St Monica Trust in Bristol | 2 Care Homes

Review of
John Wills House
from June K (Resident) published on 21 March 2025

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Excellent carers lovely rooms food could have more variety activities very good and entertainment very good.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

It is wonderful to hear you found our carers excellent and enjoyed the wide variety of activities and entertainment we have take place at John Wills House. I will pass your kind words onto the team. We will also take on board your feedback about the food and appreciate you letting us know.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Lesley G (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

From Christmas Eve to February 24th 2025 my Father was a resident at John Wills House Nursing Home. Up until his death he received the most excellent quality of care in every way and from every staff member. Whether it be receptionist, cleaner, meals technicians, nurses, carers managers. They all took

the time to do their best to make sure my father died with dignity and free from pain. Staff were not only supportive with my Dad but also us as a family already grieving the loss of our mother.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a privilege to care for your father, and we are pleased to hear that you found everyone in John Wills House supportive and caring. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review during this difficult time, we really appreciate it, and I will pass your lovely words onto the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from Louise P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Dad loved living here. He was made to feel so welcome and cared for. He said he felt cared for, safe and supported by all of the teams.
As a family, we were also very grateful for the professionalism, openness, support and inclusiveness that we received. Dad's care needs were considered, discussed

and implemented to ensure his welfare was paramount. We also really valued the great humour of the team caring for Dad and it was great to see him laughing. Humour was always a very important aspect of his life.
In addition, there were always lots of activities including lots of cake which was great as Dad had such a sweet tooth!

Reply from Lin Thomas, Business Deputy Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this glowing review. It is really appreciated and I will pass your kind comments on to the team. We felt privileged to welcome your dad to Garden House, and we are so glad he loved living here. It was a joy to care for your dad and share a laugh with him. Our dedicated team works closely with our residents and their families to ensure we deliver the very best care tailored towards everyone's individual needs and it is wonderful to hear this being recognised. We are sending our very best wishes to you and your family.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Debbie J (Sister of Resident) published on 15 November 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My sister died very peacefully at John Wills House. She had been transferred from hospital to Beeches 1 wing of John Wills House a few months before, for end of life care. During her time at John Wills House, she received the utmost care and kindness. I have total admiration for both the nursing and

care staff - for their expertise and dedication and also for the way they maintained a cheerful homely atmosphere for the residents. They treated my sister like a special person and I could see that they gave the same attention to each resident on the wing. Certain staff stand out particularly for me but we've been asked not to give names. Overall the whole atmosphere on Beeches 1, in very difficult circumstances, was so positive and welcoming for both my sister and myself and her family. I'd like to mention the cafe staff too who were also very kind. The best comment about Beeches 1 came from my sister who, terminally ill but now comfortable in her room, said that she was happy to be there.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave us such a glowing review in difficult times. It is wonderful to hear that your sister was happy with us, and that you all felt so welcome. Our fantastic team work hard to create a positive atmosphere for our residents and their families, even in difficult circumstances, and it is a pleasure to hear this being recognised along with the expert care they provide. It was a privilege to look after your sister, and I will pass your kind comments onto the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from C O (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 November 2024

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was on end-of-life care. Mum was bedbound, couldn't talk or eat due to her MND. Her diet throughout her 11-week stay was ice cream as that was all she could manage. They welcomed her and gave her a birthday card. They took her out to the grounds on one occasion (in a wheelchair) The staff washed

her daily and used the hoist to bath/shower her. The staff we met were all kind and caring. Her room was comfortable with a TV and ensuite facilities.

Reply from Lin Thomas, Business Deputy Manager at Garden House

It was a privilege to look after your mum and welcome her into Garden House. We are delighted you found all our staff kind and caring. Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us this review, it is really appreciated and I will pass your lovely comments onto the team. We are all wishing you the best.

