The Dene Lodge

Bircham Road, Alcombe, Minehead TA24 6BQ
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9.9 32 Reviews
  • The Dene Lodge, Minehead
The Dene Lodge is a residential home in the Alcombe area of Minehead, which can accommodate 33 residents. They predominantly support those with dementia, but also welcome elderly residents requiring additional support with their care. The Dene Lodge also offers short stay services; respite care and intermediate care.

At The Dene Lodge, compassion meets comfort and residents become family. Established with a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents, they take pride in providing a nurturing environment that prioritises wellbeing. The dedicated team is passionate about delivering person-centred care tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident.

At the heart of the home's philosophy is a belief in maintaining the dignity and independence of every individual. They understand that each resident is a unique person with a lifetime of experiences, and strive to create an atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. A holistic approach to care encompasses not only the physical health of residents but also their emotional and social wellbeing. The team designs individualised care plans, ensuring that every resident receives the attention and support necessary to thrive in the community.

The home offers a range of accommodation options, each equipped with modern amenities and common areas which are welcoming spaces for socialising, engaging in activities, and enjoying delicious, nutritionally balanced meals.

Beyond the walls of the care home, the team actively engages with the local community, fostering connections and providing opportunities for residents to participate in meaningful activities and events. They believe in the importance of building a supportive network that extends beyond the facility to enrich the lives of residents.

If you're looking for a care home, the team invites you to explore what sets the Dene Lodge apart. Get in touch to schedule a visit.

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Care Provided by The Dene Lodge

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 39 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • Hazelgate Ltd
  • Person in charge
  • Fiona Vigrass (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • We accept private and socially funding residents for long and short stay placements (including respite) We endeavor to complete in person assessments of all new residents to support the safety and well being of those in our care.
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (39)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (33)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2016
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for The Dene Lodge

  • 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
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,100 – £1,300
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,300 – £1,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,400 – £1,600

  • The fees include 24 hour care, in house home cooked meals, all laundry cleaned, dried and ironed. As well as two dedicated activity staff to provide enrichment.
    *There are additional charges for the chiropodist, hair dresser, taxis, toiletries, dentist, as well as additional sundry items such as alcohol, cigarettes, clothing.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Dene Lodge 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The home are open to visitors, they have a private visitors room, beautiful gardens surrounding the property but do like to encourage friends and family to take their loved ones out, to enjoy the local amenities.


  • Parking

  • Free on-site Car parks are situated to the front and back of the home.


The Dene Lodge Reviews (32)

Total of 32, showing 1-20
9.9

The Dene Lodge has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Dene Lodge has 32 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 26
  • 6
  • 0
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Date Published

32
5
9
17
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Review from C S (Next of Kin) published on 5 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A big thank you to the management and all the staff for the care of our family member, resident at Dene Lodge for 4 months, before sadly passing away at the home. He received excellent care and kindness during his stay as did we his family when visiting. We were always made to feel welcome and sometimes
managed to sample the excellent home-cooked meals provided for the residents. The home was always clean, warm and bright with views out onto the garden and countryside.


Residents are taken out on outings in the home's minibus with trips to North Hill, the Seafront, Dunster, Dunkery Beacon, Porlock etc. Plus activities within the home and special guest's visits. I was fortunate to be visiting when 2 alpacas were brought into the home to meet the residents. This caused a lot of excitement.


We couldn't have asked for better care during his stay and the follow up and support to our family after he passed away. Thank you to everyone.


Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home. It is so important to us. You're always welcome to drop in to see us whenever you have the time.


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Review from Myra B (Wife of Resident) published on 10 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The ethos is first rate!
Old fashioned decor is perfect for premises.
Cleanliness is a very high standard.
Staff? All having caring natures and are patient.
Management? Always approachable.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service and all you do to contribute to our 'first rate ethos'!


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Review from Isobel D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have returned to Canada after a 2 month stay visiting my mother daily at Dene Lodge. I cannot compliment the staff enough. I have never seen such dedication and care. I have been phoning Rachel's House daily since my return and am always met with a friendly response.
I would like to thank - 6 members
of staff in particular and all the staff for their amazing care of my mother.
This is a wonderful care home with a staff that is exemplary.

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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum stayed for a short period of respite at The Dene Lodge. The management team were very professional, understanding and patient answering all our questions regarding her care. We found all the care staff to be cheerful, kind and considerate towards Mum and any problems quickly dealt with. She said
'the food was excellent', she felt safe and well looked after. Thank you!

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to review the home, I am pleased we were able to offer some respite to Mum and the wider family for the duration of her stay. Thank you for choosing The Dene Lodge.


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Review from Helen R (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our Dad joined Rachel's House earlier this year and staff were very welcoming and friendly towards us the family, as well as Dad. They were eager to get to know him and find out about his interests so they could put a plan in place to support Dad settling into a new care home. He has a lovely en-suite
room which is clean and bright. Meals are home-cooked and a good variety and Dad looks really well and healthy. Dad is suffering with Alzheimer's and dementia and so certain times of the day, thoughts and situations can cause him a lot of confusion and staff take time to support him through until he settles again.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to review our home. It has been great working alongside side you to support the best outcomes for Dad while in our care. We really appreciate your feedback.


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Review from Pearl G (Wife of Resident) published on 17 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has only been with you 3 weeks and I thank you for the effort you have put in to care for him at The Dene Lodge. He has settled in beautifully and appears very happy. I am sure he will not walk again because he was in bed or chair for nearly 3 months. Even trying to get him into an easy chair
he is very frightened. I only had one complaint, the man in a red coat with a biscuit tin, I did ask him not to put on bad films which he said he knew that when he put it on. He has a good sense of humour. I come in twice a week more but I do not want to be a nuisance but I need my husband more than he needs me. I will be at the meeting on the 27th.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you leaving a review for home, I look forward to hearing your thoughts at the relatives/family meeting later this month.


