Bluebell House

126 Barkham Road, Wokingham RG41 2RP
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9.8 88 Reviews
  • Bluebell House, Wokingham
Support for later life.

Bluebell House is a recently refurbished period property, located within walking distance of Wokingham town centre, the railway station and local shops. The service offers support to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions.

The team of highly trained staff get to know residents individually and offer the highest standards of care and support. People’s preferences, needs and wishes are central to the support provided. The home works with residents and their loved ones to plan their care and support. The team maintain strong working relationships with local health and social care teams to ensure that care and support adjusts as people’s needs change.

People are supported to pursue meaningful activities and experiences while living at Bluebell House. A varied activity schedule provides lots of options for people to enjoy fulfilling days. The home has a dedicated activity coordinator, who plan enjoyable activities each week to keep people moving and entertained. Everyone is welcome to join in as much or as little as they like.

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Care Provided by Bluebell House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users
  • Local Authority Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ruth Sohail (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Full assessment and care plan prior to admission
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (50)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2023
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Bluebell House

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking

  • Free parking on site


Bluebell House Reviews (88)

Total of 88, showing 1-20
9.8

Bluebell House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Bluebell House has 88 reviews.

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Review from H W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 6 February 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandad has been at Bluebell House for three months now and wow, what a wonderful place. It is always a worry when trying to pick the right place but we have with Bluebell, me and all my family are so pleased. Staff are great with him and his needs. Activities are brilliant and it has been lovely
to see all the residents get involved. The care here is to a high standard and nothing is too much. I love its open-door policy and we can come and go when we want and are always welcomed. Grandad had his 93rd birthday last week and the home accommodated our large family so we could celebrate with him and made it so special with entertainment too. Such a relief for us to leave Grandad there and not have to worry. We are updated constantly if Grandad's needs change. Thank you so much to all staff at Bluebell for all you do. You are all so special.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Thank you very much for reviewing us. We value your feedback.


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Review from Belinda B (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the care and consideration from all the staff at Bluebell House.
They are kind, caring and make sure that they cater for all Mum's needs.
I like that you don't need to make an appointment to visit, just pop in, which to me, means that everyone/everything you see is genuine.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Thank you very much for spending the time to review us.


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Review from Rosemary T (Friend of Resident) published on 30 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I enjoyed my visit to the home. Was very impressed with the entertainment and the staff who organised it. The food looked very good and all seemed to enjoy.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Hi, thank you very much for reviewing us. Your reviews are very valuable to me and my team.


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Review from Audrey M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with Bluebell House. It's early days, my father has not been here very long, building improvements continue, hence good for facilities. I have not yet seen activities in progress. The staff are very professional, polite and caring at all times. Nothing seems to be too much trouble.
I can honestly say that when my time comes, this will be the care home for me! I can sleep at night knowing my father is being very well cared for. Thank you all.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Hi, thank you for reviewing us. Your feedback is very valuable to us.


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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Had a great time at Bluebell House for their Christmas party. Lovely atmosphere. Good turnout by families. Entertainment was good. Staff very attentive. Big thanks to the kitchen and activities staff.

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Review from Ray G (Son of Resident) published on 14 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful Christmas party for the residents and family at Bluebell House today. You could tell it was special by the smiling faces of the residents. It is so important for them to feel happy in their environment. I, on behalf of my mother, would like to thank all the staff for their hard work,
dedication and most of all, the care they show, not only today but throughout the year. Particular mention to the entertainment and catering staff who helped make the day special. What a great start to Christmas. Thanks to the whole Bluebell team.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Hi, thank you very much for your positive feedback. My team and I value your feedback.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Early days but so far, no complaints overall.

Reply from Ruth Sohail, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Thank you for reviewing us your feedback is value to us. This will also help other families to choose right home for their families members.


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Review from Kelly F (Niece of Resident) published on 13 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We always receive a warm welcome when visiting at Bluebell House. All staff take time and care for each resident. Management always take time to update me on how my uncle is doing, I am able to ask any questions I need to. I have especially enjoyed attending planned events to spend quality time with
my uncle.

Reply from Optalis Communications, Communications at Bluebell House

Thank you for leaving us a review. We are pleased to hear that you have had positive experience with the communication between you and our team as this is very important to us. We are also pleased to hear that you enjoy our planned events.


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Review from Mary T (Niece of Resident) published on 13 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely welcome by front of house. Table set up for lunch for us in nice lounge area. Bottles of water promptly given to us and use of tea/coffee refreshments. Nice lunch and attentive staff.
Nursing home undergoing renovations but staff managing amazingly in such circumstances.
Well done to all
the staff.
A very enjoyable visit.

Reply from Optalis Communications, Communications at Bluebell House

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words about our team.


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Review from Joan C (Wife of Resident) published on 4 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and care assistants are efficient and give me a warm welcome when visiting. The management keep me advised on how my husband is. He has settled in well and I'm pleased with the care he receives.
I am happy he has found a place at Bluebell House.

Reply from Bluebell House, Optalis Communications at Bluebell House

Thank you for leaving us a review. We are pleased to hear that your husband has settled in well and that you are happy with the home.


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Review from J E (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 August 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Welcoming, friendly staff, very helpful, keen to settle new residents into the home. Plenty of carried activities, lovely staff encourage residents to join in or observe activities. Make good use of the garden.
Rooms are lovely and homely. Food is plentiful and well-presented.
Mum has settled well.

