Friars Lodge

18 - 20 Priory Road, Dunstable LU5 4HR
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8.9 22 Reviews
  • Friars Lodge, Dunstable
Friars Lodge, in Dunstable, is part of a family-run care home businesses that specialises in residential care for older people with a physical frailty or a diagnosis of dementia.

All care provision is person-centred, concentrating on the needs of the individual, with carers keen to respect personal choice and freedoms.

Families can feel confident that their loved ones have their health and security safeguarded, while enjoying comfortable surroundings.

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Care Provided by Friars Lodge

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 20 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lucy Aristidou (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (16)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2018
    • Number of floors: 4

Funding & Fees Guide for Friars Lodge

  • 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 £885 – £1,300
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £900 – £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £885 – £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £950 – £1,300

  • All services carried out by our in house staff are included in our fees. Top up payments are arranged with social worker involvement only. Fee's are reviewed annually unless in extreme circumstances, where an early review will be called with all parties being fully informed and involved.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Friars Lodge to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

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

  • This home operates protected meal times, other than these times open visiting welcome.


  • Parking

  • Car parking places are available at the front of the house or local street parking.


Friars Lodge Reviews (22)

Total of 22, showing 1-20
8.9

Friars Lodge has a Review Score of 8.9 (8.917) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Friars Lodge has 22 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 14
  • 6
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

22
1
2
6
16

Review from Stuart B (Son of Resident) published on 26 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken down.
We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.

Reply from Kirsty Janes, Director at Friars Lodge

Firstly, I would like to apologise that you have been left feeling this way. Our team take their responsibility very seriously & often go above & beyond. Our manager supported you when your mother was poorly. Unable to get through to the hospital & on holiday our manager, who was off duty and not on call, visited the hospital immediately to get you an update. We hoped our prior meeting with you had given you the chance to have your concerns acted upon, we apologise if we could have done more. We will review with the team who were on duty that, as this contact was not by Management. Our residents are never seen as simply income we are sorry you have been left feeling like this. We attempted to phone you to offer our condolences & ask about arrangements, the call was not answered, we assumed our contact was not wanted. We will follow this up with an email to ensure our message is received. We have now installed call recording to ensure our communications are able to be fully reviewed.


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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one into
Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.

Reply from Lucy Aristidou, Manager at Friars Lodge

Thank you so much for this positive feedback and your kind words, this will be shared with the team.


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Review from Karen F (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad seemed very settled when we visited today. He was as well as can be expected and he seemed comfortable in his bed. We were impressed that they had managed to keep the room at a good temperature and not too hot (considering the current heatwave). The staff always great us in a friendly manner. It
is particularly nice when the carer gives us a brief update as to how Dad has been. This does not often happen though unless asked directly but I think it could be incorporated into the greeting of guests especially when it is the client's direct point of contact that is visiting. Dad has been in this care home for over 6 years now and we are very happy with his overall care.

Reply from Lucy Aristidou, Manager at Friars Lodge

Thank you for your review, I will discuss your comment about a brief update regarding how your Dad has been in our upcoming staff meeting.
I feel you've raised a very valid point. Obviously, I would update you personally either via phone or email if there were any serious issues to be discussed.


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Review from Sue G (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are caring and communicative. I know my mum is warm, well fed and safe.
I feel they have Mum's best interest as a priority. The carers all know me and who I’m coming to visit.
She always has good things to say about the staff.

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Review from Kathryn J (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.

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Review from V B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.

Reply from Kirsty Janes, Director at Friars Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words we will share them with the team. We are delighted that your grandad joined us and is doing so well.


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Review from Z H (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother and I have been really impressed with Friar's Lodge. We visited a few care homes before deciding which was best for mum and we had a good vibe from the outset. The management are running a happy and hard-working team. The carers are lovely. We visit mum regularly and she is always clean and
in a fresh outfit. They discuss mum's health (and meds) with the local GP weekly and call me with any changes, big or small. They suggest ways in which mum could be more content etc. They do crafts and other activities. Mum moved there in June and the weather was beautiful. She spent a lot of time in the lovely garden and our summer visits were all outside. It's been really reassuring for us to know that mum is being so well looked after. We highly recommend Friar's Lodge.

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Review from Lisa H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.

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Review from Sally C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel so
welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

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Review from Valerie J (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable
regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.

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Review from Carole P (Niece of Resident) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

2 years ago I suddenly found myself having to find a care home within a few days as my aunt, who has Alzheimer's, had started to wonder outside her own home.
Friars Lodge was the only home available. With trepidation I went to look at Friars Lodge - it was a very emotional time for me and I was unsure
if we were doing the right thing putting my aunt into a home, but I had no choice.
I can honestly say that it is the best decision I made! Friars Lodge is just right for my aunt. It is a small home and very friendly. My aunt is looked after by kind, considerate and caring staff who have her best interests at the forefront of their thinking. My aunt is well nourished and usually has a menu choice. There is always a jug of drink on her table and she can ask for a hot drink at any time. I am always welcomed when I visit too!
From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!

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Review from Pat M (Wife of Resident) published on 18 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It appears
well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.

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Review from Margaret L (Sister of Resident) published on 17 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.

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Review from Trevor F (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 11 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.

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Review from Hazel F (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.

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Review from Heather S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been living in Friars Lodge for more than 2 1/2 years. The review I attended recently was very thorough and I am impressed with the care that my mother receives at Friars Lodge. I commend, very highly, the manager and her staff.

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Review from Lisa S (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although my mum didn't want to go into a care home and it was a very difficult decision for us to make the staff have helped her to settle in very well. The staff are always friendly and mum has a good rapport with them, however, with the onset of my mum's dementia she does tend to call them teachers.
I do not have any concerns over my mum's wellbeing or the level of care she is receiving which only makes me certain that we chose the right home to meet her needs.

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Review from David F (Son of Resident) published on 29 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Friars Lodge care home for a few years now. She is well looked after the management and staff are very caring and good at their job.
My mother's needs changed since she has been a resident at Friars Lodge and the staff have adjusted their care for her. She has really good meals
and enjoys them.
I am very pleased with the way my mother is cared for at Friars Lodge.

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Review from Jane H (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 94-year-old mother recently went to Friars Lodge for 2 weeks respite so I could have a break. The care she received while there was second to none, my mother was very worried before she went but the lovely staff in Friars Lodge soon put her at ease. Caring for someone requires a lot of patience and
the staff in Friars Lodge had this - can't praise them highly enough.

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Review from Tracey H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great team providing wonderful support.
I would not be able to cope without them.

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Current Review Score: 8.9 (8.917)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.9 (8.917) out of 10 for Friars Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.5 out of 5 from 5 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 4.417 for Friars Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (40 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.417

  • 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 4.5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Friars Lodge is based on 5 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 + 0.125 = 3.5

    • 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 5 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: 21 Mar 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Frequently Asked Questions about Friars Lodge

What types of Care is Friars Lodge registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Friars Lodge provide?

Day Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Friars Lodge have?

There are 16 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Friars Lodge?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Friars Lodge to the centre of Dunstable?

0.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.