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 21-40
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.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from Barbara B (Wife of Resident) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is happy and well cared for here and I have peace of mind after caring for him myself for some years.

Reply from Harriet Sharland, Marketing Administrator at Bluebell House

Thank you, Barbara, for taking the time to leave a positive review! We are so pleased that you are happy with the quality of care your husband receives at The Berkshire Care Home. Have a lovely day.


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Review from Georgina S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Berkshire Care Home is a handsome building set back from the road and surrounded by gardens. There is always a warm welcome. My father lived there for about eighteen months at the end of his life. Every member of staff called him by his name. Due to the nursing care he received, his medical conditions
improved and his health stabilised, despite his growing frailty. Not only did he receive a wonderful consistency of care but he was encouraged to participate in well-organised communal activities. He enjoyed his food until the end. A lovely birthday party for him confirms how special the staff are.

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Review from Muriel B (Sister of Resident) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are really pleased with the way my brother is being looked after. Unlike all the previous places he had been, he seems bright and lively here. The staff are amazing and the management is really helpful.

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Review from Peter W (Son of Resident) published on 22 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As ever, the staff were friendly, approachable and most of all caring and expert in their fields.

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Review from Peter M (Son of Resident) published on 19 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the short period of time that my mother has been at The Berkshire Care Home my family and I have been extremely impressed with all aspects of her care.
All of the staff are very attentive to her needs.
The manager and senior nursing staff are always very approachable and are always happy to discuss
any concerns that we may have.
The staff are all very friendly and polite and we are always made to feel very welcome at any time of day.
My mother has settled in well and is happy to accept that this is her new home.
We have no concerns about her well-being as we know she is in safe hands.

Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you, Peter, for your feedback and for taking the time to share your experience of our home. We are pleased to learn it has been so positive and that your mother has settled in well. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Take care.


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Review from Eric R (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I know mum is being looked after.
I am informed if mum has any issues.
I am always made welcome when I visit.

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Review from Mark A (Son of Resident) published on 28 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mother moved into this home, I have found her care and needs have been met.
I find the staff very helpful and friendly.
My mother seems happy, so overall, I am happy for her to be here.

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Review from Keith S (Mother-in-law of Resident) published on 26 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Things are much better now as we have new management,
The care staff are outstanding.
Services are good now with the current amount of residence.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Big improvements have been made since the new manager has taken over. All the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Although if more residents are taken in, I would like to think more staff will also be arriving, as waiting for the toilet is sometimes too long.

Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Administrator at Bluebell House

Thank you, Susan, for your comments about The Berkshire Care Home. 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 T K (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I do not feel that some carers have enough understanding about Dementia residents. They ask if my Mum wants to sit in a chair or stay in bed. Mum always says stay in bed, they should be encouraging her to get up. Last week my brother was with Mum at lunchtime, she had two chicken breasts which she was
unable to cut up, so had my brother not been there to help her she would only have managed roast potatoes.

Reply from Matthew Bowden, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Since our last conversation, I have spoken with the team and they have been actively encouraging your mum to join the other residents in the lounge and we have seen a great improvement. In regards to her dining, our team works hard to ensure that our residents are safe and happy so we will take extra care in ensuring your mum's food is appropriately prepared. We also operate what we call 'Food Passports' so we can make a note of how she wishes for her food to be prepared. If you want to discuss any of these concerns with me in more detail, please feel free to come and see me on your next visit. I have an 'open door' policy and welcome any feedback you have. Best wishes, Matthew.


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Review from G G (Son of Resident) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was slightly concerned about the previous management team at The Berkshire, but there is a new manager in place now and the whole experience has improved, without a doubt. The carers and nurses can be seen doing a great job and carrying out their duties in a very professional and friendly manner.
My mother is very settled in The Berkshire and enjoys the friendliness of the staff, which helps her interact much more. The activities team work hard to keep the residents occupied at all times.

Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to share your experience of our home. We are so pleased to learn you feel the home has made improvements under Matthew's management. The care and well-being of every resident is our number one priority and it is rewarding to have such positive feedback about how we are doing.


