Wessex House

As an occupational Therapist of twenty years experience, I was happily impressed with the high standard of care being given to my friend's mother whom I have known for many years. In my working role, I have visited many residential and nursing homes. This is one I would have been happy to have my own mother cared for by. I felt welcomed by the staff which is so vital when you are a visiting carer/relative. The ease of free car parking was a joy. I did not meet the manager but whoever it is, they run a tight ship. The number of staff on each floor and the ratio of staff to patients/residents was good because of the way Wessex House is designed. The staff are never far away when needed. The premises are warm, light and welcoming and all the staff that I met both helpful, sympathetic and pleasant. Personal care was carried out discreetly and gently. Re. activities - cannot assess properly as the lady in question was not involved with any.

I have known my friend for more than half of my life and know she has support and safety at Wessex House. A very pleasant and happy atmosphere pervades the place. The dining room is laid out beautifully for meals and the staff are pleasant and kind. My concern is that I dislike the way her dentures (if she has them in!) are dropped into the plastic containers with all the food on them, not cleaned first that I have ever seen and left with all the food floating around them! Today I had a look in the empty denture pot only to find it slimy and with black mould all over the inside of it! I set to and cleaned it myself. This is unacceptable. It is Saturday they are short staffed as usual so I didn't make a fuss. My friends hair was uncombed so I did that too. She was sitting with others. She was always a fastidious person I have no ideas if she had been helped to wash? I can't answer the "value for money" question as I do not know the cost! But I'd expect better mouth and denture care! Private pay.

The home and staff are all very helpful and caring. They looked after most of his needs. The only issue was washing - ie. he needs to have non bio washing powder as it causes skin problems. We also understand the food quality problem is being resolved.

This month my mother died after being in Wessex House for over seven years. She had Alzheimer's which became progressively more acute, but during this time my mother was treated with the utmost care and dignity and despite virtually bed ridden for her last three years. She died without a single bedsore, which is testimonial to the devotion the staff displayed to her care both day and night. My mother was completely helpless but her every need was supplied.