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Review from Linda H (Sister of Resident) published on 24 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has been in the home since February and I am extremely happy with the care she is getting. The staff are all very friendly and she is always clean and tidy when we visit her. Any problems and the staff informed me immediately.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you for your review. I am glad to hear you've had great interactions with the staff. I look forward to seeing you on your next visit.


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Review from Janice J (Friend of Resident) published on 20 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband and I came to see our very dear friend and neighbour in May and were very happy to see her very clean and comfortable. The care staff were so very friendly and attentive at all times, to our friend and ourselves. We were given a lovely dinner each and my husband fed our friend with her own
dinner. Our minds are very much at rest knowing our very dear friend is in such a caring and wonderful environment.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

We really appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback. We pride ourselves on the attitude and values of our staff at the home and I am so pleased they made your visit special in what was otherwise very difficult circumstances.


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Review from D C (Nephew of Resident) published on 20 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think this care home is a lovely place to visit. Staff are very helpful, and the building is very clean. My auntie likes it here and she looks well cared for. My only problem is the size of the car park.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you for your feedback, I am so pleased you enjoyed your visit. We are aware of the challenges with the car park and have a project to expand the car park at the rear. I look forward to seeing you next time you are here to show you the plans.


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Review from David D (Husband of Resident) published on 7 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife who has dementia, has been in residential care in Dene Lodge for five weeks of respite care - extended for various health reasons. The care she has been given has been very good, she has been well looked after. The strongest impression I have gained is the kindness and friendliness of all the
staff and management towards all the residents and visitors. Additionally, the management and staff have bent over backwards to be helpful and welcome me. Because of my wife's health issues a visit to Minehead Hospital was necessary for an ultrasound scan. This visit was achieved with the minimum of worry and stress thanks to the transport and transfer arrangements organised by Dene Lodge. My wife was accompanied by two very experienced staff members and myself. The successful scan would not have been achieved without this exceptional level of help. It took much of the stress and worry away. I am most grateful for the care and consideration we have received.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to review. We pride ourselves on our approach to residents and families and it is lovely to see it recognised. I am so pleased we were able to help and look forward to seeing you both again in the future.
Thank you


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Review from T B (Wife of Resident) published on 27 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been well cared for in Dene Lodge since July 2023! He is happy which is a weight off my mind and at the moment very pleased to see me when I visit as often as I can!

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We are very grateful. It is a pleasure looking after your husband and always nice to see you when you visit. See you soon!


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Review from Vannessa D (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care home is very welcoming on arrival. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I find the home always clean and tidy and the food looks wonderful.
The bedrooms are very homely and there's always something going on in the lounge for the residents, singing, films, activities and even a visiting
band playing lovely music.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you for your review, I am pleased you found the home welcoming. We really appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback.


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Review from Jean J (Friend of Resident) published on 26 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The first thing I noticed about The Dene Lodge was the fact that there was no smell (hard to achieve). They have safety code only doors. The place is bright and cheerful, the staff are kind and well-trained.
The staff eat their meals with the residents. Also, there are many and varied activities to
suit all, from word games to trips out.
The rooms are basic but very clean and residents can have their own objects around.

Reply from Lewis Don, Operations Manager at The Dene Lodge

Dear Jean,
Thank you so much for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. I will pass on your kind words to the team.
If I could ever offer a wider tour of the home for you, I'd love to show you some of our newly renovated rooms.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit.


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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot recommend Dene Lodge highly enough. They have shown nothing but constant care to our mother over the last four months. Despite her challenging dementia and deterioration resulting in her passing away on Monday. She was given excellent care and treated with dignity by all the staff as well
as support us her three daughters at all times.

Reply from Lewis Don, General Manager at The Dene Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to place a review. We are incredibly grateful.


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Review from S W (Son of Resident) published on 1 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Dene Lodge is always warm and clean. Most importantly it never smells. The staff are welcoming and happy. My mum is well looked after and content. We travel 250 miles to visit and just drip in ad-hoc and it never seems any bother for the staff. Keep it up.

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Review from Sues T (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was here for twelve months. He was always treated amazingly, with compassion, patience and careful consideration of his needs which were complex. In his final days, The Dene Lodge exceeded every expectation in caring for all of us as a family. They were unbelievably compassionate to us all.
Just a brilliant home.

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Review from Lyn K (Wife of Resident) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I was no longer able to care for my husband, who was frail and had dementia, he was placed at The Dene Lodge.
The care he received was outstanding and the kindness of the staff, both to him and to myself and friends, was reassuring at a time of huge stress.
I can't speak too highly of everyone
involved in his care.

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Review from R A (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A very nice visit in a pleasant surrounding.

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Review from Juliet G (Friend of Resident) published on 27 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care - kind, supportive, efficient and friendly. Helpful with integrity and dignity.

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Review from A K (Wife of Resident) published on 7 December 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Due to circumstances beyond Dene Lodge's control, I could not visit during this four-week respite but daily phone calls were very informative so I felt 'in touch' and photos etc helped me. The staff were genuinely caring and very supportive of both of us. If I had been able to visit I would probably
tend to 'excellent'.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.885)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.885) out of 10 for The Dene Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.885 for The Dene Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (177 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 200 Ratings = 4.885

  • 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 Dene Lodge is based on 17 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 39 registered maximum number of service users is 7.8, which has been reached with 17 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: 22 May 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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Dene Lodge

What types of Care is The Dene Lodge 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 The Dene Lodge provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Dene Lodge have?

There are 39 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Dene Lodge?

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

How far is The Dene Lodge to the centre of Minehead?

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