The Willows Care Home

Heathercroft, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5EG
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9.6 128 Reviews
  • The Willows Care Home, Milton Keynes
The Willows Care Centre is located in Great Linford which is a village with the Grand Union Canal running through its centre just a few miles from central Milton Keynes.

Set in spacious, peaceful grounds the home has en-suite rooms and extensive communal areas and provides the highest standards of care and accommodation for people with residential, dementia, nursing or palliative care needs.

The Willows makes the most of the diverse local amenities. A short walk from the home there is a local centre which has shopping opportunities, eateries and a coffee shop. Two public houses offering food and refreshments are also within walking distance. The local duck pond is only a stone’s throw away form the home and provides a tranquil setting to watch the local wild life.

The Willows has lounge and dining areas with kitchenettes on each floor where meals are provided by a chef and their team who can cater for all specialist diets.

In addition, there are numerous quiet areas around the home, a conservatory and a hairdressing salon. There is also a large enclosed garden which is accessible to wheelchair users.

Reminiscence is key to wellbeing and The Willows has three reminiscence shops within the grounds to take the people living there on a trip down memory lane. The dynamic and engaging activities team provide wide and varied opportunities for social engagement tailored to the choices of the individual.

Due to the peaceful setting of the home it is difficult to imagine it is so close to the centre of a busy city. There is good public transport links to the home with a bus stop just outside the main gates.

A warm welcome awaits anyone at any time of day with no visiting restrictions, young and old alike the more the merrier.

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Care Provided by The Willows Care Home

  • Type of Service
    • Nursing Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 130 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sahr Mosery (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (130)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for The Willows Care Home

  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Willows Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time.


  • Parking

  • On site parking for visitors.


The Willows Care Home Reviews (128)

Total of 128, showing 1-20
9.6

The Willows Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.644) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Willows Care Home has 128 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 98
  • 25
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2

Date Published

128
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Review from S H (Wife of Resident) published on 3 April 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband went into the Willows as a resident in June 2024. As a family we are so grateful as to the kindness, understanding, patience and genuine care he has received from everyone. Nothing is too much trouble! Everywhere is so clean, tidy and organised. The staff are amazing! We cannot thank the
Willows enough for making what is a difficult time for all of us so much better in so many ways!

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. Knowing that we have made a difference means the world to us. If there is ever anything more we can do, please do not hesitate to reach out. Many thanks again.


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Review from Tina M (Husband of Resident) published on 21 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff at The Willows were very friendly and helpful during my husband's last few months of his life and straight after his death at the beginning of May were there for me then too.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, and for taking the time to leave such a kind review. As you know our door is always open should you ever want to pop in for a chat.


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Review from Nilani (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staffs at care home looked after my dad with genuine care.
They all were very kind to my dad.
They all were looking after him like family.
My dad also happy during his stay.
As a daughter I can access the staff anytime if I had any questions. Very helpful.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for your kind review. It truly means a lot to the whole team at The Willows to know our care and support made such a difference to both you and your dad. Kindest regards


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Review from B B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care given to my mother is of a high standard. She is always clean and tidy, and seems to be comfortable and content, even though she would rather be at home, she understands that it is important to give the care she needs.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review for The Willows, it's good to hear that you are happy with the standards of the home and your Mum is as content as can be. Kind regards


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Review from S O (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I came to The Willows Care Home to visit a relative over the Christmas period on several occasions, one being the light switch on, what an amazing time, the atmosphere was amazing and everyone singing and enjoying themselves made my day. I came a lot over Christmas and I felt the atmosphere was uplifting
and all the staff encouraged the residents to participate in the activities. Christmas day was wonderful, the food was really good and being able to spend time with the family, knowing Mum was still in a caring environment really helped with taking away the stress of the day. I would give this home 10 out of 10 for everything and we look forward to what the year ahead will bring.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for your very kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Christmas Light Switch on, it truly was a magical day. I will pass your feedback onto our wonderful team members.


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Review from S H (Respite Resident) published on 31 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been a resident for 3 weeks and have found the experience very good, the staff, food, and facilities are in excellent order. I would recommend this rehab centre and care home to anyone that needs good care and can only conclude that I was looked after perfectly.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for kind review. We appreciate your feedback and are delighted to hear of your positive experience. We wish you all the very best.


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Review from E D (Wife of Resident) published on 30 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The overall experience was very good. The food was excellent and the compassion shown was very good. The communication with the different staff was excellent, I managed to step back and the staff took charge, this made my time whilst he was here more enjoyable.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review. It's lovely to hear you had such a positive experience, I will pass your kind feedback to our team members. Thank you


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Review from Michael S (Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I like my stay here. Everyone is helpful and supportive.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review. It's great to hear that you are happy with the home. Best wishes to you. Kind regards.


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Review from M P (Wife of Resident) published on 28 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was in for a year at The Willows and I cannot praise all the staff enough for their excellent care of him. I went in for a 1week respite while my daughter and partner went on holiday and it was like being in a family home. I am mobile and was able to enjoy so much there. Thank you for the
wonderful care by the brilliant staff. The food was great plenty of it and it was so clean and lovely. Thank you again for making his last year comfortable, he made great friends with the staff. The Willows is a lovely place in every way.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to send in such a lovely review. It's lovely to hear you were so happy with all aspects of care given to you both and you both felt so comfortable and at home with us. Many thanks.


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Review from Steve H (Son of Resident) published on 20 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dad has spent six weeks in rehabilitation/assessment care. He's been well cared for and treated with dignity.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for sharing your Dad's experience with us and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Many thanks.


