Review from D C (Sister of Resident) published on 23 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The care home is kept immaculate. The gardens are beautiful, where residents can sit if they wish. All staff are excellent; they pop into my sister's room just to say "hello2 or if she would like anything. She feels safe and cared for in Gifford House and is happy to stay there.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback.
We are very pleased your sister feels safe and cared for at Gifford House.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your views. We will share them with the staff.
We are lucky to have such large garden areas, and with the lovely weather we are having, I am sure you and your sister can enjoy more time outside.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jules T (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

When you are faced with difficult decisions such as entrusting your Mum's care to somewhere like Gifford House, you want to be sure you've made the right decision.
In my view, I believe that there's no better place for Mum to be.
Mum always appears to be looked after well, and all of her care needs

are administered with respect and dignity.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely review.
We are honoured that you have entrusted us with the care of your mum, and it is our privilege to have her at Gifford House.
We will share your positive comments with our staff. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from H C (Niece of Resident) published on 19 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Visited our uncle, party of four, having travelled two and a half hours. Very clean, warm and friendly on arrival, it was our first time visiting. Went out of their way to find our uncle, who was having an eye test. Tea/coffee etc. on hand which was very welcome. He appeared well looked after. Staff

are friendly and professional.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was found a bed at Gifford House by the hospital where she was a stroke patient.
Today when I visited her I found her suffering from another stroke. I called for a nurse who when told replied that had she taken her medication this would not have happened. I asked her to call an ambulance

which she said wasn’t necessary. When I said I would call for one she reluctantly did so. I followed up her call with another to 999. The ambulance arrived and they assessed her for signs of stroke. She was taken to the hospital. The help that she needed was not forthcoming. I had to fight to see her care plan and was not allowed to take photos of it. I did take notes. I found the overall management to be below par.
The majority of the staff were excellent. I have told the hospital to not discharge her back to their care. I have made a formal complaint.

Reply from Manish Chotai, Director at Gifford House Care Home

We had received your email and as indicated to you, were in the process of reaching out to you following a full investigation. The investigation was discussed with you at our meeting on 22nd May.
As explained, we are expected to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions by having our nurses assess the residents. At your request, the nurse called an ambulance and mum was taken to A&E where it was confirmed there were no new strokes.
Mum’s care plan can be viewed and discussed with the nurses and we encourage relatives’ input. You did look at the care plan and were also given details as to how to make a complaint.
We can only apologise that you feel the experience did not meet your expectations.
As discussed, we felt that our staff could have communicated in a better manner and not become defensive. However, as explained it's normal human reaction to get defensive when being attacked.
The incident has highlighted to us that we need to train our staff to calmly respond to relatives.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carol H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Gifford House provided the best care possible for my dad. They also care for the whole family.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review.
It has been an absolute pleasure to have cared for your Dad and also have the opportunity to meet you all.
We are so pleased that your memories of his time at Gifford House will be happy ones.
I will pass on your kind words and thanks to all the staff, and please know you are always welcome to pop in for a coffee.
Take care of yourselves.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jade J (Sister of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My brother-in-law was placed in Gifford House for palliative care. From the moment he arrived, he was treated with the utmost care and dignity. Nothing was too much for the staff who were very attentive. He really enjoyed the food which was always to a lovely standard. As a family, we really enjoyed

the family room, where we could visit together. Overall, I would highly recommend Gifford House, it was a lovely space for my brother-in-law to spend his last few days.

Reply from Manish Chotai, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It has been an absolute pleasure to have cared for your brother and to have met all his lovely family. I am so pleased that you have some happy memories of the time he stayed with us and you could have some quality time as a family, all together. I will pass your kind words and thanks to all the staff and please know you are always welcome to pop in for a coffee. Take care of yourselves, all the staff and myself send our thoughts and best wishes to you all.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 3 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

This care home seems to be struggling with a lack of staff. This means that some of the staff are very stressed which affects everyone. The room I stayed in had a badly stained carpet and very patchy walls and looked in urgent need of redecorating. The food was overcooked and impossible to cut. They

have good facilities but don't seem to use them. Shame as some of the staff are lovely. If they can only tackle these problems it could be a great care home again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My dad was at Gifford House for palliative care for just over a month. All the staff were friendly and helpful and the room was clean. We were able to take in his own TV so we could show him our photos on a large screen. Thank you to everyone who cared for him.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John C (Son of Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum was placed at Gifford House Care Home for Palliative care due to her Metastatic Cancer for 8 weeks. From day one she was treated with dignity and kindness by all the staff, who were excellent on Linford Unit. The staff attended to all of her needs in a cheerful and caring way, they persevered

