The Willows

Nevin Road, Blacon, Chester CH1 5RP
Submit a Review
8.4 19 Reviews
  • The Willows, Chester
The Willows is a purpose-built, single-storey care home situated in Blacon (a residential area of Chester) and provides care to frail older people and those living with dementia. The historical city of Chester and beautiful Welsh countryside are close by and can be appreciated on day trips.

The service is wholly focused on delivering a person-centred approach to caring for people, with an emphasis on dignity, choice and independence. The service is provided 24-hours a day by RGN and RMN nurses (trained in mental health and general nursing) and supported by a highly proficient care team.   

The home encourages each resident to view the Willows as their home; with personalisation of bedrooms readily encouraged and any special requests for residents' comfort being considered.

Entertainment and activities are provided on a daily basis and meet the needs and requests of the residents. Entertainers are booked regularly to perform in the home and family/friends are welcome to attend. Where possible, any specific hobby or activity will be accommodated.

Show The Willows on the Map

Care Provided by The Willows

  • Type of Service
    • Nursing Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 73 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Laura Blythe (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • No restrictions apply, admission is decided on a case by case basis
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (65)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (4)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Number of floors: 1

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • People move into the Willows as their permanent home and it is promoted as such to residents and their family & friends. Accordingly, visits are welcome at anytime (the home does however requests that visits at meal times and late evening are avoided wherever possible) and visitors are welcome to use the quiet lounge or join in with the residents in any of the organised activities.


  • Parking

  • There is sufficient on-site parking but, should all spaces be taken, street parking immediately off the premises is possible.


The Willows Reviews (19)

8.4

The Willows has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.449) out of 10, based on 4 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Willows has 19 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 12
  • 6
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

19
3
3
4
15

Review from W B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing, it was never going to be easy putting a parent into permanent care, however the staff at the Willows are fantastic they are caring and compassionate. The manager always has time for you and will answer any questions or queries. The home itself has a lovely atmosphere and my Dad is very settled.
The food is freshly made on the premises and always a good choice, all the staff are patient and kind not just to the residents but to us too, it has taken a big weight off the family knowing he is well looked after. The ladies in the laundry are fab they always make sure everything is clean and returned to the correct resident. Thank you to everyone

Reply from Naveed Hussain, Owner at The Willows

Thank you so much for your kind words. We truly understand how difficult it can be to decide to move a loved one into care, so it means the world to us that you feel reassured and supported. Seeing your dad settled and happy is exactly what we strive for and we are so pleased to hear that you feel at ease knowing he is well looked after.Your appreciation for our team, from the care staff to the laundry ladies, has been shared with them. It lifts everyone's spirits. If there is ever anything more we can do for you or your dad, please do not hesitate to ask.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Dave E (Husband of Resident) published on 11 March 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found The Willows excellent, the staff are very helpful, some are funny, nothing is too much trouble for them. I have had a cup of tea brought to me without being asked, most welcome.

Reply from Naveed Hussain, Owner at The Willows

Thank you so much for your kind words. It is wonderful to hear that you have had such a positive experience at The Willows. Our team always strives to make everyone feel comfortable and cared for, so knowing that their kindness and humour have made a difference to you means a lot.We are delighted that you felt so well looked after, and we hope you enjoyed that cup of tea. We will be sure to share your lovely feedback with the team. If there is ever anything more we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are always friendly and always assist in getting Mum to sit in a quiet room. Manager is always interactive on our arrival, updating us on how Mum is and where she is. and able to tell us what activities Mum has enjoyed. Always approachable, both friendly and professional. Carers and all other
staff who care for Mum are interactive with Mum and family visiting. They work hard to look after Mum, they are positive, caring and professional. All staff at The Willows work very hard as one big team together to make Mum's life there as comfortable as possible and with dignity.

