Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thistle Hill, Knaresborough HG5 8LS
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9.6 61 Reviews
  • Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home, Knaresborough
Thistle Hill Care Home provides high-quality 24-hour nursing and specialist dementia care in its dedicated Memory Lane Community.

The home offers skilled care for younger people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and has close links with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The aim is to improve the quality of life for every resident by providing care in a safe and homely environment.

The team of highly qualified staff focus on the individual needs of residents using bespoke care plans, which are regularly reviewed.

This dedication can be seen across all aspects of life within the home, from cooking and hospitality to the social activities and events programme. Life at Thistle Hill is truly tailored to meet the variety of needs and interests of each resident.

The home is ideally situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales near the market town of Knaresborough and the spa town of Harrogate.

There are plenty of local amenities and visitors are always welcome, so why not call in and arrange a visit to see all that Thistle has to offer?

The home understands that looking for care can be a daunting process and are here to provide residents with the help and support needed.

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Care Provided by Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Younger Adults
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 85 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Mandy Scott (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Young disabled people 18-65/Elderly Frail/Dementia Care
    • Ages 18+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (85)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (85)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2015

Funding & Fees Guide for Barchester Thistle Hill Care 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 £1,871

  • This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home Reviews (61)

Total of 61, showing 41-60
9.6

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.632) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has 61 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 43
  • 13
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  • 0

Date Published

61
2
5
16
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Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 3 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

1. Lack of communication: management to residents and relatives.
2. Lack of staff in all disciplines. High staff turnover: pay and inducement policy implications? Too much reliance on agency cover: cost?

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team; we work hard to recruit the right carers and ensure they are inducted and trained to a high standard. We continually review our rota's to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of our residents as their health needs change. We would like to apologise for any concerns you experienced with our service. We operate an open-door policy and extend a warm invitation to all our residents and families to discuss any concerns they may have. The home team will continue to supports our residents in the best way possible with adjustments made according to specific needs. Please do get in contact directly with the manager if you have a resident in the home and you would like to discuss any specific issues.


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Review from L M (Mother of Resident) published on 6 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

On the whole, the home is quite good, however staffing levels need assessing and more continuity on the night shift would make this an excellent home.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. We work hard to recruit the right staff and ensure they are inducted and trained to a high standard. We continually review our rotas to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of our residents as their health needs change.


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Review from Caroline O (Wife of Resident) published on 10 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband was only in the home for a few weeks before he died. They looked after him extremely well. The staff were excellent and the atmosphere was very good.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, the staff do appreciate positive feedback.


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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Thistle Hill seems to be a well-run home. The staff are happy. The residents are well cared for. The manager has an open door.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, it is always good for the staff to receive positive feedback.


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Review from Claire W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff were excellent with everything they did for my mum. She was treated with dignity when she died in the home. Staff should be told what a good job they do, and thanked.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

We believe end of life care is very important. Thank you for your kind words and I will pass this onto the staff team. They always appreciate words of encouragement and kindness.


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Review from Rick H (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and volunteers at Thistle Hill cared for my father who had been sectioned under the mental health act as his dementia caused him to suffer great anxiety leading to behaviour which could be both unpredictable and aggressive.
During the 20 months he resided in the home, he calmed down enormously
thanks to the high quality of the professional, patient care he received.
My father is now at rest and my family and I would like to thank the team at Thistle Hill for all they did for him during his residency and for making us feel so welcome when we visited.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. We are happy that your dad was able to enjoy his time at Thistle Hill Care Centre.


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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has dementia and is not easy to handle as she is aggressive at times. Also, she has a high fall risk. When my mother ended up in hospital after breaking her thumb, her care provider wouldn't take her back and so we were left trying to find a care home provider. As soon as we went to view Thistle
Hill, the welcome from walking into reception and upstairs in the dementia unit gave us such a warm feeling that my mum would be well looked after. The care is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review. We aim to make all our visitors feel at home when they visit us at Thistle Hill. The carers always welcome positive feedback about the care they give, as it is important to them that they are doing a good job.


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Review from Patricia C (Resident) published on 25 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have been a resident for nine years. We are short of carers, no cover when they have holidays, this time becomes very muddled.
Dignity is not carried out at times. Some care staff have no bedside manners.
We have new management, who don't seem to be in the same manner which we had yet.
Cleanliness
is poor, we have only one good cleaner.
Value for money is low, as some jobs are very muddled.

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Review from James E (Husband of Resident) published on 17 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having to use your centre for my wife's respite through social service Harrogate, we were deeply impressed in every aspect of care and attention of each member of staff even part-timers. The standard of hygiene, food, accommodation and friendliness was of a very high standard comparable to a hotel!!
How the efficiency is kept so high in this day of scarce carers is beyond us, this is the benchmark all care home should take up!! Thank you so much.

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Review from R R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent nursing facilities and caring staff. Always clean and tidy. Well prepared food, well-maintained building, well managed.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

I am glad that you find our nursing facility excellent. We pride ourselves in offering home cooked food and like to have a varied menu. We feel that Thistle Hill is a great facility for our residents and the grounds that we have are a great asset.


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Review from J J (Relative of Resident) published on 21 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Have found care good and staff friendly.
No feeding as done on peg feed.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your positive review at Thistle Hill Care Centre. I am pleased that the care your relative is receiving is of a good standard. The care team at Thistle Hill are an integral part of the home and like to welcome residents and relatives to the home.


