Barchester Harper Fields

My mother-in-law has advanced dementia. In her previous care home, she had given up. She was lonely, she was confused, anxious and wanted to die. Her behaviour was labelled as 'challenging' and the staff found her difficult to deal with. We felt lost and utterly hopeless.
Then we found Harper Fields and the change for my mother in law has been profoundly positive. Harper Fields give her friendship, support and a quality of life we never thought possible. She goes swimming, on trips to the theatre and routinely trounces the other residents at skittles. She has made friends - with residents and carers - who genuinely seem to love her and like having her around. She is valued and cared for.
The atmosphere is warm and genuine. She may live her life in the moment, but that moment is generally a happy one. Now, when we say goodbye at the end of a visit, she doesn't cling to us and cry. She hugs us warmly, then turns around and goes back to have a cuppa with her friends.

I am very pleased with the personal care for my mother - the attention to her medical and other needs, social care, e.g. bed movement, feeding, toileting etc. We have open access and the care home helped us to recently celebrate her birthday. I regularly talk to her care staff and managers and continue to fully appreciate all of the support provided by the home.

My mother was very reluctant to give up her home and enter a care home. However she now thinks it was a good choice. She still obviously misses having her own home but she says she feels safe and all her needs are met. There is always someone to talk to - be it staff or fellow residents, so she never feels lonely.

My aunt is receiving "end of life" care which has been excellent. She didn't want to go into hospital as they would not be able to care or provide anything that the home couldn't. She was also much happier to be in surroundings she was familiar with.

My life changed forever when my husband went into the home, but after 2 1/2 years "Harper Fields" feels like my home also. It's always so welcoming and friendly, and the wonderful staff and carer's are someone I can trust, and know my husband is in very good care when I leave him and go home. Everything is so beautiful, the inside, and the beautiful gardens which I can enjoy also. Doesn't matter who ever I come across when I enter the home, there is always a smile and a hello and help and an ear if ever you needed it, which means to a lot. The new manager is a wonderful lady, best ever, her door is always open and had turned "Harper Fields" around for the best.

Overhaul pleased, is expensive but that doesn't worry me as mum can afford it, but when asked by other people they are gob smacked at the cost. The only other point is I wish you could keep the same staff looking after mum as change isn't good later in life. Not moving to another care home but different place in the same care home.

When mum first moved to the home she was able to go out on trips which she thoroughly enjoyed. The staff always made sure she went out regularly. She has deteriorated over time and now can seldom be persuaded to leave her room, but the staff are in and out all the time helping her to drink enough and assisting her with eating and keeping her clean. I have found the staff to be really kind and caring with a great attitude.

Windsor ward staff are wonderful, very caring and thoughtful. It is a home from home as much as a dementia unit can be. Activities are superb, especially the theatre outings and visits to many local places. The entertainers who come in regularly are again superb.

My aunt has been a resident of Harper Fields since October 2012. Just one month after opening. During this time she has been extremely well cared for in a pleasant home with all facilities. The team of carers are well proficient in their duties. We are kept informed at every step how my aunt is doing even though we visit regularly. We receive a six monthly review with the assigned nurse on every aspect of health. The home also have relative meetings three to four times a year to explain their progress and plans for the future. Care home is highly recommended.

My mother was moved to Harper Field a year ago after an unhappy experience in a different home where she seemed to spend more time in the local hospital. In her new home she is cared for my understanding and helpful staff who genuinely like her and her quirky little ways. There has been only one hospital visit and done with such care and sensitivity both to my and my mother thank you, that it was painless. I believe my mother is as happy as she can be given that she has dementia.

Care has been variable. At present I am pleased after 2 and a half years that mum's needs are being met, mostly.
Suitable staffing levels have been a problem, but in recent months, mum's care has improved greatly (due to loss of "bank" staff).
Current staff show dedication and enthusiasm resulting in a caring atmosphere.
Activities being"poor" relates to the fact that mum is deaf and blind and doesn't like to join in.

Mum is well cared for, every effort is made to make her comfortable and involved in the life of the home. Following her severe stroke a year and a half ago.
The care staff get mum out of bed and her room regularly, something never attempted by the previous home she was in. I am exceptionally grateful for their effort to improve mums quality of life.

My mother has been at the home for 14 months now, and there has been a great deal of instability during that time. There is now a new manager (the third) who does seem to be making a difference to a home that has previously failed to deliver on its promises, and has had a huge turn over of staff during this time. There have been a number of occasions when my mother has not been treated as they promise in their brochures.My review is over the period of time my mother as been in home the staff and manager have improved hence my rating below.

My dad spent two weeks at Harper Fields in March and was well cared for and he had an enjoyable stay.
Knowing that he receives excellent care when he stays at Harper Fields means that my husband and I can go away without worrying about his welfare. The staff always make him feel welcome and valued.

I selected a care home or my dads respite with great care! It must be dementia friendly, have high standards of care and offer lots of activities every day! Attending events beforehand helped me choose Harper Fields. Staff are friendly and considerate. Facilities are excellent. Dads bedroom window overlooked a garden and very clean and was roomy! Corridors are wide, uncluttered and light (most of all airy). Day rooms offer comfortable seating and views to the gardens. Following dads respite he was happy to see me but also seemed at home at Harper Fields. Also all his clothes were clean and, ready for packing which is a blessing when returning home! We will be booking further respite at Harper Fields.