Bishopthorpe Road, York, YO23 1DE
View Full Details of Chocolate WorksAn impressive imposing structure converted from a former chocolate factory. Accommodation of a very high standard with spacious dining area, lounge and bedrooms supported by appropriate facilities. Staff well trained in house, cope with specific problems and demonstrate a high level of empathy with residents. Be assured residents in very safe hands.
My partner has advanced Alzheimer's disease. She has lost all mobility, can only say the odd word and requires 24 hour bed-nursing. She is given the highest quality of care and with such sensitivity to her needs. I know she could not get better quality of care and emotional support. It is a huge comfort to me - and to us both - to know she is in a care home that is so wonderful.
My mother spent over five years in The Chocolate Works. Mainly on the Knavesmire Floor where she had a large room next to the beautiful Atrium where she could feel included in the community. She was very well looked after and fond of the staff. She could not have been in a better place during Covid. I was kept well informed about her welfare and the response times were very good if she needed assistance. She was very happy there. Poor food. Residents were mostly not given freshly cooked meals but served tray meals. My mother lost a great deal of weight. Later she was moved to Riverside. The layout is not ideal. Residents are confined to rooms rather isolated. Long walks to public areas. Difficult for poor staff to respond quickly to calls for assistance. Food is often served cold in rooms and dietary requirements are not followed. End-of-life care was sensitive and supportive to me. Reception, Management, Nursing, Caterers and Carers became my mother's second family. We were grateful that she was happy and secure there.
I would just like to thank all the staff of Choc Works for the devotion and love given to my aunt over the years she was residential in the home. We visited as often as we could from Cardiff South Wales. Every time we visited it was lovely to see the beautiful homes and their amazing staircase and everything was so clean and sparkled. The staff were so helpful happy to chat and very caring to my aunty. It still hasn't really sunk in that she's no longer with us having passed away on 17th July whilst we were on holiday. R.I.P. We will always love you always!
After several years on Knavesmire, Mum had to be moved to Riverside as her physical and mental condition required more care. She received such good care there that her Cellulitis improved significantly. The staff were very caring and management listened to any concerns we had, such as Mum's hatred of the hoist, male staff undertaking her personal care, and did their best to balance her needs with her wishes. We did feel there could have been better liaison between Knavesmire & Riverside, e.g. regarding Mum's meals. She never liked red meat, preferring fish and chicken & felt over-faced by the portion sizes. Also, we were disappointed that her clothes sometimes disappeared & she'd be wearing someone else's. However, Mum's end-of-life care was excellent. All the staff treated her with respect & friendship and she became very fond of them and vice-versa. During her final weeks, everything possible was done to keep her pain-free & to reassure & comfort her. They even reassured & comforted us.
My Mother has been a resident for over 4 years. The first 2 years were on the main floor when she was ambulatory. Then mother had 3 strokes and fell and broke her back. Since then she has been on the top floor, bedridden. For the first 2 years, she enjoyed herself and was well taken care of. After her strokes and now residing on the top floor her care and mental health has not been as good. I call her every day on video call and most of our calls are filled with tears. She has some issues hearing and she does not want to leave her room. She will be 89 this month and in my opinion, is miserable. She tells me she doesn't want to be alive anymore. This is not the home's fault but the UK system. Senior management and staff are great. Daily care and junior staff are OK. Some carer's knowledge of English could be better. The monthly fees are in my opinion, very high. Looking after old people is a tough job. and getting old is not pleasant. I hope she gets her wish soon.
Mum spent the last couple of months of her life at the Chocolate Works. From the first conversation to the last, I cannot praise this establishment highly enough. The staff in all roles are outstanding, and the facilities are first class. They made my Mum's final days comfortable, with dignity and love. Outstanding!
Thank you to everyone at the Chocolate Works for looking after my father-in-law for the last six months of his life. We only wish we could have persuaded him to move in with you earlier. Everything was easy to arrange - even moving him from the huge apartment we thought he'd love to a much smaller room in the 'thick of it'. He really appreciated having people popping in and out and knowing that there were people around at all times. He loved the food - especially his cooked breakfasts - and was looking forward to giving a talk to other residents about his book collecting. Sadly, a stay in York Hospital put paid to that. It was a huge relief for the entire family when we knew he was safely in your care and that you would call a doctor or district nurse whenever he needed. Special thanks to two ladies for being so kind.
