Garden House

Priestlands, Sherborne DT9 4HN
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9.4 26 Reviews
  • Garden House, Sherborne
Garden House is an award winning home and is situated a short walk from the centre of Sherborne, a beautiful and historic town, local amenities and Doctors surgeries are just a short walk away.

Residents enjoy regular activities and entertainment in the communal lounge. Activities are tailored to individual's preferences and are fun and enjoyable.

Home cooked meals are provided daily, with a variety of lunch options on the menu.

Staff at Garden House respect the dignity and privacy of residents and provide a high level of care, creating a home from home environment.

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Care Provided by Garden House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 14 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Sheltered Housing

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Jo Newton
  • Person in charge
  • Mel Torkington (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Minimum 2 week respite
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (14)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1992
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Garden 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 £1,000 – £1,200
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Garden House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • 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
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Feel free to phone and request a tour with the Manager


  • Parking

  • Parking spaces for visitors at Garden House


Garden House Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20
9.4

Garden House has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.353) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Garden House has 26 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 21
  • 5
  • 0
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Date Published

26
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22

Review from Darryl C (Son of Resident) published on 10 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

With my father needing respite recovery, following major brain surgery, we were recommended Garden House through a friend as an option. It was the first care home on our list to consider, but once we had visited and met with the manager and her staff, witnessing the wonderful facilities and 'homely'
atmosphere, we knew we had struck gold and our decision made. The manager and her team are, quite frankly, fantastic. I know that my father is safe and having excellent care and am very impressed with how they have aided and expedited to his cognitive recovery. The food looks amazing and this is reinforced by my father always being complimentary about it and seeing him put on weight for the first time in years! It is also nice to hear from his friends and family visitors that they agree with Garden House being an extremely nice facility and very welcoming and caring. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity for my father to stay with them, and can only give the highest recommendation.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thanks Darryl for the lovely review, I will be sure to pass this onto staff.


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Review from Jane A (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A huge big thank you to all the staff at Garden House. They came to my rescue when I had a family emergency.
Mum has settled in well and loves it there, the staff are very kind, friendly and caring, providing a home from home.
I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for care for a loved one.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thank you for the kind review. We are always here to help.


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Review from Joe M (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 16 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care, cannot fault in any way, lovely relaxed safe environment. Very good quality food, fantastic and caring staff who are very attentive, all under the very professional leadership of the manager, very lucky to find a room.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thank you for taking the time to give us such a lovely review. I will pass this onto the staff.


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Review from J L (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 13 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very impressed and very grateful for the care given to our dear friend.

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Review from C C (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Garden House is a lovely calm place. The staff are so kind and friendly and there is a real sense of appreciation for all the different qualities of the residents. I am so happy that my relative has been able to stay there and enjoy the kindness and attention given to residents. They have regular outings
and encourage animals to come and visit. Garden House is a small unit and so there really is a felt sense of it being people's home.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thanks for your kind review! I will be sure to pass this on to the manager and the staff.


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Review from Sally H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother lived independently until just before her 90th birthday when, in August, she went into Garden House for a two-week period of respite care. At the end of the respite period, it was decided that Mum was unable to return home. The staff put in a lot of time and attention to ensure that Mum settled
in. Now Mum is happy and settled. She often tells me that the staff and her room are lovely, the food is good and she enjoys the company. I cannot thank the staff enough for the care and consideration that they show to my mother, from the celebrations for her 90th birthday to identifying that there was a serious decline in an ongoing medical condition. The staff treat Mum with dignity and respect, for which I thank them. All the staff are quite simply, wonderful!

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thank you Sally for the kind and lovely review I will be sure to pass this on to the manager and the staff.


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Review from S H (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has been in Garden House for 18 months and continues to be magnificently looked after by all the staff. The level of care is excellent and they are really thoughtful, forever going the extra mile to make Dad feel they care about him as a person. The team are always friendly and cheerful. He is so
much brighter than before he moved in; it is a joy to see him and I know he is safe and comfortable.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thanks for the lovely review! Will be sure to pass this on to the staff.


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Review from Blair S (Son of Resident) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is a resident at your home. During March she had a couple of episodes that entailed visits to A and E. She was well supported all during this time by your kind and caring staff. She has been at your home since January and has settled in well. She is very happy and feels safe and well cared
for. All your staff are amazing, very caring and, above all, patient.

Reply from Jo Newton, Director at Garden House

Thanks for your kind review and kind words it's a pleasure.


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Review from Debs T (Friend of Resident) published on 25 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wow, what can I say about Garden House.
My friend stayed there for two weeks.
I cannot rate this enough. The home and staff did everything to make my friend's stay as happy as they could.
The care they gave him was of the highest standard, the food is exceptional and they are such a happy team.
The manager is so kind and professional.
Nothing is too much trouble for this wonderful team.
This home has to be the best around for miles.
I would highly recommend this home to anyone who is thinking of putting their loved ones in.

Reply from Mel.Torkington, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you for your kind words, I will be sure to pass this on to all the staff. Look forward to having him back soon.
Mel


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Review from Daphne W (Niece of Resident) published on 17 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The manager and your wonderful team are doing a fantastic job. All through the pandemic, keeping your residents and yourselves safe, not an easy task! As a family, we know that our aunt is so well looked after in her 'home from home'. We couldn't ask for more...thank you.

