Comments from friends & relatives:

Review submitted on 19 March 2019 from a Postal Card by Lynn M (Sister of Resident). Relates to March 2019.

My brother moved to St Mary's in December 2018. I have got nothing but praise for the services he receives, very homely environment, very caring carers and staff. Having been a carer myself for 15 years this is a lovely environment. I have already recommended it for a friend whose mother is in a care environment.

Review submitted on 15 January 2019 from a Postal Card by Jo B (Daughter of Resident). Relates to September 2018.

Both my parents were moved to St Mary's Continuing Care in September 2018. I have felt overwhelmed with the attention, kindness and care that they have received.
I have visited several care homes in the past and none can ever compare to St Mary's. The staff work so well as a team. They really complement each other. They have been so very understanding and supportive to me and my family and I feel blessed that my parents found a place here as they are truly looked after.

Review submitted on 1 January 2019 from a Postal Card by Michael D (Brother of Resident). Relates to December 2018.

My brother has been in St Mary's for a number of years. Although his physical condition has become very poor the level of care and attention shown to him is excellent and I could not fault it. All questions on or about his welfare are answered to the family's satisfaction and any changes to his living are met. It is very easy to talk to staff and their attention to him is obvious.

Review submitted on 21 December 2018 from a Postal Card by G W (Father of Resident).

My son was admitted to St Mary's Continuing Care approx 2012 (not exactly sure) in that time. I am quite happy that he has been well looked after and hoping this continues. Staff are really helpful and informative when any questions are put to them.

Review submitted on 7 December 2018 from a Postal Card by C S (Wife of Resident). Relates to December 2018.

I find the staff excellent, very helpful and friendly. The unit's nurses are excellent. I could not be any happier that my husband is in the right place for him. His care is excellent and it feels like a nice family atmosphere.

Review submitted on 6 December 2018 from a Postal Card by B H (Mother of Resident). Relates to November 2018.

A very friendly environment and clean facilities. Residents are checked frequently and therefore they feel safe and secure. They can eat in their room if they wish to as sometimes they may feel under pressure eating in the dining room.
Activity trips are excellent and planned ahead. Also, regular outings to have a meal out are popular. Care staff have empathy with residents and work to a high standard.

Review submitted on 4 December 2018 from a Postal Card by John V (Husband of Resident). Relates to November 2018.

St Mary's Continuing Care has provided my wife with the care she deserves. To the staff, she has been treated with the kindness of an individual. For them, this is not 'just a job'. Our research prior to our selection of St Mary's Continuing Care has paid dividends in peace of minds. Thank you very much.

Review submitted on 4 December 2018 from a Postal Card by Barbara G (Wife of Resident). Relates to November 2018.

This care home does a fabulous job of looking after the residents. Common sense and a caring attitude is evident with all the staff. It is very homely and the resident's family are also cared for with concern and empathy. The home is lovely and clean and smells nice. The attitude runs from the manager to all the staff working at the home which is fantastic.

Review submitted on 4 December 2018 from a Postal Card by Julie H (Daughter of Resident). Relates to November 2018.

Washing could be done better meaning whites not washed with colours. Wrong clothes being put in her wardrobe even though all her clothes have her name in them. My mum is not to be left alone in her room eating. Certain members of staff make my mum's partner feel uneasy at times. Mum often has dirty nails. The hairdresser is a lovely lady and its great mum has her hair done and there are certain members of staff which are very caring and you know they do their best.

Review submitted on 4 December 2018 from a Website Submission by Paula D (Daughter of Resident). Relates to August 2018.

I am very happy about leaving my dad in such a wonderful unit. I thought no one could look after dad as good as me but all the staff treat dad as their own and I have full confidence leaving after each visit, knowing he’s being looked after wonderfully.

The following review was submitted to carehome.co.uk on the 14th May 2018 by James B (Son of Resident)

"The care provided by all the team at St Mary's for my Dad was simply amazing, I can only say how pleased we were as a family to have such support for my Dad over the 3 years he lived in the Stephenson Unit in St Mary's. The team in the Unit helped my Dad settle into his new home even though the most difficult of times."

The following comment was emailed to the Care Centre Manager on the 9th May 2018:

Hi Debbie,

I wanted to put in writing how impressed I am with St Marys. My husband's birthday yesterday was lovely and really personal. I brought a birthday cake in, not realising the kitchen staff would provide one. The whole day was a revelation to me!

