Birchwood House

Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TU
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9.8 61 Reviews
  • Birchwood House, Tunbridge Wells
Birchwood House provides a caring, supportive, home-from-home living environment for older people in the Speldhurst area. The home enables residents to live full and independent lives.

Care plans are personalised to each individual's needs and personal preferences and reviews are undertaken regularly, ensuring their needs are met as their requirements change. While care staff have access to a range of specialist equipment to support the delivery of safe and adequate care.

Residents are cared for by a team of professional and experienced care workers and can enjoy all the benefits of living in a 'family home'. Meals are home-cooked and visiting is unrestricted, staff and residents enjoy their time spent together and interact as though they're a family.

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Care Provided by Birchwood House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 38 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Malvirt Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Tina Payne (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • As part of our admission procedure all future residents are invited to view the home and choose a room to their liking. Following this we conduct a face to face assessment of needs to ensure that we can meet your personalised needs and expectations. This comprehensive assessment allows us to create a personalised care plan for your admission. We use Warders Medical Centre as our 'visiting' GP service and they will introduce them selves within your first week of admission. If your own GP is local to us and you wish to remain with them you have the right to do so of course dependent on their consent to continue responsibility for your care. Please note that to ensure the 'safest' and most stress free admission for you we do not take admissions on a Friday or over the weekend. This guarentees that we can have you registered with your new GP and medications may be ordered in time for you.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (30)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 4

Funding & Fees Guide for Birchwood 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 £1,200 – £1,500
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,575
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,575

  • Fees vary from room to room due to the room sizes and facilities. Please contact home for availability and a more accurate indication of fees.
    Fees include all care provided however, additional costs are added for the services of the chiropodist and hairdresser should you wish to avail yourself of these provisions.
    An enhancment would be requested should a resident require a level of care best achieved on a one-to-one basis.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Birchwood House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • 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

  • There is an open visiting policy. They feel that conections with the greater community, family and friends is vital for their well being and sense of person.


Birchwood House Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 21-40
9.8

Birchwood House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Birchwood House has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 45
  • 16
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Date Published

61
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Review from J A (Respite Resident) published on 23 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was welcomed for two weeks (extended by one week) respite care direct from the hospital and given a really pleasant room with plenty of light. Great care was taken to ensure I was supported against falls. Birchwood has a special home-like feel - a sense of community one can just sink into. There was
no pressure to join in with activities. The house and gardens at Birchwood are an ideal setting for that and recovery. The key is warranted and the kindness of the staff.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from K S (Brother of Resident) published on 27 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Recently I was able to make a visit to Birchwood House to see my sister in her newly decorated room, the whole building was warm and welcoming. I have always found the management and staff supportive at all times also I appreciate the hard work and excellent care that she has received during the Covid-19
period.
Many thanks to all at Birchwood House.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from N B (Resident) published on 13 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I came to Birchwood House on 29/01/2021. I did not want to come into a care home, I resisted as long as possible but at the age of 96 even with friends and family helping, I had to give in. I am glad I did now it is very pleasant here and the staff are very kind and helpful. There are some very nice
gardens to sit in weather permitting, we have parties for different occasions which staff and management go to a lot of trouble to arrange and the cook who does some very nice things to eat.
The decor in the home is very tasteful and pleasant and clean.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Sarah B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff at Birchwood are caring, friendly and dedicated to their job. My mum can be challenging at times but the carers show patience and understanding at all times. The interior of the building and gardens have improved a lot over the last year. It's just a shame that the lift is so small, so making
it difficult for staff and patients to use comfortably. Thank you to all the staff for your kindness and hard work.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Paul B (Son of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother entered Birchwood in January 2021 at the age of 95. She has been very well looked after by a caring and understanding staff. Of course there have been COVID problems for the whole time, but the staff have all coped extremely well with the pressures. My mother is very happy at Birchwood and
I am happy that she is being well cared for.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Alan H (Son of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came to Birchwood House in the middle of 2018 after recovering in hospital having broken her hip. Birchwood gave her a new lease of life. She integrated with both the existing residents and staff quickly and clearly began to enjoy her time in her new home. The quality of care she has received
has been exemplary. We truly believe that she has been treated like an extended family member rather than just another resident. Throughout her time at Birchwood House that kindness and care have continued. She is now 91 and is not in such good health but we would not wish her to be anywhere else.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from I G (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Birchwood has been very good for my mother, who has lived there for nine months now. She was weakened, lost and bereaved and yet has settled so well, helped by the kindness of the Birchwood team. They got her room and belongings sorted to her satisfaction very quickly, and the carers allow her to be
herself and follow her own interests. She seems relaxed and enjoys the food. Nothing is too much trouble and I feel very welcome when I visit. The building and grounds are beautifully kept. I am so very grateful to the staff for making my mother comfortable and for being so responsive to our needs.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Lynda C (Friend of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am a friend of a resident of Birchwood House, who passed away in the Summer of 2021.
Before moving into Birchwood House, my friend had lived alone for many years and become lonely and isolated.
However, from day one at Birchwood House, she became much happier and healthier, due to the excellent
food and care that she received.
She had the time of her life.
Many thanks to everyone at Birchwood House.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Betty A (Sister of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Sister has been a resident at Birchwood House for a number of years now.
She has been very happy. The carers are very caring and helpful.
Food is home made and a varied menu caters for everyone's needs.
Management is always ready to have a chat if needed, they also keep me up to date with my
sister's needs.
I would highly recommend Birchwood House.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass on your comments to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from Gill O (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been at Birchwood for nearly six years and loves it! It’s like home from home, the girls are all lovely and are so good with mum. The management is great and has always got time for a chat if you need them! Great place, would highly recommend to anyone who needs 24/7 care!

