Charterhouse

The Chocolate Quarter, Trajectus Way, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2GL
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9.6 45 Reviews
  • Charterhouse, Bristol
Charterhouse is located in St Monica Trust's latest development, The Chocolate Quarter.

Experience personal care in this residential, nursing and dementia care home close to both Bristol and Bath.

With its beautiful, airy private rooms, designed with your every comfort in mind, there’s something special about Charterhouse. Relax in the elegantly styled spaces and outdoor terraces within Charterhouse or you can choose to venture into the upscale facilities located in the downstairs Chocolate Quarter.

Set over three floors, Charterhouse has been designed to ensure that residents receive dignified care that promotes independence and enables residents to live life the way they want.

Offering 24-hour care, Charterhouse features large private suites, light communal areas, private terraces and a roof garden.

Registered nurses work alongside multi-skilled carers to provide long-term nursing care, dementia care, respite care, rehabilitation care and palliative care. residential care is also available.

As part of The Chocolate Quarter community, residents will be able to enjoy all of the different facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, hairdressers, restaurants and lots more.

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Care Provided by Charterhouse

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 93 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Gail Stone (Care Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Both private and NHS referrals are welcome.
    • Ages from 18 to 110
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (93)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (93)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2017

Funding & Fees Guide for Charterhouse

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome in line with government guidelines.


  • Parking

  • Two hours free parking is available for visitors. Please follow the instructions on the signs and park in the correct coloured bays.


Charterhouse Reviews (45)

Total of 45, showing 21-40
9.6

Charterhouse has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.638) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Charterhouse has 45 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 37
  • 5
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

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Review from T H (Ex Family Member) published on 2 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with everything to do with the care home, and the staff have been outstanding. I feel happy and confident about the care my ex-mother-in-law is receiving. The only two small negatives are that the floors are not mopped and the surfaces are not wiped down. Sometimes there is confusion
with the activities that go on when there are, etc, but overall, everything is excellent. Thank you.

Reply from Tamarra Bray, Deputy Business Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are incredibly happy to hear that you are confident with the care your ex-mother-in-law is receiving and will pass your wonderful comments about the staff on to the team. We are sorry to hear about the elements you are less happy with and take all feedback very seriously. If you would like to speak to a member of staff about these concerns, please do not hesitate to do so.


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Review from Elizabeth D (Resident) published on 5 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very welcoming. Care home is very clean and tidy. Good room with a view and sunny side. Since arrival, very good and improving.
Food could be more tasty sometimes, needs more herbs.
Activities need more staff.

Reply from Tamarra Bray, Deputy Business Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for leaving a lovely review of Charterhouse! We are glad to hear that you’ve felt welcomed since your arrival and are happy with the facilities. We appreciate your feedback regarding the food and activities as comments like these allow us to improve our service. Your comments will be passed on to the team.


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Review from Billie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been on Severn North for two and a half years. Her care has been consistently good. The staff are very kind and caring and work extremely hard. This includes kitchen staff and cleaners. Everybody always pulls together when they are short-staffed. I'm sure my mother wouldn't still be alive without
their care and attention. I would thoroughly recommend this care home.

Reply from Tamarra Bray, Business Deputy Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt review! We're incredibly touched to hear about your positive experience with Charterhouse. We deeply value the hard work of our entire team, from carers to kitchen staff and cleaners, who all contribute to creating a supportive environment. Your recommendation means the world to us and we're honoured to play a part in your mother's well-being.


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Review from Peter G (Husband of Resident) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Initial contact, everyone was very helpful. Care provided is really good, both carers and nurses are really caring and always pleasant and helpful. Good variety of healthy food choices. Rooms are bright and airy with lifting aids and other aids to assist both patient and staff. Staff are helpful and
understanding to difficulties for both patient and family.

Reply from Tamarra Bray, Business Deputy Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that you've found our care to be of high quality. It's wonderful to know that our carers and nurses are caring, pleasant and always ready to assist. Your kind words will be passed on to the team.


