Blackbrook House

Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HP
Submit a Review
9.6 75 Reviews
  • Blackbrook House, Colchester
Blackbrook House in Dedham is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border. The home provides residential and dementia care for up to 55 residents in comfortable ensuite rooms and continues to welcome new residents.

As one of England's largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care for those over 55 years of age, Anchor continually reinvests the money it makes into its retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass customer’s expectations

Anchor ensures each individual’s health and care needs are continually met by working closely with customers and their families.

They provide on-going dementia training for care staff which ensures their approach always reflects best practice. Anchor recognises that everyone is an individual and works hard to provide person-centred care.

Show Blackbrook House on the Map

Care Provided by Blackbrook House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 55 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lucy Yarham (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Please contact Blackbrook House directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (55)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (55)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2008
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Blackbrook House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,367
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,367
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,367
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,367

  • Colleagues at Blackbrook House will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackbrook House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The home welcome visitors as an integral part of day-to-day life.


  • Parking

  • There is onsite parking, including disabled spaces.


Blackbrook House Reviews (75)

Total of 75, showing 41-60
9.6

Blackbrook House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.602) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackbrook House has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 53
  • 20
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

75
9
15
21
54

Review from Beverley J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Blackbrook House provides a high standard of care to Residents and are very supportive of respective family questions and emotional needs. Staff are hardworking and dedicated to their clients, which provides reassurance that loved ones are having their individual care needs met.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Norman G (Resident) published on 23 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Enjoyed my short stay, made very welcome and was looked after by all staff in an excellent fashion. I enjoyed making some laughter and hope I brightened the day up, not only for staff but also other people that I met in your care. I felt I was the youngest person there. Thank you all once again for
everything.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Guy W (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since moving my mum into Blackbrook House, I have seen her health improve. The state of deterioration from dementia has reduced, she has put on weight and she is always smiling and happy. Every day, I know she has great care from the carers and has great interaction with the patients. I couldn't be
happier than the service we get from Blackbrook House.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A P (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Blackbrook House for almost 2 years and I can't fault the level of care she has received in that time. The home is always clean and the menu looks amazing.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Arnie A (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pleased to see that my mum has settled in and seems to be quite happy with everything in general which pleases me. She is very well cared for by the staff all of whom I've talked to are excellent.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Joanna T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackbrook House cared for our mum for almost 3 years in a very caring manner. As her needs changed, so did their level of care and support. In her last few weeks, they were very supportive of our family and ensured that mum could continue to be cared for at Blackbrook House. Their kindness and support
was greatly appreciated at a sad and difficult time.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Peggy H (Friend of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Was most impressed both with facilities and day staff alike. Stayed for lunch...yum yum yum yum yum.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jennifer A (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good care, compassionate staff room cosy if a bit small. Plenty of fluids available at all times nice and warm in the lounges.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Neal S (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackbrook has been fantastic for my Dad. The carers are passionate and very dedicated and nothing is ever a problem. The home is welcoming and well maintained, with great management and support staff.
The home is set in lovely surroundings with easy access from main routes.
Really pleased with
the choice we made. Highly recommended.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Nigel B (Nephew of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Aunt has settled in well and is achieving so much more than was expected. The staff are friendly and considerate, in providing care and support. To see my Aunt looking so radiant and healthy has given my family a sense of relief and happiness after the difficult decision to move her from her long
term home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Christopher H (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The standards of care and interest manifested by all those employed here 95% of the time is exceptional. My mother is treated with dignity and respect on the visits I make.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Bernard C (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is an excellent care home. Highly recommended. For my family, distance to travel is a compromise but one worth doing.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jackie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely helpful, friendly. Mum is being looked after extremely well. Would recommend to anyone. Like home from home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Diane K (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my mother has received since she has been at this home is second to none. They have been brilliant. The staff are friendly and helpful and nothing seems too much trouble for them even at times when they are really busy.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Leslie C (Son of Resident) published on 20 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackbrook House offers a superb service. All the residents are extremely well looked after. Cannot fault it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D A (Resident) published on 15 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are kind and caring, food very nice. Beds could be slightly larger. I shall always choose here and come back for short stays. All the best to everyone.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tracy D (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 31 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely clean home, well decorated. I can see improvements with the decor being made. Excellent menu with a wide variety. My nan is well looked after and well fed.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I've found the staff to be very helpful whenever I have requested anything for Mum, it has been done as soon as possible.
The staff are all well tuned to Mum's moods and needs, i.e. she suffered from anxiety and recently the night staff found her awake, dressed and ready for me (I arrive at 9.30am
daily) at 2.30am!
They reassured her I would be arriving, gave her an early breakfast and sat with her until she was calmer.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jean B (Resident) published on 24 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Warm, friendly atmosphere. Kind, helpful carers. My only complaint is the use of agency nurses who we don't know and don't seem very well trained.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S H (Son of Resident) published on 30 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Generally warm natured staff. My parents insist Blackbrook staff are better behaved when visitors are present. Staff seem pushed for time and have little empathy and treat residents with a condescending attitude and tend to treat like children. There seems to be staff that work for money and don't really
like the work. Then 50% of the staff seem to truly care and work in the care home as they enjoy caring work. Get rid of the staff who only want wages. They're not in it for the right reason. Care!

Reply from Judith McGugan, District Manager at Blackbrook House

We maintain our staffing levels using consistent agency staff whilst we are recruiting. We monitor care delivery to ensure that staff show respect and dignity are shown towards all our residents. Our staff have regular supervisions when any lapses in performance will be discussed and how we can support them to improve. We have in place an activity programme that is now discussed with residents at monthly resident meetings. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the comments further to help us ensure that we deliver the services required by our customers.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.602)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.602) out of 10 for Blackbrook House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.602 for Blackbrook House is calculated as follows: ( (163 Excellents x 5) + (75 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 249 Ratings = 4.602

  • 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 Blackbrook House is based on 21 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 55 registered maximum number of service users is 11, which has been reached with 21 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: 18 Jan 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Good

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

posted 02 Apr 2025

We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact Blackbrook House directly for more details.


Awards / Recognitions (13)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (0)

There are no Team Members posted yet