Review from J F (Resident) published on 4 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Very happy home from home. I count myself very lucky to be here. The staff are very pleasant, happy, helpful and friendly.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for your lovely comments. It is a pleasure to have you in our Town Thorns family.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Penny C (Friend of Resident) published on 1 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My friend, a resident at Town Thorns needs full personal care and support. I had arranged a holiday for him and went just before he was due to be picked up for his holiday. Everything was packed and ready together with all his necessary medical equipment. The staff, as always had gone above and beyond

what would be expected, ensuring my friend had everything he needed for his holiday. This is typical of the organisation with staff committed to the well-being, both physical and mental of the residents.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for your lovely comments. Your friend had a fantastic time on his holiday.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J C (Relative of Resident) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Town Thorns is exceptional in every way. I made the best choice possible to get my relative in here and she is so happy and she is always telling me how kind everybody is. All the carers work so hard and are always on hand to be there for everybody. The cleaners do an excellent job in keeping the place

spick and span. The new wing is lovely and one could not ask for more. My relative says the food is excellent. The gardens are beautifully looked after. It is a joy visiting Town Thorn so much - l feel the atmosphere and everybody here is one happy family.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for these lovely comments, we love having you and your relative in our TT family.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Karen B (Niece of Resident) published on 15 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I see my uncle every Thursday and bring my dog. We love coming to see him. Staff are always friendly and helpful. Thank you for looking after my uncle. When the building work is complete it will be a lovely tranquil place.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, we all thoroughly enjoy seeing you and Daisy here every week too.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S D (Son of Resident) published on 2 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum was admitted to Town Thorns for a nursing assessment after a stay in hospital and isolation in another care home owing to her contracting Covid. She is now returning to her usual care home. During the time she was at Town Thorns, I was really pleased and impressed with the care that my mum had.

Every single member of staff was wonderful with her. They all treated her with respect and dignity and invigorated her by getting her up and about and doing 'jobs' in the lounge (which she loved!). It has made a massive difference to my mum's physical and mental health. The management of the home has also been impressive. The admission, the nursing assessment and the arrangements for transferring my mum back to her usual home have been done quickly and efficiently. The Manager has been active in liaising with other people, such as the nursing assessment team and kept us in touch with developments at all stages.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you, it was our pleasure to support your mum and her family and help her return to the home she knows. I'm pleased her stay with us was a positive one.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from M L (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mother was discharged from hospital to Town Thorns, where she had previously stayed for respite care a few weeks prior. Despite not wishing to go into care, my mother settled quickly, thanks to the staff and residents. Staff were very attentive and friendly to Mum who is in her 90s and with failing

appetite and memory, plus additional personal needs. Nothing was too much trouble for the nursing and care staff. They encouraged Mum to eat and would bring her the food she asked for (eg she loved bread and butter). The room was clean and the home is in a lovely rural position, where Mum was happiest, having lived in the countryside for many years.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review. We take great pride in delivering outstanding end of life care; we believe this should be the best experience it can be for the resident and their family at what is such a difficult time. It was a pleasure to be able to support you all through it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ian W (Resident) published on 4 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I have been here since 25 September and am yet to have a substantial meal. I have severe progressive Multiple Sclerosis and tend to sleep 12-15 hours daily, so a daily 12pm substantial meal isn't suitable. 5pm would be much more suitable, especially as this stay is costing over £1200!

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for your review. I'm pleased to say that following this we have spoken and rectified your issue. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your stay and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from W R (Relative of Resident) published on 30 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Overall, happy for our relative, who appears content at Town Thorns. We arrived in pouring rain to visit a resident, our family member. We were directed to the outside pod, where we undertook a covid test within a half-hour of arriving. Staff were courteous and professional to us and to our family member.

