Ambleside

After an extensive search, we decided to place my father into respite care at Ambleside for two weeks. As it was working out so well this was made permanent. What attracted us to Ambleside initially was the fact that it was purpose-built, spacious, very clean, and with extensive gardens and communal areas. The cafe is a particular favourite. The staff are all very friendly and the food is excellent - they have a very talented chef. The rooms are very well appointed and the low-rise, wide span of the building creates a very airy, bright, and pleasant environment.

My sister's move to Ambleside after being in several Birmingham hospitals for most of 2022 was a big decision because she also left her own home. She agreed it would be sensible to live near me and within a short time said she was happy there. I visited 2 other local nursing homes but from entering Ambleside it felt ‘good’. The staff member who greeted me explained Ambleside would be my sister's home - not somewhere she herself worked! Continuing the appointment I was assured about the care level and how my sister's nursing needs would be met. I visit whenever I want and while there it’s like being in my sister's own home; I make a drink, can have a meal and staff are always available to answer questions about my sister's personal or medical needs. I’m so thankful that she’s safe! Ambleside nurses quickly identified when my sister medically deteriorated and had to be admitted to hospital (twice in a short time) but then welcomed her back providing the same great care and always keeping me informed.

My mother needed respite care for three weeks at short notice. Ambleside was brilliant in arranging this for her. The personnel we liaised with empathised with our family who felt under a time pressure to find suitable accommodation. The staff were very welcoming on arrival and provided good care throughout the stay.

Having had a total hip replacement I had 2 weeks of respite care to begin recovery. Deciding to do this and use the facilities of Ambleside was one of my best decisions. They helped me have confidence and care to move back home at the end of 2 weeks. A very comforting and caring environment.

My mum has only been a resident of Ambleside since the middle of April. Choosing the right care home for a loved one is never easy, but my expectations were exceeded right from the start, so the decision actually wasn't too difficult to make. All of the staff (and I mean ALL) are genuinely kind and caring, and many have gone the extra mile to ensure that her transition to this new way of life has been as easy as possible. There have been a few emotional wobbles along the way but these have been handled with sensitivity and care, and communication with myself is always open and honest. On the whole mum has settled in far quicker than I had anticipated, and I too feel very welcome as part of this new extended family. She thinks the staff are wonderful and she enjoys the open, airy environment, especially the gardens. She has been encouraged to join in the daily activities, is making new friends and seems to have found a competitive streak she didn't know she had!

My mother spent five and a half happy years at Ambleside and during that time it become home, and the staff became family, not only to her but also to myself and my family. During the lockdowns of the pandemic the manager and staff went above and beyond to retain communications between residents and their families, which was much appreciated and avoided many of the issues experienced at other homes. Due to the care and measures put in place by the manager, we were confident the residents were safe and protected as much as possible. Throughout her time at Ambleside my mother was treated with dignity, friendliness and great care by all the staff. A belated but nonetheless heartfelt thanks to all the special people at Ambleside who showed us such kindness over the years. The home is warm and welcoming, fresh and happy, with smiles and friendly words (and a coffee!) always waiting. I have no hesitation in recommending Ambleside to anyone considering residential care for a loved one.

Ambleside is a modern, bright, safe and warm home with a friendly and welcoming vibe. My father's care needs are always met promptly, and staff across all disciplines consistently show a positive and upbeat attitude. Staff are approachable and considerate to both residents and visitors. Ambleside feels like a home, not an institution where residents are treated as individuals. There are a range of activities across the week, and residents are encouraged to join in if it is something they would enjoy. Food is of a consistently good standard, and the gardens and cafe are pleasant surroundings for families and friends to meet. I would certainly recommend the home and feel fortunate that my father lives there.

It's wonderful that the home is back to pre-covid activities for the residents. Fantastic singers/musicians have been entertaining residents and visitors. Lovely signs of spring appearing everywhere within the home. Staff going the extra mile to make Ambleside 'a home away from home'. The cafe is again the meeting hub for visitors and residents alike.

