Garden House

Cote Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3TW
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9.5 38 Reviews
  • Garden House, Bristol
From the moment you arrive at St Monica Trust's The Garden House, you’ll feel surrounded by warmth and kindness.

Located in a sheltered spot in the magnificent grounds of the Cote Lane retirement community, this thoughtfully designed nursing and specialist dementia care home is a place where life is truly celebrated.

Your comfort and contentment come first and whether it’s taking a bit of you time or engaging in activities, you choose how to enjoy your day.

At The Garden House what matters to you is their top priority. So whether you’d like to join in with a sherry and stretch sessions or watch a live stream of a service from the chapel in your bedroom, they’ll make it happen.

Expertly trained staff are always there to offer as much support as you need, and there’s a wealth of activities to make every day as colourful as the last.

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Care Provided by Garden House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 102 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Fran Ashby (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (94)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (4)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (94)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2014

Funding & Fees Guide for Garden House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visiting is available in line with government guidelines.


  • Parking

  • Free parking is available.


Garden House Reviews (38)

Total of 38, showing 21-38
9.5

Garden House has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.494) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Garden House has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 34
  • 1
  • 2
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

38
2
8
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Review from Roger G (Son of Resident) published on 10 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

High-class facility set in beautiful grounds. Professional, attentive and friendly staff available at all times. Competent management. Strict Covid procedures, rigorously enforced.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Many thanks for the wonderful review. The team at The Garden House care deeply about providing the very best care to our residents, and we’re pleased that is apparent. Our aim throughout the pandemic has been to keep our residents safe, and it’s good to hear feedback that our COVID procedures are well-received. We will pass your message on to the team.


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Review from Chris R (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I received a lot of help and support from the Garden House in my efforts to secure a place for my mum in difficult and trying circumstances. This consideration and kind approach has continued throughout the six months that my mum has been a resident. The staff are lovely to deal with, and I feel they
are doing everything that can to look after my mum and give her the 24/7 care that she needs. Given that home is not a possibility, I believe the Garden House is the best home from home there could be.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for your lovely review. It has been a pleasure to be a home-from-home for your mother over the past 6-months, and it’s wonderful to hear that you are both happy with the care being provided to her. I will pass your kind words on to the team.


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Review from T B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 23 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandmother lived for over five years in Maples at Garden House after a stroke and before her passing. I visited about once a week during the first four years, and as possible in 2020/21. What first drew us to Garden House was the physical facilities. It feels like a good-quality hotel. The rooms
are well maintained, there's a good TV and view, and it's altogether well thought out. The gardens of the Cote Lane site (when she was well enough to enjoy them) were really great - with smooth flat paths that made pushing a large wheelchair easy. There's always parking available for when I visited, and that really makes visiting easier.
The staff, needless to say, are dedicated and very kind. I imagine that's the case for the vast majority of nursing homes. But it was very important in the last year because we couldn't visit. Trusting that she would continue to be helped with care and dignity, to the end, was really comforting. I recommend Garden House without reservation.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review. We're so sorry for your loss. Caring for your grandmother was a pleasure. We are so happy that we were able to provide her with a safe and comfortable home, and yourself with peace of mind during what can be a stressful time. Your lovely words will be passed on to our team.


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Review from Alison S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum entered the Garden House two and a half years ago painfully thin, declaring she would never be happy again. Six weeks later, she was attending every activity going (Sherry and stretch being her favourite), she quickly gained a stone in weight and achieved a quality of life we never dreamt possible
at her age. She sadly had primary progressive aphasia which meant over the following two years she slowly lost her ability to speak and this is where the Garden House staff were so amazing. She was always assigned staff who knew her, they had a highly detailed care plan so she was looked after in the way that she liked and they were superb at anticipating her needs. The staff from nurses to carers, to caterers to cleaners, were all so incredibly kind and respectful. Every day they dressed Mum beautifully with her pearls and earrings and she always looked immaculate which was very important to her. I cannot praise the Garden House staff and management enough.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for your kind words, I will pass these on to the team. All of us here cared deeply for your wonderful mother and it is lovely to hear that we were able to make such a difference to her quality of life.


