Review from Beverley M (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum stayed for respite for two weeks, so it was obviously very strange for her as she didn't understand where or why she was there, so consequently kept saying she was ready to go home. When I picked her up she looked bright and animated, she was taking part in a singing group and loved that everyone

made such a fuss of her. After she got home she said the food was very good and it was lovely and warm, she also wanted to see her friends again. A week later she can't remember it sadly.

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Review from Kim M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

It is so reassuring to visit my Dad and always find him happy and well presented. The staff work extremely hard to care for the residents and nothing is ever too much trouble. As a family we feel reassured that his needs are being met. There is always good communication from the staff and management

and we are always greeted with a smile.

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Review from Jill W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I am so happy that my mother is now a resident at Blackbrook House. She has been well cared for by very attentive staff who are very professional and deal with any queries quickly and efficiently. My mother has been welcomed into the home and she said herself that all the staff are so helpful and that

she feels very content. Blackbrook House is very well run, it is calm, clean and very homely. I agree with other comments that the staff are all wonderfully supportive. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I sleep well knowing that my mother is in safe hands!

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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Very pleased so far with my mother's care at Blackbrook House. There is always a friendly atmosphere among the staff and residents.

I feel happy leaving my mum in a safe 24-hour environment.

It is always clean and the gardens are lovely and safe.

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Review from Sharon C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The transition from home to care home has been seamless. Knowing that our mum has quality 24-hour care is reassuring. All staff, regardless of their role, are kind, caring, efficient and helpful. Residents are encouraged by staff to join in with a variety of activities, including receiving Holy Communion

but naturally, this is optional. Even MrMotivator made an appearance a few weeks ago! Mum enjoys having her hair cut and styled in the salon, and a chiropodist visits regularly. The menu at Blackbrook is varied and caters for all needs. Infection controls are still being adhered to.

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Review from Alison C (Wife of Resident) published on 20 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very enjoyable meals - compliments to the chef.
Good stimulation and interaction with staff and residents.
Very obliging staff for assisting with family and friends communicating with residents (taking the phone).
The resident was anxious at first but was able to put his trust in the staff, and

eventually, enjoyed his short stay. Still recounting stories. Now would be confident to return, safe, friendly. Staff have made an excellent job in providing a home from home environment.

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Review from Rick B (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Everyone at the home has been fantastic! We have full confidence in all you do. Many thanks.

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Review from Dawn R (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been at Blackbrook since February. She has made a good, calm transition in very difficult circumstances, having arrived at Blackbrook via an emergency hospital admission and unable to return home.
I can only offer thanks and high praise to the managers and the manner in which they manage

- the administrator, the care staff, domestic staff - everybody is so kind and always smiling. In spite of missing her home of 60 years, my mum comments regularly on how individual is her care, that people remember what she has said, how all the staff pop in to say hello, and nothing is too much trouble. I am confident in the care she receives and grateful for it. After many years of living at a distance and being 'first on call', it is hugely reassuring knowing that she is in safe hands 24 hours a day. To anyone considering Blackbrook House as an option for their loved one, I would say don't hesitate. Your questions are always answered, and you can be confident in the care provided.

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Review from S P (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Transitions are never easy for new residents and their close families. The team here at Blackbrook Houe have supported my mum and me. Mum loves the cart and attention. I feel listened to and welcomed. A special thank you to three members of staff for all you do especially to ensure each day is a positive

one for my mum.

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Review from K D (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I cannot praise Blackbrook highly enough. The compassion professionalism and sense of calm contentment in the home are remarkable. The care is given with great dignity and cheerful efficiency. The staff are all friendly, have time for relatives as well as residents and are endlessly helpful and knowledgeable.

The home is clean and cheerful and my mother could not be in safer hands. We will always be grateful to the manager, administration managers, senior carers and all their teams. Thank you.

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Review from Peter D (Husband of Resident) published on 14 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Blackbrook House is a shining example of an ideal care home for elderly residents. It offers a homely, caring environment and is exceptionally well run by fully involved management, together with a motivated team of carers and support staff. My wife is living with a dementia condition that severely

limits her interactions with both her carers and other residents. However, all staff are wonderfully supportive and very enthusiastic as they ensure that they involve her in all aspects of her day to day life in the home. Whenever I visit, there is always a welcoming atmosphere, and my wife is obviously content as she is invariably happy and smiling. This is the best I could hope for in the situation we are having to deal with, and I really appreciate the thoughtful manner in which all of the staff for all they can to meet our particular needs.

