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 21-40
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

  • 62
  • 8
  • 1
  • 0
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Date Published

71
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Review from S J (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my dad had for the last year was amazing. All the staff are exceptionally caring. I would recommend Balgowan House to anyone looking for an excellent care home for themselves or a loved one. Thank you so much.

Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review. I will pass this on to the Balgowan Team.


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Review from T W (Grandson of Resident) published on 27 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandmother has been at the care home for over 2 months and she has settled in very well. She really enjoys the choice of a wide variety of home-cooked food. They regularly have singers and entertainment. Balgowan feels warm, with a homely atmosphere. The staff of all roles are friendly, caring and
treat people with dignity. We feel glad to know that she is safe and well cared for.

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Review from Laura R (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since joining Balgowan House my mothers well being and happiness have greatly improved.
My mother has always been reluctant to enter the care home setting and had very real concerns particularly as the first home she entered was very poor. However, my mother is now happy, able to communicate have regular
visitors and enjoy life. She clearly feels safe and welcome and enjoys the care and personally friendly approach of the staff.
Personal care is dignified and respectful. The food I understand is lovely with a really good degree of flexibility depending on needs and personal preferences.
My mother's health and happiness have been more stable since joining Balgowan and I and my family are very grateful for their care and time.

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Review from N C (Cousin of Resident) published on 10 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I (with help from my siblings) moved my elderly relative and his wife into a shared room in Balgowan House towards the end of February 2023. I am to date very satisfied with the care that is being provided for them and we as a family no longer need to worry about their welfare.
When I visited the home
with my sister for a viewing, we knew as soon as we walked through the door that our relatives would be happy living in the home and this has proved to be the case. The staff and management team are very friendly and have been providing the care that they both require.
The activities that are provided for the residents are excellent and special mention needs to be made for the wonderful King's Coronation celebrations that were laid on and thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.

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Review from B W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Balgowan House provides a very welcoming atmosphere for residents and visiting families. The staff are friendly and kind and always go out of their way to provide whatever my grandmother needs. The home is exceptionally clean, and the resident's bathrooms and bedrooms are always immaculate. The food
is fantastic, freshly cooked and catered to each person's needs. The staff are happy to help make each resident's room feel homely by putting up photos and pictures. I can't fault the care home at all, my grandmother is so lucky to be here and although moving into her first care home at 101 is emotionally a difficult step for her, the staff have been so kind and thoughtful to her and she is enjoying having a new lease of life with friendly residents and staff to chat to.

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Review from Andy H (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been a resident for over 2 years now and I cannot fault a single thing. The staff are friendly, hard-working and caring from the cleaners to the managers. Mum is happy to be there and I am so grateful she got a place there as she is well looked after.

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Review from Phil S (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the culture at Balgowan House, which is universally expressed by the staff, to be attentive, caring, friendly and competent. This was especially evident during the pandemic when, right from the start - when the proper response and mitigations were still unknown, the safety of the residents
was ensured by the early adoption of suspending visiting (except from outside, waving through the window!). At each stage of the relaxation of visiting restrictions, from wearing full PPE to just mask-wearing, the feeling was that decisions were being taken based on the correct science and official guidance.
But mainly Balgowan thrives because of a culture of kindness expressed by all the staff, senior and junior. So pleased that my mum got in!

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Grateful thanks to the kind and caring staff working in Balgowan House over the past 18 months before our mother died. Once Covid restrictions were lifted the atmosphere in the home was warm, friendly and as homely as it could be. The end-of-life care Mum received was excellent, compassionate and professional
for which I am most grateful. Good care when she needed it most.
Respectful and tolerant, the staff tried to give our mother the space and freedom to be herself. Cheerful, well-meaning and patient, there was usually someone around with a smile or with an arm to help her.
However, from the viewpoint of an infirm, elderly lady, deaf, with poor sight, reliant on routine, regular and predictable help, this was not always provided. Above all, I would stress that hearing aid management is as important as providing medication. Regrettably, most staff (not all) did not provide the time for adequate daily care and maintenance of hearing aids.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your review. Kind words and the hearing aid management will be addressed, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.


