The Gardens Care Home

Pond Field Close, Salutation Road, Darlington DL3 8LH
Submit a Review
7.9 26 Reviews
  • The Gardens Care Home, Darlington
The Gardens Care Home is a single storey, well-appointed and very popular Care Home within the Coniscliffe Road area of Darlington. Set in the very peaceful Pondfield Close, they offer unparalleled Dementia, Nursing, and Residential care amidst a relaxing, leafy setting.

Residents at The Gardens Care Home enjoy first-class quality care within a homely and stimulating environment that places a real emphasis on their happiness and well-being. Staff at The Gardens are carefully recruited and highly trained, and are always on hand to ensure that everything asked of them is delivered with care, passion, empathy and dignity, placing Residents at the heart of everything they do.

The Blackwell Suite, their self-contained nurse-led unit, also forms part of The Gardens Care Home, and specialises in supporting adults with complex mental health needs, including challenging behaviours and brain injury.

Show The Gardens Care Home on the Map

Care Provided by The Gardens Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Detention Under Mental Health Act
  • Eating Disorders
  • Mental Health Condition
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Substance Misuse
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 56 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Drug Dependence (past or present)
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lindsey Leatham (Care Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1974
    • Last Refurbishment: 2019
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for The Gardens 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 £915
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £915
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £915
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £915

  • The Gardens Care Home is also home to The Blackwell Suite, a separate nurse-led unit specialised in caring after people with complex mental health needs, including challenging behaviours. Fees for The Blackwell Suite start at £1,650 per week.
    Fees at The Gardens and The Blackwell Suite include:
    -   Care coverage 24 hour 7 days per week, tailored to the needs of the Resident.
    -   All meals and drinks, including specialised diets.
    -   In-house laundry service.
    -   Bedding and towels.
    -   All activities organised to promote physical and mental wellbeing amongst Residents.
    Additionally, Residents can request the following external services for an extra charge:
    -   Chiropody
    -   Vision and/or hearing visits
    -   Dedicated dentist
    -   Hairdressing
    -   Newspaper delivery
    Please note that fees published are indicative only. Prices vary based on room sizes, views and ensuite facilities. Final fees to be charged are based on an assessment of the needs and preferences of every Prospective Resident at The Gardens and/or The Balckwell Suite.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Gardens Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Near Public Transport
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Relatives are welcome at anytime, altough kindly ask that you aim to visit outside of protected meal times, which are 12:00-14:00 and 16:30-17:45 pm. Pet friendly home and welcome well-trained pet visitors with a little advanced notice. Prospective Residents can book a tour to be shown around, meet the team and have questions answered.


  • Parking

  • Visitor parking is available to the side and rear of the home.


The Gardens Care Home Reviews (26)

Total of 26, showing 1-20
7.9

The Gardens Care Home has a Review Score of 7.9 (7.887) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Gardens Care Home has 26 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 18
  • 6
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0

