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 81-100
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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Review from Susan S (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I and my family would like to thank all the staff for there kind and loving care of our mother during her stay of 2 years. High standard of cleanliness and personal hygiene were given and always with dignity,

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

Dear Susan, thank you for your kind words. I will be sure to pass your thanks onto the manager and the team. Best wishes, Fae


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Review from Pauline H (Resident) published on 21 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have enjoyed every day on the unit.

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

Dear Pauline, thank you for your feedback. It is wonderful to hear that you are content with us here. I will be sure to pass that onto the team. Best wishes, Fae


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Review from Karen S (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Really good.
Mum is back in now and was here in the summer and I have fought to get her back here as they did so much for her last time.
Staff all great!

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

Dear Karen, thank you so much for your kind words - it is great to hear how pleased you are with the care provided at Watlington. I will be sure to pass your feedback onto Julie and the team. Best wishes, Fae.


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Review from Sally H (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is a wonderful care home. The staff are absolutely brilliant and my mum could not be anywhere better. The home is very well run and it is a pleasure to visit.

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

Dear Sally, thank you so much for your lovely review - I will be sure to pass your kind words onto Julie and the team at Watlington. Best wishes, Fae


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Review from Pamela B (Resident) published on 10 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is a fantastic place. It's like being part of a family. They are so kind, they attend to all your needs. Nothing is too much trouble. My children say it's like an inclusive holiday hotel.

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

Dear Pamela, thank you for your kind words. It is really wonderful to hear how settled and happy you are at Watlington - your feedback is invaluable to future residents and their families. Best wishes, Fae


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Review from Angie C (Niece of Resident) published on 21 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle has been at Watlington since February 2018 after we moved him from another home as it was too far from us to travel and we were his only visitors. The care from being picked up at the old care home door to take him to Watlington has been second to none. The driver was helpful and very friendly.
On arrival, everyone greeted us as though they knew us. From cleaners to the receptionist. This has never ceased. The only thing that annoys us is we didn't move him sooner. I cant recommend this home enough. It's amazing.

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

Wow - what a lovely review, thank you for taking the time Angie! Your feedback is invaluable to us, and to the families of our potential residents. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the manager and the team. Best wishes


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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 21 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been looked after in an extremely professional and sympathetic way. His needs have always been met and he appears happy and relaxed in his environment.

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

Dear David, thank you so much for taking the time to review Watlington, your feedback is invaluable to us. I will pass your kind words onto the manager and the team. Best wishes


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Review from W C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am happy my mother is in a safe and secure environment and her health and welfare has improved since she became a resident.
Although she says she wants to go home I feel this is the best home for her needs.

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

Thank you for your kind words about Watlington. We know how difficult the transition into care can be for both our residents and their loved ones so we are happy to hear that your mothers health has improved. I will pass this onto the manager and the team. Best wishes.


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Review from Derek J (Respite Resident) published on 18 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay here has been without exception marvellous. I could not have been in a better place. The care and attention was excellent.

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

Dear Derek, Thank you for such a lovely review. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time at Watlington; you are more than welcome to visit anytime to catch up with our residents and wonderful team. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the manager and her team. Best wishes


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Review from Angela O (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 21 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was a very good experience. All aspects of my care and wellbeing were taken care of in a caring and professional manner. My mobility issues were tackled and when I went home, I was able to mobilize in a safe way. All the staff, care, facilities, food and activities were of the highest standard.

Reply from Sophie Middleton, PR Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review Angela - it is wonderful to read such comments and I am so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Kind regards, Sophie Middleton.


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Review from R D (Resident) published on 24 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff very kind - patience outstanding.
Encouragement from OT and physio without anything other than encouragement to do every step and be positive.

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Review from Patricia L (Resident) published on 13 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff were extremely pleasant, helpful and supportive. I had a lovely rest and was very well looked after.

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Review from Diana B (Resident) published on 11 September 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was horrified to be taken to a Care Home. I was very upset and just did not want to be there. Didn’t know I was in a rehab unit. After an hour I realised what a lovely place with wonderful caring staff. Everywhere is very tastefully furnished and all my visitors, and I had lots, commented on how
clean, tidy and no smell as you walk through the door.
Excellent food with a good choice on the menu and nicely served.
Very impressed with the long-standing staff and all employed by Watlington...only the odd agency staff occasionally. I can’t believe as I pack my case to go home and look back at the last six weeks that I actually admit I have enjoyed my stay. Definitely due to the team of brilliant staff. I can’t thank them all enough.

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Review from Sheila H (Resident) published on 25 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the care I have received excellent.
All the staff are very helpful and are always cheerful. Nothing is too much trouble.
I found the catering very good.

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Review from Jaqunette H (Relative of Resident) published on 12 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being a qualified social worker for over 23 years, I am so pleased with the care provided to my aunt. She always looked comfortable and was treated with respect and dignity. The room was airy and calm. All the staff were kind, patient and respectful. I have seen my share sadly of appalling care and
so pleased that your care was outstanding.

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Review from A S (Resident) published on 4 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience of staying in this care home has been wonderful. From the doctors right down to the cleaners, nothing is too much trouble for them.

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Review from Joan W (Resident) published on 27 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care and attention from staff and carers.
Superb food.

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Review from Eileen B (Resident) published on 4 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I consider myself extremely privileged to be sent to Watlington and District Nursing Home. I had fallen in my kitchen and broke my pelvis, diagnosed by the hospital in Oxford.
My home was considered unsuitable for me to return with my injury. I was transferred to Watlington and have been so very happy
here. The staff are all exceptional. The kindness, care and encouragement one cannot praise sufficiently.

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Review from Deborah E (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident in the dementia unit for six months and I have been so happy and reassured by the care she has received. She transferred from another care home and had lost a lot of weight, was very distressed and depressed. Rapidly my mother was eating, was clean and cared for, thanks
to the care and concern shown.
The nurses are great at communicating with family and in keeping us up to date with her health and well-being. Both nurses and carers are really kind and make us feel she has a very personalised care from them. This is an outstanding set of staff and manager who together form a highly effective and caring team.
My mother was assisted today with a hospital appointment. Transport from the home and accompanying staff were very considerate, making this potentially stressful situation much better than I had anticipated.
I have spent ages searching for a place like Watlington, and am so thankful that my mother is able to benefit from the wonderful care they give.

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Review from D R (Respite Resident) published on 23 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Everyone was very helpful. The food was very nice, with choices for each meal.
Christmas entertainment was excellent.
All the patients were very friendly.

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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.

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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.