Dovecote Residential Care Home

Hugar Road, High Spen, Rowlands Gill NE39 2BQ
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9.8 76 Reviews
  • Dovecote Residential Care Home, Rowlands Gill
Rated Good in every single area of their Care Quality Commission report (February 2025), Dovecote has a wonderful team of staff who are devoted to enriching the lives of their residents. They provide residential, dementia and respite care, which can be pre-booked.

A warm and welcoming home, it is surrounded by stunning large gardens with wheelchair friendly pathways.

The bedrooms and communal spaces, including light and airy lounges and dining rooms, are beautifully decorated, with many of bedrooms overlooking the gardens.

The staff, some of whom have been there for over 10 years, are passionate about the home being part of the local community. Every Wednesday, from 2pm to 4pm, they welcome local people along to play bingo and enjoy tea and cake with the residents, who love these regular events.

The residents also attend the High Spen Community Group, which is a big part of the local community.

The team are devoted to giving their residents a sense of belonging and purpose, ensuring they are actively involved in the running of the home.

The home is a hive of activity, with the residents enjoying everything from animal therapy and games afternoons, to a gardening club and trips out in the minibus.

Dovecote also has a ‘Magic Table’, a revolutionary piece of technology designed for people living with dementia, which encourages them to socialise through interactive light games, which encourage gentle movement and cognitive stimulation.

The home also has a hairdressing salon, for regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

Residents enjoy home-cooked food in the dining rooms, with everything from roast dinners with all the trimmings, to fish and chip Fridays, with home-baking each day for afternoon tea.

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Care Provided by Dovecote Residential Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 61 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Lesley Dawson (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (61)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No

Funding & Fees Guide for Dovecote Residential 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 £1,096
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,096

  • Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1096, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.


    *If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Dovecote Residential Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access

Dovecote Residential Care Home Reviews (76)

Total of 76, showing 1-20
9.8

Dovecote Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.791) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Dovecote Residential Care Home has 76 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Date Published

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Review from S C (Wife of Resident) published on 24 December 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care was given to my husband. All members of staff were friendly and helpful. I was able to visit at any time of day. Other residents in the sitting room appeared comfortable and cheerful.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words for our team at Dovecote. We're so glad to hear that your husband received such excellent care and that you felt so welcome. It's wonderful to know that the friendly atmosphere and cheerful environment were evident during your visits. Your feedback means a lot to our team, thank you.


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Review from E W (Mother of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 11 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care and very professional staff. Very helpful and caring.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your five star review for Dovecote, the team will be so pleased to read your comments and scores.


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Review from E G (Resident) published on 21 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I found my experience as a service user to be very pleasurable and the staff are all solicitous and diligent. The carers themselves are all extremely supportive are helpful in any possible way.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your 5 star review, the team at Dovecote will be delighted to read your kind words about their care.


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Review from M N (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father initially came into Dovecote for respite care last August. Cutting a long story short, the care he received and the change in him was exceptional. The home itself is like a home from home, lovely and clean and modern decoration makes it feel cosy and homely. Nothing is too much for the management
and staff.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your review the team at Dovecote will be delighted to read your comments, especially how you and your father felt so at home.


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Review from Jean D (Sister of Resident) published on 27 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As can be seen by my ratings!

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for your 5* review for Dovecote, the team will be delighted.


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Review from Keith W (Regular Volunteer) published on 31 January 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit the home on a regular basis as a eucharistic minister in the Catholic Church. I always receive a warm welcome. The staff are great, very friendly and if I need any help, it's always on hand. When I walk in the home has a nice feel to it. I know it's a very difficult job at times. I speak to
the residents and they are well looked after and tell me so. The home seems to me to be a big part of the local community, to it's credit.

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Review from Robert M (Brother of Resident) published on 22 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Since the new manager has taken over it's definitely a lot cleaner. All staff look smart and take time to talk to residents.

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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

An urgent respite stay was needed for Dad as we had reached a crisis point in his dementia care. As this happened so quickly, we didn't have time to do the normal research and visit the home prior to his stay, so we went in there completely blind. But, we needn't have worried. The staff were all welcoming
and helpful, his room was lovely and he seemed content being there. It gave us peace of mind and also provided us with some desperately needed breathing space from caring responsibilities.

