Barchester Austen House Care Home

Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley, Reading RG6 3UJ
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9.7 114 Reviews
  • Barchester Austen House Care Home, Reading
Austen House is a purpose-built Nursing Home in Reading, set in a semi-rural location and within easy reach of Wokingham and London. The staff at Austen House are dedicated to meeting all residents’ needs.

Austen House boasts an established, well run Nursing Floor with dedicated, experienced nurses 24 hours a day.

Austen House’s specialised Memory Lane Community (for people living with dementia) was refurbished in Summer 24. The team have also been awarded certificates by the Alzheimer's Society for passing a course that helped with enhancing their understanding of dementia. It involves improved insight into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and learning that feelings matter most.

Austen House welcomes enquiries from anyone and is pleased to show everyone – whether they're looking for advice or support – around if they would like to drop in to investigate for themselves.

Please get in touch and they would be thrilled to assist you with your enquiry.

Care Provided by Barchester Austen House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 79 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Simona Cioinac (Registered Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Enquiries welcome from all agencies and individuals
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (79)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1994
    • Last Refurbishment: 2024
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Austen House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,566
  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Austen House Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Free parking on site at Austen House


Barchester Austen House Care Home Reviews (114)

Total of 114, showing 21-40
9.7

Barchester Austen House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.715) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Austen House Care Home has 114 reviews.

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  • 37
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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Ever since my dad has been in Austen House Care Home, he has previously been relatively independent and even able to make positive contributions to the activities and life of the home. Sadly towards the end of December 2022, he was taken very ill and subsequently needed everything to be done for him.
The staff have been amazing! Great communication with us (his relatives) and doing all that can be done to meet his needs, treating him with love, dignity and respect.

Reply from Sevinj Hashimova, General manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

We at Austen House appreciate your kind words and for taking the time to write a review. Thank you for remaining a loyal family to our Home. Start with the simplest gratitude, thank you so much! We're grateful to have you as our client.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

There is a good atmosphere in the home and the staff are very welcoming, helpful and cooperative to the needs of my wife. Any issues that arise are dealt with and fully discussed. Over a five-year period, I have not had any reason to complain and have been satisfied with the care and attention my wife
has received.

Reply from Sevinj Hashimova, General manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely comments. It is really appreciated that our hard work is recognised. Your positive reviews about our home just made our day. We always look forward to having you visit our home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every member of staff is so helpful and cheerful all the time to my darling wife.

Reply from Sevinj Hashimova, General manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you so much for your very kind words about Austen House. It means a lot to us. We send you our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved wife. We will remember her with great affection.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was well cared for and looked after by the staff who treated her with respect. All members of staff are very friendly and the home is kept clean and well maintained. We have been very happy with the service received during my Mum's stay until her passing last month. The medical attention she
received was excellent and the team were very comforting and supportive to the family. We are very grateful to everyone so thank you.

Reply from Sue Stroud, Customer Relationship Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us. Seva and her team here at Austen House are very grateful for this. You are always welcome here at Austen House


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our family were very happy with the care and consideration that was given to our mother throughout the lockdown and as her health deteriorated. She always enjoyed the activities on offer, especially the animal visits, the visits from local school children and singing. In the last weeks of her life,
we were all comforted by the welcome and understanding we received from the care staff. Many, many thanks.

Reply from Sue Stroud, Customer Relationship Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

