Review from Gillian R (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Both of my parents, 94 and 97, are residents of Howard Lodge.
I cannot speak highly enough of their level of care in all regards.
All staff go above and beyond to ensure each resident is well looked after and has the best quality of life as possible.
Thank you to the whole team.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Gillian, we hope you are all well; thank you so very much for such a lovely review; it is appreciated by us all. We are very proud of our staff team and our "Howard Lodge family". We are only able to provide the care we do to all our residents with the support and understanding of our resident's families and well as a great staff team. It is an honour and a pleasure to be part of Mum and Dad's life and to know you too.
Thank you so very much.

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Review from Carole D (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Howard Lodge was recommended by a friend. We made the difficult decision that the time had come to move Mum with dementia from her assisted living apartment to a care home. From the first visit in October to now (January), staff members have been brilliant, ensuring Mum’s transition was smooth. She

moved in at the end of November and has settled really well. Mum is joining in activities we would not have believed she would. It is lovely to see regular photos on social media of her enjoying herself. Communication with the care team is excellent - nothing is too much trouble. As regular visitors, we couldn’t be made to feel more welcome. We are reassured that Mum is in very safe hands, and we are very grateful.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Good morning, Carole, thank you so very much for your lovely feedback; it means so much to us all to know that you are happy with the care Mum receives at Howard Lodge. We are very lucky to be able to care for such lovely people like Mum and welcome her and you all into our "Howard Lodge" family.
We are very proud of our staff team and feel very honoured to be working with such caring staff.
Thank you so much.

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Review from Sue P (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2022
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Overall Experience

Mum moved to Howard Lodge just before Christmas 2018 and lived there for nearly four years. The staff and management team have been amazing, including throughout the COVID Pandemic when they were under enormous strain. Mum had a good life on Poppy Hamlet where the staff were always kind and patient

with her. The care she received was centred on her, staff learned what she liked and disliked and made every effort to meet her needs. They respected and accepted her for who she was. During the last few weeks of her life, it became really apparent how much friendship, love, respect and support she had received from the staff team during her time at Howard Lodge. The team also worked with mum and the family to provide the end-of-life care that she wished for, we are all grateful for the help they gave us to keep her out of hospital and in the safe familiar environment she had grown used to. A big thank you to everyone.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Sue,
Thank you so very much for your lovely message. I know it will mean the world to everyone at Howard Lodge and Poppy Hamlet where Mum lived.
It really was an honour to be a part of Mum's life for the time she was with us and to get to know you all too. We are very lucky to have a fabulous staff team who genuinely care and want to make a difference to the lives of the people we care for and their loved ones.
Thank you all too for your support and understanding, it means so much to be able to work with families for the same goal, the health and wellbeing of everyone who lives at Howard Lodge and everyone who works there.
Mum is missed by us all and will always be part of our Howard Lodge family.
Sending best wishes to you all.
Love, all at Howard Lodge.

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Review from Tracey S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 December 2021
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Overall Experience

Quite simply, everyone at Howard Lodge Care Centre goes above and beyond in caring for my dad. The staff are all so caring and friendly, we couldn't ask for more. Nothing is too much trouble and they do everything possible to keep Dad comfortable.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review, we really do appreciate your kind words, and it is reassuring to know you are happy with the care dad receives. The staff caring for dad know him very well and his little ways.
We love receiving his notes and having a chat with him too.
We are very lucky to work with such a fantastic team of staff, caring for our lovely residents and receiving support from our families and friends.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Gary M (Son of Resident) published on 16 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Howard Lodge is one of the most caring, friendly, cleanest homes I viewed when looking for my mother's care.
The process when deciding was made so easy. The comfort of knowing mum was getting so much loving care and getting involved was a relief.
Two and a half years of care did not change even at

end of life.
The same care even extends to us as a family.
The Primrose team within Howard Lodge Care Centre are a credit to the home. 100% recommend for that special care.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for such a lovely review, we are very lucky to have such a fantastic team of staff who genuinely care.
It is lovely to know that you felt Mum was in good hands during her stay with us, we do miss her and you all too.
Mum had a fantastic way of giving you a look before deciding to respond that made you feel she was looking right inside you and some of her responses were just great. She had this silent presence about her that did not need any words at all.
Thank you too for your support and understanding during the pandemic, we really do appreciate this and your kind words too.

