Summerset in the Sun Retirement Village

I am just writing this so people are aware. I don’t have family in here but I have helped two elderly from Summerset, both with dementia. First Lady was crying as she came out for a walk and got lost on Marlowe Street finding her way back so my sister and I tried to see if someone could come grab her while we waited that didn’t happen so we ended up driving her back to Summerset. We then tried to speak to someone on the desk but no one was around as we felt that someone having dementia should be checked on more often, not kept a prisoner but someone making sure they are ok going out on their own. Second Lady was on Marlowe again and she was struggling walking in summer with her groceries. She had a good yarn to us but clearly was not making sense and this worried me again she was alone. I was happy to help because I wouldn’t want my parents or grandparents in this position and unsafe. But this wee lady was very hard to understand and to find where she lived was difficult. Finally working out it was Summerset, I waited in case it wasn’t there. I’m just glad it was me again but It did sadden me to see them in this way and alone. Maybe they have great family maybe they don’t have anyone but I do think for the cost of a place here, there should be more check ins on those in need or security?. Not just Willy nilly with those in need wandering and anyone entering I did try to speak to someone but no one was around and I didn’t want it getting swept under the rug. I do hope you read this and start having a better eye on our elderly as I would want the same for my family.

Our mum was in rest home level care at Summerset Stoke for approximately 2 months after being discharged from hospital. She had dementia and had decided that she wasn't hungry and as a result it was very hard to get her to eat anything. The staff were absolutely amazing and I cannot speak highly enough of them. They went out of their way to try and provide foods that may tempt her, even going downstairs to get her a Mocha. Sadly my mum passed away but this wasn't unexpected. The staff were always attentive and understanding and they treated her with dignity and respect. This was even more evident when they laid her out following her passing in the early morning hours, they even went outside in the dark and picked flowers for her. Thankyou all so much for your dedication and care and for making our mum's last couple of months comfortable. Many thanks from all her family Xxxx

too many staff *dont know* when youre trying to find out something. The reception desk on first floor, you can ring the bell and wait for a wee while until someone comes, (I wouldve thought it would and should be manned all the time, Leaving a msg in not acceptable if ringing) When dealing with issues, felt that they all stuck up for each other rather than listening to what the issues were and if some were agreed on to change, the change never happened. They have mostly asians working there and i dont think they understand our ways very well. My mother was not asked if shed like to be taken outside, or introduced to anyone for company so she stayed in her room. She was told what days she can have a shower, 3x a week, sorry but shes paying alot of money to be there, so should have a shower, without help, whenever she wants and she didnt like the food, we told them, nothing changed. She just didnt want it chopped up, my fault cos i ticked the box but i tried to get it changed, and she wanted to do her own marmite, which they did so thick on her toast she couldnt eat it, and after this was discussed that she can do it herself, nothing changed

Reminds me of the song island in the sun by weezer (i love weezer)