The Dower House Nursing Home

Springvale Road, Headbourne Worthy, Winchester SO23 7LD
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9.5 21 Reviews
  • The Dower House Nursing Home, Winchester
The Dower House is a purpose-built care home situated in beautiful grounds and gardens close to the historic city of Winchester and designed to cater for elderly people requiring standard residential or nursing care. Every bedroom has spacious en-suite toileting facilities, with five rooms having walk in shower facilities, a private telephone, free Wi-Fi and emergency call system. All permanent rooms are unfurnished and the team encourage residents to bring their treasured possessions from home, to make their room as homely as possible.

They offer high-class nursing care at a fixed price that does not change even if your care needs change.

All meals are cooked from fresh and local (when possible) ingredients. The kitchen team pride themselves in providing consistently high-quality meals which can be tailored to a resident's dietary needs.

The onsite laundry is in operation 7 days a week which provides residents with a quick and efficient service.

The home prides itself on having a professional, caring and considerate team of staff that will always go above and beyond to ensure their residents' comfort, safety and wellbeing. As you would expect from a family-owned and run company, they also provide a friendly, listening ear for residents’ loved ones, too.

A full and varied programme of activities is run throughout the week for residents to enjoy and participate in, such as speakers on various topics, recently they had talks on Tutankhamun, statues and monuments of London, and being a Zookeeper to name a few. The home also has a regular Pat Dog visits, musicians and quizzes to stimulate the mind.

The Dower House has a variety of amenities to offer, such as hairdressing salon, a quiet lounge, chargeable physiotherapy, and chiropody if requested, a small library and a lovely airy conservatory.

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Care Provided by The Dower House Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 43 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Owner
  • The Dower House Nursing Home LLP
  • Person in charge
  • Celia Bailey and Eleanor Abrams (General Manager and Matron)
  • Admission Criteria
    • No EMI
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (43)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 1989
    • Last Refurbishment: 2003
    • Number of floors: 2

Funding & Fees Guide for The Dower House Nursing 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 £2,252
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £2,300 – £2,321
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £2,500
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,500

  • This fee is reviewed annually.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Dower House Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Currently The Dower House is open as normal for visiting. This could change if Covid outbreak in the home.


  • Parking

  • Free parking is available at The Dower House


The Dower House Nursing Home Reviews (21)

Total of 21, showing 1-20
9.5

The Dower House Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.526) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Dower House Nursing Home has 21 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

21
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4
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11

Review from Ann J (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 96-year-old father came into The Dower House for initial respite care. I chose this home for him because of the reputation and having had bad experiences before with my mother's care I needed to choose carefully. Respite has now turned into permanent residency, the staff there have been absolutely
excellent supporting him and the Matron especially has been kind and considerate during what has been a very stressful time and a very difficult decision. I couldn't recommend this home enough, the gardens are magnificent. It's clean, tidy and the food is first class. I've seen such a difference in my father since he's been there. I am so grateful that they've taken some of the pressure from me. Thank you very very much.

Reply from Eleanor Abrams, Matron at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your very kind words, it is a privilege to support your father and you during this transition and difficult time.


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Review from K B (Son of Resident) published on 20 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home was welcoming to families and residents. A fantastic team took great care of my father enabling him to return to his home sooner than anticipated. Wonderful food and activities made this is a great place. Thank you to all.

Reply from Celia Bailey, Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. We hope your father's recovery continues well.


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Review from L M (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was cared for in a dignified and loving manner by all at The Dower House during her final years. The attention to detail and personal care was outstanding. I was given a bed in her room for her final days and all my needs were also met. The team go above and beyond to ensure comfort and care
for not only the residents but their families too.

Reply from Celia Bailey, Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind review. I am so glad that you felt that your needs were met alongside those of your lovely mother. We will all miss her greatly and we wish you and your family well for the future.


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Review from J S (Friend of Resident) published on 8 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This was my first visit to The Dower House. The overall impression was one of kindness to the clients, a very well-run organisation with plenty of smiling and happy staff members. We enjoyed a simple well generated and presented lunch. The grounds are beautiful and very well maintained.