Reply from Naveed Hussain, Owner at The Willows

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It means a great deal to us to know that you feel so supported and reassured when visiting your mum. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for both residents and their families is so important to us, so knowing that our team's efforts have made a difference is truly heartwarming.We are especially pleased that you appreciate the updates about your mum and the time she spends enjoying activities. Keeping families informed and involved is something we value. Your kind words about our carers and staff will be shared with the whole team, as they all work incredibly hard to provide the best care with dignity and respect.If there is ever anything more we can do, please do not hesitate to reach out.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Ethel O (Partner of Resident) published on 5 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All I can say is thank you so much for caring for my partner of 25 years until he passed...the staff were great the home always smelt lovely and every single member of staff were friendly and had time for me you are the best.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C D (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I can’t praise the home enough. The staff are so happy, which makes me happy and they all love Mum. We can’t be with her but I have no worries as I know she is happy. It doesn’t smell and it’s very, very clean - so pleased I chose the Willows. I recommend it to everyone who is asking about a home. Let’s
hope things get back to normal and we can go more often.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E H (Wife of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 8 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care given to my husband has always been very good. Staff are caring and approachable. Nothing is too much for them.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

On behalf of all of the Willows staff, we would like to thank you for your review, your words are very much appreciated and they mean so much.
From the Willows family, we hope to see you soon until then please stay safe


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A E (Son of Resident) published on 8 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents were residents until the loss of my father. During this time, I have been happy with the care the staff have given to them. The home always smells fresh and clean, not something that can be said regarding other homes we have visited. The food is excellent and the staff go the extra mile
for my mum's needs. The staff have responded to the recent difficult covid-19 situation with the utmost care and professionalism. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the facility.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

On behalf of all of the Willows staff, we would like to thank you for your review. The recent unprecedented period we all find ourselves in has been extremely trying for all staff involved and as a team they have continued to provide the care and support with the utmost compassion and dedication.
We hope to see you very soon and until then, on behalf of the Willows family, please stay safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from R I (Husband of Resident) published on 8 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been a resident at Willows for 16 months and has received excellent care and love. As I live some 20 odd miles away from the care home, her stay was originally for a short period until a place could be found nearer to home. However, she is so happy at Willows it was decided not to move her,
a decision I have not regretted. I am so grateful for the kindness shown by staff especially, during this difficult time.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

I would like to thank you for such a positive uplifting review. It is pleasing for all staff involved at Willows Care home to receive such positive feedback with regards to the care and support they provide to residents, especially during these unprecedented times. On behalf of the willows family, we hope to see you soon and please, until then, stay safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S S (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always been very confident that my mother has been well cared for at The Willows. The staff are professional and compassionate, I cannot speak highly enough of them and the management, particularly during the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 crisis, they responded efficiently. I believe that
the nursing and general care staff did everything possible to keep the residents safe. Whenever I call for information about my mother they always responded immediately.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your review, staff within The Willows care home have been supportive to both residents, families and work colleagues during this unprecedented time which hasn't been easy for the staff, but as a team, they have given 100%. We all understood how hard it is has been for families, and have tried to make this testing time as reassuring as we possibly could for families. The Willows family will continue with the compassion and professionalism of care. From all at The Willows - Thank You and Stay Safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J R (Son of Resident) published on 3 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very professional home, friendly helpful staff, clean and well run. Nothing too much trouble for the staff.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your review, staff within The Willows care home work very hard especially during this unprecedented time and will continue to work in the professional, friendly and helpful manner. From all at The Willows - Thank You and Stay Safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S R (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 June 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum is a resident at The Willows, the staff have been amazing, I do have my favourites, they have been so supportive not just of my mum but me to when I have had a wobble and there have been lots, they have been just the best. The Willows have gone from strength to strength. When Covid-19 hit they
were on it, the care is second to none I can't thank you enough and I love you all.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your review, staff within Willows care home have been supportive to both residents and families and work colleagues during this unprecedented time as we understand how hard it is for everyone. The Willows family will continue to grow from strength to strength and provide the care and much needed support to the highest standard, to both yourself and Mum. From all at The Willows - Thank You and Stay Safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from John W (Husband of Resident) published on 21 May 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This is my second review, even though there has been a change of management team the care has not changed. I have not been able to visit my wife during the Coronavirus pandemic, I have rung on a regular basis and have been reassured by the response and professionalism of the staff.

