersmead to be a caring, compassionate environment for my mother who was suffering from vascular dementia. The staff from the top down were welcoming, considerate and kind and took time and effort in involving residents in the community and making them feel part of a family. The building and general environment were very well maintained and exceptionally clean and the food was good, varied and well presented. Family members were well informed and encouraged to participate in their loved ones care planning. My mother was initially reluctant to participate in group activities when she first became a resident but with gentle encouragement and a daily range of activities, she became the first to arrive in the communal lounge in the morning and the last to return to her room in the evening. As our family members were far-flung, it was reassuring to know she was happy and safe and that we would be kept informed on her health and general well being between visits.

Dreadful place. Be aware that if you do not collect the resident's possessions within two days of their death, Aldersmead is likely to throw them away without making any attempt to contact you first. Despite my having collected half of my mother's possessions and having told them I would come back for the rest when I returned for her remaining things I found that Aldersmead had thrown them all away. They had made no attempt to contact me first. I was also advised by the manager that someone not related to my mother had been allowed to take some of her possessions the day after she died. I had previously told them three times that this person had no rights where my mother was concerned and that I had her Power of Attorney. My mother was in Aldersmead for months and despite asking several times I did not receive a single bill from them. A bill for the whole period she was there came from Social Services after she died. I would not trust Aldersmead to look after anyone.

Within a short period of time, it became apparent that our loved one was approaching the end of his life. As you can imagine, this was a very difficult time for us. Throughout this time, however, we all received the most amazing care from Aldersmead staff, without exception! This became increasingly evident to us near the end, when we chose to remain at our loved one's bedside, both daytime and at night. All of the staff were professional, efficient and incredibly compassionate with their care provision. They were swift in their response to ensure our loved one's symptoms were controlled, they maintained his dignity, gave him really individualised care and they were incredibly kind and supportive throughout. We cannot thank this team enough, nor recommend them enough from our personal experience. Well done Aldersmead and heartfelt thanks.

Only been in the home a few months. Appears to have settled in well. Most staff very conscientious, however between hours of 1-2pm it has been very difficult to get assistance for toilet visits. Sometimes waiting for long periods - painful for residents.

Nice care home. Food is excellent, my husband is very happy. Some care issues. I think it's when staff have let them down. Overall it's good.

My poor review of this nursing home is due entirely to poor management. No blame attached to staff although a minority could do with more training in interaction with residents. Also, more staff are needed to ensure health and safety of all residents, particularly at weekends.

Here's to it continuing with continuing improvement.

Keep up the good work.

We have been delighted with the care and attention my mother-in-law has received since she moved into Aldersmead in January this year. She has improved in all aspects her social skills have returned and her mental and physical health has improved. She admits that she never intended to become withdrawn and unusually quiet at home, preferring to watch TV rather than having a conversation. However she now spends most of the day in the communal rooms, joining in the activities and chatting with other residents and staff. She is very happy in her new home.

Dad has been at Aldersmead since October and his health has improved as they can now monitor and be proactive with his diabetes. He has a lovely room and the staff have always been incredibly kind not just to him but all the residents. He can get bad tempered (can't we all) but that doesn't seem to worry the staff. The lovely matron is very hands on and seems to run a tight ship which is always comforting to see. The team seem to enjoy working there which adds to a happy atmosphere. He is also, I'm told, beginning to participate in some of the activities which is encouraging as he's always been very reticent to do so.