The Old Rectory

45/46 Old Tiverton Road, Exeter EX4 6NG
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9.8 30 Reviews
  • The Old Rectory, Exeter
The Old Rectory was rated overall 'Outstanding' CQC in May 2017, the home won the Best Care Team in the South West at the best Care awards, the home was finalist in the best care home manager and best activity coordinator at the Best Care awards, and a finalist in the national dementia awards for best activities coordinator. The home is a nationally accredited dementia Butterfly Kitemark home.

A fully functioning pub, a cafe and a cinema are recent additions to the home to enhance and promote a full and stimulating daily lifestyle

The home offers offers a graceful lifestyle in beautiful surroundings, near the Pinhoe region in Exeter retaining many of its original features, and is a Grade II listed building.

Considerably extended in recent years it offers predominantly modern purpose-built accommodation with most rooms on the ground floor which have views over the mature gardens. The Old Rectory has 47 places with three lounges, two dining rooms and two sunny conservatories.   

You may expect: A high standard of general nursing and residential care; An excellent choice of menu and good home cooking by the resident chef; Delightful mature gardens including a sunny courtyard with fountain; Views of bowling matches on the bowling green next door; Regular visits by hairdresser, aromatherapist and chiropodist; Fully fitted hairdressing salon and a library which can be used for private meetings; Ongoing programme of seasonal events.

Care Provided by The Old Rectory

  • Type of Service
  • Nursing Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 47 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Offered
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kerry Dempsey (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (43)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Stairlift
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
Total of 30, showing 1-20
9.8

The Old Rectory has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.843) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Old Rectory has 30 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Following a fall at home in late 2023, several weeks in hospital, and a month in a care home for assessment, it became clear that Dad was not going to be able to manage at home anymore, not least because his condition had progressed to the point where he was no longer able to speak. We were so relieved
to find The Old Rectory. Its cosy, homely atmosphere was a stark (and positive) contrast to some of the other places we had visited. The staff took time to learn about Dad and his likes/dislikes so he could have his coffee the way he had always liked it (he had always hated tea but the assessment place always gave him tea instead of coffee, then wondered why he wasn't drinking!). Dad's condition progressed more rapidly than expected, but the staff were so kind and caring. They kept us updated with his medical needs and were always welcoming when we visited. As he neared the end of his life it was so comforting that he could stay where he was, without having to go into hospital.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can't thank The Old Rectory team enough for their exceptional care and kindness to my dad and our family. From our first visit, the staff reassured us with their warmth and professionalism, making the difficult decision of moving Dad into care easier.
The nurses went above and beyond, offering compassionate
advice and expert care for his medical needs. The activity coordinators brought so much joy, encouraging Dad to participate in ways he never had before. Their personal touches, like remembering our names and sharing stories, truly meant the world to us.
Every team member was kind, attentive, and compassionate. Knowing my dad spent his final months feeling loved and cared for is a comfort I'll always hold onto. If you're looking for a place where your loved one will be treated with genuine care and respect, I wholeheartedly recommend The Old Rectory.

Reply from Sharon Way, Administrator at The Old Rectory

Thank you for your lovely comments, it was a pleasure to have known and cared for Dad.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was sent here when it was found her cancer treatment wasn't working and was for end-of-life care. This was January 2023, and she was there up till the time of her passing in June 2024. I can honestly say, the dedication, respect, and level of care we saw given is the best you could possibly
find anywhere. Mum never once asked about her house once she was there. It became home to her so quickly. The residents are constantly checked in on, to make sure they are OK, if not in a communal area, and asked if they need anything, regardless of whether it is that staff member's patient or someone else's. The whole atmosphere from the top to the bottom is that this is our home, and the residents are all family. When Mum was towards the end, you could see how upset they were at the thought of losing her, and more than a few tears were shed by the staff. I honestly cannot express in words the gratitude I have to them all for making her time there such a happy and contented one.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents spent their last months in The Old Rectory and passed away here. The level of love and care shown to not just them but the rest of the family was exceptional. Not just that but the entertainment, stimulation and fun provided enabled them to live their lives to the full right until the
end. We will always be so grateful to all the wonderful staff.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Old Rectory is not a modern deluxe home, it is old, cosy and comfortable. It oozes charm and interest. The staff will become like your family and will try to satisfy your requests however challenging. Their catering is excellent with cake and biscuits! You will certainly find things to do, a.m excercises,
p.m making fruit kebabs. One week you will be visited by birds of prey, the next, a python. They have every type of music and quizzes.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Old Rectory describes itself as more a 'household' than a 'care home' - and I would agree with this. We found it cosy, relaxed and happy. Mum lived there for 14 months. She had dementia, mobility and communication difficulties. During her time at The Old Rectory her speech, mobility and appetite
all improved. More importantly she felt loved and was happy - and loved the staff back. They responded to her love of music and dance so that there were many many times of fun and laughter for her. Unexpectedly my father became terminally ill during the last year and the staff were able to accommodate his wish to move into the room next door to Mum - bringing the family settee so that they could snuggle up together. As a family we were able to completely relax in the knowledge that all was well with our parents whilst in their care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Every member of staff showed my brother kindness, patience and understanding as his health deteriorated which we are sure eased his suffering. We always came away after a visit knowing that he was in the best hands and being well cared for.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unfortunately, due to health care needs which we could no longer meet at home, the decision was made that Mum needed specialist care. I visited a few homes but none stood out as much as The Old Rectory. After a chat with one of the lead nurses and a tour of the home, I knew straight away that this was
the place I wanted Mum to go. The Old Rectory has a lovely homely feel to it, no uniforms for staff, the place is decorated brightly, rooms with lots of natural light, fresh home cook meals and so many friendly staff. The process of getting Mum into the home was so simple and on the day of Mum's arrival immediately put my dad's mind at rest. This was the first time they had been apart for over sixty years, he left not in tears but knowing Mum was going to be well looked after. This opinion never changed. The staff team are amazing and do an incredible job. For looking after mum we say a massive thank you.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

