Dovecote Manor

Whalley Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EN
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10 61 Reviews
  • Dovecote Manor, Milton Keynes
Dovecote Manor is a residential care centre for older people situated in the town of Bletchley, close to the home of the historical Code Breakers, Bletchley Park. The home is close to the main line station and has good public transport links with central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre only a 20 minutes drive away.

There is a local shopping centre nearby with a chemist, post office and newsagents. The Blue Lagoon nature reserve is also within walking distance.

Dovecote Manor is purpose-built and has residential accommodation for 42 people with dementia and residential needs. It is set in its own grounds with an enclosed garden and has private parking for visitors.

All the bedrooms have en-suite facilities and all areas of the home are wheelchair accessible. There are comfortable lounges and dining rooms which have kitchenette facilities where meals are provided by the catering team who can cater for all specialist diets. In addition, there is a cafe, a sensory room, a reminiscence room, and a hairdressing salon as well as various quiet rooms around the home.

There is an activities room and a full activities programme to suit all needs and abilities, and regular church services are held for those who wish to attend.

The friendly management and staff team are very welcoming and supportive and provide the highest standard of individualised care in a home from home environment.

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Care Provided by Dovecote Manor

  • Type of Service
    • Residential Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 43 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Chelsea Butcher (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Direct to Home Manager or via Milton Keynes Council
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (43)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Dovecote Manor

  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,200
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,300
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Dovecote Manor to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time


  • Parking

  • Free on-site parking for visitors


Dovecote Manor Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 1-20
10

Dovecote Manor has a Review Score of 10 (9.993) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dovecote Manor has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Susan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In October we needed to find 24 hour dementia care for my father urgently. Dovecote Manor Care Home was extremely responsive, efficient, helpful and kind in arranging for him to visit, assessing him and within a couple of days moving him in. The manager went beyond the expected call of duty in doing
this and has been very supportive throughout this move. All the staff at the home are kind, professional, motivated and expert at caring for the residents. They always make us feel welcome to visit my father, and have been very sympathetic in helping us to deal with what has been a difficult time for us. The atmosphere at the home is cheerful and it is always very clean and well decorated and maintained. The rooms are a good size and the home is comfortable. My father enjoys the food, which always looks appetising. The activities seem very good and well planned. There is a beautiful little garden, now lit up spectacularly for Christmas. I feel very lucky that my dad is living there.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for the lovely review for Dovecote. It's lovely to hear that both you and your father are happy with the home. Kind regards


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Review from Hayley L (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum is so happy living here. The comfort and care are exceptional. The activities are brilliant and my mum joins in all of them. The meals are nutritious and appetising. The care home is a loving, welcoming place. The staff are amazing with all residents and are hand to help 24/7. The care home
in our opinion as a family is the best ever.

Reply from Chelsea Butcher, Home manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for your review and kind words. We are so happy that your mum is happy at Dovecote. Kind regards


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Review from Victoria B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are all caring and always know what has been going on. The activities are amazing and lots going on. Cannot not fault the home.

Reply from Jayne Masterson, Regional Director at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for leaving a review for Buchan House and the team there. I will ensure your positive feedback is shared with the team.


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Review from T B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I come to Dovecote to visit my mom. She has a lovely room and my brother and my husband have made it homely for her. The staff are very helpful and patient. The home is clean and well-kept - it's great seeing the residents enjoying the entertainment and crafts. My husband and I are very pleased with
the care and attention they give to everybody, residents and visitors alike.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your review for Dovecote, it is a joy to hear that your Mom is happy in the home with the care activities and also the home itself. Kind regards


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Review from Angela F (Friend of Resident) published on 16 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit my friend who is a resident at Dovecote Manor on a regular basis and she always looks happy and healthy. When I have visited during mealtimes, the food looks well presented and tasty. The staff are friendly and helpful and I have seen that there are always plenty of things to do. It is good
to know that my friend is safe and well cared for.

Reply from Chelsea Butcher, Home manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so pleased that you feel your friend is happy and well cared for. Kind regards


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Review from Michael D (Husband of Resident) published on 16 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel so blessed with all the kindness and love I have received from the wonderful staff at Dovecote Manor. I always feel welcome to take part in activities and events.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you very much for the lovely review and so happy to hear that your husband is loved in Dovecote.


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Review from R R (Resident) published on 2 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have lived here for 7 months it is wonderful. I like the people and the food and care are wonderful.

