Heron Hill Care Home

Esthwaite Avenue, Kendal LA9 7SE
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9.6 76 Reviews
  • Heron Hill Care Home, Kendal
At Heron Hill Care Home, the team take pride in a service that focuses on great care, all tailored to your loved one's needs.

The Care Home is conveniently located in Kendal, an historic town which stands at the entrance to the beautiful English Lake District that has excellent access to road, rail and bus links.

The 24/7 dedicated care team of experienced nurses, carers and support staff work to deliver a personalised care approach, helping your loved ones to retain their identity, independence, well-being and self-worth.

The care staff always take time to get to know residents by listening to stories, sharing moments with them and understanding their preferences, building stronger relationships so that residents never feel alone or misunderstood.

Heron Hill Care Home has an array of care packages to choose from, whether residential, nursing, dementia or end of life care, the team will support you and your loved one's needs, every step of the way.

The care home really is in the heart of the community where everyday life for residents is filled with something new. Whether it is being part of the town’s festivities and projects, sharing memories of the past with local school children, creating beautiful gardens for all to enjoy, or just a day of laughter and fun playing board games with new friends.

No description can equal a personal visit, so join the home, if you wish, for a cup of tea, a meal or to participate in social activities.

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Care Provided by Heron Hill Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 86 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • AIDS/HIV
  • Alcohol Dependence (past or present)
  • Alzheimer's
  • Asperger Syndrome
  • Autism/ASD
  • Cancer Care
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Challenging Behaviour/Psychosis
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Down Syndrome
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Korsakoff Syndrome
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Speech Impairment
  • Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicola Spedding (Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 50+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (86)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (86)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2022
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Heron 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 Nursing Care £1,395 – £1,600
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,395 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,395 – £1,600
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,395 – £1,600
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Heron Hill Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public 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
  • Visiting

  • Currently have no visiting restrictions, although please avoid meal times.


  • Parking

  • On site parking


Heron Hill Care Home Reviews (76)

Total of 76, showing 41-60
9.6

Heron Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.559) out of 10, based on 45 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Heron Hill Care Home has 76 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 44
  • 30
  • 2
  • 0
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Date Published

76
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31

Review from Kristina F (Resident) published on 20 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I always appreciate how caring the staff are to my mum and myself and my daughter. The care home looks after my mum amazingly well. They are so patient with her and I know she’s getting the right care for her needs. I have formed relationships with the staff too.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Good afternoon - such lovely comments for a wonderful team of people employed within Heron Hill.


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Review from Rosemary G (Niece of Resident) published on 20 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care and attention given to including my Aunt in day-to-day stimulus has been amazing. Thank you for all the tender loving care.
I would particularly site the care you give in the resident's lounge where the careers sit in patient to attend to all requests. The stresses of past weeks have been
taken off her and our family's shoulders. Brilliant job everyone.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Good afternoon - thank you very much indeed for taking the time to provide such positive comments of Heron Hill and the staff within it. I am sure the staff will find your kind words very comforting.


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Review from Susan C (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has been so exceptionally well looked after for the past 9 weeks. He had spent 6 months in hospital and the care he received here brought back to us a Dad who wanted to do things, from being hospitalised to enjoying life again. Having scored 5 Goods in their recent CQC report was reflected in
the care we found. The manager has made changes for the better. The staff are so knowledgeable and caring and that included with me too. The staff like what they are doing and can't do enough. Dad liked his room, he began to get around the Home, he got to meals and enjoyed the freshly, cooked meals. He saw the entertainments that were happening daily and the entertainments manager visited Dad when sometimes he couldn't join in. The local priest visited Dad in his room. The maintenance man was quick to get Dad a TV for his room and put things on the wall for him and talked to Dad every time he passed by. I cannot find any fault at all. Just a big thank you.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much Susan for your kind words. It was a pleasure to care for Dad and we loved your visits.


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Review from Elizabeth P (Sister of Resident) published on 30 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having visited several care homes to see relatives and friends, I can, in all honesty, place Heron Hill Care Home as the finest. In all the rating categories, it is my opinion that 'excellent' is the true assessment of all options.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Hi Elizabeth, thank you so much for your kind words. I will pass these on to the team and I am sure they will be equally as happy. It is lovely to get such feedback for all the hard work the team do in a job that they all love.


