Balgowan House

46 Bartholomew Lane, Hythe CT21 4BX
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9.8 71 Reviews
  • Balgowan House, Hythe
Balgowan House is a well-established nursing home located close to the centre of Saltwood village near Hythe in Kent. The building has recently been extended and refurbished (completed 2016) to provide warm, welcoming and comfortable accommodation for up to forty residents.

Balgowan House is able to offer single or shared occupancy with the option of en-suite facilities in accommodation provided over two floors with two lifts giving access to all areas.

Residents are able to personalise their own rooms and enjoy the spacious and comfortable social areas, well-kept gardens, a sheltered patio and a conservatory.

Nursing and care assistants are available throughout the day and night, with call systems in bedrooms that add to residents' sense of security, and home-cooked meals supporting the pursuit of good health and nutrition.

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Care Provided by Balgowan House

  • 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 40 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Cancer Care
  • Epilepsy
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Ann-Marie Miles (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 50+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (34)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2016

Funding & Fees Guide for Balgowan House

  • All fees are dependent on care needs assessment.

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Balgowan House welcomes visitors at any time.


  • Parking

  • Parking is available in the car park as well as unrestricted parking in Bartholomew Lane.


Balgowan House Reviews (71)

Total of 71, showing 1-20
9.8

Balgowan House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.776) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Balgowan House has 71 reviews.

Overall Experience

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very satisfied with the care, attention and management. Very good atmosphere. I visit every day.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

We really do appreciate your feedback. Thank you.


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Review from M C (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 17 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A nice nursing home but very busy. Staff very friendly but it's a waiting game especially at weekends if you need attention. I could do with more exercise with walking.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

We always appreciate feedback and will endeavour to work with residents and family members to address any issues raised.


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Review from G S (Wife of Resident) published on 10 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel the care manager operates an excellent, hands-on approach and is supported very well by all carers and support staff.
Residents are looked after well with their various, often complex needs being met.

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Review from Lance S (Husband of Resident) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I arrive the staff are always helpful and pleasant. My wife appears comfortable and not anxious. The staff are always very pleasant and my wife is always clean. Thank you.

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Review from Clive E (Resident) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been here for about three weeks and found the whole experience to be first-class. I am very happy and comfortable.

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Review from J S (Resident) published on 4 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On an overall experience, I would give Balgowan House 11/10. Excellent home.
Lovely staff, very helpful in every way.
Good home.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind words. We are so pleased that you are happy at Balgowan.


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Review from B L (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Normally the food is excellent. The vegetables are soft to eat and things are chopped small but when the cover cook is on, we notice the difference. I've noticed that lots of food goes in the bin then whereas usually, everything gets eaten. The staff are really helpful and kind, especially the activities
coordinator.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your review. We always strive to provide an excellent, varied diet for all our residents. Your views are very important to us.


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Review from Cecil H (Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have only been here a few months but I could not overrate my experience here, I have received all the attention that I have needed.
I am here because I had a fall, my son decided I needed 24/7 care which he could not give me.
A special note on the food, excellent. I am 97 years old but still very
alert.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you, Cecil, for your comments and we are so happy that you are finding life at Balgowan enjoyable.


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Review from Sharon S (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It seems to be an excellent home. The lounge is very bright and clean and my dad's bedroom is clean and pleasant. The staff members I have met have been friendly and nice to my dad, which is important. I wish there were more members of staff though. I am hoping that my dad will be able to come down
to the lounge soon and that we will be able to take him our in the warmer weather. He just needs to be able to walk again.

Reply from Ann-Marie Miles, Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your review, we really do appreciate it.


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Review from Sheila D (Wife of Resident) published on 7 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very happy home. Very caring and clean. I wouldn't want my hubby to be anywhere else.

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Review from Robert T (Cousin of Resident) published on 24 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On my last visit as always, the staff was very welcoming with directions seating beverages etc.
The standard of care offered to my cousin is of the highest standard and this is reflected in her appearance and
remarks.
Activities seem to be a common feature adding to her overall feeling of health
and security and this is reflected in pictures of her involvement within the community.
Thanks to all staff.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of the care and home in general.


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Review from Vivienne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother first came to Balgowan House in January, initially for respite but after going into hospital she returned as a permanent resident. The staff here are all brilliant, very kind and caring, making sure all my mother's needs are met with professionalism and prompt administration. Communication
between the home and the families is great, nothing is too much trouble. I would highly recommend this home to anyone looking to place a loved one.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for such a lovely review of the wonderful care at Balgowan.


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Review from S D (Son of Resident) published on 21 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On all visits to the nursing home, we have found it clean and tidy in both communal areas and resident's room. All staff are very caring and attentive to their residents and make us feel welcome. Staff always keep us informed of relative's health and well-being. Nice to see there are plenty of activities
planned to keep residents healthy, both mentally and physically.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your fantastic review. It is always so rewarding to hear such positive feedback.


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Review from Julie N (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been at Balgowen House for about six months now. She is very well looked after, everybody knows who she is and when we visit we are made very welcome.
Balgowen House is very well run, the staff are always happy, popping their heads into Mum's room checking in on her and asking if we are
ok. Her room is very clean and tidy as are the lounge and dining area and there is always somebody around if we need them.
Finally, we are always kept informed on everything concerning Mum which is much appreciated.
Thank you to the manager and all her team for everything you do.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you very much for your lovely review of the home and the team.


