Belford House

Lymington Bottom, Four Marks, Alton GU34 5AH
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9.9 80 Reviews
  • Belford House, Alton
Belford House is a stunning residential care home with a caring, warm and homely atmosphere. Set in nearly three acres of beautiful gardens, Belford House is furnished to a very high standard, providing comfortable, cosy and safe surroundings.

The home has a newly extended dining room which overlooks the garden and three spacious lounges. Residents are encouraged to make the most of the outdoor space throughout the year, especially its lovely patio which is wheelchair accessible. A hairdressing salon offers in-house facilities for all residents.

Belford House’s 42 mostly en-suite rooms, located on two floors, all have garden views and a passenger lift is available. Each room has a television and the option of a private telephone. Wi-Fi is available in all bedrooms and through the home.

Belford House works with local GP surgeries and enjoys excellent links with the community multidisciplinary team. There are many activities on offer within the home in which residents are encouraged to participate to help residents maintain their interests, hobbies and skills.

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Care Provided by Belford House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 42 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Monika Katinas (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (42)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (18)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2015

Funding & Fees Guide for Belford 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 £1,550
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,550
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,550
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,550

  • Special offer - for limited time only. Receive up to £250 off per week for your first 12 weeks when you move in as a permanent resident. T&C's apply. Subject to Availability.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Belford House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • All visitors welcome 24 hours a day. Overnight visitors accommodation may be available subject to availability


Belford House Reviews (80)

Total of 80, showing 41-60
9.9

Belford House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.888) out of 10, based on 19 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Belford House has 80 reviews.

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Review from Catherine L (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum has lived at Belford House for three years. As is often the case, the decision to move into care was a difficult one but when we visited Belford, we all thought it looked such a lovely and welcoming home. And so it has proved to be. My mother is well looked after, fed and entertained, although
we all know how difficult that has been in 2020. Hartford Care took over management as the pandemic was beginning and the new staff we've met have been kind, helpful and knowledgeable. We know that our beloved mum is in the very best of hands. Over this difficult year, Belford House have made every effort to enable communications between the staff, relatives and residents and I’m really impressed with the activities the team organises, from visiting donkeys with a seaside fish and chip supper - to cooking pizza and making memory scrapbooks! Amazingly, the staff always seem to manage to spend time with each person individually. That's part of what makes this care home a real home.

Reply from Alison Reijman, PR Coordinator at Belford House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of Belford House. It is always a difficult decision to move a loved one into care but it has been our pleasure to look after your mum for the past three years. Thank you for your kind words about our fantastic Belford team. We shall ensure that all of them see your review so they all know how much you appreciate everything they do for your mum.


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Review from D P (Resident) published on 13 November 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I find living here in the nursing home the staff are very nice and helpful. The food is very good. I must say I am very happy here.

Reply from Alison Reijman, PR Coordinator at Belford House

Thank you so much for your lovely comments about Belford House. It's our pleasure to look after you, and we are delighted to you like the food! The team caring for you will really appreciate your kind words about them.


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Review from Fredric D (Resident) published on 27 October 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I’m quite happy with living here and enjoy my days. They cater to my dietary requirements, and the food is lovely that I receive. They also make a good cup of tea. The staff here are excellent, always happy to help when they can. I find my room done to how I would like and I’m very comfortable in my
room.

Reply from Alison Reijman, PR Coordinator at Belford House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of Belford House. It is our pleasure to care for you, and we are delighted you are so happy here. We shall continue ensuring you get very good cups of tea. Our wonderful, helpful Belford team will be thrilled with your kind comments which we will share with them all.


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Review from Sarah G (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been at Belford House for two years. Like most people, she had done everything she could to avoid going into a home, but sadly a nasty fall meant we had no choice.
She settled in much much easier than we thought she would and enjoys being there. She has made new friends and gets on well
with all of the staff.
The staff are kind and caring and look after her well. The home is clean and tidy and everyone always seems happy!
Mum one day announced that she had read that playing ping pong was good for people with dementia. The next day the lovely entertainment lady produced some bats and balls, found another game resident and the ping pong began!

Reply from Alison Reijman, PR Coordinator at Belford House

Thank you so much for your superb review of Belford House. It is always a very emotional time for families when they decide their loved ones need extra support within a care home. It is our pleasure to look after your mum and we always ensure our residents feel part of the Belford House family. Activities are so important to our daily life especially when it is the residents who tell us what they want to do. We hope your mum enjoys many more games of ping pong.


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Review from Norma L (Resident) published on 16 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fulfils all my needs. Good medical care.

