Review from Claire C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother-in-law has been living in Brookside Care home since 2021. The love, and care the staff gives are outstanding. They will do anything they can to make her feel at home, even when she says I want to go home the manager will say "but if you go I will miss you, I love you", which makes her feel

wanted. Then she smiles, says ok I will stay. At the moment my mother-in-law is not eating very well, the manager, the nurse, and the staff are increasing her weight with build-up liquids which have made us so happy knowing she is in safe hands.
The Manager, all the staff, cleaner, cook, activities are very patient, very friendly with big hearts. We cannot thank them enough for all they do.
Brookside has activities on most days, and a social media page for friends, and relatives to see them daily which always cheers you up when you are busy at work.
They also have a hairdresser for pampering too. She always looks lovely after having her hair done.
We would like to thank all staff for all you do.

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Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

After contacting Brookside regarding their facilities and room availability, I was very impressed with the informative response I received from the manager. When a room became available, I visited and again I was very impressed by all the staff I met and the facilities on offer. Mum moved quickly into

Brookside and the transition was excellent. All staff are attentive and caring, and mum is now happy and safe.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

What a lovely thing for you to do, thank you for this review it is such a morale lift to read such lovely things and on behalf of us all here, thank you. Your mum has settled in really well and it is great to see her making new friends. Again thank you for your kind words and here's hoping we see you soon.

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Review from Kay S (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum moved into Brookside a month ago after struggling at home. What a relief it has been. Mum didn't want to leave her home. However, she has settled really quickly at Brookside, she is no longer scared and she feels happy. This has been due to the tremendous team who care for the residents so well,

with kindness, compassion, respect and a lot of smiles and laughter. Mum's care needs are met to the highest standards and any difficulties or concerns are immediately addressed. Nothing is too much trouble. Mum now receives much more stimulation and interaction at Brookside with the varied and well-planned activities that take place and as relatives, we get some ability to join in with the many photos that are placed on the Facebook page. The manager is an experienced, passionate and enthusiastic professional who instils a positive culture that drives the provision of excellent care and communication with the residents and their families. Brookside very quickly has become Mum's home.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you so much, Kay, what a lovely review for which we are of course very grateful. In what has been the most challenging of times kind words give us encouragement and certainly a morale boost which we all need. We will continue to strive to keep everyone in our care safe and happy with the goal that everyone feels cared for. Again thank you for such kind words.

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Review from Carole B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Brookside has cared for mum with patience and compassion for the last year or so. I was so lucky that this care home became mums forever home. The staff are very understanding of mums needs and she looks so much better now than she did when living at home alone. I would not hesitate to recommend

this home.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Carole how very kind of you thank you. We all understand how difficult it must have been not being able to visit but are so glad you can do it now.
Again thank you for such a lovely heartwarming review.

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

Overall Experience

My mother has only recently moved into this home and she hadn’t been the easiest to look after however, the staff here have been brilliant with her. Everyone seems very friendly and patient. Activities are varied and keep the residents occupied - they look fun which is so helpful when we are going through

such difficult times. Would definitely recommend this home.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you for this review, much appreciated, especially since you are not able to visit, and we are all aware of how difficult it must be not to know us or be able to have a proper look around our home. Your comments are very much appreciated at this difficult time for all of us.

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Review from Avril S (Cousin of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Cousin was fortunate in being placed at Brookside in April following a lengthy stay in hospital. I live a considerable distance away and would find it difficult to visit even without Covid restrictions so I've relied heavily on updates by telephone or email. The staff are fantastic, headed up by

a manager who is clearly passionate about her role, ensuring all residents are catered for on an individual basis. The family atmosphere comes across so strongly in all they do. I'm an avid follower of the Facebook page and regularly see my cousin enthusiastically involved in a huge range of activities, drawing on her own interests and supporting her emotional wellbeing. The creativity of the activities coordinator never ceases to amaze me.
Being able to have Facetime chats has been a great comfort and she appears content and full of praise for the staff.
Thank you Brookside from me, other relatives and friends who are greatly relieved that she is being cared for by such dedicated staff.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you, Avril, during these very difficult times, it so encouraging to receive such positive feedback and I am so pleased that you are enjoying our Facebook page. keep safe and keep well.
Kind regards to you and your family. Hoping to be able to see you soon.