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Review of
John Wills House
from C T (Mother of Resident) published on 20 September 2024

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My son spent about five months in JWH. He had Motor Neuron Disease. When he arrived was mobile but needed support. His only complaint at that time was the delay in response to his bell. Also, MND progressed until he was totally dependent on carers. The MND IT team fitted a call button he could activate

with a small movement of his head if it was carefully positioned. The permanent staff managed his care well, but the agency staff did not seem to have the same understanding, and there were times when he was unable to call because the call button was inaccurately positioned, as he had problems until coughing and breathing also were potentially life-threatening. He died September 2nd.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House at John Wills House

Thank you for sharing your experience during such a difficult time. We're deeply sorry for your loss. We're grateful that our permanent staff could support your son through his care, but we sincerely regret the challenges you mentioned with the call button positioning. Your feedback is invaluable, and we will work to ensure improvements in this area. Our thoughts are with you and your family, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share this with us.

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Review of
Garden House
from Zoe M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2024

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My mother moved into the Garden House for end-of-life care, terminal cancer. Although she was only there for two and a half weeks before passing away, her care was still amazing. The staff show so much love and care for the residents and their families. They go above and beyond. I feel blessed that

my mother passed away in such a beautiful place. The gardens and grounds are stunning as well.
Thank you all.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House at Garden House

Thank you so much for your kind words during such a difficult time. We are deeply honoured that we could provide comfort and care to your mother in her final days. Our team is truly touched to know that you felt the love and dedication we strive to give to all our residents and their families. Thank you for this lovely review, I will make sure to pass your kind words on to the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from James C (Nephew of Resident) published on 6 June 2024

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Uncle was patient for five years. He was extremely happy and content despite ill health.
The care was excellent at all times, sensitive, efficient, appropriate and very caring. All his needs were catered for as well as extra external activities.
He had a wonderful 5 years before he died. Thank you.

Reply from Lin Thomas, Business Deputy Manager at Garden House

Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a privilege to care for your uncle over those five years and we are pleased to hear you were always happy with the level of care he was receiving from our wonderful team. We really appreciate the time taken to leave us a review, and I will make sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Our thoughts are with you.

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Review of
Garden House
from Linda W (Friend of Resident) published on 31 May 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Garden House have been absolutely amazing! The staff are, without exception, caring, friendly, welcoming and everything I could possibly hope for and more. They have coped with challenging needs with creativity and adaptability to recreate, as far as possible, an environment that reduces situational

anxiety whilst still enabling them to provide all necessary care. The home itself is light, bright and an utter delight to visit, from the glorious grounds to spacious corridors and comfortable rooms. From my first contact with them I felt absolutely confident that this was somewhere I could trust with the care of my loved one. As a friend and legal advocate, I was able to relax for the first time in many weeks and let others take over the role of care-givers and allow me become a friend and companion again. The staff have also supported me, providing a listening ear when needed. I honestly can't speak too highly of everything they have done and continue to do for us. Thank you so much!

Reply from Lin Thomas, Deputy Business Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for this touching review, it is greatly appreciated, and I will be sure to pass your words on to the team. It is wonderful to hear you are happy with the care our team is providing, and that they have also been able to support you. We understand how important it is to maintain connections even whilst someone is in care, and so we are delighted to hear that you feel confident in the care your friend is now receiving here at Garden House so you can pass the caregiving role to us and focus on your friendship once again.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Keith B (Son of Resident) published on 28 May 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was made very welcome on arrival and settled in very quickly. She has had personal effects installed in her room and a bird feeder installed outside her patio doors. Her room is fitted with an overhead hoist and aerated mattress. This is in contrast to her previous nursing home where she stayed

for 4 weeks after discharge from hospital. She was kept in bed for 4 weeks never once sat in a chair. There was no overhead hoist and the mattress was not aerated. Whereas on arrival at John Wills she was sat in a chair and used a commode within 1/2 hour. I'm impressed with the nursing/carer/admin staff. Also the staffing levels seem to be higher compared with the previous nursing home. The food is also much better. Altogether a more positive experience.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

We are so pleased to hear you have had a positive experience moving your mum into John Wills House. We feel privileged to have her as a valued resident and glad she has settled in so quickly. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review, I will pass your kind words onto the team. We always strive to provide the best care possible, and it's rewarding to know that we've made a positive impact on your mum's experience.

