Chocolate Works

After several years on Knavesmire, Mum had to be moved to Riverside as her physical and mental condition required more care. She received such good care there that her Cellulitis improved significantly. The staff were very caring and management listened to any concerns we had, such as Mum's hatred of the hoist, male staff undertaking her personal care, and did their best to balance her needs with her wishes. We did feel there could have been better liaison between Knavesmire & Riverside, e.g. regarding Mum's meals. She never liked red meat, preferring fish and chicken & felt over-faced by the portion sizes. Also, we were disappointed that her clothes sometimes disappeared & she'd be wearing someone else's. However, Mum's end-of-life care was excellent. All the staff treated her with respect & friendship and she became very fond of them and vice-versa. During her final weeks, everything possible was done to keep her pain-free & to reassure & comfort her. They even reassured & comforted us.

I hope she gets her wish soon.

Outstanding!

Thank you to everyone at the Chocolate Works for looking after my father-in-law for the last six months of his life. We only wish we could have persuaded him to move in with you earlier. Everything was easy to arrange - even moving him from the huge apartment we thought he'd love to a much smaller room in the 'thick of it'. He really appreciated having people popping in and out and knowing that there were people around at all times. He loved the food - especially his cooked breakfasts - and was looking forward to giving a talk to other residents about his book collecting. Sadly, a stay in York Hospital put paid to that. It was a huge relief for the entire family when we knew he was safely in your care and that you would call a doctor or district nurse whenever he needed. Special thanks to two ladies for being so kind.

The building at the Care Village is impressive, but it's the staff that make the place special. Three members of staff have been nothing short of angels. They have provided care that is both professional and has a real family feel. They have come through for us time and time again. This place has saved my mother's life.

My thanks go to all the staff who, over the years my father was there, cared for him, washed him, dressed him, and generally made sure he was happy and comfortable. It was also wonderful to see a few of the staff attend his funeral at the crematorium. Thank you all.

My partner went in for pain control and full-time nursing care but she simply did not receive it. The nursing staff showed very little interest in administering the pain relief needed even though I offered to explain the operation of the device. The changeover of staff overnight was frequent and no attempt was made to pass on the information from one to the other of the nurses leading to my partner being dependent on me coming in at 3 or 4 in the middle of the night to administer the pain relief because the staff were unaware of the issues faced by my partner. She simply did not receive full-time care and for that, I am extremely disappointed, they let her down dramatically. I would not recommend Chocolate Works for care, they are simply not up to it. Some staff were good and tried but on the whole, it was very poor. The room was nice and the building too and the care staff all friendly. The cleaning was hit-and-miss.

Staff are very good and deserve all the praise they’ve received in these reviews. I’m disappointed with the food. It could be better quality and served warm enough every day. I don’t think it’s cooked on the premises. I think it’s cooked elsewhere and warmed up on site. Whatever the reason, the quality of food just isn’t good enough. Beautiful surroundings and excellent, caring staff make this a very good care home. If they used better quality ingredients, cooked on site, they would have received five stars from me.

During the last year (2023), I have approached the home managers and shift managers many times on behalf of the elderly (95) female room occupant regarding that the 'house' phone, which is charged at £20.00 per month, was located next to her bed/chair. It was located on the opposite side of the room which meant that the occupant could not answer it as she has suffered with leg ulcers since (and before) entering the home. Once more (today) I asked the shift manager if the phone could be moved she replied 'no, someone could trip over the wire'. When I suggested the wire could be clipped to the skirting board there was no response. When I asked for the company CEO's contact details, she would not supply them. On visiting today the phone has been relocated! The manager's responses have been very poor and I intend to inform them of this situation.

Location good - riverside walks nearby, and Rowntree Park.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff working at Chocolate Works. It is all of you that make this home so special. Both of my parents lived at Chocolate Works - my mam for three years and my dad for four years. Staff have demonstrated such kindness and compassion throughout this period, and supported both my parents as their condition and needs changed. The range of activities offered to support their quality of life were excellent and appropriate, respecting their choices and dignity. I also want to thank staff for their courage, standing with me to ensure their wishes for their care were maintained throughout. Both my parents died at home, surrounded by the love of their Chocolate Works family. Our family have such respect and gratitude to you all.

Dad is safe and well cared for. Staff are attentive and sensitive to his needs and respond quickly to any family requests. The Chocolate Works is efficiently managed and has a wealth of activities on offer, although Dad chooses not to access these. Dad is treated with respect and dignity and enjoys very positive relationships with all of the staff.

My mother has been treated with such care and dignity throughout her stay at the care home. This was especially so when on her 102 birthday a whole team organised a party, decorations, presents etc. I know my mother is in the best of care homes at the Chocolate Works. I’m kept up to date with any and numerous events she is involved with taking part in. I thoroughly recommend this home. Everyone involved - reception, cleaners, caterers are all of a compassionate and caring nature. Thank you all.

My husband has been resident for eight months at Chocolate Works Care Village. He was greeted from the moment of arrival, with a warm and friendly welcome. Each and every carer has learned his name and they always respect his needs. He often speaks of his great happiness to have found a place in Chocolate Works. The staff know his likes and dislikes and each one goes “the extra mile” in caring for him. All the nursing care are wonderful and considerate of his many health issues. My family and I are always made to feel welcome during visits. Overall the care he receives is marvellous.

My cousin has been in minster rooms since December 2022. The care she gets is second to none, absolutely fantastic staff all around. The food is brilliant and well presented and plenty to do activity-wise. All around perfect. Thank you.

Never known such caring, compassionate and loving staff. Never seen such care given to patients, highly recommend. Nothing is too much for the staff, be it from comfort to a cup of tea. It's truly amazing.

Communication was excellent and we couldn’t have asked for anything more at the end of his life.

My dad was a resident at the Chocolate Works for seven months, and over that time, all of the staff were unfailingly kind and compassionate. They made every effort to make him feel safe and secure; they understood his personality and needs and always made my family welcome as visitors. In particular, the regular updates on his progress were invaluable. We will always be grateful for the care they provided Dad in his final days. Thank you.

My father was resident at the Chocolate Works Care Village for five years, initially as a residential patient on Knavesmire. Latterly needing the specialist support of the nurses and carers on Riverside, the dementia unit. I have seen my dad be given the opportunity to flourish in the last five years of life, despite the restrictions put in place by Covid. The facilities at the Chocolate Works are terrific, the layout supports socialisation between residents, and the care staff are genuinely loving, supportive and attentive. I was reassured that when my dad's mood dipped, the staff were quick to raise their concerns with me and the visiting doctor. When returning from hospital, it was touching to see how warmly my dad was welcomed back. These staff genuinely care. At the end of my Dad's life, he became agitated and distressed, not knowing where he was. Staff stayed with him, reassuring him and settling him throughout the night. I am a GP, and visit many nursing homes, I feel we were lucky to get my dad into the best.

A cordial sincere welcome was extended to my father in law. Care was taken not to overwhelm him with rules and regulations. The welcome was imparted slowly. Written information was clear, precise and helpful. All personnel were delightful. Kind and caring. They introduced themselves including their roles. Most Importantly my relative e was shown and encouraged how to request help, staff are excellent.