Reviews for Hickathrift House Care Home

"My mum and dad are both at Hickathrift House and I visited them for Father's Day. It was a lovely occasion as we sat in the restaurant area with them and after there was a duo playing music. It was so wonderful to see everyone singing along and dancing. This is the first time I had attended a function and it was extremely well organised. It was wonderful to spend quality time with my parents in lovely surroundings and see them so happy. Thank you."

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

"After almost two years of caring for Dad in our home, my wife and I were in much need of a respite break. We had no hesitation in placing Dad in Hickathrift's capable hands (Dad had two brief stays there back in 2018). Dad has been treated with great respect and dignity. He has been enabled to settle in and be listed to and feel part of the community at the home."

Anthony M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.08 out of 5

"Although I was only a resident for a short period, I was extremely impressed by the staff. All those with whom I had contact were kind, caring people. Although extremely busy at all times, everyone found the time to stop and talk to other residents, many of them with problems of communication. A small event ' cowboy party' had been organized and most of the residents were able to attend this outside event. Appropriate music was provided, and staff members were suitably attired for the event encouraged the residents to join in with the dancing and singing. It was amazing how many joined in. Even many of the severely disabled were clearly enjoying the event, often with the help of members of staff. I cannot speak too highly of all the members of staff at Hickathrift. Their care and devotion were outstanding, and I thank them for the help received during my stay there. As for the Manager who has a very demanding situation and therefore must be congratulated for her efficiency."

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

"Our father was admitted to Hickathrift House following a brief but traumatic stay in hospital. His mobility and health had deteriorated, but within a few days of being cared for at Hickathrift House, he had made a dramatic improvement. Without exception, the staff work tirelessly to provide a happy and safe environment. Nothin at all is too much trouble for them. The amazing care and support that our dad has received has enabled him to return home. We will always be grateful to the Hickathrift House for the enormous part they played in his recovery."

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

"Very good. Food is good."

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

"Very good and carers are very good. Clean everywhere."

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

"I'm happy here, I've made good friends and we do lots together."

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

"After many years living alone, it took Dad a couple of days to adapt, but after that, he found the company and help at hand more than friendly. He's asked to go back for respite again as he enjoyed the food! Not having dementia means he was able to interact with the staff and enjoy the chats. He certainly looked very well after his week in respite. His only criticism as he always wanted another cup of tea! But he loves his cuppas!"

Beverley M
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.33 out of 5

"Living in Australia and having a father with limited communication and mobility skills I found it difficult to keep connected to my dad. I received newsletters but not personal updates unless requested. However, I found the activities coordinator on the Facebook messenger who helped me supply details of dad's life photos and in return they have helped me deliver birthday gifts photos of special days and a much more personal connection. I can message anytime to send my father a message and this has meant so much to me. As far as care the staff understand my father's preferences and adapted care to suit him. He was heartbroken after losing my mother but the care at Hickathrift has been amazing. Thank you all, especially the activities coordinator from a grateful daughter."

Patsy S
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.75 out of 5

"When Dad came to live with us in 2019, I knew I was fulfilling his wishes, but as his social interaction diminished, we became concerned that whilst we worked, his life consisted of a chair, newspaper and TV. Then I found Hickathrift. Not a care home to him; it’s a club with hotel rooms, where he’s delighted to go for respite breaks, social interaction, stimulation, engagement and more independence than I allow him at home. There are such noticeable differences in his behaviours. At home, it’s shut-eye most of the time at Hickathrift, he’s the life and soul, laughing, singing, flirting with the ladies and a totally happy chappy! So, I wonder, is home the best place for him to be? Hickathrift is an establishment, the same as the next along the road, but the staff under amazing leadership, truly bring out the best in people. When I see Dad there, I see the man I guess he was behind his daughters’ eyes; Hickathrift allows him to be the man he was and I, to be his daughter."

Tracy I
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"Our Mum is always getting involved in the lovely activities and most recently enjoyed her 90th Birthday celebrations. The team made it a really special weekend for her and us as a family. The staff are so kind to Mum and she is well looked after."

Sara P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"After a not-so-great experience at a different home, I was really apprehensive about dad having another respite week but I need not have worried. The time invested in finding out dad's needs, likes and dislikes meant he had a very enjoyable stay and even joined in activities. The communication is great. "Dad's First day” email, with pictures, was lovely and prior to his next visit the activities coordinator has made contact to see if he wants to book on to any arranged excursions. Dad received excellent care during his stay at Hickathrift."