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Review from A H (Friend of Resident) published on 11 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to say a huge thanks to all of the staff team for the superb care they offered to my friend, especially PS. Right from the beginning I knew that my friend was safe and cared for. Every time I went to visit him, there were always plenty of staff around, who always treated my friend with
the care, dignity, respect and kindness he deserved. They were very familiar with him, his care needs, his preferences and took a keen interest in his life story. The environment was always absolutely pristine and always smelled fresh. Staff were always very welcoming.
During my friend's final times, the care and support offered to my friend was outstanding. It made a very difficult time much easier.
I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend this care home to anyone who is looking for the very best care for their friend, relative or loved one.

Reply from Tina Johnstone, Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you very much indeed for your extremely kind words. Heron Hill could simply not be the home it is without the incredible team who work there. Please be assured your comments will be shared.


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Review from K H (Son of Resident) published on 8 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It has been a difficult time for the care home staff. A number of residents were ill with "flu" type symptoms. The staff battled through and continued to provide care on a personal level. My parents showed amazing strength to overcome illness. I am very positive about the staff efforts to maintain high
standards at the care home.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. It has been a tough time, but the team continue to stay positive and offer a great home for our residents. It is a pleasure looking after your parents and we also enjoy your visits.


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Review from P R (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to express my sincere and grateful thanks to all the team for the way you cared for my dear dad over the last two years.
No family wants to have to put a loved one into care but you have shown that there is an amazing standard of care, compassion, dignity and respect within the caring
profession.
Dad was always clean, well dressed and comfortable every time I visited him, likewise, his room and bathroom was also clean and tidy. All the staff knew his name and engaged with him with friendliness. You kept the family informed of any issues which arose and visits from the GP or trips to the hospital that were required.
The staff I met were always friendly, helpful and polite and displayed an amazing level of care, understanding and respect.
You have made the last two years so much easier for our family knowing that dad was in such good hands.
Heartfelt thanks to you all, especially Nimmy and the Nightingale Unit Team x

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, I will pass these on to the team.


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Review from Aly M (Friend of Resident) published on 12 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

After visiting my friend on many occasions I felt the need to review the care home in which he is in.
As a visitor I have always been greeted on entering even when the staff are obviously busy with their tasks - the atmosphere is always pleasant whatever time of day I've found bright, light and very
fresh smells - my friend has suffered greatly with pain and can be difficult at times but even when staff don't know anyone in there they have treated him with kind words and respect - well done.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind words, we will make sure that these are passed on to the team.


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Review from Jane E (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum spent four weeks at Heron Hill Care Home. The care and support she received was excellent. During the last 72 hours of mums life myself, my brother and sister stayed with Mum round the clock. The staff were wonderful to us and so caring. All the staff were respectful, considerate and discreet.
Care for the resident and all the family was superb. They made a difficult time more bearable - thank you.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you, Jane, so much for your kind words. I will make sure that the team on the unit see this message. The manager and her team do work really hard and we are so happy that you and your family found their support a help at a difficult time.


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Review from Maureen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad has been in the Dementia unit for 18-months and in that time his condition has sadly progressed the way dementia does but I can see the rapport he has with the staff by the way he looks at them. It is so reassuring that in his final time of life that he will feel the comfort and compassion from
them all. The staff have to deal with many situations but from what I have seen, they handle each problem on its own merit and that takes skill, often not recognised by the general public. I applaud each and every member of the team at Heron Hill Care Home and as said in another review, everyone seems to know the names of the residents. Keep up the good work and thank you for caring for our dad.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Hi Maureen, Thank you for your lovely review. Your dad is a real character and a pleasure for us to care for. I will pass your kind words onto the unit.


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Review from M B (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father received excellent care in his final days at Heron Hill Care Home.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your kind review, I will forward this on to the team.


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Review from Pete S (Son of Resident) published on 8 December 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I would like to extend my upmost thanks to all the staff at Heron Hill Care Home. The care and compassion shown to my Mum could not have been bettered. The staff always took an interest in her as an individual and treated her with great respect. The staff were always friendly and helpful and always
prepared to go the extra mile. I would not hesitate to recommend Heron Hill as one of the very best possible care homes for your loved one.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your lovely response, it was a pleasure to look after Mum.


