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 41-60
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

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Review from Janet M (Wife of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Why when I pay nearly £5000 a month do I have to pay for toothpaste and shampoo? I am very happy that my husband is in the care of Dovecote staff, they are always helpful and caring.

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

Thank you for your review and we are very happy to hear that your husband is safe and happy in the home. We will contact you with regards to the toiletries. Kind regards, Celia


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Review from Peter M (Son of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Difficult in Covid times. Why when spending £1000+ per week do we need to provide shower gel? Needs a haircut, not always shaved daily. The staff are generally very good and helpful.

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

Thank you for the good review for Dovecote Manor. The manager will be in contact with regard to the shower gel and hair cut. Kind regards


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Review from Lily C (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 2 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I and my sister visited our great aunt in the home recently, and I was blown away by how happy she was.
She has gained weight, made friends and was chatting to us in her lovely bedroom. The care staff are amazing, and they have made such a difference in her life. She said she felt safe there and talked
about the carers in such an endearing way.

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

Thank you for your review of Dovecote Manor; we are thrilled to receive this review. It's super to read that she is happy in the home and glad we can offer safe visiting now. Kind regards.


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Review from Pauline P (Wife of Resident) published on 29 October 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This home looks after my husband extremely well. He refers to the carers as 'my ladies'. He is so happy when I visit. He is well cared for, I am so happy with the service I highly recommend this care home.

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

Thank you for your review of Dovecote. We were very pleased to hear that your husband is well looked after in the home. Kind regards.


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Review from Andrew D (Son of Resident) published on 29 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since becoming a resident at Dovecote his health and well-being have improved greatly with him gaining weight and becoming very settled at this wonderful home. The staff are very friendly and supportive to both residents and family.

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

Thank you for your kind words towards the home and staff and we were very pleased to hear that your father has settled into Dovecote Manor.


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Review from Grace C (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 22 October 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My great-aunt moved to the home recently from another and the staff were so supportive, kind and patient with her.
I was kept up to date with her every move and delighted to see that she is so happy.
She has gained weight and despite her dementia seems to be making some friends there which has not
happened in previous homes. Her room is beautiful and we were allowed to bring in some of her things. You are all amazing. Thank you.

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

Thank you very much for your kind words about the home. We were exceptionally pleased to hear that things are going well for your great aunt. Kind regards, Celia


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Review from Geogia F (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We celebrated my grandmother's 100th birthday yesterday. Despite the restrictions due to Covid-19, the team at Dovecote Manor Care Home ensured we were able to mark this monumental occasion as a family in the garden. Nannie was made to feel extra special and so much thought went in from the team - even
ensuring her nails were painted and hair done for the party. Thank you for a wonderful day!

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

Thank you for your review and we were very pleased that the 100th birthday celebrations went well. Kind regards Celia Hardill.


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Review from G F (Grandson of Resident) published on 23 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic. Organised my grandma’s 100th birthday. Nan is very happy staying here and the staff are great.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful! Everyone is always pleasant, polite and helpful. They care for Mum as I would. They always say "hello" and ask how you are, from carers right up to management.
Very efficient in every way.
I have no complaints at all.
Mum is as happy as she can be under the circumstances...and so am I.
Thank
you. Much appreciated.

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Review from Beverley D (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dovecote Manor has been brilliant throughout this pandemic, they always reassure us when it comes to our mum's well being.
They always make sure we get to see Mum as much as possible, either with a contact visit or through a FaceTime call.
My mum has such strong bonds with the carers which makes
us as a family rest easy.

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Review from Justine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy that I can have peace of mind, especially through this pandemic with the way the carers take such good care of my mum. I could not have wished for a better care home to look after my mum, they really go the extra mile and more to keep our loved ones safe, Dovecote Manor is a home from
home with their kindness and patience and the staff are so friendly, they work very hard to care for there residents and I would recommend Dovecote Manor to anyone who is looking for a care home for a loved one as they really put your mind at ease and I saw this every day before the pandemic as I was there most days visiting my mum.