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Review from Lynda G (Niece of Resident) published on 26 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been in the nursing home for seven months. She is well looked after, from medical care to personal needs.
There are excellent facilities available but unfortunately, she is unwilling to participate.
I find the staff very cheerful and always available to help.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're glad to hear that you're happy with the care your aunt is receiving here at Charterhouse and that our staff are attentive and cheerful. While it's unfortunate that your aunt is unwilling to participate in the available facilities, we will continue to support her and ensure her well-being. If there's anything else we can do to enhance her experience, please don't hesitate to let us know. Your kind words will be passed on to the team.


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Review from M C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home was very friendly and relaxing my dad was very well looked after. Staff couldn’t do enough for you, if I did have a problem it was sorted straight away by the unit manager. All facilities were excellent couldn’t fault anything. The restaurant was nice to take Dad for change of four walls but
there was plenty going on in the unit anyway. The rooms were very spacious.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for your review. We are glad to hear you were happy with the care your father received and grateful that we were able to help you navigate through a difficult time. Your words of praise will be passed on to the team.


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Review from Andrew W (Son of Resident) published on 21 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father has been well looked after and the staff have been amazing.
The food is very good and all the amenities are excellent. He feels at home and would love him to interact and socialise more. But I cannot fault the professionalism of the care team that have been looking after my father.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for leaving a review of Charterhouse. We are so pleased to hear that you are happy with the care that your father is receiving and that he feels at home here. Your kind words will be passed on to the team.


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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Calm, friendly environment. Warm.
Very kind, helpful staff.
Nice meals.
Would be nice to have access/view of a garden.
Not really taken part in activities yet.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for leaving us a review! We're so glad that you're happy with the environment at Charterhouse - we aim for it to be a 'home-from-home' so that our residents are as comfortable as possible.
Speak to the team about our roof gardens which have stunning countryside views - and we can definitely recommend getting stuck in with the activities.
Your comments will be passed on to the team who love receiving these wonderful comments.


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Review from A I (Resident) published on 1 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are well cared for, well fed and well protected from Covid.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for your glowing review. We're glad you feel happy and safe at Charterhouse - it's the most important part of what we do! I will make sure your comments are passed on to the team.


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Review from Ruth P (Resident) published on 31 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since my move into Charterhouse Care Home in January 2020 I have been settled and at ease. The building itself provides a gentle, spacious environment with pleasing colour schemes and the freedom to make one's room into a real home from home.
I am grateful for the many activities and interests that
are encouraged, the contact with the sanctuary, singing in the atrium, exercise sessions indoors and walks outside. We appreciate the quality of life you provide. Sincere thanks to all our kind and patient helpers and staff.

Reply from Gail Stone, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We are so glad to hear that you feel settled and at ease here and enjoy the variety of activities we run and the home itself. It’s a pleasure to have you as a part of our Charterhouse family, and your review will be passed throughout the team, who are always so grateful to receive compliments and feedback from our wonderful residents.


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Review from Lyn H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I wish I could give you a good review, sadly I can’t. My mother is on the dementia side of Charterhouse, she has been with you now for nearly a year. In this time we have had some issues which I have tried many times to address, one or two members of staff have tried to help but I never get a satisfactory
answer, it’s always we will get back to you. In this difficult time, it is important relatives are kept informed, and when staff say they are going to do something they do it.
The rooms are clean and a good size.
We do feel that there is a need for improvement on staffing and training on people with dementia so staff fully understand their needs.

Reply from A Herbert, Director of Nursing Homes at Charterhouse

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, we value all feedback as it enables us to strive to be the best we can be. We are sorry to hear that we have not met your expectations on this occasion. Our deputy care home manager will be in touch shortly to discuss this matter in more detail, with a view to rectifying any issues that you have. Warmest regards.


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Review from Julie O (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad is on Severn South at Charterhouse Care Home. Staff have been kind and caring and have exceeded our expectations in terms of the standard of care provided. Carers do not rush anything and work at my dad’s pace. They know him as an individual and appreciate his sense of humour and desire to be
as independent as possible.
The physio and occupational therapists have been exceptional and organised an electric wheelchair that enabled more independence. Balancing risk-taking whilst promoting independence is difficult but they have done this and improved the quality of life beyond what we imagined. My dad has things to look forward to which included one to one support to build a model. This has had a positive impact on his mood.
The concierge team are fantastic and nothing seems too much trouble. They always get parcels to my dad quickly and know about his interests.
Massive thank you to the wonderful staff at St Monica’s. You work hard and make a real difference to the people in your care.

