Brook House

72 High Street, Riseley, Bedford MK44 1DT
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9.2 44 Reviews
  • Brook House, Bedford
Brook House is a converted Grade II listed building, where professional care is practised alongside support for an active and entertaining lifestyle.

Dedicated care workers take pride in a friendly and respectful service, having been established as a family-run home and also offering a day care centre service to the local community.

Meals are made using freshly sourced local produce and key workers are in place to safeguard each individual.

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Care Provided by Brook House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 20 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Belinda Kemp (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (14)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2008
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Brook House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £975 – £1,000
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £975 – £1,000
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care up to £975
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care up to £975
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Brook House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Brook House has protected meal times. Visitors welcome at any other time but please avoid visiting before 10am, lunchtime which is 12.30-2.00pm. And tea time which is 4.45-5.45


  • Parking

  • The home has a private car park which visitors welcome to use, alternately parking on the road outside is allowed


Brook House Reviews (44)

Total of 44, showing 21-40
9.2

Brook House has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.188) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Brook House has 44 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Kristina B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unfortunately we had to place our mother in residential care in September, she was diagnosed with dementia & acute psychosis 05/09/17 and fortunately for us Brook House took her in the following day. It was peace of mind as she had become unsafe in her own home and really scared, to say the least. Although
she wasn't happy with our decision at first she came round to it and was seen clapping and singing in latter days, she had also put on weight as she was undernourished before she went in. We can't thank enough, all the staff and management for the service they provided, with trips to doctors etc. It wasn't just the staff, but she made friends as well. Many thanks to everyone, her time with you was pleasant and much appreciated.

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Review from M W (Wife of Resident) published on 8 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Residents are treated like members of a family with love and care. They are well fed and kept clean with dignity at all times. Rooms are clean and tidy.

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Review from Fiona G (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The carers are exceptionally kind and patient with my mum. She always looks clean and smells nice.
Her room is suitable for her requirements and it is great when she is able to sit outside in the garden.
The food is disappointing especially the suppers.

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Review from Z G (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Constant staffing which is good for residents. It would be nice to see (all) their photos with names to remind us of who they are.
Staff seem to know our relative well and talk to her appropriately which is reassuring, however, sometimes her clothes do not match or she is overdressed in too many layers
and becomes hot/scratching.
I think more signage reminding residents of day/month/weather and menu boards with pictures as well as words and kept up to date daily.
Relatives kept updated regularly on changes. Great to see activities co-ordinator.

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Review from R N (Son of Resident) published on 10 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very satisfied with Brook House. Mum seems well looked after. Plenty of things to do and as mum enjoys animals having some at the home helps her settle. Always looks clean and tidy, staff always happy and helpful. Well done.

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Review from Joan J (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was fortunate in getting into Brook House, the residential home she wanted to go to when she was not capable of looking after herself at home any longer. The staff are very good with her and she gets on well with them and the other residents.
She enjoys her meals, sitting out in the garden
on nice days and getting her hair done weekly. She loves the regular entertainment and her weekly games of dominoes.

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Review from H W (Husband of Resident) published on 28 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Quiet village location - access excellent by road - accommodation in a former family house and though by it's natural movements within the house is somewhat restrictive, it provides closer interaction for both residents and staff. Care standards, on the whole, are highly professional and caring, though
some staff in my experience needed encouragement to attend to my wife's personal needs at times such as change of clothes and cutting nails, they were promptly attended to, however, this must be due to staff having to care for all needs of residents which is a very heavy load to bear. This is borne by the fact they are always busy attending to a multitude of residents with high dependency rates. On the whole, together with my family, we are very satisfied with the care given.

Reply from Lesley Atkinson, Manager at Brook House

Thank you a positive review. You are quite right, it is not a purpose built home and whilst it poses a few problems I feel it makes the home more homely. The staff do all try their best and appreciate your kind comments.


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Review from W K (Son of Resident) published on 26 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely accommodation, nice size rooms. Great care workers, keeps everyone happy. Good food and drink, great communication, polite people. Great management and maintenance.

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Review from M D (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are warm friendly and engage well with residents. They are very cooperative arranging hospital visits and transport. We couldn't really ask for more.

Reply from Lesley Atkinson, Manager at Brook House

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I always pass these onto the staff as they are the backbone of the home. Your father is an absolute joy.


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Review from Lesley W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother had dementia and was at Brook House until 9th April when she died. The love and care that she received was excellent, from the Manager to every one of the staff. There was definitely a very strong culture of care and desire to do their best for the residents. My mum was loved and cared for.
Staff tried their best to make her comfortable and happy. I always felt welcome when I visited and felt staff were always keen to listen to my thoughts and views about my mum's care.
Overall I think Brook House is an excellent care home.

Reply from Lesley Atkinson, Manager at Brook House

Thank you so much for your kind words. We miss your mum and have a little chuckle when we talk about her. I would have loved to have known her in an earlier life.


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Review from Mark A (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Well run place. The staff in general are very good to the residents.

