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43 Stakes Hill Road, Waterlooville, PO7 7LA
View Full Details of South Africa LodgeLatest Reviews for South Africa Lodge
20 March 2025
My dad is currently in South Africa lodge and the care he receives is outstanding. My dad is so happy and settled. He always looks clean tidy and his hair is always brushed. I love the way the carers are with my dad. I could not ask for better care.
23 December 2024
Excellent staff and top care very attentive, my husband is warm comfortable, and well looked after physically and mentally, and my visits are always welcomed either in the main lounge or his bedroom. He enjoys the company of the staff. If there is a problem I get called immediately to be informed of the matter.
11 November 2024
My sister-in-law has been living at South Africa Lodge for almost a year. I am thrilled that she has settled well and is so much happier and healthier. This is a testament to the wonderful care she is receiving from all the staff. Everyone is so welcoming, cheerful, friendly and helpful. The home is always spotlessly clean and bright and cheerful. There is always plenty of activities going on, something for everyone. The staff keep in touch regularly with updates. I highly recommend South Africa Lodge.
21 March 2024
Unfortunately, Dad passed away in Wisteria last weekend, but the care and compassion that all members of staff showed to him were immeasurable. They all went above and beyond to make his final few weeks comfortable. Management should be proud of the exemplary care that was delivered. They could not do enough for our father but also supported all of the family through this difficult time.
14 March 2024
My mum came from another care home, they were unable to lower Mum's blood sugar. South Africa Lodge managed to control her blood sugars and this had a beneficial effect on her behaviour. Mum did very well at South Africa Lodge. If I had a criticism, it would be that the environment was a bit bland and institutional and it would be nice to have a meal with Mum.
05 March 2024
My husband has been a resident of South Africa Lodge for the past six months and I cannot begin to say how happy I am with the care and attention he is given every day. The staff are all so kind and caring and have helped him to settle in and look after him so well, they also are very attentive to the needs and worries of the family, always willing to talk and explain everything to the family which is really reassuring especially when they are very worried abought their loved ones. Thank you South Africa Lodge for everything.
28 November 2023
Whenever I visit, I find the staff kind, caring and attentive. You can see and feel the loving and respectful atmosphere they have created. There is always plenty of staff around, so residents aren't left unattended. Although the level of care residents in this home require is challenging, the staff take it in their stride and provide care in a respectful manner. It's always nice to see the staff chatting and engaging with residents in the lounge as friends, rather than just in a staff-resident relationship. Staff go out of their way to keep residents entertained by singing with them, styling their hair, painting and cutting their nails. There is also regular entertainment arranged for residents, and they recently had a 'bring your pet to work' day, which allowed residents to interact with animals, which was lovely.
04 October 2023
We are very happy with the care Mum is receiving at South Africa Lodge. Everyone from the reception staff to the cleaners are caring, helpful and understanding. Nothing is too much trouble. They have been particularly welcoming to our elderly father who visits Mum regularly. In August, when they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, the staff decorated her room and made them a lovely cake. The garden is well looked after and there is plenty of entertainment, which Mum thoroughly enjoys. It's reassuring to know Mum is well looked after and in a safe and comfortable environment.
02 October 2023
We visited our brother recently and were pleased to find him much more alert than he had been prior to admission. He is happy and relaxed. The atmosphere in the home was warm and friendly, and the staff were very attentive to both ourselves and our brother, who has severely limited verbal communication. His room was spacious and full of his pictures. We feel very reassured that our brother has settled in so quickly.
21 August 2023
Mum has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for a few months now and she has truly settled in. The staff are so kind and caring to her and manage her needs exceptionally well. This month mum had fun when she went swimming for the first time in years and she had the most wonderful time dancing and singing to 50s/60s music during the garden party. According to Mum, it was the best time she had had in a very long time. Huge thank you to all the staff who care very much and work so hard to make SAL such a warm and welcoming home for their residents and visitors.
17 July 2023
Residents are treated with the highest care and respect at all times. Any concerns are dealt with quickly and managed well. Staff are always pleasant, helpful and extremely caring. Families of residents are treated with kindness and compassion. Personal like/dislikes are considered, and carers treat each resident as an individual. Personal care is of a high standard. Rooms are always very clean and tidy, and safety is always foremost. Everyone is treated with kindness and understanding in a friendly and welcoming environment.