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Review from Julie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The attention to detail is second to none. Staff go above and beyond to meet my mum's needs, and it is friendly and a warm and welcoming environment. I can honestly say that every staff member has taken time to get to know Mum, the food is very personalised to everyone’s different tastes. Nothing is
ever a problem, and Mum's care is first class. From the minute Mum has stayed at Dovecote, I have fully trusted the quality of her care and respected dignity. Mum is able to choose her own activities and weekly pampering sessions. Mum has a newly refurbished room, with a beautiful ensuite, looking onto a landscaped garden. We plan to plant spring bulbs soon in the grounds with a few other residents who share the same interests. The local community is involved in the care home, and they host and provide weekly events and activities for residents to join in if they wish. There is an impressive beauty salon for hair and nails onsite and a library for residents to share and exchange books.

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Review from Ruth L (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Often come to the home on a Wednesday to play bingo with the residents. The home is lovely and warm, and welcoming, nice and clean. We get a cuppa and a cake. The residents seem to love it. The staff are really nice and look after the residents. I have a friend who really looks forward to seeing us,
he sits with us when the home has anything on.

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Review from Christina F (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Have been visiting a friend quite often. The home is beautifully decorated, very clean, staff are all lovely. My friend is very happy with his care and says food is lovely. He enjoys the arranged activities and loves the bingo. It's lovely that members of the public are able to come in and take part.
I have seen an amazing change in the home over the last few months.

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Review from Denise L (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 November 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Mam arrived here, she is settling in really good compared to where she was previously. Doctor and nurses are getting her issues sorted straight away, staff are fabulous with her, just Mam's a bit frightened to ask the staff if there’s something she needs, but I am sure in time she will do. Really
good to know that she’s well cared for and family can go in at any time.

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Review from Kelly L (Relative of Resident) published on 16 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nana only arrived a day ago and already, literally overnight, we can see a positive change in her. Within a couple of hours of her being here a nurse was arranged to change dressings, a doctor has seen her to help get pain under control and she has slept (which is a huge step forward). She is eating
willingly. The process of being able to get here was made so easy for the family, with everything being explained every step of the way and what will happen in the future, with thanks to the manager for making what is a difficult time easier for the family. Nothing is a bother for any of the staff. They go above and beyond for residents and their families.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review, we are so pleased your grandmother has settled into Dovecote so well. The team will be delighted to read your review.


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Review from Michelle N (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother's care, and the environment has greatly improved since the appointment of the new manager and staff. Staff provide a person-centred approach to my mother and adapt their behaviours and routines to satisfy her needs. They empower her to make her own decisions when appropriate, while maintaining
her safety and facilitating interventions in her best interests. Staff are approachable and helpful, and listen to our opinions and wishes. They involve us in all aspects of her care and regularly invite us to meetings to review risk and care interventions. The environment has greatly improved over the past few months and is still ongoing, we can see changes every time we visit. It is now a pleasant and therapeutic place for residents and carers. The home has introduced carer involvement groups as well as regular joint activities e.g. bingo afternoon with carers, seasonal fayre/get-togethers etc. Finally but most importantly staff are caring and treat my mother with respect.

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Review from Annabel D (Respite Resident) published on 30 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are very pleasant and patient and the food is good. The home is well-kept and smells fresh and activities are adequate for what I need. The staff are friendly if you need extra help.

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Review from Patricia M (Niece of Resident) published on 28 August 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and they are always attentive towards my aunt. They do a very difficult job, but are always pleasant. My aunt is in very capable hands. The new management team always listen to and act upon any concerns I may have and are extremely friendly and approachable.
I am always warmly welcomed by the staff when I visit my aunt. I am always kept informed of any changes to my aunt's care needs. Dovecote has seen immense improvement since the new management team took over. Thank you all.

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Review from E W (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always Clean. Mama's well-fed and Mam loves the staff. Dogs are allowed in which Mam loves.