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Review from Louise F (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 9 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Brookside is a wonderful care home. As it only has 25 residents it has a homely atmosphere and feels like a real home from home. The staff are amazing and caring and have been so accommodating when I have been delivering provisions to Mum since the COVID restrictions. The entertainment coordinator is

fantastic, she organises regular activities to keep the residents occupied and engaged. She also posts photos on the Facebook page which is so reassuring for relatives since visits were stopped. The manager is so committed and approachable. Mum spends most of her time in her room due to her health conditions and is regularly visited by staff. I would highly recommend Brookside.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you for your review, we do appreciate the reviews particularly in these very difficult times. We have an understanding of how difficult it must be not being able to visit and we are aware some of our relatives haven't ever seen their loved one's room or inside our home, hence our Facebook page to keep everyone updated as much as we can for reassurance. These times as you can imagine have created more demands on our time and more challenges we face every day so your lovely review really does help staff morale. Again, thank you for taking the time to give this review.

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Review from Jane N (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother moved into Brookside last January and looking back what a blessing. Throughout this nightmare of a year, we, as a family, know that she is well looked after and protected. The manager conscientiously guards her residents and makes sure they are kept safe. Yes, I am missing the fact that I

can’t see Mum, but she knows we can’t see her because we love and care for her. Anything to keep her safe. Mum appreciates the staff, and every time I call her, she says how kind and caring everyone is. We will soon be investigating the live chat facility so that we can see her and chat.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you, not only for your kind words but also your understanding. While we do really appreciate it is a difficult time we are all living in, we are doing everything we can and taking every possible precaution to keep us all safe. Hopefully, we will see you again soon! We are getting quite good at the technical side of things now so Facetime would be good.

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Review from Christine G (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Mum's room is always warm, clean and comfortable, the staff are friendly and caring, whenever she needs help they are there to assist her. Mum is always well-fed with quality food well prepared and presented. The manager is first class, keeping her eye on the ball at all times which means that our family

know that mum is well cared for, safe, and wants for nothing, and above all the manager always keeps the family informed of any developments.
We have nothing but praise for Brookside Care Home.

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Review from Sue L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother has been a resident at this care home for over 3 years and in all that time I have found the staff treated my mother with respect and provided the appropriate level of care at all times. The manager always ensured the CQC guidelines were adhered to and developed the in house training to a

high standard when required. I was always kept informed of any changes to my mother’s health and this has been especially important and reassuring during the lockdown.

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Review from Sheila S (Next of Kin) published on 23 February 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The latest CQC inspection from August 2018 rates Brookside as "Good" in all the rating criteria. Whilst this may be an accurate reflection in their eyes, my own experience would suggest that in the "Caring" and "Well Led" categories the rating should be "Outstanding". Like many people, I was terrified

at the thought of my mum going into a care home. I visited 15 and some quite frankly were dire. I met the manager at Brookside, who overcame all my concerns and I would recommend that you speak to her. The care home isn't perfect in everything (it is shabby and the parking isn't the best) but it is excellent where it matters. My mum was only at Brookside for six months. She was a very particular lady with high standards. Even she said to me that I had found her a good care home and that is high praise indeed. During her last few days, all the staff at Brookside and the district nurses looked after my mum and treated her with a care and compassion which was of the highest order. Thank you.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you indeed for such praise which is very much appreciated. We do strive to do our best, we don't pretend to be perfect but do our best every day. I am comforted that your mum was happy here and that we supported her and yourself when it mattered most. Please don't be a stranger and call in for a brew and a natter any time you are able.

