Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Hill Road, Watlington OX49 5AE
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9.9 131 Reviews
  • Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington
Watlington is a stunning home in a rural village, with spectacular gardens overlooking the Chiltern Hills. But it’s the outstanding CQC rated team (April 2019) and the care they provide which makes it special.

So many of the team, who provide residential, dementia, nursing, palliative and pre-bookable respite care, have been at Watlington for over 10 years.

They are passionate about getting to know who their residents are as unique individuals, the things that matter most to them and bring them joy. And the loved ones of residents are very much embraced into life in the home, giving it a warm, family feel.

There are so many activities to enjoy, from trips out into the community in the home’s minibus, to music, baking, animal visits and games on the Magic Table. This is an amazing piece of technology where residents play interactive games together.

And the surroundings at Watlington are very special. The gardens, which include an orchard, water feature and magnificent lawns, go all the way around the home. The bedrooms and communal lounges and dining rooms have beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. And there are often Red Kites flying above.

There is a beautiful, light and airy orangery. And there are large lounges to relax in with family and friends, who are welcome to visit at any time.

The home also has a hairdressing salon, for regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

The residents enjoy delicious home-cooked meals in the dining room, with freshly baked cakes served every day with afternoon tea.

Run by not-for-profit Sanctuary Care, the home is situated close to local shops and restaurants and has a neighbouring GP surgery.

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Care Provided by Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • 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 60 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Julie Cooper (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Watlington & District Residential and 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 £1,466
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £2,034
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,466

  • Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1466 and for nursing care £2034, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.


    *If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home Reviews (131)

Total of 131, showing 21-40
9.9

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10, based on 50 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 131 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from A T (Respite Resident) published on 27 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I spent one-week having respite care after an operation. This care home is five-star in every aspect. All members of staff are smiley, friendly and totally professional. I would recommend this care home to anyone needing respite or longer-term care.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review of Watlington, we are delighted to hear you were so happy with your stay and welcome you back if you ever need respite or any type of care or support in the future.


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Review from Sheila H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was in Watlington for almost 5 weeks the care was amazing the kindness and love they showed her made life easier for the family, but also the kindness they showed us was lovely nothing was too much trouble kept us informed about everything even when she passed away they were super can't thank
them enough very special home.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review, especially written at such a difficult time. The team are certainly very special and we are so pleased they could be there to support you, they will be touched to read your comments.


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Review from C M (Nephew of Resident) published on 17 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent in all respects. Pleasant and caring. Atmosphere was peaceful and homely. I have rated food and drink and activities as excellent, although the resident was not well enough to benefit from this. Everything looked perfect though. Most grateful for everything. Many thanks.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review of Watlington, the team will be proud to read your kind words.


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Review from Michael B (Husband of Resident) published on 30 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot fault the experience I have during my visits or the care my wife receives. The staff are welcoming, efficient and very professional. All of my wife's needs are catered for very well and I am kept fully informed of the ongoing situation. The residence resembles a very comfortable, beautifully
kept hotel, well furnished, light, bright, clean and tidy. My wife could not be in a better place.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five star review for Watlington, the team will be delighted to hear your kind words about your wife's care.


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Review from Martin F (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 12 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very impressed, particularly with the nursing staff and other staff in general. I confidently recommend care in Watlington.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five-star review of Watlington, the team will be delighted to read your comments.


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Review from E B (Next of Kin) published on 11 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was next of kin for an elderly lady who lived at Watlington & District Nursing Home for the last seven years of her life. She was not able to walk for most of the years at the home. She had Alzheimer's which means she often thought she could go home. She was confused in time and place. The home was
very kind and patient and made my friend feel safe and cared for despite her disabilities and worries.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five-star review of Watlington, the team will be delighted to read your comments.


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Review from David T (Friend of Resident) published on 10 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A good experience visiting our teacher.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review for Watlington, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit and the team look forward to welcoming you back again soon.


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Review from Chris M (Friend of Resident) published on 10 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A lovely residential environment and one which I would greatly appreciate when I'm older. We've been very well looked after by the staff, and had an excellent lunch.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five star review for Watlington, the team are certainly very special.


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Review from P J (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have shown incredible diligence and sensitivity caring for my mother through a life-threatening condition, hospital admission and return to the nursing home on a palliative care basis. Despite not eating and in a delirium, nursing staff have nursed her to a position where she is enjoying meals
and able to participate in the life of the home as much as she is able, despite having advanced Alzheimer's/vascular dementia and co-morbid physical problems.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review for Watlington, the team will be delighted to read your comments about your mother's care.


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Review from N C (Wife of Resident) published on 12 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my husband has been at Watlington District Residential and Nursing Home, he has always been treated with dignity and respect. The staff have been very supportive and helpful whenever I have had any concerns or questions, particularly around finances.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five-star review for Watlington and District Residential and Nursing Home, the team certainly are passionate about supporting loved ones as well as their residents.