Care for my Mum has been excellent. The process of choosing and entering the home last July was made much easier by the sympathetic customer manager based at the home. After a stroke in December, the staff worked very hard to get Mum walking, talking and eating again and never assumed that these were things she would no longer be able to do. The home environment is lovely and spotlessly clean and the cafe is a great place for visiting. The food is excellent and when Mum needed puréed food for a while after her stroke this was presented as separate items with carrots in the shape of a carrot which is so much more appetising and dignified than a bowl with everything mixed together. Activities are increasing after Covid-19 and are well planned and enjoyable. Most importantly the staff are fantastic and caring. Everyone from reception to cleaners to carers knows Mum and the continuity of staff seems to be very good too. The manager is approachable, available and runs the home very effectively.

My husband is being given marvellous care and attention. He lives in a well-decorated, colourful, happy home. He is surrounded by wonderful carers. I feel at home and I am treated with courteousness. My husband has spent 3 years in the home. His care is the best he could have. I feel at home when I visit.

The carers were absolutely fantastic to me. Nothing was too much trouble and made my stay very restful and content post three weeks in hospital.

My wife who was admitted "end of life care", the care she had received was professional, caring and was always shown support and dignity. Visits from day one by myself and son and daughter has been exemplary. We have been reassured that my wife is getting the best of care. At all times we have been informed of this unfortunate situation.

The atmosphere at Ambleside is one of calm, structure and warmth. As a new visitor, I have experienced helpful advice from the information desk as well as a welcoming gesture. There is a coffee area, offering a wide range of refreshments, where a visitor can go whilst the visited resident is given care rather than staying in a corridor or leaving the building. For visitors who have travelled a long distance, this is a welcoming factor. Corridors and communal areas are clean and tidy with wide access for wheelchair users. The dining room where I ate was well set out and very pleasantly served with a tasty meal of choice. The resident's room which I visit is tastefully decorated and I have been encouraged to individualise it. Dignity and safety have been appreciated by nursing staff.

Ambleside is a fabulous care home, with fabulous staff in a fabulous setting. My mum moved there 5 weeks ago and already she looks so much better due to the wonderful care she is receiving. Meals are excellent, choices for all courses. Bedrooms are bright, clean and very nicely decorated. Amazing selection of activities every day for residents to enjoy, including a cinema! I would highly recommend this lovely home.

We could not have gone through looking after our Grandmother without the help of everyone at Ambleside. They have taught us so much just by their actions and have shown us how to care for someone with dementia, supportive until the end. We have been so grateful to the whole team.

I am just ending two weeks respite care at Amblesidefollowing a half hip replacement at hospital. Living alone I felt in need of some rest and being looked after, with time to do plenty of exercise and walking practice before going home. I would like to say I have found all aspects of Ambleside extremely satisfactory, from the management down through all the staff - all very caring and willing. Ambience good, nice, light, airy rooms, kept very clean. Personally I have not joined activities, but there seems plenty of general interests and entertainment for residents. Have enjoyed my stay and sorted myself for home.

My mum came to Ambleside in August 2018 as she was no longer able to look after herself. She is 98 and had been suffering a number of ailments as well as increasing signs of Dementia. Over the last year, her general health has improved considerably, without doubt, due to the care, support and excellent diet provided by staff at the home. Inevitably her Dementia has worsened but she is extremely happy and content. A marked difference in how she was only 12 months ago. The family are all very grateful for the personalised care being provided. Mum chooses to eat her meals in her room, not participate in activities (despite encouragement) and generally just do what she chooses to do. Could not be better for her, coupled with considerable relief for the family knowing she is very well looked after.

Ambleside Care Home has looked after my wife for 3 1/2 years. During that time I have been completely satisfied with every respect of the care. I have found all the carers and management extremely good. I have had no cause to complain.

Very good care. Carers always obliging and ready to help him and give him his required care. There has only ever been one member of staff that we have difficulties with but since moving units this problem has been alleviated.

What delightful caring staff! All of them, no matter what their job title, go beyond the call of duty. They are kind, cheerful, treat the residents and each other with dignity. There is an all-pervading warm atmosphere here at Ambleside. Well done all of you.