My mother has been a Chocolate Works Care Village resident for almost two years. She had been experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and could no longer take care of herself. Moving into a care home was not easy - in fact, it had always been her worst nightmare. The staff were immediately on to this and took great pains to settle her in. Family members noticed a change in her almost immediately. She made friends with the other residents and the staff, began to join in the daytime activities, and just seemed happier. Eating the nutritious, well-prepared meals, she soon started recovering her physical strength. Even her memory and communication skills improved. The building at the Care Village is impressive, but it's the staff that make the place special. Three members of staff have been nothing short of angels. They have provided care that is both professional and has a real family feel. They have come through for us time and time again. This place has saved my mother's life.
My father lived in the Chocolate Works for several years and was extremely well looked after by all the staff there, all of whom he thoroughly enjoyed engaging with and I know many of them were fond of him. Some weeks before he died he had a stroke and was in York hospital for a while where I visited him daily. He was soon brought back to the Chocolate Works in an ambulance and settled back into his room but sadly, he died a few days later. I was relieved that he died with people around him who he knew and that he didn't suffer for too long with the stroke and the staff were all very kind to me, allowing me to spend some time with him after his death. My thanks go to all the staff who, over the years my father was there, cared for him, washed him, dressed him, and generally made sure he was happy and comfortable. It was also wonderful to see a few of the staff attend his funeral at the crematorium. Thank you all.
My partner went in for pain control and full-time nursing care but she simply did not receive it. The nursing staff showed very little interest in administering the pain relief needed even though I offered to explain the operation of the device. The changeover of staff overnight was frequent and no attempt was made to pass on the information from one to the other of the nurses leading to my partner being dependent on me coming in at 3 or 4 in the middle of the night to administer the pain relief because the staff were unaware of the issues faced by my partner. She simply did not receive full-time care and for that, I am extremely disappointed, they let her down dramatically. I would not recommend Chocolate Works for care, they are simply not up to it. Some staff were good and tried but on the whole, it was very poor. The room was nice and the building too and the care staff all friendly. The cleaning was hit-and-miss.
Staff are very good and deserve all the praise they’ve received in these reviews. I’m disappointed with the food. It could be better quality and served warm enough every day. I don’t think it’s cooked on the premises. I think it’s cooked elsewhere and warmed up on site. Whatever the reason, the quality of food just isn’t good enough. Beautiful surroundings and excellent, caring staff make this a very good care home. If they used better quality ingredients, cooked on site, they would have received five stars from me.
During the last year (2023), I have approached the home managers and shift managers many times on behalf of the elderly (95) female room occupant regarding that the 'house' phone, which is charged at £20.00 per month, was located next to her bed/chair. It was located on the opposite side of the room which meant that the occupant could not answer it as she has suffered with leg ulcers since (and before) entering the home. Once more (today) I asked the shift manager if the phone could be moved she replied 'no, someone could trip over the wire'. When I suggested the wire could be clipped to the skirting board there was no response. When I asked for the company CEO's contact details, she would not supply them. On visiting today the phone has been relocated! The manager's responses have been very poor and I intend to inform them of this situation.
I am so grateful to the Chocolate Works. Both my parents were well looked after there, initially in a very nice apartment, and then as their conditions deterorated, within the other communities within the home. My mother died within a year of arrival, but my father spent about 4 years on the dementia floor, Riverside, where he received excellent care, although I know his vascular dementia made him a very difficult patient to deal with. He passed away shortly before his 96th Birthday, and I am sure that the care he received was in no small measure why he reached such an advanced age, despite several medical conditions. The carers have a demanding job, and despite often being in the home I witnessed nothing but kindness, patience and consideration. The medical care is excellent, and the dispensing of prescriptions is taken very seriously. There are good contacts to GPs and regular rounds. Location good - riverside walks nearby, and Rowntree Park.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff working at Chocolate Works. It is all of you that make this home so special. Both of my parents lived at Chocolate Works - my mam for three years and my dad for four years. Staff have demonstrated such kindness and compassion throughout this period, and supported both my parents as their condition and needs changed. The range of activities offered to support their quality of life were excellent and appropriate, respecting their choices and dignity. I also want to thank staff for their courage, standing with me to ensure their wishes for their care were maintained throughout. Both my parents died at home, surrounded by the love of their Chocolate Works family. Our family have such respect and gratitude to you all.