On behalf of our General Manager and our whole team here at Austen, we would like to thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review of Austen House Care Home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My friend is happy and well cared for at Austen House. The staff are very caring, helpful and friendly.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found all the staff very approachable and helpful with a friendly and positive manner. The restaurant and lounge areas are spacious and luxurious and easy for my mother to get to. The activities staff are wonderful and encourage the residents to attend and are respectful if they chose not to.
The residents are given a weekly agenda of the activities and can choose at any time which activities they would like to attend. Austen House meets all my mother's needs and I am confident she is well cared for.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following an extremely warm welcome from the manager and one member of staff, I would like to extend my thanks for the well constructed and informative visit to Barchester Austen House Care Home yesterday. All of my queries and concerns regarding my Mum's future care were answered. Thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff do all they can to make mum comfortable.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for an amazing review, we're pleased to hear that you're happy with the care you receive at Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely helpful and caring staff. Excellent food and care.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your review. We are pleased you are happy with the care and food at Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Austen House is a special place full of special, talented people. The staff are wonderful.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased we have and continue to be of great service to you and your wife.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The best.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you P G for your amazing review, it was a pleasure to see you during our Meet the Manager Event - you're always welcome to Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following a change in personal circumstances, it became necessary for my mother to move to Austen House, She was very concerned and did not expect to be happy here. Against all expectations, my Mum settled in within just a couple of days and now eight months later is having the most wonderful time.
In fact, we have both said we wished we'd done this years ago! From the management to the carers, the entertainment and the kitchen, the staff are incredible. Absolute 5 stars from us.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you Sue! It's an absolute pleasure to have Mum here with us, we look forward to seeing you again soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always friendly and quick to help.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for a fantastic review, we're proud of the quality of care we provide at Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Austen House Care Home equals excellent care of residents and hospitality to families. So good I have encouraged my friends with elderly relatives to check out Austen House. From friendly welcome in reception, all the home staff are approachable and helpful, professional and friendly... excellent meals.
My dad is receiving the right level of care to suit his needs. He is loved, supported and encouraged to participate in all activities. Thanks for the excellent caring service.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

We're very thankful for your recommendation and positive feedback - we strive to achieve Outstanding at Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is my first visit to see my brother and it was a joy meeting the staff who were only too pleased to speak to me about my brother. This is somewhere I would go if I have to live in a home. I am very grateful for the care he is receiving. Thank you.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

It was a pleasure to meet you. We are so thankful for your kind words and high star review, we look forward to seeing you again soon!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff very cheerful and helpful.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your review, we strive to achieve Outstanding at Austen House.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely happy with the care my mum receives. It's heartbreaking watching her suffer from dementia but knowing she getting the care and support she deserves and needs helps.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your comments, I am so pleased to hear such positive feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

They are very good and they look after him. He is very happy at Austen House.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you taking the time to review Austen House. We love to hear when our relatives are pleased with the home.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am feeling comfortable and safe.

Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for an amazing review, we're pleased to hear that you're happy with the care you receive at Austen House.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.715)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.715) out of 10 for Barchester Austen House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.715 for Barchester Austen House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (159 Excellents x 5) + (49 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 214 Ratings = 4.715

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Austen House Care Home is based on 18 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 79 registered maximum number of service users is 15.8, which has been reached with 18 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: 4 Oct 2022

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • 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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (80)

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Meet the Team (15)

Simona

Simona Cioinac

Job Title: Senior General Manager

Joined: 2023

Hello, my name is Simona and I am the Senior General Manager here at Austen House. I look forward to welcoming you to our home.


Thank you for taking the time to read this. I love to see prospective residents, families and friends, new members of staff and the local community taking an interest in our community.


My role is to ensure that we deliver what we say we do. I am responsible for overall service delivery to our residents and community, inspiring and leading the team and ensuring high standards of governance and compliance are achieved.


I trained as a nurse in Italy and worked there for 20 years in that capacity. In the last 7 years before leaving Italy, I had the privilege of serving the public healthcare sector by managing and leading frontline hospital services. In 2017 I came to the UK and joined the NHS, which I was particularly proud of. I have learnt a great deal from these colleagues along my career journey.


I truly believe in the values of responsibility, integrity, kindness, compassion and doing what I can for others. The care sector has afforded me the opportunity to ‘live’ these values in the workplace, for which I am truly grateful.


After serving in the NHS I was immediately drawn to Barchester because of the culture and principles the organisation aspires to.


I am now passionately working with the community and my team here at West Oak to take the home’s services forward. My team and I are fully committed to embedding the Barchester Values: RESPECT, INTEGRITY, PASSION, EMPOWERMENT and RESPONSIBILITY.


My door is always open to the community, family, residents and staff: do not hesitate to come and talk to me should you need anything or if I can assist in any way.


Thank you for your interest in our lovely home.


Zulekha

Zulekha Omar

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Hello,
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Clinical Deputy Manager at Austen House. My name is Zulekha Omar, and I am truly honoured to be joining such a dedicated and passionate team.


