Order by:

Review from P G (Husband of Resident) published on 21 July 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My wife was a resident at Cherry Blossom Manor for 2 weeks in June for respite care. The home was chosen as my son and daughter live nearby and are able to visit. My dealings with management and staff was efficient, helpful, cheerful and friendly. I was most impressed with the care and professionalism

of the nurse and felt my wife was in excellent hands to cope with my wife's dementia and ensure her safety and care. I was able to go away relaxed, and my wife settled well. I am unable to comment on facilities, food and activities as I was not there - my wife is unable to comment in any meaningful way.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear P G,
Thank you, it's great to know that you were able to relax whilst we looked after your wife. Thank you also for your kind feedback on our care and service. I will share this with the team.
Looking forward to the next respite stay.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S W (Wife of Resident) published on 23 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Outstanding care provided by all the staff. Staff have unique insight into my husband's condition and they are superb advocates for him, especially when assessments are needed. All the staff provide 24-hour care and supervision for him. He is now safe and I have peace of mind. At home, I was worried

he would have a catastrophic accident. You all keep my husband safe and well.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear S W,
You truly encourage us all with your feedback. I will make sure that my team in all departments will know about this as it takes a whole team to deliver a premium service for each resident to experience.
Thank you very much for your kind and inspiring words.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tom T (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 21 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I have a room visit booked today. I arrived in time, but no one is available when the "reception" button is pressed? Fortunately, I know how to do the lateral flow test without a member of staff letting me know how. Over a number of pod visits and via talking with "our" resident my genuine opinion is

there are an insufficient number of carers available at the home. "Our" resident pay something over £1,200 per week for "poor" care. Fortunately, we live nearby - is why we chose this home - so can bring small items like a box of tissues or napkins, however, surely within the context of this £1,200 per week - £3 for a box of Kleenex is pretty much insignificant? This is about the "management", not the carers themselves. No one to let me in, no one to let me out.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Tom,
We took your feedback seriously and had shared this with my team. I would like to reassure you that each department knew their role and that this was looked and addressed since your feedback was received.
Thank you for taking time to complete the survey and in CBM, we are continuously improving our care and service through compliments and concern.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Louise W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

As a family the pandemic brought significant change including the need for dad to be moved into nursing care due to his needs and for his safety. The care that has provided has been second to none and the attention provided by the staffing team in an ever-evolving situation due to my dads complex needs

have been praised by both ourselves (me and mum) but also by his medical team. Recently we also had a lengthy CHC meeting which the care practitioner attended. Her knowledge of my dad, awareness of his care and nursing needs alongside the risks despite him only having moved in during January 2021 was in-depth and reassured us as a family that he is in very good, caring and knowledgeable hands. She has been a source of much support and comfort during these times and has absolutely advocated for my dad and supported us as a family and we are very grateful. The whole Cherry Blossom team have gone out of their way to be supportive and we would highly recommend!

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Louise,
On behalf of my team, and the care practitioner that you mentioned (I know who you meant) I could not thank you enough for lifting the whole spirit of the team for loving the work that they do for your father and for the rest of the residents under our care.
I will make sure that this is passed on to the whole team. Such encouragement and very rewarding for all of us here knowing that we are continuously making a great difference.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from F B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Since December 2020 when my father was first admitted here, I have been utterly amazed at the patience of all the staff caring for Dad. They are all so friendly and very caring and excellent at their job. The food and facilities are very good too. I think Dad is getting the best possible care anyone

could wish for. Dementia is particularly difficult to deal with and the whole family is very grateful to you.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Fiona,
We are also grateful for your generous words for all of us here at Cherry Blossom. Thank you for the trust and confidence that you have given us in looking after your dad.
I will pass this on to the rest of the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Always a very positive visit. The staff are always very friendly, from the cleaner to the nurses! The admin staff dealt with the testing and welcome in a gracious and efficient way. A very comfortable visit, even refreshments. Thank you to all the staff for looking after Mum so well, in very challenging

times.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Deborah,
Your kind words mean a lot to us. I will make sure that the team will know about this so they get to be inspired and encouraged to continue and do more for enriching the lives of the residents along with their families.
Thank you for taking the time to review us.
Really appreciate it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from O H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

It was mums 103rd Birthday on April 17th and Cherry Blossom staff made it a very special day for her.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Olive,
103rd birthday is truly a milestone for your mum and we are honoured to be part of this.
Thank you for taking the time to review us. I will share this with the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J W (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Due to Covid, our access to Cherry Blossom has been limited. Going on feedback from my mum we are very pleased with the care she is getting. Mum is always very positive. She says the food is fantastic and the nurses/carers are very kind. COmmunication in these difficult times between the home and myself

