Birch Abbey

55 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 9HD
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9.2 30 Reviews
  • Birch Abbey, Southport
Birch Abbey is a warm and inviting care home that is part of the Dovehaven family, providing exceptional care in a comfortable and nurturing environment.

Situated in the seaside town of Southport, Birch Abbey offers a range of tailored care services, including residential, dementia, and respite care. The dedicated team ensures that every resident feels valued, supported, and part of the Dovehaven community.

The home features spacious and beautifully designed living areas, comfortable bedrooms, and outdoor spaces where residents can relax, socialise, and enjoy their surroundings. With a variety of engaging activities and freshly prepared meals, Birch Abbey ensures that each day is filled with purpose and enjoyment.

Recognising the importance of family and community, Birch Abbey encourages families to be actively involved in their loved ones’ care and to enjoy regular visits, fostering a true sense of belonging.

Birch Abbey is a special place to call home. To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact the team today.

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Care Provided by Birch Abbey

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Orthopaedic
  • 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
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Rachel Smalley (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 50+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2013

Funding & Fees Guide for Birch Abbey

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,535
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,535
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Birch Abbey to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Birch Abbey has a small private car park, however parking is freely available on the residential road outside of the home.


Birch Abbey Reviews (30)

Total of 30, showing 1-20
9.2

Birch Abbey has a Review Score of 9.2 (9.160) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Birch Abbey has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from D B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care staff, nurses, cleaning team, and kitchen team are excellent. They work really hard to give the care and attention that the residents need. Over the year, I feel the home and the atmosphere has improved greatly, the residents are calm and seem to be engaging more. This is my observation. My
only worry is there are not enough staff, management have come out to help also recently. My dad is happy and his care is very good.

Reply from Abi Warley, Digital Marketing Assistant at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your kind words. We are thrilled that our care staff, nurses, cleaning team and kitchen team are hard working and giving the care and attention that our residents need. Hearing that the home and atmosphere has greatly improved, with our residents engaging more means so much to us. Thank you trusting us with the care of your dad.


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Review from Pat M (Wife of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has only been cared for at Birch Abbey for a few months, but in that time I have found the care he is receiving very good. He has high care needs that require constant monitoring and attention and they are being met. I visit each day and the staff are always pleasant and helpful. Meals are
good and there is always a choice of menu available. My husband has settled in well and is content.

Reply from Daisy Edmondson, Marketing Executive at Birch Abbey

Thank you for sharing such kind words about Birch Abbey. We're so pleased to hear that your husband has settled in well and that you're happy with the care he's receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing attentive and compassionate care and it's wonderful to know their efforts are making a positive difference.


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Review from Kenneth B (Friend of Resident) published on 13 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Birch Abbey is a good as it gets. Friendly management and staff, always ready to help. The home is always clean. Very nice gardens, could not fault the facilities and good layout of the building. I can not comment on value for money as I do not have the details.

Reply from Daisy Edmondson, Marketing Executive at Birch Abbey

Thank you so much for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear such positive feedback about Birch Abbey. Our team is dedicated to creating a friendly and supportive environment for all our residents and visitors and it's wonderful to know their efforts are appreciated.


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Review from Christine C (Wife of Resident) published on 2 December 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was admitted to Birch Abbey last November for 4 weeks of respite. He ended up staying there for 12 months. He became ill and was admitted to hospital where we were told he was end of life. We managed to get him back to Birch Abbey where we wanted him to get the amazing care he needed.
I
can't thank each and every one of you for all the care my husband received. I was with him right till the end. Highly recommended.

Reply from Daisy Edmondson, Marketing Executive at Birch Abbey

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Birch Abbey. It's truly humbling to hear how much our care meant to you and your husband during such a challenging time. We are pleased that you trusted us with his care and it's heartwarming to know that our team could provide the support and compassion you both needed.