Reply from Alison Reijman, PR Coordinator at Belford House

Thank you for your lovely review. It is our pleasure to look after you, and we are glad you are happy with the care you are receiving from us. We shall share your comments with all the Belford House team.


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Review from Peter T (Friend of Resident) published on 2 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belford House is full of happy, caring staff who make a stay here better. I moved a friend of mine in 8 months ago and he feels safe and comfortable. He has a cosy clean room and help is only a button press away. The food is varied and never dull. There are always activities to get involved in or rooms
where you can chat with friends or watch TV. I visit him most days and it is great to see him getting on so well.

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Review from David R (Son of Resident) published on 18 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is the most outstanding care home. My mother has been a resident for 3 years and there is no aspect of this home that can't be described as exceptional.

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Review from Jill P (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home is very well furnished with modern items and excellent and very tasteful décor.
Fresh flowers are usually around the communal areas.
My mother was very well looked after although at weekends the staffing levels were lower than on weekdays.
The staff were always friendly and willing to help
if possible.
I felt it lacked activities and I think residents would have benefited from more one to one conversation, however, the residents did enjoy most of the activities that were put in place.

Reply from Joanne Cox, Manager at Belford House

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete a review. We listened to your comments surrounding activities back in March and since April have had a full-time experienced activities co-ordinator in the home along with all our regular bus trips, pub visits and outside entertainers coming in.


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Review from C C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Belford House have been exceptional in taking care of my mother. They have adapted their care services to treat my mother as an individual person. The staff have offered a huge amount of support to me and personally have reassured me of their continuous care for my mother. Anyone having
to put a relative in a care home has to make an extremely difficult decision and Belford could not have been more kinder or patient with me. Belford House offers a safe, caring and fun environment.

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Review from Penelope W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belford House is a wonderful residential care home set back amongst a quiet residential area of Four Marks with views of fields behind and sheep softly grazing right up to the garden. My Mum spent her final year here. The staff were so caring, professional, friendly and beyond kind. Nothing is too much
trouble and great detail is given to the resident's specific needs no matter how small but it is this attention to detail and kindness that sets Belford apart. There is a real family feel to Belford. Visiting is completely unrestricted and I used to visit at various times throughout the day and evenings no matter what time there was always a smile when the door was opened. The Care is second to none and completely individual, clean fresh sheets clothes ironed and returned to the residents very quickly. Belford has a unique ethos and I am so grateful to all the staff for making my Mum’s last year such a happy one where she felt safe and loved.

Reply from Joanne Cox, Manager at Belford House

Dear Pen, thank you for taking the time to complete this review. Although the time we cared for your mum was relatively short, we all came to know each other very well and you were both such a pleasure to get to know. We all miss you both and you are in our thoughts often. Love from all at Belford House.


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Review from Marian B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mother was in the later stages of dementia. The staff always understood her needs, always understood her needs, always cared for her as if it was their own Mother. Treated with dignity. She felt safe and loved. Staff always approachable. In the last days of life, the staff were wonderful, supporting
my Brother and myself as well as amazing care for Mum. The whole experience was calm and beautiful as Mum slipped away.

Reply from Joanne Cox, Manager at Belford House

Dear Marian, thank you very much for the kind words and taking the time to submit a review. Over the years of caring for your mum and getting to know you, a strong bond was formed and you will both always be very special to us. You are both missed very much.


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Review from Cathie A (Niece of Resident) published on 4 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt speaks very highly of all the staff who help her. When I visit, I never see anything that concerns me. I see a very well kept, beautiful care home that looks and feels very homely with stunning shared reception rooms. No feel of an 'institution' but of a most welcoming, homely environment. Staff
always make time to talk to us and also always quick to respond to emails with up to dates on my aunt's care. I witness staff being family and truly caring to residents. Thank you to all the staff.

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Review from Sue J (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Belford House have been wonderful in helping my mother to settle into her new home. They are kind and caring and treat their residents with respect. The atmosphere in the home is relaxed and cheerful. Visitors are welcomed at any time of the day. Any queries are dealt with patiently and
with great consideration too.

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Review from Gemma B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 13 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan was at Belford House for just under one year and she was very happy there. It is small and homely with a lovely happy atmosphere, with very friendly and compassionate staff. They all looked after my family as much as they did my nan.
She settled in there very quickly and felt happy there.
We felt very welcome to visit and were able to turn up whenever we wanted to.
The home is smart, tidy and clean. The staff provide varied activities for all residents and they are tailored to their individual needs. The food is home-cooked and tasty and families are always welcome to eat with their relative.
The Manager and Deputy are very approachable and professional and run the home in a happy, respectful and relaxed way. What the residents want they get and everybody is mindful of the fact that it is their home first and foremost.
My nan sadly passed away recently and my whole family miss her but we are happy that her final months were spent in such a lovely environment.

