Looking back over nearly three years, I know that choosing Richmond Village (RV) was one of the best decisions I have made for Mum, who is 92 and living with vascular dementia.
As an only child living more than 100 miles away, finding somewhere I could genuinely trust to care for Mum, and somewhere that would also feel like a good place for her to live, was incredibly important to me. Richmond Village has given me that reassurance.
The setting itself is lovely. It is a peaceful development surrounded by mature trees and open fields, and it feels calm and welcoming. The environment is clean, modern and well maintained, with spacious rooms and a very well-thought-out layout. There is a large lounge and attractive, contemporary décor, while still feeling homely rather than clinical.
Most importantly, though, it is the people who make Richmond Village special.
The staff are wonderful and I think the leadership team are first class. Vingel, the Deputy Manager, is an absolute angel. She has a real understanding of dementia and is incredibly kind, compassionate and supportive. She goes above and beyond for the residents and genuinely gets to know them as individuals. She even personally buys easy peelers for Mum because she knows how much she likes them! Those little things say so much about the level of care she gives.
James, the Manager, is approachable, friendly and always willing to listen. The senior carers and carers work incredibly hard and are consistently kind, patient and caring. They have been so well chosen by the management team. Mum knows them, likes them and feels comfortable with them, which means a huge amount to me. I also want to mention the cleaners, hosts and reception staff, who all contribute to making the Village feel friendly and well run.
The food has also improved enormously. After a period when Mum wasn’t enjoying the food as much, the arrival of the new chef has made a real difference. There is a good choice, with tender meats, fish regularly on the menu, fresh fruit and, best of all, homemade cakes every day at 3pm! These may sound like small things, but they make a real difference to the residents’ enjoyment of their day.
The activities are another real positive. There are some lovely members of staff running them, and there is regularly live music, which Mum absolutely loves. There is even a PAT dog, Honey, who is always a favourite. These things provide stimulation, companionship and little moments of happiness that are so important for someone living with dementia.
Another huge reassurance for me is that there are now nurses working full-time on the unit. Knowing that Mum can remain at Richmond Village as her needs become more complex, rather than having to face another disruptive move, gives me enormous peace of mind. Continuity and familiarity are so important for someone with dementia.
No care home is perfect, and caring for someone with dementia is never straightforward, but I feel very fortunate that Mum is at Richmond Village. As her daughter, I need to know that when I cannot be there because I live so far away, there are people around her who genuinely care about her, know her personality and understand her needs.
I am very happy that Mum is at Richmond Village, and I am hugely grateful to the staff who look after her every day. For me, knowing that she is safe, cared for, respected and surrounded by people who know her is priceless.
My friend and I attend The Wood Norton Care Home each month to provide entertainment. The key elements that stand out for us is the cleanliness of the property but more importantly, the staff. They are always happy, cheerful and welcoming. Moreover, their interaction with the residents is amazing.
Not only do the residents join in with the entertainment, so do the staff. There is a very positive 'vibe' whereby every resident is included and the staff appear to ensure that everyone receives attention and always with a positive approach (and a smile).
On every occasion we have played here, we are amazed how each resident is treated as an individual with courtesy and respect, being called by their chosen name (that is to say they all appear to be happy to be known by their first names - and the staff know them all)!
It seems like a big happy family and we're included!
My Sister moved into Richmond Village Wood Norton in September 2023, moving up from Somerset. Initially she took a rental apartment before purchasing her own suite in April 2024.
As her brother I cannot praise the facilities, staff and service highly enough.
There is everything anyone could want, from a fabulous spa and leisure facility to a fantastic extensive food and beverage offering and even a good sized cinema room and library with a pool table!!
The staff are all incredible, always so attentive and helpful to all the residents and visitors needs.
There is a great social set up with lots of formal activities planned by the team, and a wonderful social network of residents always getting up to something fun.
I genuinely couldn't rate Wood Norton highly enough from every aspect. Id love to move there one day myself!!
