Reviews for Austen House Care Home

"Mum has been here 2 years. I am very happy with Barchester Austen House and would not hesitate tho recommend to others. I am particularly pleased with the staff at Austen House some of whom have direct responsibility for mum's care and well being. I would highlight one staff member in particular who is fantastic at helping mum keep happy and is an exceptional carer, as are two further members of the team, we frankly could not ask for more from these kind people. In addition the 2 ladies on reception are always engaging and welcoming when we visit. One of the ladies who provides nursing care is excellent, always on the ball and very proactive and is great at keeping us informed. We thank her for effectively optimising mum's health and welfare. The staff all know mum exceptionally well and this approach means she gets the very best we could expect . Thank you. The home itself is well managed by the manager, all food cooked from scratch with good choices and varied menus and good quality."

Mike B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"Mum has been here 2 years. I am very happy with Barchester Austen House and would not hesitate tho recommend to others. I am particularly pleased with the staff at Austen House some of whom have direct responsibility for mum's care and well being. I would highlight one staff member in particular who is fantastic at helping mum keep happy and is an exceptional carer, as are two further members of the team, we frankly could not ask for more from these kind people. In addition the 2 ladies on reception are always engaging and welcoming when we visit. One of the ladies who provides nursing care is excellent, always on the ball and very proactive and is great at keeping us informed. We thank her for effectively optimising mum's health and welfare. The staff all know mum exceptionally well and this approach means she gets the very best we could expect . Thank you. The home itself is well managed by the manager, all food cooked from scratch with good choices and varied menus and good quality."

Mike B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"I've always found the home to be warm and friendly with excellent staff! I've always found my sisters care has been excellent. I enjoy coming to the home as everybody is so welcoming."

Virginia L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"I've always found the home to be warm and friendly with excellent staff! I've always found my sisters care has been excellent. I enjoy coming to the home as everybody is so welcoming."

Virginia L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"The staff in all departments are welcoming, friendly and caring. The daily routine of the homes well managed to the benefit of the residents. All staff know my wife by name and always have a warm welcome which makes my wife feel cared for. The home is safe, warm and secure which is what is desired. Entertainment, food, and gardens are all very good. I take comfort that my wife is in good hands."

Chris G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"The staff in all departments are welcoming, friendly and caring. The daily routine of the homes well managed to the benefit of the residents. All staff know my wife by name and always have a warm welcome which makes my wife feel cared for. The home is safe, warm and secure which is what is desired. Entertainment, food, and gardens are all very good. I take comfort that my wife is in good hands."

Chris G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"My mother has been here for a year and we are extremely pleased with her care. All the staff are kind, welcoming and caring. All the staff are respectful and professional in their approach to my mother. She is encouraged to join in with all the activities on offer. She is safe and happy - thank you."

Deborah A
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"My mother has been here for a year and we are extremely pleased with her care. All the staff are kind, welcoming and caring. All the staff are respectful and professional in their approach to my mother. She is encouraged to join in with all the activities on offer. She is safe and happy - thank you."

Deborah A
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Stayed at Austen House as respite care resident following major surgery. Care and service exemplary! Staff warm, friendly and inclusive. Accommodation is comfortable, homely and more than adequate. I was included in Christmas preparations and celebrations, which was so helpful at a difficult time of the year."

G B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"I came here 3 weeks ago, quite ill with a chest infection. I've been looked after extremely well and I am quite well now. I have met lots of lovely people, very caring, very friendly. Lovely people each and every single one of them I crossed off. Everybody works together very well. One lady is very special to me. Makes me feel so welcome."

Annie Joan W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"On the occasional times that I was able to visit my brother-in-law during the few months of his stay at Austen House, I was immediately impressed by the courtesy, respect and kindness of all of the staff to both visitors, relatives and the residents. I know my sister shares this view and on the basis of this experience, we would have no hesitation in recommending Austen House for Dementia care. Thank you to all of the staff for your great work!"

Rob J
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"When entering Austen House we immediately feel at home and have been included in all my brother's activities. He has been happy to make his home here and he loves all the staff. We find them all very caring especially this week. If a problem has occurred it has been dealt with quickly and efficiently."

R L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.25 out of 5

"The staff are to be commended for their cheerful, positive, friendly attitude which is so essential for a care-giving role that they have to daily fulfil - a great approach to an essential service for the vulnerable."

N H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.36 out of 5

"Restaurant - Old people need help cutting up food. Staff very very slow answering the call bell. Unable to understand some staff. Food cooked nicely but could be a better selection. Promises by staff to return and see to your needs took 3 times before they came. Very clean. Entertainment was good. Staff need extra regarding care work. Managers too much paperwork. Otherwise nice people and place."

J G
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.75 out of 5

"My husband's first experience of respite care, and I can't speak highly enough of the care in the home. Everyone is so friendly, good fun and above all 'caring'. My daughter and I had to go on holiday without him, very daunting, but we would have no fear of him coming here again, my praise to the manager, she treats all as friends. My only hope that, if required again, that my husband can come to Austen House with it's 'lovely crew'."

