Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Low Road, Dovercourt, Harwich CO12 3TS
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9.3 38 Reviews
  • Don Thomson House Residential Care Home, Harwich
At Don Thomson House, so many of the dedicated team have been with the home for many years, providing that wonderful continuity of care. And with just 28 bedrooms, the home has such a warm, family feel.

The teams provide residential and dementia care, as well as a respite care breaks, which can be pre-booked. These are perfect for those caring for loved ones at home. You can book a short break to recharge the batteries, knowing your relative or partner is in safe hands and enjoying a short holiday too.

The large gardens are a beautiful spot to relax with family and friends, who are welcome at any time. Residents often enjoy afternoon tea here, as well as summer barbecues. The home has its own gardening club – and a resident pheasant called Geoffrey!

Inside, the home has recently been refurbished, with lots of warm and welcoming spaces to relax in, from cosy lounges to a hair salon, where residents can enjoy regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

The bedrooms are beautifully decorated, and many of the ground floor rooms have direct access to the gardens, which are surrounded by wheelchair friendly pathways.

There are so many activities to enjoy, from gentle exercises to pampering sessions. Some of the residents enjoy religious services in the heart of the home, while others prefer games or gardening.

The residents enjoy delicious home-cooking each day in the dining rooms. The chef prepares everything from home-made soups and roast dinners with all the trimmings, to freshly baked cakes for afternoon tea. And every week there is fish and chip Friday!

The team follows Sanctuary Care’s Enriching Lives Framework, based on the six senses people need to feel happy and fulfilled – a sense of achievement, belonging, continuity, significance, purpose, and security. This focusses on what residents love to do and what they want to achieve, making their care even more person-centred.

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Care Provided by Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

  • 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 28 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Colette Greenhalgh (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (28)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No

Funding & Fees Guide for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

  • 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 £1,344
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,344

  • Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1344 but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.


    *If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Don Thomson House Residential Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Don Thomson House Residential Care Home Reviews (38)

Total of 38, showing 21-38
9.3

Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.322) out of 10, based on 6 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from R A (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At last! Somewhere caring where people, the service users, are not bullied. They are treated like human beings. Cared for, offered activities, lovely food and the staff are happy. Wonderful, keep up the good work!

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

What a lovely review. Thank you so much for your kind words about our home. Best wishes, Fae.


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Review from Tovah H (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother and l are both extremely happy with the excellent care mum receives. The chefs who prepare really good varied food fresh on daily basis. The home has a very welcoming clean atmosphere with pleasant rooms and gardens.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for such a lovely review. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Best wishes.


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Review from Julie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to express our sincere thanks to all staff at Don Thomson for the outstanding care and attention to our Dad. Dad has been in the home for 6 weeks now and the change in him has been remarkable. Dad is in respite care at the moment but he will soon be residential, and we have no doubts that
he will be 100% looked after. Whatever we ask any of the staff members for it is always a positive yes, never negative, what the resident wants the resident gets. Lovely staff, friendly, happy, always have time for a chat. Family home. We love it.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review. It is lovely to hear how well your father has settled and how well he is doing with us. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Best wishes.


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Review from John N (Son of Resident) published on 18 June 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have only recently discovered Don Thomson House and cannot sing its praises too highly. It is a wonderful place and deserves public recognition.
Having recently transferred from another Care Home in the region, my elderly mother thinks she's moved into a 4-star hotel! Not only is the Home elegant,
clean and welcoming, but the staff are exemplary. Nothing is too much trouble for them and the Manager keeps us informed of Mother's progress by email on a regular basis. We live almost 3 hrs drive away and, to have this peace of mind, is wonderful. Since moving there, Mother is a different person. She now has social interaction with other residents (not possible before as ALL the others had dementia of varying degrees). She has even begun to eat properly and, therefore, we hope she'll gain a bit of much-needed weight. We honestly can't believe our luck that Mother was offered a place there as vacancies must be "snaffled up" so very quickly.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Dear John, thank you for such a wonderful thorough review. I am so pleased to hear how well your mother is doing with us, and I will be sure to pass your kind feedback onto the manager and the team. Best wishes, Fae


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Review from Elizabeth C (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very high standard of care. The team at Don Thomson House is very caring of our mother and she is happy there. Lovely room on the first floor. Cheerful and accommodating staff.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Dear Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words. Your feedback is truly invaluable to us and the care we provide at Sanctuary Care so I will be sure to pass this onto the manager and the team. Best wishes.


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Review from June B (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum had a fall in January 2019 fracturing her pelvis, she was in hospital for just over 2 weeks. Mum was in so much pain and I really didn't think I would see Mum walk again, but with the sheer perseverance, patience, and kindness shown to Mum by every member of staff (even the cook) at Don Thompson
House she is now walking again. I can't thank the staff enough for all they have done for Mum and are continuing to do for her on a daily basis.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Dear June, thank you so much for your kind words. Your feedback really is invaluable to our team at Don Thomson, and it is wonderful to hear how pleased you are with the care provided to your mum. Best wishes.


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Review from Susan D (Friend of Resident) published on 28 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care home, I believe, to be the best in the area. It has been very consistent with the care. It is secure and the staff are very caring, friendly and conscientious. There are daily activities for those who wish to join and a large garden to enjoy in the nice weather.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Dear Susan, thank you for your wonderful feedback, it is very much appreciated by our team. Best wishes.