When it became apparent, in late Autumn 2023, that my mum needed 24-hour care, my wife and I visited several homes with a view to covering this need. The Old Rectory stood out from all the other care homes we visited in a hugely positive way.
The whole atmosphere of The Old Rectory, from the moment
we entered, was friendly, helpful and very obviously focused on those being cared for. There were wonderful displays throughout the building and activities taking place involving those with a whole range of care needs and helping them all to feel part of the family. Interestingly, The Old Rectory is called a ‘household’ rather than a ‘care home’ and the difference was very evident.
Mum was looked after by extremely empathetic nurses and assistants who deserve a great deal of thanks for the way they looked after her every need. We can feel at peace in the knowledge that The Old Rectory was absolutely the best place for Mum to be for her final few weeks of life. Thank you all very much.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Unlike many other care homes, The Old Rectory is full of life! The staff here are extremely caring and kind, and the activities they put on are fantastic. Also, great idea to open a charity shop inside the home for residents to enjoy with tokens or for family members to purchase with real money! Special
mention to two particular members of staff for their exceptional care. It's so lovely knowing that my grandmother and late grandad are receiving/received amazing care. It's very well-staffed here, and they all really care.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad stayed at The Old Rectory for his final couple of months and I'm so glad he did. The building is well kept and managed to a very high standard. My dad was always kept clean and comfortable and attended to whenever needed. Genuine carers that really care. A great team that showed true kindness.
Always made us feel welcome during our visits and kept good communication with us which gave us reassurance that he was in the best hands. I cannot thank them enough.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad recently passed away at The Old Rectory (Exeter) having spent just over two years in their care with dementia. I cannot express my gratitude enough at the way they looked after him. He was shown kindness and respect at all times and all the carers and staff became his second family. Nothing was
too much trouble and they kept my brother and I updated with everything they felt we should know regarding his health. It's such a happy place and the residents are encouraged to take part in all sorts of activities. Families and friends are regularly updated with posts on a messenger group - lots of photos showing them all having a great time! My dad always looked well cared for; regular haircuts and clean-shaven and nutritious food were always on offer. At the end of my dad's life, they all showed great compassion and he passed away with dignity. I want to thank all the team for their love and support, not just for Dad, but for us too.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I cannot express enough how grateful we are as a family to all of the staff for their excellent care given to my father. The management, senior nurses, clinical leads, housekeeping, reception, activity coordinator plus day/night carers - all have equally played an instrumental part in this. As a family
who visited regularly, we were always welcomed and felt that communication was always good regarding what dad had been up to and his health status etc. This was still the case during the Covid outbreak and The Old Rectory was fantastic at facilitating visits whenever possible, which was such a huge relief. The activities put on for the residents are outstanding and my dad particularly enjoyed the singing. The Old Rectory is far from clinical and has a very warm and homely feel, which my dad enjoyed. We thank the senior nurses and clinical leads for making my dad's last few weeks as comfortable as possible and for being supportive during this difficult time for our family. My dad's dignity was maintained until the day he left us.

Reply from Rachel Fullard-Bell, Home Administrator at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your kind words Leigh, your Dad will be greatly missed within the home. We send our best wishes to you and all the family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stepmother was admitted with quite advanced dementia from another care home where she had fallen and broken her hip twice. Therefore, I was glad when she went to The Old Rectory. I felt she was in safe hands. She spent time in the living room and was given all the physical and emotional support she
needed. We were relieved about this. I was unable to visit very frequently due to living 270 miles away but spoke to the nurses. They kept me informed the whole time. She died aged 99 peacefully and well care for. I visited just before she died and was glad to see her clean and comfortable. The nursing staff were very supportive of me during this last visit when I was upset and emotional. I wish all the staff well in the future.

