Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Durham Road, Birtley, Chester le Street DH3 2BH
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9.6 59 Reviews
  • Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home, Chester le Street
Appletree Grange is located between Newcastle and Durham, in the historic town of Chester-le-Street. The facility provides exceptional residential care and also provides first-class person-centred dementia care in a Memory Lane Community.

A team of highly-qualified and attentive staff really focuses on the individual needs of residents with a tailored care plan for each person. The activities programme is also crafted to meet the interests and hobbies of all residents.

Along with accommodation for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers, Appletree Grange also welcomes individuals in need of temporary respite care or long-term residential care.

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Care Provided by Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 32 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ben Patterson (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (32)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2003
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

  • 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 from £1,116

  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home 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)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home Reviews (59)

Total of 59, showing 21-40
9.6

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.596) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has 59 reviews.

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Review from G R (Wife of Resident) published on 21 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a tough start, the resident has settled down really well. The resident wouldn't have gotten the excellent medical attention that has been received here. Seems happy with meals.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from H W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and kind and offer much support and care to residents. Rooms are tidy and well kept - very cosy. Management is outstanding and made it very easy to communicate with family members and is very compassionate. All meals are given to residents at a very high standard with different
options. Would highly recommend the home.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Sharon W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care Mam has received has been superb. Especially during the whole pandemic. The staff are kind, loving and caring and always treat Mam with the utmost respect. The manager has gone above and beyond with her help and support, which has been so comforting to my family in Australia. I know Mam is
in the best hands possible, and I am very grateful to all the staff who make this possible.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from M L (Wife of Resident) published on 8 March 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so glad I was able to get my husband into Appletree Grange. It satisfied all of my needs for him and everyone is friendly.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from K P (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Although we got off to a shaky start when mum entered the home about 18 months ago, I guess mainly around mum leaving her much loved family home and all of us getting used to new people and a new regime in our lives. To see her now settled and comfortable and cared for is a testimony to the staff here.
From the new manager, administration and carers a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have and are making a difference. Keep doing what you are doing, you're fab!

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely friendly staff. A pleasure to visit and absolutely nipping clean.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Dacid M (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Barchester Appletree Grange for eighteen months and after initially not settling down has settled in really well, taking part in activities and enjoying the entertainment up until Covid restricted admission to the home. I have no problem recommending Appletree Grange and their
staff.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Carol G (Niece of Resident) published on 10 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The outside and entrance area of Appletree Grange is let down so badly it belies the wonderful standard of care inside the home. Visiting relatives every 2 weeks we are inevitably faced firstly with a skip which may be empty, filling or overflowing but seems to be always there. The planters at the front
doors are uncared for and empty of nice plants or flowers, better not to be there at all. To the right, there is a bunker the wooden gates in an awful condition which does little to disguise the large bins outside, in fact, all the fencing is in need of a good repair and facelift. To get to see our relatives we had to squeeze through between more huge bins into the garden area which is frankly disgraceful, plastic and rubbish in corners under shrubs, wonky stepping stones to get across the grass (6sq ft), dilapidated garden furniture stacked up, a raised bed made of rotting sleepers filled mostly with weeds and faded plastic novelties degenerating on the back fence. This is the outlook residents have from their conservatory and it is utterly depressing. A rethink and action desperately needed soon.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from John G (Nephew of Resident) published on 6 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt and uncle are both extremely elderly and frail and their move to Appletree Grange has proved successful in many ways. They have actually made friends and have acquired a healthy appetite!!!
They also find the staff friendly and very caring, which to them is so important.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from A M (Great-Nephew of Resident) published on 21 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My family and I are grateful to all the staff at Appletree Grange, they are wonderful and caring people. The manager is first-rate, both in the way she encourages her staff and the way in which she engages with the residents' relatives, an especially important task since the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic. Also, special thanks to the activities organiser. My Aunt is very fond of her and says that she goes above and beyond her duties. It was my aunt's decision to move into residential care, she chose Appletree Grange and we are so glad she did.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review and we are delighted to hear how your Aunt enjoys our life enrichment programme. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Patricia F (Wife of Resident) published on 19 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband is a resident as he has mixed dementia and is unable to be cared for at home. Being cared for at Appletree Grange is the next best thing to be looked after at home. There is a lovely 'family' atmosphere, the staff are as concerned about the family of the residents as they are about their
patients. I am regularly invited to share a meal with my husband.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.


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Review from Joanne (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After viewing several homes in the area we knew as soon as we walked through the doors of Appletree Grange that this was perfect for Gran's new home. We were welcomed by extremely friendly and professional staff and were made to feel at home. All staff went out of their way to answer our questions and
they asked Gran if she wanted to join in with the activity session, which was Bingo.
The home was spotless and had a lovely fresh smell, which is something many homes lack. Gran settled in well and loves her new home. The manager went out of her way to make Gran comfortable and took time out of her busy day to sit and chat with us for a while. Perfect choice and I would highly recommend.

