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Review from I C (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 1 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My grandma has just had a short stay in Valerian Court, for respite care. The facilities were excellent - the whole place was clean and fresh, with modern bedrooms, and lovely communal areas where the residents can spend time together. All of the staff were friendly and professional. The care workers

were kind and attentive to the needs of all the residents. My grandma was well looked after, and kept comfortable and safe.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We were so honoured to host your grandmother for her respite period and we would be so excited to see her back for any future respites. Until then we hope to keep in touch and to see her at our numerous fun-packed summer of fun at Valerian Court Care.

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Review from Mandy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My father started a 2-week respite care stay and chose to become permanent. From the initial visit to the current day, the staff are friendly and kind and always greet my father and I by name. Staff are able to tell me what he has done each day. He has settled in well and has made friends with other

residents. He has used the hair salon, library and cinema room. He enjoys good food in the social dining area and has been encouraged to play games and do armchair fitness. His room is well furnished, light with a large window and a safe bathroom. He is currently personalising his room with items and pictures from home. My father is happier and more relaxed than I have seen him for a while. When his oxygen levels fell low, staff immediately contacted me and took action by calling paramedics to check him over. I feel he is in safe and caring hands and I can relax knowing he is well cared for and taking his medication. He has grown in both strength and confidence as his stay has progressed.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

It has been a pleasure from day one meeting your family and your father. Having him move into the care home has been a pleasure for all of us. He has shown us such patience and warmth the staff and other residents have immediately warmed to him. We are glad to provide a safe and happy environment for the next chapter of his life with us.

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Review from C S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Visiting was easy. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming. Everything was always clean and tidy and well looked after.

Reply from Kelly Walker, Regional Director at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. I am so pleased to hear you are enjoying the services the staff provide at Valerian Court. We will ensure the staff see the feedback given. Once again thank you for taking the time to review us.

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Review from R C (Husband of Resident) published on 21 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

My wife appears to be happy in Valerian Court. The staff are very helpful and look after my wife very well.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We are very thankful for the opportunity to support your wife in our home. And we are always glad when you spend time with her and the staff and our home's wider community. You have both positively created a family group and your children are always so caring and supportive too.

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Review from Liv K (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Since moving into Valerian Court, my Granddad has been happier, healthier and more relaxed. He sadly has dementia and previously was frequently depressed, aggressive and anxious. Now, although the dementia is getting worse, he's often cheerful and comfortable. The staff are amazing, especially one lady,

who treats my Granddad with genuine care and patience. Thank you to her, you've made a big difference in both his and our lives. We really appreciate it.
The place is beautiful, clean and modern. The food is great: he's gone from being underweight to healthy. There are plenty of activities, which my Mum sometimes joins in with just for the fun! My Granddad is religious and they help him get a taxi to church every week. He's ex-RAF and when he first moved, the staff dressed in RAF uniform to make his arrival special and the transition easier. I can't thank Valerian Court more for making his last days cheerful and caring.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We are truly grateful for your heartfelt review. Your grandad has not only been a refreshing personality at the home, but a true gentleman who has made caring and supporting him a real pleasure. The home, the other residents and our visitors have enjoyed his warm hospitality and we are so glad Valerian Court Care has truly become his home. We have all enjoyed his activities and spent an extensive amount of time exploring his fond memories of his flight routes as an ex-RAF officer. We thank him for his service and we thank you for your custom.

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Review from Sara J (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

The Valerian is everything you would want for your loved ones. All the staff are caring and take time to get to know the residents. They are honestly the best. My mother-in-law is there and I saw such an improvement in her overall well-being instantly!

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We thank you and your mother-in-law for choosing Valerian Court to be her new home. As a founding resident, she has allowed us to grow and learn a lot from the day the home opened. We value the support and time the family spend here and we look forward to another exciting year.

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Review from Y W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Since moving Nan here from another home, I can honestly say that the home has surpassed my expectations. Every member of staff has a clear focus on how to make every day a positive experience, and they are all person-focused. From the first visit to the actual move, we were supported fully, and Nan

was welcomed into the community. Nothing appears to be too much trouble, and the care and attention to every detail show the passion the team have to deliver exceptional care.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

It has been such a pleasure and honour to receive and support your nan in our service. Like each of our residents, she is unique in her own way and has brought additional value to our family here. We thank you and your family for all your continued support to the home.

