My mother was in Blenheim Lodge for two years until November 2016 when, sadly, she died. I feel Blenheim Lodge provided truly exceptional care and friendship to her for her final years.
We viewed several care homes in and around Minehead as she wanted to stay near all her friends despite all her family living a long way away. We chose Blenheim Lodge as after the welcome and information given by the Manager, who showed us all around and introduced us to some of the care staff. We both liked the place and the staff very much and came away with the general ‘feel’ that it is a relaxed, happy and very caring home.
From when she arrived, the staff at Blenheim Lodge did everything to help make her welcome and comfortable from seating her in the dining room with like-minded people and encouraging her to take part in the activities offered. Mum very much enjoyed participating in these activities (which included Tai Chi, carpet bowls, quizzes, crosswords or newspaper article discussion) and found them a great distraction from her ailments and aches and pains, as well as providing companionship with the other residents. That was in addition to the genuine friendliness and caring attitude shown by all the staff.
As her health deteriorated over time she became more frail and did need more care but still was fiercely independent. The carers respected this totally and were kind and willing in their care but encouraging for her to do what she could herself.
At times, if mum were upset after one of us had just left having been visiting her for a few days, it was lovely to hear that one of the staff had managed to sit with mum for a while and played cards or did the crossword with her to cheer her up. Or other times someone had taken the trouble to take mum out in a wheelchair around Blenheim Gardens or down to the seafront, which happened regularly when one or other of the family were not around. All these are activities which mum so enjoyed.
Another aspect we appreciated was the communication – we had regular email or phone contact for anything which needed discussion or just to keep us updated. And care staff always made time on our visits to update us on how everything was going if we wanted to speak with them about anything.
As her health deteriorated I can only say that I think everyone at Blenheim Lodge went above and beyond in their care of mum. The fact that they were able to offer ‘end of life’ care when it was obvious she was going downhill (and did not entail mum being moved to a Nursing Home which is what I understand happens to residents of several care homes when their care plan becomes more Nursing focussed) was wonderful. All our family were with mum over her last days and witnessed the kindness and really professional care given to her. The staff were also extremely supportive of us as a family throughout the time mum was there and at the end.
All in all I cannot praise Blenheim Lodge too highly.
Posted on NHS site on 17 January 2017
We viewed several care homes in and around Minehead as she wanted to stay near all her friends despite all her family living a long way away. We chose Blenheim Lodge as after the welcome and information given by the Manager, who showed us all around and introduced us to some of the care staff. We both liked the place and the staff very much and came away with the general ‘feel’ that it is a relaxed, happy and very caring home.
From when she arrived, the staff at Blenheim Lodge did everything to help make her welcome and comfortable from seating her in the dining room with like-minded people and encouraging her to take part in the activities offered. Mum very much enjoyed participating in these activities (which included Tai Chi, carpet bowls, quizzes, crosswords or newspaper article discussion) and found them a great distraction from her ailments and aches and pains, as well as providing companionship with the other residents. That was in addition to the genuine friendliness and caring attitude shown by all the staff.
As her health deteriorated over time she became more frail and did need more care but still was fiercely independent. The carers respected this totally and were kind and willing in their care but encouraging for her to do what she could herself.
At times, if mum were upset after one of us had just left having been visiting her for a few days, it was lovely to hear that one of the staff had managed to sit with mum for a while and played cards or did the crossword with her to cheer her up. Or other times someone had taken the trouble to take mum out in a wheelchair around Blenheim Gardens or down to the seafront, which happened regularly when one or other of the family were not around. All these are activities which mum so enjoyed.
Another aspect we appreciated was the communication – we had regular email or phone contact for anything which needed discussion or just to keep us updated. And care staff always made time on our visits to update us on how everything was going if we wanted to speak with them about anything.
As her health deteriorated I can only say that I think everyone at Blenheim Lodge went above and beyond in their care of mum. The fact that they were able to offer ‘end of life’ care when it was obvious she was going downhill (and did not entail mum being moved to a Nursing Home which is what I understand happens to residents of several care homes when their care plan becomes more Nursing focussed) was wonderful. All our family were with mum over her last days and witnessed the kindness and really professional care given to her. The staff were also extremely supportive of us as a family throughout the time mum was there and at the end.
All in all I cannot praise Blenheim Lodge too highly.
Posted on NHS site on 17 January 2017