Willowcroft

My mother had Alzheimer's and spent her last few years at Willowcroft. We are very glad that we chose it as it has very caring staff and good facilities. We would happily make the same choice again. Her room was relatively spacious and had en-suite facilities. A family friend, who has visited several other homes in the Derby area, told me that Willowcroft is the best of them. My mother was in another local home, whilst waiting for a place here. It was good but Willowcroft has nicer rooms and better facilities. A former manager said that my mother needed nursing care and asked us to move her from Willowcroft to a nursing home. The decision was not supported by the NHS professionals or Social Services (or us), so she stayed put. We had no further issues and are happy with the current management. A few very minor niggles regarding wear and tear to decoration and furnishings and occasional temporary minor cleaning issues are far outweighed by the excellent care and facilities.

Staff are always friendly, helpful and very patient. Although sometimes presented with challenging behaviour, they are always professional and show great care and understanding. Residents do not seem forced to join but are encouraged to participate in activities, thereby respecting their dignity and right to choose. Similarly, residents may take their meals in their own room if that is their preference. Care plans and notes are thorough and up to date and freely available for family and friends to refer to and staff are always available to provide updates and answer any questions.

I live in Wiltshire and endeavour to visit on a monthly basis and, for this reason, finding a care home meeting all my cousin's needs which was 100% trustworthy with an open and loving ethos was essential. Willowcroft meets the highest standard. At my regular review in May all information and file records were available. I am kept fully informed by management and staff, and there is a 3 way dialog with my cousin's doctors. All needs are being met. My cousin is deaf and has some medical needs but is attended in a loving and professional manner. Willowcroft is modern and always clean and pleasant.

My mother lived at Willowcroft for four years from its opening until she passed away in April. Throughout that time she was cared for with the highest level of skill and compassion. Each resident is treated as an individual with their preferences regarding social activities, food, personal assistance, pastoral care and everything else being catered for and always with a smile. The standards of catering and cleanliness are consistently outstanding. There is a real sense of family at the home and residents are encouraged to treat Willowcroft as their home. Families are welcomed and there is, consequently, a great sense of involvement for everyone. Activity coordinators work well with residents and carers to provide a stimulating and dynamic range of activities and constantly strive to extend their programme. Willowcroft has excellent links with the local community and pastoral care is exceptionally served by the resident pastor. All staff treat residents more as friends than clients and always have time to have a chat rather than always being task oriented. Management have an open door policy and are keen and able to address any issues ably and swiftly. Willowcroft is always a happy place. I am eternally grateful that my mother lived her closing years here and would unequivocally have no hesitation in recommending it to others.