Hillcrest Care Home

106 Thorpe Road, Thorpe, Norwich NR1 1RT
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9.5 20 Reviews
  • Hillcrest Care Home, Norwich

Care Provided by Hillcrest Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Speech Impairment
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Leona Fitch (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (40)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (6)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Number of floors: 1

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Hillcrest Care Home is thrilled to welcome visitors. Visitors encouraged to visit loved dedicated team members always available to greet them with a warm welcome.


  • Parking
  • Hillcrest Care Home understands that convenience is key when visiting loved ones, which is why parking is hassle-free, offering on-site parking, completely free of charge.


9.5

Hillcrest Care Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.458) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Hillcrest Care Home has 20 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 15
  • 4
  • 0
  • 1
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My mum was admitted to Hillcrest in a deceitful way and this home was not chosen by her or any member of her family. If we had been consulted, we would have chose a better one. It's dingy and uninviting as you enter the reception area. The rooms are basic, dated and some have no natural light. Most
residents are in their rooms or in bed, this is one sure sign of a bad care home. They place residents in front of TV's so they are no bother. My mum in particular is one of those people. She was active when she went into the care home but now she can barely walk, this is due to too much time sitting in a chair. It appears they are short staffed and it's the residents that are paying the price.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. She lived on her own and became increasingly unsafe in her own home. She was admitted to Hillcrest six months ago with the support of her social worker.
The staff are unfailingly kind and professional. Each time I, other family members, and friends
visit we have been impressed by the welcome and the calm environment in Hillcrest.
My sister now seems very settled and now rarely talks about going home. It is an absolute relief to know my sister is somewhere safe and so well looked after. My heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Hillcrest.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nanny has had the best possible care she could ever have dreamed of. Every time I have visited, I’ve been made so welcome by staff and been met with Nanny’s wonderful smile. It has been hard seeing Nanny deteriorate due to her age but being placed in the care home (for her own safety) was the best decision
for her. The staff have treated her like she is their family and we are so very grateful.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum’s received the best possible care and attention she could possibly have from this very friendly, caring provider. Being discharged from hospital into a strange setting confused her to start with but she soon settled and we started to see a positive change in her. The staff and management have
engaged with family and mum at every opportunity and I could not ask for a better place for mum to be looked after in. Staff work over and above.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A difficult decision to make to commit my mother-in-law to a care home but truly the best outcome for her. Whilst at home, Mum was confused and struggling to keep safe making it a constant worry to all her family. Once at Hillcrest, we noticed how settled she became. With the support of staff, her medicine
intake was reduced, her appetite grew and despite still being bed-ridden, she was happier. Not only have staff and management looked after and cared for her but encompassed that caring to us, her extended family. We are so very grateful for their commitment and professionalism in their duty of care.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has only recently moved to Hillcrest after a few difficult months with health complications. She has been warmly welcomed by the staff who are always attentive and caring and nothing is too much trouble. In the 6 weeks she has been in residence she has become like her old self and it has been
lovely to get my mum back. She particularly likes the food and relishes in telling me what she has had when I visit. The range of activities is exceptional and staff encourage socialising which we consider to be important. Having visited several care homes before we made our decision Hillcrest was by far the most impressive in that it seemed like a home from home which is what we thought was essential for Mum's health, safety and happiness and this has certainly proved to be the case. I can't praise the staff enough for their attitude and inclusion with families as well.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to share this with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was at Hillcrest for respite after an abusive relationship with my dad... Unfortunately Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in February 2022 and after staying with me for 3 months it got too much, Mum was welcomed here with her little dog...
Staff at Hillcrest were amazing and not only did Mum
build a bond with the staff I did too...
They did their best to include Mum in different activities but Mum was never a social person... She was a resident from March 24th 2022- October 2022... and it's so nice I can finally write a review as Mum was under safe guard I couldn't leak any personal details.
Mum passed away the evening of January 18th 2023.
Absolutely heartbroken that her time left in peace wasn't longer.
Thank you to you all at Hillcrest for everything and I mean everything.
Love to you all.
Her daughter and of course her little dog who now lives with us.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister has been in a few months and has settled down very well. She joins in a lot of the social things they do. The carers and staff are very attentive. The home is clean and fresh.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Everyone is kind and cares for the residents. The staff are very nice and friendly and look after them all. Sometimes if they are busy, they can’t always get my mum to the toilet when she needs to go but they do take her as soon as they can. Mum needs a lot of care because she can’t walk and can’t do
a lot for herself but the staff don’t make her feel a nuisance - they are very good. Mum likes the activities and the activities lady is very kind to her.

Reply from The Home Manager, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and your feedback. I will share your kind words with the team. Please do come and see me to discuss Mum's continence care on your next visit.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff go above and beyond to ensure the happiness and comfort of the residents. They are always helpful, cheerful and dedicated. Great morale and enthusiasm; providing entertainment and a home-like environment with animals and flowers! Relatives are made to feel welcome and included in their loved ones
care.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Home Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review for Hillcrest. I will be sure to pass your kind words and feedback on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a difficult start with Mum not being able to settle, with the help of staff and making friends with a group of ladies Mum is finally happy being at Hillcrest Care Home. She is eating better now and the food seems very good. There are some sort of activities most days, which Mum is encouraged to
join in with and seems happy to do so. All in all, we are glad we picked Hillcrest as a permanent residence for Mum.