Dad is safe and well cared for. Staff are attentive and sensitive to his needs and respond quickly to any family requests. The Chocolate Works is efficiently managed and has a wealth of activities on offer, although Dad chooses not to access these. Dad is treated with respect and dignity and enjoys very positive relationships with all of the staff.
My mother has been treated with such care and dignity throughout her stay at the care home. This was especially so when on her 102 birthday a whole team organised a party, decorations, presents etc. I know my mother is in the best of care homes at the Chocolate Works. I’m kept up to date with any and numerous events she is involved with taking part in. I thoroughly recommend this home. Everyone involved - reception, cleaners, caterers are all of a compassionate and caring nature. Thank you all.
My husband has been resident for eight months at Chocolate Works Care Village. He was greeted from the moment of arrival, with a warm and friendly welcome. Each and every carer has learned his name and they always respect his needs. He often speaks of his great happiness to have found a place in Chocolate Works. The staff know his likes and dislikes and each one goes “the extra mile” in caring for him. All the nursing care are wonderful and considerate of his many health issues. My family and I are always made to feel welcome during visits. Overall the care he receives is marvellous.
My cousin has been in minster rooms since December 2022. The care she gets is second to none, absolutely fantastic staff all around. The food is brilliant and well presented and plenty to do activity-wise. All around perfect. Thank you.
Never known such caring, compassionate and loving staff. Never seen such care given to patients, highly recommend. Nothing is too much for the staff, be it from comfort to a cup of tea. It's truly amazing.
An impressive imposing structure converted from a former chocolate factory. Accommodation of a very high standard with spacious dining area, lounge and bedrooms supported by appropriate facilities. Staff well trained in house, cope with specific problems and demonstrate a high level of empathy with residents. Be assured residents in very safe hands.
My partner has advanced Alzheimer's disease. She has lost all mobility, can only say the odd word and requires 24 hour bed-nursing. She is given the highest quality of care and with such sensitivity to her needs. I know she could not get better quality of care and emotional support. It is a huge comfort to me - and to us both - to know she is in a care home that is so wonderful.
My mother spent over five years in The Chocolate Works. Mainly on the Knavesmire Floor where she had a large room next to the beautiful Atrium where she could feel included in the community. She was very well looked after and fond of the staff. She could not have been in a better place during Covid. I was kept well informed about her welfare and the response times were very good if she needed assistance. She was very happy there. Poor food. Residents were mostly not given freshly cooked meals but served tray meals. My mother lost a great deal of weight. Later she was moved to Riverside. The layout is not ideal. Residents are confined to rooms rather isolated. Long walks to public areas. Difficult for poor staff to respond quickly to calls for assistance. Food is often served cold in rooms and dietary requirements are not followed. End-of-life care was sensitive and supportive to me. Reception, Management, Nursing, Caterers and Carers became my mother's second family. We were grateful that she was happy and secure there.
I would just like to thank all the staff of Choc Works for the devotion and love given to my aunt over the years she was residential in the home. We visited as often as we could from Cardiff South Wales. Every time we visited it was lovely to see the beautiful homes and their amazing staircase and everything was so clean and sparkled. The staff were so helpful happy to chat and very caring to my aunty. It still hasn't really sunk in that she's no longer with us having passed away on 17th July whilst we were on holiday. R.I.P. We will always love you always!