R A
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My father has settled into his new home now, having lived in his previous house for 70 years. Both he and the family are happy with the friendly and caring staff. His surroundings are pleasant and comfortable. The entertainment team try hard to make things interesting and fun, and my father's recent birthday was made very special for him."

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

"Seeing our photo on the front of the July newsletter reminds us of the happy barbecue afternoon we spent at Barchester Hickathrift House in July. We chatted with residents, other relatives and staff, enjoying the hospitality, the games and the fun. We have come to expect a warm welcome at all times at Hickathrift House and are always reassured by the caring and cheerful environment."

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

"My mother appreciates the activities run by the staff and appreciates the effort in organising these for her. She has talked about simple craft activities. She especially enjoys trips out and the company of the other residents."

R C
carehome.co.uk rating: 3.67 out of 5

"Just like to say a big thank you to all the staff, for making Mum's first birthday at Hickathrift House, so special. She had a fabulous day with cake, cards and presents from staff. Mum has settled really well into the home and that's all down to the care from the staff that she has received. The entertainment that is provided for residents is amazing, with something going on mornings and afternoons. Mum really enjoys the sing-alongside, but has really embraced everything that's on offer. The food is amazing and the home is always clean and tidy. The staff are in regular contact and are always available should you need them. I was really apprehensive about the decision to place Mum in a home, but now I have peace of mind that she is well cared for in a safe environment. Thanks to you all."

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

"My husband enjoyed his first respite for one week. The staff were really friendly and caring. His room was a lovely, light and sunny one with plenty of space to move around. There were lots of activities going on throughout the week, and he won't be hesitant to have another respite to give me, (my husband's full-time carer) a break."

Judith P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Mum and Dad recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. We were able to use the snug room for the celebration with family and friends attending. a member of staff offered to decorate the room for the occasion and it looked amazing! Far exceeding our expectations. We all had a wonderful time and the staff member could not have done more to make the afternoon go perfectly. Thank you. Mum and Dad are so happy at Hickathrift. We are content and happy knowing that they are being given the best care and being looked after perfectly. All the family are incredibly grateful for all you do."

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

"Hickathrift House is an exemplary care home. Members of staff are very approachable and have a good relationship with residents. Mum particularly enjoys the activities and outings, which are brilliantly organised and (in my mother's words) make her 'feel human again'. Activities include talks (virtual and real-life), virtual tours of interesting places, yoga, cooking, gardening, mobile library visits, live music, craft, cooking... but best of all is residents' access to the community, with regular visits to craft and reading groups locally (not to mention the odd trip out to the pub or garden centre!). There are also visits from dogs and toddlers, snakes and reindeer! I am more than pleased we found Hickathrift, as it provides mum with a caring, clean, secure home with plenty to keep her occupied (and her brain ticking over!) I can't praise it highly enough."

G T
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My experince with this home is very good. They are very friendly and give the best care to everyone. Could not wish for my loved one to be here; they are very welcoming. Thank you all."

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

"We needed respite for my mother and from the reviews decided on Hickathrift House. The staff were very helpful and informative so it reassured us that Mum would be in good hands. The home is very well presented, and her room was lovely and practical. All the staff are friendly and caring, making time for everyone. I enjoyed seeing their social media page for updates on the daily activities and knew Mum was having a nice time there. Definitely recommend it and would use it again if needed."

M Y
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"My father is approaching his fourth year at Hickathrift House. We constantly consider ourselves fortunate to have found such a wonderful place. All of the team give Dad such constant care and have become like a family to both Dad and us his loved ones. There is always a warm welcome at Hickathrift and a real family atmosphere. The staff so often give up their free time to assist with all the fantastic trips and experiences the activities team organise and they all enjoy their enriched times together. I get great joy in joining in with their many themed party afternoons and seeing Dad and his friends smiling faces, all having such a happy time. So a big heartfelt thank you to all the staff for their tireless care. We are truly blessed to have you all."

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

"My auntie has dementia/Alzheimers and can be extremely difficult and volatile but all the wonderful people at Hickathrift keep her calm and happy. They have worked miracles. Her son has been her carer for 20 years and I have helped him for the past 10 years. After a long hospital stay, we can no longer care for her as she needs to be. Hickathrift is wonderful, it is a paradise of care and love."

