Woodspring House is a Georgian town house of character. It starts life as a family house and then in the 20th century had various incarnations as flats and offices until it was converted into a care home in the early 1980s by the current owners’ parents. At that time the name was changed to Albany House.
We aim to employ genuinely caring people with a sense of fun and a real interest in caring for the elderly and those with dementia in particular. Uniforms and the barriers that they can create are out and we try to have an informal home from home feeling where the staff are often seen as extended family members.
Our home is specially adapted to make life easier for those living with dementia. The communal areas are on the ground floor and are all within easy reach of each other. There are clear signs to help with navigation and to help maintain independence and to avoid confusion and frustration.
At Woodspring House we realise that moving a loved one to a care home is a very difficult decision. We hope that any worries or concerns you have will be quickly dispelled as they enjoy new opportunities and friendships, activities and outings, and the homely atmosphere that make us special.
We hope that you’ll soon feel as we do that moving in to a care home can be a positive step forward and will give your loved one the best possible chance of enjoying a happy, active and carefree life. Relieved of the day-to-day burden of caring can also allow you to spend quality time with them again – going into town for a cup of tea or just window shopping, perhaps a pub lunch, feeding the ducks by the river or going to the garden centre.
All this is within easy walking distance of Woodspring House and we will lend a wheelchair if needed. Of course you can also visit anytime and sit with your loved one in their room, the home or garden. If you can let us know in advance that you are coming you are very welcome to stay for lunch.
We are small enough to treat everyone as an individual yet large enough to be able to offer a wide choice of activities and outings.
We recognise how difficult and distressing it can be caring for someone with dementia at home. Coping with constant physical challenges and the worries and emotional distress of seeing a loved one changing and becoming a different person can be quite overwhelming. However we do realise that moving to a care home is also a very difficult decision.
Caring for someone at home for 24 hours a day seven days a week can be extremely tiring and if you should just need a well deserved break from caring, to have a holiday or to recharge your batteries we also offer respite care, subject to availability.
I will always look upon Woodspring House with affection and if I have a regret it is that I did not get dad into your care earlier and that he was unable to enjoy your care for longer.
A. D., resident's son
I just want to say how wonderful Woodspring House is. Since my mother joined your happy family our lives have been made to feel so much more supported.
R. N., daughter of resident
The care you all put into making the place more homely and comfortable for the residents was really apparent and should be commended and I think this came across in how well and happy the residents seemed.
R. H., visiting paramedic
My highest praise is for the near angelic staff at Woodspring who are kind, attentive and endlessly patient with those in their care. In my work I have visited many care homes (as has P., my GP brother-in-law) and we all agree that yours is the nicest and kindest we have visited.
Dr. B. W. MSc, BDS, MGDS, FDS Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, son of resident
I have received praise from your residents and their families regarding the level of care and support yourself and your team provide, and the lovely relationships yourself and your team have with them. You clearly work tirelessly to go the extra mile, ensuring your residents' happiness and welfare.
L. K., assistant practitioner - Adult Social Services