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 21-40
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

  • 55
  • 6
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Date Published

61
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Review from Stephen D (Respite Resident) published on 24 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I stayed at Dovecote Manor for a week at the end of July 2023 for respite care while my partner took a well deserved rest. The staff were all very attentive and very willing to ensure my brief stay was comfortable. The home was spotlessly clean and the food was good with the portion sizes enough to
satisfy healthy appetites!
Entertainment was provided for residents, keeping them engaged. My room was very comfortable, had ample storage space, was well equipped and considerably more spacious than other care homes I have visited.

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

Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Dovecote Manor and I will pass on your comments to the team. We look forward to seeing again.


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Review from Owen L (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 26 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic staff, very caring and engaged with the residents, the facilities are also always spotlessly clean. Entertainment and keeping residents involved with games and activities is great to see, well done to all the staff for your efforts.

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

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review for Dovecote Manor. We are so pleased you are happy with the home and that your father-in-law is enjoying the entertainment and activities there.


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Review from K M (Niece of Resident) published on 26 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy with everything at Dovecote, the care of my aunt is brilliant the staff are friendly and helpful and she has always looked well, smiling and laughing. I am happy because she is happy.

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

Thank you very much for your review of Dovecote Manor, it's lovely to see your aunt is so happy in the home. Take care and kind regards.


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Review from J L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day one of placing Mum into a care home, I have been impressed with the cleanliness, the care team and the office support at Dovecote Manor. Over the time Mum has been there, this has only continued to impress me and confirms that Mum is well looked after and loved. The extra help I have received
in getting Mum to an audiology appointment has been fabulous. I cannot thank everyone enough at Dovecote Manor for all they do, they are truly amazing.

Reply from Lily Weatherley, Deputy Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for taking the time to write your lovely review of Dovecote, we are so pleased you feel your mum is well loved and looked after and your compliments mean so much to the team. Kind regards.


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Review from L B (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father is very well catered for in Dovecote Manor, he's always clean and tidy, never smells of urine even though he's incontinent, everybody from the dinner ladies or men to the management help him or chat with him even though they are very busy doing their jobs. Nothing is too much trouble which
puts my mind at rest without worrying about my father. Top marks for a top place!

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

And thank you for a top review. It is lovely for us to hear such genuine and kind words for the home. We are so pleased your father is being well looked after in Dovecote.


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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father is a new resident at Dovecote Manor Care Home. The Manager and his team on Kingfisher floor have been extremely supportive and caring to both Dad and us as a family following my mother’s recent death. I feel confident that Dad is being well looked after. I would especially like to compliment
the deputy manager who coordinates the floor my father is on. When I emailed her one Sunday about a small concern, she responded in a timely manner and I felt immediately reassured. I would also like to mention that the Manager is very approachable and visible and I appreciate being able to catch up informally with him at times when visiting my father, especially as I don’t live locally. The whole focus at this residential home is on the resident. We are all still getting used to each other but I feel that the Dovecote Team have made what has been a challenging time for us as a family, much easier. Thank you.

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

Thank you for your kind review for Dovecote Manor it is lovely to hear you are happy with the team and also the care that your father is receiving. Many thanks Celia


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Review from Marian G (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Dovecote are very kind and caring and made Mum's 98th birthday very special. She had a beautiful bouquet, a wonderful cake and was made to feel very special.

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

Thank you Marian for your lovely review for Dovecote Manor and it is good to hear that your mum had a lovely birthday. Kind regards


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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My review is mainly based on activities for the residents organised by the lifestyle coordinator. Following a superb Jubilee party in the summer, a Halloween party took place which was very well organised from the outset, involving residents in the making of decorations for the event. The catering for
such events is superb along with the birthday cakes they provide for the residents, well done.

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

Thank you for your review of Dovecote and your kind words for the team. Kind regards


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Review from Roger F (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 31 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 101-year-old mother-in-law has been a resident of Dovecote Manor for eighteen months. Before becoming a resident in Dovecote Manor she lived on her own becoming increasingly unhappy whilst my wife and I became increasingly concerned for her safety and mental well-being.
Since moving to Dovecote
Manor she has been much happier, her physical and mental health have both improved, she regularly sees a hairdresser and the staff have arranged for her to obtain new spectacles and a new set of dentures which she resisted whilst living alone.
In spite of her developing more symptoms of dementia, including the odd violent outburst, all the staff at Dovecote Manor have continued to behave in an exemplary manner offering a kind and caring service.
As my wife and I live some distance from the home and can only visit weekly we are kept updated on her progress ensuring that we know she is living in a safe, warm and caring environment.

