Submit a Review for Heron House
Heron Drive, Bishops Hull, Taunton, TA1 5HA
View Full Details of Heron HouseLatest Reviews for Heron House
21 March 2025
I cannot speak highly enough of the care given to my mother from October 2020 to her death in January 2025. She started off in the residential unit but the manager felt she would be happier and better cared for in the dementia unit. Although I realised that she did have dementia, I wasn't sure how she'd feel about the increased level of care, as she was quite unsociable. I was quite wrong though and she was much happier with the greater structure and joined in with quite a few activities, though was always given the dignity of choice. Indeed I would say that the last few years of her life were among the most peaceful that she had. The staff were unfailingly kind, thoughtful and polite. Communication with them was always easy. The management was professional, careful and individualised. The home is spotlessly clean and my mother, who was doubly incontinent, was always kept clean too and yet always with dignity. I would wholeheartedly recommend Heron House to anyone.
31 January 2025
Mum had been at Heron House for six years and I previously put a comment on this site to say how well cared for and happy she was. Mum passed away on New Years Eve, having spent many months in decline and suddenly spiraling. I feel fortunate that I have so many good memories of seeing how the staff cherished, loved and protected her throughout some very difficult times. They also went above and beyond in helping me get to Mum when I needed to be there and making me feel safe as well.
26 November 2024
My mother had been a resident at Heron House for over 3 years and it was clear at the outset that we had found her, in our opinion, the best care home in the area. The management, staff and governors are entirely focused on the care, wellbeing and support of both the residents and their families. The building, its upkeep and cleaning/hygiene standards are first class as are the facilities and support provided to residents, to enable independence to be maintained safely for as long as possible. The care home staff team are exceptionally well lead by the Registered Manager and this is evidenced on a daily basis. As my mothers health declined and she was on an end-of-life plan, the level of care and compassion provided to her and us was above and beyond our expectations and we were so grateful for the support during that period and after her passing. The whole team made a very difficult period easier to cope with and we will always be grateful for that.
25 November 2024
My mother moved into Heron House in October. We were both anxious about the transition as she had been living independently (with some support) up to this point. However, the staff could not have been more helpful in making this a positive move for us both. My mother enjoys not having to get her own meals and says the food is excellent. She has made some friends and (much to my surprise) joins in with the activities, which are varied and imaginative. The gardens are lovely and she likes to walk around them or sit by the pond and watch the turtles! She is supported to maintain some independence, for example, she makes her bed and is able to self-medicate. All the staff are friendly and kind and treat the residents with respect and dignity. I honestly think we could not have found a better home. Her room and bathroom are always spotless.
19 April 2024
I feel very privileged to be associated with Heron House. To be honest, I couldn’t wish for a more caring home for my parents; both of whom are in their nineties. Although not always easy, the process of acclimatization has been seamless. The staff communicates effectively, clearly supports all the residents in their care, and provides excellent activities both inside and outside of the home. There is a strong family unit which is underpinned by shared team values.
06 November 2023
We moved Mum down to Taunton almost 2 years ago, initially in her own place, though that didn't work out for as long as we'd hoped. When it became clear she needed more care, we moved her to the care home. Living in New Zealand, I don't visit so regularly, but what I saw last November/December and again in May, plus watching the activities on your social media page, and from what my sister reports, I believe Mum in in the best possible place given her stage of life, and that guys go above and beyond what could reasonably be expected to make life as good as possible for the residents. I have left the section on value for money blank. This is because I have no idea what the normal rate is for such places, or what Vsl/Mum are paying. However, I have no reason to believe that if I did gave an opinion, it would be 5 stars too! Well done, keep up the good work and see you again in December.
06 November 2023
The care home is bright and cheery in all aspects - from the gardens, the food, the staff and the decor. Constant thought and effort go into looking after residents and always seeking to make improvements - the care home does all things any good care home should do but also offers so much more - involving residents in gardening and baking, entering and winning at the local show! involving families in decision-making and open discussions; helping residents to fulfil special bucket list wishes. The residents have fun and so do the staff. My husband and I live far away so are delighted to be part of the care home's social media family and see what Mum-in-law is up to on outings and activities. This enabled us to fit in when we visited the UK in May and we were also pleased to be able to contribute to the regular speaker entertainment series while we were around too. The care home is truly a "home" in all senses of the word. Heartfelt thank yous to all the staff and management - You are Awesome!
