Dean Wood Care Home

My father-in-law's stay at the home was sadly much shorter than we had hoped for but in the time he was there he was treated with warmth, kindness and dignity and we are very grateful that he was so well looked after.

When we were looking for care homes we only had a tour of Dean Wood because once we had seen it we knew it was going to be the right place for him - everyone we met really did have his best interests at heart, the building had great facilities and it was really clean. And the sea view is amazing!

I'd like to particularly mention two staff members in particular for making my father-in-law so welcome and part of the community.

Friendly care in a great environment. My mum has settled really well and the very regular activities provide lots of stimulation. Lots of friendships formed with other residents and in a hot summer weather the amazing roof terrace with sea views is stunning. Thank you to all the Dean Wood staff who work really hard to provide such dedicated care and support. You couldn't wish for more.

I am very impressed by Dean Wood. All the staff are supportive, friendly and professional. My stepfather has been at Dean Wood for almost a year, and I have never yet come across anyone unhelpful. Also the environment is very comfortable, and feels like home. It would be lovely if there were to be a garden that my stepfather could get to on his own (the roof garden is amazing but requires a lift to get to) but it is great to be able to take him to the roof garden and self-service cafe when I visit.

When my brother in law made the decision to leave his flat we were anxious that he find the right place in his advancing years. He needed support with care but wanted to retain some independence. In Dean Wood I feel he has achieved that. He is happy, content, very much enjoys the food and has made good friends. He enjoys the activities but can also spend time to be independent if he wishes. I feel the staff there whatever their role have the best interests of the residents at heart and family is important and part of the care. Communication is vital and it is always possible to contact the right member of staff if necessary. I feel the very positive experience to date will continue in the future.

His last few weeks were dignified and full of the utmost best care. DW's updates towards the end were timely which ensured we were present at the end which meant everything to us. Five stars and recommended without hesitation. Dean Wood, for looking after Dad so well, we cannot thank you enough.

Mum has been at Dean Wood for over five years now and really likes it here. She always comments on how good the care is, how nice the food is and how much she enjoys the wide range of activities on offer. The staff are amazing and take really good care of her. Everywhere is always spotlessly clean and everyone always greets you with a welcoming smile.

10 out of 10 on every level.

Mum has been a resident for two years at Dean Wood. The whole of the Dean Wood team do a great job to keep us informed and up to date of changes that are happening for their residents and as a family member with a loved one in care, this is very reassuring to know that they keep the supporting family in mind at all times.

Mum's care is of great quality and she enjoys mixing with the residents when she chooses but also has the choice of when she wants her independence and own company which is important to her. Dean Wood strive for their residents autonomy of choice whilst ensuring great quality care. We have got to know the team very well and always feel welcome and are greeted with smiles from them which demonstrates their respect and pride in their job.

We are pleased we have chosen Dean Wood and feel assured Mums time in care is of good quality from food, service, hygiene and through to communication.

Because of the excellent care that my mother receives I am reassured that she is in the right place., and in good and safe hands.

My father has been in the care home for a few months. He has quite complex needs, and he was in a bad state when he first moved in. He has received excellent support, and the staff have managed to help him. I have noticed his old sense of humour and personality coming back. It is very reassuring to know he is in such good hands.

I have Power of Attorney for a friend living at Dean Wood. She took up residence in Sept 2020 as her Alzheimer made it unsafe for her to live alone. The staff have always been extremely caring and helpful, especially coping with her when she has been distressed and agitated. They have always treated her as an individual. Moving in during one of the COVID lockdown periods meant visiting was extremely limited but the staff were very good at keeping me informed about her. They continue to tell me how she responds to activities, which she enjoys at the time but sadly can't remember when I a visit. The accommodation is clean and in good condition and she loves to spend time on the roof terrace. I chose Dean Wood for her for the unusual reason that they would also take her beloved elderly cat, now sadly passed away. With her in rescent Alzheimer symptoms she will soon move to Clarence Ward for residents with severe dementia. I'm glad she can stay where she is already known and comfortable.

