Dorrington House (Watton)

73 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford IP25 6DH
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9.7 81 Reviews
  • Dorrington House (Watton), Thetford
Dorrington House at Watton is a purpose-built home for older people, established in July 1999.

Accommodation is provided in single rooms with en-suite facilities and communal areas include a bright and airy lounge with large windows. There is a large flat screen television in this all the lounges for residents to enjoy and all entertainment takes place in this room, including the use of smart TV facilities. There are also two smaller quieter lounges for residents to use if they prefer. A bar area for residents to use is run by 'Friends of the Home'.

There is good Wi-Fi coverage at the home with video visiting and online care plans available. All areas of the home are accessible, including a large 21 person lift.

Communal areas far exceed the Government's new standards, meeting the physical and emotional needs of residents with privacy, dignity, choice and independence. A large lift provides access to the first floor and a varied menu is offered with special diets catered for, including diabetic, vegetarian and religious requirements and more.

Families are encouraged to take part in the care and spend quality time with their loved ones. Please contact the team for username and password details to view the care plan from home.

Care Provided by Dorrington House (Watton)

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Eating Disorders
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Drug Dependence (past or present)
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Independent Living Training
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit
  • Sheltered Housing

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Geri Ashforth (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Care for Older People, and those suffering with Dementia, Social Services rates, including self funders
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (52)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (52)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1999
    • Last Refurbishment: 2025
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Dorrington House (Watton)

  • 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 £840 – £926
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £840 – £926
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £840 – £926
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £840 – £926
  • Threshold for Social Services support is £23,250.00 please e-mail steve@dorringtonhouse.com for help and advice to secure support Our fee policy insures fairness and continuity when self funders go below the threshold and apply to NCC avoiding being moved.


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

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • 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
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • No set visiting hours. Please be mindful during mealtimes, Gp & nurse visits, or when staff are dispensing medication they may be busy. Visitors welcome to spend time with their loved ones, helping, simply ask the staff for advice. You can always e-mail Steve or Lorraine Dorrington, the owners anytime to answer your questions or concerns.


  • Parking
  • Ample Car Parking, close to the town centre, no steps footpaths to the shops for summer walks, weather permitting.


Dorrington House (Watton) Reviews (81)

Total of 81, showing 21-40
9.7

Dorrington House (Watton) has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.675) out of 10, based on 43 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dorrington House (Watton) has 81 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 49
  • 27
  • 4
  • 0
  • 1

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been living at Dorrington House in Watton for the past 6 months. It has been a big upheaval for her and she has found it difficult to adapt to such a big change. However, the staff at the home have been really caring. They have taken time to get to know her and it is clear from the conversations
I have with the carers that they understand her needs. I feel very happy that Mum is in a place where she is safe and cared for.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime (at lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com and steve@dorringtonhouse.com). Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been in Dorrington House since December. He has settled in very well. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. We are very happy with the care that dad is receiving. The family always get a friendly welcome from staff when visiting.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime. Thank you (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother bed bound but she is always kept clean, tidy and warm. The staff are professional and approachable and keep me up to date with my mother's care. Staff have time to feed her and give her drinks.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime. Thank you (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I sometimes visit an old friend of the family that lives in Dorrington House. The staff are very friendly and always offer me a cup of tea. The home is welcoming and cosy. Overall very good service seen and experienced.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime, lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com and steve@dorringtonhouse.com. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

From the moment I walked into the foyer, to the last minute when I walked out, the staff were all friendly. I had an appointment, I was a little early, the staff offered me a tea or coffee. Very clean and friendly atmosphere while I was in the home.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime, lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com and steve@dorringtonhouse.com. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are pleasant and friendly. Daily activities seem very varied and inclusive, most residents seem happy to participate. Bedrooms are spacious and have lots of storage space. Overall, the care home is very clean and tidy.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We take these very seriously and you can email us anytime, Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com and Steve@dorringtonhouse.com. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum is the happiest she’s ever been in her life. She has no worries. Great food and care. Lots of friends. The staff just get my mum and she’s thriving because of it. She’s taking her medication properly and as a result of all of this Mum’s dementia seems to have got better. I love to see your post
on FB your interaction with the residents is personable and fun. Thank you Dorrington House.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. We welcome your review and take it very seriously. You can e-mail us anytime 24/7 at steve@dorringtonhouse.com and lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you. (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider) (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly staff, quick to help out with anything asked of them. Always keeping an eye on the residents in the day room. Could maybe go into resident's rooms a bit more to check on drinks as some residents are unable to drink by themselves, for example, my mum who has got a catheter. All-round, very caring
staff.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and I welcome your review and take them very seriously. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been to two other care homes for respite, Dorrington House is far better in all ways. There's always a lovely welcome. The home always smells lovely. Rooms are always kept clean. The care staff are friendly and are very helpful. Mum has put on three pounds in weight, after having lost six
stone in the past two years. So very happy.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review, we take these very seriously and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7. Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum came for respite here, happy with everything, the home and staff were great. The entertainment and activities looked great, I kept up to date with the social media page and it was nice to see her getting involved regularly.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously, and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 at Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you. (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider). (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to thank Dorrington House (Watton) staff for making my mother in law feel welcome and safe.
It’s a lovely care home where the residents are not only cared for but entertained.
Also for making her birthday a day to remember.
Thank you all.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously, and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7, at Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you. (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider). (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with how well the staff are looking after my friend in Dorrington House who seems to be settled in well with her new surroundings and the family is very happy with how she has settled in.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously, and you can email us anytime 24/7 at Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have always found the staff very helpful and friendly. The social media photos of residents involved in activities always make me smile and as my father will frequently say he doesn't do much, only to see him involved in arts and crafts and exercise sessions proves otherwise. I have noticed, on occasions,
that there seems to be far fewer staff around over a weekend.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously, and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 at Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for a while now and she always seems happy and has put on weight.
On my last visit, the food and choice were appealing and the staff were attentive. They have plenty of activities to entertain the residents.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can email us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, our experience at Dorrington House (Watton) has been very good.
All staff have been very helpful and understanding.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you. (Name: Steven Dorrington Email: steve@dorringtonhouse.com Position: Service Provider)


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I arrived overnight from my bungalow so miss all my everyday necessities. I have three sons, the eldest looks after my money affairs. Three church friends look after my personal needs. I share lunchtimes with the lady next door, we go down to the dining room in the lift. I am a person of habit and like
things to be on time.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can email us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff always seems very friendly. The place is nice and clean. Was happy playing darts.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very supportive and helpful especially as I live in New Zealand and have been struggling to speak to my dad in hospital prior to arriving here. Very flexible and like that I can bring my dad's belongings in for him from home.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very pleased with Mum's progress. Excellent care from the staff, friendly staff. Mum says she is happy and feels well!

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can e-mail us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Dad has been here just under one month as respite care. He has dementia which is very unsettling for him. I am very impressed with the staff and the way they are dealing with Dad. They are contacting various health care professionals in an attempt to help him and make him more settled. We are extending
his stay.

Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you very much for your review. Lorraine and Steve take these very seriously and you can email us anytime 24/7 Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com & Steve@dorringtonhouse.com Thank you.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.675)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.675) out of 10 for Dorrington House (Watton) 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 43 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 42 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 4.675 for Dorrington House (Watton) is calculated as follows: ( (357 Excellents x 5) + (112 Goods x 4) + (24 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 493 Ratings = 4.675

  • 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 Dorrington House (Watton) is based on 42 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 42 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: 20 Oct 2022

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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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