13 July 2023
My experience of this care home is quite different to their publicity. During my wife’s time there she was on 1 to 1 care but still suffered 9 recorded falls, one broken hip and a broken knee plus many unexplained bruises on her body. The home is split over six lodges so I can only comment on the one she was in. A few of the staff were excellent but many were lazy and inattentive to residents. Interaction and stimulation was not given on a daily basis. Drinks were not mixed correctly and cutlery and crockery dirty to name a few of my observations. I used to visit for a large part of each day to spend as much time with my wife, a situation the staff didn’t care for as I witnessed the daily failings. This was reported back to the management who restricted my visiting time and also threatened to exclude me from the home. Very difficult to give accurate star ratings as the service provided was very erratic from day to day. In my experience, I could not recommend this home.
28 June 2023
This review refers to one lodge in particular, I cannot speak for all the lodges but some comments relate to all. Extreme understaffing; sometimes no carer in the lounge, leaving residents vulnerable. There is no routine, staff are often unsure of what they should be doing, or where they should be. Far too many untrained and agency staff with no previous knowledge of caring. Residents are left alone in their rooms with little or no interaction from anyone. When they are in the lounge they are constantly told to 'Sit down'. Activities consist mainly of outside entertainers coming in. Daily activities do not happen and there are no one to one 'chats'. Management and (some) carers resent the presence of relatives and are unwelcoming. There is no respect or care for personal items and very little effort made to resolve this issue. There are some very good carers and I'm sorry that they have been included in this review. There is a very negative attitude all around.
19 May 2023
South Africa Lodge staff and the group have been incredibly supportive of our family. They know, understand and truly care for their residents. Our father has been in the home for three years. They know his personality, his likes and dislikes and are supporting him appropriately with his dementia needs and any changes medically or physically, but also trying to ensure he is included in the activities of the home where possible (this has even included a llama visiting his bedroom!). Communication is good between the home and our family, and knowing we can trust their care gives us comfort and peace of mind.
28 February 2023
Caring staff and managers, always polite and helpful, ready to answer difficult questions when they arise and very supportive. This has been our mother's home for over 10 years, and we cannot thank the staff enough. The receptionists are pleasant, and the activities team go out of their way to take Mum out when requested. The finance team always respond when you need them. The Wisteria team know Mum and all her family well; we have a lot to thank them for. Thank you for your kindness, help and support. You all do an amazing job.
01 December 2022
My dad has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for about three months now, and I visit him every other day. I have been very impressed by the care he has received. The staff are kind, caring and respectful. He is well cared for and settled. Whenever I visit, the staff are very friendly and welcoming, and I can see the positive relationship my dad has with them. The food is excellent, and the cleanliness and laundry services are of a very high standard. It is a very difficult decision to hand over the care of a loved one, but we have been impressed by the excellent care my dad has received.
20 September 2021
My father was a resident at South Africa Lodge this year, and myself and all the family could not have chosen a better place for him. He had complex needs, but the staff were competent, professional and caring in every way towards both my father and us. We felt that the home is well run and clean. On top of every care one would expect, they also have wonderful things like little parties, singalongs, dancing and wherever safe for appropriate residents, even little trips out in a minibus. There is even a little mock-up bar with safe darts etc, which my dad would have loved.
01 June 2021
My husband, bless him, was diagnosed with severe dementia, and although I desperately wanted to keep him home, I found it impossible to cope. It was heartbreaking to face reality, and finding him a placement was difficult. A place was found in South Africa Lodge, but due to Covid, we were unable to view it before he was admitted. It goes without saying. I was worried for him and full of guilt. The Lodge was extremely helpful in putting my fears to rest by calling me and allowing me to call. The weeks passed, and he began to settle into the all-male Lodge; his anxiety decreased, and he settled with this amazing team. His room is home from home. I can take whatever I like for his treats. I cannot praise all the staff enough. The activities crew are incredible. Always things going on, even during Covid, we have our video calls. As you can tell. My fears were unfounded. I know he is in the right place, is given the love and care he needs... thank you, one and all.
06 October 2020
I can not recommend this wonderful home enough. My father was suffering from dementia and spent his final weeks under the care of the beautiful staff of Daisy Lodge. From the amazing people on reception through to the nursing staff, our whole family were embraced and kept informed at every step. Nothing was too much trouble, and someone was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the last precious days we were able to spend with Dad, this was especially important for Mum. Thank you once again.
24 July 2019
From day one, we have both been treated with kindness, respect and courtesy. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who are some of the most patient and kind people I have ever met. My husband settled in fairly quickly and we were able to fill his room with familiar objects to help this along. We are able to have 'private time' if needed but we are also able to join in all the fun and games in the lounge. I know that my husband is safe, clean and well looked after here and cannot praise the staff highly enough. Any concerns are quickly sorted and everything is explained to me clearly and concisely.