Reply from Debbie Williams, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We really appreciate you taking the time to write it and I will make sure it is passed on to the team.


It is an absolute pleasure to care for your father, he is a strong and naturally independent man who has done most of the hard work himself – we’ve just supported him along the way. We’re so happy to see him thriving and it’s lovely to see how happy he is here.


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Review from Dulcie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents are currently in Severn, Mum arrived after having a major stroke and the hospital told us she would pass away within two weeks, but your wonderful staff have given us an extra six months, and she is happy and thriving. I always feel when I visit that she is completely supported, valued
and treated with dignity and respect. My father's health has declined and he was initially moved from hospital for respite care, but the care he's received again has been fantastic. The staff have all been amazing, they even arranged a beautiful romantic lunch for my parents with flowers, balloons and even managed to put up photographs of them when they were younger.
I cannot thank you and staff enough and would thoroughly recommend you to all.

Reply from Debbie Williams, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you, Dulcie, for this wonderful review. I am very pleased to hear that you feel our staff treat your parents with dignity and respect and that the care they receive is fantastic. They very much enjoyed their romantic lunch. I am delighted to hear that you thoroughly recommend us. Thank you for taking the time to write this review.


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Review from Ruth S (Resident) published on 28 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy here, this is my home now, everyone is so friendly and kind. All the staff spoiled me.
Staff always just asking, "is there anything we can do for you". The staff love me which is wonderful.
Everything is perfect here, very clean, so lovely. I like being here.

Reply from Debbie Williams, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you Ruth for taking the time to write your wonderful review of Charterhouse. We are so glad that you are happy here. It is wonderful to read that everyone is so friendly and kind and that the staff spoil you.


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Review from Sara S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has very recently passed away after being resident in Avon South, dementia care ward at Charterhouse. She was a resident for approximately 18 months. Of course, we were in lockdown due to Coronavirus for much of that time which made us very anxious for her. The staff at Charterhouse are incredible.
It is more like a five-star hotel than a care home but with the added benefit of the most wonderful, reassuring, caring staff you can imagine. We were kept so well informed on Mum’s well being and we had regular suggestions as to how to enhance her life during the lockdown, such as making posters with messages and photos to send in, which were affixed to her walls. I would like to mention in particular the carers who never failed to raise our spirits but to calm us in anxious times too. Every single member of staff was wonderful, I am sorry that I cannot remember them all but, thank you Charterhouse, you were a pleasure to deal with.

Reply from Debbie Williams, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for taking time out of your day to give such kind words to our team on Avon. Mum will be greatly missed, as will you and the rest of the family. As the Registered Manager, this feedback fills me with pride for the Team on Avon and how they supported the family in keeping in touch through such a difficult past year. Kindest regards


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Review from Andy T (Son of Resident) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My experience has been excellent. The staff have all been great enabling Mum to make the transition from her home into the Charterhouse at The Chocolate Quarter. Whilst access to Mum has been restricted because of Covid the team have done everything possible to include us through use of FaceTime and
phone.

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Review from J B (Resident) published on 18 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The overall administration is excellent. Staff are very friendly and caring and they attend to your every need.
My room is lovely and I feel very safe. It is kept spotlessly clean. I am very happy here.

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Review from Clive W (Nephew of Resident) published on 22 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am the nephew of a resident who has been at Charterhouse since February 2020 and can’t praise the facilities and staff highly enough. My aunt adjusted well to her new circumstances and feels relaxed and constantly tells me it feels like home. With the difficulties over the last year, I have had peace
of mind that she has been well looked after with several video calls to keep in touch. I was even contacted by staff to make an appointment to see my aunt when restrictions were lifted last week.

Reply from Debbie Williams, Care Home Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you for this lovely review Clive. Your positive feedback has been shared with our team. I am glad to hear that your aunt feels at home at Charterhouse.