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Review from L P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home was very clean, staff very friendly and helpful. Good quality food.

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Review from L B (Niece of Resident) published on 23 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am completely satisfied with the manager and staff at Don Thompson who, to my mind, go over and above their duties.
When my aunt came here, directly from hospital, we did not think she had much time left. After being here at Don Thompson she was a different person who was once again herself.

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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum is very happy and well cared for. The staff are very caring and will sort out any problems that arise.
Unlike the other care home she went to, she is able to make her own mind up as to what she wants to do.

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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was in and out of hospital for 3 months having had several falls. We decided to put her in Don Thomson for respite care and it was the best decision. Since she has been there, her mobility has improved, she is eating again and she is almost back to being my mum again. It is all down to the staff
and the care they have provided for her. Everyone is so friendly and seem to really want to help her improve. We have decided to make her stay permanent and owe everything to Don Thomson House. Thank you.

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Review from Sue J (Private Carer of Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit a resident at the home five days a week and always look forward to it.
Right from when I walk in the door it is bright, welcoming and friendly.
All the staff are kind and helpful, yet professional at all times, and the leadership is excellent.
There is always something going on and the activities
are well thought out and popular and regular meetings with residents mean they really have a say in the running of things.
I like the way the residents can safely wander around the home and garden, having a chat and laugh here and there - and would happily live there myself when the time comes.

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Review from Lynn D (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has had difficulty adjusting to old age but he has been looked after with good humour and care. I spend a lot of time in Cornwall and feel glad he is well looked after and entertained, whilst I am not there. Although, of course, I have a sister and brother living locally, who regularly visit.

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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am completely satisfied with the care my father receives in Don Thomson House. The staff are dedicated and highly professional. Dad is treated with respect and kindness and every member of staff goes out of their way to have a friendly word pass the time of day with him and check on his general well-being.
The accommodation is clean, bright and homely and the food is of a high quality. I am contacted monthly to discuss any issues that may have arisen regarding dad's health or well-being. I feel my views are valued and any issues are acted on immediately. When I visit, staff are always welcoming and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble - it's like one extended family.

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Review from Mary (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum was a resident at Don Thomson house for almost three years. During that time she was she was always treated with care and compassion. The staff although busy always found time for a chat and checked that she was comfortable.
Our family were always made very welcome and her noisy great grandchildren
thought her 'big house' was much better than the bungalow she had previously lived in.
The last week of Mum's life was long and stressful. All the staff were kind and caring, instinctively knowing when to offer support and when to leave us to be alone with Mum.
I have recommended Don Thomson House to friends looking at care homes for their loved ones.

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Review from Ann M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been a resident at Don Thomson House since leaving hospital in September 2015. The rooms are pre furnished but you can move your own furniture in if you wish, which is nice. The Home itself is very pleasant and has a very welcoming feel from the minute you walk through the door. ALL of the
staff are very dedicated and nothing is too much trouble. They have shown Dad every respect and are there for him 24/7. I am kept informed of any issues in a timely manner. The staff are friendly, helpful and professional and I cannot fault their enthusiasm and caregiving. I am so glad that Dad is at Don Thomson House as it gives me peace of mind and I would highly recommend it to all.

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Review from K F (Friend of Resident) published on 16 December 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been visiting my friends in said home for 18 months now and have always found the home clean and tidy. Most importantly I have never walked in to the smell of dirty old toilets. All the staff are cheerful, helpful and busy but they always seem to put in an extra effort to make occasions such
as birthdays, Easter, Christmas, open days etc. extra special for the residents and their visitors.

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Review from Lynne J (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2015
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family and myself have been very happy with the care dad has received. All of his care has been friendly and professional. The cook has gone our of her way to provide food dad likes as he is a fussy eater. His clothes are washed and returned on the same day. All his medical needs are assessed and
taken care of. A lovely care home

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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.322)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.322) out of 10 for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home 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 6 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 6 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 4.722 for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (54 Excellents x 5) + (16 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 72 Ratings = 4.722

  • 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 4.6 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home is based on 6 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 = 3.6

    • 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 28 registered maximum number of service users is 5.6, which has been reached with 6 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 Mar 2018

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

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (5)

Colette

Colette Greenhalgh

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2007

Colette has worked at Don Thomson House for over 15 years and is proud to have progressed to home manager.


The residents mean everything to me,” she explains.


When I walk through the door I am coming to look after 28 nans and granddads – I love making them smile and I leave work knowing I’ve made a difference.


And that is very much how the rest of the staff are here. The team always go that extra mile for our residents, to deliver truly person-centred care – for them, nothing is too much trouble.”


Sherry

Sherry East

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 1999

I have worked at Don Thomson for over two decades! I have full job satisfaction and when I get home I know that I have made a difference in the residents' lives.


Stuart

Stuart Haylett

Job Title: Maintenance Officer

Joined: 2021

I applied for this position as I get a high degree of job satisfaction as it suits my interests. The staff are friendly and helpful and always do their best for residents.


Julie

Julie Thorpe

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2018

I love my job and the team are brilliant. The residents are well cared for and I am proud to work here.


Geoffrey

Geoffrey Kitching

Job Title: Chef Manager

Joined: 2017

I enjoy cooking and baking for our residents very much - this really is a very rewarding job.