Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Old Bath Road, Sonning, Reading RG4 6TQ
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9.6 124 Reviews
  • Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection, Reading
At Sonning Gardens Care Home, they deliver comprehensive care services, encompassing residential care to support individuals in their daily activities, nursing care for those requiring intensive, longer-term assistance with medical conditions, specialised dementia care based on the ReConnect approach, and short-term respite care. Couples or companions seeking to continue their care journey together are warmly welcomed to the facility.

Their highly qualified care team administers all the support services, driven by a passionate commitment to ensuring residents receive tailored care appropriate to their individual needs. Following a care philosophy centred on personalisation, the team develops and regularly reviews personalised care plans for residents throughout their stay.

Situated in Sonning, this purpose-built care home occupies two and a half acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, providing an ideal setting for elderly individuals seeking a fulfilling life with the necessary care. The facility offers a range of homely accommodation options, including single rooms with en-suite facilities and shared rooms designed for couples.

They take pride in offering residents top-notch facilities, including a restaurant and a hair and beauty salon. Their commitment is to create an environment where residents feel akin to staying in a luxury hotel rather than a conventional care home. Sonning Gardens Care Home provides a beautiful way for individuals to spend their retirement years.

Care Provided by Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 103 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Susan Johnstone (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (61)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (21)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2009
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

  • 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 £1,330 – £2,872
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,685 – £2,693
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,568 – £4,083
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,525 – £3,208
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,868 – £2,868
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • 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
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • The home is open 8.00am - 8.00pm, outside of these hours visitors will need an access code.


  • Parking
  • There is an onsite car park with dedicated visitor parking spaces.


Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection Reviews (124)

Total of 124, showing 21-40
9.6

Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.601) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection has 124 reviews.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I felt welcome and very comfortable when I approached the receptionist's desk. People were very pleasant and helpful and made me feel relaxed.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for the lovely feedback; our reception team work hard to make visitors feel welcome, and it is nice to know their work is appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law moved into Sonning Gardens in mid-February and within a month she is like a different person. She is eating well, taking her meds, joining in with activities and seems so happy most of the time. She looks 10 years younger. I am so pleased with the support and care she has been given
to make this possible. The staff are so lovely and go above and beyond to provide her with the very best care. The move has been so much better than I expected and I absolutely know we made the right, very difficult, decision to move her.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband recently returned to Sonning Gardens for a second respite stay, where he was so warmly welcomed.
Once again the care and attention exceeded expectations along with the food!
I can thoroughly recommend this wonderful home.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for your lovely review and for allowing us to look after your husband again. It was a delight to welcome him and he slotted right back in.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So far I have been very impressed with the level of care given to my dad. It is not an easy decision to put your loved one in a home, but we certainly made the right choice. The environment is welcoming and I am grateful that I can now sleep at night knowing he is being looked after. A special mention
to their Client Liaison Manager and Residential Care Manager.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it when people take the time to give us feedback. We are so pleased that we can help the family by caring for your dad. We will share your kind words with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The ambience is very friendly: guests feel welcome.
The carers are generally proactive and caring, but this is not true of some of the night staff.
Huge efforts are made to entertain the residents, but many residents stay in their rooms unfortunately.
It would be nice if staff wore easily read name
badges. It is comforting that staff know the residents by name and it would be integrating if residents could reciprocate.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Sonning. It is always great to get feedback from our residents on what we are doing well and areas to focus on.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was at Sonning Gardens for the final 6 months of his life under palliative care. We cannot thank the staff enough for the kindness and care they gave him throughout this time and for making him as comfortable as possible. The nursing and care staff were professional and attentive and all the
staff were friendly and welcoming.
We were very pleasantly surprised when we visited Sonning Gardens by the quality of the facilities offered and the lovely setting as well as the understanding staff. We could see staff actively interacting with residents and visitors creating a caring and welcoming atmosphere. They took the time to get to know my father, and us as a family, this was a huge support to us all through this time, we felt my father was being well looked after.
Although my father was unable to take part in the activities it was heartening to see many residents enjoying the daily regular events and company of others, plus the wonderful cakes and pastries always on offer!