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Review from Pat M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 July 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was a resident at Appletree Grange, Birtley for just over two years. During this time my husband and I both felt that he was cared for in the best way possible. The Home is spotless with no smell at all. He was treated as an individual and staff and management could not have been more supportive
to my husband and me throughout this time. The range of activities and entertainment was excellent and stimulating. My dad loved to join in the singing and represented the Home in the Gateshead dementia choir and sang at The Sage. The food was freshly prepared with plenty of choice. When we were told he needed nursing care and that Appletree Grange could no longer meet his needs, we were all saddened that he needed to move on. Management were extremely helpful in assisting with this transition. I would not hesitate in recommending Appletree Grange to family and friends.

Reply from Sharon Stewart, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words.


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Review from Andrea R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mam has been in care since January 2018. Appletree has a welcoming, caring atmosphere - managers door always open and available to discuss anything - positive or negative.
Mam always clean and tidy and most importantly happy.
Staff friendly, helpful and caring. Couldn't have asked for a better place
for Mam.

Reply from Sharon Stewart, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank You for your lovely review it is most appreciated.


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Review from Catherine (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum went to Appletree Grange for respite care and stayed there almost 4 weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Our family were very happy with the care she received, in particular, that any requests we made were speedily dealt with. Mum enjoyed the food, there were a large number of activities
on offer and the Carers were very cheerful, positive and good at their jobs. We visited frequently and were confident that medication was given on time and that she was well looked after.

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Review from Paul M (Brother of Resident) published on 10 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Satisfied all round. If possible I would like to speak to my sister's carer when I visit so I can replace any toiletries she has used. My sister can't speak for herself.


Parking can be a problem too.


Reply from Elizabeth Brown, Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank for your review, it is much appreciated.


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Review from Sue R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident of this care home for three years now, her Alzheimers has progressed greatly during this time. Since moving into Appletree Grange Care Home my mother has been happy and very well cared for. The staff are friendly and courteous and treat my mother with dignity and respect.
The home is always spotlessly clean and the food is always cooked and presented very well. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home to anyone.

Reply from Elizabeth Brown, Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. I will ensure the staff are made aware of your kind words.


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Review from T G (Son of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care which my mother has and continues to receive at Appletree can only be described as first class. The staff and management who work at the home are fully committed to the care of the residents in a holistic manner. The level of contact with the home is also excellent with thorough reviews and
individual meetings regarding a person's care needs

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Review from Matthew M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit my wife daily at Appletree. The excellent standards are consistent and all of the staff are very pleasant and make me feel very welcome.


I know my wife is in a very good and caring home. She feels safe and wanted and has friends which also includes all the staff. Appletree takes care of

my wife and I have no concerns.

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Review from Christine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I walked into Appletree Grange having visited lots of other homes, I knew this was the right place for my mother. The staff are all very friendly, welcoming and very caring and kind.
My mother and all the residents are treated with respect.
The food is lovely and there's always plenty of activities
and regular entertainment. I know I made a great choice.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.596)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.596) out of 10 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.596 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (88 Excellents x 5) + (42 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 136 Ratings = 4.596

  • 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 Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on 12 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 32 registered maximum number of service users is 6.4, which has been reached with 12 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: 6 Apr 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (12)

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Meet the Team (6)

Nicola

Nicola Liddle

Job Title: Administrator

Hi, my name is Nicola and I joined the Appletree team in August 2022. I am the Home Administrator. I deal with all aspects of the administration of the home to ensure it runs smoothly, from invoicing, ordering, recruitment, and setting up contracts, to manning reception; there's never a dull day!


I consider myself to be extremely privileged to work with such wonderful people, full of humour with wonderful stories to tell.


David

David Scott

Job Title: Head Chef

Hi, my name is David and I am the Head Chef here at Appletree Grange. I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the home and have worked in the hospitality sector since I was 17 years old. I have previously cooked in hotels, restaurants, and in the army. Cooking is a passion of mine and I love seeing our lovely residents enjoying their meals. Here at Appletree Grange, we provide a wonderful choice of delicious and wholesome dishes. The food and the dining experience at Appletree Grange is recognised as an integral part of the lifestyle here at the home and I am responsible for managing the catering team, ensuring they provide a quality catering service to all our residents, guests and visitors.


Julie

Julie Redden

Job Title: Head of Housekeeping

Hi, my name is Julie Redden and I am the Head Housekeeper here at Appletree Grange. I have worked here for many years; it’s a lovely environment for residents. I enjoy getting to know those we support and their loved ones. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and I also like to go out for meals. I also love shopping, especially for new shoes and perfume.


Leigh

Leigh Cameron

Job Title: Carer

Joined: 2022

Hi, I’m Leigh, I joined Appletree in September 2022 as a Care Assistant and I enjoy getting to know our residents, it’s a lovely environment for them and I love working here and hope to be here for many years to come. I love working as part of a team in delivering quality care and lifestyle for our residents - it feels like an extended family.


Renaye

Renaye Dixon

Job Title: Carer

Joined: 2022

Hi, my name is Reneye and I joined Appletree Grange in 2022 as a carer, I really enjoy my job and caring for all of our residents. I continue to develop my skills to support our Residents on a day-to-day basis, I enjoy my job and enjoy any training that helps with my continued development that enhances the delivery of great Quality of Care to my Residents within the Home.


James

James Evans

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

Joined: 2014

Hi, my name is James and I am a Kitchen Assistant at Appletree Grange and joined the home in 2014. I love my job and spending happy times with our residents and staff.


Appletree Grange is a very happy home and there is lots of laughter. This makes it a pleasure to come to work.