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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 4 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Blackbrook House appears extremely well run, with an efficient team. Staff displayed great respect for the management team (at least three people stating it was because of the way the home is run that they are still there!)
Staff, at all levels and functions, were welcoming and empathetic to our needs

and that of our relative, and despite the additional pressures caused by the COVID restrictions made every effort to support and assist us.
The care and consideration given during a relatively short period of time, in difficult and trying times were exceptional. This was no more evident when following the passing of our relative, the staff laid out the room beautifully in a way that respected the individual demonstrated compassion and understanding of the individual.
It was good to witness some of the new/younger members of the Team being trained, supported and encouraged.
Communication through the Team Leaders was really good; they listened to and supported our needs where possible.

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Review from Chris L (Son of Resident) published on 13 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Blackbrook House is a wonderfully well-run facility that ensures the residents live with dignity in an environment that replaces their home with a really comfortable way to enjoy their later years. My mother has received excellent personalised care in what has been a very challenging time for all the

wonderful staff and highly supportive manager. They have gone above and beyond to look after her and her cat and given her an excellent start to her new life away from home. It has given us all as a family peace of mind that she is safe and happy in a lovely environment. Thank you.

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Review from Lynn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum has been a resident at Blackbrook House for a number of years, the care and respect shown to her by the staff has always been exemplary. Covid may have changed the visiting and contact we have had but mum has been so well supported throughout by such a friendly and dedicated team. I would continue

to recommend this home.

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Review from Andrew B (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

We are very happy to know that our relative is safe and secure in this lovely home. Although in declining health the care is always excellent. The location is lovely and most impressive always is the care and attention of all the staff.

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Review from Claire M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident at Blackbrook House for almost five years. I cannot praise the staff too highly. They are an exceptional group of kind and dedicated people. The last months have been extraordinarily challenging, but they have delivered their usual standard of care with the trademark Blackbrook

good humour.

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Review from Nigel B (Friend of Resident) published on 12 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother-in-law has lived at Blackbrook House since January 2020. After searching for somewhere suitable for her to live following the death of her husband, the whole family has been so impressed by the quality of the care provided it has been a huge relief to us all. It has such a welcoming and homely

atmosphere and the staff couldn't be more caring, friendly and supportive to the needs of the residents. Before Covid, I used to enjoy my morning coffee and biscuits with her in the lounge, chatting with all her new friends. Her room is very comfortable and the afternoon activities keep her engaged with life, plus the good food keeps her happy and well fed. I would highly recommend it to anybody.

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Review from Sarah S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

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Our mum moved to Blackbrook House in June 2019. It was really emotional but the right decision. Blackbrook House feels like home. Mum settled in so well and has enjoyed having her hair and nails done on a regular basis! The food is fantastic and I love that Mum can have a cheeky glass of wine! Her room

is gorgeous and opens up into a really pretty courtyard. A special mention to the staff who have so much compassion and really care for mum. We have also been impressed with how Blackbrook House continue to deal with COVID, it’s been tough for everyone but we have been able to see Mum and can tell by how she looks that she is really being looked after. Thank you Blackbrook House!

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Review from G B (Wife of Resident) published on 7 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My husband has been at Blackbrook House for 15 months and he seems happy and content. The care over this period has been good on the whole. The staff are friendly, helpful and engage well with the residents. The staff encourage the residents to get involved with activities if they choose. The cleanliness

is of a high standard and the laundry system is very good. The menu is varied and the standard of food is also very good. Blackbrook House is very homely and I can't fault the care they provide my husband.

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Review from Malcolm A (Son of Resident) published on 7 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

There is no nutritional food on offer other than fruit, meals should consist of a healthy, nutritional rich balance.
I know residents complain about the quality of food, but not everyone does as some will eat anything.
If a resident will not eat their meal they are normally given an unhealthy 'processed

meat or processed cheese' sandwich in 'white' bread. I've never seen whole grain/meal let alone brown bread.
Family of residents were invited to a Christmas buffet last year, the poor staff were left alone to sort it all and had to supply from their own resources, such as drinks. The food was disgusting, no effort put in there at all by the former management.
Hand sanitiser dispensers such as those used in hospitals should be provided throughout the home. There is a bottle of sanitiser next to signing in but I have found this left empty on several occasions.
All of the carers I've met do a wonderful job, you cannot fault them.
I hope the new manager will improve the overall service.

Reply from Kylie Greatorex, Manager at Blackbrook House

Thank you for taking the time to review Blackbrook House and we are pleased you rate our staff as excellent. Our chef is sourcing fresh produce for all meals and will make alternative nutritional meals for residents who prefer something different to our daily menu. Our residents also always have access to the food and drink stations throughout our home.

We ensure that we adhere to infection control guidelines. We received a number of thank you cards from our Christmas event from families that enjoyed it and assure you that items were not supplied by staff for the event.

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Blackbrook House

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