Reply from Paula Oltean, Regional Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Hillcrest Care Home. I am very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience, thank you for your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My lovely Mum was part of this wonderful family-like home for 10 years, up to this April when she sadly passed away. Her journey was full of ups and downs due to her condition, but each challenge was dealt with in a professional but empathetic, friendly way.
There was plenty of activities to enjoy
and friends to be made. Staff always worked so hard. Beautiful, tasty food was available, while the laundry and cleaning staff were so keen to help too. We as a family, thank you so much.

Reply from Leona Fitch, Deputy Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such lovely comments about your experience with Hillcrest. I will make sure to share this positive feedback with the whole team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both mum and dad lived at Hillcrest. Sadly Dad died on the 20th of May after a very tough 5 weeks, but yet again the manager and her team made it manageable. I live 230 miles away and came up for a weekend visit as Dad was on end of life care and I ended up not going home for 5 weeks. Without the staff,
I am not sure I would have coped. Not only did they look after Dad they also ensured I was ok, being there emotionally and supportive for me.
Dad was cremated and yet again Hillcrest came up trumps. I felt it apt that Dad should go from Hillcrest as it was his home and he was so happy there, so when the hearse left the staff did a guard of honour. This is so fitting and shows what love is given to your residents.
If you are reading this to decide if a loved one should go to Hillcrest then I can’t recommend it highly enough. Fabulous place, congratulations to the manager for running such a caring and loving home.

Reply from Sandra Bishop, Regional Manager at Hillcrest Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review, please accept our condolences for your loss, it must have been extremely difficult living so far away, but I am very pleased that the manager and her team cared for Dad so well and ensured you were well looked after during this very difficult time.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wonderful dad had to go into care he has dementia, Lewy bodies disease and Parkinson’s. my heart broke as I had cared for him for 22 years but unfortunately with the dementia I had to get professional help.
I was so frightened and scared for my dad and myself for him to go into care. I met with
the care home manager and her team, what can I say they made my decision easy and I felt comfortable letting them take care of my dad in their wonderful home.
They are not only are the best care home in the whole of the UK but in the whole world. I write this review in tears I can never thank them all enough for how they have helped my dad, the manager and her team.
My dad is very well looked after I can see it as soon as I see him they are all so loving and professional. The care home is so clean tidy and presentable 5-star service, 10 stars in my eyes.
Covid rules are at 100%.
I just see the manager and her team all as my family now!
Thank you again.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and her amazing team have maintained their high standards during this last difficult year. They have always been at the end of the phone to keep me informed of Mum's health. When visiting was allowed outside they managed that well and FaceTime was set up for us to use; although difficult
for mum to understand. Now we are allowed to visit indoors the team have gone out of their way to facilitate this, they have made it a very smooth, stress-free process and spending time with mum in her room has really boosted me and mum too, thank you so much!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Hillcrest since December 2018 and my family and I are very happy with the care that she receives. All the staff are wonderful and caring, very supportive and keep me informed of anything relevant to mum. I know I can ring at anytime day or night if I have any concerns regarding
her. During the current pandemic, we are not allowed to visit for obvious reasons but can book a FaceTime call so that we can see and talk to mum which is very reassuring to be able to see her. I can’t thank the staff enough for keeping her and everyone at the home ‘safe’ at this time, they’re doing a wonderful job.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Again during difficult times, it's been made easier by the management and staff at Hillcrest.
They have put extra measures in place to keep the contact in place. Very much appreciated, thank you all for your continued support not just for Dad but for the family.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in the care of Hillcrest for the last 13 months. The care given by the staff there is excellent. My mother seems happy to be there and has a good rapport with the carers.


Although suffering from Alzheimer’s she does enjoy the contact with all the homes personnel.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident in Hillcrest for many years suffering from severe dementia. I am very impressed with the care she is given by all the staff who show such patience and tolerance. The manageress always has time to keep me updated on my mother's condition and she has become more of a friend
than a member of the team. I would like to thank all the staff for doing a great job.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has lived at Hillcrest for 3 years and during that time we have been able to make mums room lovely and cosy, repainting in the colours that she chose, getting her a lovely comfy bed and armchair, bringing lots of things from her home so that her surroundings are familiar to her, so important
to a person with Dementia. Her room is like a little bedsit with her own fridge and kettle so that she can still 'entertain' guests. Mum had always had dogs and cats and felt very sad and lonely when she arrived, the Registered Manager recognised this and knew of an elderly cat who needed a home so she arranged for the cat to come to Hillcrest and asked mum to 'look after' her; she now lives with mum in her room. The manager knows all her residents and genuinely enjoys spending time with them and her staff have worked really hard to ensure that the home has a lovely atmosphere. Relatives are free to come and go at any time, share meals with their loved ones and be part of their lives.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.458)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.458) out of 10 for Hillcrest Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 11 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 10 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 4.496 for Hillcrest Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (92 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (6 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 127 Ratings = 4.496

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 4.962 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Hillcrest Care Home is based on 10 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. 10 Positive Reviews ÷ 10.4 = 0.962

  • 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

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest Care Home

What types of Care is Hillcrest Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia & Respite Care are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Hillcrest Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Hillcrest Care Home have?

There are 40 Single Rooms and 6 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Hillcrest Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Hillcrest Care Home to the centre of Norwich?

0.6 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.