01 November 2023
Mum's been at the care home for almost eighteen months and has recently moved from the residential side to the dementia side. I can't rate the place highly enough - it's just amazing. I'm not at all surprised with the recent outstanding result from CQC.
30 October 2023
When my mother's dementia began to greatly impact her life and she was not safe to remain at home, my brother and I visited virtually every care home in the town (of which there are several). We both immediately agreed that the care home appeared by far the best choice. In the five years that she has been there, our thoughts remain unchanged. We know that she is well cared and provided for and her needs are fully met. Often a person with dementia cannot express how they feel or if they are unwell, but the staff at the care home get to know each resident in such depth that they quickly recognise if there is a problem, or if something doesn't seem quite right. As far as we are concerned, there could not be anywhere better for our mother's care.
27 October 2023
My mum was a resident of the Quantock unit for eighteen months, up to her passing in September 2023. Mum found it difficult to settle initially, but the staff worked patiently with her and she eventually settled and had some wonderfully fulfilling times with lots of fun and involving things on offer. I wanted to write, particularly, to say how wonderful, thoughtful and professional the staff were whilst Mum lived her final days. As a family, we were supported in being involved in Mum's care as much as we wanted and were able to. Nothing was ever too much trouble. There was a great deal of support and love for Mum and us, as a family. I was overwhelmed by the regular care given both day and night and felt that her personal, emotional and physical care could not have been any better. Placing a loved one into care is a difficult decision, but the care home - Taunton - helped the process along by showing such love, care and understanding.
05 October 2023
I moved my mother into the care home from another care home and she has settled in better than I expected or could have hoped for. Her ensuite room is always bright, clean and well cared for and the staff have made a great effort to engage with her and encourage her to join in with the many activities available. The food seems to be varied with plenty of choice and the newly installed residents' bar is a nice addition to the facilities. Staff are always friendly and approachable and there is a sense that someone is always around. Call bells are answered promptly and interactions I have heard and observed have been without fail caring and courteous. Communication with relatives is excellent, including a monthly relatives' meeting which I have found very supportive and helpful. I recommend the care home without reservation.
28 September 2023
My dad has been a resident at the care home since June 2023. Over the past three months, we have been delighted with the care he is receiving. The care team treat him with empathy, kindness and respect. The atmosphere in the home is bright and cheerful. Dad has settled very well, his appetite has improved, he is calmer and now starting to communicate and socialise more, with the encouragement of the staff. The family are kept well informed of Dad’s situation and any issues that might arise. After a very difficult two years for the family, we are now very reassured that Dad is in a place which fully supports his needs. Most of all, the care home truly feels as if you are “at home”.
22 September 2023
It is now two years since my mother moved into the care home in Taunton, and throughout that time she has received wonderful care in every respect (including during the very challenging lockdown periods). The home is extremely well run and the facilities are very good and spotlessly clean. There is an excellent range of activities and the food is also excellent (my mother constantly comments about how good it is). The staff take a genuine interest in her as an individual. My mother's health and general well-being have definitely improved as a result of living here (she was previously living in a flat in sheltered accommodation), and it is a great relief to me to feel quite certain that she is in a safe and caring environment. Relatives also receive very clear and regular communication, including involvement in relevant decisions, and the staff and management are highly approachable. I would not hesitate to recommend this home to others, without any reservations.
22 September 2023
My mother has lived in the care home for over ten years, she arrived at the age of 92! We chose the care home because it was clean, light and had a kind and friendly feel. We were made very welcome on our first visit and ended up staying for coffee and attending a communion service that just happened to be taking place. My mother started by having two days a week daycare, she was collected from our house by their transport and delivered home in the afternoon after enjoying the activities and a tasty lunch. It progressed to a two-week trial and she has lived there ever since. She spent most Sundays with us or we had lunch with her and holidays with us which she enjoyed but was happy to return ‘home’. My mother moved across to the Quantock Unit (dementia care) when her memory was failing. She likes to wander and is always out and about but the gardens are safe, beautiful and available to all. I spend several hours each day with Mum and see all that happens and would certainly recommend it.
18 September 2023
Always a positive time when visiting my parents who live at the care home. Couldn’t recommend the home and the staff highly enough. There is such a wonderful atmosphere in the home and I am so pleased they have been awarded an Outstanding CQC rating.