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Review from Teresa G (Friend of Resident) published on 17 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

This care home really does care; not just for its residents but for their friends and families who visit. The front desk is always manned by smiling, approachable and helpful staff members. I have seen staff members genuinely upset when one of their residents is sufficiently ill to be taken into hospital.

All rooms and common areas are kept beautifully clean. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is hard admitting a family member so, rest assured that if you pick this care home, you can sit back and relax.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your comprehensive response and genuine interest in all that happens in the home. Your feedback is highly valued and continues to guide our service performance. We look forward to seeing you again.

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Review from N M (Resident) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Very friendly staff, immaculate facilities. Everything was clean, orderly, and well-appointed.
Staff were very good at engaging with the residents and took a personal approach to each of them.
Lots of opportunities for residents to socialise.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for your review, and we are glad to hear that we are upholding our values mainly Respectful - showing our consideration of others and being courteous and polite. We continue working on an inclusive activities program which helps to enhance the quality of residents' lives in our home. We will share this wonderful feedback with the team.

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Review from J K (Grandson of Resident) published on 11 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Absolutely fantastic care. My grandad has severe dementia and so needed to move to a care home. He was resistant to any change but the staff and facilities are so lovely that he now sees it as home. They have activities for his mind and body and despite how his disease affects his mood - he's more happy

than not. I'm so glad to know there's someone to take care of him 24/7 and also keep him company. The facility is also hi-tech secure so when his dementia wills him to go for a wander - they notice immediately and calm him down.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback regarding the care we are providing for your grandad. We are very happy to hear that your grandad has settled in well, and that the activities we offer are having a positive effect on his physical and mental health and wellbeing. We are very proud of our beautiful home and "hi-tech" gadgets, but having kind and caring staff is of the utmost importance, and so it is great to hear that you have seen this first hand. Thank you once again and we hope to see you again soon.

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Review from C W (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Since moving mum to the home in mid-2023 the whole staff have gone out of their way to support and encourage her to become part of the community.
I am extremely happy with the whole team in the home who are welcoming and supportive at all times.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Many thanks for your valued feedback. Almost a year into her stay we are so grateful for your continued support. It has been a pleasure welcoming your mother into the home and we hope we experience even more positive things for both of you this year.

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Review from Kathryn W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Having looked at a number of homes in a county guide and following a guided tour of this home, with the wide range of facilities on offer, we as a family, in consultation with our father, decided this would be the best place for his future needs.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We thank you for your diligence in selecting us. The home and the team will do our utmost best to make your father's stay with us as memorable as possible.

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Review from Rebecca M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

I would highly recommend Valerian Court. They have always been extremely kind and caring with my grandad. When we visit the staff are very friendly and it's obvious they care about the residents a great deal and work hard to care for them. The place always looks nice and clean when we vist. Since moving

in my 91-year-old grandad has managed to put on some weight and maintain his mobility which is a testament to their care of him.

Reply from Lorraine Bumpass, Administrator at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for your great review, we are always very grateful when our relatives take the time to leave feedback. Our staff continue to work hard to deliver outstanding care. It is wonderful to hear that your grandad is thriving in our home.

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Review from T F (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 13 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

It has a new modern feel to the place. Nice and clean, lots of staff. Very good.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for your positive feedback. We are proud of our new modern building and we will endeavour to keep it looking nice and clean. The team will keep working on improving standards in the home.

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Review from Susan H (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

Mum has been in Valerian Court for 6 months and has found the staff kind and caring.
Her room is a good size, she enjoys the entertainment but would like a few more residents to chat to. She finds the food quality mixed. Overall I am very pleased with the home.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you very much for your generous feedback. We will look into our food service and review so as to improve Mum's experience of our dining services. We will also focus on appropriate activities to allow Mum to interact with more residents.

