La Fontana

I cannot speak highly enough of all the care that my husband the resident is receiving at La Fontana. The care and concern is also extended to us as a family. I cannot think of anywhere else I would wish my husband to be cared for.

Amazing care home, very happy having found this gem. All staff are so friendly and attentive, nothing too much trouble. My father enjoys the interactions between residents and staff. I can go home knowing he's in safe hands.

My mother was very challenging on her arrival. She is now very calm, smiles and laughs. We have very good visits. She is happy. Staff are courteous and friendly.

5 months ago my husband, who was bedridden with severe dementia, went to La Fontana for a month's respite care. It was soon evident that he was receiving excellent care and seemed happy, so he became a permanent resident. He was unable to make use of all the facilities but we had every confidence in the care he received. He was monitored regularly and the staff were friendly, caring and attentive. They were always helpful and communicative. His room was very pleasant opening directly onto the gardens while the layout of the building means there are no stairs, lifts or long corridors which makes for a much more integrated and effective care system.

My brother and I have confidence in my mother's care and wellbeing with professional caring staff. Just when she needs it most. My mother is much happier now.

Well looked after.

Staff have been very attentive and responsive to my requests, usually instantly.

My mother has been at La Fontana for more than three years. During her time there she has been looked after with sensitivity, care and compassion. Staff always take her individual needs into account and this is evident in her relaxed and happy attitude towards them. As a family we feel lucky and confident in entrusting her care to this establishmnet.

My husband has resided at La Fontana for the past 3 1/2 years and during this time he has been treated with nothing but kindness and respect. The care he receives is second to none. The staff are amazing and have endless patience with all the challenging behaviour. Nothing is too much trouble for them. I am always made to feel very welcome when visiting and could not have made a better choice in choosing a care home for my husband. It is just like one big happy family.

In view of recent improvements, I feel it’s appropriate to write an updated review. I believe the improvements are a direct result of staff being allocated, on a permanent basis, to a particular room, thus improving teamwork, giving staff a sense of pride and ownership. Improved communication is demonstrated by residents receiving more personalised individualised care as staff are now able to really get to know their residents. Communication between staff and residents, families and friends has definitely improved, I have always felt welcome but now really feel part of the team. Previous concerns have been acknowledged and dealt with immediately this gives me the confidence to be able to discuss any matters arising in the future which is reassuring. Residents’ activities still need improvement, but already care staff have taken the initiative by developing a sensory area amongst other things to address this issue. The (pending) appointment of an activities coordinator will also help to address this issue.

The staff at La Fontana are helpful and do treat each patient as an individual. I could not do their job. Generally speaking, they are kind and constantly aware of where each patient is and if they are calm and content as possible under the circumstances.

My mother has been a resident for 6 years, during this time she has been continually well cared for. My sister and I are welcomed by staff at every visit, any questions are answered and we are generally happy with every aspect of care given. The management is approachable and very helpful and I'm very happy that La Fontana is my mother's home. Thank you.

The welfare and happiness of the resident are paramount. My mother seems very content and well looked after.

All rooms are very well furnished and equipped, eg. ensuite, TV, fridge and underfloor heating. Both care staff and housekeeping staff develop personal relationships with the residents which aids contentment and general happiness. It is obvious that all staff take pride in carrying out their duties.

My mother suffers from Dementia, having looked after her for 8 years, we had to seek help with her. So La Fontana and its staff have been camp for her for a year. The staff are kind and patient, with all the residents. It's a very clean home, and with this difficult disease, I feel that they cope well with the difficulties every day brings, as every day is a challenge.

The staff treat my mum with respect and tailor care to suit her needs. They are always very friendly and welcoming to me and happy to listen to any concerns I have.

The care given by every member of staff could not be better and the facilities offered are superb.

Carers always knew how my father was and could understand his needs, despite his lack of mobility and speech. They always had time to talk to me and were very friendly and welcoming. I am very grateful to everyone at La Fontana for looking after my dad. Thank you all so much.

Unfortunately, again staffing levels are unacceptable at times leaving the residents at risk. Also, some staff don't' seem to read up notes on residents. On a positive, most of the staff are caring.

As the staffing seems to be an issue I think the management should sort this out as far as I am concerned this is very important.

The cleanliness of the building is good as is the food.

Staff only engage with residents to see to a specific need. Organised activities are not offered daily. Televisions are on constantly, but there is nothing instantly available for residents to do. Simple activities and stimuli are needed - sorting trays, boxes of beads and strings, colouring books, large Lego, children’s scissors for cutting activities, dolls, dolls clothes, oversized packs of cards, magazines. None requires close supervision.