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 61-76
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
  • 0

Date Published

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31

Review from R C (Wife of Resident) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and carers at Heron Hill are exceptional. Our family had total peace of mind knowing my husband was well cared for. It was a great comfort to us when my husband became too poorly to live at home.
My husband could be very challenging due to his vascular dementia and the carers managed him
very well and he responded to them and their requests. We cannot praise and thank Heron Hill enough.

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

Thank you - I know the staff really enjoyed caring for your husband and thank you for your support as well. Take care


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Review from Elaine S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All the staff I have met have been excellent, friendly and helpful. I am very happy with the care my Dad receives, he is treated with dignity and kindness. The home is clean and warm. The rooms are bright, and the day room is spacious and comfy. The staff call me if they have a problem or if my dad
is unwell, communication is good. The home has limited outdoor space but is near a park area. Overall, I have been more than happy with Heron Hill and glad I ignored poor reviews and trusted my instinct when I visited to arrange my Dad's care.

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

Thank you for your review. This feedback is so important to the staff and I will make sure they receive this feedback.
Many thanks.


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Review from Joanne S (Friend of Resident) published on 17 December 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My friend spent her final year of her life in Heron Hill Care Home, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. She received nothing but the very best care and attention, by all the wonderful staff, in a lovely clean, homely environment. She couldn't have spent her last 12 months of life anywhere
nicer. Genuinely kind and caring staff, enticing meals and lots of activities for residents, with sensitivity to individual residents needs and wishes. She always looked presentable and cared for, her bedroom was always kept beautifully clean and tastefully decorated, as was the rest of the care home. And Heron Hill Facebook page was fantastic at keeping friends and family updated with frequent photographs and news about their loved ones. I would have no hesitation in recommending Heron Hill to anyone looking for a top-notch Care Home for their loved one.
Thank you.

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

Thank you so much for your wonderful review, your friend will sadly be missed by us all (mostly for her lovely morning cuddles).


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Review from John E (Brother of Resident) published on 24 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

All the time my brother has been in the care home I have found all the staff very pleasant and caring and would recommend the home to anyone.

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

Thank you for your lovely review, we love looking after your family member.


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Review from Ruth M (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father entered Heron Hill following a stay in hospital as my mother is unable to care for him at home. I have found the staff to be helpful, caring and very receptive to suggestions you make. As most of his time so far in Heron Hill has been during lockdown, nothing is too much trouble and they keep
you fully informed as to what has been happening.

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

Thank you for your review. We appreciate that the last few months have been very difficult for you all, dad is a pleasure to look after. We are always here if you have any concerns. Kind regards, the Heron Hill team.


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Review from Janet H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care and respect given to the residents has been exemplary. Nothing has been too much trouble and the staff have shown great care towards the residents in their care.

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Review from Mandy C (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum came to Cavell Suite at Heron Hill straight from the hospital two years ago. Throughout her stay, she has been treated very well and the staff seemed to have a genuine care for her, even though she spoke very little. We have always been notified quickly if Mum was unwell or there had been an incident.
Whenever I have called in Mum has been clean, tidy, well fed and her medication has been correctly administered. She particularly enjoyed listening to the piano being played on Tuesdays and joining in with the singing. Music is so important for the residents. I am so grateful for the care and dignity that was given to Mum right to the end and the friendliness shown to myself and my family whenever we visited. We were always greeted with a smile from the staff. Thank you, everyone.

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Review from L S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Grandad died of natural causes 6 days after being admitted. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of care and attention he received in his last days despite being a new addition. The staff were excellent, always smiling and genuinely kind. During the last hours of his life, we were offered
food, refreshments and a bed to stay in so we could be constantly with him until his passing. Words cannot do justice to Heron Hill's kindness to us in those hard times.

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was only at the care home for 6 days, his time there was as comfortable as I could wish for. The staff were, without exception, helpful, friendly and sincere. I would not hesitate to recommend the home to others. The compassion and support we received throughout my father's stay and at his
death was wonderful. They helped my mum with her sadness at my father going into the home and again with her distress at his death. Well done everyone.

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Review from David G (Son of Resident) published on 2 August 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

We were very grateful to Heron Hill for taking our Mom from a busy medical ward in hospital to spend the few weeks of her life in her own room, cared for by caring carers.


We have not filled in some boxes below as they were not applicable in our case.


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Review from Charles H (Husband of Resident) published on 9 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Home has the advantage of a modern building - light, airy, broad corridors for mobility. Nursing and caring to a high standard. Flexible arrangements for individual residents. Food excellent. Visitors welcome at almost any time.

Reply from Adrian Wheawall, Home Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your continuous support and warm comments. I will feed back to the nursing staff who I am sure will be very grateful.


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Review from Patricia G (Sister of Resident) published on 21 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As a sister of a resident in the above care home for the past 2 years approximately I have had little reason for any complaints. Nursing staff always courteous and willing to answer any queries. Carers from my observation on visiting are kind and helpful. The home is kept in good condition and general
atmosphere satisfactory.

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Review from Knowels Thomas H (Husband of Resident) published on 9 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Staff slow to react to residents requests when they need help and tend to get forgotten at the time. Seen when visiting - too much talking when they could get on with other jobs.

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Review from Joyce H (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother's care is very well addressed she seems content and relaxed at the times we visit. The carers are friendly and approachable as are the nursing staff who we feel we can discuss my mother's issues with at any time.
The home itself is very well cared for in all areas and my mother always looks
clean and tidy whenever we visit.
Our only concern is the laundry, clothes are not put away properly some just pushed in drawers with underwear, even found men's shirts and underwear amongst my mothers. This criticism is the thing that lets down the rest of what we consider to be very good.

Reply from Adrian Wheawall, Home Manager at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your review of Heron Hill Care Home. I am sure the team will be very grateful for the comments you have provided. I am happy that you feel your Mother is well cared for and her needs are being met in a dignified way.
Regarding your concern around the laundry, we have invested in a new tagging system for each individual resident. Hopefully, this will resolve the concern you have raised.
Thank you for your continuous support.


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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

It's difficult to review when we have no experience of any other. As a big home, it's not as homely as a smaller unit. The dementia unit is large and not ideal for my mother as she doesn't like being with others.
The staff are good with her but there doesn't appear to be much stimulation. For the cost,
I do think there should be more effort. An outside area would be beneficial but there is no external secure area from Cavell.

Reply from Andrea Gamble, Regional Operations Director at Heron Hill Care Home

Thank you for your valuable feedback. I believe the Home Manager has already spoken with you regarding the full range of activities on offer at the home including the recent appointment of a full-time Occupational Therapist which is something few homes offer. Residents from all floors do have access to the gardens, which are well used in the nice weather albeit some residents do have to be supervised to ensure their safety.


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Review from Jayne S (Niece of Resident) published on 22 February 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care my uncle has received whilst at Heron Hill Care Home has been very good. The staff are brilliant on the McKenzie unit considering the difficult situations they have to deal with i.e Alzheimer patients no criticism only praise.

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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.