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Review from Mitchell G (Grandson of Resident) published on 16 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel that although my nan's condition has gone downhill, at what sometimes seems like a rapid pace, the staff have been ever so helpful and really do try their best, to keep residents comfortable, stable and safe.
Overall the staff are very kind and helpful towards guests and residents.

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Review from Linda G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 16 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the care home to be well organised and very homely.
My mother in law always looks nicely dressed, clean and content.
The staff are very chatty and explain things if you are concerned or have any worries.
The home is very clean and always warm. The pets are I think big plus.

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Review from Angela D (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It was not an easy decision to make to put my mother into care. We did it for a couple of reasons, we knew mum was not well so we went down this route, we wanted to get her some help. Since mum entered the care home she has faced a lot of obstacles. I would like to point out however that whilst in their
care, my mother has been well cared for. My mothers frame of mind is not that brilliant at all times, but I know that she herself appreciates all that is being done for her and is happy in general. My mum has always been fairly independent so this time in her life is hard to deal with. With the help and continued support from the carers, we take each day and hope mum will return to being the mum she used to. A big thank you to all staff involved.

Reply from Lesley Atkinson, Manager at Brook House

Thank you for your positive comments. It is a rewarding job and your mum is a pleasure.


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Review from Kevin M (Son of Resident) published on 12 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for over a year now. She has always been treated with the utmost care and dignity. All the staff are lovely with her and I am particularly delighted with the attitude of the young staff. They are a credit to the management and society. Mum now has her own room which she
had always wanted. As a visitor we are always welcomed. My only slight disappointment is the quality of the snack meals (I have not seen the main meals) The sandwich and biscuits can be uninspiring, old people eat so very little and I feel the contents could be regularly higher quality without more cost for the business. Overall I am delighted with the home and feel so lucky.

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Review from Laurie W (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister attended the review with my mother. The report was thorough and useful. One or two inaccuracies were quickly corrected.

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Review from Mrs Christine S (Wife of Resident) published on 8 March 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As soon as you walk through the door you know that this is a home which really cares for the residents - all my husband's visitors could feel the welcoming atmosphere. Many of the staff have worked there for years and as it is not a large home, each individual and their needs and desires are known
well. The owners and manager are very dedicated indeed.


My husband was very contented at Brook House and I couldn't fault his care in any way. He had dementia and yet was able to get much enjoyment out of the last few months of his life, thanks to the love and fun he was shown.


Either our daughter or myself spent time with his most days and I never observed anything but kindness and respect being shown to each resident. The meals were wholesome and nutritious and he was helped with eating and drinking when it became necessary. At all times the staff remained cheerful and loving.


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Review from Kay B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are brilliant at Brook House, particularly the assistant manager and senior carer. All residents are treated as individuals and given excellent support and care staff have gone out of their way to make my mother feel happy and have been very supportive to me. The food is excellent and my mother
now eats heartily whereas previously she was not interested in food. I marked facilities as just satisfactory as there is only one toilet for residents on the ground floor which can sometimes cause frustration. I could not wish for a better place for my mum to receive care in the last years of her life.

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Review from Brian W (Son of Resident) published on 29 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The overall standard of care is good, I feel that my mother is well looked after, safe and happy at Brook House. Administration of medications and access to local doctors surgery, if required, are excellent. Meals and drinks are good, mum often says how much she likes the food. Entertainment and activities
can be rather limited (except for the day centre) the garden is nice but, apart from the yard, is not available for use by residents. There used to be some light hearted evening entertainment (bowling, bingo, games)but these seem to have stopped now. Overall I believe the care provided is more than adequate but residents, lives could be made a bit more interesting.

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Review from J R (Nephew of Resident) published on 26 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From admission the staff have proved to be warm, friendly, supportive, empathetic and peaceful and yet have an upbeat, fun tone where/when appropriate. The setting is easily accessed with adequate parking, access in/out is always observed and time is given on arrival to offer updates or on leaving,
to check everything is in order. The bedrooms are characterful, spacious and encouragement to personalise is welcome, anything required is never too much trouble.


The meals look wonderfully appetizing, very individually prepared and offered in a calm, un-rushed manner. Appropriate support always given, in a respectful manner (no standing, chatting over residents) engagement is observed. We regret fully the decision to choose the previous nursing home, but are truly delighted there was a room available at Brook House.


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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.188)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.188) out of 10 for Brook House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.813 for Brook House is calculated as follows: ( (39 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 48 Ratings = 4.813

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.375 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Brook House is based on 4 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 = 3.375

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 20 registered maximum number of service users is 4, which has been reached with 4 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 13 Mar 2020

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Requires improvement

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Meet the Team (2)

Patricia

Patricia Mabbott

Job Title: Manager

Joined: 2012

I first started working at Brook House in 2012 as an Apprentice Carer and instantly felt as though I had found a home from home.
Brook House is at it's heart a family home and our dedicated and friendly team keep this ethos with our core values, 'Dignity, Care and Respect'.
During my time at Brook House I have seen many professional and personal changes and the staff and residents have been with me every step of they way.


Sophie

Sophie Cutting

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2020

Soph started at Brook House during the start of Covid and has been an asset to the Brook House family.
Soph is qualified to Level 3 NVQ and has become a champion in several specific areas of care.