Reviews for Hickathrift House Care Home

"I cannot speak highly enough of the care mum received at Barchester Hickathrift House. She was always happy and content. Nothing was too much trouble, making the last few months bearable both for her and her family. Thank you so much."

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

"I cannot speak highly enough of the care mum received at Barchester Hickathrift House. She was always happy and content. Nothing was too much trouble, making the last few months bearable both for her and her family. Thank you so much."

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

"The care that my wife receives is excellent. The staff are never less than professional, kind and are often more."

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

"Since Covid began in February I have been unable to visit my auntie which I had done before regularly. The lovely care home came up with a brilliant idea of having a room to enter from outside after having my temperature taken, so no entering the home to risk contamination and my auntie on the other side of a clear screen. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the visitors have access to tea and coffee also sealed biscuits. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to hear her or she can’t hear me but there is an intercom system which is brilliant. It has been made so easy to book a visiting slot on their website. I’m so pleased that I can visit and it puts neither of us at any risk. If anyone is thinking of a care home this one is fantastic and puts the residents first their care and happiness are second to none the staff are all like family and their rooms are so comfortable. The staff are always happy and cheerful in their jobs and very accommodating."

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

"My husband has several health problems which now require a team to support. Nobody wants to have to move a loved one into a care home but the team at Hickathrift made the whole process so much easier. They are all extremely supportive and caring to both my husband and myself. They take the time to listen to both of us and get to know the individual. I cannot praise them highly enough for the way they are looking after him. During these difficult times, they have a very work with approach and look to bring out the best in the residents. They all have such a positive and cheerful attitude which is so uplifting for everyone. I cannot recommend this home more highly."

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

"My mother was initially on respite for one week but loved being at Hickathrift so much she chose to stay for 4 weeks. She loved the staff and nothing was too much bother for them. My mother was tremendously well cared for and I had no worries or concerns."

Lynn E
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"My mother has been here for over 6 years and I can honestly say that they are all so caring and helpful. It is a lovely home. It has obviously been difficult over the past year for entertainment to be available but I am sure this will improve shortly."

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

"I have no hesitation in recommending Hickathrift House to anyone looking for a place for an elderly relative or for themselves. My mother is extremely happy there and the love and care the staff show her is wonderful. She has even made friends despite being almost 103 years old and thoroughly enjoys the activities arranged for the residents by the staff. Everyone involved in the home is welcoming, kind, considerate, thoughtful and helpful."

Susan R
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"Being able to visit my mum again was wonderful. The process was well organised in keeping with current Covid-19 regulations. The staff as always were friendly and helpful. They look after my mum so well. We are very lucky she is there."

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

"The manager and the team have been very supportive as I helped my friend move suddenly from her home, via hospital to Hickathrift House. From the initial contact to the move-in day, it was a smooth and supportive process. I was able to talk to the manager about my friend's needs as well as about her as a person - what makes her tick and what's important to her. Given the challenges around COVID security, meaningful solutions were made available and I was enabled to set her room up with familiar belongings to personalise it, ready for her arrival the next day. On the day I was able to again be part of that and help her settle in while following current guidelines. I know from talking, that my friend is feeling safe, secure and looked after. Little touches that are so important to her are being provided and my friend is consistently very complimentary of those who are supporting her. I have a 35+ year career in Health & Social Care and am truly impressed with how they have supported us."

Tay P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.33 out of 5

"The care and love my Mum is shown by the staff at Hickathrift is amazing. Sadly my Mum has dementia and although she doesn't always know who I am when I visit, the connection she has with her carers is very comforting. The indoor visiting room which has been constructed has given all the residents and their families a lifeline to connect with one another again, it's fantastic. This is a truly wonderful home, made even better with a dedicated manageress and her very caring team. Thank you for all you do."

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

"Mum is very happy and content at Hickathrift and most importantly she feels very safe especially at this difficult time. The staff are very caring and approachable nothing seems too much trouble for them. The home is run by an excellent manager and team. The new visitor's suite is such a bonus at this time and is completely covid safe for family members and residents."

Roger D
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"In November 2020 we had to make the very difficult decision to let our mum go into a care home. She has advanced Alzheimer's and we were incredibly worried about making sure that she went to live in the right place for her needs. I cannot praise Hickathrift highly enough. Due to the pandemic it was a very difficult task to try and find the best place for Mum. Mum had to be assessed in hospital and as they needed the bed it was a race against time to arrange a care home that we were happy with. The manager worked incredibly hard to make sure that Mum was able to be picked up and taken to Hickathrift on the designated day. We were all very emotional but the emanager put all of our minds at rest by sorting out all of the paperwork and making sure that Mum was happy. Since being at Hickathrift, Mum has blossomed and is happy and settled for which we as a family are so grateful. Communication is brilliant and all of the staff are so helpful and caring. A fantastic care home. Thank you so much."