My mum has been at Dean Wood for a little over a year now as a resident with dementia and is well settled. It's by far the best home I've seen - we wanted somewhere clean and modern and uncluttered to help her to relax. Being purpose-built makes a difference, with moving around and facilities. No rabbit warrens or worn out rooms here.

Mum really appreciates going on the beautiful roof terrace when I visit, and to the cafe space upstairs as a change of scene for her. She values the hymns and psalms on Sunday which we go to together - a lot of effort goes into a programme of activities.

Mum is well looked after - I'm grateful for the efforts of the staff to support my dad to spend time with her at lunch and eg for their anniversary.

Moving a loved one to a home is a huge thing to do, but I felt well supported through this period. Staff have experimented thoughtfully with ways to engage mum and give her purposeful activities.

The Dean Wood Care Home is a well-run home. The staff are very friendly and provide dignified support. The building and facilities are modern, clean and welcoming. There is a good range of activities in the home, although more external visits could be provided for variety. The evening meal is quite early, so activities in the evening would also be welcome. Despite a steep 14% increase in fees from Jan 2025, overall the home is very good.

Dean Wood have been home for the last 31/2 years of my mum's life and we couldn't have wished for a better place for her. The staff have been wonderful, attentive, caring, and helpful, always aiming to meet her needs. Mum looked upon them all as extended family and I will miss them all. The activities have been stimulating and varied, the food has been the highlight throughout, and the beautiful gardens have enable us to spend time with mum outside. I can't recommend it highly enough!

My mother's overall experience with BUPA Dean Wood has been a very good 14-month stay. She has settled well and has been well treated by the staff. There are plenty of facilities and activities for her to take advantage of if she chooses. My main opportunity to visit my mum is on a Saturday. I try to arrive around 11:00 am most weeks. Unfortunately, I am increasingly finding she is not ready by 11:30 am. My mother chose to wake up late and this suits the staff because they could not get all the residences ready at once. However, it's becoming increasingly frustrating that she is not ready for my arrival. I think she would be happy to be ready by 11:00 am on a Saturday.

My mother spent her last 6 months at Dean Wood, I can't recommend this Nursing Home enough. The nursing care was second to none, the carers could not have been better and friendlier and all worked extremely well. It was like a second home to her and my mother was treated with great care, dignity and wanted for nothing. A better experience than I could have ever expected, thank you to the team across all departments. You are a wonderful bunch and the people that make this home so special.

My mother-in-law was initially able to enjoy the comfort; the food; the light, airy and clean facilities; and the wonderful caring staff. She often praised everything about the home and said she couldn't fault it. Towards the end of her life, the care continued beautifully and extended to family members near and far. Thank you all so very much, for allowing a comfortable and dignified end to a very long life.

Once I had visited Dean Wood, met some of the staff, and seen what a clean, welcoming environment it was, I felt safe handing him into their care. He was well looked after during his stay; and treated with dignity and respect by a team who really do care. For those who want to engage, lots is going on and it is very social. Those who wish to keep to themselves or are unable to join in, are still a 'part' of Dean Wood, and their wishes are respected. Fantastic location and a wonderful café; visitors are made to feel very welcome. Thank you to everyone.

Dad was unsafe and vulnerable in his house but now being in Dean Wood the family have none of those worries. More than anything we appreciate the genuine and excellent care that the staff give to Dad and the other residents. The facilities and activities are brilliant, the roof terrace and garden are particularly exceptional areas to be enjoyed. All in all Dean Wood has been great. It may not be the cheapest care home around but then it probably is the best.

Mum has been at Dean Wood for some 6 months. She has settled in very quickly. Mum is happy with her level of care and reassured that there are friendly staff around her should she need any sort of help. Her medicines are taken care of. She likes having her own room with her own bathroom. The staff are very friendly and approachable. The home is purpose-built and in a fantastic location. There are a wide range of activities to join in, if you want, or you can sit out and enjoy the roof terrace.