Church Farm at Rusticus

I'm here to say thank you to everyone management team thank you for everything thank you for the peace and love you are giving to the home god bless everyone

My dad passed away in Feb 2026, he had been in Rusticus for a few years and the general care was really good from what I could see. The staff were always busy supportinfg residents. A few things I had flagged which were an ongoing issue are as follows:

1. Loss of clothes, washing soap etc and it ending up with other residents. So poor organisation of the laundry and then it finding it's way back to the correct resident.

2. Clothes and belongings being shoved into cupboards untidily, not enough cupboard or draw space.

3. I hadn't raised this but I always thought the mattress my dad had was not of great quality.

4. Smell - Always an unpleasant smell on entering the care setting on bluebell ward. This was partially sorted for a short time but there was always a smell which leads me to think there isn't enough staff to keep the home constantly clean. There are also other aids than can neutralise smells which probably needs to be looked at.

Really nice environment for my husband. After all the different places my husband went, I could see a difference In His care from the moment he arrived here. He was well looked after by the staff and he was happy and contented as he could be till the end. Thank you

My husband was in Rusticus for two and a half years, until his death in February 2026. From his first day to his last, the care was outstanding. His different stages of the dementia were met with understanding. He, at times, certainly needed expert care, attention and understanding. At all times he retained his dignity. I also wish to thank all the staff involved with caring for me too! Talking to me, laughing with me when possible and me knowing that when I left my husband he was in good hands. When he died they showed their respect for him and their love. All I can say is "Thank you."

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Thank you team for everything you've done for mum and us. You've taken away the sleepiness night's of us worrying about mum and you all make us feel like we are part of the homes family.

I am very happy with the care my husband receives at Rusticus The staff are always kind and caring even with residents who are difficult to deal with .I have noticed that my suggestion about the sun being too hot coming through the skylights has been dealt with and is so much better I have also noticed that after a meal staff now go round and clean the floor as soon as residents are settled in armchairs. I would definitely recommend this nursing home to anyone looking for good care for their loved ones

As far as I am aware my husband is well cared for. I have not been able to visit him in recent weeks due to my ill health but it gives me peace of mind that they will ring me if there are any issues.

This is a lovely home with lots of character (the grounds, staff and residents!) When my relative transitioned to another home Rusticus made is easy, nothing was too much trouble, the managers explained everything in clear detail and I felt at ease. I have been involved in all aspects of her care and when I visit everyone is so welcoming. Everyone is so kind, I see lots of things happening and unlike the previous home, residents are not just sat around sleeping or staring into space with nothing to do and just 'wasting away'. It's good to see the wonderful work that goes on to keeping people with lots of needs, happy and well. My relative has flourished and that is all due to the collective efforts of the staff.

All the staff are brilliant with my dad. Whenever I visit the staff are so patient and kind with him and with other residents. They are excellent at keeping everyone calm. My dad has settled well and as a family we are very happy with the home.

I feel the garden area is neglected and looks untidy. Colour is important to people with Dementia and this lacking in the garden.

My brother and I visit our Mum every week. She has been at Church Farm at Rusticus for approximately 18 months. We always find Mum dressed and clean. She sits quietly by herself most of the time (which is her way) and the staff often stop by to ask her if she is OK, and if she wants a drink or something to eat. We are always made to feel welcome. There are different staff sometimes but we soon get to know them. We expect our Mum to be cared for and looked after to a high standard and we feel that this is what she receives. Unfortunately, looking after people with dementia is not a 'one size fits all' situation, and there are high demands from some residents more than others, but overall, we feel that the staff are caring and do tailor to their needs quite well. We know most of the other residents, too, and they all look well-cared for. A great deal of effort goes into activities, and celebrations of birthdays and significant days in the calendar, too, which is lovely.

Also home is well managed. The manager, deputy and all staff very good. Work hard to make residents feel at home.

Finally hope to see residents sitting outside with this warmer weather we have had & having. Fresh air is good for everyone. My mum loves to be outside.

Very happy with the care my husband receives in the area of the home in which he lives. They are sensitive to his needs and has always been treated with respect. All staff there are receptive to any observations I make and responsive to any issues that may arise.

My mother, has been a resident at the care home for the last 2 years and has settled in really well after a really restless start , I used to call in at 17.00 when they were having their tea and it was a very difficult time for the staff twilight time had kicked in and the residents were very restless, so to call in at 11.00 and see all the residents sat down relaxed having tea eating fruit and a chocolate bar was a real eye opener . The staff are really lovely with the residents and very calming . My only issue is the personnel belongs clothes etc that go missing, my mother collects other people's items also but rooms cannot be locked.

At times can be difficult to get through a specific lounge but do appreciate that staff are busy.

Overall all my dealings with the home are very positive.

I am pleased to say that he is leaving as a new man and his health is so much improved that he is now able to live at home with my Mother again. This is due to the wonderful care and kindness of the very dedicated staff in the Hickling Lodge at Rusticus for which the whole family is most grateful.

All in all I can relax and sleep better knowing my loved one is safe and well cared for.

The managers are also very good and have always responded promptly to the small number of issues or questions I have raised whilst dad has been a resident.

Wish I could write more