After several years on Knavesmire, Mum had to be moved to Riverside as her physical and mental condition required more care. She received such good care there that her Cellulitis improved significantly. The staff were very caring and management listened to any concerns we had, such as Mum's hatred of the hoist, male staff undertaking her personal care, and did their best to balance her needs with her wishes. We did feel there could have been better liaison between Knavesmire & Riverside, e.g. regarding Mum's meals. She never liked red meat, preferring fish and chicken & felt over-faced by the portion sizes. Also, we were disappointed that her clothes sometimes disappeared & she'd be wearing someone else's. However, Mum's end-of-life care was excellent. All the staff treated her with respect & friendship and she became very fond of them and vice-versa. During her final weeks, everything possible was done to keep her pain-free & to reassure & comfort her. They even reassured & comforted us.
My Mother has been a resident for over 4 years. The first 2 years were on the main floor when she was ambulatory. Then mother had 3 strokes and fell and broke her back. Since then she has been on the top floor, bedridden. For the first 2 years, she enjoyed herself and was well taken care of. After her strokes and now residing on the top floor her care and mental health has not been as good. I call her every day on video call and most of our calls are filled with tears. She has some issues hearing and she does not want to leave her room. She will be 89 this month and in my opinion, is miserable. She tells me she doesn't want to be alive anymore. This is not the home's fault but the UK system. Senior management and staff are great. Daily care and junior staff are OK. Some carer's knowledge of English could be better. The monthly fees are in my opinion, very high. Looking after old people is a tough job. and getting old is not pleasant. I hope she gets her wish soon.
Mum spent the last couple of months of her life at the Chocolate Works. From the first conversation to the last, I cannot praise this establishment highly enough. The staff in all roles are outstanding, and the facilities are first class. They made my Mum's final days comfortable, with dignity and love. Outstanding!
Thank you to everyone at the Chocolate Works for looking after my father-in-law for the last six months of his life. We only wish we could have persuaded him to move in with you earlier. Everything was easy to arrange - even moving him from the huge apartment we thought he'd love to a much smaller room in the 'thick of it'. He really appreciated having people popping in and out and knowing that there were people around at all times. He loved the food - especially his cooked breakfasts - and was looking forward to giving a talk to other residents about his book collecting. Sadly, a stay in York Hospital put paid to that. It was a huge relief for the entire family when we knew he was safely in your care and that you would call a doctor or district nurse whenever he needed. Special thanks to two ladies for being so kind.
My mother has been a Chocolate Works Care Village resident for almost two years. She had been experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and could no longer take care of herself. Moving into a care home was not easy - in fact, it had always been her worst nightmare. The staff were immediately on to this and took great pains to settle her in. Family members noticed a change in her almost immediately. She made friends with the other residents and the staff, began to join in the daytime activities, and just seemed happier. Eating the nutritious, well-prepared meals, she soon started recovering her physical strength. Even her memory and communication skills improved. The building at the Care Village is impressive, but it's the staff that make the place special. Three members of staff have been nothing short of angels. They have provided care that is both professional and has a real family feel. They have come through for us time and time again. This place has saved my mother's life.
My father lived in the Chocolate Works for several years and was extremely well looked after by all the staff there, all of whom he thoroughly enjoyed engaging with and I know many of them were fond of him. Some weeks before he died he had a stroke and was in York hospital for a while where I visited him daily. He was soon brought back to the Chocolate Works in an ambulance and settled back into his room but sadly, he died a few days later. I was relieved that he died with people around him who he knew and that he didn't suffer for too long with the stroke and the staff were all very kind to me, allowing me to spend some time with him after his death. My thanks go to all the staff who, over the years my father was there, cared for him, washed him, dressed him, and generally made sure he was happy and comfortable. It was also wonderful to see a few of the staff attend his funeral at the crematorium. Thank you all.
My partner went in for pain control and full-time nursing care but she simply did not receive it. The nursing staff showed very little interest in administering the pain relief needed even though I offered to explain the operation of the device. The changeover of staff overnight was frequent and no attempt was made to pass on the information from one to the other of the nurses leading to my partner being dependent on me coming in at 3 or 4 in the middle of the night to administer the pain relief because the staff were unaware of the issues faced by my partner. She simply did not receive full-time care and for that, I am extremely disappointed, they let her down dramatically. I would not recommend Chocolate Works for care, they are simply not up to it. Some staff were good and tried but on the whole, it was very poor. The room was nice and the building too and the care staff all friendly. The cleaning was hit-and-miss.