Reply from Optalis, Communications at Bluebell House

Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. We are pleased that your mother is enjoying her time at Bluebell House. We will pass this feedback on to our team.


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Review from Simon B (Brother of Resident) published on 7 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister is very happy in the home. She likes the food and is very well looked after by the staff. I like the fact that they respond to issues quickly and give my sister the support she needs. The home is currently undergoing renovations at present and the bedrooms that have been done are looking a
lot better for it.

Reply from Optalis, Communications at Bluebell House

Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review and for your very kind words about our team and the support they provide. I know the staff team will be delighted to hear your positive feedback, thank you!


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Review from A W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are always friendly and welcoming. They try their best but always seem very short-staffed. Wholesome food served, sometimes maybe more consideration is needed for individual needs (i.e. unable to chew or swallow tough meat).
Unfortunately, not enough staff to make residents more mobile to their
needs.

Reply from Hannah Burke, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you for your comments. Our residents’ well-being is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We appreciate you taking the time to give feedback and letting us know how we are doing. We have acknowledged the concerns you have and the improvements you have suggested to better the home. If you would like to discuss any concerns directly, please reach out to us at the home. Thanks again.


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Review from Freddie H (Son of Resident) published on 24 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother was admitted to the Berkshire Care Home in 2021. She was in Locked In Syndrome and had been like that for over a couple of decades. The staff and management were really helpful and supportive. During mums stay we never had any concerns and she was well looked after during the final phase of
her life. I can't express my gratitude as I believe no words would be sufficient to thank "The Berkshire Team" for looking after us and supporting us as a part of the family.

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Review from Jaccy F (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum had fantastic care at The Berkshire Care Home. The staff are absolutely wonderful and care deeply about the residents. The entertainment programme was planned to include all residents, so even Mum with her limited ability was able to join in. Her healthcare was brilliant and her two years at The
Berkshire Care Home were a special time for her and our family.

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Review from C G (Niece of Resident) published on 29 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly welcome from staff, helpful and couldn't do enough to make your visit a pleasant experience. A very caring approach to residents, lovely homely atmosphere, wonderful staff and very thoughtful and kind.

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Review from Elaine L (Friend of Resident) published on 29 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Welcomed at reception. Good feedback from staff. Obvious good care of resident.

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Review from W T (Nephew of Resident) published on 15 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely visit. Very helpful staff. Made to feel very welcome. Lunch was lovely. Plenty of offers of tea/coffee. Lovely day and we managed a little walk around the garden. Auntie enjoyed a little push around the garden.

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at The Berkshire Care Home are extremely caring and helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them. I am extremely happy with all the care my mum received, she was loved by everyone. Mum enjoyed all the activities and being a part of it. Thank you so very, very much for looking after
my mum and making her final two years comfortable and happy and singing to her.

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Review from V B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Berkshire Care Home team welcomed my mum and all of her family with kindness and compassion. It was such a hard time for us when Mum had her stroke. Their care and love for my mum made the last two years of her life very happy ones. We have lots of nice memories, can't thank you all enough. We will
never forget you all and your kindness and care.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.754)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.754) out of 10 for Bluebell House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.754 for Bluebell House is calculated as follows: ( (215 Excellents x 5) + (61 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 280 Ratings = 4.754

  • 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 Bluebell House is based on 24 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 24 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

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

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Meet the Team (1)

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Matthew Bowden

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

What do you enjoy most about your role and the people you care for?


I love being in homes and getting to know the residents. I love to hear their stories and I love to hear about their lives and experiences. I enjoy trying to bring good quality care to people and making a home feel like a home and creating a family-type environment, which Berkshire already has that close feeling. I enjoy the fact that the staff care.


What are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?


My favourite hobbies are football, I am an avid Arsenal fan which goes to show that no one is perfect. My biggest passion is my family, my wife and my two beautiful daughters.


Are there any highlights in your career you are particularly proud of?


My biggest highlight and achievement is taking my previous home from inadequate to a good rating with CQC and getting a 32 bedded unit commissioned with CQC.


What is your work experience in care?


I started as a carer in a nursing home in Uxbridge, Hillingdon. I then proceeded to attain a team leader position in a residential home. As a team leader, I joined a support team where we went from home to home supporting were needed so in one home I would be writing local policies and in another, we helped in closing a home and transferring residents to a brand new build. I then become a Home Manager in a 75 bedded residential home for 6 years taking the home from a poor rating to the good before transferring to another home that required improvement with CQC and taking that home to good, I was in that position for 4 years. The last home I managed was rated poor with CQC and we attained a good rating and commissioned a 32 bedded nursing unit to take them home from 59 beds to 91, I worked there for 5 and a half years before coming to the Berkshire.


What top tips would you give someone who is looking for the right care home?


You will get a feeling when you visit a home for the first time. If it feels warm, welcoming and friendly and the staff say hello then this is a good first sign. Also to review all homes on the CQC website and look at the last inspection, however homes change over time and a home that is rated inadequate or requires improvement can change with the right team in place, so use this as a guideline rather than an exact guide.


What do you like most about working for the company?


The warm welcome that I have received so far as I am only 4 weeks into my employment. The staff group at the Berkshire have been very friendly and welcoming and has been very open to anything that I have suggested so far.


Frequently Asked Questions about Bluebell House

What types of Care is Bluebell House registered for?

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

How many Rooms does Bluebell House have?

There are 50 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Bluebell House?

Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Bluebell House to the centre of Wokingham?

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