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

"My mum has been in Hickathrift for over 3 years and is extremely well cared for in every way and nothing is too much trouble for the staff. There are lots of activities for the residents to join in if they want to. Mum herself says that everyone is so nice to her and that she is very happy, and as she is quite difficult to please sometimes, that is high praise indeed. Everyone has worked so hard to facilitate visiting during these recent difficult times and now have a lovely dedicated meeting room which is very comfortable for all concerned. All of the staff are willing to listen to any comments or concerns and will do anything required to sort any issues out on the few occasions I have needed anything."

Hillary W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"I was able to visit my mum this week in the new covid safe room. This facility has made a vast difference to the home and is a complete new visiting experience. As well as being able to see mum, our two-way conversation was extremely clear on both sides. The staff gave me precise instructions which made me feel very safe. I shall look forward to my next visit with confidence."

Sue D
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"Thanks to all at Hickathrift for looking after my husband throughout this extremely difficult time, it has been hard not seeing him during lockdown but I never had any doubts that he was being well cared for. For me the highlight of this year was when I was able to visit him again, even though it was a window visit it was good to see him looking so happy and well cared for. Over the time my husband has been at Hickathrift, I have come to look on the staff as my friends and I think they have done a wonderful job during this pandemic. Thank you to all."

Jean S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Dad is 91-years-old and suffers with slight dementia. He has been in care at Hickathrift for 14 months. During this time we have never had any concerns about Dad's care or safety. We live close by and my wife was visiting (prior to Pandemic) her dad four times each week and became involved in various activities with Dad and his new family friends. It is a "happy" place, you cannot fail to smile when visiting, the team who work there are all friendly helpful people who CARE. In January this year Dad became extremely ill rather rapidly, he had collapsed in his bathroom, the team, including management, were very quick to react, Dad's GP was consulted and arrangements were made to have emergency ambulance to A&E, Dad was diagnosed with type A Flu and made a full recovery due to the diligence of the team. Since then of course we have endured COVID-19, again the team have demonstrated the utmost care and respect in dealing with the mental stress of being separated from our loved ones."

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

"My Dad stayed at Hickathrift House for two weeks respite in April 2020 during the pandemic, so we were unable to visit him. However, we phoned regularly and were given a full well-informed report. The care staff always answered cheerfully and had obviously had long conversations with my Dad. Receptionists always answered professionally. All members of staff were polite. The manager was kind and reassuring. The building was clean, well decorated, and fresh smelling."

V B
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Hickathrift House staff were very supportive and I left mum in their care with full confidence. Mum had a weeks' respite care and she is not the easiest of characters. They made sure she was included in the activities."

Sheilagh B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"We as a family could not be happier in the knowledge that our mum receives a very high level of care and all her individual needs are looked after. After spending many years alone at home, she has now discovered friends and lives in an active environment where she participates in numerous activities and it's like she has rediscovered many talents that had been left dormant for many years. It not only gives us reassurance that she is safe and cared for, but it is actually great to see the way that she has been encouraged to be part of a larger group of friends, doing things that put a smile on her face. Every time we visit, Mum tells us how they have been doing things together, or just having a giggle."

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

"I can certainly recommend Hickathrift House as a care home. It is well managed and run, being open to visitors without notice/appointment. The staff are extremely committed, helpful and caring and work hard to maintain a community atmosphere. The home maintains all necessary contact with family and is good at following-up and responding to the family with ongoing matters. The home is currently operating with 2 senior vacancies through maternity leave over a number of months. Nevertheless, with well thought out acting-up arrangements, standards are being maintained. Doubtless, it would be possible to get cheaper care, but it is always easy to buy cheap - it is quality that matters!"

Peter F
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"We have found the management and staff at Hickathrift House to be most helpful and professional at what could be a very stressful time for the family of someone being admitted to the home. Each time we have visited the home the atmosphere in the home is always very friendly and caring."

J D
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"I am pleased with almost everything. The building is good but it is split into two. One side is very updated, clean (most people call (the posh side) and the other side, I have heard it called (the smelly side) and not so nice to be in. The staff are all very good."

Peter T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.08 out of 5

"The staff from top to bottom are helpful, caring and understanding. The environment is excellent and the food superb. Nothing is too much trouble. We cannot recommend Hickathrift enough."

