The Old Rectory

On behalf of my family, we cannot recommend this care home enough. Sadly our dad passed away today after being a resident for about 8 weeks. He lost his wife (our mum) suddenly 2 months ago and he was diagnosed with advanced cancer the same week. His whole life as he knew it ended that day and as a family we were faced with no choice but to relocate him from his home, to a nursing home. After a lot of research (using this website among others) we chose The Old Rectory based on the reviews. We are very happy to say they are all true! We could not have found a better place to take care of dad. From the moment he arrived he was greeted and treated with kindness, respect, dignity and compassion. He was welcomed as family as were we. The staff couldn't be more accommodating and attentive. There's not enough characters to really give a full account of all the amazing things they do and the level of care they give. The staff are simply amazing all the way to the very end. Thank you all!

My sister was a resident here for 8 1/2 years. She was admitted with poorly controlled diabetes (type 1) and developing vascular dementia. In her final 3+ year she was mainly bed bound, did not speak nor recognise visitors. The care and support over the years was excellent from the management, nurses and carers. In effect they became her family. The nursing supervision and control of her diabetes was first class. The friendship, concern and communication with me as her P of A was also excellent.

Following a fall at home in late 2023, several weeks in hospital, and a month in a care home for assessment, it became clear that Dad was not going to be able to manage at home anymore, not least because his condition had progressed to the point where he was no longer able to speak. We were so relieved to find The Old Rectory. Its cosy, homely atmosphere was a stark (and positive) contrast to some of the other places we had visited. The staff took time to learn about Dad and his likes/dislikes so he could have his coffee the way he had always liked it (he had always hated tea but the assessment place always gave him tea instead of coffee, then wondered why he wasn't drinking!). Dad's condition progressed more rapidly than expected, but the staff were so kind and caring. They kept us updated with his medical needs and were always welcoming when we visited. As he neared the end of his life it was so comforting that he could stay where he was, without having to go into hospital.

Every team member was kind, attentive, and compassionate. Knowing my dad spent his final months feeling loved and cared for is a comfort I'll always hold onto. If you're looking for a place where your loved one will be treated with genuine care and respect, I wholeheartedly recommend The Old Rectory.

My mother was sent here when it was found her cancer treatment wasn't working and was for end-of-life care. This was January 2023, and she was there up till the time of her passing in June 2024. I can honestly say, the dedication, respect, and level of care we saw given is the best you could possibly find anywhere. Mum never once asked about her house once she was there. It became home to her so quickly. The residents are constantly checked in on, to make sure they are OK, if not in a communal area, and asked if they need anything, regardless of whether it is that staff member's patient or someone else's. The whole atmosphere from the top to the bottom is that this is our home, and the residents are all family. When Mum was towards the end, you could see how upset they were at the thought of losing her, and more than a few tears were shed by the staff. I honestly cannot express in words the gratitude I have to them all for making her time there such a happy and contented one.

Both my parents spent their last months in The Old Rectory and passed away here. The level of love and care shown to not just them but the rest of the family was exceptional. Not just that but the entertainment, stimulation and fun provided enabled them to live their lives to the full right until the end. We will always be so grateful to all the wonderful staff.

The Old Rectory describes itself as more a 'household' than a 'care home' - and I would agree with this. We found it cosy, relaxed and happy. Mum lived there for 14 months. She had dementia, mobility and communication difficulties. During her time at The Old Rectory her speech, mobility and appetite all improved. More importantly she felt loved and was happy - and loved the staff back. They responded to her love of music and dance so that there were many many times of fun and laughter for her. Unexpectedly my father became terminally ill during the last year and the staff were able to accommodate his wish to move into the room next door to Mum - bringing the family settee so that they could snuggle up together. As a family we were able to completely relax in the knowledge that all was well with our parents whilst in their care.

The Old Rectory is not a modern deluxe home, it is old, cosy and comfortable. It oozes charm and interest. The staff will become like your family and will try to satisfy your requests however challenging. Their catering is excellent with cake and biscuits! You will certainly find things to do, a.m excercises, p.m making fruit kebabs. One week you will be visited by birds of prey, the next, a python. They have every type of music and quizzes.

Every member of staff showed my brother kindness, patience and understanding as his health deteriorated which we are sure eased his suffering. We always came away after a visit knowing that he was in the best hands and being well cared for.

Unfortunately, due to health care needs which we could no longer meet at home, the decision was made that Mum needed specialist care. I visited a few homes but none stood out as much as The Old Rectory. After a chat with one of the lead nurses and a tour of the home, I knew straight away that this was the place I wanted Mum to go. The Old Rectory has a lovely homely feel to it, no uniforms for staff, the place is decorated brightly, rooms with lots of natural light, fresh home cook meals and so many friendly staff. The process of getting Mum into the home was so simple and on the day of Mum's arrival immediately put my dad's mind at rest. This was the first time they had been apart for over sixty years, he left not in tears but knowing Mum was going to be well looked after. This opinion never changed. The staff team are amazing and do an incredible job. For looking after mum we say a massive thank you.