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

"Hickathrift House goes above and beyond with their care and nothing is too much trouble. My dad was a fisherman and although only been in the home for a short time a trip to a fishing lake was arranged by the activities lady and Dad spent an enjoyable afternoon reminiscing about his fishing. Also, he went on a trip where he had worked and told everyone all his 'stories'. Dad is happy and contented and praises the caseworkers and the care he receives and although he has dementia he enjoys a laugh and a joke with staff and other residents."

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

"We would like to express our gratitude again to the manager and her team at Hickathrift, for their exceptional care and compassion provided to my mother-in-law. Everyone there goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being and happiness of all residents and one aspect that truly sets the team apart is their dedication to organising regular outings and organising activities. As well as providing a change of scenery for residents they offer opportunities for social interaction and engagement. They are thoughtfully planned, take into consideration each resident's interests and needs and bring my mother-in-law immense joy. Each Hickathrift carer deserves the utmost praise for their unwavering commitment towards the residents. The smiles on my mother-in-law’s face in the photos posted on social media show just how loving and caring they are towards her. Thank you."

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

"My father has been at Hickathrift House since March this year. I have been impressed from day one with the care and understanding given to him. Nothing is too much trouble, organising a special activity for him as they knew he had a particular interest. He is always being encouraged to participate in the many activities both in-house and further afield. The staff are always friendly and welcoming when I visit, you are never made to feel you are in the way. There is never a dull moment, always something going on so residents are never bored or just left sitting with no interaction, this was very important for me to know Dad would have stimulation and people to chat to. I feel very lucky that Dad has a place here, I know he is well cared for and safe and that his wishes and needs are being listened to. A big thank you to all the staff for your hard work and dedication and for making my dads later years happy and comfortable."

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

"We continue to be in awe at the level of care and service offered by Hickathrift. Staff go above and beyond to create family, fun and love-filled atmosphere. So grateful for everything they do!"

S P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"We recently visited for my mum's birthday. The home had decorated a room for us to all have lunch together, laid the table, put on music, and served us lunch. They couldn't have done more to make it special. We also brought in our dog to see her and stayed for the quiz to make a great afternoon."

Dave H
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"It's Christmas Day, and we are unable to visit Mum, but the excellent staff made it possible for us to video call each other. A big thank you to everyone at work who has made her Christmas Day so special from cooking her roast dinner to all the entertainment being provided."

Jane A
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.83 out of 5

"Mum has just entered her second spell of respite at Hickathrift. Every single staff member - manager, admin, care staff, cooks, maintenance has been welcoming and friendly and as a result, we have been very happy to leave Mum in their care. The indoor space is bright and feels very clean, in a homely way; a testament to the great personal care residents receive and I should imagine, the effective laundry systems employed by the team. Well done to you all and thank you."

Gary R
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

"My mother had rehabilitation care. She was treated with kindness and the friendly staff were always obliging. The activities were well thought through and stimulating. The home was being refurbished to a high standard. There was a very pleasant garden area which we enjoyed sitting in. The room was spacious and light and airy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Meals seemed well thought out and with good choices. Tea and coffee making facilities were there for all to enjoy. There was always a warm welcome from reception staff."

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

"We recently visited my uncle for a birthday party, which the staff organised for him. It was a truly lovely gathering. Not only were we all made very welcome but I could see the care and respect my uncle and all the other the other residents were treated with. The staff were all friendly and accommodating, despite it being an incredibly hot day! What a lovely place to visit."

Ali W
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"From the minute we walked into Hickathrift to have a look around for potential respite/permanent care for Mum, I knew we had found the right place. The management and team are all without a doubt exceptional. Every little detail of the service user are taken into consideration for the maximisation of their care, independence and dignity. Staff are always smiling, happy, welcoming and caring which impacts the residents in such a positive way. We're so happy that mum is happy and settled, it's simply the best! Thank you Team Hickathrift!"

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

"We visit frequently and on each occasion, the staff display such a kind and caring nature. The staff and management are superb. The facilities/activities are excellent and the catering is to a high standard. Well done to everyone."

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

"Mum wanted a way to celebrate the four generations of our family. Barchester Hickathrift House arranged for us to do a sensory art activity. We all left our handprints on canvas which were framed so we could all have a copy. We all had a fun afternoon doing this activity and have a lovely keepsake of the handprints. A huge thank you to Hickathrift and all the staff for organising this for us, they made this very special."

