Review from Jane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum was resident at The Willows from April 2015 till the end of January 2019. We were initially looking for a home to offer her the chance to convalesce after a serious illness in hospital. We had visited a number of places, but as soon as we walked through the door at The Willows, we knew this was

the one. The owners and staff were incredible, her bedroom and ensuite was contemporary yet cosy, well equipped and had access to a beautiful garden. Mum quickly settled and her health improved, putting on weight with all the delicious food and treats. Sadly she relapsed and we had to make the respite stay a permanent one. However, The Willows was absolutely the most wonderful place for her to be. The patience, compassion, hard work and humour the staff show 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is incredible. The Activities and events are great and I know Mum loved her painting and crafts. When she suddenly passed, the kindness, support and love we knew the staff had for mum helped us so much.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review, Jane. I will share this amongst the staff, many of which will have built up strong relationships with your mum over the years.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Libby M (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My great grandmother has been at The Willows for 4 months. She especially enjoys all of the activities that are organised for the residents. When she was younger, she loved to paint and as she has got older and she started to lose her sight, she was no longer able to do so. The staff at The Willows

have helped her to paint again in art classes by teaching her new techniques that create effective pieces.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review, Libby. Your Great Grandmother is making fine use of the activities on offer.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John F (Son of Resident) published on 25 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mother had started experiencing short term memory loss after reaching the age of 90 years and living on her own for some time, it was obvious mum could no longer cope on her own. To get a break we tried two other Care Homes, but she was not happy with them. Then, we were recommended to The Willows!

What a difference! After the home visit, we took mum for an afternoon " getting to know you " session, from the minute she walked in she was treated like an old friend and immediately joined in the activities. Mum stayed at The Willows for an initial 3 weeks respite care, then deciding to make the move permanent.
Right from the first contact mum and I have been treated with friendly, helpful and professional care, all aspects of mum's health and well being have been foremost in all discussions.
I have seen an improvement in her general health and mental awareness, the staff really are great with her, I can't praise them enough and I would recommend The Willows to anyone.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you, John, for your flattering review. It was wonderful to read your comments. This will now be shared amongst the staff who care for your mother.

Once again thank you.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Irene H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Willows is a very friendly, happy home. The staff are kind, helpful and caring, looking after all the residents with dignity and genuine warmth and good humour.
After being so worried about him we found that Dad settled very quickly and soon felt very much at home. He has a lovely room opening

onto the front garden which he loves to walk round and sit in and watch the horses and riders pass by. There is a good variety of activities available for residents with no pressure to join in. We are very happy that we found The Willows, a professional yet relaxed and comfortable home. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Pauline B (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 November 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Mum came to The Willows for her very first period of respite ever. She is 91 and strives to be as independent as she possibly can be in her own bungalow. However, a recent period of ill health left her with less confidence and some anxiety. She decided she wanted to go somewhere to be cared for and

pampered.
The Willows met our every expectation.
She had the best experience from start to finish - we all did as a family - treated with respect and dignity, and really well cared for. The staff team, without exception, were just so lovely with my mum. Kind, caring, thoughtful, respectful, and fun!
My mum had a comfy room, she slept well and was completely rested whilst at The Willows.
She really enjoyed the luxurious bath (she's had showers for the past 10+ years and so relished the bath).
The entertainment was fab too. Plus there was a gentleman's 100th birthday celebrations.
My mum made several friends and two very close friendships.
She is booking her next stay as we speak!

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you Pauline for such a positive review. As with all reviews, they are fed back to the team. I'm so pleased your mum had such a wonderful experience. One or two residents were sad to see her leave.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jeremy H (Son of Resident) published on 20 August 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum has been a resident since early January 2018. My aunt, brother and I all had a part in selecting the Willows for Mum, after almost five years of her living without Dad, who died in his 90th year in February 2013.
Mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia in the summer of 2016 (hospitalized for

just a few days with dehydration). In 2017, we tried outreach care services, which were good, but Mum was still alone for far too much of the day. During that year I visited eight times (from 190 miles away - where I have lived for almost 34 years) and increasingly it was obvious that Mum wasn't managing.
In March of 2017, Mum had a mild heart attack. In December, she lost her beloved rescue cat (this is why the staff at the Willows have placed an illustration of a cat on the door of Mum's lovely room there).
From the 12 categories below, I have ranked each 'excellent', because, in my view, the Willows and its team deserve no less.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Philip C (Son of Resident) published on 19 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My father resided at the Willows from September 2016 until January 2018. Quite often you think keeping a relative in their own home is in their best interests, it is a difficult thing to do as it is emotional for the family but from my experience, it is the best for both. We looked around many homes

in the area but nothing came close to the Willows, its ratings prove this but in reality, it is better than that because of the staff whom the managers ensure meet their high standards.