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Review from Christine P (Respite Resident) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very grateful for this opportunity to say how much my stay in the Respite Care Ward at the Chocolate Quarter has meant to me in this dreadful time in 2020. I am 91, I have my own health issues but thanks to the support and care of the staff at Charterhouse, I am beginning to believe that I may
soon be able to go back to my apartment where I live alone. It has been a very different Christmas to the one I would have had to endure without their kindness and care that was above and beyond the call of duty! The only downside is that I cannot stay on this unit permanently as I love it here!

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Review from Debra C (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been on Chew South, Charterhouse Care Home since November 2019 and the care she has received has been amazing. The past few months have been extremely difficult and we have been unable to see Mum in her room due to Covid, it has been so reassuring knowing she is so well looked after. She
is very happy and has made good friends.

Reply from Simon Lexton, Marketing and Communications Manager at Charterhouse

Thank you so much for your kind words. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to look after your mother. I'm so pleased that she is happy and made good friends. May I wish you both a happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.638)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.638) out of 10 for Charterhouse is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 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 4.638 for Charterhouse is calculated as follows: ( (226 Excellents x 5) + (71 Goods x 4) + (19 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 318 Ratings = 4.638

  • 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Charterhouse is based on 25 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 93 registered maximum number of service users is 18.6, which has been reached with 25 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • 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: 16 Nov 2018

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Requires improvement

  • 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 (3)

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Meet the Team (8)

Gail

Gail Stone

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 2021

Gail joined the Charterhouse team as the Care Home Manager in 2021. She is a registered general nurse with over 30 years’ experience and holds a level 5 diploma in management and leadership.


Gail completed her registered nurse training in the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh in 1988. She has worked primarily in elderly care throughout her career, in both hospital and community settings. Prior to moving into the private home care setting in 2009 she was a community palliative care sister for East Dorset Health Authority. Since working in the care home sector, Gail has worked in various care home manager roles including regional roles.


She is passionate about enhancing the day-to-day experience for residents, gaining feedback from them about how their day was made better by staff’s interventions or by just seeing them smile. Being surrounded by positivity is what she feels makes her job worthwhile. The residents and their families are at the centre of everything that she does.


Gail is very much a people person who loves spending time with residents and their families. Her main passion is ensuring peoples quality of life and believes that just because someone is approaching the latter years, they should be given every opportunity to live their lives the way they choose. She loves working in a large team, empowering employees to achieve their full potential and supporting them through their chosen career paths


Gail has a husband called Gary and three (almost) grown-up children, whom she is immensely proud of. She loves spending time with her family and friends, attempting to get fit and has a keen interest in photography.


Tamarra

Tamarra Bray

Job Title: Business Deputy Manager

Joined: 2023

I joined the Charterhouse team in May 2023 as the Business Deputy Manager. I was previously an Administrator at The Russets, Sandford (another St Monica Trust site) for 2 years, before progressing to the position I am in now.


I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity and I absolutely love working at Charterhouse. I completed my Level 5 in Business Management during the period we had Covid-19 and the world was in lockdown, I wanted to use the time to achieve something I’ve never done before and really push myself to achieve great things. I am glad I did it as it helped me gain a lot of knowledge and gave me an insight into what might be possible for me in the future. It paid off as I am now happily using the skills I learned in my everyday role, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for what I have achieved.


I love interacting with the residents on a daily basis, I love hearing their stories and they always know how to make me smile. Charterhouse is a very friendly environment and a great place to work.


I have a great understanding of the administrative duties that take place within Charterhouse and feel that I can really support the team as I have been where they are, and I think this has allowed me the smooth transition that took place from moving from another site. It is great that we have the opportunity to do this within St Monica Trust.


In my own time, I enjoy spending time with my husband who I married in September 2022, and our beautiful dog, who is a huge part of our lives. I enjoy going to the gym and travelling to new places to explore. My favourite quote that my Manager shared with me is “It’s not one day, it’s day one”, meaning start it now and see where it takes you, rather than waiting for things to happen.


Clare

Clare Hucker

Job Title: Social Deputy Care Home Manager

Joined: 2017

Clare joined St Monica Trust in 2017 and is the Social Deputy Care Home Manager at Charterhouse. She has around 27 years of experience working in social care settings in various positions and previously worked for Bristol City Council. Clare holds a level 5 qualification in adult care leadership and management and received an overall distinction.


