Bramley Grove

Despite anyone thinking it is the first resort, this was the hardest and most harrowing decision of our lives,and still is. Dad has been here now nearly 5 months. First impressions were important - and it is small and homely enough - I prefer there being fewer residents and dad can come and go to his room independently. Residents can come and go into the garden too if they are on the ground floor - and on many visits were enjoying the sunshine. The residents also chat to each other - and appear to be at home. Dad prefers quiet so will opt for his bed tho now they have employed an exceptional activities co-ordinator, he is coming out more! They really involve the residents and they have started keeping a journal and they write in it every day - honestly - whether he has joined in or just watched - it is brilliant so you don't have to ask what he has been doing, especially when he doesnt remember The bathrooms and showers were awful for the poor carers - no ventilation but the owner is now upgrading these. The residents can have a shower or a bath whenever they want - whereas he was on a rota in his previous home! The rooms are hit and miss - we asked for dad to be moved from a smelly room - and the old stained bed, and he is now in a lovely bright wooden floored room with new furniture - some are still carpeted though - you have to ask - they do respond. I was promised a telephone line and got dad a special phone with photos of us but that has still not materialised despite there being a phone socket there. His toilet fan was fixed as soon as they realised they would have to air the home if they didnt! The carers are mostly wonderful and caring - dad has his favourites - and really appear to love all the residents there, but have had to contend with a lot of changes and short staffing. They are always keen to hear what has been discussed at the relatives meetings - and I do now feel they are responding. To be honest there is so much to pick up it is difficult to prioritise. There was one stage where it seemed there was an ambulance there every day - now the residents who go off their legs are transferred to the Bramley Court where they use hoists - they don't use any lifting aids here. The meals have improved - there seemed to be little variety and many convenience meals. It slips every now and then when one of the cooks is off sick, but on the whole they have good food - the cook returned from maternity leave and things improved drastically. None of them are starving for sure! Mom struggles more than me as it is really difficult to let go isn't it? On the whole tho I love the staff and what they are trying to do and dad is settled there
Original Comment Report...