Reply from Lily Weatherley, Deputy Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your review, we are so pleased you are happy at Dovecote. your words and feedback mean a great deal to the team at Dovecote, thank you for taking the time to share them.


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Review from Tony R (Son of Resident) published on 2 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been at Dovecote for a few months now and the change in him has been incredible. He is so much healthier, cleaner and happier than when he was trying to look after himself. All of the staff are amazing and I actually enjoy going in to visit him.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review for Dovecote. It is lovely to hear that your dad has improved and you are happy with the home. Kind regards


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Review from June G (Wife of Resident) published on 11 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From initial assessment to admission in March, the care and attention given to my husband has been truly exemplary.
My family and I are totally delighted with the superb care he is receiving from all the staff, and we have noticed some improvement in his condition.
I'm sure the huge variety of activities
has helped him.
Due to a bad experience with another care home in the past, good care homes are hard to find, so finding Dovecote has been a life changer for all of us.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review for Dovecote Manor. It's lovely to hear that your husband is doing well in the home. Kind regards


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Review from L F (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been living at Dovecote Manor for two years. She feels safe and happy and I am so thankful that we found such a wonderful home. From the manager down to the carers, we couldn't wish for better care. The staff are always responsive to any queries or concerns I may have, and treat their residents
with care and respect. Mum's wellbeing has improved significantly while she's been there, even while her dementia is progressing. The home puts on frequent and varied activities but I've also walked in to find a carer sitting with Mum just doing puzzles or reading with her, and I've witnessed individual care like this in the lounge too. This encouragement and engagement enriches the residents' lives incredibly. The staff are dedicated to their residents and enjoy the activities with them. My family is delighted and thankful that Mum has such excellent care. Thank you Dovecote!

Reply from Lily Weatherley, Deputy Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It is lovely to hear that you feel mums well being has improved. The team will be thrilled to hear your kind words about their dedication to enrichment and activities. We have some great events and trips coming up which everyone is looking forward to. Thank you for sharing your touching review


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Review from Tia M (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My first visit to Dovecote was 25.2.24 I visited today also with my son and I am still finding it surreal! The welcome I/we received was so valuable to me on the first visit especially as due to circumstances beyond my control I had lost touch with my birth mother and I was nervous. I was listened to
without judgement, I was understood and reassured at a time when it was vital that I was. I could not believe how calming, genuine, friendly and welcoming staff were and most importantly how different the resident was in herself, relaxed, smiling and at home! That first visit, I had no idea what to expect and today was more of the same! it genuinely still blows me away! We are so thankful! What a professional, lovely, caring place!

Reply from Lily Weatherley, Deputy Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. Hearing the impression the home and the team has left on you is very touching and we are so honoured to care for your loved one. We know it can be a daunting situation, so it's great to hear that you can see a positive change and that you feel she has settled in well. Thank you again for your lovely words.


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Review from Anne P (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 90-year-old mum has been part of the Dovecote family for over 4 years. Apart from the usual care, kindness and support Mum gets every day, leading up to Christmas Mum was involved in lots of fun activities and we were treated to lots of photos and videos of everyone enjoying themselves. I am so thankful
Mum is a resident at Dovecote and that she has such excellent care.

Reply from Sarah Lawton-Murray, Milton Keynes Business Support Partner at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your kind review. We are pleased that your mother enjoyed the Christmas activities at Dovecote Manor. We will pass on your comments to the team members. It's very heartwarming to know that you appreciate the care and support that the home provides.


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Review from Stephanie W (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad is happy here. The staff are caring, they have gotten to know him personally, and nothing is too much trouble. Dad feels safe, and we know he is cared for. Duty of care is exceptional.
In fact, my mum says that when her time comes, she too would be happy to live here.
Thank you, Dovecote,
for all you stand for and for all that you do.

Reply from Sarah Lawton-Murray, Milton Keynes Business Support Partner at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that your father has settled in well at Dovecote Manor. We will pass on your comments to the team, who work really hard to create a warm and nurturing environment for all our residents. Your feedback means a lot to us.


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Review from R D (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Knowing that my dad is being well cared for by the lovely team at Dovecote Manor and that if he falls there's someone to help him up. Seeing how happy he is when he joins in with whatever activity is going on there is always something and he particularly likes when they get to go outside, but knowing
he is safe.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your lovely review of Dovecote Manor. The team will be delighted to read this and it is super to hear that your dad is happy in the home and getting involved. Kind regards.


