The Lodge

We were very grateful for the care that my mother received having had a 6 week respite stay after a series of falls. There is a very good group of core staff that have been here for a while and this made a tremendous difference to my mother who always liked to see a friendly face. They were professional, firm when needed with her varying needs but always kind and supportive. My father also was a resident in his last 10 months of life (about 18 months ago) and it was so lovely to know that the staff remembered him as well.

The food menu is fantastic, the home is exceptionally clean, and the overall standard of care is outstanding.

The home has a homely feel and the building is well maintained

I have just spent over two weeks at The Lodge and found the experience very positive. The enthusiasm and encouragement of every member of staff was outstanding. Having enjoyed many activities on weekdays a little empty and looked forward to Monday's singing group. All meals were excellent and served with care and consideration.

My mother, aged 92, has just spent two weeks recovering from extensive orthopaedic surgery and I was impressed by the care in this home. From when she arrived right up until her departure she felt confident in all aspects of her care and above all felt she was understood and encouraged to regain her independence. The staff at all times were attentive and welcoming and all meals well presented and of excellent quality. I would have no hesitation in recommending The Lodge to others.

A massive THANK YOU to everyone.

I needed post operative care after major surgery before going home. I spent two weeks at The Lodge and from the moment I arrived I was treated with care and respect by all staff. The food is freshly cooked, with a wide choice on the menu, and it is very good in quality and taste. I joined a group of friendly residents who made me feel part of the community. My time in The Lodge has helped my recovery enormously enabling me to return home and live independently again.

I was welcomed to stay for 1 week to recover from food poisoning. I was very impressed by the happy, motivated staff. The high quality food when I got my appetite back. The quality atmosphere all flowed from the outstanding general manager.

We were very pleased with the care my mother received during the 6 years she lived at The Lodge especially as I live 200 miles away. There were always plenty of staff and they were all very caring and kind. While we felt Mums care was excellent their communication with the loved ones was seriously lacking. I only discovered had a 'key worker' after she passed away. I repeatedly asked for information about her care, but got no serious response. She was clearly on an 'end of life pathway' but this was never communicated to me. I discovered a letter after her death, saying a doctor had been to see her as she had malnutrition. While this was no reflection on her care, I feel I should have been advised of this consultation. A GP appointment was booked around the time of her passing as she had deteriorated and I was not advised of this either. It meant her death was an unnecessary shock. I also found that as a long term resident her general teeth, eye and ear check ups were not done.

My mother had advanced terminal cancer and was resident at the Lodge for about a month receiving palliative end-of-life care. All the staff involved with my mother's care were incredilbly understanding about the complexities around end-of-life and symptom management, the psychological as well as the physical. The Manager and admin staff were also very supportive of me as her daughter during what was a very difficult time which coincided with the Christmas period. The Home is beautifully maintained, has a warm welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff which meant a lot when I was visiting regularly. I am very grateful to the nursing staff and carers at the Lodge for their professionalism, kindness and care of my mother in her last days, every effort was made to make it peaceful and comfortable. I consider the Lodge to be an exceptional residential and nursing home and would recommend it to others.

Alongside the exceptional care, they provide a 5 star food service, whilst also maintaining/ cleaning all the facilities to the very highest of standards.

Before my mother moved in, I had taken over some of her belongings. I noted the small touches like a plate of fruit, chocolates and wine and toiletries in the room. Small gestures do count. My mother was well cared for and looked after in the short time they resided at the home. The home was clean and kept tidy. The General Manager, Deborah, was pleasant and presentable and easy to talk to. I wish my mother had been a resident at the home earlier in their dementia journey.

Very professional but friendly and efficient in all areas of care. All staff very helpful and caring of sister in law

I highly recommend the Lodge in all respects.

It was a pleasure to visit my mother whilst she was in the Lodge and to have lunch with her on a number of occasions. The food was delicious.

During the final week of my father's life, the staff at the Lodge were outstandingly kind. They spoke to us with compassion and brought us coffee, cake and meals by Dad's bedside so we could stay by him during his final hours. Thanks to the Lodge, my Dad had a peaceful and gentle passing. Thank you.

The team at The Lodge were professional, empathetic and genuinely caring, not only to my mum but to my brother and me. Every person I met in the Lodge has a smile, kind word and helpful attitude. My mum was very pleased with her carers and that gave me peace of mind as I did not live near to her. Sadly Mum's stay was brief but we could not have asked for more from start to finish. Thank you team.

My mum finally decided she needed full time care and decided to move to The Lodge. The process of identifying her needs and settling her in was done with dignity and great care. Sadly, my mum's illness progressed quickly, but the nursing care was outstanding, and it gave me great comfort to know that she was being looked after so well when I went home. Thank you.

I cannot praise the care I had at The Lodge highly enough. The care was needed for several weeks of respite after an adverse reaction to hospital treatment, after which I could not care for myself. It was much appreciated that efforts were made to book me in on short notice. The staff were lovely without exception and always had a smile and a few words of encouragement.

My mother has been a resident for 3 and a half years. From the start mum was looked after and cared for by excellent staff. Mum was liked by many of the staff and had a good rapport with them. She was able to be taken out in her wheelchair to many places, including the garden centre, museum, and Exmouth where she could enjoy fish and chips!! Hairdresser, chiropody, optician and visiting dentist are all available to all residents if needed. The Lodge entertainment is very varied from crafts, Summer Fayre, visits from local organisations and recently the commencement of their own choir. All this mum enjoyed although she may not have participated in everything!! Staff always made us welcome and encouraged relatives and friends to participate. Mum passed away recently and we were well looked after during this sad time with comforting coffee and hugs. The background staff (admin, catering etc) are worthy of note as well - to the whole team, we thank you for everything