Reply from Lisa McCauley, Social media officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased to hear about your mother's experience and will pass on your feedback to the team. Best wishes.


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Review from Lisa B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 7 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Dovecote Residential Care Home has shown substantial improvements in the environment in the last few months. It is now a clean, welcoming and homely place. Staff are always friendly and appropriately warm and caring with residents. Since coming to Dovecote my father-in-law has started painting again,
which he had lost the will to do. He is also enjoying activities he previously would have avoided - gardening, dancing and bingo. We are really lucky to have the home on our doorstep.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review for Dovecote Residential Care Home - our team will really appreciate it. It's great to hear that your father-in-law has taken up painting again and is enjoying our activities. Best wishes, Fae.


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Review from Maggie T (Wife of Resident) published on 7 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Making the difficult decision to move my husband into residential care has been made so much easier for me by seeing the great care he is given at Dovecote. When assessing which home was better for him, I was immediately struck by the warm atmosphere and friendliness of the staff. This welcoming atmosphere
towards all residents and visitors contributes to the high standard of care. Attention has been given to all of my husband's needs to help him settle in and any problems he has had have been very well managed. I have found all the staff to be very helpful with any concerns I may have and they keep me updated about his wellbeing. Well done to everyone at Dovecote in what must be a very challenging job.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you so much for such a lovely review of our home. It is wonderful to hear how happy you are with the care our team provide and the attention your husband is given. Best wishes.


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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 August 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Whatever issue we raise is dealt with.
Nothing is a problem.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Dovecote Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review Dovecote Residential Care Home!


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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.791)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.791) out of 10 for Dovecote Residential Care Home 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.791 for Dovecote Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (233 Excellents x 5) + (48 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 287 Ratings = 4.791

  • 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 Dovecote Residential Care Home is based on 24 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 61 registered maximum number of service users is 12.2, which has been reached with 24 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: 22 Oct 2024

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (11)

Gillian

Gillian Armstrong

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2017

Gillian has worked for Sanctuary for over 6 years and she loves working with our residents.


"I am so passionate about care, so really believe this reflects in the standard of the work I do and care I give to our residents."


Amanda

Amanda Thacker

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 1998

I have worked at Dovecote for 25 years and make sure all the residents have such a good balanced and nutritious diet with food they love to eat. I love to do home baking.


Julie

Julie Ackerley

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2016

I have worked at Dovecote for 7 years and I love the residents. We are a really good team that work so well together.


Francesca

Francesca Atkinson

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2019

Working here gives me so much back - it’s very rewarding. I have a good rapport with the residents and it’s great to be part of the team here. I am a very approachable person, and I always have a smile on my face!


Lynne

Lynne Younger

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2021

Lynne has worked for us at Dovecote since 2021 and 'loves being a part of a big team and being around and spending time with our residents'.


Harry

Harry Hopper

Job Title: Maintenance Operative

Joined: 2023

I love interacting with the residents and the staff here are brilliant - it’s such a good place to work.
I am always told I do a good job I am really appreciated at Dovecote which is really good.


Gill

Gill Ord

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2022

It’s so lovely to laugh with the residents and make them happy. Everyone at Dovecote is so friendly - and the staff are just brilliant to work with.


Tracy

Tracy Cummings

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 2013

My name is Tracy and I have worked here for 10 years.
I absolutely love the home and the residents. It is a lovely place to work and such a happy environment.


Alan

Alan Nairn

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 1998

My name is Alan and I have worked at Dovecote for 25 years.
I love working for our residents, it’s like an extended family.


Louise

Louise Foster

Job Title: Activities co-ordinator

Joined: 2022

I like working with the residents and staff, they are wonderful it’s a lovely place to work.


Claire

Claire Wade

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 2022

I love working here. Dovecote is a fabulous place to work - the residents, the job and the staff, it’s all amazing!


Frequently Asked Questions about Dovecote Residential Care Home

What types of Care is Dovecote Residential Care Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Dovecote Residential Care Home provide?

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

How many Rooms does Dovecote Residential Care Home have?

There are 61 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Dovecote Residential Care Home?

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

How far is Dovecote Residential Care Home to the centre of Rowlands Gill?

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