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Review from Chris H (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum spent a wonderful two years in the Garden House. For her it was a caring family with which to spend her final years. Mum was welcomed, encouraged, nurtured and cared for to a very high standard. Her quality of life was consistently enhanced by the way the staff team adapted to her needs as her faculties
diminished. She enjoyed mealtimes, she was constantly taking part in the social programmes, she was very fond of all the staff in all their different roles - and they were fond of her. Mum's spiritual needs were carefully looked after by the chaplaincy team. I would thoroughly recommend St Monica Garden House as a care home of the highest quality.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

Thank you for this lovely review which acknowledges teamwork across all the staff groups keeping our residents at the centre of our care delivery. We also enjoy supporting our resident's families throughout their loved ones stay at the Garden House. This review is very much appreciated and I look forward to sharing it with the teams across the home.


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Review from C E (Friend of Resident) published on 25 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

St Monica's is the best home in Bristol, from my knowledge and experience of sheltered housing and especially the dementia unit I would put it first in any list for loved ones. Prompt introduction of Covid testing for some visitors means everyone is safe and confident. I love St Monica's and all the
staff.

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Review from Val P (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Garden House is the nearest thing to heaven on earth. All my needs are met. I am very happy that I am reasonably free to meet with others, otherwise, we'd be isolated which is not good for anyone. I put all staff on a pedestal, their kindness itself, and treat me with the utmost respect. I like their
sense of humour. The house is beautifully run and led brilliantly. Activities keep my brain ticking over, and spiritual needs are looked after.

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Review from L M (Wife of Resident) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After many months of hospital stays my husband was given a place at Cedar in the Garden House. He had a lovely room and felt more at home. The kindness and care were exceptional during his last week of life he was looked after night and day even to calming music on his iPad. We were given updates and
had help and information when we needed it. No one could have done more. Thank you so much.

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Review from Helen C (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Please look beyond the fixtures, fittings and gardens. Care should be given by compassionate, well-trained staff when caring for residents at the end of their life. My Mum had a really bad death with very poor personal care and little or no medical care to reduce her emotional and physical pain. Relatives
have been unable to put homes under the normal scrutiny during the Covid crisis, but what I did see on the last day of my mum’s life was a dirty room, a Mum who looked uncared for and staff who were defensive and uncaring. Please don’t let your loved ones suffer the same fate.

Reply from Fran Ashby, Care Home Manager at Garden House

The first thoughts of the Trust and of the staff at the Garden House are of compassion towards a family member who has lost a beloved mother. For this loss to take place during the Coronavirus pandemic, which prevented the family from having open visiting at a time when she was approaching the final stage of her life, must be intensely painful. Once again we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family for the loss they face during these unimaginable times.
A full investigation into the care of this resident was undertaken in May 2020. There was no evidence to support the claims made by this family member or which show the care provided was anything less than the compassionate, person-centred care we provide all residents. We have submitted a detailed report to CQC for their scrutiny. The Garden House take pride in the standard of care given to all those we have the privilege of caring for and I would again extend our sincere condolences to the family for their loss.


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Review from Cate P (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We absolutely love Garden House and Mum is so happy here. All the services are joined up and she can access outside agencies to support her mental health. Mum has flourished since being in Garden House. She loves all the activities and actively participates in them all. The range of activities is brilliant
and well-thought-out. There is something for everyone. The staff work tirelessly to learn about each resident and what interests them. They then plan activities accordingly.
As well as her intellectual needs her spiritual needs are also met. Having spiritual leaders visiting and enabling Mum to worship in a community is amazing and fulfilling for her.
The leadership team and staff have worked so hard to ensure we can visit our relatives during lockdown which has been incredible. Life would be bleak without being able to see our loved ones so Thank you. You have worked creatively to find solutions and ways for us to visit safely. It means the world to be able to stay connected.