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Review from Sue G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The last eight months have been awful for The Berkshire. The staff had no permanent leadership or manager. This last month has seen a transformation in staff morale and proper leadership under the new manager, and long may that last. The staff are happy and focused, and I can now feel The Berkshire
has turned a corner for the best. Our family resident feels safe and happy in the circumstances and gets on well with all the staff. That is comforting to the family, as the transition to moving to a home is hard on all the family too.

Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you, Sue, for your feedback following your recent experience at our home. We are happy to learn it has been a positive one. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing and that you recognise the great effort Matthew has gone to to make positive changes in the home. Have a wonderful day.


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Review from F J (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff are always friendly and welcoming whenever I come to visit, nothing is too much trouble, and my nan is always singing their praises. It's always clean and tidy and a pleasant place to be. The events I have attended have been thoroughly enjoyable and well thought out. It's always lovely to see
such smiles on the residents' faces. Satisfying to know my nan is being taken such good care of.

Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you for your comments about your recent experience at The Berkshire Care Home. 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 always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.


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Review from Jennifer J (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 July 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been a resident at The Berkshire for 2 years now. She has always received excellent care. The carers are so committed to ensuring that all the residents feel this is their home. There's always laughter and affection on tap for the residents. Everyone is treated as an individual with their
own individual needs considered at all times. Days out are always packed full of fun and laughter. My Mum took a while to adjust to living in care after living with the family for so many years. However, she now enjoys all The Berkshire has to offer. Including her fussy eating habits being catered for by their wonderful chef. Thank You all at The Berkshire.

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Review from Simon M (Father of Resident) published on 6 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My daughter was a young resident at only 38, who was receiving palliative care. She absolutely loved living there. The daily activities she joined in were amazing, and she thoroughly enjoyed them. All residents were lovely.


The staff were amazing, every staff member was cheerful, welcoming and comforting.

You always greeted with a smile and warm welcome. Nothing is too much trouble.


The Berkshire Care Home is a special place filled with love, laughter and a lot of fun.


It's hard enough when someone you care for and love has to go into a care home; with The Berkshire Care Home it's an easy decision; we found the perfect home from home.


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Review from Paul J (Nephew of Resident) published on 5 May 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My aunt has been a resident at The Berkshire for just over two years. Before entering the care home, she was living alone and fiercely independent despite her failing health. It was difficult for her to move into a care home setting, but management and staff at The Berkshire made this transition as
smooth as it could have been. Although my aunt remains an independent personality, she now feels settled and happy. She always makes special mention of the good quality (and variety) of the food, and the brilliant work of the activities coordinator in arranging engaging and varied activities for the residents.


This has been a difficult year because of the Covid pandemic, which has meant long periods without visits to my aunt. She has found this difficult and demoralising. However, I have been impressed with the regular communications from The Berkshire setting out the steps they are taking on infection control and opening up the home to visitors in a safe environment.


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Review from David M (Husband of Resident) published on 22 April 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has now been in your care for 21months and has always told me she feels content, happy and safe. Whenever we visit, the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the staff ensure it is just like visiting extended family. In the normal times before Covid, being able to organise lunch in-house for long-distance
relatives or friends was so convenient and cemented a glowing lasting impression on them all. In the roller coaster of the more recent Covid era, the positivity within the frequent updates via parent group or The Berkshire always reassured us by conveying the message of calmness and control. The latest constrained visiting arrangements may read as daunting, but the welcoming approach of your staff on-site make it so simple and seamless.

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Review from C E (Wife of Resident) published on 2 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall things are good and have been through this difficult period. Sometimes a little more care in certain areas would make things easier.

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Review from K B (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was very well cared for. The staff at all levels were wonderful. Not only did they care respectfully for my husband, but they also supported me as well.

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Review from Maureen H (Sister of Resident) published on 31 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that my brother is receiving in the home is outstanding. They tend to his every need day and night. All the staff are very good to him and nothing is too much trouble. I am very happy with his care at the home, from a fine dedicated staff. 100% to all.

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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.