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your lovely review of our home. I shall pass your comments on to the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from S N (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very happy with mum's care here. The staff are extremely caring and mum has built some good relationships. She always looks comfortable and appears happy.

Reply from Claire Davis, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for the lovely review of our care home. I shall pass on your kind words to all of the team here at Birchwood House.


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Review from David T (Son of Resident) published on 7 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is situated in lovely grounds and the conservatory is a delight, especially at Christmas with the decorations. The staff are like a family to the residents and the level of care provided is exemplary, at all levels. The home is always clean and fresh and the in-house catering very good. As
relatives of one of the residents, we could not ask for more!

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your review and your lovely comments. I will make sure that the staff see this.


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Review from T M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Birchwood House is a lovely place. The staff are lovely although they could do with a few more, plus I think carers that are there should only be used for the caring side of things. You have separate cleaners so you should have separate staff for the kitchen, not just cooking, clearing up, but for delivering
dinners to residents. Carers are carers for a reason. I think for a big place there should be a bigger shower room and a bigger lift as well, but overall the place is good and I'm pleased my mum is there.

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Review from Judith M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother entered this care home at the age of 97 with many health and mental problems. She was always treated with great care, respect and dignity for the entire time she was there by all the staff. Myself and all her family members and friends were welcomed always by the caring staff. Communication
from staff was excellent and I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and facilities at this care home.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review for Birchwood. I will pass the comments on to the staff. Kind regards, Helen.


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Review from Linda L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum was taken into Birchwood at very short notice. Management promised her room would be painted and it was. She was very well looked after, the food was excellent and came in the right portions. We had no complaints whatsoever about the care all the staff gave her. Management was very attentive to
her medical needs and had the forethought to make sure a doctor saw her every fortnight. Mum was 104. The conservatory was a big bonus and we were always made welcome to have tea/coffee or lunch there. Only complaint - the lift.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for taking the time to review Birchwood. I will pass on your comments to the staff. Kind regards.


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Review from Lucy A (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my dad receives at Brichwood is exceptional. The staff are so kind and caring and we know he is getting the best care and all that he needs. It is really hard trying to move a loved one into a care home but the team ay Birchwood ensured the process was dealt with both support and understanding
for both Dad and us. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review and comments, I will pass them on to the staff.


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Review from Bernadette A (Friend of Resident) published on 26 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very homely atmosphere and very caring staff led by the manager. Excellent food, warm, bright rooms. Frist class care home.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review and kind words. I will pass this on to the staff.


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Review from C L (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the way my mother is treated and cared for. The staff and management are very good. Always welcoming. My mother is 100 years old.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.


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Review from Jackie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Myself, my husband, my son and my daughter-in-law have all visited my mother in Birchwood House. It is a lovely place to visit. The staff always chat to us and welcome us. It is so clean and well run. My mother is a difficult person to please but is very content at Birchwood. She always says how lovely
the staff are and how good the food is. We know she is safe.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.


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Review from J M (Son of Resident) published on 23 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff very friendly when they answer the door. They are also very helpful when there is a problem to solve.

Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you very much for the review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.
Kind regards


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.833)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.833) out of 10 for Birchwood House 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 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 15 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 4.833 for Birchwood House is calculated as follows: ( (149 Excellents x 5) + (21 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 174 Ratings = 4.833

  • 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 Birchwood House is based on 15 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 15 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: 11 Sep 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (1)

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Meet the Team (3)

Tina

Tina Payne

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2023

I have had the pleasure of working in social care for over 40 years and I can honestly say 'I still love it'. I feel honoured to be in the position of Manager of this great manor house with the support of a fabulous team. There is something so special in the type of individualised care you can deliver in these unique homes. We become like family. You can create a balance of both a haven of tranquillity and those madcap days of pure fun and frivolity.


It's all about feeling free to be oneself and to be able to give all of oneself on each and every occasion to each and every person. It feels wonderful to get that sense of home and family...whilst remembering it's also being at work.


Claire

Claire Tye

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2015

I’ve worked in the care industry for 21 years. I’ve now been at Birchwood for 5 years.

My first impression of Birchwood was that it looked huge but once I came into the building it was very warm and friendly.

My role involves overseeing the running of the home in the absence of the manager, to support our wonderful staff and residents ensuring that all care delivered is of the highest possible standard. I ensure that all care plans are updated with any changes in our resident's daily living and health, as well as manage the staff rota.

The most interesting thing about working at Birchwood is the interesting people you get to meet and care for and learn about their lives and their families.

I’ve always enjoyed working in smaller homes that are not purpose-built. Working at Birchwood is more personal than other places I’ve worked.

The benefits of working here are working in lovely surroundings with a good team of people, as well as the training and support I’ve been offered to further my career.

Working in care is a rewarding career in itself but working with the Birchwood team who are warm friendly and motivating makes going to work even better.


Niral

Niral Patel

Job Title: Owner

Joined: 2010

We’ve been successful at Birchwood in ensuring our residents and staff continue to live and work in a safe and secure environment. My staff deserve my heartfelt thanks and huge credit in delivering a first class, personal service to all our residents and homecare clients.


We’ve continued safe and secure family visits for our residents too, with up to 3 visits scheduled every day in our secure meeting area. With alignment to all government and health guidelines, our residents have been able to stay in contact with their nearest and dearest. Very early on it occurred to me how integral it was for the residents’ wellbeing to maintain face to face contact. It’s certainly helped to maintain high spirits for all and we hope to do everything we can to continue these in the weeks and months ahead.