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Review from Ken G (Nephew of Resident) published on 14 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Aunt was admitted to the Care Home on 1st January 2021 in the most difficult of circumstances due to the global pandemic. Nonetheless, Howard Lodge accommodated the situation admirably and in doing so provided first-class care and attention to my Aunt who was approaching 96 years of age. During her

stay visitation was facilitated within all the government guidelines and legislation in a most professional manner ensuring the residents, staff and visitors were safe. The food provided was excellent.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Ken, Thank you so much for your lovely review. It really was an honour to look after your aunt and it was lovely being a small part of her life for a while. Thank you too for your support and understanding, especially through a difficult period of time when we were having to adhere to strict guidelines.
Your aunt was such a lovely lady and is missed by us all. I loved her nature and the chats we had, it was a pleasure knowing her for the time we did. Thank you too for your understanding and support.

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Review from Sam G (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 December 2021
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Overall Experience

All of the team at Howard Lodge Care Centre are amazing. So kind and dedicated. We looked at many homes for our mother, who has dementia, and from the moment we contacted Howard Lodge through to now, we have found the team to always be responsive, kind and focused on what is best for Mum. Mum moved

to Howard Lodge (Primrose) nearly four months ago now, and feels safe, comfortable with the team and 'at home'. The setting is beautiful and the home has a warm welcoming feeling - the team of people there are exceptional and make it a very special home.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Sam, Thank you for your lovely review, it is lovely to know you are happy with the care mum receives. she is such a lovely lady, with a lovely nature and we have had some fantastic chats and cuddles.
Everyone appreciates your kind words, especially when we are in such uncertain times with the pandemic. We are very lucky to have such a caring team, along with great support from our friends and family too.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Sarah E (Goddaughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Howard Lodge Care Centre deserves its outstanding rating in every respect. My Godmother has been a resident for almost 3 years and is the happiest I have seen her in many years. Her room has a fantastic view of farmland, and the grounds are beautifully maintained, with horses in the field at the end

and resident chickens. Every staff member from reception, care staff, catering, maintenance, management and entertainment always have a smile and friendly word for everyone, resident or visitor. The staff are always arranging interesting activities on a daily basis, often held in their wonderful cafe on the ground floor. Photos are posted daily on social media, which has been a great comfort during lockdown when it’s sometimes been difficult to visit. This is by far the best care home I have ever visited. I thoroughly recommend Howard Lodge.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for such a lovely review, it really does mean so much to us all to receive such great feedback from friends and relatives. We have all been through a really difficult time and it is very reassuring for us to know that you felt your Godmother was safe and settled. It has been lovely to be able to open our doors a little and see you all visit, it is lovely seeing your Godmothers face when you and the rest of her family and friends visit and she really does enjoy the bag of goodies you always bring.
We are very proud of our staff team and even prouder to be a small part of that team.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Lynda N (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I cannot recommend Howard Lodge Care Centre enough; the staff are simply amazing. The manager and her team have saved my life. My mum came to the care home at a very difficult time in our life, my brother, who was caring for her had died suddenly, and things were emotionally very difficult. The team

dealt with the situation with such compassion, professionalism and care. A staff member on my mum’s unit and her team have brought my mum to a place I never thought was possible. I will be eternally grateful to them; they are truly miracle workers.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Lynda, thank you so much for such positive feedback. I know the team will really appreciate it. It is just so lovely seeing mum settled now, and we appreciate your support through what was a difficult time for mum and you all too. Mum really is a character and always ready for a giggle, joke or laugh and has us in stitches at times. She gives the most amazing cuddles too. We really are very proud to work with such a fantastic team of staff and lucky to have the support and understanding of such wonderful friends and relatives.

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Review from Donna G (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My father has been a resident since summer 2021. He suffers from dementia. We are very happy with the care he receives at Howard Lodge. He settled in very quickly. I did not have any experience at all with care homes and was very nervous about the whole procedure. However, from the first telephone call

to Dad moving in was very easy. Including a visit with him in his own house, and I felt that his needs and wishes were carefully considered and acted upon. I visit regularly, and the home is lovely - clean and welcoming, with great gardens (he has a room overlooking the lawn and horses). All the staff are always extremely friendly and helpful. He seems to be more mentally engaged with his environment than he was when he lived on his own. I can see on the social media page some of the activities that are going on, and I can also keep in touch via phone and email. I feel that he is being well looked after and he is safe and happy.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Donna, thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We are very lucky to have the team of staff we do along with the support of our relatives and friends.
Dad has settled in amazingly well, and it's lovely to see him enjoying his beer with his lunch. He has a lovely character and is a real gentleman with a great sense of humour.
We are so thankful for all the understanding and support we have received from our friends and relatives during a very difficult time, and I know our staff team will appreciate your feedback too.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Hilary N (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been at Howard Lodge for 4-months, and I really cannot praise everyone there enough.
It is well managed, and all the staff are professional, friendly and exceptionally caring. There is always a warm welcome for the family with strict Covid friendly protocols to protect everyone, which