Today when he was poorly, Karen and the team were superb and what was nice was the carers coming to his room individually to check how he was.

I am so pleased he is living under your care because it makes an awful situation more tolerable.

Kind regards

Barbara

The following comment was left on carehome.co.uk on Sunday 4th February 2018:

"Trusting a loved one into someone else's care is a difficult transition.
My husband spent 2 years at St Mary's Continuing Care home, in the later stages of Alzheimer's and he had the best possible care during his stay. 
Previously he had been in another care home where things did not always go to plan and the difference between it and St Mary's was significant and reassuring. 
The management and staff make the place feel like a home for the residents and they treated my husband like family. His care was rigorously monitored, he was always fed, hydrated and looked clean and well dressed at all times. 
The respect, care and love that they showed in his final days made all the difference to him and to our family."

The 2 comments below were handed in to Fern unit staff in December 2017:

Friday 8th September 2017

Friday 16th June

The following review was left on carehome.co.uk

"We feel that the level of care, love and attention given to our mother was exceptional. We cannot thank the staff enough for their support for us at a very difficult time. We cannot recommend the home highly enough."

Review submitted from a Postal Card by T L (Daughter of Resident)

Thursday 9th March 2017

The following review was left on carehome.co.uk

"My brother was a resident at St. Mary's in Fern Unit for eight years. His main medical condition was dementia due to alcohol abuse. In Mid November 2016 he virtually stopped eating, leading to a significant deterioration in his physical condition. At the beginning of December, he was placed on end of life care. The care he was given, physically, psychologically and spiritually was excellent. He was not expected to live to see Christmas, so the staff brought it forward. His room was decorated appropriately and last year's cards brought out. In fact, he lived until 11th Jan. His death was peaceful and dignified. About 16 staff attended his funeral and four carried his coffin."

This is a review that was sent to the home following the passing away of a service user:

9^th June 2016

It is incredibly difficult for my sister and I to find the exact words, to express how we feel, about the way our Mum was cared for at St Marys, during her stay on Rose Unit.

It is fair to say, that our Mum was not the easiest person to deal with, hence the reason why she was eventually admitted onto Rose Unit. After a rather lengthy, upsetting emotional time, we were advised by Debra Leyland that St Marys was the best place for Mum. When we first visited we had our reservations, but we took Debra at her word, and agreed to give St Marys a try (clearly we wanted what was best for our Mum).

There was a settling in period which took a few months and, for a spell, things became worse not better, however, this was short lived and we were reassured that the experts in the home knew what they were doing….and they did.

Gradually, week by week, we started to see an improvement; we began to enjoy visiting our Mum, rather than having dread at what we would be facing on arrival. The home had put simple but effective measures in place, to deal with the difficult behaviour and a new personality began to emerge.

As we all know, Mum’s health was deteriorating, she had a number of admissions into hospital, and we were aware that she didn’t have long, the gentle and compassionate way she was looked after, could not have been improved.

Our Mum was truly, properly cared for, the staff were genuinely good with her, despite her difficult nature, and that was clear to see. Mum did say on more than one occasion, “they cannot do enough for me here, they attend to my every need, I am happy here, I like it”. To hear those words was a miracle. It gave us peace of mind, and for that we will always be truly grateful.

We want each and every person who was involved in the care of our Mum to know, that for us her daughters, the brief time we eventually had with her, with her new personality, gave us some precious months. This is how we will remember her. Many of you went above and beyond the call of duty, to help our Mum settle and enjoy “the living”. How can we possibly measure this in words; I really do not know how to thank you enough. You have been amazing, awesome, wonderful, etc.

There is so much negative press around Nursing Homes, as they all tend to be tarred with the same brush, but we have witnessed first-hand how exceptional it can be, this is never reported, which is a shame.

I would like to list every name, but it would be unfair as I am sure we would miss someone out.

You have all been extraordinary, a truly massive and heartfelt thank you.

Tracey & Lisa

This is a review that was posted on carehome.co.uk - http://www.carehome.co.uk/stats/reviews_current.cf...