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Review from Lynn T (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My sister and I can't thank the manager and all the staff at Brookside enough for all the care and support that they gave our late mum. She had been at Brookside for nearly 2 years before she passed away and was very happy there. We would recommend Brookside to anyone. I would also like to thank them

for the support to myself and my sister.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you Lynn for your review at what is such a difficult time. It is so lovely of you to think of us.
Please don't be a stranger - come see us for a brew when you can. Kind Regards. Louise

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Review from Annette S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Brookside Care Home is everything a care home should be. Care is delivered with warmth, humour and affection. The staff are open, approachable and available. The manager is excellent and has obviously instilled a wonderful culture of treating all residents with the utmost respect for their needs and

wishes and recognition of this being their home. Living overseas I always feel involved and included in mums care. On visiting or in phone calls, Mum consistently tells me how content and well cared for she feels.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

How very kind, thank you.
Hope you had a safe journey home.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum has been at Brookside for nearly 2 years I think now, and the standard is just as high as when she first went in. The staff and management are amazing they can't do enough for residents and families. I am always singing their praises to family and friends. My Mum has always got a smile on her

face when I go to see her, which is every day, as I'm only round the corner. I seriously can't find fault with the home or any of the staff and management. I am just so happy that she is safe, sound and happy. Mum loves the food too, which believe me is a bonus.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you for your review, the time has just flown by ! I couldn't believe it when I read your mum has been here two years, the time has gone by so quickly yet it seems she has been here for more longer as we think of her as always being here. Your kind words mean so much to us and we continue to constantly strive to improve and move forward.

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Review from Margaret S (Niece of Resident) published on 3 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My Aunt is a resident at Brookside following a fall and now requires care on a full-time basis. The care is fabulous. She has her own private room, but there are lounges for her to go to when she wants. The staff are friendly and nothing is too much trouble. Plenty of activities are organised, but she

also has the freedom to attend other activities outside the home. Her friends and family are welcomed at the home. My Aunt enjoys life in a safe and secure place and she is very happy. Thank you Brookside.

Reply from Graham Parr, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you, Margaret, for this kind review, we very much appreciate comments in order not only to know we are doing OK as a team but also to continue to strive to improve. Thank you again.

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Review from Louise H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 15 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum has been a resident at Brookside for 3 years. She is now receiving end of life care at the home. We are fully involved in the planning of Mum's care, the staff are absolutely amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. We come and go as we please and the manager is always available if we have concerns.

I am so pleased we chose to keep Mum here for her end of life care, the staff are just like family. They treat her with love, compassion and dignity at all times, making it easier for us, the family on this sad journey.

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Review from Ann C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The manager and her staff provided excellent care for dad during his 8 months at Brookside, always treating him with the greatest of respect and meeting his individual needs. Despite him being unwell, we will always remember dad's time at Brookside as happy times. Dad loved the garden and was encouraged

to take part in the wonderful activities provided for the residents and everything possible was done to make sure that he was truly cared for. We were always confident that his care was being managed and coordinated to the highest standards and this was a great comfort to us. Family members were always - and still are - warmly welcomed. I cannot thank the manager and all her staff at Brookside enough for all they do.

Reply from Louise Newton, Home Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you Ann, such lovely words. We continue to offer you an open invitation to come in at any time and see us, join in our activities with us or just come along for a brew. The death of someone is the hardest thing and we all hope you are able to continue to visit us as you are now. We all wish you well and to your mum too. Thank you again for your very kind words we do strive daily to provide a standard of care we would wish for ourselves.

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Review from Debbie N (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum was only a resident of the Home for a few days. We just wish it could have been longer. Every member of staff was caring, professional and friendly towards my mum and me and my family. We cannot praise the Home and staff highly enough and have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.

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Review from N L (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very happy with the care provided as is my mother. Staff are friendly and caring and the home is very well managed. The management and staff obviously do their best to ensure that the physical and mental needs of the residents are catered for.
I have confidence that my mother's needs will be met without

me needing to worry or check up on what is going on regarding day to day needs or minor medical problems.
Equally, the family are kept informed of what has gone on and are contacted promptly with any significant concerns. Feedback on the overall running and planning of the home is also excellent (for example activities and refurbishing plans)

Reply from Louise Newton, Manager at Brookside Care Home

Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to submit the review, we all do appreciate your feedback.

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Review from Linda L (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My mum has been at Brookside for one week and is happy and well cared for. She was taken ill with chest pains this morning and the staff took immediate action. Mum was admitted to hospital, all tests were fine and she is being discharged later this morning.

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Brookside Care Home

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Funding & Fees Guide for Brookside Care Home

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