Birch Hill Care Home

Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2JZ
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9.9 52 Reviews
  • Birch Hill Care Home, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Nestled in the Northumbrian Village of Norham, Birch Hill Care Home provides dementia care for 24 adults. Rated 'outstanding' by CQC in August 2019, the team's focus is ensuring all residents live well each day.

Living at Birch Hill is a change for the residents, but one which will provide a safe, caring, homely atmosphere to enjoy yet another chapter in life’s journey.

Birch Hill has a hand-picked team of dedicated care, catering and housekeeping teams who strive to ensure that each day is a day well lived, where joys and troubles can be shared.

The home's approach to dementia care not only involves support with physical needs but through excellent locally sourced food, personalised activity and wellness programmes that really can make a positive impact in the lives of the residents and families.

Services: hairdresser, optician, chiropodist, audiologist, district nurse team, GP practice, CMHT, OT & physio all visit Birch Hill as required.

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Care Provided by Birch Hill Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 26 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Jennifer Mackie (Care Centre Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (24)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No

Funding & Fees Guide for Birch Hill 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 £1,350 – £1,450
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,350 – £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,350 – £1,450
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,350 – £1,450

  • Local authority accepted
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Birch Hill 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
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Parking at front of house


Birch Hill Care Home Reviews (52)

Total of 52, showing 1-20
9.9

Birch Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Birch Hill Care Home has 52 reviews.

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Review from M D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From viewing to supporting residents we were made to feel very welcome. Resident needs catered for with care and dignity. Overall an excellent service provided.

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Review from A L (Friend of Resident) published on 21 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the very first phone call to the manager, to the home visit to assess my friend's needs to the show round with a member of staff, to moving my friend into Birch Hill Care Home, the team were exceptional. It was seamless, utterly professional and done with a high degree of care and empathy and without
exception, consideration and understanding shown to each of us. It truly is home from home.
I wouldn't want anyone to go where I wouldn't want to be placed myself and I can, hand on heart, say of all the care homes I have seen and the people I have spoken to in other care facilities, the team led by the manager are unmistakably the best. A great atmosphere, warm and friendly - just what you need for those you love.
One member of staff, in particular, brightens the darkest of winter days. She is one of the warmest, kindest people I've had the pleasure to meet and engage with and another member of staff is a 'stand up' in the making. One member of staff a stalwart and the manager a great leader, so all in all a brilliant team.

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Review from S R (Son of Resident) published on 5 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Moved into Birch Hill Care Home in May 2024 after reaching crisis point. Staff settled Mum in really well. She/s taken our and about regularly and there are plenty of activities to keep her busy. What a relief it is to have Mum in a safe place where she's looked after, following over two years of going
from incident to incident.

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Review from A S (Friend of Resident) published on 19 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Whenever we visit our friend, we are made to feel welcome and offered tea/coffee and cake. It would be useful if a landline "carry about" phone was available so a member of staff could hand my friend the handset rather than bring/return to and from the office when I ring her. The staff are very friendly
and my friend speaks highly of them.

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Review from J M (Friend of Resident) published on 13 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our neighbour was a very private lady, who liked her own company, and we were a little worried that she wouldn't adapt well to being in a residential care facility. We need not have worried, the staff have all gone our of their way to welcome her and have encouraged her, at her own pace, to join in
with social events and activities in Birch Hill. She is very well looked after and enjoys her safe, clean and friendly new environment. We have seen such a difference in her overall demeanour. One staff member in particular, has developed a close relationship with this lady, and she definitely responds well in her company.

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Review from D R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 5 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always a warm welcome when visiting, a happy atmosphere felt around the home, always very clean and tidy.
A variety of activities every week, lovely getting pictures and updates of the activities.
Home-cooked food - delicious! Having had the opportunity to sample the food first-hand.
Weather permitting,
a peaceful garden to sit in when visiting, it's lovely everyone can access the secure garden.
Staff are always on hand and happy to help with any enquiries be it via in-person, telephone or email.
My mother-in-law feels safe and welcome at Birch Hill Care Home, her well-being has improved greatly since moving in and she is far less anxious now.