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Review of
Garden House
from V M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was so wonderfully cared and supported by the wonderful staff at the Garden House. Everyone treated her with such kindness, care and dignity and with a smile and a friendly word. There was always someone there for her.
She was engaged in so many activities including a trip to the museum and walks

in the grounds.
We as a family always felt welcomed whatever time of day or night.
Her room was spacious and we were able to personalise it with pictures, furnishings and flowers which gave her a real sense of home.
Thank you all so much.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we really appreciate it, and I will pass your gratitude on to the team. We are so pleased you are happy with the care and support your mum received from our team and found everyone friendly and always there to help. It was a privilege to care for your mum.

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Review of
Garden House
from Katie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Dad spent 4 years on Upper Sundials, the nursing dementia unit of Garden House. From day 1 we were all looked after as if we were all part of the Upper Sundials family. The team worked hard to make sure every aspect of Dad's care was personalized and his life was as good as it could be. Dad's physical

and emotional needs were regularly reviewed and along with the regular contact with his GP, gave us real confidence in his care. Everyone was very responsive to any concerns that we may have had and always made time to talk with us when we visited.
Throughout the Covid restrictions everyone went above and beyond, not only to keep Dad safe, but to allow as much communication with his family as possible.
Nothing was too much trouble and as Dad came towards the end of his life we felt we were all in safe, compassionate hands.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the staff at Upper Sundials. Thank you.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. It was a privilege to care for your dad and welcome you all into our Upper Sundials family. It is wonderful to hear you were confident in the care he was receiving, and that you found our team hardworking, responsive, and willing to go above and beyond. Thank you for your heartfelt review, we really appreciate it, and I will pass on your words of praise to the team.

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Review of
John Wills House
from S A (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 April 2024

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The admission process to John Wills House and the welcome we received upon arrival was excellent. Everyone was extremely kind, caring and thoughtful throughout. My mother is receiving first-class care and she is very happy in her garden room with direct access to the garden.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us this lovely review! We are delighted to hear you are happy with our first-class care and wonderful staff, and that your mum is enjoying her garden room. I will make sure to pass your kind comments on to the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 10 April 2024

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I simply cannot imagine a better place for my father to be: a place where he is treated with kindness, care, and dignity. All members of staff appear to go out of their way to consider his needs, encourage him, and make him feel a valued member of the Garden House community.
Dad has a spacious and

bright room with an adjoining large wet room. There is plenty of choice with his meals that are hot and look and smell appetizing. The activity sessions are amazing with a real variety of interactive sessions including the opportunity to mix with children and animals as well as enjoy visits from outside speakers and musicians and even go on trips. The grounds are also spacious with wild areas as well as beautifully more formal areas and it is a great place to easily stroll or push a wheelchair.
Dad has now been at Garden House for 6 months and, although adjustment to change inevitably takes some time, I am personally extremely grateful to know that he is content and well looked after.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for your kind words, it is a pleasure to care for your Father and we are delighted to have him as a valued member of our Garden House community. It is great to hear that you are happy with the facilities, variety of activities, and our caring staff, who will continue to encourage and support your Father during his adjustment to life in the Garden House. I will pass your lovely words on to the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from R R (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2023

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My parents recently moved to Garden House. My mother was transferred from a previous nursing home on 31/10/2023. My father gained access to an apartment on the 01/11/2023. On the morning of 03/11/2023 after visiting my mother in the nursing wing my father had a cardiac arrest in the foyer. He was successfully

resuscitated by staff and is expected to return for rehab after 10 days in hospital. My mother throughout this time has been welcomed, supported and cared for in an exceptionally kind and caring manner. We are indebted to all the staff, especially the porter who initiated the resuscitation.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you very much for your kind words – we are extremely proud of our staff, especially in scenarios such as this. We are very glad to hear that your mother has felt supported here at Garden House during this stressful time. I would also like to extend my best wishes to you and your family during this difficult time and will make sure your lovely words are passed on to the team.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Jill G (Respite Resident) published on 22 November 2023

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I came here for rehab following a hospital admission, I was met and welcomed in more than the way I was expected. Although I was not a resident I was treated with dignity and respect. The choice and the amount of meals to choose from had good variety and something for everyone's taste and diet requirements.