has been great.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Thank you for taking the time to review us. We can only say thank you just the same for understanding the limitation of home visits in the past months. We are more than happy that now Cherry Blossom can finally welcome relatives back for bedroom visits apart from the visiting pod.
I will share your kind feedback with the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Diana L (Wife of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Always welcoming when I arrive to see my husband. Nothing is too much trouble. It is so nice to see my husband looking good and happy. I couldn't be happier with his care. Thanks to all the lovely staff involved. A beautiful setting too, and great care of the garden.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Diana,
Thank you for taking the time to review us. Your compliment is encouraging and I will pass this to the team. I'm sure they will be more inspired in caring and serving the residents in whatever their role is in the home.
Thank you also for understanding about the limit of the visit but we are all hopeful that we can be back to normal home visit soon.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Gareth M (Son of Resident) published on 27 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Cherry Blossom has been fabulous during the Covid pandemic and has looked after Mum superbly well over the last 12-months. Have made visits possible whenever possible.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Gareth,
Thank you for reviewing us. I will also share this with the team.
Have a good day.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Allan U (Son of Resident) published on 27 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

A wonderful first visit to see my mum face to face. Cherry Blossom has been absolutely wonderful in these troubled times and everyone from the admin staff, receptionist, nurses, carers and entertainment crew, not forgetting the cleaners, caterers and maintenance staff have all been incredible. A huge

thanks to a wonderful organisation.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Allan,
Thank you very much for taking the time to review us.
This truly encourages and inspires us.
I will make sure that the team will know about this.
Have a good day.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jane B (Sister of Resident) published on 23 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My sister is well cared for and looks settled.
Her room is clean and tidy.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Jane,
Thank you for taking the time to review us.
I will pass this on to the team in particular the housekeeping team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A M (Sister of Resident) published on 22 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

I can say I have found nothing to complain about since my sister has been in this care home.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Thank you for taking the time to review us. This is encouraging for the whole team.
I will make sure that this is passed on to them.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew C (Son of Resident) published on 21 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Extremely pleased with the care and attention Mum receives.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Andrew,
Thank you very much for your short and yet genuine compliment to the team.
I will make sure that this is passed on to all.
Thank you for taking the time to review us.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Avis F (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My mum had the privilege of being at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor for about five months. Her care was excellent and the staff couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful and caring. It is a beautiful place, more like a five-star hotel.
Thank you to all the staff for making Mum's time with you a very

happy one! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Cherry Blossom Manor to anyone.
Thank you again for all your kindness.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Avis, thank you for making time to review us, especially the whole team of Cherry Blossom.
I will feedback this to the team which I know will inspire them to continue what they all love to do and that is serving and caring for the residents.
Keep yourself well.
Thank you for the privileged of serving your mum and getting to know her.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Karen D (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Thank you to all the wonderful staff who have cared for my mother. The last year has been hard for everyone and I am grateful to visit my mum today. The staff are wonderful to my mum and it helps ease the pain of not having been out to see our loved one during the pandemic. am grateful and indebted

to the wonderful carers of Cherry Blossom.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Karen
We know how doubly difficult the pandemic and not being able to see your mum physically in the home. We are so grateful now that we can have a bedroom visit and not just visit through a visiting pod to both residents and relatives.
As we do this cautiously, I want to say thank you for taking the time to review us and for the encouragement that meant so much to us.
I will pass this on to the team.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R C (Cousin of Resident) published on 31 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My cousin wasn't here for long and during the pandemic, we were unable to visit but we found the staff very helpful on the phone. They kept us well informed me my cousin's state a were sympathetic concerning her and our needs. We were informed almost immediately when she died and facilitated the necessary

steps to be taken we didn't visit the home.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Dear Mr C, again our deepest sympathy to the family.
Thank you that even in your difficult time you took time to give us this review. We will continue to deliver best care to all our residents along with their families.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

From the moment of having POA of my nan, I have complete trust in Cherry Blossom and all the staff. The communication is fantastic. My nan loves her environment and has always spoken highly of her home and second family. Although my nan's needs have changed, I know she is still well looked after, communication

via phone, email, Zoom and post continues to reassure me and photos show me that, even in these difficult Covid times, nothing changes.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Charlotte, Thank you very much for taking the time to review us here. I will make sure that this is passed on to the team to inspire and encourage them. We acknowledge your kind words with pride and joy. Thank you for allowing us to be an extension of your Nan's family.
Sincerely, Gigi on behalf of my team Cherry.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Irene C (Wife of Resident) published on 25 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My husband has regular respite care at Cherry Blossom Manor. He is always greeted in a friendly manner and treated with respect although he is only there for short periods the staff make every effort to include him in activities and are sensitive to his needs and make every effort with care and communication

as he has Aphasia.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, G M at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Hi Irene, thank you for choosing us all the time for your husband's respite stay. As always, you have always been generous in complimenting us with our care and service. I will pass this good feedback to the team. Thank you. Stay safe.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E U (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Generally, care is good, residents are clean and well-fed. Little things are missed ensuring hair is well brushed as residents like it is hit and miss. Clothes tend to look 'thrown on' in those who are very dependent. My own relative has complained regularly over 4 years that night staff are rough in

their handling (no hint of maliciousness) oral care is poor.
The staff deserve a monetary bonus for containing the one case of Covid-19 and preventing any external infection entering 1st class.