Latest Reviews for South Africa Lodge
20 March 2025
My dad is currently in South Africa lodge and the care he receives is outstanding. My dad is so happy and settled. He always looks clean tidy and his hair is always brushed. I love the way the carers are with my dad. I could not ask for better care.
23 December 2024
Excellent staff and top care very attentive, my husband is warm comfortable, and well looked after physically and mentally, and my visits are always welcomed either in the main lounge or his bedroom. He enjoys the company of the staff. If there is a problem I get called immediately to be informed of the matter.
11 November 2024
My sister-in-law has been living at South Africa Lodge for almost a year. I am thrilled that she has settled well and is so much happier and healthier. This is a testament to the wonderful care she is receiving from all the staff. Everyone is so welcoming, cheerful, friendly and helpful. The home is always spotlessly clean and bright and cheerful. There is always plenty of activities going on, something for everyone. The staff keep in touch regularly with updates. I highly recommend South Africa Lodge.
21 March 2024
Unfortunately, Dad passed away in Wisteria last weekend, but the care and compassion that all members of staff showed to him were immeasurable. They all went above and beyond to make his final few weeks comfortable. Management should be proud of the exemplary care that was delivered. They could not do enough for our father but also supported all of the family through this difficult time.
14 March 2024
My mum came from another care home, they were unable to lower Mum's blood sugar. South Africa Lodge managed to control her blood sugars and this had a beneficial effect on her behaviour. Mum did very well at South Africa Lodge. If I had a criticism, it would be that the environment was a bit bland and institutional and it would be nice to have a meal with Mum.
05 March 2024
My husband has been a resident of South Africa Lodge for the past six months and I cannot begin to say how happy I am with the care and attention he is given every day. The staff are all so kind and caring and have helped him to settle in and look after him so well, they also are very attentive to the needs and worries of the family, always willing to talk and explain everything to the family which is really reassuring especially when they are very worried abought their loved ones. Thank you South Africa Lodge for everything.
28 November 2023
Whenever I visit, I find the staff kind, caring and attentive. You can see and feel the loving and respectful atmosphere they have created. There is always plenty of staff around, so residents aren't left unattended. Although the level of care residents in this home require is challenging, the staff take it in their stride and provide care in a respectful manner. It's always nice to see the staff chatting and engaging with residents in the lounge as friends, rather than just in a staff-resident relationship. Staff go out of their way to keep residents entertained by singing with them, styling their hair, painting and cutting their nails. There is also regular entertainment arranged for residents, and they recently had a 'bring your pet to work' day, which allowed residents to interact with animals, which was lovely.
04 October 2023
We are very happy with the care Mum is receiving at South Africa Lodge. Everyone from the reception staff to the cleaners are caring, helpful and understanding. Nothing is too much trouble. They have been particularly welcoming to our elderly father who visits Mum regularly. In August, when they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, the staff decorated her room and made them a lovely cake. The garden is well looked after and there is plenty of entertainment, which Mum thoroughly enjoys. It's reassuring to know Mum is well looked after and in a safe and comfortable environment.
02 October 2023
We visited our brother recently and were pleased to find him much more alert than he had been prior to admission. He is happy and relaxed. The atmosphere in the home was warm and friendly, and the staff were very attentive to both ourselves and our brother, who has severely limited verbal communication. His room was spacious and full of his pictures. We feel very reassured that our brother has settled in so quickly.
21 August 2023
Mum has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for a few months now and she has truly settled in. The staff are so kind and caring to her and manage her needs exceptionally well. This month mum had fun when she went swimming for the first time in years and she had the most wonderful time dancing and singing to 50s/60s music during the garden party. According to Mum, it was the best time she had had in a very long time. Huge thank you to all the staff who care very much and work so hard to make SAL such a warm and welcoming home for their residents and visitors.
17 July 2023
Residents are treated with the highest care and respect at all times. Any concerns are dealt with quickly and managed well. Staff are always pleasant, helpful and extremely caring. Families of residents are treated with kindness and compassion. Personal like/dislikes are considered, and carers treat each resident as an individual. Personal care is of a high standard. Rooms are always very clean and tidy, and safety is always foremost. Everyone is treated with kindness and understanding in a friendly and welcoming environment.