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

"It means a lot to me that my lovely partner is happy in Hickathrift House. He has been here for 21 years. I love him to bits, always have. It's expensive for me to see him as I am not allowed to drive. I manage 2 or 3 times a week. Worth every penny. £40 in a taxi."

I C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"My mum has been here over 10 years and seems to be happy here. The staff are lovely and look after her well. One day, if I cannot look after myself, I would be happy to come here myself. The management are very helpful. Keep up the good work."

Kevin H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"I've seen a big difference in the home of late and the carers and staff are very good. Decorating of rooms also a nice improvement. If anything, I could suggest is better bed linen and pillows."

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

"My mother has just passed away aged 101. She received fantastic care in the six years she was a resident, and I am certain she would not have reached this age if it were not for the care and kindness she received from all the staff who go out of their way to ensure the residents have all they need. The latest manager is excellent, and nothing is too much trouble. I would recommend Hickathrift House to anyone."

Ron S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Living in Canada I am so grateful for the high standard of care that my mother enjoys at Hickathrift House. When I visit I am impressed by the kindness and caring of the staff and the best practice policies towards dementia care."

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

"I am very happy living here. The staff and management are exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble for them, when time permits. Sometimes they are rushed off their feet but are always pleasant and reassuring. The meals are very good, well presented and nutritious."

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

"My mum's condition has deteriorated quite quickly and during the last four years previous to her going into Hickathrift House she had been very agitated and angry. I believe that she has found a sense of peace there, the staff are very attentive and caring. It is a well run home and you are made to feel like you are still part of the caring team. They always have time for you and any concerns that you may have. It came recommended to me and I would recommend it you."

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

"Staff are kind to residents and give them time. Only concerns - clothes can get muddled, but resolved ok. Sometimes unable to find staff when required, especially bank holidays, possibly working on minimum staff (understandably) but would prefer to see more staff at these times. Elderly very vulnerable and falls etc could happen without anyone being around to assist. Most residents seem to be happy. Food seems ok but again bank holidays not so good."

Jane F
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.42 out of 5

"Whilst nowhere is perfect, having looked at many homes we are confident that Hickathrift offers a safe, friendly and caring environment. Any concerns are listened to by the Care Manager and addressed. Overall, we would recommend the home."

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

"I stayed at Hickathrift for two and a half weeks whilst my daughter went on holiday. When I asked for different food that was not on the menu staff were happy to oblige, eg Egg sandwiches unfortunately I was on the first floor which needed a lift, which was really tiny and claustrophobic. It also broke down for two days and I had to have my meals in my room. I would have liked a bath and some of my laundry was difficult to find. I liked the chatty staff who were good company."

Margery G
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.50 out of 5

"This is a good home but it very much depends on the resident. Some will speak up if there is a problem some do not, despite being told continuously, just ask. I feel for this type of resident they need to be asked specific questions. Are they feeling well or have they any pains or worries. When being washed to look out for any sore patches, ie bottoms and ask does your bottom feel sore and act accordingly. Also, ears are another issue. I understand that you are not allowed to poke the inner ear but you can ask the resident to take a cloth and clean their inner ear. Another question would be can you hear ok and replace batteries and wipe the earpiece and if necessary requesting any maintenance especially replacement of the tube which gets clogged with wax. Having eaten there myself I was not at all impressed with the food, I am well aware of difficulties with heat, again residents differ and having a meal spoilt this way is unnecessary. Common sense should be applied. They are individuals."

X
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.67 out of 5

"The home is very pleasant and the carers are very nice, however, it does sometimes appear that there aren't enough carers to deal with things. My mother often requires 2 people to move her and there often aren't 2 people available. This means that my mother, who is extremely independent then either wets or dirties her pads, which she hates doing. This then makes her miserable. She also feels she is treated as someone with dementia."

Sally G
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.00 out of 5

"Mum now has midterm vascular dementia and I am her full-time carer. Occasionally I feel that I need a break so that I can carry on caring. I tried another respite home and it was a disaster - lasted all of one afternoon and Mum demanded to come home. At Hickathrift House I know that all of the staff are fully dementia aware and treat Mum with kindness and dignity. There are various activities listed but I must admit I haven't actually witnessed any. Mum has now been three times and is very calm and happy when I collect her. Not yet at the stage where she is happy to go but she doesn't argue about going. With dementia, it is very important to find somewhere where you know your special person will be looked after but is also going to be happy. I think Hickathrift House fits the bill."

Karen S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Care is excellent and the interaction between staff and residents is a joy to see. The ambience in the facility is very good and appears to be well structured. My wife and I are well satisfied with the care and attention that my father receives."