Reply from Simon Lexton, Marketing and Communications Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for your review - I'm so glad that your Mum is happy at Garden House and that she is flourishing. We'll make sure your comments are passed on to everyone on the team. Best wishes from all at the St Monica Trust.


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Review from J P (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 27 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have been a resident since December 2001 and more recently the care home seems to be struggling to attract staff both in a care capacity and food service. They take a lot longer to respond to call bells and then answer and go away again. The quality of the food has also diminished both in choice and
appearance. I find I don't see people much throughout the day now as there are not as many staff.

Reply from Simon Lexton, Marketing and Communications Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for your review - we really appreciate your feedback. Please be assured that the care home manager is working with staff to address the issues you have raised and that we, as an organisation, are committed to continuous improvement. Thank you again.


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Review from G G (Friend of Resident) published on 20 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't think of a more beautiful, welcoming care home. Thanks to all the staff. Keep up your wonderful work.

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Review from C L (Resident) published on 7 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

2 sittings for lunch. I go to first and I, therefore, know no one who attends second lunch. I am profoundly deaf which means I (despite my hearing aids) feel very cut off as I cannot engage in friendly talk (as when I came here). Cleaner very good, helpful and friendly. Dinner staff excellent and very
helpful. I feel very cut off being so deaf, but there we go. I am used to it now and thank God I can still read I have a 10/10 person who brings up books from the library.

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Review from T J (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother aged 94 moved into Garden House in September 2017 following two spells in hospital. The staff have been wonderful. She is treated as an individual, never patronising. They get to know her as a person and the family could not be better reassured that she is safe, cared for, well nourished and
has appropriate stimulation through activities. The level of personal hygiene is excellent. We cannot recommend St Monica Trust too highly.

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Review from Florence C (Niece of Resident) published on 22 May 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the care my aunt has received over the years at the Garden House, St Monica, especially in the past year when my aunt has lost 100% of her mobility. I am confident and believe that she receives very good care. The caring staff and medical staff work as a team very successfully.
They are very friendly to residents and visitors alike.

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Review from Celia M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Sun Dials at the Garden House is an amazing place. The staff are very caring and very committed to the residents they look after. They work well as a team and nothing is too much trouble. My father in law is always clean, tidy, well fed and comfortable and as socialised as he allows. It is an excellent
facility, I'm sure the best of it's kind to be found anywhere. Food is great as is care, safety and the way the staff treat the residents with love, compassion, humour and laughter.

Reply from Steven Webster, Marketing and Communications Manager at Garden House

Thank you very much for your kind words, I shall pass them all on to the team.


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Review from Lynette (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff - Carers and Admin
Carers are incredible, compassionate, caring, willing and clearly well trained. Many find time to have a bit of fun and banter with Mum to which she responds well. Admin staff - there is always someone available to help and talk to.


Dining Room
Staff here are amazing with

patience helping residents select from the Menu also give much encouragement to those unable to feed themselves. On occasions we have witnessed residents not treating staff with respect but the staff carry on regardless.


Room
Mum's Room and Wet Room are both of a very good size.


Activities
Good selection Monday to Friday with variety.


Grounds
Beautiful gardens so meticulously maintained, a pleasure to walk through.


Ambience of Unit
So very welcoming, bright colours, spotless, light with great attention to detail. Very homely and friendly.


Reply from Steven Webster, Marketing and Communications Manager at Garden House

Thank you very much for your kind words! I will make sure they are passed on to all of the staff.


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Review from Louise (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been at the Garden House for just over 2 years. In December he became ill and stopped eating. All the staff took great care of him and looked after him so well he has made an amazing recovery and is enjoying his food again. They are always very welcoming and friendly. I really enjoy the
time I spend there with my father. Thank you to all on maples.