With extensive knowledge of dementia care, Clare prides herself in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for people to thrive and achieve their aspirations and goals. She also has a great passion for resident-centred care, always with the aim to enhance the experience and support her team to enable the residents to live their best life possible.


Clare lives with her partner Matt, their two daughters, and their dog Lenny. She is a sociable person who enjoys spending time with her family and friends and has a passion for travelling.


Melanie

Melanie Toogood

Job Title: House Lead

Joined: 2021

I came into the St Monica Trust as a Helping Hand in February 2021 and I was quickly noticed for the way I presented myself, the empathy that I have and my care for the job I am doing. I applied for a senior role and within less than a year of working here and with the support and backing of the team, I managed to get the position.


By gaining the senior role, St Monica Trust has given me the opportunity to do my NVQ3 which I am currently doing. This is an expensive diploma and St Monica Trust is happy to put me through and support me. I have now gained further promotion and I am the House Lead on the nursing unit.


Clare

Clare Houghton

Job Title: House Lead

Joined: 2021

I joined Charterhouse in April 2021 as a Care Assistant in the Avon unit, which cares for residents living with dementia. In June 2022 I moved up to the role of House Lead for the Avon unit, I am proud of this achievement and pleased to have the opportunity to do more for our residents.


I very much enjoy being part of this team and we see our residents as a family, always trying to find ways to enhance their experiences and day-to-day living. I love listening to their stories about life, family, and what they used to do as it helps me get to know the person inside and I am often very surprised at what they tell me!


Georgie

Georgie Seymour-Henwood

Job Title: Senior Care Assistant

What does being a care worker mean to me? I always think to myself ‘How would I want my own family to be cared for?’. The answer is with dignity and compassion but also safety so these are principles I follow when providing care. I pride myself on the relationships I build with not only residents but also their families as this builds trust in the care we are providing. Person-centred care is also vital when caring for residents as it allows them to make decisions on the care they receive. I try to always promote this where possible, whether it be if they want a shower or a wash in the morning or what time they want to go to bed in the evening.

Activities play a huge part in keeping our residents stimulated, helping with their mental well-being and enriching their lives. I have seen this amongst our residents, particularly during lockdown, whether it be colouring, bingo or quizzes. Activities can provide many positive outcomes; they promote conversation between residents and staff, residents can relive previous experiences and can put a smile on their faces! It is important to make sure the activities provided are meaningful as residents are more likely to engage if it’s something they are interested in. A quote I love is ‘We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing’.


Sarah

Sarah Groves

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager

I am the Clinical Deputy Manager here at Charterhouse.


My career started 15 years ago when I joined as a band 2 healthcare assistant at my local hospital. It was then that I had a drive to progress in my career. I worked my way up the healthcare banding scale and applied to university to study adult nursing. I graduated with a BSc honours degree.


My clinical background is a mixture of working in hospitals, and the community as a district nurse, providing care and support for people living with dementia or a complex medical condition, and palliative care.


I have enjoyed all my roles, however care of the elderly fulfils my passion and has made me the nurse that I am today. St Monica Trust is a very nurturing place to work and the support networks within the Trust have allowed me to perform to my greatest ability.


Family and friends are very much a big part of my life, I have a wonderful husband and four beautiful children. My colleagues here at SMT, I am lucky to call my friends, we work very much with a one-team approach.


Wiola

Wiola Kaminska

Job Title: House Lead

I joined the Charter House team in April 2018 and I’m one of the House Leads on Chew Unit Residential.


I came to the UK in April 2009 and a year later I started my journey in the care sector. Working in a care home is not always easy as you are responsible for other people’s well-being, but caring for others helps to develop empathy and the ability to connect with people, even in difficult times.


I am passionate about my work. Because I love what I do, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best. I challenge myself daily and learn new skills that help me to do better work.

I always use my skills to inspire others to achieve great things. My goal in life is to love others unconditionally and foster meaningful connections with people. What is important in life? Friendships, relationships, time, memories, and experiences are what truly matter in life. It's those people and things that can never be replaced, even if we try.

My favourite quotes:
"If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart."


“We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”