Symonds House Nursing Home

Thank you, true heroes.

When my mother-in-law was transferred to Symonds House from hospital, she was in a very poor state of health with dementia and Alzheimer's. With the dedicated care and individual attention from all the staff, her health and well being improved immensely. For the next 14 months, we could not have asked for a better team of carers to support her and she became very fond of everyone there. The care team were also a support for the family and during visits would come to chat with us about her condition and how they were adapting to various needs. The building may be less than perfect from the outside, but this is no reflection of the superb care within.

We are now one year on since my husband became a resident at Symonds House, suffering from mixed dementia. He receives outstanding care from all the staff who show patience, understanding and empathy to his complex needs. Also, there is exceptional support for all of our family, from friendly and devoted staff at all levels. We are very grateful for the reassurance that Symonds House has given us.

My mother has vascular dementia and has great confusion and memory loss. She was adamant she did not want to move into a nursing home. Initially, she was very resistant but with the care and kindness of the staff, she agreed to stay for a short time. She has now been there for 2 months and is a permanent resident and says she never wants to go home. The staff have made her feel special and she loves all the positive attention she receives. Whilst Symonds House may not be the smartest of care homes we visited, it is certainly the friendliest and feels comfortable and welcoming. It is a huge relief to me that mum is safe and cared for and I can honestly say she is happier than I have ever known her. It was a spur of the moment decision to visit Symonds House and luckily a room became available very quickly - serendipity or fate? I don't know which, but it has allowed me to sleep at night knowing mum is okay.

My aunt had been a service user at Symonds House for a number of years. Sometimes she could be quite difficult but always received a lot of help from the carers. I used to visit almost every week. If I was concerned about anything I could talk openly to staff and any issues would be dealt with. My aunt recently passed away and was treated with respect and love. The manager is very competent and has done so much for the home.

As a family, we have been so pleased with the care they have received. My mother passed away in March this year and the care my father has received since then has been wonderful. He has dementia and at times is very upset at losing his wife of 70 years. The carers spend time with him, nothing is too much trouble for them. I am so pleased that my father is safe and cared for in such a friendly place.

A very clean nursing home with professional and dedicated staff. My wife was looked after very well during her stay. Whenever a doctor were to visit, I always felt well informed by staff via phone calls. A pleasure to deal with. I have no criticisms.

My mum was a resident in the Primrose section of Symonds House for 4 years. Her care was outstanding and the staff were amazing.They were Efficient and loving towards my mum. I highly recommend this home to anyone who wants to put a loved one there.

When looking for a placement for my father, I was pointed in the direction of Symonds House, by a friend, who had placed their parent in their care. I went to visit and was shown around, it had a friendly, home from home feel about it, and everyone I passed greeted me, both staff and residents alike. The room was very clean and fresh, and adequate to cater to my father's needs, the day room was warm and friendly, and the food being served at the time looked appetising and nutritious. I did not hesitate and, placed my father within two weeks, he seemed very happy and got on with all the staff and residents during the time he was there. I could not fault the Nursing staff because as soon as a medical problem occurred they would contact me immediately. Would I recommend this home, most definitely yes.

Eighteen months on her, weight, health and cognitive functioning have all improved quite remarkably. The staff have built up a rapport with her that has really helped to reduce her anxiety levels and improve her ability to communicate. I have a great video of her laughing and singing on her 90th birthday. All my family are very happy with the improvement in her condition and the quality of care and support.

You can imagine my apprehension when my father was put into a care home from hospital with such a lot of bad publicity in the media and him being 91 years old. Well, I have visited on the above dates and I am extremely surprised at his progress. A picture of him on his first day at the care home did not look like my dad at all but what a transformation now. The excellent nursing that he is receiving and general care is really impressive. The food is excellent, I have dinner when I visit. The kindness shown to him and myself is excellent, from the receptionist right through nursing staff, docotrs, cleaning staff. You should all be proud of what you do. In fact when I got to 91 I would love to stay there.

Since my mother has been here she has put on weight (after losing kilos at her previous care home), she now sleeps all night and seems to have no more accidents or falls. The improvement in her physical health in general is very noticeable, due partly to regular family visits but mainly to the wonderful care she receives at Symonds House. The staff are very respectful and caring. The whole family could not be happier.

Staff are kind and caring. Symonds House is a very old building, however it is always very clean, and has a homely atmosphere. The training program for staff, under the new manager, appears to have helped all staff. I have also benefited, helping me understand better, my Father's dementia.

They are also hugely supportive to me. I had some very frightening days watching my mother deteriorate and it was hard to accept that she would need dementia nursing for the rest of her life. She couldn't be in better hands. I never thought I would enjoy spending time in a nursing home, but there is always laughter and the staff are so welcoming. They genuinely care for and care about their residents.