Latest Reviews for Heron House
21 March 2025
I cannot speak highly enough of the care given to my mother from October 2020 to her death in January 2025. She started off in the residential unit but the manager felt she would be happier and better cared for in the dementia unit. Although I realised that she did have dementia, I wasn't sure how she'd feel about the increased level of care, as she was quite unsociable. I was quite wrong though and she was much happier with the greater structure and joined in with quite a few activities, though was always given the dignity of choice. Indeed I would say that the last few years of her life were among the most peaceful that she had. The staff were unfailingly kind, thoughtful and polite. Communication with them was always easy. The management was professional, careful and individualised. The home is spotlessly clean and my mother, who was doubly incontinent, was always kept clean too and yet always with dignity. I would wholeheartedly recommend Heron House to anyone.
31 January 2025
Mum had been at Heron House for six years and I previously put a comment on this site to say how well cared for and happy she was. Mum passed away on New Years Eve, having spent many months in decline and suddenly spiraling. I feel fortunate that I have so many good memories of seeing how the staff cherished, loved and protected her throughout some very difficult times. They also went above and beyond in helping me get to Mum when I needed to be there and making me feel safe as well.
26 November 2024
My mother had been a resident at Heron House for over 3 years and it was clear at the outset that we had found her, in our opinion, the best care home in the area. The management, staff and governors are entirely focused on the care, wellbeing and support of both the residents and their families. The building, its upkeep and cleaning/hygiene standards are first class as are the facilities and support provided to residents, to enable independence to be maintained safely for as long as possible. The care home staff team are exceptionally well lead by the Registered Manager and this is evidenced on a daily basis. As my mothers health declined and she was on an end-of-life plan, the level of care and compassion provided to her and us was above and beyond our expectations and we were so grateful for the support during that period and after her passing. The whole team made a very difficult period easier to cope with and we will always be grateful for that.
25 November 2024
My mother moved into Heron House in October. We were both anxious about the transition as she had been living independently (with some support) up to this point. However, the staff could not have been more helpful in making this a positive move for us both. My mother enjoys not having to get her own meals and says the food is excellent. She has made some friends and (much to my surprise) joins in with the activities, which are varied and imaginative. The gardens are lovely and she likes to walk around them or sit by the pond and watch the turtles! She is supported to maintain some independence, for example, she makes her bed and is able to self-medicate. All the staff are friendly and kind and treat the residents with respect and dignity. I honestly think we could not have found a better home. Her room and bathroom are always spotless.
19 April 2024
I feel very privileged to be associated with Heron House. To be honest, I couldn’t wish for a more caring home for my parents; both of whom are in their nineties. Although not always easy, the process of acclimatization has been seamless. The staff communicates effectively, clearly supports all the residents in their care, and provides excellent activities both inside and outside of the home. There is a strong family unit which is underpinned by shared team values.
06 November 2023
We moved Mum down to Taunton almost 2 years ago, initially in her own place, though that didn't work out for as long as we'd hoped. When it became clear she needed more care, we moved her to the care home. Living in New Zealand, I don't visit so regularly, but what I saw last November/December and again in May, plus watching the activities on your social media page, and from what my sister reports, I believe Mum in in the best possible place given her stage of life, and that guys go above and beyond what could reasonably be expected to make life as good as possible for the residents. I have left the section on value for money blank. This is because I have no idea what the normal rate is for such places, or what Vsl/Mum are paying. However, I have no reason to believe that if I did gave an opinion, it would be 5 stars too! Well done, keep up the good work and see you again in December.
06 November 2023
The care home is bright and cheery in all aspects - from the gardens, the food, the staff and the decor. Constant thought and effort go into looking after residents and always seeking to make improvements - the care home does all things any good care home should do but also offers so much more - involving residents in gardening and baking, entering and winning at the local show! involving families in decision-making and open discussions; helping residents to fulfil special bucket list wishes. The residents have fun and so do the staff. My husband and I live far away so are delighted to be part of the care home's social media family and see what Mum-in-law is up to on outings and activities. This enabled us to fit in when we visited the UK in May and we were also pleased to be able to contribute to the regular speaker entertainment series while we were around too. The care home is truly a "home" in all senses of the word. Heartfelt thank yous to all the staff and management - You are Awesome!
