Rowan Lodge

In August we had 'Classic Cars', the weather was warm and sunny. It really was a most enjoyable day, relaxing with everyone. We had afternoon entertainment, couples dancing the jive and lots of picnic food was provided. Hot dogs, little cakes and all kinds of drinks. It was truly a lovely afternoon enjoyed by all.

Vintage car event very good for most residents. Well done to staff who organised. There are some lovely staff that understand the residents needs especially residents with dementia. More training in this area would not go amiss. Food could be better, not consistent.

A busy place where most staff are friendly. They do try to be responsive even when there are staff shortages. The social activities are well arranged, a recent classic car event was very well attended.

We were late arriving as my father's home had a BBQ on the same day. There was a good selection of vintage cars on display and two couples in 40's costumes were jiving to music in the centre. Although my mum wasn't present, there were plenty of residents enjoying the nostalgia. The sun was shining and staff also made an effort to dress up and were serving milkshakes. A great effort.

Many times the water jugs were not filled nor beds made and I had to call the busy care staff. Why not get the cleaners to do this?

Over the last 2 years, I have seen several good improvements to the quality of care at Rowan Lodge. Whilst there have been minor problems the staff are quick to react in a pleasing and friendly manner. I would certainly recommend this home to my family and would have no problems with being a resident myself if the need arose.

My only concern is the turnover of staff seems greater than is desirable with respect to providing consistent company and contact for the residents.

Recent improvements have been made to update facilities eg new hair salon, redecoration and refurbishment.

My mother has been at Rowan Lodge since it opened in 2011. I have never had any issues with the level of care given to mum despite many changes of management and caring staff over the years. I have had some reservations with the standard of food offered to mum, in particular food which she just cannot eat as it is either too chewy or too hard. However despite this mum has always been in good health since she has been at Rowan Lodge. I would have no reservations recommending Rowan Lodge to anyone, I have spoken to many relatives over the years who have been delighted with the standards at the home. The current management are continually improving the home in many ways which can only be good for the future.

Although the facilities, social areas and rooms take the eye. The main asset of the home is the caring attitude of the staff, from cleaners, through carers to management.

With a lot of help from Rowan Lodge we were finally able to get my mum out of hospital where she had been stuck for over a month after a fall (ironically a couple of days before we were transferring her to the Lodge after a stroke and memory loss made 24-hour care essential). In hospital, she was trapped in a cycle of catching infections and not being exercised or stimulated. As soon as she arrived they got her outside in the sunshine with a sun hat and after just a couple of weeks, her improvement is enormous. There are plenty of activities, she is always dressed and gets to exercise with her walking frame and has developed a bit of independence and some memory recovery. Food is good and the carers are lovely. It was recommended to us by my brother-in-law whose mother spent her final few months there with dignity. The carers are wonderful and the manager is an ex-nursing sister who knows her stuff. They did have some CQC issues some time ago, but these have been put right now.

Kind and caring with no fuss.

And we have enjoyed the entertainment.

I was very satisfied with the care in Rowan Lodge Nursing Home - my husband was treated with care, kept very clean and I was always happy that he was looked after with respect.

The current management (2016 - 2017) ensure that all staff fully understand the full meaning of 'caring' for all residents.

This home offers excellent care for my wife keeping her clean, warm and comfortable. She does not need any entertainment due to her mental state so she could be regarded as a resident who presents few challenges to the home. On the minus side the home employs a large percentage of temporary staff which can result in poor coordination.

Some exceptional staff who constantly give over and above what is expected. There is one member of staff who is fantastic with my nan and cannot give her high enough praise.

A charming hairdresser comes into the home every week plus a chiropodist comes regularly and the GP has a weekly clinic. The entertainment team work hard, six days per week trying to stimulate the residents. Activities include; daily exercise class, art class, quiz games, board games, skittles and bean bag games plus concerts organised each month.

Atmosphere friendly and welcoming, managers and staff listen to and engage with relatives well. Activity team excellent and understanding of individual residents capabilities and needs. Cleanliness excellent - the home has a homely feel - not institutionalised. Big improvements made over the previous year with new managers in place. More consistency of staff and better staffing levels. Calm and relaxed atmosphere - generally a much improved and happier care home with good caring staff.

My aunt was very reluctant initially to stay in a care home, but throughout her week, all the staff proved to be so friendly and caring. The food was excellent, accommodation and facilities in her room excellent and many residents were so friendly and kind towards her, that on her final morning she asked if she had to go home, declared she had a wonderful time and when asked 9if she would like to return her eyes completely lit up, beamed and smile and then said "could I?", smiling all the while. Consequently, we have decided to book her in for various visits throughout the new year - she will be thrilled.

We were impressed with the website and then made a visit to Rowan Lodge. The friendly atmosphere was our first impression. All the staff we came in contact with were very professional, friendly and empathetic. I would certainly recommend Rowan Lodge to other friends for family members. Mum was always nicely dressed her room was always immaculate considering there had been a change in manager during mums stay we felt the home continued to run smoothly.