The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory, High Street, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton DT10 2LL
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9.8 36 Reviews
  • The Old Rectory, Sturminster Newton
The Old Rectory is a beautiful residential care home that specialises in care for older people. The team offer a caring and welcoming environment that is a true home in every sense of the word, where people with age related conditions are respected as individuals. The home offers an outstanding level of person-centred care with dedicated specially trained staff.

Unlike modern purpose-built care homes, The Old Rectory has been tastefully converted from a former rectory, carefully adapted to enable professional care within an environment that really does look and feel like a real home. This family-run home is set within beautiful, well-maintained gardens, which can be viewed from every room. The Old Rectory has a homely ambiance with no unnecessary restrictions.

Elegant ensuite bedrooms, beautiful gardens, relaxing spaces, engaging activities, delicious food and, most importantly, real loving care.

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Care Provided by The Old Rectory

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 25 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Mandy Woon (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (25)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for The Old Rectory

  • 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 – £1,395
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,395
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,200 – £1,395
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,200 – £1,395

  • Please contact us for a full explanation of our fees. We consider room choice and care needs.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Old Rectory to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • 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
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time of the day.


  • Parking

  • Car park to the rear of the building


The Old Rectory Reviews (36)

Total of 36, showing 1-20
9.8

The Old Rectory has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old Rectory has 36 reviews.

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Review from Nicky L (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A truly home form home setting with ,excellent care and staff, facilities and food. Mother although not sociable seems very happy. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Staff are always on hand and always willing to go the extra mile.

Reply from Amanda woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you Nicky for you kind words, we are so pleased to be able to look after your mother, she seems to be happy in her own space and loves chatting to all the staff.


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Review from stephanie h (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the initial enquiry to moving Gran in has, thankfully, been a pleasant and smooth process. We had a few issues with Grans release from hospital and transfer to The Old Rectory but throughout this very stressful process, I felt very supported by the team. We arrived on admission day to friendly
welcoming staff and this was the point we knew we had made the right decision. I am sure I was very annoying during the first few weeks by calling most days with questions but not once did I feel anything was too much trouble for the team. I'm so pleased we found The Old Rectory as Gran appears settled (as much as she can with dementia) she is extremely well looked after. The staff are always happy, attentive and patient. I would 100% recommend this home.

Reply from Amanda woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you, Stephanie, for such kind words. We appreciate positive feedback. Our staff try to make any transfers as smooth as possible. It was positive from the moment you called to enquire about Gran coming into our care. Gran has settled well into The Old Rectory and makes us all smile daily. We pride ourselves in making everyone feel welcome and part of a family. We offer support not only to the resident but also to their families. We encourage family members to contact us as much as they need to, which gives reassurance to families and the residents.


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Review from Lisa T (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have used The Old Rectory twice in the last few years. On both occasions our parents received excellent care and attention from the team.
When our dad was transferred to the home, he only had a few weeks of his life left. At all times he was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. The staff
are patient, caring, amazing at what they do. Not only did they care for dad but they looked after us too, guided us every step of the way. Despite dad wanting to pass at home, we couldn't get him there. He passed away in the next best place. We'll never forget the kindness of the staff.
On the second occasion, we used the respite services for mum when she broke her arm. Again, the service, care and attention was excellent. The staff did a great job of keeping mum comfortable and we truly believe this resulted in a pretty fast recovery for a woman of her age.
We want to thank all of the staff for their dedication to both our parents. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Old Rectory.

Reply from Amanda woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you for your kind words. They are very much appreciated. We will always remember your dad; he was a wonderful gentleman and a charming man. It was heart-warming to see a family so close and committed to being with their father until the end. Caring for Mum was a joy, and we understood the urgency of her needing to return home. She also worked diligently on her recovery, which made it a true delight to assist her. Our staff take great pride in providing the best possible care, and we have some excellent team members here. I am proud to manage both the team and the home.


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Review from K P (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad stayed at The Old Rectory for a month after leaving hospital. They have helped him with his rehabilitation both mentally and physically. Everyone has been so kind when we have visited and nothing has been too much trouble.

Reply from Amanda woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you, Kirstie, for your review. We truly enjoyed caring for your father. I agree that it was a journey for him, and he really embraced his time at The Old Rectory, welcoming the support from all the staff. We are pleased that he was able to return home rehabilitated, and to be back home with his wife and family.