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Review from Wayne C (Resident) published on 6 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is a good place to come to and they treat you right. If you ask things they will do it for you.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

I am pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Thistle Hill Care Centre and we look forward to you coming again.


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Review from B A (Brother of Resident) published on 11 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

A quiet pleasant atmosphere about the place. The staff are very polite and approachable.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind comments. We aim to have a quiet homely atmosphere at Thistle Hill. I will pass the comments on to the staff as it is always good for them to receive such positive comments.


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Review from Leslie A (Brother of Resident) published on 9 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My brother took up residence in November 2017 so still finding his way around.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

I am glad your brother is settling into life at Thistle Hill Care Centre. Thank you for your positive feedback.


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Review from Richard C (Friend of Resident) published on 30 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Directly I arrive (by taxi) an easy chair and a coffee supply appear to keep me comfortable while a push chair is provided. I visit room 23 which is practically the farthest from the entrance. I am 92 years old and am disabled. When I play and when I visit I sit in the push chair until I leave. I am
fed with coffee at the end of my visit until the taxi arrives. My shoulder bag and raincoat are stored for me at the entrance.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

I am glad you enjoy your visits to Thistle Hill. We look forward to you coming each week. We are very happy to provide you with coffee and cake which I know you enjoy.


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Review from Alan C (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is extremely clean. Staff are extremely helpful. Food is very good. Very nice and homely atmosphere.


My wife has settled in very well.


Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind comments. We have just employed a new head chef so I am glad your wife is enjoying the meals.


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Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 August 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Staffing levels in dementia unit are woefully inadequate.
Care staff try and do a good job but do not have staffing levels to achieve an acceptable level of care or safety of vulnerable residents.
Management unable or unwilling to respond to complaints.

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Review from Valerie O (Wife of Resident) published on 21 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I visited 9 or 10 nursing homes and decided that this home was the best for my husband. He has been here for 5 months now and I am very pleased with the care he is receiving.
The home is very efficiently run, always clean and tidy. The care he is given by the carers and nurses is very good. He is
always clean and tidy when I visit him.
He enjoys his meals and likes the staff. I am welcomed everytime I visit and I can talk to the staff or manager anytime.
I would certainly recommend this care home to anyone.

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Review from Alan M (Husband of Resident) published on 20 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care centre is second to none. All staff know their job.
Nurses - excellent!
Carers - excellent!
Every resident treated exceptionally well.

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Review from Rachel S (Wife of Resident) published on 24 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

I feel there are not enough staff to give residents the attention they need. When my husband needs to go to the toilet at times there is only one carer on the unit so therefore he can't get taken, sometimes I have had to take him myself.
I would like my husband to have physio to help him to walk as
he isn't too good at walking.
There doesn't seem much going on to give the residents the stimulation that they need.
I feel they don't get taken out into the sunshine as much as they should. Products I take seem to disappear from his room.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.632)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.632) out of 10 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 16 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 4.691 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (132 Excellents x 5) + (42 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 181 Ratings = 4.691

  • 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 4.941 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on 16 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 85 registered maximum number of service users is 17. 16 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.941

  • 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: 6 Jul 2023

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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 (12)

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Meet the Team (4)

Mandy

Mandy Scott

Job Title: General Manager

Hi, my name is Mandy and I am General Manager here at Thistle Hill. Welcome to our website!


Thank you for taking the time to look further into what we have to offer to you or your loved one. Here is an opportunity to look at some of our staff team in the home, who all play a vital role in day-to-day life.


I have more than 20 years of experience in the care sector and started my career working with people with learning disabilities. I have managed domiciliary care agencies as well as nursing dementia homes. I have also been an area manager for over 10 years bringing a wealth of experience to the home.


I look forward to welcoming you to our home.


Abey

Abey Joseph

Job Title: Home Deputy Manager

Joined: 2018

I trained as an adult nurse in India. I worked as a critical care nurse in the Middle East for 18 years before joining Thistle Hill in 2018.


Debbie

Debbie Hudson

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2018

Hi, my name is Debbie and I have been working at Thistle Hill since 2020 and started as a part-time admin assistant which I loved, however, the chance to become an administrator has recently arisen and I was appointed and started this position which is full-time in June. I am really enjoying my new position.


I like to spend my spare time with my family I have two grown-up daughters both of whom are nurses.


One of my daughters works here at Thistle Hill. I am a proud grandmother to two lovely granddaughters who are nine and two.


I like to travel when this is permitted and love Corfu in Greece where I have been on holiday for 15 years. I recently went to Las Vegas with my younger daughter, where we spent time exploring, and visited the Grand Canyon via helicopter flying over the Hoover Dam.


Ursula

Ursula Herbert

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2009

Hi, my name is Ursula and I am activities coordinator here at Thistle Hill. I have worked at Thistle Hill since 2009, working as an activities coordinator before joining the care team where I have spent the last few years.


The team have created a lovely culture within the home, we all work together to give our residents the best possible experience, we provide a stimulating and socially active environment, and we have an awareness of our residents' preferences, so we can deliver a person-centred programme to each and every resident, it is this knowledge and experience of the home which is helping me know what they like to do now. I have known some of the residents for many years!