Review from Tim W (Son of Resident) published on 23 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My most recent visit was on the 16th July 2020 when I went to visit my Dad who has vascular brain disease. He has been in Acorn House Care Centre, Blackburn since before the COVID-19 lockdown at the end of February and his physical well being has improved dramatically since being looked after by the

excellent staff and carers. My Dad was well turned out and had a tan from sitting in the garden at the home. His mental health has not deteriorated since being in the home at all but he is missing being able to go out and about, especially for lunches as that was something we did together every week. I can't thank the staff enough or praise them enough for all their hard work and thoughtfulness, especially during this pandemic. Thankfully, no-one in the home, staff or residents, have contracted COVID-19 because if the vigilance of the staff and the families.

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Review from Shaun W (Son of Resident) published on 16 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum stayed here for almost two weeks for some respite care after experiencing a major depressive episode during the Covid-19 Pandemic. I will state to be fair that this was not the correct placement to meet her needs and was more the hospital discharge team wanting to free up a bed, which nowadays

seems to be more important than the patient's needs.
Mum deteriorated after one and a half weeks. She was at the top of the building behind a key code lock on the stairs, she was with other clients with Dementia, definitely not the correct placement when you've scored as severe depression and anxiety. They had put Mum's purse in the medication safe and I was told they didn't know how much money was inside but it was "bulging". The money had not been counted and recorded by their staff, so we are unsure if she had more than the 54 pound that was in it when we picked it up. Mum ended up back in hospital and was severely dehydrated.

Reply from Jackie Hallewell, Marketing at Acorn House Care Centre

Thank you for your feedback and please be reassured that we use all comments to improve our Service. A full investigation has been carried out and we are more than happy to discuss this with you in person.
I would like to clarify the locked door you make reference to, is a door that opens directly on to a stairwell; therefore for health and safety requirements, there is an electronic keypad in place.

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Review from Helen S (Next of Kin) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Staff seem extremely caring, food seems good. Doesn't smell like a lot of homes I have visited, seems extremely clean. Range of activities good, encouraging clients to go to the theatre and Blackpool lights.

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Review from Julie N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum had a 2-week stay which was extremely satisfactory.

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Review from Karen A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My dad stayed with you for a couple of weeks so that mum could have some much-needed respite. Thank you, she has been able to relax and re-energise. Dad was something of a reluctant guest but the staff have been patient and innovating providing a calendar to count down to going home day. He appears

to have connected with some residents and staff despite his dementia. His room was pleasant and the home warm and welcoming.
Now that mum has got dad home and attended to him we assumed he would have soaked in a bubble bath a couple of times during his stay with you, at least! But now we aren't so sure he was even washed. His head smells sour and greasy and plaster on his foot is still there wrinkled and stuck with sock fluff.
Perhaps we didn't have enough discussion about personal care prior to his stay. This is just an observation.

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Review from Josie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My dad is happy at Acorn House. The staff are very approachable and understanding. The staff attend to all dads medical needs and contact the doctor when needed. Dad has fallen out of bed several times and we are waiting for equipment to attach to the bed.
Dad is happy at Acorn House and on occasions,

the staff have gone beyond their duties to meet my dad's needs. I.e getting his Saturday newspaper taking him across the road.

Reply from Jackie Hallewell, Marketing at Acorn House Care Centre

Thank you for your kind review. As you are aware the equipment that was on order is already in situ but if you have any more problems, please do not hesitate to let me know.

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Review from Judith W (Relative of Resident) published on 15 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Not much to say as I have no issues with my uncles care at Acorn House, he is well looked after. All the staff and management are fully cooperative!.

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Review from A M (Relative of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I have visited Acorn House on several occasions to visit my mother-in-law and can only have the utmost praise and thanks for all the staff. I have been at mealtimes and the meals looked nice and the atmosphere and ambience within the home is lovely. Also, service users are treated with respect and dignity.

Would recommend it to anyone.

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Review from Emily C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I have experienced warmth and helpful advice from the staff at Acorn House. My grandad settled in really quite quickly. They are good at adapting to his different routines. I know that he gets up relatively late, however, when he goes down to the dining room at about 10 am, they seem to and have been

very kind by asking what he wants for breakfast.
He enjoys the company of the staff and I know he appreciates this immensely. My grandad would soon complain if he wasn't happy so we know he is being well looked after.
Thank you all so much at Acorn House.