We were instructed to sanitise our hands and put on a plastic apron and wear a face covering, all of which were provided on entry to the nursing unit. All corridors and rooms we saw were purposeful, clean and bright. A cup of tea was brought promptly for us when our family member requested it. Our relative said she was happy with the food.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lorraine E (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

15-months ago, our lovely mum became a resident of Garden Wing at Town Thorns.
Garden Wing and it’s wonderful staff turned out to be so right for Mum.
As well as becoming forgetful, Mum was also profoundly deaf and struggled to hear in large noisy spaces. Garden Wing, being an intimate unit, where

everything was easily accessible, instantly felt homely and safe. The staff were marvellous and encouraged Mum to “ be herself “. Always an active person, she loved nothing better than to help the staff, laying tables, tidying or drying the teacup - home from home.
During this past year, we’ve been so thankful to all the wonderful staff, knowing Mum was safe and well cared for during the difficult times when we couldn’t be with her; the staff became her family, and for that, we will always be so grateful.
Everyone, management, care staff, housekeeping, through to reception has always been thoughtful, kind and caring, most especially to Mum but also to us; thank you.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review Town Thorns. It has been an absolute pleasure supporting your Mum and having you all within our Town Thorns family.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Gillian R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Our dear mother was admitted for "end of life care" and was a resident at Town Thorns for almost a month. We cannot praise the care she received in her final weeks highly enough. The nursing and care staff were all that we could have hoped for her in her final days. They treated her with gentleness,

dignity and respect and also made my sister and I so very welcome. In the saddest of times, we couldn't have hoped for more. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Over the last 12 years, my parents lived and were cared for at Town Thorns. Dad in the nursing unit until he died in 2010; Mum in a sheltered flat and latterly in residential care.
As described in earlier reviews there was a downturn in the standard of care and management in 2018. Since the appointment

of Centre Manager Town Thorns now offers excellent care from well-trained and committed teams. All departments play their part in creating a warm and welcoming environment - not just unit managers and carers but also housekeeping staff, admin and maintenance teams. The care and compassion shown to Mum and me during her final weeks were heartwarming. I couldn’t have asked for more.
This isn’t just a care home, this is a home that cares.

Reply from Debbie Dale, Care Centre Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our care centre. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to not only care for and support your Mum but to have had them as part of the Town Thorns family for the time they lived with us.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John M (Resident) published on 30 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

The review for Town Thorns should not have staff saying how much they like being at the place. By hiding behind a QR code.
When I first came to Town Thorns, it was not too bad at all, it was quite good. Since then, it has been neglected in all different sorts of ways to the present day, now it is dragging

along the bottom.
It boasted a swimming pool, hairdressers, a shop, 3 meals a day, transport to go to the doctor's and to the hospital, as you were said you could be part of the family.
Nearly all these things have been taken away, even tablecloths on the table in the canteen, lino on the floor, no carpet. Care staff leaving every day nearly, also cleaners. There is no care manager, as far as I know, no landlord, they have all left. A review is not necessary because what I have said should tell the most stupidest person that there is something wrong.
All problems at Town Thorns can only be contributed to the board of trustees.
This board is trusted with the job of carrying on the work of the founder and also improving the quality of life for all residents and staff within the complex.
Unfortunately, this has been just the opposite in the last 8 years.

Reply from Anna Burke, Marketing Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Dear John, thank you for expressing your concerns and I’m sorry that you are upset by the changes that have taken place. After a number of years of management changes and disruption, we have reviewed the services we provide to ensure Town Thorns can be both financially sustainable and offer acceptable levels of service and support to our residents. As we are working through this change there is some upheaval for the residents which regrettably is distressing, but this will settle down once plans have been implemented. I understand that you have now met with our Care Services Director and have had a chance to discuss these issues so hopefully, you are more comfortable with our plans for improvement.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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

Overall Experience

As a long time independent resident, I am shocked at the downturn of services and attitude of management and some staff over the 2 years. I originally was persuaded to come and live here in 1991 for 25 years it was idyllic, then came a slow change. For example, any medication had to be collected, previously

delivered by staff and no longer the services of a driver. Hospital and doctor appointments. No cleaning of residents' flats. Many other services discontinued.

