Wickmeads

My dear friend moved to Wickmeads recently. The first impression was of a lovely, welcoming, beautifully maintained building. She was made welcome, as were all her family and friends. The kindness and support of the staff made it clear that a difficult decision was the right one. My grateful thanks to all at Wickmeads.

I was present at Wickmeads Rest Home for two weeks respite. Those two weeks were good, apart from the food. We would have one or two days when food was good, then the next day or two would be very poor. Dont think they were interested in doing a good job (heard they were leaving). Hope replacement is better.

On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the way our mum was cared for during the 5 months she was in Wickmeads. From management to carers, all were truly exceptional, empathetic and dedicated to caring, often under difficult circumstances. The home is in a beautiful setting, between river and sea, with stunning gardens expertly maintained. The interior facilities are purpose-built to a high standard throughout and are spacious. Residents rooms are well-equipped, comfy, light and airy. Activities are really engaging and regular. Visiting often, we felt part of the Wickmeads 'family' which helped relieve our anxiety about Mum being there. In summary, I think we found the perfect care home for our mum.

My wife had been to Wickmeads before and said that's the one. She spent 14 days there and was well looked after in "every way". The staff are all well trained and compassionate, well run, and when I asked staff for anything, it was done at once. Food and cleanliness first class. When my wife goes into Wickmeads full-time, I know that she will be safe and happy.

Our family's expectations have been exceeded in the first month of our mother's stay at Wickmeads. Someone from the family has visited most days at various times and the entire place is always spotless. We've observed spectacular levels of care and professionalism whatever the task with staff clearly mindful of individual needs. Daily activities are incredibly varied with residents encouraged to suggest new ideas and flag favourites. The dining room is a pleasant environment with resident feedback actively sought and factored into menu planning where feasible. It's early days, but our mother appears to be thriving in this environment with more social activity and laughter than she's experienced for a very long time. In summary, so far, so good. A brief visitors' handout for newbies might be worth considering to highlight a few basics such as how to exit the building when reception is closed, using the tea and coffee machines etc..

The home was one of calmness and quiet. The staff were extremely helpful and caring. Activities varied to take part in.

There are no words to adequately express my and my family's gratitude for the care and kindness received from the Manager, her Deputy, and all the wonderful team at Wickmeads have given both my parents. Both came here in their nineties, with very different needs - my mother with advanced dementia and my father with ongoing health issues. The consistently excellent care shown by all the care staff has been deeply appreciated, and their support of us as a family, too - we are always made to feel welcome, and nothing has been too much trouble. They have gone above and beyond in terms of their kindness and understanding. The staff move between floors, so have an understanding of all residents' needs. The staff member in charge of activities, is so caring, writing weekly emails about the excellent activities. The setting is lovely, and homely, with beautifully kept gardens, flowers and places to sit. We are so grateful for all they have done for us all - because that is how it feels.

The care my father receives at Wickmeads is outstanding. The care home itself is spotlessly clean with a warm and welcoming feel. Dad has been treated with dignity, kindness and respect throughout his residency (more than two years) but, in recent weeks, he has weakened significantly and his level of care has increased greatly, not only medically but with the core, permanent staff showing real compassion towards him and my mother who visits him on a near daily basis. It's been very difficult seeing my father decline but the one thing I've never had to worry about has been his time at Wickmeads - I feel he's safe, warm and being looked after in every way possible.

Myself and my brother only wanted the best for our mum. She has worked hard all her life. I also have worked in the caring profession. Mum has been looked after with such care and love. The staff and management have always gone above and beyond to help us and mum. The food is excellent, the home is always warm and clean, mum's clothes are looked after. I would say this is the best home - 5 stars.

My husband has been a resident of Wickmeads Southbourne, Bournemouth since June 2021. He has complex medical needs and is in the very early stages of vascular dementia. His care has been administered with kindness, understanding and with emphasis on dignity. Activities are carefully planned and trips out arranged when possible and the residents are encouraged to participate in a gentle manner. Wickmeads is a light airy and well-decorated home with a very pleasant garden accessible by the lift. A warm welcome always.

Having worked in care homes myself in the past, I have been extremely impressed by the quality of care provided at Wickmeads. The staff are all really lovely to the residents and the visitors. They treat residents as individuals and always find time for a fun comment or cheery enquiry about how they are. They share news about themselves too so residents feel they know them like friends. We have asked to bring food to our friend for a 'take away' in the lobby and staff are always keen to support us in making it feel like a home from home. All areas are spotlessly clean and it always smells fresh. Food is excellent and we have attended both Christmas and coronation events which are lots of fun with great decorations.

The staff at Wickmeads are to be commended for making the King's coronation weekend one to remember. It was such an important event for (most of) the residents and all staff worked hard and were enthusiastic.

My dad was cared for in Wickmead care home for a year. All the staff helped both him and my mum through many difficult times, they are a great team of lovely people. Dad was very well-loved and cared for. Thank you to them all.

The staff are friendly, extremely helpful and accommodating. The place is clean and tidy and has a lovely feel when you walk in. I like the little seating areas to give you an extra view of the garden, instead of sitting in the resident's room. The staff try and help you to create the feel of a home from home.

Mum stayed at Wickmeads during March and April earlier this year (2023) after coming out of hospital, following a bad fall at home. All the team there made Mum feel very welcome, they were all really good to her for the short time she was there and always tended to her needs.

We would not hesitate to recommend Wickmeads to anyone who may need their care and support.

An exceptional supportive service. The staff were unfailingly helpful and friendly also very good humoured which was a much needed moral booster.

The home is very clean and very light and very friendly staff and caring to all residents. Very understanding of dementia. Give residents a special time for Birthdays and Christmas. Beautiful grounds to use and dementia residents are given the freedom to walk around not forced to sit in chairs all day. The manager has appointed understanding staff which is nice to see. My husband has been here for around ten months, I can only recommend.

As a frequent visitor to Wickmeads, I have always found it to be a welcoming and friendly environment. The home is well-maintained and clean and the residents are treated with compassion and understanding. All of the staff have a warm and helpful approach towards the residents.

Wickmeads is an excellent residential care home. I have had the privilege of visiting my dear friend of over 90 years of age for the past two years. I have never been less than impressed by the surroundings, staff, cleanliness, care, friendliness, catering, personal dignity and general ambience of the home. There are beautiful, restful outdoor spaces and plenty of diverse activities for the residents to attend.

Following a stay in hospital we needed to find a permanent home for our sister-in-law. Wickmeads impressed us in terms of layout and furnishings; in particular, the outlook onto the garden adds to her room's attraction. We are happy with the care and support she receives and with the response we get from staff and the manager when we ask for information or updates on her condition. The standard of catering and housekeeping is high and we believe that we made the correct choice.