gives us peace of mind.
There are constant activities in the hamlets in tea room and the beautiful surrounding grounds.
My mother is very content and we feel that she is in the best place for her needs. We don’t have to worry and it is good to know she is safe and well looked after so we can relax and enjoy our visits. Thank you we couldn’t be happier.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Hilary, thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It is so lovely to hear how happy you are. Mum is such a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and a great sense of humour.
We are very lucky to work with such a fantastic team and feel very proud to be part of Howard Lodge.
We are very thankful too for the wonderful support and understanding we receive from all our relatives.
I know our staff will feel greatly appreciated too.

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Review from Monica H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies in 2020 and we knew as her condition worsened we would have to look to residential care to keep her safe. My sister and I looked at lots of very good homes but when we found Howard Lodge Care Centre we were certain we had found somewhere that deserved

its rating of outstanding.
Sadly Mum had a fall at home which left us needing to move more quickly than we expected. Howard Lodge were exceptional in their response, being flexible and caring and within a couple of days, we had moved her in. The initial week or so was difficult because Mum was very confused but the staff were, kind, reassuring and fantastic at keeping in touch. They made the transition as easy as possible and now a month on Mum is settled and enjoying each day, she talks about her friends there, all the staff know her name and she is always pleased to see them. She loves the many activities and she is happy and safe. We are so pleased with the care she receives. Thank you!

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Monica,
Thank you so very much for such a wonderful review. Mum is such a lovely lady, always ready and willing for a hug and always seems happy.
It really is lovely to see her so settled now and enjoying the activities on offer.
We are also very lucky to have such great support from families and friends too. This really helps our staff morale and to receive such positive feedback such as yours lifts all our spirits.
We have a great staff team and feel very proud to be part of the team at Howard Lodge. I know they will be so thankful for such lovely words and for your support.
Thank you once again x

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Review from Elliott D (Son of Resident) published on 1 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The staff and management of Howard Lodge Care Centre, and in particular Primrose Hamlet, went above and beyond to ensure my mums last few days were spent with dignity and people who treated her like their own family. They made sure that not only did they support me, my mums best interests were always

at the forefront of the care she received and ensured that outside support. The district nurse and hospice were made readily available to her in her hour of need. Her spiritual needs were also met no matter what religious denomination she held.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Dear Elliott,
Thank you so very much for your lovely review. We are very lucky to have a great team of staff at Howard Lodge. Anita and her team on Primrose were very honoured to be able to care for Mum for the short time she was with us. It is lovely that the care they provided has been recognised and we feel very proud of them too.
We are also thankful that you too felt supported. We really do appreciate the support we receive from the families and friends involved with the service we provide at Howard Lodge. Thank you.

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Review from Michelle P (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2021
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Overall Experience

Both my parents moved to this care home during lockdown in May 2020 from another care home. Both suffering from dementia.
I can only say that our experience of our previous care home wasn’t a pleasant one so obviously was apprehensive about moving them.
But we were reassured quickly and after their

2 week isolation period, they were able to join in the normal life at Howard Lodge.
We were able to visit regularly even if it was only in the garden and were made very welcome under difficult circumstances.
I have regular updates and care plan reviews.
I can phone as often as I like and can always speak to the carers who actually look after my parents.
Unfortunately, my mum passed away at the beginning of this year but Howard Lodge was very accommodating and allowed us to visit to say our goodbyes in fact they couldn’t have done anymore considering we were in a global pandemic.
My experiences so far are good and hope that continues.

Reply from Claire Watson, Director at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for your lovely review - it will be such an asset to our staff team to read your review, but also for relatives looking for a placement for their loved ones.
We will always remember how hard it must have been for your family as you were unable to visit the home to view only making the decision on others recommendations with us showing you videos of the home. It has been a pleasure caring for your parents and we are so pleased that you were able to be with your Mum when she was on end of life. It is a pleasure to continue to care for your dad and we look forward to being able to open fully in the future. Thank you again for taking the time to share your views with us.