His new home gave him security, company and all the support he needed with vascular dementia.

The manager and his team give your relative their full, undivided attention, not only are the surroundings pleasant but the staff are outstanding. The final weeks/days of my dad's life were made as pleasant as could be. They gave my dad and my family all the support you could possibly need.

If there is ever a place available for your relative don't look any further.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Derek R (Son of Resident) published on 11 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was resident at The Willows from October 2017 until her death in April 2018. She had limited mobility but could walk independently over short distances with the aid of a walker. She also suffered from mild non-aggressive dementia.
All the staff were very kind, friendly and caring throughout

her time at The Willows and made life for my mother as pleasant as possible. Most of the building was purpose built - in particular the new wing with a spacious communal lounge, wide corridors, a sitting area and light airy well-furnished bedrooms which included a private wet room.
The end of life care provided to my mother during the last 2 weeks of her life was particularly impressive. A hospital bed was provided and she was continually visited by staff who were very kind and caring and ensured that she was comfortable. There was a good relationship between The Willows and the hospice end of life nursing support team.
The Willows is well led and well deserves its outstanding CQC rating.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Cheryl W (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have been impressed by The Willows from my first point of contact with the owner, who took the trouble to go and assess my mum in her previous care home in Doncaster. Mum suffers from vascular dementia and Alzheimer's and the staff seem to understand her needs very well. They demonstrate endless patience

and good humour and are very caring. They are also proactive in responding to any concerns that may arise; for instance, they put a motion sensor in mum's room to alert them if she is restless during the night so they can help her back to bed. Mum has a lovely ensuite room in the recent extension to the building, which is clean, bright and modern. The atmosphere in the home is calm, relaxed and homely. My husband and I visited many other care homes before we settled on this one, and I am confident that we made the right decision: I know that mum is being very well taken care of.

Reply from Paul, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you, Cheryl, for taking the time to review your experiences of The Willows. My staff take great comfort from reading reviews. Thank you once again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sue K (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I am delighted with the care and support that my dad has received since moving into The Willows. I feel so lucky to have found such a fantastic place for him to live in safety, support, care and friendship, all the things that were so necessary for him as his dementia began to take hold. The staff are

so welcoming, friendly, and helpful to family members as well as the residents. The genuine affection they show my dad, and the knowledge they have of his personality and needs makes me feel I can relax in the knowledge he is cared for on every level. He looks clean, well groomed, well fed, far more robust and mentally engaged. I couldn't wish for a more safe, considerate, happy and aesthetically attractive environment for my dad.

Altogether The Willows is an extremely professional yet warm and friendly care home where nothing is too much trouble for residents and their families, and I am so glad my dad has a home there.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you Sue for taking the time to write such a positive review on your experiences. Dad has really settled in well since becoming a resident.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Susan K (Niece of Resident) published on 5 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have been so pleased with how my aunt has settled into The Willows. Every care was taken by the home to facilitate her move and she has been supported wonderfully by the management and staff during her first month. Her whole manner has improved since taking up residence. She is much calmer, more relaxed

and loves her room and watching the passing parade of horse riders and dog walkers.

She was always careful of her appearance and this trait is continued with the help of the very caring and professional staff, nothing is too much trouble.

After researching many Dementia homes in the area, I feel really relieved to have found The Willows and it's excellent, positive and supportive team. I feel reassured to know that my aunt is comfortable and safe in her lovely surroundings and is treated with dignity and compassion.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, Owner at The Willows Care Home

Thank you, Susan, for taking the time to write such a positive review of your experiences at The Willows. Your aunt has settled in very well in the short time she has been with us.
Long may this continue...