My primary goal in this role is to support each of you in delivering the highest quality of care to our residents. I firmly believe in the power of collaboration and support in achieving extraordinary results. I am committed to creating an atmosphere where each team member feels empowered to contribute their unique skills and ideas.


I am excited to be a part of this team and am confident that together, we will achieve great things. Let us work together to continue providing exceptional care to our patients and making a positive impact in their lives.


I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to make Austen House a place of excellence.


Lind

Lind Immaculate

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2015

I'm Lind, and I have been a part of the team since 2015. I am very passionate about my role at Austen House and love spending time with the residents and getting to know their relatives. During my time at Austen House, I have developed my skills and completed the Level 2 Accounting course.


I am always around to help and happy to assist wherever possible.


Charlie

Charlie Burns

Job Title: Senior Activities Lead

Joined: 2017

Hello, I'm Charlie and I am the Senior Activities Lead here at Austen House.
I have proudly worked at for Barchester since 2017. As Senior Activities Lead, I tailor enriching, engaging and individualised activities for our wonderful residents here at Austen. I am supported by my amazing team of Activity Coordinators to deliver activities on a daily basis across the home.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Austen House!


Daniel

Daniel Cazacu

Job Title: Head Maintenance

Joined: 2019

Hello! My name is Daniel, and I have been part of the team since 2019.


I have a passion for creating a safe and comfortable environment for our residents, staff and relatives. With several years of expertise in facilities management and leadership, I bring a wealth of knowledge and keen eye for detail to Austen House.


I look forward to meeting you all.


Ainsworth

Ainsworth Brown

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2015

Ainsworth started working in the hospitality industry in 2004 as a second chef at a different care home. He gained further experience as a Chef De Partie, preparing various English, Asian and French authentic dishes, before being promoted to Head Chef.


Miracle

Miracle Ainembabazi

Job Title: Administration Assistant

Joined: 2023

Hello! My name is Miracle, I am the backbone of our daily operations, ensuring smooth functioning and exceptional service delivery. With a blend of organisational prowess, interpersonal finesse, and a deep sense of compassion, I am dedicated to upholding Austen House's reputation for excellence in elder care. Committed to professionalism and driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference, I take pride in contributing to the well-being and happiness of our residents and their families.


Tulika

Tulika Paul

Job Title: Admin Assistant

Joined: 2019

Tulika has been part of the team here at Austen House since 2019 when she joined our activities team, moving to reception initially on a bank basis she is now with us every weekend and knows our residents and relatives very well.


Soniya

Soniya Sharma

Job Title: Head of Unit

Joined: 2019

Hello, my name is Sonyia and I am a young, dedicated, committed nurse, willing to explore and develop my knowledge and skills.


I enjoy working with a variety of people and enjoy a challenge, using my initiative to solve a problem. It is important to me to ensure that within the care home, my residents are comfortable and satisfied with their surroundings and care.


Josephine

Josephine Shingwele

Job Title: Head of Unit/Care Practioner

Joined: 2005

Joesphine has been employed by Barchester Austen House since/02/2023 and ever since she has been a very valued member of staff, she is reliable and flexible and her committed to her role as she helps other staff members to deliver possible person-centred care to our residents.


Prathistha

Prathistha Karhi

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Joined: 2021

Hello, my name is Prathistha and I have joined the nursing team at Austen House, I moved from the Nepal to qualify as a nurse and really enjoying getting to know and caring for our residents


Karen

Karen Lay

Job Title: Laundry Assistant

Joined: 1998

Karen has worked with us for over 20 years! She is a Laundry Assistant within Austen House.


Domestic Team

Domestic Team

Job Title: Hostess Team

Joined: 2016

Hello! Meet some of our hostesses who are very passionate about the art of hosting and creating unforgettable experiences at Austen House.


Sunita

Sunita Biyani

Job Title: Activities Assistant

Joined: 2008

I joined the team at Austen House in 2008 and passionate about fulfilling residents lives by getting to know each individual on a personal level and supporting them to continue enjoying their hobbies, I hold this very close to my heart 


Jo

Jo Austin

Job Title: Hairdresser

Jo is our home hairdresser at Austen House, appointments with her are available two days a week and she is very flexible over what time residents would like, we all love a pamper and she also visits residents in their rooms if they prefer!