M G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"I am extremely pleased with the care given to my husband."

C D
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Dad cam to Austen House in July and 2 monthson I have seen a great improvement in him. His general manner and ability seem much better. He appears calm and content with being in this home."

A M
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My father was very happy at Austen House. Nurse's, care staff and activities team were excellent and very caring."

B R
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"Good staff, plenty of activities for residents. However, food choices, week to week, seem limited as if it's run on a very tight budget."

R S
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.58 out of 5

"Dad moved into Austen House in April 2019, took a while to settle in, but the staff are very patient and caring. He has now totally settled into his new environment."

M B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.25 out of 5

"My husband became a resident at Austen House in April when circumstances required a change. Fortunately, my family and I have been extremely pleased with the individual care and attention my husband has, and continues to receive. All members of staff, without exception show respect for the individual and concern and care for his well being. Their care and attitude to my husband has made a difficult situation easier to bear."

H C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.00 out of 5

"The care home has been good in that they have been able to get him to have a shower, which I was unable to do. The staff are very good and caring. The food is also very good and plentiful, along with tea and coffee. The facilities are also very well presented."

J H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"During my Aunt's stay, I found all the staff extremely helpful, although the nursing staff changed quite frequently their duty of care was always of good standard. No doubt my Aunt could be a little difficult, she was treated with respect and dignity. I was contacted even if a minor incident occurred. When I visited Austen House everyone was friendly and I was able to speak with a nurse if I had any concerns."

A S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.08 out of 5

"Austen House received my wife from the hospital for end of life care. After initial problems with the type of bed that was suitable for my wife's condition, which was quickly rectified, the care shown by the nurses and staff was very kind and, at times, went beyond what was expected. The room was kept clean and the laundry service was particularly good. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home."

K F
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.27 out of 5

"I am very happy with care, staff all friendly, made welcome. Tea and cakes and asked to join in what everyone is doing. The rooms are tidy and again the staff are very helpful. It has got a lot better with the new management team."

Shirley G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.17 out of 5

"We are very pleased with the care and nursing our relative is receiving and put his improvement down, very much, to the attention he receives."

P W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.08 out of 5

"Very good care of my father. Always clean and well moisturised as of 4 months ago. Big progression within the care home within the past 4 months. Dad is always hydrated and has gained weight and is looking healthy. The room is kept clean and frequently updated with calls on Dad's wellbeing."

Dominique S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.00 out of 5

"I have seen a real change in the last year. My dad is very happy, has gained weight and looks very healthy. The care home is kept in good condition and is very clean! All staff are friendly and welcoming. I feel very comfortable leaving my dad. Staff deserve a lot of praise!"

Danielle S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My father has been a resident at Austen House form September 2017. Before entering the home, he was consistently reluctant to join lunch club or visit a day centre. He now looks forward and participating in the varied activities and garden centre visits and he's rediscovered his singing voice. The general care and attention he receives from all staff is friendly and professional. The food is always of a high standard with a choice of menu."

Fred F
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"Just wanted to say how absolutely delighted and impressed we are with everything about Austen House. Being impressed starts with the moment you arrive in the gardens; and the feelgood factor continues when you enter the reception and goes on when you see the rooms and lounge, dining room etc. The whole ambience is totally pleasing. I have always thought if I end up having to be in a home it would be a total nightmare, but Austen House has changed my mind! But, of course, no matter how wonderful facilities are, in the end, it all comes down to people, and once again it is a big (huge) 10 out of 10. We were very impressed when we were first shown around and with our initial telephone enquiries and since my wife's mother has moved in, we simply can not speak highly enough of everything that has been done for her: the care, the food, and particularly the staff have all been excellent. In summary, we are absolutely convinced we could not have chosen better. Thank you."

Clive B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Staff have always been so polite, nice and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. The rooms are spotless as too is every other part of the facility. Mum is very happy here."

Cheryl H
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"The staff treat my husband who has problems around personal care with patience and dignity. They are very friendly and greet me when I visit my husband and tell me how he has been. The home and his room is kept clean and tidy."

Caroline P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My family and I are very pleased with the care and attention that is given to my husband. He has settled and is reasonably happy although does get his "down" time but enjoys flirting with all the nurses."

Elizabeth L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"A carer from the home attended to my friend at her granddaughter's wedding. He was extremely kind, caring and very attentive to her needs. He made the day very special for her as she could not have attended without transport and a carer. I cannot thank him enough and he mixed so well with all at the event - not easy when he knew no-one."

L C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"We are very happy with Austen House. They make everyone welcome and always happy to help in any way."

T U
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.38 out of 5

"My father was a resident in Loddon Unit for 20 months until his death on Christmas Eve 2015. His behaviour could be a little challenging at times, but he was cared for by the nurses and carers with kindness, patience and even a little gentle teasing and fun. He clearly grew to love them for this and was known for the beaming smile he wore when interacting with staff. The atmosphere on the unit was almost like a family home and visitors (sadly he didn't have many) were made welcome. Dad was always dressed in clean clothes, he had a good choice of food and was fed by staff at mealtimes, and when he wanted to go to his room staff would select something for him to watch on his TV, as he was unable to do this for himself. I could think of him at any time at Austen House, warmly confident that he was being properly looked after. This had not been the case at the previous home (not a Barchester one) he had been in, so I visited often in order to check on his care. Dad's residence at Austen House became an immense relief to me and the rest of Dad's family. We are so grateful."