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for taking the time to write your review and for the kind words regarding our care and nursing staff. It was a privileged to care for your father in his last months and we are pleased that our team was able to support you as a family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When Mum entered Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection, she was extremely frail and unwell. The care and nursing staff were wonderful in getting her back to health and able to return home. My recommendations are as follows;
Better food, less cheap 'cut' meals using mince.
Update the resident
call/pendant system.
Invest in a home, 'update' of soft furnishings and furniture, some are very heavy to move.
Keep maintenance records to prevent issues: lift history and usage.
Deal quickly with issues: coffee machine in lounge.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection. We are delighted to hear that the care and nursing staff were able to support your mum in her journey back to health and eventual return home. Ensuring the well-being and recovery of our residents is our utmost priority and we are glad to have been able to make a positive difference.
We are very sorry to hear that we have not met your expectations in all areas and we appreciate your feedback and take your concerns seriously. We will address the issues you have raised and your input is invaluable to help us strive for continuous improvement and we remain committed to providing the highest standard of care and comfort for all our residents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was reluctant to go into the care home but needed medical and palliative care. She was made welcome and comfortable right until the end three weeks later. She was encouraged to join in the activities, but preferred privacy but was "checked on" and interacted with the staff regularly. Lovely home
and amenities. Friendly staff and families made welcome and catered for.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Your mum was a delightful lady, and it was a pleasure to have her here with us for her last weeks. She was a kind and cheerful person and made a real impact on the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the initial meeting to the final farewell, I could not have asked for better support from anyone. The professionalism and friendliness of all was amazing, and aesthetically, the home, room and view were comforting, charming and impressive. The team made my father feel welcome, comfortable and respected
in his final days - priceless.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It was a pleasure having your Dad here with us and he really made an impact on the team in the short time we cared for him. He was a delightful, charming man and it was a privilege to have him with us at Sonning.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was looked after at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection for just after six months and I am very grateful and appreciative for the very high standard of care she received throughout her stay. Everyone, without exception, made such a tremendous effort to ensure her stay was as comfortable
and pleasant as possible. The family were always made very welcome when visiting and all our concerns were attended to in a compassionate way. Thank you all so much for everything.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for your review, we hope that your mum is settled and happy back in her own home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was not expecting to enjoy my stay, but I soon realised how lucky I was. It really was first class hotel comfort. All staff in all departments went out of their way to be kind and helpful and always smiling faces. The caring was superb and such a pleasure to be given a shower and hair wash, then to
face the day with the brain teasers and the exercise sessions, all much enjoyed. I would certainly recommend Sonning Gardens - come in the summer and enjoy the outdoors.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back again in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum was booked in for two weeks respite. She took a few days to settle in but by the end of the two weeks she was very happy with the home. It has aged very well compared to others I have seen, so I think was well specified when built. The staff from all departments were excellent and on several occasions
went the extra mile to help Mum. She enjoyed the food, although thought some days the quality dipped a little (different kitchen staff?). Communication was sometimes difficult with some staff whose English was not their first language. A 'Welcome Information Pack' would be useful, as there is a lot to take in when moving into a home and whilst instructions were verbally provided patiently and thoroughly, it would be good to have a reference document.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for your feedback and kind words. We always welcome suggestions how how we might help our residents settle in more easily and a handbook is in progress at this time.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law stayed for two weeks respite care. She wanted a rest from daily chores and to enjoy some company and activities. The whole building was welcoming and clean. The gardens were beautiful.
We found all the staff to be friendly and caring. The range of activities was good and my mother-in-law
enjoyed them. We were pleased to see that there were regular physical activities on offer. The activity staff encouraged and supported residents to attend. They were all very friendly with a ‘can do’ attitude.
