Sowerby House

Front Street, Sowerby, Thirsk YO7 1JP
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9.3 38 Reviews
  • Sowerby House, Thirsk
Sowerby House has undergone significant improvements, not only to the environment but also new systems and working practices have been introduced to the home, resulting in higher standards of care for all residents.

Sowerby House is a beautiful, Edwardian property that has been converted into a modern residential care home for older people, located in scenic surroundings, on the outskirts of Thirsk.

The home is spacious with lots of communal areas for residents to enjoy daily activities as well as socialising with family and friends, including a large lounge area and dining room overlooking the landscaped garden.

Mealtimes represent an important part of the day and the chef team use fresh ingredients, locally sourced where possible, to provide delicious, nutritionally balanced, seasonal meals.

The group is proud of the reputation they are building in local communities to become the home of choice for residents and staff.

Care Provided by Sowerby House

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 51 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Bipolar/Manic Depression
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Schizophrenia
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Marie Adams (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (43)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (4)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (38)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2007

Funding & Fees Guide for Sowerby House

  • 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 £1,045
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,210
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,045
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,210
  • We would be happy to discuss our fees with you, please call the home for further funding information.


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Sowerby House to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting
  • Visiting allowed on an appointment-only basis.


  • Parking
  • Parking available onsite.


Total of 38, showing 1-20
9.3

Sowerby House has a Review Score of 9.3 (9.337) out of 10, based on 8 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Sowerby House has 38 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Vastly improved, manager, admin and staff are all improving.

Reply from Davey Taverner, Digital Marketing Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for your wonderful review of Sowerby House. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing and are thrilled you can see the improvements we are making. Have a lovely day.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have visited Sowerby House a number of times over the years and I am now more confident in my loved ones being there. The new manager has made tremendous improvements which are evident throughout. The staff no longer look terrified of the management who are completely approachable and appear to address
all concerns promptly. My aunt has never felt more at home and feels there is always something to do or somebody to talk to.

Reply from Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us. I am pleased to hear how the improvements are having a positive impact, and I will share your lovely comments with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My elderly mum was discharged from the hospital to Sowerby House on the 20th of December.
From the moment she arrived, she was treated with care and respect. Her physical needs were met, and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. I cannot thank the team at Sowerby House enough for everything they
did for my mum; they are caring and compassionate.

Reply from Davey Taverner, Digital Marketing Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review for Sowerby House. We are so pleased we have been able to accommodate your mum and provide the high standards of care we strive for. I will be sure to relay your warm words to the team. Thank You


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was very ill during the spring/summer of 2023. We were discussing end-of-life care. She needed regular attention help, support, care, feeding etc. All the staff from the most junior to manager cared for my mother with dignity, love and care. They couldn't do enough for her and I attribute
her getting through this to the care she received at Sowerby House.

Reply from Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review for us. I will pass your feedback on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sowerby House care home is a special home. They have been looking after my mum for 4 years and their care for her is wonderful. Visiting her can be a bit daunting - you can never tell what Mum's mood is going to be. The staff always greet me with big smiles and time for a chat which puts me at ease.
They are caring for the family members as well as the residents.

Reply from Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us. I am pleased to hear how happy you are with the care at Sowerby House; I will pass your lovely comments on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mum, as usual, was obviously happy and content, and her room was clean and tidy. All the carers we met during our visit spoke very fondly of Mum, and she told us several times how well looked after she is.
Living as far away as we do, we are unable to visit Mum as often as we would like, but knowing
how comfortable and well-cared for she is, makes it much easier for us between visits.

Reply from Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us. I am pleased to hear how happy both you and your mum are with the care at Sowerby House; I will pass your feedback on to the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum moved into Sowerby House straight from hospital eighteen months ago, after many bad falls and what we now know was the start of Alzheimer's. This was a decision we were dreading as Mum always specified she never wanted/would go into a home. Thankfully, this decision was taken out of our hands
by a wonderful social worker assigned to Mum and there was a vacancy at Sowerby House.
Mum moved into a small 'temporary' room for a trial. Mum has never looked back. 'I love being in my little room'. What more can we, as a family, ask for? The care team at Sowerby House is second to none. It really is a team, from the manager to the gardener. Absolutely superb. As Mum's Alzheimer's has progressed, she still gets the best care and attention. My partner and I visit most days and have never witnessed anything other than the best care, not just to Mum, but to all residents. Everything about the care given at Sowerby House must be celebrated. Thank you everyone.

Reply from Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review. It is wonderful to hear how happy your mum is here at Sowerby House, and how you, as a family are happy. I will share your lovely feedback with the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My great-aunt resided within Sowerby House. Myself and other family members were treated with respect, and my aunt always commented that the staff were kind, caring and attentive to her needs. All activities are very enjoyable. Sowerby House has a fantastic team, and the ongoing improvements are noted
by all relatives, and this is a credit to the new management.