Staff are very good and deserve all the praise they’ve received in these reviews. I’m disappointed with the food. It could be better quality and served warm enough every day. I don’t think it’s cooked on the premises. I think it’s cooked elsewhere and warmed up on site. Whatever the reason, the quality of food just isn’t good enough. Beautiful surroundings and excellent, caring staff make this a very good care home. If they used better quality ingredients, cooked on site, they would have received five stars from me.
During the last year (2023), I have approached the home managers and shift managers many times on behalf of the elderly (95) female room occupant regarding that the 'house' phone, which is charged at £20.00 per month, was located next to her bed/chair. It was located on the opposite side of the room which meant that the occupant could not answer it as she has suffered with leg ulcers since (and before) entering the home. Once more (today) I asked the shift manager if the phone could be moved she replied 'no, someone could trip over the wire'. When I suggested the wire could be clipped to the skirting board there was no response. When I asked for the company CEO's contact details, she would not supply them. On visiting today the phone has been relocated! The manager's responses have been very poor and I intend to inform them of this situation.
I am so grateful to the Chocolate Works. Both my parents were well looked after there, initially in a very nice apartment, and then as their conditions deterorated, within the other communities within the home. My mother died within a year of arrival, but my father spent about 4 years on the dementia floor, Riverside, where he received excellent care, although I know his vascular dementia made him a very difficult patient to deal with. He passed away shortly before his 96th Birthday, and I am sure that the care he received was in no small measure why he reached such an advanced age, despite several medical conditions. The carers have a demanding job, and despite often being in the home I witnessed nothing but kindness, patience and consideration. The medical care is excellent, and the dispensing of prescriptions is taken very seriously. There are good contacts to GPs and regular rounds. Location good - riverside walks nearby, and Rowntree Park.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff working at Chocolate Works. It is all of you that make this home so special. Both of my parents lived at Chocolate Works - my mam for three years and my dad for four years. Staff have demonstrated such kindness and compassion throughout this period, and supported both my parents as their condition and needs changed. The range of activities offered to support their quality of life were excellent and appropriate, respecting their choices and dignity. I also want to thank staff for their courage, standing with me to ensure their wishes for their care were maintained throughout. Both my parents died at home, surrounded by the love of their Chocolate Works family. Our family have such respect and gratitude to you all.
Dad is safe and well cared for. Staff are attentive and sensitive to his needs and respond quickly to any family requests. The Chocolate Works is efficiently managed and has a wealth of activities on offer, although Dad chooses not to access these. Dad is treated with respect and dignity and enjoys very positive relationships with all of the staff.
My mother has been treated with such care and dignity throughout her stay at the care home. This was especially so when on her 102 birthday a whole team organised a party, decorations, presents etc. I know my mother is in the best of care homes at the Chocolate Works. I’m kept up to date with any and numerous events she is involved with taking part in. I thoroughly recommend this home. Everyone involved - reception, cleaners, caterers are all of a compassionate and caring nature. Thank you all.
My husband has been resident for eight months at Chocolate Works Care Village. He was greeted from the moment of arrival, with a warm and friendly welcome. Each and every carer has learned his name and they always respect his needs. He often speaks of his great happiness to have found a place in Chocolate Works. The staff know his likes and dislikes and each one goes “the extra mile” in caring for him. All the nursing care are wonderful and considerate of his many health issues. My family and I are always made to feel welcome during visits. Overall the care he receives is marvellous.
My cousin has been in minster rooms since December 2022. The care she gets is second to none, absolutely fantastic staff all around. The food is brilliant and well presented and plenty to do activity-wise. All around perfect. Thank you.
Never known such caring, compassionate and loving staff. Never seen such care given to patients, highly recommend. Nothing is too much for the staff, be it from comfort to a cup of tea. It's truly amazing.