13 July 2023
My experience of this care home is quite different to their publicity. During my wife’s time there she was on 1 to 1 care but still suffered 9 recorded falls, one broken hip and a broken knee plus many unexplained bruises on her body. The home is split over six lodges so I can only comment on the one she was in. A few of the staff were excellent but many were lazy and inattentive to residents. Interaction and stimulation was not given on a daily basis. Drinks were not mixed correctly and cutlery and crockery dirty to name a few of my observations. I used to visit for a large part of each day to spend as much time with my wife, a situation the staff didn’t care for as I witnessed the daily failings. This was reported back to the management who restricted my visiting time and also threatened to exclude me from the home. Very difficult to give accurate star ratings as the service provided was very erratic from day to day. In my experience, I could not recommend this home.
28 June 2023
This review refers to one lodge in particular, I cannot speak for all the lodges but some comments relate to all. Extreme understaffing; sometimes no carer in the lounge, leaving residents vulnerable. There is no routine, staff are often unsure of what they should be doing, or where they should be. Far too many untrained and agency staff with no previous knowledge of caring. Residents are left alone in their rooms with little or no interaction from anyone. When they are in the lounge they are constantly told to 'Sit down'. Activities consist mainly of outside entertainers coming in. Daily activities do not happen and there are no one to one 'chats'. Management and (some) carers resent the presence of relatives and are unwelcoming. There is no respect or care for personal items and very little effort made to resolve this issue. There are some very good carers and I'm sorry that they have been included in this review. There is a very negative attitude all around.
19 May 2023
South Africa Lodge staff and the group have been incredibly supportive of our family. They know, understand and truly care for their residents. Our father has been in the home for three years. They know his personality, his likes and dislikes and are supporting him appropriately with his dementia needs and any changes medically or physically, but also trying to ensure he is included in the activities of the home where possible (this has even included a llama visiting his bedroom!). Communication is good between the home and our family, and knowing we can trust their care gives us comfort and peace of mind.
28 February 2023
Caring staff and managers, always polite and helpful, ready to answer difficult questions when they arise and very supportive. This has been our mother's home for over 10 years, and we cannot thank the staff enough. The receptionists are pleasant, and the activities team go out of their way to take Mum out when requested. The finance team always respond when you need them. The Wisteria team know Mum and all her family well; we have a lot to thank them for. Thank you for your kindness, help and support. You all do an amazing job.
01 December 2022
My dad has been a resident at South Africa Lodge for about three months now, and I visit him every other day. I have been very impressed by the care he has received. The staff are kind, caring and respectful. He is well cared for and settled. Whenever I visit, the staff are very friendly and welcoming, and I can see the positive relationship my dad has with them. The food is excellent, and the cleanliness and laundry services are of a very high standard. It is a very difficult decision to hand over the care of a loved one, but we have been impressed by the excellent care my dad has received.
20 September 2021
My father was a resident at South Africa Lodge this year, and myself and all the family could not have chosen a better place for him. He had complex needs, but the staff were competent, professional and caring in every way towards both my father and us. We felt that the home is well run and clean. On top of every care one would expect, they also have wonderful things like little parties, singalongs, dancing and wherever safe for appropriate residents, even little trips out in a minibus. There is even a little mock-up bar with safe darts etc, which my dad would have loved.
01 June 2021
My husband, bless him, was diagnosed with severe dementia, and although I desperately wanted to keep him home, I found it impossible to cope. It was heartbreaking to face reality, and finding him a placement was difficult. A place was found in South Africa Lodge, but due to Covid, we were unable to view it before he was admitted. It goes without saying. I was worried for him and full of guilt. The Lodge was extremely helpful in putting my fears to rest by calling me and allowing me to call. The weeks passed, and he began to settle into the all-male Lodge; his anxiety decreased, and he settled with this amazing team. His room is home from home. I can take whatever I like for his treats. I cannot praise all the staff enough. The activities crew are incredible. Always things going on, even during Covid, we have our video calls. As you can tell. My fears were unfounded. I know he is in the right place, is given the love and care he needs... thank you, one and all.
06 October 2020
I can not recommend this wonderful home enough. My father was suffering from dementia and spent his final weeks under the care of the beautiful staff of Daisy Lodge. From the amazing people on reception through to the nursing staff, our whole family were embraced and kept informed at every step. Nothing was too much trouble, and someone was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the last precious days we were able to spend with Dad, this was especially important for Mum. Thank you once again.
24 July 2019
From day one, we have both been treated with kindness, respect and courtesy. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who are some of the most patient and kind people I have ever met. My husband settled in fairly quickly and we were able to fill his room with familiar objects to help this along. We are able to have 'private time' if needed but we are also able to join in all the fun and games in the lounge. I know that my husband is safe, clean and well looked after here and cannot praise the staff highly enough. Any concerns are quickly sorted and everything is explained to me clearly and concisely.