Anita R
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.00 out of 5

"My father moved into Austen House in June of this year. From day one I have been impressed with the care and attention he receives. He is a very frail 96 year old with vascular dementia. The staff in his section are helpful, caring and efficient. He has a choice of meals and tea and cakes are provided throughout the day. They ensure he is fed, clean and shaved on a daily basis. For the past eight years, I had to look after him and after hospitalisation, the council suggested he went into a nursing home. This was the right decision and now I also have my life back."

Ian A
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"My Father has been a resident at Austen House (Bourne Unit) since August 2015. He has Vascular Dementia... The care he receives is very good. Communication from Austen House to my family and I has much improved over the last 4/5 months in that we receive proactive updates on his well-being, health etc. - through telephone calls and newly-commenced "Relatives Meetings". This was not the case when he first went there. There has been a large turnover of senior management staff and Dementia Nursing Staff (which is being addressed). Most, fortunately, the same wonderful Carers have been looking after my Father since his arrival there, so they know him and they know me and my Family. Barchester Homes are finally investing in Austen House with planned (long overdue) redecoration in all Units. Alas, my Father's Unit will be the last one to be completely updated, although some walls in corridors have been painted thus making it brighter (& helpful & calming to the residents)."

Pam H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.08 out of 5

"Carers good. Could be better! Response to residents call varies depending on carer on duty. Has improved since new manager appointed."

Malcom C
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.92 out of 5

"The home is well run. It can be short of staff especially at weekends but this is a country problem as there are not many people who will do the job. Overall, all staff do a very good job in which is a very stressful occupation. The entertainment team work hard and fill as much time as they can."

P G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"We had to quickly find a care/nursing home for mum after a traumatic and life changing fall left her needing 24-hour care. My father is elderly too and needed somewhere close to their and my home. This fitted the bill. Mum is happy here, well fed and looked after by a team of carers who've taken the time to get to know her and us. Dad, myself and other family members can visit mum whenever we wish knowing she is in a home she likes, safe, secure, well fed, clean and warm. What could any daughter ask of her much loved mum's care. Thank you."

Eileen F
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Too often, agency carers, some of whom don't quite understand what is required of them. Rarely does a carer look in to see if the resident is alright. Meals can often be left on the bedside table out of the patient's reach - not all carers do this! Usually, a new carer just started. Residents may have a long wait to be cleaned and made comfortable."

Malcolm C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.25 out of 5

"The staff in the Kennet area at Austen House Care Home are an exceptional group of nurses and carers. My mother spent the last eight months of her life here and she was very happy. During this time her care was second to none and the staff showed great friendship towards her. Knowing that she was happy, safe and secure gave me peace of mind. When I visited her I too was shown a friendly welcome and I was kept informed of any changes. We were able to personalise her room with her pictures, ornaments and soft toys which made her feel at home. I would not hesitate to recommend Austen House Care Home to anyone looking for a nursing care home."

Frances J
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My husband has been at Austen House since January 2017. He has settled well and I am very pleased. I must compliment the staff for their understanding, warmth and wonderful care they have shown to my husband and in fact myself also. They exercise terrific patience and comfort. I always find him in clean clothes and neatly shaven. Compliments must also be paid to the catering staff, who provide a varied menu. I must mention that I am very impressed with our new manageress and look forward to watching her new inspirations manifest."

B O
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.33 out of 5

"Austen House nursing staff, care staff and the manager all give care and demonstrate respect, understanding, constant skill and patience. This creates a really caring community and willingness to respond in creative ways to numerous and constant demand. The atmosphere is positive, teamwork is good, there is great spirit and enthusiasm evident in the staff teams. Areas that need to be developed are the use of the gardens, singers, musicians, entertainers, music and artwork, I think. Getting more people out of their rooms. We are very pleased with Austen House."

David G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Some carers are good. New management is looking good and trying to improve the quality of care."

H Z-X
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.08 out of 5

"My mum came here for the second time for respite care. Everyone made her feel very welcome which helped her anxiety. Four carers, in particular, were very reassuring to my mum. Thank you."

Carol W
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.83 out of 5

"Very polite and friendly. I had my daughter with me and she was given colouring to do while I talk to dad. Would like my dad to be taken out a little more often either simply on a walk, out in the garden which he loves to help look after here or to garden centre for example. I am hoping to take him out with me next time I visit for a walk also. Dad always seems very happy here and relaxed and very well looked after."

D W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.82 out of 5

"The care my mother has received has been exceptional I am happy that she is safe, well cared for and as happy as she can be given her advanced dementia. The staff are always helpful and friendly and I hope my father will join my mother soon."

Trish E
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"All the carers I have come across are very good."

Hazel P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5