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Review from Sandra K (Wife of Resident) published on 5 March 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has Lewy Bodies Dementia. The thing I was so relieved 1with the kindness and care from everybody in the team. Also, most of the staff had been working there for a long time, which speaks volumes. Plus, they kept the dementia people on the ground floor, which most nursing homes do not.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review for Watlington; the team are certainly very special there, and indeed, the fact that so many have been there for such a long time speaks very highly of the home.


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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic care, can't fault it.

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Review from R D (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was very well organised and conducted very professionally and thoroughly. Everything was discussed in detail with lots of time to ask questions. It wasn't rushed and I was able to raise any issues. Thank you!

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Review from V R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful calm environment and always spotlessly clean. The carers are so attentive to my father's needs, ensuring he is always comfortable and safe. And excellent at communicating any concerns. A great team.

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Review from Chris B (Son of Resident) published on 29 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A well-organised and run care home. Both I and other visitors to the resident are pleasantly received, and every effort is made to accommodate visiting times. The residential areas are clean and comfortable, the decor is in good order, and entirely free of unpleasant odours. The care of the staff is
adapted to residents' needs and is always given with a positive and cheerful demeanour. The needs of the resident are discussed regularly with me (as next of kin) and communication is both relevant and clear. Despite being confined to bed or a chair for at least a year now, my mother shows no signs of distress. My mother is not really able to join in activities but is nevertheless helped to participate in those requiring only passive attendance. I have a sense of confidence which allows me to get on with my life.

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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care home always spotlessly clean. Staff all very kind and supportive.
Felt like a big family, with a big hug. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
I have recommended to friends for their family members.

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Review from Hetty M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother passed away in August having spent the last 2.5 years in Watlington & District Nursing Home. I cannot fault her care. She suffered from debilitating dementia which was awful to witness. The staff were always patient and kind, despite her aggression. The home was always bright and clean and
you were always greeted warmly by all the staff. I live over 250 miles away but the staff maintained a high level of communication. Mum always looked pretty - her hair and nails done! I cannot thank the staff enough for nursing and caring for Mum in her latter years with such dignity.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about the team at Watlington. We are sorry for your loss and are proud to hear that the team provided such wonderful care for your mother.


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Review from Maureen O (Wife of Resident) published on 2 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whatever time of day of visit my husband is always clean and happy. The staff are polite, happy, and always helpful.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words about our fabulous team at Watlington & District Nursing Home.


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Review from Alison P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sadly we were only at Watlington for four days but it was the most supportive and professional experience during very sad times. All the staff were polite, helpful and respectful, they could not have done more to make the last few days of Mum's life any better for her or us as a family.
The pre-admission
experience was equally as professional, we did have challenges with the authorities but the home supported me, and gave help and advice whenever possible. I only have praise and thanks for everyone.

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Review from M A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 7 September 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The room was excellent and the staff were very lovely and helpful. I much appreciated their help when I wanted to walk to the dining room as my walking is important to me. The food was mostly excellent. However, I find it quite lonely as I miss my friends and family.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your lovely words. It is brilliant to hear that you are happy with your room and our home-cooked meals! We do know it can be quite a difficult transition moving, however our doors are always open for visitots and our team are here for you too. Best wishes, Fae


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.864)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.864) out of 10 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 50 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 50 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 4.864 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (518 Excellents x 5) + (63 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 589 Ratings = 4.864

  • 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 Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on 50 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 50 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: 19 Apr 2019

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Outstanding

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 (9)

Julie

Julie Cooper

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2005

Julie has worked at Watlington and District Nursing Home for nearly two decades, proudly leading her devoted team to their CQC 'Outstanding' rating in 2019.


Julie has a very loyal and long-serving team, who are passionate about enriching the lives of their residents each and every day.


Samantha

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2020

Samantha has been working as a care assistant since 2020 and loves making her residents smile.


Quenie

Quenie Pastrana

Job Title: Nurse

Joined: 2022

After working with us at Watlington since 2022, it now feels like home for our registered nurse Quenie.


Leila

Leila Verran

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2010

Leila loves helping people and has been our administrator for over a decade at Watlington.


Maggie

Maggie Lloyd

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2005

Maggie has nearly worked at Watlington for an amazing 20 years and loves the family feel to the home.


Hassa

Hassa Belarhino

Job Title: Nurse

Joined: 2022

Hassa has worked with us since 2022 and really enjoys caring for our residents. She says Watlington is a lovely home to work and live in.


Marion

Marion Stevens

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2004

Marion has also worked at Watlington for nearly two decades. She says Watlington is such a happy place to be, and her residents and fellow colleagues are just the best.


Billi-Jo

Billi-Jo Stone

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2019

Billi-Jo loves to make her residents happy and is passionate about her role as a care assistant.


Samantha

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2020

I really love making our residents smile.