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Review from Jaqueline W (Friend of Resident) published on 5 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have supported our friend and neighbour to move into Birch Hill Care Home in March 2023. I visit her twice a week at a variety of different times. Birch Hill has not got the atmosphere of any other care home I have visited. Everyone radiates contentment and happiness. The staff are always willing
to help in any way they can. There are many activities on offer, many of which family and friends are invited to. I think Birch Hill is the best!

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Review from A S (Son of Resident) published on 29 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

When visiting my mother, I am always made to feel extremely welcome by everyone at Birch Hill Care Home.
Carers and management are easy to contact and very helpful.
The home is always immaculate and there is a full list of activities for residents which are generally available for family to join in
if you should like to.
Access to the garden from the conservatory is a bonus on a nice day.

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Review from Teresa C (Friend of Resident) published on 25 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friend - previous neighbour was admitted to Birch Hill Care Home. Staff and managers were (very experienced) most helpful in making my friend comfortable and welcome - she had lots of concerns, they worked with her on these and over time, have helped her be less anxious. Dementia made it hard for her
to settle into new surroundings, with staff's care and constant support, she is now enjoying her new home - a credit to the way staff treat residents with care and respect, preserving their dignity.

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Review from Elaine S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 October 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum-in-law has been here for two years now and I can't rate it highly enough. Mum has dementia and was highly anxious and distressed when she first moved here. Her behaviour was distressing to watch but the staff managed her so confidently and with such care and compassion that the sudden transition
from her living at home to requiring residential care was made much less difficult for my husband and me. With the support and care of the staff and medics, she settled down fairly quickly and as we had hoped, has found some contentment and peace.
We feel that she is loved, valued and part of a family and we also feel part of that family. There are activities on a daily basis which all the staff get involved with. There is always laughter and singing echoing around the home. The staff are so genuine, compassionate and caring, I can't think of anywhere else we would rather Mum be.

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Review from Susan T (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We looked at several homes before arriving at Birch Hill Care Home but as soon as we walked in the door we all knew this was the one. It felt like a big extended family home, atmosphere was great and the staff very welcoming and friendly and still are after nearly nine years of Mum living there. Every
single one of the staff treat the residents as they would their own family, in fact, Mum was called Nana soon after she arrived which was a great honour and privilege to Mum. Nothing is ever too much trouble, cups of tea or coffee are always offered, no matter how busy they are, and they always have time and will answer any questions or worries you may have about your loved one's health. The food is hotel-worthy and even when liquidised for Mum now, still looks and smells delicious. The garden is beautiful and secure, we've had lots of picnics there when Mum was able. We are so pleased we made this choice for Mum, we could not have picked a better home.

Reply from jennifer mackie, Care centre manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you for your lovely, kind words. Nana was a pleasure to look after and we will always remember her fondly.


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Review from J R (Son of Resident) published on 11 September 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dear mum couldn't have been better cared for. The staff at Birch Hill Care Home are kind, caring and quite simply wonderful. It has a lovely, warm feel and the staff looking after Mum had worked there for many, many years. It's a happy, beautifully run home.
The experienced Birch Hill team are sensitive
and tender - they treated Mum as though they were her daughters. We cannot thank them enough and are forever indebted to Birch Hill for how they made Mum so comfortable.
If you're reading this, you might be Husband or Wife or Son or Daughter wondering if Birch Hill could be the home for your loved one like I was. I couldn't have wished for better, more loving care for my mum. That's how highly I regard Birch Hill and always will.

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Review from Patricia B (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 July 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

One of the things I love about Birch Hill is how they enable each resident to have as much independence as they can in a safe and caring environment. My Mother is 100 and I visit her two to three times a week. In the recent warm weather, residents are able to go outside to the beautifully maintained
garden and I often find Mum out there sitting under an umbrella with a couple of other residents enjoying the calm surroundings with a fruit juice and a piece of cake. We always feel we are among friends and look forward to the regular activities organised. The VE Day Garden party was a highlight - Mum in her Wrens uniform from WW2 dancing to songs from the era! There are always other families visiting too and we all know each other now and look forward to catching up. It's a very special place.

