Moving a loved one into a home can be very distressing. I found a lovely home but my mother’s needs became too great. She was hospitalised and unable to return. After 7 weeks, the hospital said she was bedridden and incontinent. I was left in the position of having to find another home that could cater for her needs. Recommendation and word of mouth are the best ways of finding such a place. I am SO glad that I heard about Asmall Hall and went to view. Recently taken over I cannot praise it enough. The accommodation and care, the friendly and compassionate staff at all levels, food and overall well-being of the residents are wonderful. If you are considering a care home then do not hesitate to look around and see for yourself what a welcoming and caring environment it is.
My mother walks around the home. Contrary to the hospital’s assessment is neither bedridden or incontinent because the staff have taken the time to encourage her in every aspect of her life. Thank goodness for homes like this!!

Ian had a visit recently from an old friend and his wife from his Leeds University days and I received a letter containing this passage “Although he and you aren’t in a good situation, we think the home you have chosen for him is by far and away the best we have visited, and we thought the staff lovely particularly the way they are treating him”.    The staff involved were mainly Ceri and Grainne on that occasion but obviously others are involved who are just not seen.   This is not the first time this comment has been made to me in fact  these comments have come from Cirencester and Glasgow and lots of places in between.   Our friends,like ourselves, are of an age when sadly we do have experience of visiting Care Homes so these comments are all made from experience.   

I am certainly very grateful for all of the care and kindness shown to Ian and, I may add, also to me.

With reference to Good Companions, I have had association with the home since my Mother became a Resident in 2007. That was prior to the current management taking over. I can only say that I have never had occasion for complaint. The building is always clean and odour free and the Residents appear to be clean, cheerful and contented. So much so, that when my Cousin, Iris Warburton was diagnosed with Dementia and needed full time care, as the Home was now under new Management and registered EMI, I had no hesitation in placing her in there.
The Staff are ALWAYS cheerful, friendly and very approachable, due I am sure, to the excellent leadership shown by the Care Manager Ms. Morris. At the time of my Mothers death in 2012, aged 105, the compassion shown by her and the other Staff members was exceptional and this was carried through both at, and after her funeral. My Cousin Iris was able to attend and was cared for by the Staff members who accompanied her, thus enabling me to deal with the funeral.
If ever I have a need to contact Good Companions, my calls or Emails are answered promptly and pleasantly and Ms Morris has been of great assistance in helping me with my responsibilities concerning the Power of Attorney that I hold for my Cousin, even making enquiries on my behalf and always finding an answer. Nothing has been too much trouble for her to deal with.
I can not praise Good Companions highly enough for the level of care and attention that has been shown to both my relations and myself, during my 10 year association with the Home. This is due I feel, to the excellent Management and Leadership skills shown by the Care Manager Ms. Morris.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you and all you staff for the care, understanding and thoughtfulness shown to Joan during her stay at Good Companions. Your kindness will always be truly appreciated. Once again many thanks!

In Good Companions I found the ideal solution – a wonderful care home with committed and loving care staff who truly deserve an enormous amount of praise for all they do. Nothing has been too much trouble for them and they have treated him with respect and helped to preserve his dignity as well as ensuring he has been very well fed! Because I knew he was safe there the burden on me was lifted slightly, and I knew I could go away on a short holiday without worrying and could always phone to check if he was OK at any time of the day.

To Ceri, Steph, Leanne, Jaya, Shelley, Sheila, Judith, Phil, Debra, Grainne, Olga, Alex, Jo and all the other staff, an enormous thank-you.