Reply from Mel Torkington, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thanks, Daphne. We really appreciate your kind words and constant support.


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Review from Lene H (Niece of Resident) published on 15 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our aunt has been at the Garden House for nearly four years now and has always had the best of care. We are so grateful to all the staff for all their friendly, professional help. We know she is happy, safe and well looked after, it was the best decision we could have made, thank you.

Reply from Mel Torkington, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much, Lene. It's a pleasure and joy looking after her and your kind words and continued support means so much.


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Review from Caroline G (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is an amazing home.
The staff are all wonderful and not only care for the residents but they go above and beyond to make their stay comfortable and make the residents happy and so well looked after.
My mum lived here for nine months until she passed away and I cannot think of a better environment
for her to have lived in.
There is something very special about Garden House Rest Home and I want to thank them for giving my mum back the quality of life when she really needed it.
Highly recommended.

Reply from Mel Torkington, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much, Caroline, your kind words mean a lot, although only with us a short space of time she certainly had an impact on us all. Her sass will be truly missed.


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Review from K G (Son of Resident) published on 15 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff, led by the Registered Manager, do an amazing job. They have more than risen to the challenges of the Covid pandemic and all that has meant for them personally and for residents and visitors. The team are always so friendly and cheerful and it is truly a home from home for my mother and
all the residents.

Reply from Mel Torkington, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you, your kind words mean a lot to all of us at Garden House.


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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good caring staff who are exceptionally kind and patient, even with difficult residents. The Garden House has created a real home for the residents and a family atmosphere rather than an institution. The rooms make the most of the lovely gardens by having big picture windows giving even the most
inactive resident the feeling of being outdoors.

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Review from Garry C (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Garden House is very much a home from home which has proved to be the perfect respite for my mother.


The standards of care are set very high and everyone on the staff shows exemplary levels of care, compassion and professionalism.


Reply from Linda Roberts, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for your positive review your time is very much appreciated, I will pass on your review to our team. Many thanks - Manager


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Review from C C C (Niece of Resident) published on 25 March 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Aunt had been a resident for a couple of years at Garden House. I was able to visit her yearly as I live abroad. I just want to say that the love and care my Aunt received was exemplary. I can't rate the staff highly enough and am thankful every day that her twilight years were so much better than
they would have been if she had stayed in her own home. Our family was always welcomed with offerings of refreshments. Nothing was ever too difficult for them. A huge thank you to each and every one.

Reply from Linda Roberts, Registered Manager at Garden House

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. Your positive feedback will be shared with our care team. Many thanks, Linda.


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Review from Ian R (Sister of Resident) published on 15 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister has been at this home for 10 years and is looked after very well and is very happy.

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Review from M C (Nephew of Resident) published on 29 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visited my aunt on 18th December. My aunt is bed bound but her room has been tidied with Christmas cards displayed. Refreshments are offered frequently as is the offer of food.


During the visit, my aunt required moving. The staff on duty were quick to help and make sure she was comfortable. All

the staff are knowledgeable and my aunt's health and understand her as an individual and provide her with both dignity and kindness.

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Review from Robert C (Son of Resident) published on 16 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The management and staff are very caring and understand my mother's 'sense of humour' very well. The moment any problems have arisen, they have been in direct contact with us and have helped to solve any outstanding issues.


The home may be small, but that is its endearing advantage.


Indeed, my

mother is always saying how happy she is there.

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Review from Valerie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum went to Garden House in July 2013 for a short stay and decided to go back after a few weeks back in her flat. She stayed at Garden House until 3rd March 2017 when she passed away aged 94. The staff are wonderful, very caring and kind, even though residents can be trying at times (Mum included).
The food is very good. Activities - they have bingo, singers at times, lots more - I have put 'Good' because although they put the effort in, some residents don't join in.


When my mum passed, I was phoned and went to be with her to say goodbye. I can't say any more.


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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.353)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.353) out of 10 for Garden House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 5.0 out of 5 from 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.4 out of 5 from 4 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 4.978 for Garden House is calculated as follows: ( (45 Excellents x 5) + (1 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 46 Ratings = 4.978

  • 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 4.375 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Garden House is based on 4 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 = 3.375

    • 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 14 registered maximum number of service users is 2.8, which has been reached with 4 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: 27 Sep 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 (3)

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Meet the Team (1)

Mel

Mel Torkington

Job Title: Registered Manager

Joined: 2016

How long have you worked at Garden House?
I have worked at Garden House for 6 years. Previously I worked at a nursing home doing night shifts, so I decided to try residential care on day shifts (I was late a few times when doing early shifts).


Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have a twin brother who is serving in the army. He is in the RAMC (Royal Army Medical Core), and we are very close. I used to play for Yeovil Town football club.


What is your proudest moment/achievement?
Completing my NVQ 5 and being a Registered Manager and getting Garden House its first awards in the categories "Team of the Year" & "Welfare and Well-being of Staff" 2024


How many years of experience in care do you have?
I have 12 years of experience in Nursing Care and residential and have my NVQ 2, 3 & 5.


What do you enjoy about Garden House?
It is not clinical, we all wear our home clothes to minimize that barrier of staff–resident, and as we are a small home, it’s very person-centred and we are one big family.


Frequently Asked Questions about Garden House

What types of Care is Garden House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does Garden House provide?

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

How many Rooms does Garden House have?

There are 14 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Garden House?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Garden House to the centre of Sherborne?

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