Daily activities were on offer or the option to remain in your room was respected. Everyone on the staff was extremely efficient and more than pleasant. They all without exception made my stay exceptionally good.

Reply from Wendy Leaman, Care Home Manager at John Wills House

It was a pleasure to have you stay with us for rehab following your hospital admission. We are so glad to hear that your stay exceeded your expectations and you felt respected by all our staff. I will make sure your lovely words are passed on to the team.

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Review of
Garden House
from A B (Relative of Resident) published on 16 November 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Our father recently moved into Garden House after an accident and hospital stay. He couldn't have been more warmly welcomed at Garden House. The staff are patient, kind, friendly and knowledgeable, and made his quick transition comfortable and much less difficult than expected. Thank you.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we are very happy to hear that your father felt welcomed when he moved in and supported by our wonderful staff. I will pass your lovely words on to the team.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Malcolm W (Husband of Resident) published on 15 November 2023

Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Although my wife sadly passed away in September I am welcome to visit John Wills whenever I like. I am warmly welcomed by the staff, be it carers, staff or management and have been offered the opportunity to volunteer in the future if I desire. Such is the friendly, welcoming caring nature of the staff.

Reply from Emily Pimm, Social Care Deputy Manager at John Wills House

We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you. We are pleased that you feel so welcome here at John Wills House and would of course be very happy if you wanted to take up the opportunity to volunteer here should you ever wish to in the future. We are very proud of all our staff and happy you have found everyone friendly and caring.

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Review of
Garden House
from Andrew D (Son of Resident) published on 24 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Back in March, my father entered Garden House as a resident. We were pleased to see how well he was looked after and visiting was made very easy. A couple of months later, my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness and she expressed a desire to be with Dad. Within a short period, perhaps just a

week or two, the application for my mother was submitted and subsequently the NHS funding for her bed at Garden House was approved. It could not have been smoother; their rooms are on the same corridor and they spend time together every day. The manager made everything very easy and my mother was transferred from hospital with very little fuss. I am pleased with the level of attention they both receive and the friendliness of the staff. Everyone is doing their very best with what is essentially an entirely harrowing and heartbreaking situation. Well done everyone.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and express your gratitude towards our team. We are so glad to hear you are happy with the care being provided to your parents and that we have been able to support your family during this difficult time. If there is anything else we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best.

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Review of
John Wills House
from Deborah S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2023

Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We needed somewhere for Mum to go for a period of convalescence following hip surgery.
John Wills House was able to provide this care to a very high standard. Mum was treated with dignity and respect and given the level and support that Mum required.
We were very impressed by the support given by

the physiotherapy team. They gave Mum the necessary exercises to do along with lots of encouragement which has gone a long way to help with Mum's recovery.
The food was very of a very high standard which was an added bonus.
We did have a couple of minor concerns but these were addressed promptly.
Would not hesitate in recommending John Wills House in the future to anyone needing a friendly, safe, and responsive place for convalescence and rehabilitation.

Reply from Emily Pimm, Social Care Deputy Manager at John Wills House

Thank you for leaving such a great review for John Wills House, we really appreciate it! We are so happy to hear that you were happy with the care provided to your mum and that you feel she was treated with dignity and respect. We are also so glad to hear that the terapy team were able to support your mum in her recovery, and hope she is continuing to improve. We will pass your lovely comments on to the team. Wishing you and your family all the best.

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Care Homes Owned by St Monica Trust in Bristol

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