Orchard Lodge
from 19 verified staff reviews
What staff rate
Five dimensions, one home.
Stapha's view
Verified — based on our interview with leadershipThe culture score here isn't marketing — it shows in tiny things. Staff eat lunch with residents rather than in a back room, and the memory garden was built by the maintenance lead on his own initiative. Progression is quieter: three carers moved into senior roles last year, but the pathway isn't formalised so newer staff can miss it.
One thing we're proud of
“Every resident's life story sits at the front of their care plan. We read it before we introduce ourselves.”
— Orchard Lodge
A tradition we've kept…
Friday afternoon is 'kitchen open' — residents and staff bake together. It's messy and it's the highlight of the week.
— Orchard Lodge
Staff reviews
19 verified reviews.
Dementia Lead
4 yrs
I trained here as a carer and I'm now lead. The pathway isn't written down but if you ask, the door opens. Best team I've ever worked in.
Care Assistant
6 months
Warmest place I've worked. Genuinely. The pay isn't the highest around but the shifts feel doable and I'm not counting down the hours.
Bank Carer
1 yr
Lovely home but bank staff feel like an afterthought — you turn up to a shift and sometimes no one's been told you're coming. Handover to bank could be much better.
You're right and we've heard this from two of you now. New bank-briefing card starts next month, we'd like your eyes on the draft.
— Manager, Orchard Lodge
Senior Carer
2 yrs
Julie the manager holds boundaries with families beautifully. I've never felt thrown under the bus in a complaint.
Activities Coordinator
3 yrs
Budget for activities is real, not a token £20. Took a group to the coast in September — proper day out.