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Review from Jean V (Niece of Resident) published on 20 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy and relieved my husband is in Dovecote Manor. He is so happy and always has a smile on his face. The staff are wonderful, always smiling and friendly. It's a lovely atmosphere, he has a lovely room. I feel content to leave him there. It really feels like a lovely family home.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your lovely review of Dovecote. It's so good to hear that your husband is happy in the home. Kind regards


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Review from Rona G (Sister of Resident) published on 20 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My brother has only been a resident for a couple of weeks, but I cannot think of anything that can be improved on. He always has a smile on his face when I visit, and the staff do too. He enjoys the activities and the company of other residents. His room is lovely and will soon look like home. It really
does feel like home! As a visitor, I always feel welcome.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you, Rona, for the lovely review for Dovecote; the team will be thrilled to read this, and it's good to know that your brother has settled well. Kind regards.


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Review from L K (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 96-year-old mother was admitted to Dovecote Manor in June of 2023. She has dementia and other health issues, including breast cancer and was unable to remain at home despite 4x carer visits a day. Although reluctant to leave her home, she has gradually settled in well. Staff gave her time and support
to establish her routine. She now asks to join other residents in the lounge. I feel all her needs are being met very well.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Good afternoon, that's an amazing age of 96! Thank you for your lovely heart-warming review of the home. It's lovely to hear that you are happy with the care at the home. Kind regards.


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Review from Antony C (Son of Resident) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad's care has been excellent, we couldn't ask for more from the care team.

Reply from Alan Haywood, Home Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you so much for your review we are so pleased that you and Dad are happy with the care.


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Review from N B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Dovecote Manor for about three years. I visit often and I must say how happy Mum always is. There are always plenty of activities available and it is nice to see Mum on the social media page joining in. The home is clean and the carers are kind and caring. I definitely
feel happy knowing that Mum is safe and cared for.

Reply from Alan Haywood, Home Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your kind review which has been shared with the team. We are really pleased that Mum is happy living at Dovecote.


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Review from Katie B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Grandad has been here only 2 weeks and he has settled in so well. He seems happy and more awake than he would usually be. Thank you for making him smile and for making Nan feel at ease.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your review of Dovecote, it is heartwarming to hear that your grandad is happy in the home. The team will be so pleased to read this.


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Current Review Score: 10.0 (9.993)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 10 (9.993) out of 10 for Dovecote Manor is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.993 for Dovecote Manor is calculated as follows: ( (297 Excellents x 5) + (2 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 299 Ratings = 4.993

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Dovecote Manor is based on 25 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 25 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 16 Nov 2019

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (8)

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Meet the Team (3)

Chelsea

Chelsea Butcher

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2024

I started my career in health and social care when I was 18 years old in Neath House. I spent a few years there learning as much as I could about residential care before I took a job with Milton Keynes Council and learnt about supported living. Meanwhile, I started and completed two years of my degree in Nursing so gained a wealth of experience from that opportunity. I moved to another supported living scheme and senior home care roles before my last role as a deputy manager in a residential home for the local authority in Northampton.


Whilst supporting the team at Dovecote it is important to me that the team continue to provide the best quality care for the people that live here, that we stay current, innovative and adaptable and I pride myself in wanting to support and educate the team I work with.


Having started my career in an Excelcare home, I recognise the opportunity to grow within the organisation and that has always been my goal. I would like to keep learning, keep developing and continue with my career progression.


George

George Butnaru

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

George commenced his role as a deputy at Dovecote in late November 2024. He brings a decade of experience in the care sector, holding a Level 5 NVQ in Health and Social Care Management and Leadership, along with a first-class degree in Human Resource Management obtained in 2024 from the University of Bedfordshire. George enjoys football and watching movies and appreciates a positive and cheerful atmosphere both in and outside the workplace. He remains passionate about his work and his dreams and believes in a thriving multicultural organization that fosters empathy, respect, and compassion, with trust as its cornerstone.


Jayne

Jayne Porritt

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2022

Jayne started working at Dovecote Manor in June 2022.


Previously Jayne worked as a Teaching Assistant in a school.


Frequently Asked Questions about Dovecote Manor

What types of Care is Dovecote Manor registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Dovecote Manor provide?

Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Dovecote Manor have?

There are 43 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Dovecote Manor?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Dovecote Manor to the centre of Milton Keynes?

2.5 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.