Recommendations posted by relatives of Rose Lodge at www.carehome.co.uk, the prime website for people looking for a care home:

Posted: 22 Jan 2012 by Alison S (Daughter of resident)
Moving Mum into a care home was heart-breaking as we thought that this would be the end of her independence and the end of any quality of life for her. How wrong could we be! In actual fact with the support and encouragement of the staff at Rose Lodge, Mum regained her independence without the worry of everyday tasks that had become such a problem at home and she had a much improved quality of life. She was back walking and exploring the countryside again, she had trips out, she went to art exhibitions, fetes, concerts and a musical to name but a few. Mum was in charge of looking after the chickens and collecting eggs, helping with the garden and other tasks in and around Rose Lodge which gave her back her feeling of self worth. Most importantly of all, she was so well cared for and respected, which eased our worried minds and is exactly what she deserved. The activity schedule at Rose Lodge is second to none in our opinion, having visited many, many homes across Devon. Sadly, we lost Mum just before Christmas – she was still in her prime and had so much more to give, but we couldn’t have wished for a more caring, excellently managed, friendly and cheerful home for Mum to have lived at. Thank you Rose Lodge – you have set the standard for all other homes to follow!

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 by John W (Brother of resident)
I can only agree with others that the care and attention received by my sister at Rose Lodge is exemplary. She has been there over two years now and always treated by kindly and sensitive staff. Her room is warm, bright and airy. She tends to be a loner but no activities are forced upon her and she enjoys pets being brought to her room. Her diginity is respected in contrast to so much we see on television. Living a long way away, I appreciate the busy manager always being willing to discuss any concerns I may have over my sister’s health.

Posted: 12 Jan 2012 by Gill B (daughter of resident)
I am re-iterating my sister’s words. Although he lacks any recent memory, our Dad is physically very active and highly sociable. His problem centred around loneliness and severe panic at not knowing what he was supposed to be doing, or often where he was. His self esteem was nil, he called himself ’stupid’. Since arriving at Rose Lodge, he has found a purpose – he is encouraged to use his own initiative in the garden. He has company whenever he needs it. Whenever I arrive he is chatting or gardening or, yes, dancing!!! It is as close as one could get, under these circumstances, to a home. Most praise goes to the staff – each and every one is a gem, and I can’t praise them highly enough. I would recommend Rose Lodge to anyone who is feeling as worried and guilty as we were.

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 by Pam D (Daughter of resident (living in Reading))
My Dad went to Rose Lodge initially for a month. He was confused about everything and panic stricken.When I saw him about 3 weeks after the move the worry and panic had left his face. I knew he had been doing all sorts of activities (although he can’t remember) from the website and the staff, and for the first time for ages he wasn’t lonely, panic-stricken or bored. Without the constant worry of survival in a world where memory is imperative he has blossomed and has regained self worth and self esteem. He loves gardening and was encouraged to clear some moss from a slippery area – and he felt so valued. He has now been promised further projects on the gardening front. He feels that Rose Lodge needs him and helping others has always been a high priority in his life. This has transformed his outlook on life. He has found several other residents in a similar situation to himself – indeed I have just heard that they are going to a local football match as well as their usual trips out! The move to Rose Lodge is now permanent – he has a lovely bright room overlooking the garden! My sister and I now know that Dad is cared for and valued – so that our ‘guilt feelings’ are greatly reduced and we can now enjoy the time we spend with him and also with our partners without him. Thank you and bless you Rose Lodge for all you are doing!

Posted: 08 Jan 2012 by Sarah R (daughter of a resident)
My mother moved into Rose Lodge from another care home in the middle of 2011 as her needs changed due to advancing dementia. I cannot praise highly enough the care that she has received since becoming a resident at Rose Lodge. She has gone from being lonely, unhappy and isolated to becoming an involved member of an active and vibrant community where her needs and personal interests are appreciated and catered for. She goes out walking with the rambling group, gets taken out to a dementia singing group weekly and more than once I have arrived at the home for a visit to find her dancing and singing in the lounge with other residents and staff. Her room is always clean, she enjoys the food and the home is friendly and welcoming whenever I visit. The garden and patio are wonderful assets that she enjoys very much and the pleasure that the resident pets give her is a joy to see. I don’t live nearby and so only visit a couple of times a month but it has been an enormous relief to me to know that my mother is being cared for in such a nice environment and by staff who really care. The level of communication from the home is great and the management excellent. I am enormously grateful that my mother is a resident at Rose Lodge.

Posted: 06 Jan 2012 by Lynne (Duaghter of a resident)
I have nothing but praise for Rose Lodge!! If anyone has any doubts, then please, let them end now. For many months I tried to keep my father in his home, that he loved dearly and in his own familiar enviroment. We struggled on with various care packages but it was becoming very apparent these were not suitable. I was given details of a few care homes and after visiting them I chose Rose Lodge because it was SO evident that it was a caring, homely, friendly place. I have complete confidence in the management and all the staff. When you are putting a loved one into a care home you go through so many emotions and worries, these were all taken away from me after my first visit. Even my father says ” this is a lovely hotel”. He is well cared for, and eats them out of house and home, which is just what he needed. When I visit it’s just like popping into my fathers own house, you can turn up any time, stay as long as you like. The activities provided are excellent, entertainment nearly every day, and the residents love to join in. Trips out are arranged , a recent one being to a Carol Service. Dad is being taken to a football match soon, nothing is too much trouble and every resident’s needs are catered for, even his pet was given a home there! On a more serious note of medical care, this is excellent, there have been 2 or 3 times when important medical attention was called for, I was informed each time, kept fully up to date at all times of the day, all accurately followed up. Proper, precise records are kept and relatives are always included in any care package plans. A great worry has been taken away from me, it is so nice to know my father is really looked after, fed well, his personal care is managed very well and he is the picture of health. My appreciation certainly goes out to all at Rose Lodge.

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 by Barry C (Husband of resident)
Margaret joined Rose Lodge as a resident in August 2010. I had battled manfully for many months to cope with Margaret’s many needs, Rose Lodge was recomended to me. After my initial meeting I went to Rose Lodge to have a look round. I noticed that there was a good atmosphere in the place and was very happy when she was accepted as a resident. Margaret has been there for all these months. There have been a few hiccups during her stay but these have always been resolved by the staff. Margaret seems quite happy at Rose Lodge and responds to the sympathetic staff, I cannot fault Rose Lodge. There is always plenty for Margaret to do. The food is good and the resident’s rooms are always clean and tidy. In conclusion,it would be difficult to find fault with Rose Lodge.The many interests include music,parties,outings,theater etc etc. I also enjoy talking to the residents.

Posted: 03 Jan 2012 by julia b (daughter of resident)
Looking for a home for my mother was not easy and it was a relief to find Rose Lodge where care is person centered and the emphasis is on enabling residents to use their life skills and experience as fully as possible. My mother has taken up painting again, enjoys participating in daily living activities around the home, as well as frequent trips out including beach combing and local rambles. Her room opens out onto the garden where in good weather she loves pottering about and showing visitors, especially her great grandchildren, the hens and pond fish. The resident cat is often to be found curled up contentedly at the end of her bed. The care staff are patient and kind and many have told me they love their job. The owners and home manager are very much ‘hands on’ helping to ensure that standards remain high. Whenever I visit I am made to feel very welcome, often with a pot of tea and my grandchildren especially love being able to see photos of what their great granny is up to on the home’s web-site blog! Every day I feel grateful to know that my mother is safe and well cared for and happier than she has been for a long time.