Linda P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"A group of us called at Barchester Hickathrift House to visit a very dear friend who is now in your permanent care. We were treated like royalty with the most marvellous "afternoon tea" in the morning, which would have been a credit to any top London hotel! Your staff are absolutely wonderful, totally dedicated and caring. We were all extremely impressed and delighted that our friend is residing in such wonderful, loving and caring surroundings."

Brian P
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"I visited a resident who has been a friend for thirty years. There were six of us who did a joint visit. The home made us feel so welcome. They laid on tea, coffee, cakes and made up a table in a private area for us. A lovely visit and the staff were excellent and went that extra mile to make it so special for us."

Colin G
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"I'd like to thank you for organising my father's reward celebration for 55 years of service for an international service organization. My father really enjoyed the event as did his fellow Lions. Your compassion and the delicious cakes were very much appreciated. Thank you for the care you and the wonderful team at the care home provide for my father. Thank you from the family."

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

"My dear neighbour was in this home for six weeks for restbite. I found the home very friendly nothing was too much bother for any staff any requests were dealt with quickly. My neighbour did so many activities.. bingo puzzles Scrabble drawing baking garden and many trips out to the pub, cinema and garden centre. Was amazing all the activities they did along with sing-alongs. Irish band. Music group day. The list goes on. He enjoyed his stay."

Julie Q
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.50 out of 5

"Booked in my mother for 2 weeks respite care, since returning, she has been very positive about the experience. A highlight for her was the trip into a local town, and she was enthusiastic about the activities in general. She also had high praise for the staff and the cleanliness of the home, and she felt happy and secure in her room. I would have no hesitation in booking her for further respite care, and possibly in the longer term."

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

"Our family wanted to send our personal thanks to everyone for looking after Dad so well during his recent respite stay with you at Barchester Hickathrift House Care Home and would like to pass on our personal thanks to all the staff. We applaud how hard you all work in all departments and behind the scenes that results in the team working closely together providing a five-star service, well done to you all."

Mark G
carehome.co.uk rating: 5.00 out of 5

"Having been a resident now for 2 years and since the new year as the Resident Ambassador I have learnt a considerable amount about the way care homes are run. I feel that the home I am in is managed superbly and most of all the resident's needs are catered for. One example of this was on our Father's Day lunch when resident families were invited to lunch with their family residents. The activity team decorated the dining room and after a truly splendid meal organised the entertainment that followed guests were invited to stay and a wonderful time was had by all."

Barrie B
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.92 out of 5

"Very pleased Dad is being well cared for. Staff are always helpful and pleasant. Lots of activities going on every day. Dad always looks clean and tidy. Dayroom is always clean and happy atmosphere. On the whole a very good care home, and I am pleased Dad seems happy and content here."

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

"Had a lovely afternoon at the Hickathtift family and friends BBQ. The food was lovely, good choice, and the entertainment was good. Lovely to see the residents happy and joining in."

Sam P
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"I have been coming most weekends to visit my grandad as he has recently come to Hickathrift. Very impressed at the amount of activities and support he receives every day. The food choices are always different and delicious, having been invited to a roast dinner in June. Every carer I have met has always been happy and chatty. It's nice to see a smile back on my grandad's face. Thanks to all the staff at Hickathrift - keep up the great work."

Laurie W
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.75 out of 5

"Grandad seems happy and I am pleased to hear of all activities he has been included in, especially when he got to go back fishing and family events. All the staff are very friendly and the food looks very good. Only thing I would say is the room could do with an upgrade."

Taylor-Anne S
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.67 out of 5

"Lovely welcome on arrival. The food for the BBQ was exceptional. Beautifully presented and tasted even better. The entertainment was so good. Great voices and interaction with the residents. Even the weather held out. Overall, it was a brilliant afternoon."

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

"My dad was a resident for the last months of his life in this lovely care home. All the members of staff worked tirelessly to ensure that my dad was kept comfortable and happy until the end. He was looked after with great humility and friendship. My dad kept his dignity and humour due to this care. A terrible situation was made bearable by the work of this organisation. My dad kept saying I like this hotel. 100% professional care, 100% compassion to the residents. A million thanks, bless you all."

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

"It is refreshing to find such a comprehensive list of activities for residents throughout the month. Everyone is included and encouraged to enjoy the entertainment provided. The opportunity to have lunch with their loved ones on Christmas Day was, although I was not able to take part, a very thoughtful addition to the good time that residents had through the festive period. Well done to all the staff who were there to make things run very smoothly."

George N
carehome.co.uk rating: 4.42 out of 5