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

Thank you for your kind words for all the staff at Dovecote Manor, they will be very pleased to see this review. I am glad to hear that Mum is happy there.


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Review from Chloe R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 30 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I can’t put into words how grateful we are as a family for Dovecote Manor. They have amazing and approachable staff and we really feel they care to our nans needs as much as possible. Over the pandemic we know the times have been incredibly testing and tough but feel they have done everything they can
to keep the staff and residents safe with what’s in their control. We owe a lot to the staff as it’s such a weight lifted knowing our nan is safe and being cared for. We would recommend this home it has a great homey welcoming feel.

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Review from Karen A (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 July 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My lovely mum went into care at Dovecote Manor nearly a year ago, it was a sad, emotional and difficult decision to have to make, especially during Covid and lockdown. I felt extremely guilty and felt I’d let her down, however, I needn’t have worried.
Dovecote is like an extension of our family, Mum
has settled in really well, is being really well looked after and seems very happy, which is mainly down to the wonderful, caring and loving staff at Dovecote.
I would highly recommend Dovecote Manor to anyone, it really is like home from home.

Reply from Alan Haywood, Home Manager at Dovecote Manor

Thank you for your kind words, it's a real pleasure having mum here at Dovecote Manor. We appreciate how hard it must have been to place mum here in such difficult times during the pandemic so it's really reassuring to know and see how well mum has settled here. Your feedback will be shared with the team who work so hard to make this possible.


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Review from Tracey B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been at Dovecote Manor since March 2018. Throughout she has been wonderfully well cared for by the staff, and clearly continues to be settled and feel safe. This includes throughout the pandemic when I and other family have not been able to visit very regularly as we have previously done.
Mum was very poorly earlier this year and staff cared for her superbly well, nursing her back to her previous level of health. Throughout the pandemic, the staff have been incredible working through the huge challenges whilst looking to their own families too. The team strive to do the best for residents, and their motivation amazingly remains positive. I have always been clear that Covid guidelines and other standards have been applied well, with a human touch. It's clear that staff are heartened by the positive steps being carefully taken as lockdown eases. Last month I was able to hold Mum's hands during a visit in fourteen months. Lots of very happy tears, and not just from Mum and I!

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot fault the care and support provided by all members of staff to Mum, especially during the times I could not be with her.
Lovely care home.

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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father came to live at the carehome in Summer 2020. He was well supported for his move as it was during lockdowns. He soon felt at home and it has been fantastic not to worry about his care. He feels at home and comfortable with some of his own things in his room. The care is exemplary and every
member of staff are so polite and caring to the residents and their families. A real home from home. Despite restrictions, during covid this place has been there evolving in a seamless way keeping us in touch.

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Review from A L (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always welcoming, both my parents looked after well with respect. The staff take time to talk to residents and family members. I always feel happy to leave my parents as I know they are cared for.

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Review from Eileen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for nearly five years and she has been cared for extremely well. I have no concerns about her welfare when I am not there.

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Review from S H (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dovecote Manor staff and management made myself and Mum very welcome. They will do their best to sort out any problems which may arise. They take good care of Mum reassuring her about things she is anxious with. Staff are friendly and caring, also supporting family when needed, you are welcome to go
in anytime within reason of course.

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Review from Jill D (Relative of Resident) published on 23 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have visited my family member at least fortnightly for the last three years so feel qualified to give a review, although my comments relate to weekends so I'm unfamiliar with the Manor's management so cannot comment on them.
Sometimes Dovecote's Manor's kitchen is a bit messy, sometimes my family
member doesn't look his best, but at all times the staff are caring, friendly and attentive.
They all deserve medals.
P.S. I do think the office in the Bluebird cupboard is a mistake. The residents used to like the stimulation of office comings and goings and the reception area feels empty and cold now - boring even.

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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.

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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.