Food was generally very good with choice available. It would have been helpful to have had some written guidance regarding what choices could be made. For example, a sandwich or omelette instead of the meal on offer. Also a map of the building, a timetable of when and where meals were to be served, when drinks would be offered during the day, use of the very nice bistro facilities etc. as it took a few days to work things out.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for your feedback and helpful comments, a welcome pack is in the pipeline!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The team at Sonning Gardens took care of my mum in the last years of her life. She had mixed dementia and had had a stroke and was recently widowed after 60 years of marriage. During the first year she was mobile and enjoyed a new sort of independence being able to move around the home and gardens without
help. She missed my dad terribly and was helped by other residents who had gone through the same experience. She made some good friends. She then suffered two more strokes which robbed her of her mobility and coordination. The staff then really came into their own and gave her all the support she needed, treating her with kindness, understanding and love. They went above and beyond to make the quality of her life as good as it could be within the confines of her condition. Her last weeks were dignified and comfortable which was our highest priority. We owe Sonning Gardens a huge debt of gratitude.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Client Liaison Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for your kind words, we will be sharing this with the whole team. We pride ourselves in providing residents with the best quality of care throughout their stay with us.
Our RGN team are highly skilled in end of life care and understand that the smallest acts can make a tremendous difference at this sad time. She was a lovely lady and is greatly missed by the staff and residents in the home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My brother entered the home for end-of-life care, and although he was only there for twelve days, we found that everyone from cleaners to management was very kind and helpful.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was at the home for about six months before he needed palliative care and then passed away at the home. All of the staff, from the carers to the receptionist, from housekeeping and maintenance to the entertainment staff, were all so special and made a great effort to get to know him during
the time he was there. When my husband first arrived, his communication wasn’t great, but all of the staff took the time to try to understand what he wanted and make his stay as comfortable as possible. Although the home itself is lovely, at the end of the day, it is the staff that makes the difference. Thank you for looking after my husband and giving him his dignity right up until the end.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Reviews Team at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for your kind words. Your husband, yourself and the family became an important part of our home community during his stay, and we are glad to have been able to care for him and offer support in any way we could.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first day of my dad's arrival at Signature at Sonning, the staff and facilities were first class, with a degree of care that surpassed expectations, reflected by all members of staff I came in contact with.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all involved for making Dad’s last
difficult days as comfortable as possible, and I would have no hesitation in recommending Signature at Sonning to any potential resident.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Reviews Team at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Firstly, please accept our sincere condolences for your recent loss, and thank you for taking the time to share your experience of Signature at Sonning – particularly at such a difficult time. They will truly be missed here in the community by all of the team and residents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First impressions were fantastic. During my stay there, the staff were all so kind, attentive and gentle. They were genuinely friendly and made me feel welcome. The food was exceptional, with incredible choices. It was lovely that myself and guests could get a variety of drinks and delicious cakes.
The place is in a beautiful setting, and the grounds are beautifully maintained. The medical team inspired confidence too. Overall, nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend it.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of Signature at Sonning. Your feedback is important to us, as is the care and well-being of all of our residents. We take great pride in ensuring we deliver high-quality care to make a difference in our residents' and their families' lives.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are friendly and welcoming. The care staff are gentle and kind. My father was always content when I visited which means a lot to me. The entrance is welcoming and the brasserie a pleasant place to sit with a loved one. The professionalism and care to details is apparent. I was very impressed
with how comfortable my father was. Also the chefs are amazing in how they cater for diets and swallowing capacities. Thank you for caring for my father and giving dignity.