with her initial lack of appetite which then improved significantly. All visitors were made to feel welcome and although busy, the nurses were always willing to talk to my brother and I about mum's care, showing a detailed understanding of mum's condition, symptoms and needs. They chased up her referral for Physiotherapy treatment so that mum was able to move from her bed to a reclining chair which allowed her to move out of her room on occasions. All aspects of mums care were dealt with professionally, with attention to her personal needs. Mum passed away rather suddenly but I was very comforted to hear that she was with two staff who knew her really well and who cared enormously about her.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Louise C (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I am so happy that my mum is settled and loves living in Gifford House, the staff are lovely and really go the extra mile. Thank you so much.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time for your lovely review.
We will share your comments with the staff.
Mum has now been with us for three years and we are privileged that you have trusted us to care for her.
Thank you for taking the time to express your views.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Stephen S (Son of Resident) published on 31 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My mum was cared for and treated with the utmost respect by all the staff at Gifford House. I cannot thank everyone at the nursing home enough for all the care they provided for my mum.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time for your lovely review.
We will share it with the staff.
It was a pleasure to provide care for your mum and we are thankful to have been trusted to do so. I am pleased you feel Mum was well cared for and hope you have good memories of her at Gifford House.
As the weather improves and we have more outdoor gatherings please join us. You are always welcome.
Take care of yourselves and hope to see you again.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 20 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

After nearly two years of trying to get my mother down to Essex from London, Gifford House was always our first choice. The care and facilities at Gifford House were excellent. My mothers' room was spacious and clean with an excellent outward view. I have no hesitation to recommend Gifford House with

their staff to anyone who needs a good nursing home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D Y (Sister of Resident) published on 5 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very friendly and helpful staff. Extremely clean and well-kept home.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review.
We will share them with all the staff. They will appreciate your comments.
Hopefully, as the weather becomes warmer we are hoping that we will be able to have our annual summer garden party.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tracy P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Our mother was in Gifford House for five months as at that time needed nursing care. Management and the staff have all been amazing, they were all friendly. Mum always looked well kept and had also gained in weight. They were always chatty to Mum and were happy. The home was very clean and tidy. Mum

gained her independence and has now gone into residential care. Amazing home.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review.
Your mum was a happy, lovely lady who made us all smile daily.
We were honoured that you entrusted us with the care of your mum and it was our privilege to have had her at Gifford House.
We are pleased that your mum has done so well that she no longer needed nursing care however we will miss her. Please keep in touch and you are always welcome to bring Mum for a cake and cappuccino.
I know she is settled in her new home and I wish her all the happiness, she is a special lady and has a lovely family.
We will share your positive comments with our staff. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mandy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Dad received excellent nursing care from the minute he entered Gifford House. He was treated with kindness and dignity. Some members of the nursing and care staff were outstanding and we felt reassured as a family that his needs would be met and he would be treated like he was a member of their own

family which was a comfort to us. They seemed short-staffed but still found time for all of us. Dad's care was covered by the NHS but learnt it would be expensive and don't feel it would have been value for money otherwise.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review.
We are pleased that your dad received excellent nursing care at Gifford House and was treated with dignity, kindness and like a member of our extended family.
We will share your positive comments with our staff including you finding some of them to be outstanding. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ian L (Son of Resident) published on 21 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Although my dad only spent a short time at Gifford House under palliative care, from day one it was clear how dedicated and kind all the staff are. As a family at such a difficult time, this meant so much and we took great comfort and reassurance from the kindness and dignity shown to Dad and to us.

We thank every member of staff - you are amazing people.

Reply from Susan Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review.
We are pleased that we were able to provide your dad with palliative care at Gifford House. We are also pleased that you found our staff to be dedicated and felt that your dad was treated with dignity and kindness.
We will share your positive comments with our staff including you finding some of them to be amazing. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jean H (Wife of Resident) published on 31 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The care and understanding my husband receives I cannot fault and will be forever grateful to the staff who care for him. My thanks.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J E (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum was at Gifford House for 4 months and passed away on the 24th of June. The care she received was excellent and the staff were lovely. I know she was in safe hands at all times. A lovely care home. Thank you.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review. We were honoured that you entrusted us with the care of your Mum and it was our privilege to have had her at Gifford House. Your Mum was a lovely person with a pleasant nature, lovely smile and a witty personality that we will all remember and miss. We will share your positive comments with our staff. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Paul M (Sister of Resident) published on 7 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My dad was a resident at Gifford House Care Home and the care he got was excellent from every carer who worked there. The carers have time for everyone in their care and for family who visit. Covid-19 is not the best but they always make sure care comes first for everyone, this is a big thank you from

my dad and his son. Thank you.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely review.

It was a pleasure to care for your father, he is a real gentleman and was always complimenting his carers.

We are pleased that we jointly managed to reduce his needs and enable him to relocate.

Should things change, he is more than welcome back including to our new Residential unit.

We will share your positive comments with our staff. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from W G (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Best care possible for five tears. Wonderful attention at all times. Couldn't wish for better service. The residents are all thriving. Happy environment and great location. Nothing but praise for everyone.

Reply from Sue Doyle, Manager at Gifford House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely review. We are honoured that you have entrusted us with the care of your father since May 2016 and it is our privilege to have him at Gifford House since then. Your father is a lovely person and has a very pleasant nature and personality. We are pleased that he likes it at Gifford House as much as we like having him with us. We will share your positive comments with our staff. They will appreciate them and use them as motivation.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Gifford House Care Home

Care Provided by Gifford House Care Home

Good to Know

Facilities