Aycliffe Care Home

Our Mam had to go into Aycliffe Care Home permanently in January of this year. She settled in straight away and whenever we visit, is always happy and smiling. The home is always spotlessly clean and welcoming. Nothing is a trouble, and there's always somebody to talk to if there's a problem. Since lockdown, although we haven't been able to visit, staff have made sure we have been kept up to day with Mam's situation. Now that we are able to book outside visits, once again, they are working so hard to keep all the resident covid free. We feel very lucky knowing that our Mam is safe and so well cared for by all the staff. Our heartfelt thanks to each and every one.

My dad spent 31 months at Aycliffe, living with Alzheimer's. We were immediately attracted to the Home as a light and airy building with neat rooms, imaginative corridors, accessible management and friendly staff. First impressions were accurate. Dad was looked after so well. Everyone played their part - the cleaners who ensured his room was spick and span and chatted to him - the care assistants who had time to reassure him with a word or a hug - the nursing staff who kept us informed of developments in his health, attended him in hospital and looked after him as we would have wanted him to be looked after if we could have done it our selves. He loved his haircuts and his chiropody and being outside helping the caretaker (with an assisting pint to keep him going!). If I ever need the services of a care home I hope they will be half as good as the people I met at Aycliffe.

Clean and tidy home and rooms. Management and staff very friendly and helpful. Food and facilities are very good.

In terms of facilities, the building is light, spacious, well laid out and nicely appointed. In my experience, most of the staff have been excellent with a couple who have built particularly close relationships with my dad, which has been wonderful to see.

I try to visit my dad every couple of weeks and have found his care to be extremely good when I am in. He suffers from dementia and is very frail, unable to perform the most basic tasks for himself. He appears to respond to some of the staff extremely well and they are able to humour him and to have a laugh with him. As I am not in daily I am unable to comment on some aspects and will, therefore, leave them blank. There is generally a good atmosphere within the home and his brighter days I can see my dad is happy to be there.

I have found most of the staff very kind and caring. They will always speak to residents as they pass through the lounge. However, there are always exceptions some staff can be jolly my husband along but if he is given an order he doesn't respond well. I don't want to comment on the management as both the manager and her deputy are comparatively new but they seem to have good ideas.

Dementia has been a devastating disease that took from my mother her speech, reasoning and life purpose. I am indebted to the staff at the home who worked so hard to make my mother's life happy safe and bearable.

My mum has been resident at this home for just over 2 years. She has advanced dementia.The highlight of the home is the care staff. They treat my mum with dignity and respect but also see her as a "real" person. They make sure that her hair is done, her nails are polished and they talk to her and laugh with her often. They also engage with me and my dad and recognise that we sometimes need their support too. My mum smiles when she sees the carers and that really says it all.

It's a real pleasure to live in and to visit. Our loved one says she feels pampered (hair and nail treatments), very well cared for, safe, secure, valued and very much "at home". Lots of smiles and laughter and the best medicine.

Our dad was in this care home for 12 days. The care dad recieved was exceptional. I cannot speak too highly. All staff including manager, nurses, carers to cleaners were dedicated, caring, genuine and sympathetic not only for dad but for us as a family. We were looked after too, whether it be for a chat, shoulder to cry on or a cup of tea. Care was very professional, thorough and very well managed. If you are looking for a care home for a family member/ relative then this is the place to be. I would not hesitate to recommend it.

The staff were caring and compassionate. We were all made to feel very welcome and the staff took time out from their work to chat. Mum was treated with dignity and respect at all times and the standard of care was first class. The level of cleanliness was excellent and the meals were first class. We would definitely recommend Aycliffe Care Home.

On arrival the home is warm and welcoming. It has a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Home is tidy and clean with no bed odours. Residents are clean and well dressed. Carers talk to residents direct in a courteous respectful manner. Residents who are unable to feed themselves are helped and encouraged to eat and enjoy their food. One of the nicest homes I have been in.