Heron Court

198 Brentwood Road, Herongate, Brentwood CM13 3PN
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9.8 84 Reviews
  • Heron Court, Brentwood
Heron Court is a listed building full of charm and character. Its impressive front door waits to open you to welcome you into its warmth and friendliness. The gardens are lush and green and offer space to walk or sit quietly and enjoy the day and especially the warmth of summer.

Although not a modern building it provides all the comforts of home, good food, good company, and friendly staff. There are many activities and it is your choice of what you do each day but the team ensure there is always something. Your visit will give carers the opportunity to discuss how best they can meet your needs and the chance to find out those important things that make you the unique individual that you are. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day to ensure a stay at Heron Court is a wonderful experience.

Care Provided by Heron Court

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 35 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
  • Carly Whipps (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 (31)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Heron Court

  • 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 £1,380
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,380
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,530
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,530
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Heron Court to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • 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.


Total of 84, showing 21-40
9.8

Heron Court has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Heron Court has 84 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 62
  • 17
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

84
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16
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad very happily lived here from 2019 until he sadly passed away in May 2023.
We were always made to feel very welcome as family with every visit.
My dad went into the care home with advanced dementia after my mum sadly passed away and my dad needed more care than what we could provide for him
he went in using a wheelchair after about a month he was able to walk with a stick and then eventually un aided totally
They always treated Dad with a lot of respect and grew very fond of him and him of them.
We still get asked to attend functions even though sadly Dad is no longer with us and they talk very fondly of him and have many lovely memories of him which they share with us.
I think I speak on behalf of all my family when I say this is a lovely care home with lively staff we couldn't have wished for better care for our father.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this review. We can not thank you enough for your kind words and for being a great family to look after when your dad was at the home. We all send our best wishes and regards to you and your family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan came to Heron Court for respite and now has a place full-time.
She is so well looked after and you can just tell how loving the staff are towards the residents. We always feel so welcome when we visit and we just know they go above and beyond to make my nan feel so safe and settled!
We are
so happy with the care that’s provided!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My beloved father was a resident at Heron Court for almost 4 years.
I can honestly say that the care, support, patience and friendship they showed my father and us as his family was absolutely amazing. This was the attitude of every member of their team.
Wonderful caregivers who showed Dad dignity,
compassion and true friendship.
We will always be extremely grateful.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We come and visit my parents regularly and always very impressed with the helpfulness of all the staff here.

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your great review. It is a pleasure to look after you all.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came here during Covid and settled very quickly. She has always had a genuine affection for most staff which helped me cope with our enforced separation. Direct access to the garden is such a bonus for Mum as this is her happy place. As a family, we are so pleased that Mum has found a home as good
as her own but where she is safe and secure. Couldn't be happier for her to end her days here.

Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you. You are a big support to your mum and the home. We appreciate all your input over the 3 years your mum has been with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been here now for a year and she is well-treated by staff members and enjoys the activities. Since having to reside at the home she has gone from strength to strength and become more independent.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

You are very welcome. It is a pleasure to look after your mum and watching her get stronger each day is a huge achievement. The staff and I would like to thank you for your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I always find my sister as happy as she can be, she is very well looked after and kept as clean as possible. The staff are mostly as caring as possible with the home being understaffed at times.

Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your review, we appreciate it a lot.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandad (Nonno) was within your care for last couple of years. I will forever be grateful for the amazing care you provided for him - you were not only carers you were true friends to Nonno towards the very end.
You constantly made my family feel so welcome and gave us updates on how he was getting
on. You have all been so supportive!
Thank you so much once again for everything.
I know Nonno would thank you himself by clapping his hands and giving you the biggest smile as he always did.

Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your lovely compliment as we loved your grandad and your family. You were all so happy and it was lovely to be able to grow along with you all. Thank you again, not just for the compliment but for all of you for being such a great family to look after. Please don’t be strangers and come back every now and then!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely, friendly, welcoming and clean, but an introductory talk would've been nice (visitor toilets, expectations etc).
Residents are well cared for by mainly friendly staff. Would be nice to know more about routines and supplies ie: where to go to fill up hand towels when run out.
The member of
staff who organises the social activities goes above and beyond for the residents and is lovely to them all. This is much appreciated.
Heating in individual rooms is suffocatingly hot, particularly as we are unable to sit anywhere else when we visit. No way to turn it down or off.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Heron Court is a very welcoming home. The staff and carers all genuinely care about the residents and work really hard to keep them comfortable and happy. There's regular entertainment, and carers are often dancing with the residents in between carrying out all of their other caring duties. My mum is
settled and content at Heron Court.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Overall, the care is adequate, but to home a stroke patient with the majority of residents with severe dementia is beyond the pale. A lot of the residents are either, somewhat comatose or they constantly scream and call out.
This is not an acceptable environment!
My partner has been there for almost
3 weeks, I visit 5 days a week. The facilities are totally unacceptable. The "visitors" room is a junk room with leftover detritus. The "sofa" is beyond help. Behind the door is loaded with supermarket bags stuffed with god only knows what.

Reply from Deborah Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback which I of course take very seriously. When we spoke I was pleased to hear you felt that your partner has done very well since being at Heron Court, regaining his strength and becoming a part of the close-knit community we have at the home. At Heron Court, we provide residential and dementia care, meeting the varying needs of our residents, including those with varying degrees of dementia. This is something that we openly discussed when showcasing our home and meeting with prospective families. If you have any further queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.


NB: The supermarket bags are for the church to collect for the Ukrainian donations and will be collected shortly.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management have been going the extra mile in supporting my mum as she struggles feeling poorly. You cannot fault the level of respect shown as my mum struggles.

Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Hello Kevin, thank you for your wonderful review. We take the best possible care and kindness we can in supporting your mother and we're so grateful to read you send your full support for Heron Court.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I couldn't speak more highly of the care given to our father. We know he is cared for in every way; he is safe, clean, well-fed, entertained and fully integrated into the daily running of the home. We are so grateful for kindness shown by all staff.

Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Good afternoon Jacqui, we are so happy to read your glowing review with the best possible scores. We are so grateful to hear how happy you are with the safety, food and activities of the home, and how pleased you are with your father's care. Thanks again for the review.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum seems well cared for comfortable and happy.

Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Hello Jennifer, we are so grateful for the review. Your feedback gives us a great insight in how we can enhance our care, and we are so appreciative to hear how pleased you are with your mother's care. Thanks again for the positive comments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care home and staff are the best in my opinion. The care staff are all extremely kind and hard-working, and deserve more pay! My mother has settled in very well. She enjoys the food and the friendliness of the kitchen staff who try to give her what she likes to eat to encourage her to eat more.
The qualified staff go over and above to look after my mother, as do all the staff. The entertainment coordinator is excellent and always includes her. I am very happy with the care home, as is my mother.

Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Good afternoon, thanks so much for the review. We are so thankful to read how satisfied you are with your mother's care. All of our team focuses on the kindest attitudes to assist residents in any way we can. Thanks again for the positive feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has been here since the end of 2017. It was unfortunate that an injury to her leg in 2019 (a broken femur) has meant she has been confined to her bed and room since. The care is very good. She is looked after well as the position of break, the leg is in one position and cannot be lifted
from bed. It is a shame that her doorway is not wide enough for her bed to be moved out into a more communal area during the day. She has not felt the sun on her face since the accident. So sad for her.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Although I have obviously not been able to visit my brother-in-law in person lately, I know from his wife (who has been seeing him when possible) that he is being so well looked after and the staff have been absolutely amazing in these difficult times. When I was able to go I found the staff to always
be very kind and caring. As a family, we can't thank them all enough through these difficult times. Well done!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very satisfied with my father's care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Heron Court became my beloved husband's home for the last 10months of his life. During all this time he was given the utmost care, treated with dignity, empathy and respect. As a family we visited at various times, on various days and always witnessed nothing but the most excellent care to all residents.

