Pendene House

When dad was last admitted to hospital, his physical and mental health was such that we could no longer consider a return to his home. It was a painful decision, made worse by the fact that dad didn’t want to go into a home. Under pressure from Social Services to clear his hospital bed, we embarked on the difficult, and, at times, stressful job of finding him a suitable care home. Armed with a booklet of local homes we proceeded to phone one home after another and eventually we’d managed to arrange a few of appointments. It wasn’t a good start. The first home we visited was pretty awful; it was large and impersonal, dark, slightly tatty and in places smelt strongly of urine. Ironically, this particular home had been recommended to us by Social Services! Another home had a mixture of young and older people and specialised in Dementia and learning difficulties; whilst the manager was passionate and devoted to her residents, it was clear that dad would never settle there. Increasingly despondent, I eventually contacted Pendene House and within seconds of talking to the manager I felt like a weight was being lifted. We arranged to visit the next day; tucked away down a quiet cul-de-sac, we were immediately impressed by the cleanliness and fresh smell that greeted us. With less than fifteen residents, there was nice personal feel to the place, the staff looked smart and were clearly interacting in both a professional, friendly and respectful manner. The available rooms had plenty of natural light, and, though simple, were clean and comfortable. We were told that personal belongings could be used to give dad’s room a more homely feel, an offer which was gladly accepted. We were shown the dining room and kitchen area, all of which was modern and spotlessly clean, and it was clear that they took a pride in the food they provided. There’s also a large well tended garden with trees and shrubs, which is a lovely place to sit when the weather permits. Though sadly brief, my dad’s stay at Pendene was comfortable and happy. The staff went out of their way to provide dad with the things that make life still worth living. It was a comfort to know that he was in good hands and we would have no hesitation in recommending Pendene House.
Original Comment Report...

When dad was last admitted to hospital, his physical and mental health was such that we could no longer consider a return to his home. It was a painful decision, made worse by the fact that dad didn’t want to go into a home. Under pressure from Social Services to clear his hospital bed, we embarked on the difficult, and, at times, stressful job of finding him a suitable care home. Armed with a booklet of local homes we proceeded to phone one home after another and eventually we’d managed to arrange a few of appointments. It wasn’t a good start. The first home we visited was pretty awful; it was large and impersonal, dark, slightly tatty and in places smelt strongly of urine. Ironically, this particular home had been recommended to us by Social Services! Another home had a mixture of young and older people and specialised in Dementia and learning difficulties; whilst the manager was passionate and devoted to her residents, it was clear that dad would never settle there. Increasingly despondent, I eventually contacted Pendene House and within seconds of talking to the manager I felt like a weight was being lifted. We arranged to visit the next day; tucked away down a quiet cul-de-sac, we were immediately impressed by the cleanliness and fresh smell that greeted us. With less than fifteen residents, there was nice personal feel to the place, the staff looked smart and were clearly interacting in both a professional, friendly and respectful manner. The available rooms had plenty of natural light, and, though simple, were clean and comfortable. We were told that personal belongings could be used to give dad’s room a more homely feel, an offer which was gladly accepted. We were shown the dining room and kitchen area, all of which was modern and spotlessly clean, and it was clear that they took a pride in the food they provided. There’s also a large well tended garden with trees and shrubs, which is a lovely place to sit when the weather permits. Though sadly brief, my dad’s stay at Pendene was comfortable and happy. The staff went out of their way to provide dad with the things that make life still worth living. It was a comfort to know that he was in good hands and we would have no hesitation in recommending Pendene House.
Original Comment Report...

My mother in law stayed at Pendene House from September 2011 to March 2012, she had dementia and increasing mobility problems. From my first phone call to Pendene House I was impressed with the caring and helpful attitude of all the staff at what was a very difficult time for us. We visited at all times of the day and were always welcomed,, we found the home very clean and many small things were done to my mother in laws room to make it more homely and stimulating for her. I saw many homes before choosing this one, it is small and homely and we felt that my mother in law was comfortable and happy here.
Original Comment Report...