01 November 2023
Mum's been at the care home for almost eighteen months and has recently moved from the residential side to the dementia side. I can't rate the place highly enough - it's just amazing. I'm not at all surprised with the recent outstanding result from CQC.
30 October 2023
When my mother's dementia began to greatly impact her life and she was not safe to remain at home, my brother and I visited virtually every care home in the town (of which there are several). We both immediately agreed that the care home appeared by far the best choice. In the five years that she has been there, our thoughts remain unchanged. We know that she is well cared and provided for and her needs are fully met. Often a person with dementia cannot express how they feel or if they are unwell, but the staff at the care home get to know each resident in such depth that they quickly recognise if there is a problem, or if something doesn't seem quite right. As far as we are concerned, there could not be anywhere better for our mother's care.
27 October 2023
My mum was a resident of the Quantock unit for eighteen months, up to her passing in September 2023. Mum found it difficult to settle initially, but the staff worked patiently with her and she eventually settled and had some wonderfully fulfilling times with lots of fun and involving things on offer. I wanted to write, particularly, to say how wonderful, thoughtful and professional the staff were whilst Mum lived her final days. As a family, we were supported in being involved in Mum's care as much as we wanted and were able to. Nothing was ever too much trouble. There was a great deal of support and love for Mum and us, as a family. I was overwhelmed by the regular care given both day and night and felt that her personal, emotional and physical care could not have been any better. Placing a loved one into care is a difficult decision, but the care home - Taunton - helped the process along by showing such love, care and understanding.
05 October 2023
I moved my mother into the care home from another care home and she has settled in better than I expected or could have hoped for. Her ensuite room is always bright, clean and well cared for and the staff have made a great effort to engage with her and encourage her to join in with the many activities available. The food seems to be varied with plenty of choice and the newly installed residents' bar is a nice addition to the facilities. Staff are always friendly and approachable and there is a sense that someone is always around. Call bells are answered promptly and interactions I have heard and observed have been without fail caring and courteous. Communication with relatives is excellent, including a monthly relatives' meeting which I have found very supportive and helpful. I recommend the care home without reservation.
28 September 2023
My dad has been a resident at the care home since June 2023. Over the past three months, we have been delighted with the care he is receiving. The care team treat him with empathy, kindness and respect. The atmosphere in the home is bright and cheerful. Dad has settled very well, his appetite has improved, he is calmer and now starting to communicate and socialise more, with the encouragement of the staff. The family are kept well informed of Dad’s situation and any issues that might arise. After a very difficult two years for the family, we are now very reassured that Dad is in a place which fully supports his needs. Most of all, the care home truly feels as if you are “at home”.
22 September 2023
It is now two years since my mother moved into the care home in Taunton, and throughout that time she has received wonderful care in every respect (including during the very challenging lockdown periods). The home is extremely well run and the facilities are very good and spotlessly clean. There is an excellent range of activities and the food is also excellent (my mother constantly comments about how good it is). The staff take a genuine interest in her as an individual. My mother's health and general well-being have definitely improved as a result of living here (she was previously living in a flat in sheltered accommodation), and it is a great relief to me to feel quite certain that she is in a safe and caring environment. Relatives also receive very clear and regular communication, including involvement in relevant decisions, and the staff and management are highly approachable. I would not hesitate to recommend this home to others, without any reservations.
22 September 2023
My mother has lived in the care home for over ten years, she arrived at the age of 92! We chose the care home because it was clean, light and had a kind and friendly feel. We were made very welcome on our first visit and ended up staying for coffee and attending a communion service that just happened to be taking place. My mother started by having two days a week daycare, she was collected from our house by their transport and delivered home in the afternoon after enjoying the activities and a tasty lunch. It progressed to a two-week trial and she has lived there ever since. She spent most Sundays with us or we had lunch with her and holidays with us which she enjoyed but was happy to return ‘home’. My mother moved across to the Quantock Unit (dementia care) when her memory was failing. She likes to wander and is always out and about but the gardens are safe, beautiful and available to all. I spend several hours each day with Mum and see all that happens and would certainly recommend it.
18 September 2023
Always a positive time when visiting my parents who live at the care home. Couldn’t recommend the home and the staff highly enough. There is such a wonderful atmosphere in the home and I am so pleased they have been awarded an Outstanding CQC rating.