Reply from Lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review. It is wonderful to hear how happy and well-cared for your great-aunt was at Sowerby House. It is nice to hear how pleased you are with the ongoing improvements. I will share your lovely comments with all the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My dad was well cared for, but the staffing levels were not always what they should be. Agency staff were fine but keen to leave on a morning, meaning that Dad did not always get a decent shave. What I can say is that his walking improved with the help of the visiting physio, and he became more independent
than he had been at home.

Reply from Lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for Sowerby House. We welcome all reviews, whether negative or positive, as they help us improve. I'd like to reassure you that the home is always sufficiently staffed to meet the needs of Residents. The issue you mentioned with regards to your dad not being shaved one morning was quickly picked up and addressed by the Deputy Manager, who ensured your dad was shaved within half an hour of him getting up that morning. We know your dad enjoyed his stay with us, and we hope to see him again in the future for another respite stay.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Sowerby House is a wonderful place to be. It is clean, and the staff are hardworking. The food is excellent and very well cooked. The garden at the back is a perfect suntrap. Thank you for a wonderful time.

Reply from Lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for your lovely review. It is wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed your stay at Sowerby House. I will share your lovely comments with all the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My uncle stayed for a short respite stay. It was very obvious how happy he was. The whole staff group were very friendly and always welcoming. The home was always clean and had a lovely family atmosphere. The manager was so kind and understanding, especially with all of our questions! Myself and my
family would not hesitate to recommend Sowerby House.

Reply from lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for your lovely review. It is wonderful to hear how happy your uncle was during his stay with us and how friendly, kind and understanding all the team were. I will share your lovely comments with all the team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been very pleased with the care my husband has received. I have been away a few days this month and have been very confident about his care. My only concerns are the ratio of staff to residents to be able to meet all needs.

Reply from lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review for Sowerby House. It is lovely to hear how pleased you are with the care and support your husband receives at the home and how confident you were about his care when you were away for a few days. We would like to assure you that the care and safety of our residents are important to us and the home is always appropriately staffed so that we can meet their needs. The manager's door is always open and she would be more than happy to discuss any concerns or worries you may have.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very kind staff - they look after me well.

Reply from lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for your review. It is lovely to hear how kind the staff are and how well you are looked after at Sowerby House. There is no better endorsement for a home than from someone who lives there!


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My mother was admitted to Sowerby House for a respite period, while recovering from a broken arm, wrist and damage to her shoulder. Despite informing the care staff of my concerns that my mother could end up with pressure sores, my mother is either sat in a chair or laid flat on her back every time
my family or myself visit.
My mother now has a stage 4 (highest on the scale) pressure sore that is tracking towards her spine. I have now been informed that due to the severity of the sore, it requires a vacuum pump to help it heal and Sowerby House does not have the necessary qualifications to maintain this equipment, so they have served my mother with 4 weeks' notice, meaning we now have to look for alternative care for my mother.
She is laid in a bed, 24/7 with a TV that has black horizontal lines across the screen. Some days she doesn't even recognize her own family, despite apparently having full capacity.

Reply from Lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

We are really sorry to hear about your experience. Sowerby House always puts the best interest of residents first. As you are aware your mum had a vulnerable area when she was admitted into the home and was being supported by the District Nurses to manage the wound, which then subsequently deteriorated. Unfortunately, there are times when a person's needs change and they can no longer be cared for in a particular setting, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, as in your mum's situation. Once again, we are sorry that you feel the experience did not meet your expectations.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My husband has been in Sowerby House for 5 months, the first 2 weeks in isolation with no TV. Moved to a very small room, then to another room, his view out of his window is a large shed just a few feet away, not a good outlook. Only a few days ago I asked why hasn't he got a water jug? The reply was,
we have more new residents and not enough to go around! I asked for a drinking cup as my husband had spilt his coffee yet again, the one they gave him was disgusting and well-chewed at the tip. I went and purchased 2 new ones along with a water jug. I also noticed there was a grey fleece on his bed, curiosity got the better of me and I pulled it back and discovered no duvet. Is this a shortage too? All bedding is so washed out I also bought some for my husband's room. Staff are overworked but still do a fantastic job in dire conditions. The owners need to spend some money on the property and make it look like a place you would want your family member to live in. The Hindu Gods ornaments need to go!

Reply from lynn Billingham, Business Development Manager at Sowerby House

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review and for your comments. We know how difficult it is when your loved one moves into a care home and would like to reassure you that we have more than enough cups, bedding and other items needed for the comfort and benefit of all our residents and constantly renew items that are no longer fit for purpose. As you know the home is under new ownership and is benefiting from improvements throughout the home which have been welcomed by other residents and their family members. We pride ourselves on welcoming residents from different cultures, religions and backgrounds and celebrating diversity within the home. However, if you have any further concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01845525986.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are friendly when I call etc. Mum seems happy, though she has picked up on staff concerns about various things relating to the home. Mum seems happy, and carers look after her well. More contact about Mums stay and how she is doing would be good. Overall, happy with the care Mum is provided.