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Review from C M (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment on entering I was made to feel very welcomed. The staff are very attentive not only to the residence but to visitors alike. I've spoken to many of the relatives who all say the same our friends, our relatives, and our loved ones are looked after with compassion. During lockdown when
we were unable to visit we knew their spirits were kept high and shown how to face time. I know my friend is as happy as she can be.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review of the home and the staff.
It is very heartwarming to know that not only our residents feel the compassion we give, but families and friends do too.


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Review from I M (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When I visit my friend in the care home I am always impressed and delighted to find the staff very helpful and happy. The care home is very clean and well-maintained. There always seem to be activities for the residents to be involved in including garden parties etc.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review of the home and staff.


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Review from Paul D (Friend of Resident) published on 6 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Toilet facilities would benefit the residents who have difficulties sitting and standing, a toilet raiser would help.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you Paul for your review.
All reviews and comments are taken on board in order for us to improve services and are always very much appreciated.


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Review from Janine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management at Balgowan House have been absolutely wonderful. They have gone above and beyond to support my Mum and are so kind and patient. They are always happy to give me and my sister advice and support too. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the food is amazing! My mum has settled
so well and calls it "her hotel"! I just can't thank them enough for everything they have done.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

What a wonderful review! Thank you so much, Janine.


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Review from N D (Niece of Resident) published on 3 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff that I have met are wonderful! Always helpful and smiley and I know that some of them have taken extra time to spend with my aunt as she is bedbound and it is difficult for us to visit.
Her room is spotlessly clean is the rest of the home. the food she gets always looks delicious and is
specially prepared because of her dietary requirements. She even had a gluten free birthday cake made for her! Thank you all.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you. All the team at Balgowan take so much pride and care when looking after our residents. Whilst our first priority is always the residents it is also so rewarding when the families appreciate all the staff do to make each resident happy and cared for.


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Review from Gavin B (Son of Resident) published on 3 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Superb home, very caring and Mum has been happy for many years.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your kind review, Gavin. Much appreciated by the Balgowan Team


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Review from Vera L (Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been a resident in Balgowan House now for 2 and a half years. During that time I have received nothing but excellent care and attention. Neither have I ever heard any of the staff speak unkindly or rudely to anyone here. In difficult periods, eg: lockdown, they maintained the same quality of
care somehow. Despite many problems such as shortages of staff etc.
The food is good and plentiful and cleanliness is paramount. Entertainment is often there too. Balgowan is an excellent home locally and deserves it.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much, Vera. It is so rewarding to hear these lovely reviews from the residents themselves. We are so glad you are happy and well cared for by the Balgowan Team.


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Review from R K (Son of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father spent a contented period of two and a half years at Balgowan House. He regularly told me how lucky he was to be living there and how caring the staff were. Whilst his room was small, it was south-facing, and he enjoyed watching the sun go round. The facilities were good, including a bed with
sides that could be raised at night and an air mattress on the bed to prevent pressure sores. The food was varied, and he enjoyed it. One member of staff was particularly caring and helped Dad to contact me by FaceTime twice a week. All staff were sad to see Dad move to Lincolnshire.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind review; it is very much appreciated.


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Review from Elizabeth D (Friend of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Each time I visit my friend, I am well received by the staff. Always offered tea, biscuits or cake. Extremely relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind review. There is always tea, biscuits and cake ready for any resident or visitor who fancies them.


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Review from J F (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A very warm and caring home where my relative is well looked after.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind review; it is very much appreciated, and we are so glad you were happy with the service we provide.


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Review from Jillian N (Friend of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My overall opinion of the home is good. The staff and carers are, for the most part, kind, caring and helpful. The problem over the last months has been a shortage of staff (especially at weekends), which has an impact on everything. I feel that it's also not fair on the staff left to carry the load.
Recruitment of more staff is needed now.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your review. Hythe Care Homes are doing a massive recruitment push at the moment. As I am sure you are aware, care staff is a national shortage, not just locally, and we are doing everything to attract new members of the team.
We also really value the hard work our current staff are having to do in order to maintain the care. I am sure you will see this start to improve very soon.


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Review from J D (Wife of Resident) published on 23 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff are friendly and welcoming. My husband seems to have settled and never says anything about waiting to come home.

Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you, Jeanne, for your kind review. He always seems so content in the home, which is wonderful.


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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.

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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.