Higher Park Lodge

My Grandma was 100 years old and until 3 weeks before she died had lived independently in her house without any form of care. In January 2018, she became unwell quite suddenly with an infection and became very immobile, practically overnight, the GP, Crisis Team and Community Advanced Nurse Practitioner visited her at home and arranged for her to go to Higher Park Lodge on antibiotics, where she stayed for 10 days, when she returned home with a care package. During the period at Higher Park Lodge it was ensured that she was up and dressed everyday and her independence and dignity considered at all times, she returned home, where she seemed better for a few days, she had care going in three times and then four times a day when it became evident she was becoming more unwell again, on Monday 22nd January, she was yet again visited by the GP and the Crisis Team. The decision of whether Grandma should go to hospital to find out what was wrong was upon us, we were also given the option of going back to Higher Park Lodge on antibiotics and possibly end of life care. The family opted for the latter, we couldn’t risk Grandma being admitted to a busy acute environment when we had a good idea of what was going to happen. The arrangements were made and by 6pm that evening she was there. My brother and I made the journey from Sussex knowing that she was very unwell. We visited on the morning of the 24th January, to be told she had perked up a bit, she’d had a bath and was having her hair done in the salon. We waited for her in her room, she was wheeled in and we were met with the biggest smile, we sat her in the chair, chatted and looked at some photographs, she was clearly very poorly, but she enjoyed our company, the staff were so caring and attentive and seemed to enjoy hearing a few stories about us as a family. My parents arrived and shortly afterwards Grandma became more unwell very quickly, she wanted to stay in the chair and that wish was respected, she’d had her hair done, was fully dressed and sat in the chair with her handbag on her lap, she was pain free and there was no distress and she very peacefully passed away with us around her. There is such a thing as a good death and at 100 years old she was granted just that. We will be forever grateful to the Plymouth Community Healthcare System and to Higher Park Lodge for this.
Original Comment Report...

My Mother-in-law, was moved into the home in July 2015, having lived in Southampton for most of her adult life. However as she was showing signs of dementia my wife (her daughter) and her bother took the decision that she would be better cared for in a home with regular visits from daughter. We both visited several homes local to us before deciding that Higher Park Lodge was suitable for her. With support from her son she moved in and settle remarkable well. Yes she still asks about her old home but she has never complained about the care and comfort she has received while at HPL. Last month she celebrated her 90th birthday and we took here out to lunch and then returned where they had arranged a nice birthday tea and cake for her. The staff have all been both very supportive and very friendly during all our visits. We drop in at any time we are passing so have been there between 9am and 7pm and always been well received and never had any concerns. The staff and management have taken full responsibility for her well being and while we feel able to input anything we wish too we are very confident that they have all aspects off her care well in hand. All the staff have always been very friendly to us, so while she does not seem to recognise them due to her dementia we do feel we know many of them and fine them all helpful, kind and considerate. One concern was care for her when we were away and this has not been an issue, indeed she was unwell over Christmas but the team managed the situation well and needed no input from us but kept us fully informed of all steps being taken. We would have no hesitation in recommending HPL to anyone needing such a facility and would be happy to talk to any potential clients families if they so wished. In these times where everyone is quick to find cause to complain we can only say we have not found any issue which has not been responded to both quickly and efficiently - we have 100% confidence in the management of HPL and in the team that they lead.
Original Comment Report...

I was looking for a home to accommodate my nan. She had Dementia and needed care 24/7. I was passed on information about this care home from the hospital. I had heard nothing but brilliant reviews. I called and asked to have a look around, which was not a problem in the slightest. I made the decision to put my nan in the home as I was pleased with what I had seen. It's one of the best decisions I have made. The home is wonderfully welcoming, nothing is to much trouble for the staff. My nan was always happy and well looked after. Not once did I see any example of poor care. All clients were clean and well looked after. The staff were constantly on the ball and answering all bells and any distressed client.Every need she had was met and the staff understood exactly what they had to do to make sure her needs were met and they carried out the best care for her. It was nice how on a couple occasions I visited she was joining in with the activities that were planned for the residents. The staff were quite happy to sit and chat to them about anything with I thought was good. If I had to recommend a home to anyone I would choose this one. The management and staff are very helpful and friendly. Anyone that visits there are able to tell all management and staff know exactly what they are doing and only have one interest and that's making sure all the residents have the best care and are happy. The carers build a wonderful relationship with the residents so they feel at home. The home is run as if it's 'one big family'. Can not praise them enough.
Original Comment Report...