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Review from Fiona (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belford House is a beautiful care home where mum was warmly welcomed. The staff are all lovely, friendly and genuinely cared for her to a very high standard. It is a happy place with lots of laughter and residents are well cared for, well fed and activities are increasing to keep everyone stimulated.
The
residents appear content and settled in their surroundings. Mum was encouraged to make her room, her own. As relatives, we felt part of the 'Belford family' and felt we could ask questions and were kept well informed at all times.
The staff do their best to accommodate you and the needs of the residents. We could visit at any time, which is very important to families. Every member of staff works extremely hard to make Belford House a home from home for those no longer able to live in their own homes. They also help and support relatives, who will more often than not, be facing a difficult time. It was a very emotional time for us and was made easier by all those at Belford House.

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Review from Tracey H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Lovely home with very approachable staff and manager.


The only downside to this home is the lack of activities daily.


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Review from Terry P (Son of Resident) published on 21 June 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum immediately settled into life at Belford House where care is tailored to individual needs and the general ambience, decoration and cleanliness superb. The management and all staff evince extreme qualities of understanding, patience and kindness whilst at the same time gently encouraging involvement
with many available varied activities, both internal and external. Health and hygiene are noticeably of prime importance and Mum was quick to grab the opportunities for mail manicures and regular hairdressing. Now food is an important part of her life which is both excellent and plentiful. Visitors are always made to feel welcome and part of the Belford family. With all of this, I totally understand why Mum is happy to call Belford House her "home".

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Review from Christine D (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad came to Belford House for respite care but stayed on as he was so frail and couldn't look after himself anymore. He also had the beginnings of dementia. I cannot express how lucky we were to find Belford House when we did. Despite increasing confusion, my dad loved his room, the routine, the
food, the courtesy and banter with the friendly staff (on call 24 hours a day) which was so reassuring for him and me. As an only "child" it was such a relief to share dads welfare with the professional staff. The decor was smart, as I would wish for his or my own home. Special comment must be made about the manager and her assistant, their helpfulness and reassurance, with the right balance of professionalism and friendliness. Must also mention the Chef who not only produced lovely meals but when my dad was unwell, offered to make anything at all to tempt his appetite. The doctor was called promptly when the occasion required. I do not hesitate in recommending Belford House.

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Review from Christine W (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I walked through the door I knew it was the place for my father. We sent him there for a week of respite and to get an idea what it would be like to live there. The staff were all friendly and caring. The house has recently been decorated so it looked very fresh and beautifully accessorised
in a way that older people would take comfort. As for my dad, he couldn't fault his stay. He loved his room and the food. He said it had given him a new lease of life. He said the staff were kind and caring.

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Review from Mary M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so glad that we found Belford house for my father. Throughout his stay we experienced kindness and genuine support for him and our whole family. The management of the home is excellent relaxed and caring, and this filters through to the whole staff to make such a happy environment.
Dad's end of
life care was everything we could have hoped for dignified, caring and supportive.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.888)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.888) out of 10 for Belford House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 19 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 19 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 4.888 for Belford House is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 223 Ratings = 4.888

  • 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 Belford House is based on 19 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 42 registered maximum number of service users is 8.4, which has been reached with 19 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: 6 Feb 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (2)

Monika

Monika Katinas

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2021

Hello,


I'm Monika and I'm the Registered Manager here, at Belford House, where I've had the pleasure of being since 2021.


I'm privileged to lead a team of extraordinary and committed people, who live and work by the values of care, comfort and companionship to create a home for our residents at this important part of their journey through life.


My adventure with social care began when I came over to the UK for 3 months, and here I am 18 years later! I've gained qualifications up to the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and am working towards a Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management.


I'm passionate about Dementia care and improving the lives of people who live here, as well as those who come just for a day.


Sadie

Sadie Greenough

Job Title: Head of Care

Joined: 2020

I am Sadie and I am the deputy manager here at Belford, where I have been working since 2020.


I am grateful to work with such a great team that shows the values of Hartford Care and goes above and beyond for the residents who we support. The residents bring so much joy every day to the team here and I feel honoured to be a part of the memories we are able to create.


I am deeply committed to delivering the highest quality dementia care, ensuring that each resident receives support tailored to their individual needs. Additionally, I am highly dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care for residents and offering support to their families.