"It has taken some time for me to write this review, our beloved father died recently, as we begin our difficult journey through bereavement I wanted to write our thoughts and feelings as we have spent many years here. Forshaw unit has been a large part of our lives, in the past we have sat looking out through the large glass windows which overlook the fields as we reflect on a lifetime with a kind, loving, funny, strong, hardworking devoted husband and father. It is extremely difficult to accept your loved one is unable to remain at the family home because of their illness, as much as you try to do all the care yourself, we had many, many times whereby we put obstacles in our path as we wanted to care for him ourselves. On arrival at the care centre, unexpected, we initially liked the place, however, still didn't want to let go, it was heartbreaking and the guilt was immeasurable, I cry as I write this, I remember everything, it was February 13th 2009, the first night was awful for us, didn't sleep, worrying, the next morning went to see dad, he was quite content really, should have been happy but early days we were not, missed him, thought we were doing him an injustice. We spent most days, hours on end sat with him, getting to know other people who shared his new home and also the staff. Days turned into weeks, into months, into years, dads disease went through its stages, had some very difficult emotional times there. Nobody wants to let their loved one go, but when disease dictates, it is important to be their advocate, but also sharing what you know of them to support people who are getting to know that person with the disease, tell them what their likes and dislikes are, we did and they were respected. The staff here, well, they have been and continue to be kind, professional, very experienced, understanding, counselors, welcoming, devoted, consistent in their care, loving, empathetic, sincere. Thank you, what more could we ask, we miss him, you know that, how moving to see you all come to say goodbye, he loved you all, we know that, we knew him before Alzheimer's did xxxxxx"

Tuesday 8th September 2020

28/06/2018:  Debbie presenting Jo Hooper with her 10 years of service award. Well done spud!!

Thursday 18th May 2017

Congratulations to Joanne Woods & Jennie Binks for completing their level 4 diplomas!

These pictures are from the awards ceremony. (The top left picture, from the left: Joanne Woods, Yvonne Bishop, Debbie Wareing, Jennie Binks)

Read more about the event here:

http://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/15319050....

Tuesday 7th February 2017

St.Mary's staff were invited to an awards ceremony at the St.Helens 'Totally Wicked' rugby ground. Debbie Stokes and Janet Eccles were both nominated, because of gaining their diplomas. Debbie & Debbie pictured with Jon Wilkin (Saints Scrum half).

January 2017

St.Mary's received a Good CQC inspection report, so the owners bought every staff member a gift voucher.

Award Ceremony

Staff from St Mary’s Care Centre were invited to Langtree Park (Home of St Helens RLFC) to attend an awards ceremony presented by St Helens Chamber of Commerce.

The event was held to present certificates to staff who had recently completed their qualifications. What a fabulous way to recognise their hard work and achievement!

Photo: from left to right: Sarah Frankle Care Assistant, Nicola Smith Care Assistant, Karen Baden Assesor & Lynne Williams Carer Assistant

The following pictures are from our recent summer fair, held on Saturday 2nd September. £584.76 was raised for the home.

Tuesday 7th March 2017

Tracey Picton & her daughter Rebecca Wolfe made these beautiful Easter baskets as part of a raffle to collect funds for more activities.

Tuesday 28th February 2017

Some of our residents made pancakes!

1st February 2017

Below are some pictures from around the Care Centre, taken on Dignity day. Each unit created their own Dignity tree and an array of cakes.

Monday 23rd January 2017

In preparation for Dignity day, 1st February, Vicky (The Activities coordinator) created this encouraging wall display.

Good work Vicky!

30th October 2016

Stephenson unit had a Halloween party. Pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, and loads of food!

Monday 24th October 2016

Pumpkin shopping!

Nicky Cunningham & Debbie Wareing managed to finish the Colour run In Manchester, on Saturday 2nd July - a distance of 5 kilometres! 

Debbie Managed to raise £305 for St.Mary's Care Centre's Activity department, and Nicky raised £101 for Bold Rangers FC.

Well done girls!

Pictures from around our units on Dignity day - 1st February

19/04/2021

Three staff members have signed up for additional training. All 3 will be studying for their Level 3 NVQ's in Health & Social care.

(Rachel, Nicola, and Louise, with Debbie Wareing)

07.09.2021

As part of our ever on-going learning and training, the following posters were created from a recent service user/relative questionnaire that had been circulated: