Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
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9.7 81 Reviews
  • Blackthorns, Halstead
Blackthorns is a newly refurbished, 58 bedroom, residential care home in Halstead, north Essex. This spacious home provides expert care for older people, including those living with dementia. All of the bedrooms are beautifully furnished, with 22 benefitting from en-suite bathroom facilities and there is also a dedicated area for dementia care, designed to enable those they care for to maintain their independence in a safe environment.

Facilities available for the enjoyment of residents include a café, comfortable and sociable dining, several beautiful lounges, a hairdressing salon, corridor snugs and several courtyard garden areas.

The professional, compassionate and highly-trained care team strives to create a varied and enjoyable environment at Blackthorns, and listen carefully to what residents would like to do to make the day pleasurable and memorable. They take great pride in their activities. The activities programme ensures that residents remain stimulated and engaged, taking into account hobbies, needs and interests, to include and entertain everyone. Wifi is also available on site.

At Blackthorns, their aim is to practise ‘person-centred’ care for all residents, and trained staff are available 24 hours a day to meet residents' needs. They understand the value of individuality, so residents will be able to personalise their accommodation.

A nutritious menu of food is provided in consultation with residents and their families to ensure that any special requests and diets can be met.

This beautiful care home can be visited at any time, and assessments can be carried out in people's own homes if desired.

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Care Provided by Blackthorns

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Flavia Poplauschi (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Admission is confirmed upon a satisfactory pre-admission assessment and confirmation that the needs of the potential resident can be met.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Blackthorns

  • 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 £1,300
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackthorns 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)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Upon arriving at the home, please press the buzzer on the intercom. A member of staff will greet you shortly. The home kindly request that you sign the guestbook upon both arrival and departure. This helps maintain an accurate record of who is in the building.
    In the event of an emergency, please follow the designated safety protocols provided. Your cooperation ensures everyone's safety.


  • Parking

  • The home includes dedicated parking spaces.


Blackthorns Reviews (81)

Total of 81, showing 61-80
9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 81 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 49
  • 26
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0

Date Published

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Review from Trevor J (Respite Resident) published on 11 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay in Blackthorns was a very happy time. All the staff and management were always friendly and any help I needed it was no trouble. The carers were brilliant in all the 10 months I was in there, I didn't want to leave.

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Review from D T (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother had severe dementia and in the 3 1/2 years she was at Blackthorns she was treated with kindness and empathy and always looked well kept and remembered to put her beads (necklace)round her neck. Mum always loved laughter and smiles which she always had and carers had for her - whenever I visited,
which was very frequently, Mum was always happy. I have never had any regrets about my mum being at Blackthorns, only pluses and happiness.

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Review from Terry D (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have found the manager and the staff to be very approachable and helpful and the general all-round care provided to be of the highest standard.

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Review from Chris B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum has been at Blackthorns for 3 years. She is happy and content.
The management and staff are extremely caring, friendly and helpful.
Thank you, everyone, for all the care you give my Mum.

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Review from J N (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has settled in so well, the staff are so helpful and kind and can't do enough for the residents. I feel very comfortable with Blackthorns and the care and attention they are giving to Mum and how they keep me informed of how she is doing when I visit.

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Review from Barbara B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My 93-year-old mother was admitted to Blackthorns Care Home after another hospital stay, due to having heart failure and AF.
It was decided she needed 24-hour care. Mother also has a tenancy to be up in the early hours and has fallen numerous times while alone.
Being in the home, Mum is often taken
back to bed when she is up very early. Her medical needs are seen to very efficiently. The home has some good outdoor spaces. Entertainment provided on occasions.
Management and staff provide excellent care.

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Review from Lorraine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the care and support that my Mum and Dad get in the care home. The Manager could not be more helpful or supportive. She has been brilliant since the first assessment of my parents until the present day.

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Review from C M (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 9 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my sister-in-law has been a resident of Blackthorns in Halstead, we have been very pleased with all aspects of her care, management and staff show the utmost care and consideration for all residents. We are kept fully informed of any problems. We would recommend Blackthorns Halstead highly.

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Review from Y G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff at Blackthorns have always been very caring towards my Dad and I thank them all for that. My only complaint is that new staff do not seem to stay long and I feel particularly with dementia residents need continuous care. I am sure if you could pay a little more you would retain staff.

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Review from Donald H (Resident) published on 14 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I recommend the home.

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Review from Juie R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 1 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been extremely pleased with the level of care which has been given to my grandmother since she came to Blackthorns three months ago. The staff have been very professional at all times and any concerns have been dealt with immediately. We would not hesitate to recommend this care home to other
people.

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Review from Mary W (Resident) published on 23 November 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy enough to stay in Blackthorns I am not quite sure if I can cope when I go home. I feel that I am safer and well looked after here in Blackthorns. All the staff are very kind and helpful. The home manager is lovely and so with the deputy manager, I think they are priceless.

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Review from Sheila R (Resident) published on 24 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My stay at Blackthorns has been pleasant and comfortable. I enjoyed joining various activities and the company of my new found friends. I extremely enjoyed our day out at the garden centre in Braintree. Lovely home.

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Review from Gordon F (Nephew of Resident) published on 27 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My aunt is 94 and virtually bedridden and has been at Blackthorns for two and a half years. Her needs are therefore centred on the room she is in. The staff are friendly and reasonably attentive to her calls for assistance, she is extremely forgetful and makes many calls for attention. Most of the time
she is in a chair next to her bed when not in bed. She especially needs to be kept clean when and after feeding this puts the greatest demand on staff and can be inconsistent. She receives prompt medical attention and the staff always phone me if she falls or has any medical issues.

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Review from Peter C (Son of Resident) published on 1 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We have found the staff at Blackthorns to be very caring and keen to assist the residents. Activities seem to be well planned and play a very big part of my mother's day. She enjoys her life in this home and feels very safe and comfortable in her environment.

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Review from Dawn R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Blackthorns was our only choice of a care home for my mother, we didn't want her to go anywhere else. The home is lovely and all the staff really very good, couldn't be better, so friendly and welcoming.

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Review from Peter John J (Husband of Resident) published on 17 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The experience of my wife here is very happy. Every time I see her at Blackthorns she looks happy and comfortable. The home allowed a canary bird to accompany my wife and we bring our dog to see her as well.

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Review from Josephine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great care and attention to residents but still not enough staff. This has been acknowledged after various meetings but still no new staff employed. There are too many bedridden residents in this home and they take up so much time that the other residents do not get enough, but the activities and the
management try extremely hard and all staff are very dedicated. More staff required.

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Review from Jack S (Husband of Resident) published on 2 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It is pleasing to say that the care home is not clinical, simply homely, whilst providing all the necessary clinical and medical support required. The attention of staff and management cannot be faulted, albeit they must occasionally be under extreme pressure, however a happy and pleasing atmosphere
always seems to exist.

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Review from J P (Resident) published on 18 January 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are friendly, nice and they do what you ask them to do. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.683)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10 for Blackthorns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.683 for Blackthorns is calculated as follows: ( (190 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 259 Ratings = 4.683

  • 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 Blackthorns is based on 22 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 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 22 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: 10 Mar 2023

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 (0)

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Meet the Team (5)

Flavia

Flavia Poplauschi

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2012

I am Flavia Poplauschi, a dedicated Home Manager with over 12 years of experience in the health and social care sector. What excites me the most about my role are the growth and learning opportunities it offers. I hold an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and have been in a managerial position for the last 5 years. Last year, I also completed leadership training to further enhance my skills.


I can’t live without coffee, and I’m especially fond of my sister’s brew. When I have the chance, I love travelling and taking my family on trips to explore new places. Camping is one of my favourite outdoor activities, and I always look forward to the next adventure.


Kinga

Kinga Polak-Choat

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2024

My name is Kinga Polak-Choat, and I am the Home Administrator at Runwood, where I started in August 2024. Although I am new to this role, every day brings something different. I have the opportunity to meet new people regularly and continuously learn and grow in this position.


I hold a master's degree in management and marketing, which has helped me transition into this role. Before joining Runwood, I spent 9 years working as a bookkeeper, collaborating with various businesses across different sectors. This experience has shaped my approach to organisation and problem-solving in my current role.


Outside of work, I’m known as the "food monster" at home, as I love to cook and eat! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking walks with my dog. When I find the time, I also make it a point to attend body combat classes to stay active.


Alex

Alex Ile

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Alex Ile, and I’m currently the Deputy Manager at Runwood Homes, having rejoined the team in July 2024. I truly enjoy the caring side of my job, especially meeting new people, working with different organisations, and tackling the day-to-day challenges that come with it. As a registered nurse, this role is a great opportunity to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.


I’m all about bringing joy to the workplace—I love making people laugh and being jolly, often cracking jokes at my own expense! Outside of work, I’m a fan of going to the gym to stay active, and I have a keen interest in computers and watching documentaries. Life is all about balance, and I like to keep things both fun and focused.


Andras

Andras Papp

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2023

Hi, I’m Andras, the Head Chef at Runwood Homes since September 2023. I have a passion for cooking and baking, and I truly enjoy creating delicious meals for our residents. One of the highlights of my day is interacting with residents during meal times, as it brings a personal touch to what I do.


I’m proud to share that I won the Chef of the Year 2023 award, a milestone that reflects my dedication to my craft.


Outside of the kitchen, I love playing football, going fishing, and savouring a good cup of coffee—because life is always better with coffee!


Teri

Teri Went

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 2021

Hi, I’m Teri, and I’m proud to be a Housekeeper at Blackthorns. I joined Runwood in 2021, and in 2023, I stepped into my current role. I’m passionate about maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and take great pride in ensuring our home is welcoming and comfortable for everyone.


Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I love contributing to a positive environment where everyone feels cared for and valued.


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my house rabbit, Barnabi, who always keeps life interesting! I’m also a fan of holidays and cherish opportunities to relax and explore new places.