Date Published

26
1
1
2
24

Review from D B (Partner of Resident) published on 12 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Been a resident since July/August 2024. Lack of staff, especially at night. Many residents require two members of staff for personal care and there are only three staff during the night which often leads to long delays before they are able to attend to my partner's needs and others. The above colours
my partner's overall opinion of the home which is generally good, with the staff doing their best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Anthea R (Wife of Resident) published on 16 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is in the Blackwell suite of The Gardens Care Home, I can't praise them enough. He is well looked after and loved by all staff and I mean all staff, including cleaners. The care he receives is 100%, the food is first class and also the cleanliness of the home and my husband as well. I come
away from visiting him knowing that he is well cared for and settled and happy.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Dianne B (Wife of Resident) published on 30 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited many nursing homes in recent years and for an overall assessment, this EMI section is simply the best. The accommodation and the staff are superb. The friendly, dignified and helpful way all the residents are looked after is heartwarming. All visitors are welcomed and made to feel at
home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Joan S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My parents have both been in The Gardens - my mum for three years and my dad for two. My dad died in the home in July 2022. The carers were brilliant looking after him in his final week before he died. My mum is really happy and has a lovely relationship with all the staff. This makes me relaxed, that
she is in the home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S L (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at The Gardens are extremely caring towards the residents. They are patient and kind. In recent times, as Dad's mobility has worsened, they have been proactive in organising a larger room, more appropriate for his wheelchair. We are very grateful to the staff and are reassured that Dad is
being looked after in a safe and caring environment.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S T (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing, nothing is a problem. I have asked them asking service users what they want to eat, giving them a choice of three things. "Nothing" service user says, then they say "How about a salad with X Y Z on?" "Oh yes please" service user said. A big well done. I have never heard a complaint
from the staff at all. They work long hours and very hard, all the time.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good care overall. My resident has special care needs and the permanent carers are fully informed of these needs but sometimes bank carers are not fully aware. Food is fantastic always freshly cooked and a brilliant variety. The
entertainment and activities are regular and varied. Any issues highlighted,
if reported, are addressed immediately and resolved by the seniors. My resident is happy and I am happy that she is getting the care that she needs. The only negative would be that there seems to be a shortage of permanent carers and they work very long weeks at work.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mavis B (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Had hoped like everyone else we were coming to the end of lockdowns. I appreciate the need to keep residents safe but how The Gardens go about this is becoming a joke. Informed on 29th July closed to all except essential carers. Contacted by phone on 2nd Aug reopened. My sister attempted to visit today
to be told they are closed! My family all travel to see mam. It's time The Gardens got some systems in place with regard to updates. I really feel for staff that have to answer the door. They are given no information. Sadly big turnover of staff. I fully appreciate the work done by staff on the floor in particular the kitchen staff who seem to be a constant. I don't believe there have been management changes, however, they don't have any regular contact with relatives.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Christine L (Wife of Resident) published on 18 July 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband is in The Blackwell Suite at the Gardens for Dementia. He has been there since the beginning of May 2022 on 1-1 care. The Ascot care staff and carers in Blackwell are amazing. However, the one to one carers are not always so good, as some of them do not understand all English and I don't
understand them, also which is a concern. But on the whole, they are very attentive but seems they are learning.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from B D (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I don't ever see management. I would like staff to be trained in infection risks arising from putting items on the floor. I'm not able to take part in activities. I find the room a little small, particularly during the long periods of "lockdown" recently. Cannot fit two chairs for choice when confined
to room or for a visitor. A happy atmosphere abounds. The staff seem to get on, and it's a welcoming place.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A F (Resident) published on 22 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have lived at the Gardens since December where I chose to move to. It was very important to me that I came to the Gardens as my brother lived here for more then 7 years. My family have had many years at the Gardens and have always been fond of the place. Since moving here myself, I have settled in
and become friends with the staff and made some special friendships. I would not have moved to any other home. The staff are always happy, friendly and they are always willing to help without question. The rooms are always clean and tidy thanks to the amazing cleaners, I cannot complain about the food the kitchen staff are very good, and the laundry staff do a good job with all the clothes. The carers are also amazing, they work hard and always have a smile on their face. The seniors work very hard and are very good at what they do, they go above and beyond. Thank you for looking after me so well and making me smile.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Peter K (Nephew of Resident) published on 7 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely place. They can't do enough for my aunty who really loves it there, never have to worry about her as we know she's being well looked after. Such a clean, bright and homely place. All the staff are very professional. Can't recommend the Gardens enough.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Yvonne B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 March 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum had the best possible loving care and attention during her time residing at The Gardens Care home. The Staff members always went the extra mile to make sure all of her needs were met. They kept me informed of any issues with her health status and made every effort to keep Mum in touch with me
during the pandemic quarantine time. Mum always expressed how happy she was during her stay there. Several staff members became good friends with us over time and really felt like extended members of our family. We cannot thank them enough for all they did for Mum whilst she was in their care.
The home itself is so welcoming and really feels like a home from home with very modern rooms and lovely conservatory areas and garden areas to sit in. And is very accessible, mostly having rooms on the ground floor. I rate it 5* in every respect.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sal B (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relative moved into The Gardens from another care home last year. It has proved to be the best thing that has happened. The staff are wonderful, friendly, keep you informed and above all, take everything in their stride, despite my relative's issues with dementia, they seem to be able to deal with
anything. Highly recommended.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Martin L (Friend of Resident) published on 15 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having waited 8-months to find a suitable care home, The Gardens was chosen to accommodate my father! Having no previous connections to care homes or knowledge, I am really happy with the choice. The place is really nice, happy and well run! The staff on the Blackwell suite are amazing! I know my father
will be looked after and happy.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R H (Wife of Resident) published on 3 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband resides in the Blackwell suite at The Gardens care home, Darlington. This is the third home/hospital he has been in and he is very well settled, much more than other placements. The staff are excellent, very caring and attentive to the needs of residents and families. The home is very clean,
the food is good, activities are well catered for and clients are encouraged to take part. I would have no concerns in recommending The suite to anyone. The staff have a difficult job but always have a smile and have an extremely helpful attitude to all. I am extremely happy with them.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E T (Wife of Resident) published on 2 February 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been in this care home and I cannot speak too highly of the care he has had. The staff are extremely helpful, understanding and compassionate. It is not an easy job to do but I can only speak from experience, as I can visit anytime, being his main carer (at the moment) and have always
found the staff extremely good, giving really good care. We are lucky that we have found this care home and very grateful.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Julie M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nana and grandad are currently in The Gardens. They are very well looked after here and the staff are fantastic. I can’t praise them highly enough, they always go above and beyond to make the residents happy. They have always done their best to keep spirits high in these awful times. The home is
very clean. The food always looks very tasty. I would highly recommend the Gardens.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Linda W (IMCA (Independent Mental Capacity Advocate) Deputyship) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Gardens care home is a joy to visit. The staff are always so welcoming. It is a happy home with lots of laughter. The care is of a high standard. The staff truly care for the residents. They are professional and caring and strive to provide a high quality of care. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
They provide a variety of activities which is important to stimulate and socialise residents I would highly recommend the Gardens care home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Andrew H (Nephew of Resident) published on 21 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visited my Aunt in the home. The staff were very helpful and accommodating. It was upsetting seeing my aunt in the home. The staff made my aunt feel welcome and extended the family. Nothing is too much to ask, very helpful in both our needs and my aunt's. One member of staff, especially, goes the
extra mile and personally texts us with the latest info about my aunt as I am not able to visit my aunt, due to work. Thank you very much.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 7.9 (7.887)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 7.9 (7.887) out of 10 for The Gardens 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 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.3 out of 5 from 2 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 4.583 for The Gardens Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (16 Excellents x 5) + (6 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 24 Ratings = 4.583