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Review from Toni H (Father of Resident) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was not in a good place of mind or health when admitted to Balgowan House from the hospital. Although his health will not improve and is gradually deteriorating, the nursing care staff are lovely and very good with him, and he is so much happier in himself for being there and being well looked
after.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to the whole team when their input has made a difference.


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Review from Lorraine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you for everything you have done for my mother. It was a very difficult decision to make, but with the manager's help, above and beyond to have Mum transferred into the safety of Balgowan after spending six months in hospital - I can’t thank you enough.
All the staff are wonderful; they have
made the transition so much easier for us as a family.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind review. We are so glad you are happy with everything at Balgowan.


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Review from Jane L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am extremely pleased with the standard and quality of care my mum receives at Balgowan House. It is a very well-managed home that has a professional yet homely atmosphere. Communication with families is good. Mum’s care plan is reviewed regularly and evolves according to her changing needs. The nutrition
is carefully planned and food is excellent. There is a varied programme of enjoyable events for residents which promote: social interaction, health and well-being, reminiscing and recall, mental engagement, gentle physical activity, fine motor skills, creativity and singing and perhaps most importantly, laughter. Above all, the compassion and kindness of the hard-working team is superlative. Nursing staff are knowledgeable and always available. Carers and support staff work tirelessly and cheerfully to meet the residents' needs. Each resident is known well by all staff in this relatively small home. This promotes a family atmosphere in which residents and their loved ones are valued.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for a very kind review. It is very rewarding for our team to hear such positive feedback.


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Review from Roy W (Brother of Resident) published on 12 December 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister has been in Balgowan for nearly three years. In all that time, she has been treated with the utmost care dignity and respect. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend this care home.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you very much for your very kind review of Balgowan House.


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Review from Paddy Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was in pretty poor shape when admitted to Balgowan House. To comply with her wishes we had tried using an enhanced package of care at home, but this failed miserably as her needs were too great. Over the past nine months her condition has steadily improved. Generally she is so much better
physically, but also her sharpness of wit has returned, much to the delight of the family. The staff at Balgowan go over and above when it comes to care and inclusivity, for which we are very grateful. My mother has just celebrated her 100th birthday and again Balgowan turned up trumps, making it easy for our (rather large) family to be present for that day and to celebrate this special occasion.
My mother is always treated with dignity and kindness and as her family, we feel we can always make enquiries about her without feeling we are being intrusive. My sister and I are so very grateful for the care our mother is receiving and that she is happily settled at Balgowan.

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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful care home with lovely, dedicated caring staff, including the catering staff who provide an excellent variety of nourishing meals. My mum has been a resident for nearly two years, completely bedbound and it’s a tribute to the level of care she receives that she is still with me. Thank you to
all the team at Balgowan, who work with a combined effort to achieve a shared goal.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.776)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.776) out of 10 for Balgowan 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 27 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 27 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 4.776 for Balgowan House is calculated as follows: ( (246 Excellents x 5) + (62 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 312 Ratings = 4.776

  • 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 Balgowan House is based on 27 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 27 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: 16 Jan 2020

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 (0)

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Meet the Team (5)

Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Miles

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2016

I qualified as a State Enrolled Nurse in 1983 and later as a Registered General Nurse in 2002, gaining both clinical and management experience within the NHS in both hospital and district nursing environments.


I was appointed to the position of Registered Home Manager of Balgowan House in May 2018 having previously been Registered Manager at another Kent care home.


My time at Balgowan has been incredible and have an amazing team and wonderful residents.


Barbara

Barbara Kelly

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I qualified as a registered Mental Nurse in 1981 gaining experience in a large psychiatric hospital, I then completed my general nurse training in 1985 qualifying in 1986. I worked in a large general hospital in Paisley in both Orthopaedics and General surgery and then moved to Kent in 1989. After moving to Kent I managed a small nursing home for 12 years and then worked for Social services for 15 years as a Care manager and Senior Practitioner.
I joined the Balgowan Team in 2016 as deputy Manager and enjoy working with my colleagues to help run the home.


Cassandra

Cassandra Williams

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2000

Cassie Williamson started a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies in 1997, she worked in various roles before joining Balgowan House in March 2000 as a Health Care Assistant (NVQ 3). Cassie very much enjoyed the role and remained in the post for 15 years. In 2015 the Home Manager introduced a new administration role and she was quickly identified as the perfect candidate.


Cassie is a major support to the Home Manager and everything she does is integral to the day-to-day running of the home. The role is extremely busy, but Cassie enjoys the challenges and variety each day brings. Cassie may now be doing the admin work, but she still spends time interacting with the residents and getting involved in the home’s activities and events. She is a very valued member of the Balgowan team.


Maureen

Maureen Cullen

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Mo is the activities Coordinator for Balgowan House.


She ensures that every resident has interaction and activities each day.


All residents are considered when activities are planned - from arts and crafts to music to events.


Outside entertainers are a regular feature here at Balgowan and family and friends are always welcome.


Cathy and Bev

Cathy and Bev

Job Title: Chef Cook

Cathy has worked for Integrum since 2012, first at Saltwood full time, then here at Balgowan full time. She also is bank Chef between all 3 homes as and when required.


Bev has worked for Balgowan since 2016, first as a carer sometimes helping with the cooking, now just cooking part time!


They pride themselves on cooking, fresh home cooked food for the residents.


Frequently Asked Questions about Balgowan House

What types of Care is Balgowan House 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 Balgowan House provide?

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

How many Rooms does Balgowan House have?

There are 34 Single Rooms and 3 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Balgowan House?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, 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 Balgowan House to the centre of Hythe?

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