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Review from S R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are amazing. My dad has been treated with care and compassion. I am particularly impressed with the way everyone uses his name when greeting him, not list his immediate carers. They are interested in what he has to say and take the time to talk to my elderly mother when she visits as well.
A super team effort all-round - thank you.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We love looking after dad; he is such a character!


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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic place - staff, building, everything.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, your parents are a pleasure to care for and keep us all entertained with their singing and dancing!


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Review from N L (Husband of Resident) published on 6 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife received a high standard of nursing and care.
If asked, I would not hesitate in recommending Heron Hill Care Home.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Hi, Your wife was a pleasure to care for and we loved your visits. From the Team at Heron Hill


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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 March 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was moved from hospital to Heron Hill and we, as a family, were led to believe Mum was not going to live much longer. How wrong they were. She is not running around by any means, but because of the care at Heron Hill, she seems content and very well looked after. We haven't been able to visit in
the care home because of Covid, but when we can I am sure we will be happy with her room, facilities and activities.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you, mum is a pleasure to care for and we look forward to welcoming you into the home.


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Review from S B (Partner of Resident) published on 19 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All staff members are polite and helpful when asking about my partner's day. The home are quick at contacting us with information on his care.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, your partner is a pleasure to care for. We will pass your review onto the unit.


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Review from E C (Cousin of Resident) published on 17 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I was invited to participate in a pre-booked telephone conference about my cousin's circumstances with the staff and her social worker. I was most favourably impressed by the detailed knowledge they all displayed of all the 11 domains of care and the time taken to consider them. The conference lasted
just over an hour. Her social worker rang the next day in case I had any queries or concerns. I did not, every aspect of her care had been thoroughly considered with concern and compassion. Staff were most co-operative about accepting family photographs, small paintings and glass ornaments to decorate her room, and later, presents and a small led-lights Christmas tree. I'm given updates on Covid19. The resident's mother was the half-sister to my late husband's father and fell out with his mother; the cousins rarely met so I hardly knew her, but staff are most understanding about how little I can help with her likes and dislikes or her health. I can't visit so can't really comment on the options below.

Reply from Sarah Willitts, Regional Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your feedback - this is really positive and I will make sure the staff receive this feedback. Take care


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Review from B B (Sister of Resident) published on 2 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My brother has been here for approx 4 years and in that time we have been very happy with the care he has received. The staff are all so caring with all the residents and my brother has been as settled as is possible. Unfortunately, in the present situation, we have been unable to visit but we have
been in contact regularly and have obtained a good and friendly contact. We have known that he is fine and ok.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your lovely words, the staff and the team love caring for your brother and we look forward to seeing you again soon.


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Review from R J (Wife of Resident) published on 1 February 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Very helpful and welcoming staff. Always provide attention and support.

Reply from Nicola Spedding, Registered Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review, your husband is a pleasure to care for.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.559)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.559) out of 10 for Heron Hill Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 45 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 45 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 4.559 for Heron Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (345 Excellents x 5) + (128 Goods x 4) + (43 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 521 Ratings = 4.559

  • 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 Heron Hill Care Home is based on 45 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 86 registered maximum number of service users is 17.2, which has been reached with 45 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: 18 Mar 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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

7 Bed Vacancies

posted 26 Feb 2025

Please contact the Home Manager Nicola Spedding. We currently have 7 x beds available and would enjoy showing you around our beautiful home.


Awards / Recognitions (16)

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Meet the Team (1)

Nicola

Nicola Spedding

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2019

Nicola started her career in the care sector in 1992 as a carer in a nursing home. She worked her way up to her current position of Registered Home Manager. Along the way, Nicola has studied to gain the knowledge required to become a good home manager. She has her NVQ level 4 in Health and Social care and Management, along with the Registered Managers level 4 award. Nicola has worked in both residential and nursing homes for the elderly.


Nicola is passionate about promoting a high quality of care for her residents, their families and her team. Nicola supports her team to achieve this through training, supervision and guidance. She also encourages open and honest discussions with her residents and their families to help her and her team to perform the best they can.