Reply from Signature Senior Lifestyle Signature Senior Lifestyle, Signature Senior Lifestyle at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you for your kind words. We believe we have a fantastic team here at Signature at Sonning and your recognition of this is appreciated by every member of our team. By having a whole home approach here at Signature at Sonning we believe this creates a relaxed and friendly environment for our residents to call home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been at Signature at Sonning for a period of respite care to recover from a fall at home. She arrived in great pain, walking with extreme difficulty. Now, at the end of her stay, she is walking up and down the stairs, and her spirits are much improved - result! She has received a comprehensive
health overhaul during her stay, and the staff have been caring and attentive.

Reply from Sarah Townsend, Manager at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection

Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We really enjoyed having your Mum staying with us, and I know several of the staff and residents really miss her, myself included! We are delighted that she has made such a good recovery and wish her good health for the future.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.601)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.601) out of 10 for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 37 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 4.601 for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection is calculated as follows: ( (282 Excellents x 5) + (118 Goods x 4) + (21 Satisfactorys x 3) + (3 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 424 Ratings = 4.601

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection is based on 37 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • 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 103 registered maximum number of service users is 20.6, which has been reached with 37 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: 9 Jun 2018

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Outstanding
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (11)

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Meet the Team (6)

Susan

Susan Johnstone

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2018

I have worked in Sonning Gardens since 2018, first as Deputy Manager and now as Home Manager. Previously I worked in the NHS as a District Nurse, Community Nurse Practice Educator, Independent Nurse Prescriber and Community Nurse Manager. I have a number of nursing qualifications and an MA in Health and Nursing Care.


My passion has always been caring for people in their own homes and supporting my team to be the best they are in their chosen careers. Working at Sonning Gardens is the perfect environment for me as our residents and staff are all in one beautiful home, set on lovely grounds. I especially love Christmas at Sonning as our home is magical with all the pretty decorations and lights.


When not at work I enjoy tending my flowers and vegetables, visiting National Trust properties and taking trips to the coast when possible. When I get a quiet evening in I enjoy a good murder mystery with a glass of wine.


Mwila

Mwila Muma

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2022

I am delighted to be part of the team at Sonning Gardens. Working as a Deputy Manager, I have the privilege to support the team and the Home Manager with my clinical knowledge and experience.


I started my career 16 years ago as a qualified nurse. My career started in acute hospital settings where I worked for 8 years before I moved to the UK and worked in the care home sector. I have worked in various capacities including RGN, Unit Manager, Senior Nurse and now Deputy Manager. I joined the team at Sonning Gardens just over a year ago as an RGN and moved up to Deputy manager after 6 months.


Caring for the elderly and the vulnerable is a part of my culture and becoming a nurse just made that a lot more profound. I believe people deserve to live their lives to the fullest despite their circumstances and this is what I see happening every day at Sonning Gardens. I am proud to be part of it all.


In my free time, I like to take long walks, travel and be with my family.


Sarah

Sarah Townsend

Job Title: Client Liaison Manager

Joined: 2022

I joined Sonning in August 2022 having managed a private health club for 8 years.


I have always enjoyed working with senior populations and was closely involved in organising memberships, and activities and applying for funding for exercise programmes for the over 65's in my last job, so the move into care seemed entirely natural.


The team at Sonning are supportive of each other and takes pride in ensuring that our residents can have enjoyable and fulfilled lives in our home.


I find it immensely rewarding to work with families to work out the best care solutions for their loved ones.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking my cocker spaniel, Dudley, gardening and travelling in our campervan.


Megan

Megan Godin

Job Title: Dementia Care Manager

Joined: 2021

I started in the care industry 8 years ago after finishing university and jo9ined Sonning in 2021 as the Dementia Care Manager.
I have always enjoyed helping people and have a real passion for dementia care and making a difference in our residents daily lives.
As the manager of Woodlands, I support my team to provide excellent, person-centred care to all our residents, providing meaningful engagement during the day.
Another passion of mine is animals and I have two mini dachshunds who enjoy coming to work with me. The residents enjoy stroking them and watching Poppy and Peach playing balloon tennis!


Ian

Ian Duldulao

Job Title: Residential Care Manager

Joined: 2016

My full name is Cesar Ian Duldulao, but everyone calls me Ian.


I originally joined the home in 2016 as a Senior Carer in reminiscence. I then worked my way up to Dementia Care Manager and subsequently transferred to Residential Care Manager in March 2023.


My background is in nursing, and I have worked for the last 16 years in social care. I relish providing care for people in a dignified and respectful way when they need it most. I am privileged to work with and be part of such an amazing team, who brings so much joy and happiness to the residents we care for. My passion and goal in life are to care for others and support them to live well with their Dementia.


In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, cycling and spending time with my family.


Georgina

Georgina Williams

Job Title: Well-being and Activities Co-ordinator

I manage the wide range of clubs, hobbies, entertainers, live music, outings, guest speakers and exercise classes we have on offer at Sonning. With input from the residents, my team also holds regular family events and social evenings. Having such a variety allows the residents to pick and choose what they wish to be involved in.