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ann H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Dad has been a resident at The Willows since August. We were very lucky that he and my Mum were able to move together. Dad has dementia and Mum was his main carer. The decision to move was difficult but the care and welcome they received at The Willows was amazing. They worked with Mum and Dad to

make the transition as smooth as possible. Maintaining Mum's independence whilst gradually lifting the load of my Dad's care from her shoulders. The individuality of the care and the friendly, family atmosphere really stand out for me. This enabled Mum to find a new role and she was able to regain time for the things she enjoyed. Sadly Mum passed away at the end of last year. The support that The Willows offered to our family at a very difficult time was outstanding. Dad continues to be very happy, we can tell he feels cared for, and we are certainly confident he is. We appreciate the good channels of communication and the very personal attention to any issues of health or well-being.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J E (Wife of Resident) published on 8 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My husband recently spent four weeks respite at The Willows. He was able to express his happy experience in his own words despite having vascular dementia. He said he enjoyed the food very much, it was varied and nutritious. He said he was very appreciative of the attention given by the helpful staff,

especially during his anxious moments. He also said he interacted confidently with the other residents and enjoyed hosting his many visitors during his stay in the orangery. He would be happy to return. On my part I was impressed by the manager, her team and how they worked together for the benefit of all the residents, it being one happy and secure family. The owner is very enthusiastic and well organised, and this is passed down successfully to the management of this delightful care home.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, CEO at The Willows Care Home

Thank you, for such a positive review. Your husband thoroughly enjoyed himself and interacted very well with staff, residents and other visitors. He certainly took advantage of The Willows hospitality and made good use of his time. He was sadly missed on Saturday morning over breakfast!

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My Mother moved to The Willows in June and was a resident until November when she unfortunately passed away.
The time she spent there was brilliant though and we can't fault the care and attention she received during her all to brief stay.
The staff were all so patient and attentive, not only with

my Mother but as I witnessed with other residents.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Willows to anybody looking for top quality care for their relatives.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Gillian H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

A wonderful care home, providing the highest level of care and support. The dedicated staff provide round the clock care, where attention to individual requirements is paramount. Their love, care and total commitment to the residents is clear. My 97 year old dad is safe in their capable hands, with

his health needs met, nutritious, delicious meals lovingly prepared and wonderful enrichment activities.
The rural location of the home has an abundance of wildlife and beautiful, tranquil grounds. A delightful orangery is a favourite spot, where dad enjoys many happy hours relaxing and observing the beautiful grounds. Pets can reside with residents, which is wonderful to observe, adding to well-being.
Since dad joined the home, the transformation in his health and well being has been such a relief to see. The fantastic team leave no stone unturned when it comes to meeting his needs, with family involvement being encouraged at all times. We will always be grateful.

Reply from Paul Swithenbank, Owner at The Willows Care Home

Thank you Gillian for such a positive review. I know the move for your father was seamless.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Hilary B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Willows is the most excellent care home in the North West. Residents are treated with this wonderful home from home environment and they are all treated as an individual. I could not have placed my mother in a better home. My thanks go to all the staff who look after her so well.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Gary (Son of Resident) published on 5 October 2015
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My Dad has Alzheimer’s and lived on his own with his pet Border Collie called Tex. As his condition worsened we knew he would need 24/7 care but also knew he would be devastated if he was separated from his beloved Tex. Fortunately for my Dad and Tex we found the The Willows Care Home (Registered with

the Cinnamon Trust). The managers went to exceptional lengths to accommodate my Dad and Tex – Even Tex has his own care plan! My Dad and Tex enjoy the extensive gardens at the home and they are often taken for a walk in the surrounding quiet lanes where my Dad can also enjoy the horses in the nearby fields.
All the staff I have met I have found to be very kind, friendly and show empathy to my Dad’s needs. I was very worried how my Dad would react to the major change of moving into a care home. However, the staff have managed the change exceptionally well and Dad has, with their help, settled well. The home is cosy, very clean, welcoming and the rooms have access to the gardens, which are extensive and well kept. My Dad has a Key Worker and I have found access/communication with the home excellent – you are kept up to date with useful feedback and discussion. Overall I could not be happier.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

The Willows Care Home

Care Provided by The Willows Care Home

Good to Know

Funding & Fees Guide for The Willows Care Home

Facilities