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Review from M L (Son of Resident) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very professional right from the start. At 95 years old my mother suddenly took a turn for the worse and the home-based care was unable to cope with the demands. I set up a respite stay period to get everything in place and the level of support during the whole process was superb. After a difficult
initial settling-in period, Mother now refers to the care home as 'the hotel', and is very happy there in a way that we never thought would be the case. A big thank you for all the help along the way.

Reply from Amanda Woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. We are deeply touched to hear your thoughts. It's wonderful to know that she refers to our care home as 'the hotel' and enjoys the environment. I'm glad that our team could provide the support you needed during the transition and that the respite stay helped set everything in place. We understand how challenging it can be to make such a significant change, and we strive to ensure that each resident feels welcomed and cared for. Thank you again for your appreciation and for sharing your positive experience.


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Review from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been a resident for three months now (Alzheimer's), he is settled, thanks to the care and consideration of all the staff. We are made very welcome when visiting Dad, great humour and cups of tea! All are easy to talk to and nothing is too much trouble. If we have any health queries ie
Doctor's visits, chiropodist etc. records are checked and dates given plus all follow-up information. Dad needs a vegetarian diet so extra thought has to be given. The Manager was and is most welcoming which helped the transition. Very happy with his care... a gem.

Reply from Amanda woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. We are delighted to hear that your father has settled in well and receives the care and attention he needs. It's wonderful to know that our staff's dedication and consideration have positively impacted both your father's well-being and your visits. We strive to create a warm and welcoming environment, and it's gratifying to hear that the humour and cups of tea have contributed to a pleasant experience. We are also pleased to hear that the attention to detail regarding health queries and dietary needs has met your expectations. Ensuring that all records are up-to-date and managing appointments efficiently are key priorities for us, and it's reassuring to know that this has been handled well. The transition can be a challenging time, and I'm glad that we have a welcoming approach, which helped make it smoother for your family. We are very happy to have your father with us and appreciate your recognition of the care he is receiving.


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Review from Janice T (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Rectory staff took great care of my father when he visited for two weeks respite following a stay in hospital. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, they were very kind and thoughtful. The accommodation was always clean and well-maintained and my father was very comfortable during his
stay. There was a daily programme of activities and beautiful gardens for my father to exercise in and rebuild his strength. It was a very positive experience.

Reply from Amanda Woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you, Janice. It was an absolute pleasure looking after your father a true gentleman, it was great to see him progress and gain his strength back so that he would be able to go back home. A happy ending for you all.


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Review from Philip B (Son of Resident) published on 9 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a full time resident for 6 months. She is well care for, happy and is kept busy with lots of activities. I visit regularly and always have a nice reception and the care for my mum is second to none.

Reply from Amanda Woon, Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you for such a kind words. Our staff enjoy making our residents happy and fulfilled with great care and lots of fun activities to make each day special but also interesting for them. It's a pleasure looking after all our residents.


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Review from Nikki T (Respite Resident) published on 3 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot give the staff here enough stars, if we could give ten stars we would. Our dad came in for end-of-life care, and we have been helped so skillfully and sensitively to deal with the heartbreak of losing our hero. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone, and we felt so well looked after. The
kindness and compassion they all gave to Dad was second to none and he was always treated with dignity. We were given honest answers to our many questions and many hugs when things got too much. They understood how important he was to us, and their care was extended to us all. The room was homely and airy and we had all the facilities we needed. They even brought a bed in so Mum could stay overnight! We have all eaten far too many of their delicious shortbread! We can't rate The Old Rectory and its wonderful staff highly enough. Thank you to you all.

Reply from James Chalk, Operations Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you for your taking the time to give us such a positive review during this sad time.
It was a true honour to look after your dad. We were so pleased to be able to care for your dad as he neared the end of his life, and for your mum and all the family to be with him.
We are glad that we were able to support you all through this emotional time
Your dad was only with us for a short time but he made such an impression on us and it was an honour to experience the special bond that he had with you as a family.
Thank you
Mandy
Home Manager


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Review from Jeremy P (Respite Resident) published on 26 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always thought of kindness as just a word. Now I have experienced it first-hand at The Old Rectory. All staff without exception were caring and professional. The surroundings were comfortable and immaculate. Nothing was too much trouble. Food was imaginative, home-cooked and always hot. My overall
short stay was a four-star experience.