Regrettably, after a spell in hospital he returned to Heron Court for end of life care. This was agreed and given not only with the usual respect and dignity but with compassion - this enabled his wish to pass away in his own bed .
Again everyone and I stress everyone at Heron Court ensured that everything possible that could be done for him was done.
Heron Court is not the plushest nor most modern care home but is managed to an excellent standard. The staff are conscientious, respectful and wonderful caregivers.
My family and I are truly indebted to all at Heron Court for their combined provision of the best possible care to my dearly loved husband.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent home.
First-class care.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.813)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.813) out of 10 for Heron Court is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.813 for Heron Court is calculated as follows: ( (279 Excellents x 5) + (42 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 331 Ratings = 4.813

  • 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 Heron Court is based on 27 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 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 27 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: 28 May 2024

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 (1)

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Meet the Team (6)

Carly

Carly Whipps

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2002

I have worked at Heron Court since 2002, starting as a Kitchen Assistant, Care Team Leader, Administrator and now Home Manager. I enjoy my job and have a passion for helping people. Heron Court is a lovely place to work with our well trained friendly staff who have good relationships with all our residents. We are often complimented on our relaxed friendly atmosphere and how homely the feel is when visitors walk into the home.


Heron Court was built in 1892 so still has plenty of character and original features which all who visit appreciate. Thank you for taking the time to consider us, and please feel free to visit to have a look around!


Michelle

Michelle Tiganasu

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2008

I’m Michelle, and I have been with the team for 16 years, serving as the Deputy Manager. My passion lies in supporting service users every day, helping them feel valued and cared for. I take great pride in ensuring that the job is done properly, and I’m always happy to be with them, offering my support.


One of my key achievements has been learning about dementia and how to provide the best care for people affected by it. I hold both Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel in my role.


I also love dressing up for all occasions and parties, no matter how I look—because if others are happy, that’s what matters most to me. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and listening to music. These activities bring me joy and balance in my life.


Shannon

Shannon Whipps

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2013

I'm Shannon, Home Administrator at Heron Court.


With 11 years of experience as the Home Administrator at Heron Court, I am deeply passionate about creating a joyful and fulfilling environment for our residents. My greatest joy in life is seeing their smiles and ensuring they live their best lives. I hold a diploma in Knowledge of Policing and a Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care, both of which have equipped me with a strong foundation to provide top-quality care.


I love adding a touch of fun to everyday life, often dressing up in fancy dress to make people laugh and brighten their day. I don't take myself too seriously and believe that laughter is one of life's best remedies. Outside of work, I am an avid car enthusiast and often spend my weekends driving in my pyjamas. Above all, I cherish time spent with my family and our dog, as they are the heart of my world.


Ariel

Ariel Da Costa

Job Title: Lifestyle Coordinator

Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Ariel, and I’ve had the pleasure of being the Lifestyle Coordinator at Heron Court for the past five months. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to spend quality time with each resident and create personalised experiences that bring joy to their lives. I’m passionate about bringing a sense of fun and excitement to our community, and I’m never afraid to embrace my playful side. Whether it's being a clown or simply brightening someone’s day, I’m always ready to make a difference!


Artur

Artur Kwiatkowski

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2009

I am the cook at Heron Court, where I've proudly served for 15 years. What makes my role special to me is that it is not just a job but a true passion. I am deeply invested in every aspect of the industry—from the food itself to working alongside my talented kitchen team to the service provided by our dedicated servers. I hold a Level 3 Award in culinary skills, which has helped me refine my craft over the years. Having gained early experience by running my own Polish restaurant when I was younger, I’ve built a solid foundation in the culinary world. Outside of work, I enjoy watching science fiction films, classic Polish cinema, and various series, which offer a creative escape from the kitchen.


Constahtih Iuuah

Constahtih Iuuah Zorocliu

Job Title: Maintenance

Joined: 2009

Hi, my name is Constahtih, and I have worked at Heron Court for 15 years. I enjoy helping everyone—whether it's ensuring that residents eat and drink well, are dressed nicely, or simply look their best.


One of my proudest achievements has been learning about dementia, and I also hold an NVQ Level 2 in Care.


When I hear music, I can't help but sing and dance along! In my spare time, I love fishing and travelling.