Pendennis is an old house, and with that inevitably come a few disadvantages. But for me, that is also part of its charm. It feels homely and familiar – much more like a home from home than a modern, faceless building of glass and concrete.

What really makes Pendennis special, though, is the staff. They are exceptionally kind, caring and approachable, and nothing ever seems too much trouble – you only have to ask.

My mother has now been at Pendennis for three and a half years, and one of the things that has always reassured me is the continuity of the staff. Many of the same people who were there when she first moved in are still there now. That says a great deal in itself, but more importantly it means they genuinely know the residents. They know their personalities, their likes and dislikes, their routines, their little ways, and what matters to them.

There is something very comforting about knowing that my mother is surrounded by people who know her as a person, not simply as someone they care for. The kindness and familiarity of the staff have made Pendennis feel like her home, and that means an enormous amount to us as a family.

No care home can ever replace someone’s own home, but Pendennis has managed to create something warm, personal and reassuring, and we are very grateful for the care my mother receives there.

— Tina