Renaissance Care The Cowdray Club

Small and very well managed care home. Recently renovated. Caring and helpful staff generate a homely environment for residents.
Mar 12th, 2021

Feb 10th, 2021

Before my parents made the decision to move out of their home, I did some research. I first looked into a care home a few streets away from where they lived (thinking it would be nice if they could stay in the same neighbourhood). Some of the reviews for that business were abismal. That led me to government reports which described conditions in multiple care homes that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Finally, however, the day could not be delayed any longer and their care manager found a double room at the Cowdray Club. Given my research, and my own experience from visiting other care homes, I'd have to admit to a great degree of trepidation. Still I have been wrong many times in my long(ish) life and my preconceptions in this case are a prime example. I have nothing but praise for the Cowdray Club and it's staff. Starting with the room that my parents were placed in, which obviously had recently been well renovated, gave off a warm homely feel. My parents felt at home in that room which was a tremendous comfort given we were fearing the worst when they had to leave the home they loved for 40+ years. Meals are freshly prepared on site and my parents always raved about the quality. A further delightful touch is that they bake birthday cakes for every resident. In fact, freshly baked cakes make are a regular appearance which always pleased my parents. The Cowdray Club also has a nice little garden (with small mini golf course) and a number of day rooms which can be used by the residents. Even my parents, who by that time were completely immobile, were wheeled about by the staff whenever they wanted to visit these areas. Then there are the staff themselves who deserve nothing but the highest praise. My parents moved into the Cowdray Club at the start of the first Covid lockdown during which the staff needed to change PPE between rooms. Despite this inconvenience and stress they were continually cheery, helpful and professional. They also most kindly ferried the house phone to my parents, for the months that it took BT to organise a phone line, allowing us to remain in touch with them. Of the members of the team that I have met, I can honestly say that I have not met more friendly and caring people. True, caring people tend to gravitate towards such a profession, nevertheless they were/are exceptional in my humble opinion. Of course the quality of the staff stems directly from the management and you cannot hope to have a better care home manager than Phil(lip). Himself a nurse he really gives his heart and soul to make life at the Cowdray Club the best it can possibly be for the residents, relatives and staff. As a definitively hands on manager, you can regularly find him buzzing about the place checking up on the residents personally (my sister mistook him for a carer the first time she visited). The culture that he has installed can certainly be felt and I am grateful that he was the one in charge of caring for my parents. I'm sure that I'm not alone. After 18 Months at the Cowdray Club both of my parents have now passed, but their final "home" was certainly a terrific one. Phil was even on hand to help with suggesting an excellent funeral home. My thanks go out to all the team!
Apr 20th, 2022

Could not have asked for a more caring and dignified experience for my Grandparents. They were originally offered a double room on very short notice and we could not have been more grateful, being split up after over 60 years of marriage would have been an impossible thing to ask them to endure. For around 18 months they enjoyed the care home and loved the staff in it who always did everything they could to make them feel comfortable and happy. Of course, the time during the lockdown was incredibly difficult as we navigated rules and restrictions - not being able to come in and see them was so difficult for our family, but made easier knowing they were being well looked after. We were finally able to see them outside, then indoors, and finally in their room, and throughout, the staff made such an effort to welcome us and help in any way they could. When the time came that Granda's health declined, and then Granny, each one of the carers made an effort to make us feel comfortable, welcome, and as if we were spending their last few weeks, days and hours with them in their own home... we really couldn't have asked for more. It's never easy to have to watch a loved one go through the final decline in their lives but when it's done with staff as caring and committed as this it makes it that bit more bearable. Special thanks to Phil, who goes above and beyond on a daily basis for all his staff and residents with a huge smile on his face while he does it, and to Sylvia, for taking care of Granny and Granda as if they were her own family.
Aug 5th, 2021