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Review from Chris A (Son of Resident) published on 12 August 2021
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Overall Experience

My mother has been at Howard lodge for 4 years now, it's always very clean and the staff are always very friendly and helpful, the care home is in a very quiet and peaceful area. Mum seems to be quite happy here. The only criticism she has is the food, sometimes the variety is not great and sometimes

things seem to be overcooked making it a little difficult for her to eat.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Chris,
Thank you so much for your lovely review and feedback. It is lovely to know that Mum feels comfortable and cared for at Howard Lodge. We appreciate all the feedback we receive and will be arranging food tasting sessions, inviting residents to taste new choices and provide their feedback. I have previously met with Mum to discuss the food and we will continue to ask Mum for her feedback and ideas.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Janet M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 August 2021
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Overall Experience

My 97-year-old mother has now been a resident for a year. It was a very difficult decision to place her in a residential home but she needed much more help than was possible to stay in her own home. She had been a day patient on a Wednesday for a year before the virus struck so it was great to see the

same staff and this helped her to settle in.
I visit twice a week and every time the staff are always so pleasant and kind and Mum also comments on this.
The management team refurbished a portable office to make two visitor pods to enable visits to go ahead with just a perspex screen between the visitor and resident. This was far more than most homes were able to provide and a credit to them.
It is now possible to visit in their lovely garden or in the tea room with a Lateral Flow Test but the pods are still available and are a good option if you want to be indoors but without a mask.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback Janet. We are very lucky to have such supportive families who have been patient and accepting throughout the last 18 months, during this awful pandemic. It is lovely to hear that the love and care our staff provide is recognised. It has been lovely seeing visitors back into the home and we are so pleased you were able to use the pod to visit Mum.
One of the loveliest memories for me will be when I saw how happy you and Mum were when you were able to take her out again.
On behalf of our team, thank you so very much.

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Review from Tim D (Son of Resident) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been in Howard Lodge for 3 years now and we are really pleased with the home and the care she has received. The staff are always attentive to her needs and let me know by email about any concerns they have with her health and deal with it in house or call the home GP Surgery and arrange

a visit to see Mum. The home is always spotlessly clean and during the last 18 months of the Covid crisis, the management and staff have done all they can to keep the residents safe. We would definitely recommend this home to friends and family.

Reply from Claire Watson, Director at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are proud of the team and we will be so happy to share with them all.

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Review from Lisa S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2021
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Overall Experience

I am so happy with Howard Lodge and the care they have shown my mum.
The staff are so friendly, caring and non-judgemental.
The home itself is cleaned regularly, the rooms are beautiful and some overlook the horses.
If I was a millionaire, I would still want my mum to be in this home.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you are happy with the care mum receives. We are so proud of our staff team, who care from the heart and feel blessed to have the love and support from our family members, especially throughout this difficult time. We look forward to being able to see you all again as restrictions are lifted.
Thank you once again.

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Review from Debbie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 November 2020
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Overall Experience

Both mum and dad were diagnosed with dementia and entered Howard Lodge in 2015. Dad passed 3 months later mum passed April 2020. We can never thank the wonderful team for their genuine love and care for mum and dad and their love and support to us and who became and remain our second family. Heartfelt

thanks to everyone at Howard Lodge the manager and all the wonderful carers (too many to mention but you know who you are). We will never forget all you did for mum and dad. We could never have coped without you all. Thank you.

Reply from Lin Kirby, Manager at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Hi Debbie, Thank you so much for your lovely words and great feedback. It is heartwarming to know that our residents and their families feel loved and welcomed. It was an honour to care for your mum and dad and to know you and your families. We do miss you all and hope you are all well. It really is an honour to be part of such a fantastic team and to work for such a great company. Sending love and kisses to you all, Lin and the Team at Howard Lodge.

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Review from Dawn J (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2019
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Overall Experience

My mum moved into Howard Lodge last year as she had dementia. From the first enquiry to moving her in the staff at Howard Lodge made the process so easy and were amazing at helping mum to settle in. What I thought was going to be a really difficult transition was actually incredibly smooth. I cannot

recommend this care home highly enough. All of the staff are really patient, caring and go above and beyond the call of duty.

Reply from Sean Watson, Director at Howard Lodge Care Centre

Many thanks for the review Dawn, so glad you and mum are happy with our service. I will also print this off and put it up in the staff room if ok with you. Thanks again.

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