Malcolm C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"I am very pleased with the facilities at the care home and the level of care that my mother receives. The care staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. I am sure that the new extension to the building in Memory Lane that has just started to be constructed, will prove to be very beneficial to the residents."

Bob K
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My mother has been a resident at Hickathrift House for over 5 years having been diagnosed with vascular dementia. The care she receives from the dedicated team of staff is exemplary. The attention to detail of the personal 'little things' in life makes Hickatrift a home rather than an institution and the building of the new lounge will enable the residents to relax in a communal area with all the comforts of home. With an emphasis on individual care and attention, Hickatrift offers a happy, safe, caring environment for dementia sufferers or those no longer able to remain independent. The valuable support showed to family members having to witness the decline of a loved one cannot be measured in words. I will be eternally grateful to the staff at Hickathrift for making my Mum's twilight years as happy and comfortable as possible. I would welcome an increase in the entertainment budget but am fully aware of the economic constraints this poses, however, we can live in hope."

Sue L
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"It is so reassuring that our loved one is getting great care. Dad has settled in really well!! If he is happy so is his family!! If I have any concerns the staff are reassuring. The food is very good. Dad has a lot of anxiety with his food and Hickathrift House makes sure that they accommodate his needs."

Jayne S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.58 out of 5

"Very good management and staff, always helpful and very kind to residents. Rooms are clean and tidy, meals excellent with a good variety. Residents always have something to do if they want to, activities are very good."

John M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5

"Caring for the elderly can be very difficult, it is not always strait forward and can be very easy to find faults. Some families can find faults simply because they have to pay! Hickathrift is fortunate in that the building has been laid out in a very spacious way, it is bright and clean and as such very welcoming. The staff are well skilled at all levels and well chosen for their individual jobs. They are conscious of their responsibilities and we as a family are kept well informed of any possible issues at all times. We feel assured that our mother is receiving the best care in the best place given that many variables can be forced into the equation when making a decision to place a loved ageing parent into a residential care home. Many might say that they couldn't possibly do that. Most of our family are still active with work, "Mum" needs people around here, that type of care would simply not be possible if she were to live with any one of us."

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

"My mother has lived at home with us as a family until this year and at 92 it was decided reluctantly that due to erratic work commitments, we could not provide adequate care cover even though still very able in many respects. Nervous of ensuring she would cope in the new environment, socialise, and make a home, we selected Hickathrift on first impressions as everyone has to. However, she has settled extremely well, is very well cared for in every respect and we too are made most welcome at all times. Everyone involved seems to be on the same page about quality of care and interest in the residents and set out to ensure they are comfortable, happy, from the care staff to the cleaners, gardener and handyman. Very professional and highly recommended and an environment that breeds trust in the safety of your relative."

Chris E
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"I am a volunteer for Hickathrift House. I help to set up for their events and fairs. I can honestly say I have never met such a great team! From managers, care staff, activities, housekeeping and maintenance, it is obvious they have passion in their roles and this reflects in the residents who all appeared happy. I recently helped set up for the summer fete in August and was honoured to meet their eldest resident of 101!"

Pete M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"My father has been in respite care for 8 weeks, during this time I and my mother have experienced kindness, support and appropriate help from all members of staff. The care given to my father has been very professional, kind and supportive. His room is very private and always clean and tidy. Considering his needs have been so demanding as he is confined to his bed and not able to weight bear. I would recommend Hickathrift House to anyone who required this kind of care. I would like to thank all your staff for the excellent care shown to my father and his family. Thank you."

Kathleen T
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"She is well looked after. The staff are brilliant. The food is delicious. The place is spotless."

Marian B
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Mum has settled in extremely well, we didn't think she would but she is very much at home thanks to the care of everyone in the home."

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

"The rooms, living and eating areas are clean, well furnished to a high standard and create a relaxing atmosphere for residents to enjoy. The staff have a positive outlook even at times in difficult circumstances and treat all residents with dignity and respect. This is reflected, particularly in the mealtime experience. The musical activity afternoons have a marked therapeutic effect on all the residents and their relatives."

Geoffrey N
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.25 out of 5

"My two parents needed admission at the same time after a series of falls and illness. Hickathrift were able to take them a week apart as their needs are very different. This was a great relief as after 74 years of marriage it was so important to keep them together. They have settled well and spend all day together. They have had a lovely Christmas and after six years I was able to visit my grandchildren in Essex without worrying about Mum and Dad. It is such a relief to know they are being cared for by people I trust and they like. I can phone at any time and any requests that I have made have been acted on without question."

Jackie C
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5