Reply from jennifer mackie, Interim care centre manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you for such a lovely review. We value each and every one of our residents and family members such as yourself. You assist us to make Birch Hill a special place.


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Review from F R (Wife of Resident) published on 19 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been with Birch Hill for seven weeks. He has settled well, which is a huge relief for me. The staff are all so kind and caring. He loves his food and is well looked after. He also enjoys the fun they have with their activity sessions. The garden is lovely to walk around and enjoy a seat.
This is my first experience with a care home. I can't thank the staff enough for the care they have given to my husband.

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Review from S R (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum spent almost five weeks at Birch Hill Care Home for respite care during my dad’s recovery from an operation. All the staff were welcoming, friendly and reassuring. The food was freshly prepared and there was always baking on offer for visitors. My mum enjoyed the activities and was inspired to
draw and paint again. A lovely location with an extensive garden. We felt my mum was in the best place, given that she couldn’t be at home.

Reply from Jennifer Mackie, Interim Care Centre Manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you, it was our privilege to care for your mum.


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Review from J S (Niece of Resident) published on 6 March 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our aunt spent the last 4 years of her life at Birch Hill. She had looked after herself all her life so fitting into a care home wasn't going to be easy for her. The staff were wonderful with her. They managed to shower her and maintain her personal hygiene which we had found impossible before she moved
in. She was always happy to tell us how good the food was and how friendly the people were. They treated her with great kindness and she really felt she was living at home with her own family around her. In the sad days before her death she was treated with respect and given as much attention as she needed. I would be very happy to recommend Birch Hill.

Reply from jennifer mackie, Interim care centre manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. Your aunt was a wonderful, spirited lady and we feel very proud to have been part of her life. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and at Birch Hill.


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Review from Frank N (Husband of Resident) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife was admitted to Birch Hill Care Home in May 2023. Accommodation good, staff excellent. Level of care would be hard to better and visitors are always made welcome. The unit is well-equipped with wheelchairs and devices to assist those with limited mobility and staff are adept at using them. Attention
to resident's medical needs and resulting medication is faultless. All good!

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Review from I L (Son of Resident) published on 9 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had to source a care home for my mother 10 months ago and was recommended Birch Hill. From the first day, I contacted the home I have had exceptional service from everyone involved with this home that has a good family atmosphere and encourages the residents to participate in all activities etc. on
offer.

Reply from jennifer mackie, Interim care centre manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We try our best to involve everyone and have activities that will stimulate our residents.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Efficient, friendly, helpful. Excellent service for loved one and family. Nothing is too much trouble. Staff always welcome us with smiles and let us know how our loved is and the activities they have partaken in.

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Review from Gillian J (Wife of Resident) published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband suffers with dementia/Lewy bodies. I was struggling to cope as he was not sleeping and consequently neither was I. I contacted Birch Hill and spoke to the manager. Luckily, they had a room. After discussion, my husband was admitted. From staff feedback, there were some difficult moments,
but it was clear that my husband had been helped kindly and with dignity. He enjoyed 2 baths, which is a breakthrough from someone who doesn't deal with change easily. I would be very happy for him to return to Birch Hill. Premises are a little dates, but staff and management more than compensate for this.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.892)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.892) out of 10 for Birch Hill Care Home 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 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.892 for Birch Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (241 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 268 Ratings = 4.892

  • 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 Birch Hill Care Home is based on 23 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 26 registered maximum number of service users is 5.2, which has been reached with 23 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: 31 Oct 2018

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Outstanding

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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 (1)

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Meet the Team (1)

Jennifer

Jennifer Mackie

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 2018

I have been with BEN - Birch Hill since October 2018. I took over as manager in February 2022 when the previous manager went to manage one of our other homes.


I am very proud of the staff at Birch Hill. They put the residents' needs at the forefront of everything they do. The care they deliver is outstanding and always centred around the resident's needs.


It is a home-from-home.


Frequently Asked Questions about Birch Hill Care Home

What types of Care is Birch Hill Care Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Birch Hill Care Home provide?

Palliative Care & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Birch Hill Care Home have?

There are 24 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at Birch Hill Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Birch Hill Care Home to the centre of Berwick-upon-Tweed?

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