Reply from James Chalk, Operations Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your review. It is so appreciated by all the team here at The Old Rectory.


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Review from E R (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff at the Old Rectory are all very friendly, kind and caring. It is lovely to see familiar staff that are aware of us (the family) and are developing a relationship/understanding of Mum. The home is clean and the rooms are well-presented. The staff meet Mum's needs and show experience with dementia.
Sometimes the communication could be better on how her care is going etc (when we are not there).

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Review from Sophie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing care given to my dad since he's been at this home. The staff are always very nice and helpful, and I always get an email/phone call for any updates/changes with Dad.
The food offered looks great, and they have a great menu for each day. The rooms are very nice, lots of light by nice big windows
and always clean and tidy. Overall, I am very happy with the overall care given to my dad and know he is being well cared for and safe.

Reply from James Chalk, Operations Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your review. We are pleased that you are happy with your Dads care.


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Review from Carole G (Friend of Resident) published on 26 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had not been into the venue before a member of the congregation went to stay. The rooms are kept very clean. The garden is fantastic. Staff are helpful to both residents and visitors. The staff should be congratulated on their hard work.

Reply from James Chalk, Operations Manager at The Old Rectory

Thank you for your review and your kind words. Your positive feedback will be shared with the team.


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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father was well looked after and cared for while he was here.

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Review from Helen H (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum spent her last two years at The Old Rectory in Stalbridge where she was treated with great tenderness and respect. The carers were marvelous with her and I couldn't have been happier knowing that she was in the right place. The home is cosy and comfortable with delightful gardens to wander in.
You couldn't find a better place for your loved one.

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Review from Julia N (Stepdaughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Old Rectory have had zero cases of Covid and have acted superbly throughout the pandemic to keep residents safe. Visiting has been allowed in a purpose-built summer house, which is totally Covid secure, fully heated and glazed, beautifully furnished and even has a coffee maker for the visitor. The
care the residents receive is second to none. I would not hesitate in recommending The Old Rectory.

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Review from Jennifer E (Wife of Resident) published on 4 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so relieved, as a family, to have found The Old Rectory. Our chap is relaxed and contented, is being looked after by the happy staff, and there is a very good atmosphere at the home. He is looking clean and well brushed, and I can go home without worrying about him. All the staff are delightful,
and they look after the residents like their own families!

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Review from Piers D (Son of Resident) published on 4 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My visit was very well organised in a Covid safe manner.
As ever, the staff were kind, attentive and efficient.
My mother is comfortable and at home, dispute the disorienting symptoms of her disease (dementia).
This is in no small part the result of the care given by the staff, and in my mother’s
case, an enjoyment of the beautiful garden.

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Review from Ann T (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

You continue to care for my mother with respect and kindness.
Twice this year she might have gone to the hospital, but you chose to keep her in your care, in agreement with the doctor/ medics, which is kind and thoughtful both for her and for me.
You always know how she is, welcome us into the home
and respond to her changing moods and needs.
We could not ask for more. Thank you so much.

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Review from Linda D (Private Carer of Resident) published on 17 January 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have visited a few care homes during the course of my career in care and what stood out the most for me about The Old Rectory is the homely, relaxed atmosphere and the friendly, happy staff, who are also compassionate and helpful. It is always difficult for everyone involved when a family member,
friend or client has to go into a home and as a carer, I know how important it is that there is clear communication between the family and the home regarding what is best for the resident. It is very comforting to know that The Old Rectory, from the manager and care team, through to the chefs and cleaning staff take this seriously. Their activity team are great and very busy, offering a wide range of fun things to keep the residents occupied.
It is very heartwarming to see a resident, who was used to one to one private care at home, becoming settled in a care home environment. A big thank you to all.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.811)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.811) out of 10 for The Old Rectory 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 14 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 4.811 for The Old Rectory is calculated as follows: ( (131 Excellents x 5) + (26 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 159 Ratings = 4.811

  • 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 The Old Rectory is based on 14 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 25 registered maximum number of service users is 5, which has been reached with 14 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: 5 Jun 2024

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 (2)

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Meet the Team (4)

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Mandy Woon

Job Title: Registered Manager/Home Manager

Joined: 2023

I started in care with work experience in a care home in Bournemouth when I was still in senior school this would have been around 1985. I then studied elderly care and working with children.