Reply from Rachel Fullard-Bell, Administrator at The Old Rectory

Thank you for your kind words, this is really appreciated. Best wishes to you and your family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I went to visit my aunt in The Old Rectory care home. The staff were very welcoming and caring. My aunt was in bed and when I arrived, they propped her up in bed so that she could see and talk properly. They asked me to ring the bell if I needed them. My aunt thought she might need toileting assistance
so I pressed the bell and 2 carers arrived after just a few minutes. The carers were friendly to my aunts. I liked the look and atmosphere of the care home. I asked my aunt if she liked the food there and she said yes. I am happy that my aunt is receiving good care at The Old Rectory.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been at the Old Rectory for nine months. The care that he has been given has been exemplary. The wonderful staff have got to know him really well, are good-humoured towards him, patient with his idiosyncrasies and treat him with the utmost dignity. I have been so impressed by the understanding
of him that they have gained. I am pleased that they are happy to share their practice with me and take what I say on board.
The food that he is given always looks tasty. The home is tidy, clean and never smells. The dementia unit is calm and quiet and all are alert to residents’ needs. Visiting during Covid has been difficult but staff have always tried to accommodate family as well as they can, especially when they have travelled from a distance. Staff on the phone are always courteous and willing to spend time discussing issues. As my husband’s dementia becomes more and more apparent, I have peace of mind that he is well cared for and is being kept comfortable and content.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and kindness that all the staff show my dad and all of the residents, is heartwarming. You can see that the staff love their jobs and this shines through in the genuine care and affection the team have for the residents. The videos and updates on social media are fantastic and it's so reassuring
to be able to see everyone enjoying themselves. The staff go out of their way to make it possible to speak to Dad, set up a video call or visit. The home has a positive atmosphere and feels like a big family.

Reply from Rachel Fullard-Bell, Home Administrator at The Old Rectory

Thank you so much for your kind words. We will be sure to pass this lovely message on to all of our staff members. Also thank you so so much for your extremely generous gift. Many thanks, Rachel Bell.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been resident in the Old Rectory for 18 months and I am really very pleased with the support and care that she gets there. Her needs with her dementia and mobility have been well managed. She likes the staff, the food and gets involved in the huge range of activities that take place in the
home - there's even been a pop festival! Communication from the home is good and there is a regular supply of photos via the Messenger group. She has a good-sized room which is ensuite (however, not all are). The Home has coped very well with the huge difficulties posed by Covid and have enabled visits and the opportunity for us to take Mum out of the home for visits to our home - something which she has loved. She was very poorly at one stage and the home enabled daily visits to her room. Although the Old Rec is a nursing home they have managed to build a friendly care home that doesn't feel like an institution but is a friendly and caring place.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The most important thing to our family is that my mum is very happy living at the Old Rectory, she never has anything to complain about, loves the staff, the food and enjoys all the activities, which are numerous. Having been transferred from hospital to there last year during the lockdown and never
seeing her old home again I expected at least some settling in problems but the staff were amazing, especially as I could have no input, due to covid. She got the love and family atmosphere that we could not give at the time. Words cannot express our thanks. Would recommend this home, without a doubt.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My late husband was a resident at the Old Rectory for only a short period of time. I was given a great deal of support and consideration, and the Care team were kind. The residents who were mobile seemed very happy, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Lots of activities and entertainments for
those who were able to ‘get around’, and the surroundings and outdoor areas felt ‘homely’. Due to the situation with my husband's health and the pandemic, he was unable to benefit from the facilities mentioned, and I cannot give a precise comment on the food and drink because he was on a restricted diet. However, it must be said that I was permitted to visit him twice a day at a time that was crucial to us both and difficult for the home and for that, I am especially thankful to the manager and also to her and the medical team at the care hjome who was all in full support in aiding me to get him home for his last few days.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.843)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.843) out of 10 for The Old Rectory 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 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.843 for The Old Rectory is calculated as follows: ( (119 Excellents x 5) + (20 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 140 Ratings = 4.843

  • 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 The Old Rectory is based on 12 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 47 registered maximum number of service users is 9.4, which has been reached with 12 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: 4 Jun 2020

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Outstanding
  • 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 (6)

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Meet the Team (2)

Kerry

Kerry Dempsey

Job Title: Home Manager - The Old Rectory Nursing Home

Joined: 2020

As of June 2020, Kerry Dempsey has taken on the role of Home Manager and Group Clinical Lead here at the Old Rectory Nursing Home and the Southern Healthcare group.


She is a Registered Mental Health Nurse and has worked in the NHS and social care sector for the past 30 years. She has experience in managing hospitals and care homes across the whole of the South West.


We are very excited to have her as a part of our team here, making use of her extensive knowledge of the care world as well as her bubbly self in and around the home.


Kerry is always welcome to any phone calls or emails if any relatives/friends would like to ever get in touch.


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Sharon Way

Job Title: Admin Assistant

Joined: 2023

Sharon is the Home Administrator at The Old Rectory Nursing Home.


She has been working at the Old Rectory since 2023


Sharon will be on hand to assist with any inquiries, and will happily be your first point of call. Sharon works closely with all departments, staff, residents, families, and professionals to ensure the smooth running of the home.


Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Rectory

What types of Care is The Old Rectory registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Sensory Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Old Rectory provide?

Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does The Old Rectory have?

There are 43 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Rectory?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Old Rectory to the centre of Exeter?

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