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Review from D C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 28 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience

From assessment in the hospital by one lady to admission on the 9th of January to her subsequent death on the 28th of January, my mother-in-law was treated with dignity and respect. She was well cared for and comfortable. Staff, from the receptionists, to carers and nurses showed us all kindness. We

could also see and hear the interactions with other service users and these were all kind and respectful. We were so grateful that my mother-in-law was able to spend her last weeks at Valerian Court.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

We are so grateful for your heartfelt feedback, as it encourages us to continue working harder at providing a dignified meaningful service to our residents and families. We will be so delighted to share this wonderful review with the team. Thank you, and our sincerest condolences to you all.

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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

From my own personal experience, I would not want anyone I cared about going to this home if they needed anything other than simple day-to-day care. The facilities are wonderful, and many of the care staff were very supportive and caring.
Too upsetting to go into any details but my mum's last days

were distressing and I felt the home did not give my mother dignity.
Wonderful place if your relation is well.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for us and allowing us the privilege to care for your mum. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Please be reassured that your mum was supported with the highest levels of care and dignity by our kind and dedicated team.

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Review from Steve N (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

My father-in-law was transferred from hospital to Valerian Court Care Home Didcot for respite care. The staff at Valerian Court made the whole process very smooth and reassuring for my father-in-law, as well as helping myself in organising everything. Valerian Court moved quickly once we had made the

decision to place him with them, efficiently contacting the hospital to get all the information they needed. They were also able to manage the transfer. It all went seamlessly, which was a weight off the family's shoulders. Once at the home, my father-in-law settled in easily and the staff got to know him very quickly. He has been provided with excellent care and support. All the staff are very friendly and keen to help where they can. I was initially concerned the location would be potentially noisy, but this has proved completely unfounded, the building environment is very clean, airy and peaceful. My father-in-law is in good hands, there is nothing of significance I would want to change.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Hi Steve thank you so much for your supportive and encouraging feedback. We hope we make your father-in-law's stay a positive and pleasant experience.

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Review from M B (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

Dad was discharged from hospital to Valerian Court in August 2023. The staff are very friendly and professional. Not only did they make my father very welcome as a resident, they welcomed us as visitors too. The design and furnishings make a very homely atmosphere. The carers, nurses and management

are very accessible and are always there to help. It is clear that they are well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable. This is reassuring as we are confident that Dad is being looked after very well, and with dignity. Dad’s needs have been changing since he first moved in. We have been pleased that the staff quickly recognised this and have been adapting their care to suit him. They went above and beyond when they provided a lovely afternoon tea for Dad’s birthday. There are always activities going on and it is delightful to see these. I have only given 4 stars for Facilities because there is not a ground floor garden. However, the superb activities programme does compensate for this enormously.

Reply from Sonia Kasese, Manager at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you for your encouraging feedback. We learn and adapt to each resident's individual experiences and we are so grateful when it yields positive success. We are especially grateful when you give us feedback so we can continue improving our services.

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Review from Claire S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience

What a fantastic care home. The staff are all fabulous, and the facilities are absolutely amazing. They are continually arranging events and activities for the residents; it’s a fantastic place. Would highly recommend it

Reply from Jo Needs, Regional Director at Valerian Court Care Home

Thank you so much for such a wonderful review; we are so proud of the home and the team that works there. We are thrilled to hear that they continually arrange events for residents to enjoy and have a fulfilling life. Thanks again.

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Meet the Team (19)

Andrei Joanta

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2024

Andrei is a registered nurse with experience in hospitals and nursing homes. He has been managing care homes for the last 4 years and is excited to have joined Valerian Court Care Home. His philosophy is that care is not a job but a mission where we all come together to support our loved ones. He believes we continuously learn every day with one goal in mind: to create a home away from home for our residents.

He is honoured that, together with his team they can be part of this beautiful extended family.

Kathy Francis

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2023

Kathy is our Deputy Manager here at Valerian Court and has been a Registered Nurse within the NHS for more than 11 years. She initially specialised in renal care before becoming Ward Sister and later Matron of Acute General Medicine wards. Prior to qualifying as a nurse Kathy worked in a care home and enjoys delivering person-centred care once more. Kathy has a wealth of knowledge and experience in nursing and leadership and is excited to be part of the team at Valerian Court.

Keith Hutchinson

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

Joined: 2023

Keith joins our team at Valerian Court as Maintenance Manager.