Reply from Nathaly Cifuentes Riano, Social Media Marketing Executive at Sowerby House

We're glad your mum had a wonderful experience with us! If you or your mum have any questions or concerns about the home, please feel free to give us a call at 01845 525986.
Kindly, Sowerby House Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My aunt is settled at Sowerby House. Despite the Covid issues, which have severely restricted her freedom, Sowerby House’s main strength is the care and support offered by staff. Despite the pressures they are under, they usually present as cheerful, helpful and caring, and there are many individual
acts of kindness.
At the time, my aunt lost her twin sister, the staff could not have been more thoughtful or kind.
The building is light, airy, clean and welcoming.
My aunt appreciated that her feedback is sometimes followed through - for example, fresh fruit is now much more available than in the past!
She does not always like the meals on offer and often opts for a baked potato instead. However, sometimes the cooks will provide her with a healthy salad alternative and this is much appreciated!
My aunt is very mentally alert and takes an active part in activities; she helps to write the quizzes and enjoys knitting and sewing things to fundraise at fetes etc.

Reply from Nathaly Cifuentes Riano, Social Media Marketing Executive at Sowerby House

Dear Anne, we are delighted to read your lovely feedback. We are glad that you are pleased with all the efforts put in by the team here at Sowerby Home. We hope to continue to provide a positive experience for all our residents and their families at our home.
Kindly,
Sowerby House Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was very grateful to Sowerby House for taking my aunt at very short notice (one day!) for 5-weeks of respite care. The staff were friendly and helpful. The room had a good garden view, and the garden was nice. As a private client, I also recognize the price is very reasonable relative to other homes.
My aunt was regularly plied with cups of tea. Staff all appeared to be knowledgeable about her welfare at any moment. My single regret was that staff did not take the initiative to take her out to the garden, but I understand that such initiative for desirable things may be difficult when there are so many necessary tasks to perform. The home took Covid security seriously, which was good to see.

Reply from Nathaly Cifuentes Riano, Social Media Marketing Executive at Sowerby House

Thank you very much for sharing your lovely experience with us. We are so glad that you were pleased with all the efforts put in by the team here at Sowerby House. We hope to continue to provide a positive experience for all our residents and their families at our home.


Kindly,


Sowerby House Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I cannot visit very often as I live 230 miles away and have been prevented by Covid restrictions for a lot of the last 18-months. Carers are always very pleasant, and my aunt speaks highly of most of them. They were very kind when she lost her twin sister in April this year. She is quite able in body
and mind and appreciates being taken out for walks whenever possible. Her biggest gripe is the food. She only likes plain fare, so often has to have a salad or jacket potato as an alternative to rich, spicy food. She loves fresh fruit, which was sadly lacking until things improved a few months ago. Unfortunately, since the takeover, the fruit has become scarcer again.

Reply from Nathaly Cifuentes Riano, Social Media Marketing Executive at Sowerby House

Thank you very much for sharing your honest experience with us. Your comment will be shared with the management team so we can keep improving.


Kindly, Sowerby House Team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father became a resident in March 20210 and has enjoyed his time at Sowerby House. He is engaging with staff and other residents and appreciates the high level of care he is receiving from attentive staff. He enjoys his meals and comments on the high level of assurance the 24-hours staffing provides.

Reply from Nathaly Cifuentes Riano, Social Media Marketing Executive at Sowerby House

We are pleased to see you and your father enjoy the care we provide. I will share this lovely review with the team. I am sure they will be very happy to hear your kind words.


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Current Review Score: 9.3 (9.337)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.3 (9.337) out of 10 for Sowerby House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 8 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.6 out of 5 from 8 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 4.753 for Sowerby House is calculated as follows: ( (73 Excellents x 5) + (17 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 93 Ratings = 4.753

  • 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 4.584 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Sowerby House is based on 8 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 = 3.8

    • 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 51 registered maximum number of service users is 10.2. 8 Positive Reviews ÷ 10.2 = 0.784

  • 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 2024

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Requires improvement
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • Responsive

    Requires improvement
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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 (1)

Marie

Marie Adams

Job Title: Registered Manager

Marie Adams, Manager at Sowerby House has worked in care for over 13 years. She originally took the role of carer as a temporary role as she wanted to be an advocate to help people get their voices heard. However, as soon as she started working as a carer she loved it and has developed and thrived in the role ever since.


She has gained a wealth of experience providing care and support to older people to enrich their lives. She is passionate about her role, particularly in providing person-centred care to the residents in her care.


Frequently Asked Questions about Sowerby House

What types of Care is Sowerby House registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Sowerby House provide?

Palliative Care, Day Care, Convalescent Care & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Sowerby House have?

There are 43 Single Rooms and 4 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Sowerby House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Sowerby House to the centre of Thirsk?

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