Reply from Clare Sherwin, Compliance manager at The Willows

Firstly may I take this opportunity to thank you for finding the time to review Willows Care Home, as we are aware under the current climate it has been very difficult and a challenging time and we understand how hard it has been for families who are unable to visit their family members, we will continue to care for our residents both during this pandemic and afterwards with the compassion and empathy we have always done, ensuring their safety at all times. We look forward to seeing you soon, please continue to Stay Safe.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from L J (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 11 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff are always welcoming no matter what time fo the day we visit. The staff are very informative and keep us updated on how mum is doing. The staff treat everyone with respect and we can see mum is as settled as she can be.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Karen E (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum was a resident at The Willows until her death. She had dementia. I cannot praise the staff enough - they looked after my Mum in such a caring way and treated her with the utmost respect. We were made to feel welcome at any time day or night and I couldn't have asked for a more kind and professional
staff, they are truly wonderful. Thank you so very much, from the family and from my mum because I know she would want me to say it.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E W (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Overall, The Willows is very good, clean and staff are really helpful and kind, good food.
I do think more carers are needed as sometimes when wheelchair bound residents need the toilet, they have to wait as not enough staff. Also, there needs to be more entertainment for residents.

Reply from Laura Blythe, Manager at The Willows

Thank you for your review. We do offer a full activity programme every day of the week and we appreciate that whilst not all activities are suited to every individual, we do try to vary the programme we offer and try our best to meet individual requests or needs. If there is anything specific that your relative would like to do, please do let us know and we will try our best to facilitate it.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from E E (Son of Resident) published on 30 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the time my mother has resided at The Willows, she has been cared for professionally, with compassion and with immense dignity. I could not have wished for better care.
I find the staff friendly, informative and caring.
This work is very often challenging and all the staff here meet these challenges
every day without complaint.
I thank them all for their dedication and commitment.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This care home would be excellent if they had more staff to care for the residents.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J C (Husband of Resident) published on 18 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My wife has been a resident for nearly six months. I have been favourably impressed with the loving care she has received at all times.
Particularly worth noting is the immediate response to any request and every observed need of my wife. This response is always given thoughtfully and positively.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Michael T (Son of Resident) published on 4 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mother has been a resident for two years and the staff have always been friendly , caring and professional. The home is on one level making it easier for residents to move about. Over the last couple of months, refurbishments have been taking place improving the ambience and facilities for the residents.
All in all, a progressive, pleasant home for the elderly residents.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 8.4 (8.449)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.4 (8.449) out of 10 for The Willows 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 4 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.6 out of 5 from 4 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 4.800 for The Willows is calculated as follows: ( (36 Excellents x 5) + (9 Goods x 4) ) ÷ 45 Ratings = 4.8

  • 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 3.649 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Willows is based on 4 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 = 3.375

    • 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 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6. 4 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.6 = 0.274

  • 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: 10 Feb 2024

Overall
Inadequate

  • Caring

    Requires improvement

  • Effective

    Requires improvement

  • Responsive

    Inadequate

  • Safe

    Requires improvement

  • Well-led

    Inadequate

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)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (0)

There are no Team Members posted yet

Frequently Asked Questions about The Willows

What types of Care is The Willows registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Respite Care & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

What additional types of Care does The Willows provide?

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

How many Rooms does The Willows have?

There are 65 Single Rooms and 4 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Willows?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Wheelchair Access, Ground Floor Accommodation only, Gardens & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Willows to the centre of Chester?

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