Ivy Grove

Overall good. Low level of staff presence at weekends is a cause for concern both for safety reasons and for resident needs.

Over all the service is very good. Resident seem happy and staff know them well and seem to have a good rapport with each one.

I would like to see further training in dementia care for all carers as it is a very large area of study and understanding. Also, more support needed for carers at weekends. However, all staff work tirelessly to provide the best care for all residents and provide excellent family support.

I would very much recommend the care home for the kindness shown towards residents and their families.

Every time I visit I find my mum happy and well cared for in all ways. The staff are all nice people and I cannot thank them too much. The home is very clean, tidy and nothing is too much to do. Looking at your rating on the notice board, I think it was too low and should be 10 out of 10. All homes should be run to this standard in my view and my thanks to all at Chingford for what they do for mum.

Our friend moved into Gracewell of Chingford four weeks ago. Staff made her very welcome. All very kind and positive, we have had an excellent lunch with her in the bistro. Staff showed us photographs taken on the outings she has been on. Many in such a short period of time and she has obviously really enjoyed them. She seems to be eating well and looks happy.

The home is clean and all the residents seem very happy.

I think that everyone struggles with the decision to move a loved one into residential care and we often think we are doing the right thing by trying to keep them in their own home for as long as possible. Now my only wish is that I had moved my mum, who has Alzheimers, here earlier. Every time I leave, I almost cry with happiness about the fact that she is so happy, relaxed and well cared for by brilliant staff in lovely surroundings. At home, on her own (but with live-in carers) she was often stressed, agitated and deeply unhappy. While I know she still has moments of extreme agitation (as that's the nature of the disease sadly), I know these incidents are managed with professionalism and compassion. I recommend Gracewells to anyone trying to do the best thing for a loved one with Alzheimers.

Mum is being looked after very well at Gracewell's. The staff are very caring and always helpful and polite.

The staff are very friendly and helpful. My father has settled well.

Since my mother moved to Gracewell, we have met and become friends with a wonderful and caring team of staff. The welcoming and support given to immediate family and visiting relatives on every visit confirms the decision to take my mother into the Gracewell team to be the right one. The receptionist, hospitality manager and activities coordinator create full enjoyment for my mother. Long may my mother be supported by such wonderful staff

My mother lived in Gracewell for nearly 4 years until her very recent death. Everything at Gracewell is very high quality indeed but it is the attitude and skills of the care staff which make this place very special. They really get to know and care about the residents and ensure that all their needs are met. My mother had very advanced Alzheimers but was treated with dignity and gentleness. When mum died, the staff were all very supportive of the family and we regard them as family.

Satisfied with my father's care, has greatly improved over the last 6 months.

Individual carers and deputy managers are very good.

The home is run for the resident's comfort and pleasure, treating them as senior citizens who appreciate the good things in life. The residents are largely left to choose what they want to do when and where they want to do it and are supported in doing it by some very kind and helpful staff. The residence is kept clean and tidy without being overdone and not too regimented. My mother is very happy and comfortable, requires very little help, but very much appreciated the security and knowledge that if she needs help it is always in hand.