John Wills House

The staff are good

Very good atmosphere food good staff extremely pleasant - mum (Mary) really enjoyed her stay in March.

In October 2016, after my husband's dementia became worse we moved and enjoyed the flat and the services. Then my husband died end '24. I continued living in for health on my own until mid November 2025. I was taken to hospital with back pain and vertigo which made walking unaided impossible. I came to John Wills House mid December '25 to stay. Reception here was very friendly. I received a walking frame that enabled me to walk and a pleasant room to cheer up with my own bits and pieces, which my son and friends helped me with. Even my own chair could be brought over plus various articles and clothes from my flat.

The Orchards in John Wills House has a lovely homely atmosphere. The staff are very motivated and leadership is excellent. Staff are very caring and have a very "can do" attitude, led by the staff lead. Meal times are relaxed and friendly, and staff join residents for meals. Organised activities are well received by residents and are stimulating and fun. More of these activities would be welcomed. Minibus outings have been very enjoyable and memorable. A first class dementia unit with first class staff.

Their commitment to Dad's welfare in the later weeks of his life meant he was able to stay in his own room where he was comfortable and we are very grateful to Orchards for making sure Dad was cared for at this difficult time with such kindness and dignity.

My sister passed away early this morning. The experience we've had was amazing, the care was excellent. Staff excellent considerate and caring. We were well looked after day and night, the support was amazing. We thank you all so much.

Outstanding care for palliative respite. Care staff and nurses went above and beyond for both my auntie and all of us as her family. Could not have asked for anything more. Only downfall was the early hours of the morning when auntie passed away, her daughter didn't feel very supported (different staff to who had been in all week). Other than that, absolutely outstanding care.

From the very off I felt a good vibe about John Wills house. This was exacerbated by the presence and care provided by agency nurse on duty this afternoon (7/11/25) Sue (hope that's correct) She was caring, upbeat and positive. Sue made my wife and I a cup of coffee with a smile, said some very comforting things during a very difficult time (my dad is receiving end of life care) Sue is a credit to palliative care nursing. Helen and Julie at the reception desk were also very warm and welcoming. Thank you.

My father came into respite care due to his wife's illness.The staff greeted us warmly and with great care while dealing with my dad. Dads stay was for three weeks while we sorted full time care for him. While dealing with any members of staff from reception, care staff and management, nothing was too much trouble. Everything was very professional and supportive.Thank you very much.

Dad stayed on Beeches 1 for the last year of his life, and I must say it was a wonderful year full of fun and laughter. Everyone took so much care of Dad, and the love and support given to him and the family was outstanding. Thank you all so much.

Although the home does not provide luxurious accommodation or facilities, the standard of care is very high and most staff are professional, capable, charming and most importantly, patient and kind.

3) I had hoped for more exercise and mental stimulation.

The staff are all friendly, welcoming and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. Staff take the time needed to understand residents needs and to make them feel comfortable and welcome. The facilities are excellent.

My mother has been a resident for 2 years. No complaints. All staff very friendly, caring & helpful. Very well managed. Last week my mother reached 100, all staff went above and beyond to make it a very special day which coincided with 8th VE Day celebrations.

I will miss the food and care I received here.

Excellent carers lovely rooms food could have more variety activities very good and entertainment very good.

From Christmas Eve to February 24th 2025 my Father was a resident at John Wills House Nursing Home. Up until his death he received the most excellent quality of care in every way and from every staff member. Whether it be receptionist, cleaner, meals technicians, nurses, carers managers. They all took the time to do their best to make sure my father died with dignity and free from pain. Staff were not only supportive with my Dad but also us as a family already grieving the loss of our mother.

My sister died very peacefully at John Wills House. She had been transferred from hospital to Beeches 1 wing of John Wills House a few months before, for end of life care. During her time at John Wills House, she received the utmost care and kindness. I have total admiration for both the nursing and care staff - for their expertise and dedication and also for the way they maintained a cheerful homely atmosphere for the residents. They treated my sister like a special person and I could see that they gave the same attention to each resident on the wing. Certain staff stand out particularly for me but we've been asked not to give names. Overall the whole atmosphere on Beeches 1, in very difficult circumstances, was so positive and welcoming for both my sister and myself and her family. I'd like to mention the cafe staff too who were also very kind. The best comment about Beeches 1 came from my sister who, terminally ill but now comfortable in her room, said that she was happy to be there.

My son spent about five months in JWH. He had Motor Neuron Disease. When he arrived was mobile but needed support. His only complaint at that time was the delay in response to his bell. Also, MND progressed until he was totally dependent on carers. The MND IT team fitted a call button he could activate with a small movement of his head if it was carefully positioned. The permanent staff managed his care well, but the agency staff did not seem to have the same understanding, and there were times when he was unable to call because the call button was inaccurately positioned, as he had problems until coughing and breathing also were potentially life-threatening. He died September 2nd.

Mum was made very welcome on arrival and settled in very quickly. She has had personal effects installed in her room and a bird feeder installed outside her patio doors. Her room is fitted with an overhead hoist and aerated mattress. This is in contrast to her previous nursing home where she stayed for 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. She was kept in bed for 4 weeks never once sat in a chair. There was no overhead hoist and the mattress was not aerated. Whereas on arrival at John Wills she was sat in a chair and used a commode within 1/2 hour. I'm impressed with the nursing/carer/admin staff. Also the staffing levels seem to be higher compared with the previous nursing home. The food is also much better. Altogether a more positive experience.