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18 - 20 Priory Road, Dunstable, LU5 4HR
View Full Details of Friars LodgeLatest Reviews for Friars Lodge
26 September 2024
Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken down. We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.
16 September 2024
Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one into Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.
20 September 2023
Dad seemed very settled when we visited today. He was as well as can be expected and he seemed comfortable in his bed. We were impressed that they had managed to keep the room at a good temperature and not too hot (considering the current heatwave). The staff always great us in a friendly manner. It is particularly nice when the carer gives us a brief update as to how Dad has been. This does not often happen though unless asked directly but I think it could be incorporated into the greeting of guests especially when it is the client's direct point of contact that is visiting. Dad has been in this care home for over 6 years now and we are very happy with his overall care.
18 September 2023
The staff are caring and communicative. I know my mum is warm, well fed and safe. I feel they have Mum's best interest as a priority. The carers all know me and who I’m coming to visit. She always has good things to say about the staff.
28 August 2023
Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.
16 August 2023
Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.
02 February 2023
My brother and I have been really impressed with Friar's Lodge. We visited a few care homes before deciding which was best for mum and we had a good vibe from the outset. The management are running a happy and hard-working team. The carers are lovely. We visit mum regularly and she is always clean and in a fresh outfit. They discuss mum's health (and meds) with the local GP weekly and call me with any changes, big or small. They suggest ways in which mum could be more content etc. They do crafts and other activities. Mum moved there in June and the weather was beautiful. She spent a lot of time in the lovely garden and our summer visits were all outside. It's been really reassuring for us to know that mum is being so well looked after. We highly recommend Friar's Lodge.
13 December 2021
Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.
17 May 2021
My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel so welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
05 May 2021
My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.
05 May 2021
2 years ago I suddenly found myself having to find a care home within a few days as my aunt, who has Alzheimer's, had started to wonder outside her own home. Friars Lodge was the only home available. With trepidation I went to look at Friars Lodge - it was a very emotional time for me and I was unsure if we were doing the right thing putting my aunt into a home, but I had no choice. I can honestly say that it is the best decision I made! Friars Lodge is just right for my aunt. It is a small home and very friendly. My aunt is looked after by kind, considerate and caring staff who have her best interests at the forefront of their thinking. My aunt is well nourished and usually has a menu choice. There is always a jug of drink on her table and she can ask for a hot drink at any time. I am always welcomed when I visit too! From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!
18 November 2019
My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It appears well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.
17 September 2019
We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.
11 June 2019
The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.
04 June 2019
The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.
04 June 2019
My mother has been living in Friars Lodge for more than 2 1/2 years. The review I attended recently was very thorough and I am impressed with the care that my mother receives at Friars Lodge. I commend, very highly, the manager and her staff.
29 March 2019
Although my mum didn't want to go into a care home and it was a very difficult decision for us to make the staff have helped her to settle in very well. The staff are always friendly and mum has a good rapport with them, however, with the onset of my mum's dementia she does tend to call them teachers. I do not have any concerns over my mum's wellbeing or the level of care she is receiving which only makes me certain that we chose the right home to meet her needs.
29 March 2019
My mother has been at Friars Lodge care home for a few years now. She is well looked after the management and staff are very caring and good at their job. My mother's needs changed since she has been a resident at Friars Lodge and the staff have adjusted their care for her. She has really good meals and enjoys them. I am very pleased with the way my mother is cared for at Friars Lodge.
14 June 2018
My 94-year-old mother recently went to Friars Lodge for 2 weeks respite so I could have a break. The care she received while there was second to none, my mother was very worried before she went but the lovely staff in Friars Lodge soon put her at ease. Caring for someone requires a lot of patience and the staff in Friars Lodge had this - can't praise them highly enough.
24 March 2017
Great team providing wonderful support. I would not be able to cope without them.
Latest Reviews for Friars Lodge
26 September 2024
Mum became a resident from August 2019 until she passed away 6 weeks ago. Following a hospital stay in May, her health rapidly declined, and it was very evident she was sadly approaching end-of-life. At this point, my relationship with the care manager and her deputy had all but completely broken down. We couldn't ask anything about Mum's deteriorating health without being met with an aggressive response. Even when Mum passed away, it was a phone call informing me that she had stopped breathing! Very cold with no words of sympathy offered. When we arrived to clear Mum's room, her name sign was even removed from the door whilst we were inside. Couldn't this have waited until after we left? No sympathy card was sent and no follow-up about her funeral. Sadly, as far as the management is concerned, Mum was merely a source of income, and when this was coming to an end, the manager displayed a complete lack of professionalism. A very sad end considering Mum had been resident there for almost 5 years.
16 September 2024
Friars Lodge staff were very kind and obliging towards my mum and us as a family. I would go as far as to say that went above and beyond in trying to care for and accommodate my mum during a very difficult time in her life. I would not hesitate in recommending any relative putting their loved one into Friars Lodge as they will be safe and well looked after.
20 September 2023
Dad seemed very settled when we visited today. He was as well as can be expected and he seemed comfortable in his bed. We were impressed that they had managed to keep the room at a good temperature and not too hot (considering the current heatwave). The staff always great us in a friendly manner. It is particularly nice when the carer gives us a brief update as to how Dad has been. This does not often happen though unless asked directly but I think it could be incorporated into the greeting of guests especially when it is the client's direct point of contact that is visiting. Dad has been in this care home for over 6 years now and we are very happy with his overall care.