Reply from Celia Bailey, Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

I am glad you enjoyed your visit to The Dower House and our lovely grounds. We look forward to welcoming you back.


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Review from Janie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father received end-of-life care at The Dower House Nursing Home. The love and care that was shown to him and us, as a family, were just exceptional. Thank you for making a difficult time a little easier.

Reply from Eleanor Abrams, Matron at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, we wish you and your family well.


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Review from Lee B (Husband of Resident) published on 25 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been staying at The Dower House Nursing Home now for the last two weeks and I must say the level of care is of the highest standard.
The accommodation is stunning and the food is of the highest level with a vast and varied menu to suit all. I sleep well knowing that my loved one is being
looked after and all her needs are being met to the standard I’d expect for someone who I love dearly.

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Review from Annie M (Resident) published on 30 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I booked into reception following a big operation on October 5th. I was very well looked after and after 10 days, went home much better.

Reply from Celia Bailey, General Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay at The Dower House and recovered well from your operation. We hope that you continue to recover back to full strength.


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Review from C W (Respite Resident) published on 9 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Very poor care caused by shortages of staff and much use of agency staff. No care plan was in place to help me recover from a total knee replacement, when I arrived and was only put in place when I asked for it. Very few staff who seemed to know what care I needed. Very little help was given to me to
wash and dress and no one checked if I needed help at night to get to bed. The level of care depended so much on staffing levels and who was on duty.

Reply from Celia Bailey, Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to bring your experience to our attention. Our aim is to always provide the best care to our residents whilst ensuring that their individual needs are met. We are sorry you feel this did not happen during your 14 night stay with us. We have written to you separately to address the issues you have raised in this review. We wish you all the best with your recovery.


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Review from Jennifer L (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When our father could no longer manage at home, the Dower House and its staff were more than we could have hoped for. The care our father received in such a beautiful “home” was amongst the best. The constant and complete care meant the world to our family, and him, right through to the end of his life.
Thank you so much for all that you do! Everyone we tell our story to knows what a special place The Dower House is.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make our father's last years more comfortable, and all the staff truly brightened his life. The team of carers helped him preserve his dignity and manage his failing health graciously and with courage. Those things mattered a lot to our father and we will always be grateful to all of you.
We truly appreciate all you did for our father but your care also extended to us his family. The care from every member of staff was excellent when we visited and was valued by us all - we were made to feel so welcome.

Reply from Celia Bailey, Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words. It was a privilege to look after your father, a true gentleman, who is very much missed by us all.


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Review from J P (Resident) published on 14 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I recuperated for two weeks in the Dower House Nursing Home after a hip operation. I made a fantastic recovery due to the kind and effective care I received, I never felt rushed or pressured. The food was delicious and easy to eat (cut into small portions). There were plenty of interesting leisure activities
laid on. The beautiful gardens helped to restore one's spirit. It was clean and well-run. All the staff had time and patience and there was a respectful, caring attitude with staff and residents. I can highly recommend this nursing home (medication and self-medication worked well).

Reply from Eleanor Abrams, Matron at The Dower House Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words, it was our pleasure to support and be a part of your recuperation.
We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay at The Dower House


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Review from S C (Respite Resident) published on 9 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was well cared for despite at times there being a shortage of staff. The staff were always helpful and kind. I had a really good stay. Thank you.

Reply from Celia Bailey, General Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

I am so pleased that you felt well cared for and had a good stay at The Dower House. Thank you for your kind words.


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Review from Ann L (Respite Resident) published on 17 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I had a most enjoyable stay at Dower House following an operation. Everyone was so kind and my room was comfortable and cosy. Thank you Dower House.

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Review from L T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 April 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum needed just a short 4-night stay while a new boiler was fitted. I needed her to be somewhere safe and warm. She was looked after extremely well, and will love to return for a longer 'holiday'.

