Since my mother, Joan, arrived at Fleetwood Hall in September 2008, I have been very impressed by the care she was given.  Moving my mum from her own home was not an easy decision to take but it had to be made; of that there was no doubt.  My brother and I looked at several places in the area but Fleetwood Hall was by far the best – this judgement proved to be accurate.  Throughout her time there, she was loved, respected and cared for. 

You and your wonderful staff know, Glennis, what I think of you all as I hope I have told you often enough!  I would, however, like to thank you especially for the remarkable care you gave to mum in the last few weeks of her life.

It would not be appropriate to single members of staff out but, on the day mum died, Linda was on duty and I was incredibly impressed and moved by the calm, efficient and yet remarkably sympathetic, way she dealt with all that happened… the respect she was shown by the staff was beautiful.  I would not have wished for anyone better than Linda and her team to be with her at the end. 

Thank you hardly comes close but thank you anyway for caring for my lovely mum and for me.

Keep up the incredible work and remember always the importance of what you are doing.

Sincere thanks and love,

Kathleen L Seredyn

My mother really enjoyed her stay with you and she and I would like to give the highest praise to Diane and her team at Clipstone Hall. My mother is hoping to return as a full time resident in August. Once again, many thanks.

Yours faithfully

CM

I want to thank you for taking care of my mum over the last two years or so.

I always felt I was leaving her in good and safe hands, which has been a great comfort to me.

God bless you all and thanks again.

Initially, my father had two periods of respite at Fleetwood Hall.  Although his needs were minimal at that time, it was clear from the outset that the home was immaculate and well managed and that the care was excellent.  All this I observed for myself.  As a former Deputy Head teacher, I have been involved in numerous inspections, audits and staff appraisals and so I know how to observe.

It was only later, however, when my father’s needs became more complex and he became a permanent resident that I took the real measure of Fleetwood Hall.  Not only were all the staff pro-active and effective, especially the seniors and the management but they were also dedicated and loving.  Each resident, whether on brief respite or long term stay, was treated with compassion, respect and dignity.  In essence, each person was loved.  You cannot put a value on these qualities.

My father was a permanent resident for just over a year.  During this time, although he became increasingly frail, I visited almost daily and at various times so all my comments are based on first hand observations.  When the home developed its dementia unit, I was delighted to witness the growth of a vibrant and again excellent caring environment.  The staff actively embraced the well-managed change, not something I had always experienced in my former career!

So impressed was I that I became a Friend of Orchard and later came out of retirement to become an Activities Co-ordinator.  My motives were not only to contribute to the residents’ lives but also to be part of the wonderful Fleetwood Hall team.

The homes gave me a glorious final year with my father which I would not otherwise have had.  It is not in my power to award Karen and her team a formal accolade but if I could, I most certainly would.

"I am writing to let you know just how grateful I am to your nursing and ancillary staff at (St George’s) Hall for the care and support given to (my mother) during her time there… While I fully support and understand the need for inspections and maintenance of agreed standards in the care sector, I think it is a great pity that the single standard that should concern relatives – the standard of care given directly to the client – cannot be easily defined or measured. If it could be, then there is no doubt in my mind that St George’s Hall would come out as very high indeed. But even more than this – the staff supported me too, in ways I haven’t the words to describe. They are a special group of people who have touched my life, and I will always be grateful for that. I just wanted you to know personally how I felt. I will have no hesitation in recommending the Hall to anyone who asks. I doubt better care could be provided anywhere."

"On behalf of myself and my wife and family, I would like it to go on record our grateful thanks to Andrea and the team at The Sycamores, Norton Road, Wakefield, for the excellent care and attention they gave to my mother Elizabeth Scott during her stay at the home. They ensured that she was happy and comfortable and enjoyed her meals, something she has always remarked on to visitors."

"I write on behalf of all our family to express our sincere thanks for the wonderful care given to my Aunt Gwen Metcalfe... Your staff are an absolute credit to Orchard and they cared for her in a way that can only be described as absolutely top class."

"I felt I must write to say how impressed I am by the care you have given to my mother since she came to Fleetwood Hall... At all times, I am kept in touch with what is happening and am always made to feel welcome when I visit; nothing is too much trouble in terms of giving time to talk and, of course, making a lovely cup of coffee! At the end of one visit, I was upset and there was a shoulder to cry on in the foyer as I left... I find all your staff cheerful, friendly and genuinely caring- as though this is something more than a job to them. "I would recommend Fleetwood Hall to anyone... mum being with you eases these worries enormously. I could not ask for more. Thank you so much for all you and your staff do - I am heartened by your care and concern for mum and for me."

"We hear bad reports regarding the quality of care homes generally in the press and media, my experience with Orchard Care Homes has been quite the opposite. I would like to put on record my appreciation of all the loving care the staff at Priestley Care Home have shown to my mum during her years there, they have done an absolutely wonderful job. My thanks to each and everyone of the staff."

"Many people would only write to you to make a complaint; in my case it is to compliment you on having a first class, front facing honest ambassador, who overflows with her enthusiasm and commitment to your company... although only there for a short time, the standard and professionalism of your staff was nothing short of brilliant and highlighted ‘that personal touch’ every single person we came into contact with, even down to the young lady that cleaned her room were both pleasant, professional and committed to the care of the residents, nothing was too much trouble You have a highly committed workforce that goes that extra mile to ensure that anyone in your care has a feeling of a home from home and are treated with dignity and respect and you are a very lucky company having this ethos that can not be bought, but can only come from within."