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Review from Gill H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big thank you to all caring staff and managers for understanding how hard it's been for us as a family to see so many changes in my mum over the past months and understanding the changes that have occurred, I can honestly say massive thank you for taking time to listen to us as family and help in every
way possible to make things easier on my mum for her safety and comfort. You have accommodated around her dietary needs and it's a great help to know that
The decoration in the home makes it feel homely and warm and lovely to walk into when we visit our relatives and loved ones. Big shout out to the domestic and laundry team as they are amazing not forgetting the kitchen staff as they are amazing as well.
It's a big help having someone one front of house as receptionist to help answer the door.
Best wishes

Reply from Maxine Farnworth, Corporate Development Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank You for your kind words, its heartwarming and very much appreciated.


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Review from Joan V (Respite Resident) published on 26 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are wonderful but overworked. Management shows no interest. Leadership qualities lacking.

Reply from Alison Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Birch Abbey

Thank you very much for your review and comments. We are very pleased to know that you found the care team 'wonderful' as this is so important to us that the care and support given to residents is the best it can be. We do apologise that you found 'management' lacking but if you raised an issue during your stay which we have not resolved, please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Kind regards.


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Review from Robert L (Husband of Resident) published on 31 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy with the care my wife is receiving.

Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. I am pleased that you are happy with your wife's care, but never forget the door for the Manager is always open for suggestions and comments. I have passed your comments on to the homes team.


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Review from Mary P (Cousin of Resident) published on 2 May 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just came to visit our cousin. First visit to this home and we were impressed. We were kindly welcomed. All staff were friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble for them.
The room was spotlessly clean.

Reply from Maxine Farnworth, Corporate Development Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your kind words, the team at Birch Abbey work tirelessly to ensure each and every resident feels loved, welcomed and cared for and that includes their visitors. We appreciate you taking the time to review the home.


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Review from Chris H (Son of Resident) published on 13 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident for nearly two years and there has been massive improvements made with the latest manager. Times through the pandemic were tough for both the residents and staff who worked very hard, but understaffing was evident. However, these are now much better with an activities coordinator
in place and better staffing levels. The love from the staff for the residents and relatives shines through. Well done all and let's hope it carries on!

Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I have passed your positive comments onto the home manager and her team. COVID was tough as you say for all of us, but we are now seeing as you rightly state light at the end of the tunnel.


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Review from P P (Partner of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Birch Abbey has been home to my partner for one and a half years. It has been a difficult time for him during the pandemic. He has been cared for by very caring staff. I have found sometimes there have not been many staff around, but this was due to Covid and many people off sick. Things have now improved,
and I have no doubt Birch Abbey is the right place for him, safe and run by a very reliable and friendly team.

Reply from Alison Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Birch Abbey

Thank you very much for your review of Birch Abbey. You are correct, the pandemic presented difficulties for residents, staff and families. Staffing has become more of an issue as the pandemic progressed, but the way we cared for residents had to change as soon as all risks were identified. Rigorous testing of both residents, staff and visitors, as well as keeping residents at safe distances, meant that homes could not operate with the same organised activities, visits and routines. Changes were handled in a caring and considerate way for all involved, and the praise you give to the 'very reliable and loyal team' at Birch Abbey is very well deserved. Kind regards.


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Review from P M (Friend of Resident) published on 16 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Resident is well looked after.
Staff caring.

Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for writing this review. I am pleased you are seeing an improvement with the new management in place.


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Review from L H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Once care staff know residents, I personally have witnessed a great relationship between my nan and Birch Abbey staff. They understand her needs, make her laugh and make her home an enjoyable place to be.
Be great to see more entertainment and more family events.

Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I am pleased that your Nan enjoys her time within the home. The Home Manager is working hard to enrich the lives of all the residents within the home. She is also working with recruitment to attract an activity coordinator.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care home clean and friendly, warm and welcoming staff from the management team to the carers. Everybody was very accommodating to visitors and the residents couldn’t be better cared for. All in all from the facilities to the care our family couldn’t happier with the service we as a family
and our parent is receiving.

Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to write this very positive review. I have passed your comments on to the staff team. I am pleased to hear that you and your family have been made to feel welcome and that the home is meeting your needs


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Review from Georgina P (Friend of Resident) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What can I say the interim manager has done amazing things at this home since taking over ... staff morale has been boosted meaning the home is filled with laughter having such a positive impact on my friend who lives at Birch Abby. All the residents are looked after like they are the staff's own family.
We are kept updated with things that are going on within the home and changes that the manager and the staff are doing to make sure my friend and the other residents are living their best life in such difficult circumstances amazing Manager and team.

Reply from Alison Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Birch Abbey

What a wonderful 5* review! The Manager and her team will be 'over the moon' that you have recognised their hard work and dedication to all of the residents in the home. Kind regards


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Review from B P (Husband of Resident) published on 10 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been in Birch Abbey 2 yrs and 3 months. The manager and staff have been excellent.

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.


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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum chose well! My first visit was welcoming, warm and sincere. Staff are caring, patient, kind, they tick all the boxes!
I knew our dad was and still is contented as he crosses his legs! It has and will always give me peace and harmony that our dad's needs are met to the highest standards. Thank
you all!

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.


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Review from S C (Wife of Resident) published on 27 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband's social worker wanted me to visit you and my first impression was very good! I was so pleased for him to move there! Everyone has been so kind to our family and I feel at peace that he is being well looked after and he is happy. I know he is! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your glowing review. We really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.


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Review from Rita J (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy with the care my mother receives at Birch Abbey. The caregivers are thoughtful, kind and supportive with my mum and our family. When mum came to Birch Abbey, she didn't want to be in a care home, so she was angry and argumentative with the staff. Now, mum is happy, calm and loving
towards the staff and us. I would like to thank all the staff at Birch Abbey.

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.


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Review from T H (Son of Resident) published on 18 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely satisfied with the overall decision I made to place my 90-year-old mother at Birch Abbey.
My number 1 priority was safety and that requisite has exceeded my expectations. The staff are excellent and we have a good relationship with them.
In every organisation, things could be better
and I would say that activities need to improve - having said that, a new lady has been appointed and I've met her on several occasions and to say that she is excellent would be an understatement. I can't wait to see what she puts in place after lockdown.
The manager is excellent. A great decision we made.

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, myself and the team at Birch Abbey really appreciate your kind words.


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Review from Karen O (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I wish all care homes were to the standard of Birch Abbey. Not only are staff hardworking, professional and kind, they genuinely care and respect the residents and treat them as individuals. The staff seem happy to be there and have proper relationships with people in their care and their relatives.
I have become very fond of many of them over the past year.
The actual building/cafe/rooms are clean and cheerful and well looked after and very hygienic. Not remotely depressing. My mum's clothes always look clean on.
This standard of care is achieved and maintained by their astute, dedicated, compassionate manager who is always on the ball.

Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch Abbey

Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, myself and the team at Birch Abbey really appreciate your kind words.


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Current Review Score: 9.2 (9.160)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.2 (9.160) out of 10 for Birch Abbey 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 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 9 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 4.510 for Birch Abbey is calculated as follows: ( (65 Excellents x 5) + (30 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 104 Ratings = 4.51

  • 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 4.65 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Birch Abbey is based on 9 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 = 3.9

    • 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 12 = 0.75

  • 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 Aug 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Bed Vacancies

posted 01 Mar 2025

Dovehaven Care Homes currently have availability for new residents. Each of our homes offers a warm, welcoming, and compassionate environment, ensuring residents feel supported and valued.


Awards / Recognitions (2)

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Meet the Team (1)

Rachel

Rachel Smalley

Job Title: Home Manager

Welcome to Birch Abbey, where we are dedicated to creating a warm, supportive and homely environment for our residents.


Frequently Asked Questions about Birch Abbey

What types of Care is Birch Abbey registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Birch Abbey provide?

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

How many Rooms does Birch Abbey have?

There are 60 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Birch Abbey?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Birch Abbey to the centre of Southport?

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