Reply from Anna Burke, Marketing Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for expressing your concerns. The sheltered housing flats have been part of Town Thorns for over 25 years. They provide an independent living option separate to our care home. We have been reviewing the service provided to residents with a view to ensuring it is financially sustainable and meets acceptable standards moving forward. As we are working through this change there is some upheaval for the residents which regrettably is distressing, but this will settle down once plans have been implemented. Monthly meetings are being held with the Care Services Director around the current plans and all residents are invited to these meetings to participate and input into the ongoing discussion around services in the sheltered housing flats. At the last meeting on the 25th October, plans were discussed around the incoming telecare system, cleaning of flats and transport and residents will seem improvements in these areas over the coming months.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ian G (Son of Resident) published on 1 October 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I wasn't always keen on the general care in the living wings. I felt it was a little bit sterile and the staff a little bit distant, but as I was only visiting, I didn't see the rest of the daycare and the residents are free to do what they wish.
The Garden wing is excellent, the staff are very caring

and work with a smile, they put up with all that the residents throw at them.
I would recommend the Garden wing to any family that needs their care.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Katheryn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My father came to Town Thorns Care Centre in March after becoming increasingly frail and lonely.
He initially found the transition to be difficult, but before too long, both his physical and mental well being greatly improved with the excellent care he received from the staff, and miraculously he found

a like minded friend to spend time with and soon came to feel at home.
The grounds and gardens at Town Thorns are lovely and dad enjoyed being outside during the summer. His room was adequate and he even started eating properly!
After living happily at town Thorns for 5 months, sadly, dads health declined rapidly and he passed away. However, I have nothing but praise for the way he was cared for by all the staff involved with him. Whilst always being professional, they showed a huge amount of respectful consideration, always maintaining his dignity, and I like to think, having a genuine affection for him.
A heartfelt thank you to all, and I would have no hesitation in recommending this facility.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P W (Sister of Resident) published on 3 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My brother has lived at Town Thorns Nursing Home, Easenhall for seventeen years. For the majority of this time, he has been happy there and has been well cared for.
The home is in a rural setting with beautiful gardens and good facilities. It is always clean and well maintained.
My brother is always

clean. However, unfortunately, some of his care needs have changed and he now displays challenging behaviour. The staff at Town Thorns have only received minimum training in challenging behaviour.
Therefore they can no longer provide the overall care that he needs. In July 2018 he has now moved to a new care home. The staff at Town Thorns do not understand or have the patience for anyone with mental health needs.

Reply from Nickie Wren, Marketing Manager at Town Thorns Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our care centre. We acknowledge that it must have been a difficult time for you when your family member’s care needs changed, especially as they had lived with us for such a long time. Sometimes the change in care needs means people require specialist care that we are not able to provide. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to not only care and support your family member but to have had them as part of the Town Thorns family for the time they lived with us.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D B (Sister of Resident) published on 18 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My review is as a regular visitor to Town Thorns. I have never been disappointed in the attention that the staff give to me and my sister. They are never too busy to help you in any query you have if I have one.
The staff are always pleasant and my sister gets on with them very well which puts my

mind at ease knowing that the care is always there day or night.
Things are always special to everybody.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Since Dad came into Town Thorns it has changed his life, he is so much happier and enjoys the company. The rooms we find a little small but Dad seems happy with it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Josie A (Resident) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My review is tow fold because I was a sheltered housing resident for many years.
However, following a stroke, I made the decision to move to our residential unit for 24/7 care which I have had for the past 5 years an excellent decision on my part.
Leaving one's home is quite traumatic but as a sheltered

housing resident, the years were quite fruitful making new friends also working for the matron/manager as a volunteer leading to a lay inspector with social services.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jenny B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The staff on the nursing unit take great care of my mother-in-law. They are kind, friendly and supportive. Occasionally there is not enough staff but the team work hard to fill the gap and the care quality is still high but the residents have a long wait to be seen.
The unit is a bit tired however

there is work currently going on to give the building a facelift.
I feel the staff are respectful of the residents and their families and take the time to listen even when they are busy. Most importantly, my mother-in-law is very settled there.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Town Thorns Care Home

Care Provided by Town Thorns Care Home

Good to Know

Funding & Fees Guide for Town Thorns Care Home

Facilities