I have always worked caring for the older person, I have worked in care homes and in home care and private care. I have been in senior management roles within the care sector for around 10 years and I have worked my way up completing my Diplomas, 2, 3, and 5 in Health and Social Care.


I have also worked with children in a hospice for around 8 years.


I am very passionate about caring and I have very good people skills.


I have been involved in several fundraising events from parachute jumping & army assault courses to riding on lawnmowers around a course at high speeds (but had to give this up when I was in my late 40s due to racing too fast and crashing) as I do like to do things that are risky!


I like to spend my free time with family and grandchildren. My family and I have enjoyed camping for many years and we now go caravanning most years. I also love dogs and cats.


My perfect Friday evenings are spent catching up with family and friends for a drink.


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Michelle (Shelly) Edwards

Job Title: Head Chef

Let me introduce myself. My name is Shelly, Head Chef of The Old Rectory, Stalbridge.


I have been cooking for many years, working my way up through various kitchens and I now have the pleasure of cooking for the wonderful residents at The Old Rectory. I am passionate about food and like to cook traditional hearty food that everyone can enjoy.


I have a background in baking, and l especially like to bake and decorate cakes. I have even won awards with my celebration cakes, at Cake International UK.

Outside of work my husband and I are renovating a 1960s bungalow, and I spend many an hour with a paintbrush in my hand.


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Sharon Chalke

Job Title: Carer

Joined: 2021

My name is Sharon, and I have worked in the care sector for over 35 years. I first applied for a job in a care home as a carer on a supper shift as I was a young mum to four children and could only work once my husband finished work and was able to look after the children. My duties were to help prepare and serve supper to the residents and then assist with personal care and supporting the residents into bed. I remember coming home after my first shift and saying to my husband that I absolutely loved the job and enjoyed meeting so many lovely people. I worked in the same care home progressing from carer to senior carer to head of care and then to manager. I went to college and completed my NVQs in care and management.

I was a manager for about 12 years but missed spending time with residents so decided to apply for a job in a dementia unit. I really found working in this area of care so rewarding.

I have been at the old Rectory for three years and love making a difference in our residents’ lives. They are my second family, and I enjoy my work although it can be challenging at times. I have had the privilege to meet some lovely people along the way.

I am now just a few years from retirement and hope to continue to work until then. I will then look forward to spending time with my children and grandchildren. I would like to say to anyone thinking about a job in care, just do it, you will love making a difference to some lovely people.


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Tammy Sherwood

Job Title: Senior Carer

Joined: 2023

My name is Tammy, I am a senior carer at The Old Rectory in Stalbridge, Dorset. I have been working for Bramley Care for two years next year.

A little bit about myself and past work experience.

I started working in care when I was fifteen years old. I worked weekends and holidays in a very small residential home, which gave me the desire to make the caring industry my career.


I went on to work in a high-dependency dementia care unit within a nursing home, this was alongside going to college to obtain a BTEC National Diploma in Caring Services, which I passed with a distinction.

I then had my family, married and continued to work mostly evenings and nights in residential care homes. As my children went to school, I decided to gain more experience and started work at Poole General Hospital. Worked mainly in the stroke unit for around seven years then moved on to the acute medical assessment unit. It is there I had the opportunity to go to Bournemouth University where I passed my Adult Nursing Diploma. I stayed with the NHS for a few years then wanted to provide more person-centred care. I nursed in a few nursing homes and went onto become a deputy manager. This position gave me great all-round experience.

Due to my own ill health and family bereavement, I decided to step down from nursing concentrate on where I started and go back to caring as a care assistant. A location move brought me to Bramley Care, where my current senior carer role fulfils me very much. My job includes managing and administrating medication, shift supervision, providing care and support to the residents and supporting the staff.

The Old Rectory is an older building with lots of character, beautiful gardens and a friendly atmosphere. One relative stated, “When he came to look around The Old Rectory for his mother, he could see how caring we were and that he didn’t need to look anywhere else “.

In my spare time, I enjoy going on days out. I play Skittles for Sturminster Newton and absolutely adore Dachshund dogs (my retirement).

I hope a little insight into me and how I feel about where I work will encourage you to visit/ enquire about The Old Rectory.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Rectory

What types of Care is The Old Rectory registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does The Old Rectory provide?

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

How many Rooms does The Old Rectory have?

There are 25 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Rectory?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, 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 The Old Rectory to the centre of Sturminster Newton?

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