Reply from Steven Webster, Marketing and Communications Manager at Garden House

We are all very pleased that your father has done so well. I will pass on your kind words to everyone involved.


Thank you very much.


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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.494)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.494) out of 10 for Garden House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.906 for Garden House is calculated as follows: ( (127 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 139 Ratings = 4.906

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.588 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Garden House is based on 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 102 registered maximum number of service users is 20.4. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 20.4 = 0.588

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 3 Aug 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety performance

Recipient: St Monica Trust

Date: Thursday 03 Sep 2020 More details

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Meet the Team (4)

Fran

Fran Ashby

Job Title: Care Home Manager

I have been the Care Home Manager of the Garden House for 5 years and was the Deputy Lead at the home prior to this.


Alongside my nurse registration, I was proud to achieve a degree in 2016. I also hold health and safety qualifications and have completed several nursing courses related to teaching. I have had a long nursing career that has included working in Africa in disability and elderly rehabilitation, which feels like a very long time ago now!


My favourite part of my job is working with residents and their families at a time of their life when they need our help and ensuring the move to our care home is smooth, whilst recognizing the huge change that it is. I am also incredibly proud of my team and really enjoy seeing staff develop and grow both personally and within their careers.


Outside of work I sing in a choir and am an active Rotarian.


Arianna

Arianna Delfino

Job Title: Social Care Deputy Manager

Joined: 2016

I have been working for St Monica Trust for eight years since 2016, initially as a Registered Nurse then progressing to a Lead Nurse, and now in my current role as Social Care Deputy Manager. I have responsibility for the Garden House Dementia Unit ‘Sundials’, as well as the home’s Well-being Team who support residents with all aspects of social care from larger social events to individual one-to-one sessions.


Over the years I earned a degree in psychology and my main interest and passion is promoting the residents’ well-being from different angles.


I love spending time with the residents, listening to them and building relationships of trust.


My favourite part of my job is seeing people flourish, express their full potential, and contribute to our amazing Garden House community. I feel lucky to work in such a beautiful and vibrant setting. Book a tour with us and see for yourself!


Marija

Marija Sarcenkova

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager

I initially worked at the Garden House as an agency nurse and was impressed by the excellent care provided by the home, therefore when the position of Deputy Manager became available at the start of the pandemic in 2020 I applied and was successful. My current role is now Clinical Deputy Manager.


I have wide experience in the care of the older person and the impact ageing and ill health have on the residents. I am passionate about promoting high standards of clinical care and practice and as the Clinical Deputy, the support and development of our junior nursing colleagues. With a specific interest in learning, I support the placement of nursing students from UWE. Also, as a home, our team has successfully seen in-house staff complete Nursing Associate training and become Registered Nursing Associates, with ongoing training seeing one member of staff’s continued development to become a Registered Nurse.


I am proud that we work with residents with a wide variety of very complex needs with support being provided to the residents, families and the staff teams.


Lin

Lin Thomas

Job Title: Business Deputy Manager

Joined: 2014

I initially joined the Garden House team in 2014 as an Administration Manager with many years of management experience. During the last 10 years I became Business Manager and following organisational restructure in 2022 I became the home's Business Deputy Manager.


I have responsibility for administration functions within the home as well as the Resident Support Assistant team who provide delivery of catering and housekeeping services for our residents. I also work closely with the Trust's facilities team to support the day-to-day running of the home. Alongside the General Manager, I enjoy helping residents and their families as they navigate the moving-in process to achieve a smooth transition into our community.


Daily conversations with our residents are the highlight of each day and gives me an opportunity to listen to their feedback and for this contribution to influence decisions around the home that they share. Having previously worked in the corporate sector, this role provides a different level of satisfaction to know that the work we do directly impacts the experience of residents who have chosen the Garden House as their home.


Since becoming Business Deputy Manager I have been supported by the Trust to attain further qualifications in Leadership & Management. I aim to provide high standards in all aspects of the services we provide and look to ensure this ethos is shared by the wider Garden House team.