18 September 2023
The staff are caring and communicative. I know my mum is warm, well fed and safe. I feel they have Mum's best interest as a priority. The carers all know me and who I’m coming to visit. She always has good things to say about the staff.
28 August 2023
Caring staff, really attentive. Approachable with any concerns. They really care for the residents and look after them so well. Relaxed and very welcoming environment. A homely feel. They always make such an effort with the residents and get to know their families too.
16 August 2023
Outstanding care is given. We have seen massive improvements in Grandad and would highly recommend.
02 February 2023
My brother and I have been really impressed with Friar's Lodge. We visited a few care homes before deciding which was best for mum and we had a good vibe from the outset. The management are running a happy and hard-working team. The carers are lovely. We visit mum regularly and she is always clean and in a fresh outfit. They discuss mum's health (and meds) with the local GP weekly and call me with any changes, big or small. They suggest ways in which mum could be more content etc. They do crafts and other activities. Mum moved there in June and the weather was beautiful. She spent a lot of time in the lovely garden and our summer visits were all outside. It's been really reassuring for us to know that mum is being so well looked after. We highly recommend Friar's Lodge.
13 December 2021
Mum was very well cared for by all the staff. We never have to worry when she goes to Friars Lodge for respite as she is well looked after and the staff are wonderful.
17 May 2021
My 73-year-old Mum who suffers from Alzheimer's has been living at Friars Lodge since November 2019. As an only child, it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make to move my mum into permanent residential care. However, it was made so much easier by the way we were immediately made to feel so welcome by the manager and all her fabulous staff. As it is a relatively small home, it has a family feel to it and everyone is always so friendly and helpful. The last 15 months since the Covid pandemic have been hard for so many people and not being able to visit my mum every day has been incredibly difficult but it has been made easier with the knowledge that she is being so well cared for by the team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Friars Lodge as being a warm, caring, friendly and well run care home to anyone who might be looking for somewhere for their loved ones to be taken care of 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
05 May 2021
My 94 year old mother has vascular dementia and had deteriorated due to the Covid Restrictions in place. It became obvious that she was unable to live in her present accommodation. I was impressed with the reception I received when I contacted Friars Lodge, the manager made me feel very comfortable regarding the type of care they offered during the restrictions. Mum was welcomed warmly and soon settled in under very difficult circumstances. I am always kept up to date by staff and they are wonderful with her. The home is always very clean and mum is always well presented. I am so glad I made the decision to place my mother there as she seems quite content.
05 May 2021
2 years ago I suddenly found myself having to find a care home within a few days as my aunt, who has Alzheimer's, had started to wonder outside her own home. Friars Lodge was the only home available. With trepidation I went to look at Friars Lodge - it was a very emotional time for me and I was unsure if we were doing the right thing putting my aunt into a home, but I had no choice. I can honestly say that it is the best decision I made! Friars Lodge is just right for my aunt. It is a small home and very friendly. My aunt is looked after by kind, considerate and caring staff who have her best interests at the forefront of their thinking. My aunt is well nourished and usually has a menu choice. There is always a jug of drink on her table and she can ask for a hot drink at any time. I am always welcomed when I visit too! From the managers to the care staff, domestic staff and the kitchen team a huge big thank you for all you do, you are all amazing!
18 November 2019
My husband uses Friars Lodge for occasional respite care. The staff are always very welcoming and caring. The accommodation is very clean. Food is good. My husband always leaves there very relaxed. I chose this care home because it wasn't too big and felt more homely than some I have seen. It appears well managed and I would highly recommend this care home.
17 September 2019
We found the staff friendly and caring. The furnishings adequate. Facilities, as far as we saw, were adequate and the general feeling of the place quite homely. We were welcomed as visitors. The security was good and the staff were kind to the elderly folk in their care.
11 June 2019
The staff seem to genuinely care for the residents and treat them well. They give them dignity by always using names. They engage well and today there was a 'buzz' about the place and it was bright and sunny. The building has its limitations as it can seem dark and gloomy in winter.
04 June 2019
The home is lively and active, residents' needs are met quickly and with care and a smile. All careworkers take care to use residents names. I do wonder if occasionally the residents find the music a bit loud. Overall, I am very happy with the kindness and care shown to my mother.
04 June 2019
My mother has been living in Friars Lodge for more than 2 1/2 years. The review I attended recently was very thorough and I am impressed with the care that my mother receives at Friars Lodge. I commend, very highly, the manager and her staff.
29 March 2019
Although my mum didn't want to go into a care home and it was a very difficult decision for us to make the staff have helped her to settle in very well. The staff are always friendly and mum has a good rapport with them, however, with the onset of my mum's dementia she does tend to call them teachers. I do not have any concerns over my mum's wellbeing or the level of care she is receiving which only makes me certain that we chose the right home to meet her needs.
29 March 2019
My mother has been at Friars Lodge care home for a few years now. She is well looked after the management and staff are very caring and good at their job. My mother's needs changed since she has been a resident at Friars Lodge and the staff have adjusted their care for her. She has really good meals and enjoys them. I am very pleased with the way my mother is cared for at Friars Lodge.
14 June 2018
My 94-year-old mother recently went to Friars Lodge for 2 weeks respite so I could have a break. The care she received while there was second to none, my mother was very worried before she went but the lovely staff in Friars Lodge soon put her at ease. Caring for someone requires a lot of patience and the staff in Friars Lodge had this - can't praise them highly enough.
24 March 2017
Great team providing wonderful support. I would not be able to cope without them.