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Review from P S (Wife of Resident) published on 12 November 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband, who suffers from cognitive impairment, is very content during his occasional week's stay at the Dower House. He finds the atmosphere pleasant, the staff polite, caring, helpful and the accommodation excellent.

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Review from D B (Respite Resident) published on 14 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

During my second short stay, I felt very well looked after by the professional and friendly staff and on returning to my home felt refreshed and rested.

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Review from A N (Resident) published on 15 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On two mornings, no coffee.
On one morning, no breakfast.
Weekend cover is not adequate.
Cheeky to charge for a telephone which is not used as clients have their own smartphones.

Reply from Philippa Thompson, General Manager at The Dower House Nursing Home

I spoke with this gentleman who said that he was so used to our excellent service that when breakfast was slightly delayed he enquired as to where it was, and it came immediately. Coffee is never left in a residents room to become cold, we always check to make sure the resident is available so their coffee is hot. On knowing that he had returned to his room, coffee was promptly delivered. I am delighted that he confirmed to me that he thoroughly enjoyed his stay and the scores he has kindly given The Dower House reflect the excellent service we provide.


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Review from Belinda B (Respite Resident) published on 26 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

To stay in The Dower House is like being in a first class hotel with friends. The staff took good care of me and I had a lovely rest after my major surgery. They could not have been more helpful. My only criticism is that if I had had to stay longer for my respite care I might have got rather bored.
I am normally a very active person and although the 'House' provided some films and a piano recital, there was no group class in painting or craft whilst I was there.

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Review from Shelia P (Respite Resident) published on 1 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Had a very happy stay at The Dower House after my hip operation. Lovely staff and food in the garden was delightful.

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Review from Hazel W (Wife of Resident) published on 25 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone was very helpful and looked after my husband very well. Thank you.

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Review from Claire H (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We were delighted with the care which was given to my mother during her 18 months in the nursing home and particularly in her last few weeks there. The staff were so loving and gentle with her and ensured that she was always comfortable and pain free. They also ensured that all the family were supported.
We could visit at any time, even stay overnight, and were always welcomed.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.526)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.526) out of 10 for The Dower House Nursing 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 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 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 4.626 for The Dower House Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (92 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 115 Ratings = 4.626

  • 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 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Dower House Nursing Home is based on 9 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 = 3.9

    • 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 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 9 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: 29 Nov 2019

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.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (2)

Celia

Celia Bailey

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2021

As the General Manager of The Dower House Nursing Home, I firmly believe that every resident should be involved in all decisions relating to their care and should have as many opportunities as possible to live life as actively and independently as they choose. Whilst ensuring they receive the highest quality nursing care when needed.


As the Manager, it is also my responsibility to ensure the service is running in accordance with the various laws pertaining to running a care home – primarily, regulation from the CQC under their inspections framework and equally importantly, for the Health and Safety management of the building and all the safety regulations relating to it.


I am supported in this role by our Matron, who oversees all the medical needs of our residents and manages the RGNs and Carers.


Eleanor

Eleanor Abrams

Job Title: Matron

Joined: 2022

I joined the Dower House Nursing Home as Matron and registered manager in September 2022. I have had a full and varied nursing career for just over 40 years in the NHS and Private sector.


As the Matron of The Dower House Nursing home, I firmly believe that every resident should receive personal-centred care and be involved in all decisions relating to their care. All residents should have the opportunity to live life as actively and independently as they choose. Whilst ensuring they receive the highest quality nursing care when needed.


As the Matron, it is also my responsibility to ensure the clinical services are run in accordance with the various quality standards and governance pertaining to running a Nursing home – regulation from the CQC under their inspection’s framework.


I am supported in this role by a great team, ensuring the highest standards of care and service are delivered.


My door is always open if you have any questions or queries.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Dower House Nursing Home

What types of Care is The Dower House Nursing Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Respite Care, Physical Disability & No Medical Intervention are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Dower House Nursing Home provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Physiotherapy, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Dower House Nursing Home have?

There are 43 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Dower House Nursing Home?

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

How far is The Dower House Nursing Home to the centre of Winchester?

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