Well Springs Nursing Home

We were worried about Care Homes because of the bad press some have received and we had always hoped to care for my parent at home. Well Springs surpassed all our hopes in every way; we were looking for end of life care and had had some poor experience in the care received in hospital,which was very disappointing and upsetting and had left us feeling very vulnerable and anxious. From the initial visit until the day when my parent passed away, nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The kept us up to date with all plans and consulted us regularly, so that as far as possible, all our wishes and that of the patient were kept in mind. They treated the patient with respect and were gentle and always professional in their attitude,They were sensitive to the physical and emotional needs not only of the patient but of the whole family, and made it clear that we were welcome to be present at any time of the day or night, always offering refreshment to whoever was sitting with the patient, even if there were a number of us. The patient and the family were treated as people as opposed to 'just' clients and we were always greeted by name and made to feel welcome at all times. Towards the end, when it was clear that there was little time left, the Matron made it possible for the patient to be moved to a nicer room with a lovely view and more space for the family. Nurses were always on hand to check on the patient's well being and were available to answer any questions, and give advice about how the situation should be handled. Staff were aware that there was a certain amount of medical knowledge in the family and were careful to discuss matters as opposed to making unilateral decisions about care. At all times, staff were humane and considerate and took our needs into account in a holistic way. After the patient had died, they were a sensitive to the needs of the whole family and worked quietly and efficiently behind the scenes. They treated the patient with dignity at all times. A final touch, which we found genuinely moving, was that Well Springs sent two members of staff to attend the funeral service - which we felt was going way beyond anything we would have expected. Overall, we could not recommend Well Springs too highly - and we would regard ourselves as extremely fussy. We felt that, had we been looking after the patient ourselves at home, we could not have done a better job. Thank you very much Well Springs.
Original Comment Report...

When we as a family were looking for a new care home for dad it was very important to try and find somewhere that would 1. encourage and facility dad with interaction and independence when he was good 2. Notice and take appropriate action when he was unwell and finally thinking ahead somewhere we felt would be able to provide the level of end of life care we would want for dad and support for mum.The care dad has received at Wells Springs has surpassed our high expectations, he has enjoyed the last 9 months to the limits of his ability and this has been enabled and facilitated by the brilliant care and staff in the home. The memories we have of dad are of lunch in the sun in the garden by the pond, lunch at Harry Ramsdens which he looked forward to for weeks ( dad always liked something to look forward to) him singing/ howling along to music in the lounge. We can not thank you enough for helping us and enabling us all to enjoy our time with dad as we have, and looking after after him mum and us in his final days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts , Maria, val, Chris and Sean Dooley and families.
Original Comment Report...

Probably one of the most difficult decisions in life arises when a loved one needs to move into residential care. The best thing about Well Springs Nursing Home is the staff. They care for the residents with infinite patience and dignity thus ensuring a happy, homely environment. Everyone is very welcoming - it is lovely to see residents and visitors greeted by name and with a smile! The decor is well maintained with lovely bedrooms which residents are encouraged to personalise and many a visit has been enjoyed sitting in the beautiful garden. Having made regular visits to see my mother, a resident since 2010, and seen the loving care provided, there is no doubt that Well Springs was the right choice for her.
Original Comment Report...