  • 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 3.304 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Gardens Care Home is based on 2 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 = 3.125

    • 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 56 registered maximum number of service users is 11.2. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 11.2 = 0.179

  • 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: 12 Nov 2024

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • 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 18 Mar 2025

For up to date information on bed vacancies, please contact us.


Awards / Recognitions (0)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (2)

No image found

Lindsey Leatham

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 2024

Lindsey Leatham joined Ascot Care as Care Home Manager for The Gardens Care Home in 2024.


Marie

Marie Nicholson

Job Title: Deputy Home Manager

Joined: 1995

Hi, I'm Marie. I am the Home Manager for the Gardens Care home and our newly opened Blackwell Suite.


I am responsible for the safe management of the home and in line with Health and Social Care Act, CQC regulations and Local Authority contractual requirements.


I ensure that the residents we care for receive the best quality care in order for them to lead their best life.


I have worked with Ascot Care for 26 years, the recent 15 years as the Registered Manager.


I am a very busy Nanna with three beautiful grandchildren who keep me fit and active. I enjoy time with my family and have a close-knit group of friends with whom I enjoy socialising. I enjoy foreign travel as well as local trips away. Every day is a pleasure to come to work.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Gardens Care Home

What types of Care is The Gardens Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care, Eating Disorders, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment, Detention Under Mental Health Act, No Medical Intervention & Substance Misuse are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Gardens Care Home provide?

Palliative 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 The Gardens Care Home have?

There are 56 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Gardens Care Home?

Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Gardens Care Home to the centre of Darlington?

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