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 is heartwarming to hear that your mother-in-law is enjoying life in the home and the team are looking after her so well. 101 is a fantastic age!
Kind regards
Celia


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Review from Les M (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The family came to celebrate their Mum's (nan's/mother-in-law's) birthday. The staff at Dovecote Manor could not have been more obliging and helpful. The birthday cake was special and we all had a share. The presents and clothes were of good quality and were well received. The wonderful staff went above
and beyond anything the family could have expected. Birthday decorations, balloons, banners and cards were all first-class. Thanks again for a great day. I know my mother-in-law loved every moment.

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

Thank you for taking the time to send in such a lovely review and we are so happy you were able to share Mum's special day. Kind regards.


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Review from N C (Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy with all of my care.

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

Thank you, it's great to hear from you and we are very happy to hear that all is well. Kind regards, Celia


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Review from Rachel W (Relative of Resident) published on 5 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My last visit to Dovecote Manor was prior to the pandemic due to living 3 hours away but I recently made the trip up to see my great aunt who’s been with Dovecote for some time now and I just wanted to say how impressed I was with the home. I didn’t know what to expect as it’s been so long but all the
staff were so helpful and my great aunt looks so happy and healthy. The home was really clean and the atmosphere was really cheerful. It was also great to see the manager and thank him directly for keeping us so well informed during the pandemic, he and his team have also been so amazing.
I hope they don’t mind but I took one of the cards as I left as I couldn’t leave without sharing how amazing my visit was. I smiled all the way home and can rest easy knowing my aunt is so well looked after.

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

Thank you very much for your lovely words for Dovecote and the team that work there. It is heartwarming to hear that your great aunt is very happy in the home. Kind regards.


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Review from Dawn S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 June 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a great Jubilee party it was at Dovecote Manor. The staff did an amazing job and you could see the joy it brought to the residents, families and staff. A chance to use the lovely garden area - roll on the next event.

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Review from Laura R (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Mum entered Dovecote Manor in December 2021, she has thrived and has nothing but great things to say about the care she receives. The staff are amazing and the manager clearly knows how a good care home should be run. She always has clean clothes, is stimulated by all the activities and has put
on weight. Mostly, she is calm and happy to which I couldn't ask for much more! An amazing team!

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

Thank you for your excellent review of Dovecote, it is really heartwarming to read such lovely feedback. Kind regards, Celia.


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Review from P B (Friend of Resident) published on 12 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone is so friendly. The carers are amazing and the office staff and managers are so informative and understanding.

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

Thank you for your review of Dovecote. It is wonderful to hear that you are fully satisfied with the home. The team members and manager will be proud to read this.


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Review from Tony P (Husband of Resident) published on 15 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've listed myself as husband, although in reality we are divorced, but still close. My ex-wife thinks that we are still married. Since being welcomed at Dovecote towards the end of 2021, she has settled very well, is as contented as she can be and no longer asks when she is going home. For her, acceptance
of change is a big step. Care is not only being cared for but being cared about and a feeling of safety, both for the resident and for the family. The entire team are professional, kind and true carers. Clearly, Dovecote is well managed and this filters through to every aspect of the care provided. Their approach to safety during the pandemic has been excellent.

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

Thank you for your review for Dovecote Manor. The team members at the home will be very pleased to hear this. I am happy to hear that your ex-wife has now settled in the home. Kind regards


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Review from John B (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 3 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very welcoming home where the focus is clearly on the residents, their needs and preferences. Whilst the care provided has to be personal it is always carried out with the dignity of the resident in mind. Excellent relationships with relatives of the residents are sought and maintained.

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

Thank you, John, for your kind review of Dovecote, it is a truly remarkable home. I hope all continues to go well for your father-in-law. Kind regards


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Review from M W (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father became a resident at Dovecote Manor in 2020 during the pandemic. This was a very difficult time for our family to realise that he was no longer able to be at home, but everyone at Dovecote made the transition so easy. Since then Dad has settled well. All the staff are so friendly and helpful.
It's so good to know that Dad is being looked after so well and is safe.

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

Thank you for your kind words towards Dovecote Manor. It is good to hear that your dad has settled well into the home. The staff and manager will be happy to read this. Kind regards


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Review from Julie C (Wife of Resident) published on 25 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The last two years have been difficult and it has been hard not to see my husband. I visited today and found him in good spirits although quite frail. He is full of praise for the care he gets and I found him content. The manager, especially, is his favourite and they enjoy good banter. The team are
amazing and supportive. I just need to sort out a new mobile for him.

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

Thank you for the kind review of Dovecote it is lovely to hear that your husband is happy in the home. He does indeed enjoy good banter. Kind regards.


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Review from T O (Friend of Resident) published on 12 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited a friend of mine in the care home last week. She looked so well and the carers were very friendly and reassuring. My friend is gluten-free like me and she said the home were really accommodating and the food was lovely. Thank you also to one member of staff who made me feel very welcome.

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

Thank you for taking the time to complete such a lovely review. It is good to hear that your friend is happy in the home and enjoying her meals. The staff will be proud to read this. Kind regards


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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.