Mum was looked after by extremely empathetic nurses and assistants who deserve a great deal of thanks for the way they looked after her every need. We can feel at peace in the knowledge that The Old Rectory was absolutely the best place for Mum to be for her final few weeks of life. Thank you all very much.

Unlike many other care homes, The Old Rectory is full of life! The staff here are extremely caring and kind, and the activities they put on are fantastic. Also, great idea to open a charity shop inside the home for residents to enjoy with tokens or for family members to purchase with real money! Special mention to two particular members of staff for their exceptional care. It's so lovely knowing that my grandmother and late grandad are receiving/received amazing care. It's very well-staffed here, and they all really care.

My dad stayed at The Old Rectory for his final couple of months and I'm so glad he did. The building is well kept and managed to a very high standard. My dad was always kept clean and comfortable and attended to whenever needed. Genuine carers that really care. A great team that showed true kindness. Always made us feel welcome during our visits and kept good communication with us which gave us reassurance that he was in the best hands. I cannot thank them enough.

My dad recently passed away at The Old Rectory (Exeter) having spent just over two years in their care with dementia. I cannot express my gratitude enough at the way they looked after him. He was shown kindness and respect at all times and all the carers and staff became his second family. Nothing was too much trouble and they kept my brother and I updated with everything they felt we should know regarding his health. It's such a happy place and the residents are encouraged to take part in all sorts of activities. Families and friends are regularly updated with posts on a messenger group - lots of photos showing them all having a great time! My dad always looked well cared for; regular haircuts and clean-shaven and nutritious food were always on offer. At the end of my dad's life, they all showed great compassion and he passed away with dignity. I want to thank all the team for their love and support, not just for Dad, but for us too.

I cannot express enough how grateful we are as a family to all of the staff for their excellent care given to my father. The management, senior nurses, clinical leads, housekeeping, reception, activity coordinator plus day/night carers - all have equally played an instrumental part in this. As a family who visited regularly, we were always welcomed and felt that communication was always good regarding what dad had been up to and his health status etc. This was still the case during the Covid outbreak and The Old Rectory was fantastic at facilitating visits whenever possible, which was such a huge relief. The activities put on for the residents are outstanding and my dad particularly enjoyed the singing. The Old Rectory is far from clinical and has a very warm and homely feel, which my dad enjoyed. We thank the senior nurses and clinical leads for making my dad's last few weeks as comfortable as possible and for being supportive during this difficult time for our family. My dad's dignity was maintained until the day he left us.

My stepmother was admitted with quite advanced dementia from another care home where she had fallen and broken her hip twice. Therefore, I was glad when she went to The Old Rectory. I felt she was in safe hands. She spent time in the living room and was given all the physical and emotional support she needed. We were relieved about this. I was unable to visit very frequently due to living 270 miles away but spoke to the nurses. They kept me informed the whole time. She died aged 99 peacefully and well care for. I visited just before she died and was glad to see her clean and comfortable. The nursing staff were very supportive of me during this last visit when I was upset and emotional. I wish all the staff well in the future.

I went to visit my aunt in The Old Rectory care home. The staff were very welcoming and caring. My aunt was in bed and when I arrived, they propped her up in bed so that she could see and talk properly. They asked me to ring the bell if I needed them. My aunt thought she might need toileting assistance so I pressed the bell and 2 carers arrived after just a few minutes. The carers were friendly to my aunts. I liked the look and atmosphere of the care home. I asked my aunt if she liked the food there and she said yes. I am happy that my aunt is receiving good care at The Old Rectory.

The food that he is given always looks tasty. The home is tidy, clean and never smells. The dementia unit is calm and quiet and all are alert to residents’ needs. Visiting during Covid has been difficult but staff have always tried to accommodate family as well as they can, especially when they have travelled from a distance. Staff on the phone are always courteous and willing to spend time discussing issues. As my husband’s dementia becomes more and more apparent, I have peace of mind that he is well cared for and is being kept comfortable and content.

The care and kindness that all the staff show my dad and all of the residents, is heartwarming. You can see that the staff love their jobs and this shines through in the genuine care and affection the team have for the residents. The videos and updates on social media are fantastic and it's so reassuring to be able to see everyone enjoying themselves. The staff go out of their way to make it possible to speak to Dad, set up a video call or visit. The home has a positive atmosphere and feels like a big family.

My mum has been resident in the Old Rectory for 18 months and I am really very pleased with the support and care that she gets there. Her needs with her dementia and mobility have been well managed. She likes the staff, the food and gets involved in the huge range of activities that take place in the home - there's even been a pop festival! Communication from the home is good and there is a regular supply of photos via the Messenger group. She has a good-sized room which is ensuite (however, not all are). The Home has coped very well with the huge difficulties posed by Covid and have enabled visits and the opportunity for us to take Mum out of the home for visits to our home - something which she has loved. She was very poorly at one stage and the home enabled daily visits to her room. Although the Old Rec is a nursing home they have managed to build a friendly care home that doesn't feel like an institution but is a friendly and caring place.