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 21-40
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.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my mam came to this home two years ago, she has been treated with the utmost care. She can be very demanding, but the staff are all lovely with her. Any issues, you can go to the lovely management team, who only came this year and has turned the place around. Thank you to all who work here for
doing an amazing job.

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

Thank you so much for your kind words about our home. It's wonderful to hear how happy you are with our management team and the care our team provide. Best wishes.


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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no complaints about Dovecote Residential Care Home. Clean and pleasant.
Staff and management are pleasant and helpful, and also very caring.
Residents are treated with dignity.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home and for your wonderful feedback! Best wishes.


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Review from Rachel M (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Dovecote since January of this year, and I am very pleased with the level of care that she has received and which she continues to receive on a daily basis. The staff are incredibly welcoming and are always happy to 'go the extra mile' in keeping my mother safe, well
cared for and treated with respect and dignity. She is very content and settled, and the whole family has peace of mind knowing this. Well done to all at Dovecote!

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

Thank you for such a wonderful review for our team at Dovecote Residential Care Home - it is so appreciated! Best wishes.


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Review from M C (Son of Resident) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Dovecote are very capable, well-informed, excellent communicators and very friendly. We are so pleased that we decided that Dovecote was the right home for Mum. My mother has advanced dementia, and this means that she can be unaware of what she really should be doing, such as not spending
all day in bed. All staff, from the manager and deputy, to the caring team, are aware of her care needs and work hard to ensure these are met. Their communication skills are outstanding. I receive constant feedback on her care and their interventions. I have a great deal of confidence in the staff and the care they deliver. They go out of their way to keep me and my sister updated, and when I'm visiting it is obvious that they take great care to make Mum feel at ease, respect her wishes, and maintain her dignity. She talks fondly about the staff, we have real confidence in their approach and the care Mum is receiving.

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

Thank you so much for such a wonderful and heart-warming review. It is so appreciated by our team. Best wishes, Fae.


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Review from D C (Son of Resident) published on 19 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All staff are very friendly and kind.

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Review from Glenn W (Son of Resident) published on 12 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It is difficult for anyone to have a relative in care, but after initial communication problems, I am very happy with the care given to my mother. With Covid restrictions easing and the warmer months ahead, I feel positive about becoming closer to the Dovecote Residential and Nursing Home team.

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

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about the care your mother receives. If you have any more feedback, particularly about our rooms, do let us know by emailing care@sanctuary.co.uk, and we will be more than happy to help. Best wishes.


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Review from Sandra W (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care for my dad is absolutely outstanding, his room is lovely and clean and his appearance is always very clean and tidy. The staff go above and beyond for you, I ring every day and they always have time to chat to say what he's been doing on a daily basis. They're always doing activities with the
residents. My dad is very happy in his own little world and us as a family know we definitely chose the right home for him with his dementia. It's been the worst 8 months of my life but the staff always put my mind at rest, I speak to him most days on the phone.

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Review from Gillian A (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I have not visited properly inside the care home yet so cannot comment on procedures in place.
It appears to be safe for residents from what I can tell.
A distinct lack of information at times, which is very hard to understand. Messages are not returned when questions are asked.

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Review from Gillian B (Cousin of Resident) published on 15 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are all friendly and helpful.

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Review from Stewart S (Brother of Resident) published on 15 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly, supportive and professional.

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Review from Bernard S (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 10 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Friendly and caring staff.
Resident seems to have had a problem with a visiting carer, she was upset when we visited her but incident is being investigated by staff.

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Review from Kim R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The staff of the home are second to none with their approach and caring and their empathy.
Noisy at times in day room.
Awaiting what exactly happened on Thursday, early morning, with an incident that we are a little confused about.

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Review from Michael R (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Outstanding care for my father-in-law, staff always have time every day I call to let us know what he's been doing on a daily basis. My father-in-law is very happy in his own little word. As a family, we are very happy with his care. His room is lovely, clean and his appearance is always clean and tidy.

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Review from L N (Husband of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have found the atmosphere at Dovecote to be very friendly, caring and understanding. This appears to have been achieved by a very helpful and adaptable staff to whom nothing is a trouble. There is a good staff/resident relationship. A wide range of activities are available but unfortunately my wife's
situation restricts participation. However, the availability of the internet for communication purposes is invaluable.

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Review from Anne H (Cousin of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Looked after well.

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Review from Gary M (Son of Resident) published on 9 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is in a very good area, very friendly staff and has a very good set-up. Everything just seems to fall into place.

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Review from Hazel W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Pleased with how my dad is cared for, he always seems happy and I know that the girls care for him.

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Review from E S (Niece of Resident) published on 8 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly, professional and caring company who have the care and welfare of residents in mind.

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Review from P D (Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been very hard and tough, but very pleased it is nicely going in the right direction.
Everyone has been great.

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Review from S C (Son of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Dad always seems happy and care free.

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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.

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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!