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Review from B S (Wife of Resident) published on 16 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family and I have found The Willows Care Home very welcoming. The staff, the nurses and all levels of management very available. I think most of all we have all felt so comfortable and at home. Very important. Thank you.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. Its lovely to hear you feel at home and so comfortable here. If there is anything you ever need you know our door is always open. Kindest regards.


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Review from Mary K (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I love this home, it is very much a home too! They really care about the residents and their families. I will always be grateful that my mum got a place here.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review for The Willows. It is lovely to hear that you are happy with the home and also that your Mum is too. Merry Christmas and all the best for the year to come. Kind regards.


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Review from Wendy M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care home is amazing, the staff are so caring, they do a brilliant job looking after our mum.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you very much for your kind review. It is very rewarding to hear such lovely comments. Thank you.


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Review from A P (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was sent to The Willows on her discharge from hospital. The staff from management to carers to nurses have been so kind and become like friends. Her care has been great with very few issues. Mum has also loved the wide range of activities. Thanks to all, it does mean a lot to have peace of mind.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for taking the time to send in such a lovely review. I will ensure the team is aware of your kind comments. Thank you.


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Review from Terry L (Sister of Resident) published on 30 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister had a lovely stay at The Willows Care Home. All the people that work there make her stay nice and they are really helpful to her. The room that she is in is big enough for her wheelchair.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for taking the time to write a lovely review. It was our pleasure to look after your sister, and it's always great for the team, to hear such positive feedback. Thank you.


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Review from Caroline G (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Brilliant staff. Can't recommend highly enough. Mum and dad love it. Very happy.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, I will ensure to pass on to our team members your kind words.


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Review from Bernard C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 10 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very unsure what to expect when I first came here. Really nervous. But within days I felt safe, very well cared for and looked after. All the staff, nursing, caring and domestic, are so nice and caring. I feel very safe here, secure and it's like another home. I will be reluctant to leave.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for your lovely review. It's our pleasure to look after you and you are always welcome at The Willows.


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Review from T C (Great-Niece of Resident) published on 25 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My Great Uncle recently came here for respite and never again. Due to him being a complex situation an assessment was needed beforehand. I had to call the care home the evening before his arrival to tell them that no one had been to assess him. This resulted in them coming out the evening before and
the assessment taking an hour. I called a few days after he had been in to see how he was, and was promised a callback, after 20 hours and no call back I had to call again. I was asked to name all of his belongings/leave a checklist in the bag. He returned home yesterday with 6 t-shirts, 3 medicated creams, a special feeding spoon and one of his medical folders missing. So I had to go collect them but unfortunately, they had lost the spoon and 4 T-shirts. He has also come home with a severe UTI due to a lack of fluid. The care home failed to tell my great uncle's GP that he was in respite and not full-time at the care home which resulted in the GP surgery unregistering him.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. We apologise that you have experienced this issue, as it does not reflect our usual standard of care. We can confirm that the issues you have raised are being investigated in line with our complaints and safeguarding process. We will send you a formal acknowledgement of your concerns and provide a copy of our process, which outlines the steps and timescales for our formal response.


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Review from M B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Wonderful establishment. I've had previous family members have their last days here and we couldn't ask for more! The staff, cleanliness, environment and overall experience is unbelievable, from reception to the room it is a calm, refreshing and caring atmosphere! I wouldn't go anywhere else for care!

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review - it's delightful to hear that our team members have had such a positive impact. Thank you.


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Review from A M (Resident) published on 10 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This review is for my respite visit while my son, whom I live with, was on vacation for 4 days. I was looked after very well and treated by the staff in all aspects of my day at Willows.

Reply from Gale Hills, Business Manager at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for your kind review. It's lovely to hear you thoroughly enjoyed your stay with us. We would welcome you back with open arms.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.644)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.644) out of 10 for The Willows Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 47 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 44 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 4.644 for The Willows Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (432 Excellents x 5) + (83 Goods x 4) + (13 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (18 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 551 Ratings = 4.644

  • 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 The Willows Care Home is based on 44 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 130 registered maximum number of service users is 26, which has been reached with 44 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: 12 Apr 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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 (8)

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Meet the Team (4)

Sahr

Sahr Moseray

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

Sahr join The Willows Care Home in October 2022 as a Home Manager. He has worked in the care sector for over 18 years and held various roles from carer to Home Manager; he brings with him a wealth of knowledge of caring for older people.


Sahr is passionate about delivering a high standard of person-centred care and transformational leadership. Sahr has completed Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, Level 4 NVQ in Leadership and Management for Care Services and Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care.


Sahr’s primary responsibilities include managing day to day smooth running of the home. Supervising and motivating team members to deliver high-quality services and ensuring the needs and aspirations of people who use the services are being met.


Justyna

Justyna Blajerska

Job Title: Operations Support Manager

Joined: 2022

Justyna joined Excelcare in October 2022 in the role of Residential Manager.


She is responsible for leading and managing the residential unit and Lavender lodge on all aspects of day-to-day business deliverables, including performance monitoring in relation to quality and best outcome for people who live in the home.


She has recently become our Operations Support Manager.


Gale

Gale Hills

Job Title: Business Manager

Joined: 2010

Gale has been with Excelcare for 14 years, appointed as Regional Administration Manager.


Gale was promoted to Business Manager in 2022. She is responsible for developing and engaging with team members to include Admin, Care, Domestic, Laundry and Catering services to the Home.


Suzanne

Suzanne Bennett

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2023

Suzanne joined Excelcare in 2023.
She works closely with the management team, receptionist to ensure the smooth running of administration within the home and help to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the home.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Willows Care Home

What types of Care is The Willows 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 The Willows Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Willows Care Home have?

There are 130 Single Rooms.

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

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Willows Care Home to the centre of Milton Keynes?

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