He is a retired Police Officer, having worked with Thames Valley Police for over 30 years. Keith uses his organisational and management skills to help out around the home. He strives to provide the best support to our residents and to make sure that the home continues to be well-maintained and fit for purpose.

Freya Selwood

Job Title: Receptionist

Freya takes pride in being the first to greet everybody who comes through our doors with a smiling face. Being surrounded by all of our lovely staff and residents makes her day.

Michael Robson

Job Title: Unit Manager

Michael has 15+ years of experience in healthcare in all different settings including forensic mental health, learning disabilities and community care. Michael has worked his way up from support worker to senior and then attended university and qualified as a nurse associate. Michael is one of our Unit Managers, he has a passion for giving the residents the best care and continuing to expand his experience and knowledge.

Brian Arrowsmith

Job Title: Unit Manager

Brian has a wealth of experience in the care industry both in care home settings and the local community. He loves to help people and to ensure our lovely residents are always safe and well.

Comfort Konamah

Job Title: Team Leader

Comfort is a registered general and critical care nurse from Ghana with 16 years experience of working in healthcare.

She has recently been promoted to Team Leader and we look forward to working together as she continues to develop her healthcare career in the UK.

Anna Sharp

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Joined: 2023

Anna is an experienced Nurse who has a background in critical care, having worked in Intensive Care for 12 years.

She became part of the team here at Valerian Court to continue her passion for nursing and commitment to ensuring all residents receive the best care.

Rachel Manu

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Joined: 2023

Rachel joined Valerian Court Care Home after qualifying as a Registered Nurse in Ghana. Rachel is committed to making residents comfortable during their care.

Rachel has recently gained her NMC pin and is now a Registered Nurse. She is passionate, a good team player and always goes above and beyond.

Clare Milne

Job Title: Care Assistant

Clare enjoys providing first-class care to our residents, engaging with them and making them happy during all hours of the day.

Celestina Enerch

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2022

Having worked in hospitality for most of her career and wanting a change, Celestina saw similarities within the Care sector. Celestina has been working as a Care Assistant in care homes for three years and is passionate about providing excellent person-centred care and doing everything she can to ensure residents are happy.

Nisha Karki

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2022

Nisha has joined our team here at Valerian Court as a Care Assistant and is happy to be learning and gaining experience every day. She looks forward to greeting the residents and supporting and assisting them throughout the day.

Riki Das

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2023

Riki has been working at Valerian Court Care Home for approximately one year. Riki was originally employed as a carer and moved to support the Activities Team earlier this year and is thoroughly enjoying her new role. She is vibrant and energetic and shows the same enthusiasm whether supporting with group activities or one-to-one sessions.

Eliza Jacobs

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2022

Eliza has 20 years of experience working in various roles within the NHS and most recently as a GP receptionist. She is a kind and caring person who enjoys talking and listening to the older generations’ life stories and is looking forward to bringing a smile to the residents’ next chapter in life.

Kim Thomas

Job Title: Receptionist

Joined: 2022

Kim is one of the receptionists at Valerian Court and will often be one of the first people you come into contact with whether it be in person or by phone. Being local to the home

She has great local knowledge to be able to assist residents and relatives alike.

Kelly Roberts

Job Title: Hairdresser

Joined: 2022

Kelly is a fully qualified hairdresser having worked in the hair industry for over 15 years. She loves her job and the uplift it provides whether it be a trim, blow dry or something new.

Kelly cannot wait to meet all the residents and provide a pampering service.

Dipa Karki

Job Title: Head Housekeeper

Dipa Karki is a dedicated housekeeper at Valerian Court Care Home, ensuring a clean and welcoming space for residents. She is grateful for the opportunity to care for them and takes pride in her work.

Gabriel Franguta

Job Title: Head Chef

Gabriel is a proactive and trusted professional with over 9 years of chef experience. He is looking forward to providing excellent home-cooked food using the finest quality ingredients.

Oleksandra Yablonska

Job Title: Second Chef

Joined: 2023

Oleksandra is originally from Skadovsk, Ukraine and has extensive experience working as a chef before joining our team in November 2023 as our second chef.

Valerian Court Care Home

Care Provided by Valerian Court Care Home

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Funding & Fees Guide for Valerian Court Care Home

Facilities