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Review from Rosemary S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 2 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My father in law came to Acorn House in October. When he arrived he had not been taking his medication correctly (diabetic) and had not been eating properly hence an ulcer had developed on his heel. His temperament was not good either. Within a couple of months he had improved tremendously and now he

is doing really well. Medically no ulcer or trace of, he is happy and content. This is down to the whole team at Acorn. He is fed wonderful meals with some treats made by the cook to suit his diabetes. The nursing and care staff are happy and will do what they can to please we are lucky to have them there.

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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 2 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Staff handle difficult situations calmly. My father was not the easiest when he first went to Acorn, this was a big move for him. Since being at Acorn his health, wellbeing and temperament have improved.

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Review from I W (Son of Resident) published on 3 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

A very friendly and caring environment. Mum is happy, settled and safe.

Surroundings are clean and modern. Food is hot, tasty and plentiful.

I am very happy with mum's place.

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Review from Margaret R (Resident) published on 2 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Having only been here just a short time it's been very nice can't say it's like home but I don't know if it can get better I don't know I've never lived in a care home before. It's something I'll have to get acclimatised too. Thank you for my care so far.

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Review from Ian M (Resident) published on 5 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I was admitted to Acorn House on the 21 September 2017 very ill and unable to move. Since that time, I have been given first-class care and am now able to walk with support due to the care I have received.

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Review from Peter E (Son of Resident) published on 5 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very good home. Helpful and caring staff who are looking after mum well.

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Review from Deborah D (Son of Resident) published on 2 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

This is our first time experiencing a care home environment, staff friendly. Only things would like to see is more activities for residents as feel at times my mum is bored and resorts to her room as nothing happening. Staff at times limited, at times need more. Would be nice for residents to receive

newsletters especially as staff seem to be changing etc.

Reply from Rebecca Balshaw, Manager at Acorn House Care Centre

There have been a few changes of recent times with the staff at Acorn House as stated in the review, from the manager to recruiting new staff in all departments. We have now recruited several new staff members to our team in all departments and they have just completed their induction training. With regards to the activities, we have had several meetings to discuss a new programme going forward with more choice of activities, 1-1 sessions and newsletters monthly. These newsletters will display events that took place throughout the month as well as provide information on staffing and upcoming events taking place. I appreciate your comments on the review and hope that going forward you see the improvements we are making to amend these issues, but if you have any problems please do not hesitate to see me at any time.

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Review from Stuart W (Son of Resident) published on 29 November 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mother was resident at Acorn House Blackburn from June 2015. Sadly Mum passed away on November 16th 2017 at Acorn House.
During her time at Acorn House she was extremely happy and had excellent care.
All aspects at Acorn were excellent from the weekly activities arranged by staff, cleanliness

of the home to the high quality of meals served.
All the above were well above expectations but most of all the Staff were very professional, loving, caring and treated Mum with greatest respect and dignity.

From the receptionist, care manager and all staff at every level they were simply superb.
During the last month of my Mums life, I cannot praise the whole of the staff highly enough, not only with the way they treated her during some difficult days but their attitude and friendship shown to my family. Again first class.

Please pass on our thanks to all at Acorn House.
I would have no hesitation in highly recommending Acorn House.

Thank you.

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Review from Dorothy G (Resident) published on 16 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Stayed for a month after my operation. Really enjoyed the stay, staff work hard and are always happy and willing to help with everything people my need. I would recommend to friends.

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Review from Raymond (Resident) published on 8 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Staff excellent, very caring and attentive doing their best in a difficult job. Home clean, activities very good and plentiful. Food very good and adequate. Room good and comfortable. Made me feel very comfortable and went the extra mile.

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Review from Susan P (Friend of Resident) published on 5 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

This home is excellent. There are no negatives that I can see. Staff are very friendly, caring and as helpful as possible. Residents all seem happy and well cared for.

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Acorn House Care Centre

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Funding & Fees Guide for Acorn House Care Centre

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