Reply from Gigi Despojo, GM at Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

We really appreciate you taking the time to give us this feedback. Rest assured that the team is making the quality of service and care consistent.
Thank you very much.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Total of 178, showing 61-80

Meet the Team (17)

Gigi Despojo

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2017

Hello & welcome to Cherry Blossom Manor. I have been a qualified Nurse for 25 years & always been interested in people & making a difference in their lives. Service to the elderly has always been close to my heart. I also like to develop people with a passion for service into leaders. Enjoy becoming more familiar with us here at Cherry Blossom.

Luca La Porta

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2018

I am a qualified Nurse which is a key part of my role as Deputy Manager here at Cherry Blossom. I began my journey here as a Head of Unit & was promoted shortly after to my current position. I like to help build a happy, competent and caring team which is a pleasure to be part of.

I strive to ensure that all care is delivered to a high standard. Most of all I want to make sure that all our Residents are safe, contented & happy. When I see Residents & Staff are happy & well that is when I am most satisfied in my work.

Stefan Cora

Job Title: Head of Care

Joined: 2017

I initially joined as a newly qualified Nurse. I had a short break in service after several years where I went to Nurse in a hospital environment & then brought that experience back to Cherry Blossom & was promoted to my current role. I sincerely care for our Resident's best interests.

Martha Buluma

Job Title: Night Team Leader

Joined: 2020

I started as a qualified day Nurse, went on nights & was promoted to my current position. I am honoured & proud of the rapport I have with our Residents.

Cristina Dorobantu

Job Title: Head of Memory Lane & Dementia Champion

Joined: 2016

I am a qualified Nurse and my dedication and knowledge were recognized when I was promoted to Head of our Memory Lane Dementia Unit. My passion and understanding of Dementia have resulted in our unit passing our 1066 qualification. Our Residents are like family to me & this is reflected in my relationship with them.

Michela Chiaramonte

Job Title: Head of Wellington

Joined: 2022

I worked at here as part of the night team & then was promoted to my current role. I also have a background in midwifery.

Marianne Roasamond

Job Title: Head of Silchester & Palliative Champion

Joined: 2019

I came as a qualified Nurse & worked night shifts. I then moved onto day shifts & have been promoted to my current role. I am protective of our Resident's well-being & happiness.

Cristina Elena Tarau

Job Title: Senior Nurse

Joined: 2012

I have worked for Barchester Healthcare for many years as a qualified Nurse where I have worked in a few different homes. My first home was Cherry Blossom where I have returned with a wider knowledge of Barchester & been promoted to my current position. Cherry Blossom Residents make this a second home for me.

Ana-Maria Hategan

Job Title: Junior Night Team Leader

Joined: 2019

I started at Cherry Blossom as a Senior Night Carer where I then qualified as a Nurse here in the UK & I have been promoted to my current position.

Shelley Wicks

Job Title: Senior Carer, Speak Up & Dementia Champion

Joined: 2022

I am passionate about helping people & working well in a team.

Ali Mather

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2011

Previous to Cherry I worked in a bank for many years & have also worked as a Carer part-time, so this role is perfect as it combines both of these. This really home from home with our endless extended family of Residents, their families/friends & our staff.

Bailey

Job Title: Pet Therapy Dog

Joined: 2012

I have been coming to work with my Mum(Ali Mather, Home Administrator)since I was only 12 weeks old. Due to this, I love people, fuss & yummy snacks. I used to help deliver the newspapers to the Residents but now my legs aren't as good as they were I potter around to visit them in my own sweet time.

Lydie Bach

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2019

I started here as a Carer, then Activity Assistant & then Hostessing. I have now come back to the Activities Team as the Coordinator where I am excited for this opportunity & what I can bring to our lovely Residents. The knowledge of the other departments/roles & the home will definitely be helpful to me.

Lilly Wood

Job Title: Head Housekeeper

Joined: 2014

I started at Cherry Blossom as a Carer & was then promoted to Senior Carer & then to my current position. Having good knowledge of the Care role helps me in my current position as we all work together. I enjoy interacting & building a good rapport with all of our Residents as I work around all of the homes. It gives me satisfaction to maintain a high standard of cleanliness giving a safe environment for all.

Bogdan Opar

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

Joined: 2013

My journey began here as a Maintenance Assistant when I was soon after promoted to my current role. It is my job to make sure that our home and gardens look of a high standard at all times. Whatever your loved one needs, no job is too big or too small just look for the man in grey.

Angel Kho

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2012

I started with Barchester as a Kitchen Assistant/Hostess in another home whilst studying for a VRQ in Professional Cookery at college to qualify for Hospitality Management. I came to Cherry as my current position. Cooking & Baking is my passion & I like creating new & exciting dishes for our Residents.

Chandan Gurung

Job Title: Second Chef

Joined: 2022

Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Care Provided by Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Good to Know

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor

Facilities

Barchester Cherry Blossom Manor Reviews (178)

Overview of Review Score

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Overall
Good

Bed Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (11)