Birchwood Court Residential Care Home

Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, Peterlee SR8 3XZ
Submit a Review
9.6 56 Reviews
  • Birchwood Court Residential Care Home, Peterlee
A beautiful home in the heart of Easington Colliery, it’s the team which makes Birchwood Court special. The home has a warm family feel, with many of the staff having been there for over 10 years.

They are devoted to enriching the lives of their residents and supporting them to do the things they love. There are so many trips organised, from riding on the beach buggies and enjoying fish and chips at Seaham Beach, to visits to the community over 60s club, and local garden and shopping centres.

There are welcoming lounges, where residents enjoy so many activities, from exercise sessions with 'Mr Motivator', live music and cocktails, to pamper sessions, with manicures and hand massages. There is also a cinema lounge for movie nights.

The home has its own pub, The Birchwood Arms, for themed nights, karaoke and games. The residents enjoy some healthy competition with table tennis, and there’s a beautiful hair salon, for regular appointments with the mobile hairdresser.

The community are embraced into life in the home, with regular community coffee mornings held there. School children often visit to enjoy activities, or to treat the residents to music and dance performances. Next door to Sanctuary Care’s Ashwood Park home, the residents often get together for trips and activities, creating lasting friendships.

With so many of the residents being animal lovers, the team organise plenty of animal visits, from pups and well-behaved dogs to more unusual creatures, like a pet therapy fox!

In the dining rooms they enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals prepared by the chef, from roast dinners with all the trimmings and fish and chip Fridays, to home-baking for afternoon tea. Birchwood Court also has a beautiful vintage tearoom, which a lovely place to relax with loved ones, who are welcome at any time. And there is a private family and friends Facebook page, keeping everyone connected.

Show Birchwood Court Residential Care Home on the Map

Care Provided by Birchwood Court Residential Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 43 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Kirsty Stuart (Deputy Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (43)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Birchwood Court 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 £1,162
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,162

  • 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 £1162 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 Birchwood Court 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)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome at any time.


  • Parking

  • Private car parking available.


Birchwood Court Residential Care Home Reviews (56)

Total of 56, showing 41-56
9.6

Birchwood Court Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.644) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Birchwood Court Residential Care Home has 56 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 33
  • 20
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

56
4
8
17
39

Review from L A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My father has been at Birchwood for five months. Some staff are excellent and some not so but, overall good. Birchwood is kept clean and tidy. The activities coordinator is very good. Sometimes there is a lack of communication between staff and management with family. Sometimes staff don't listen to
family advice about my father e.g no butter on bread/toast. No gravy on his meals and need to be reminded regularly. Laundry system needs reviewing as clothes are regularly being mislaid.

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

Thank you for your kind words about our team. I will be sure to pass your feedback onto the manager and team, but please know that Katie's door is always open for you if you ever need to ask something, or have feedback to give. Best wishes, Fae.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Moving my mother was, as expected, one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but with the manager and her dedicated team, they made this unbearable situation manageable.
The manager and her team have been so kind, patient and caring and as the weeks are heading towards a month, everything is
still raw and difficult but we are heading in the right direction.
The whole team at Birchwood are exceptional and I thank them dearly for helping me through these last few weeks.

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

Thank you for your lovely feedback, it will be much appreciated by the manager and the team. Best wishes, Senior Marketing Officer.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Elaine G (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 May 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother came into Birchwood in February 2019.
I have not seen her look so well and happy in a long time. She now considers Birchwood Court her home and states she would not like to live anywhere else.
All the staff are caring and kind and treat everyone with the utmost respect.
Thank you so much
Birchwood Court.

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

Dear Elaine, thank you so much for your kind words about our home and our team. Your feedback is truly invaluable to our team. Best wishes, Fae


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S S (Resident) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Care home very good. Staff excellent. Could do with more staff.
Always something to do. Always someone to talk to if you feel out of your depth.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Birchwood Court Residential Care Home

Dear Steven,
Thank you for your review! We always appreciate your feedback directly from our home - if you do have any queries or worries, please do speak to our management team who have an open door policy and would always like to hear how you think we can improve. Best wishes, Fae.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Allan P (Son of Resident) published on 12 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Mam has been in Birchwood about 6 months, staff are very friendly. Have been a few issues regarding my mum's diet, certain foods have an adverse effect but we seem to have overcome this problem now, although still keep an eye on it. Sometimes, the choice of food isn't always good.
Overall, very happy
with Birchwood compared to other homes we've tried.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Marketing Officer at Birchwood Court Residential Care Home

Dear Allan, thank you for your lovely comments about our team. Please do speak with the team about any issues you may have, as they are here to help! Our catering team are happy to make alternate meals to the daily menu on request, and they are also all tailored to our residents dietary and nutritional needs. Best wishes, Fae.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Tracey G (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam has been here since March 2017. She finds the carers extremely helpful, friendly, hardworking and meet her every need. Her room is spacious and clean.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mary H (Sister of Resident) published on 10 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In my opinion, totally brilliant in all ways, wouldn't mind stopping myself a couple of days. All the staff are first class. Thank you for everything.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Michelle B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 August 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly, professional staff. Cleanliness 100% always, regular trips/outings for the residents.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S R (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 10 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Good clean environment, very good work, conscious staff always willing to help and give advice.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Sharon R (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent caring staff, not only for the residents but also care for the families. When I had to make the decision for my mam coming into residential care, I was so upset but the management was so thoughtful and caring. My mam has started to live again rather than exist, she now smiles and sings and
dances, she is so happy. I can't thank the staff at Birchwood enough. The rooms are lovely, clean and homely. The dining room and the food are lovely and there are always plenty of activities to keep the residents occupied. I wouldn't put my mam anywhere that I wouldn't go to myself. In my opinion, Birchwood is exactly what my mam needed, she was very lonely until she came to Birchwood now she is living again and very happy.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Margaret J (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 7 July 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I think Birchwood is fantastic. I like all of the staff they are my new family. I am always looked after by them and they feed me well. They hoover and clean my room and keep it nice. I always have company. I just have to walk out of my room and there is always someone I can talk with.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Paul B (Son of Resident) published on 20 February 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Myself, family and friends were a delighted with the care and support and attention my father received with his stay at Birchwood. The staff are excellent with Dad. He loved all the attention he was receiving. I would definitely recommend this respite home to anyone.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Mat A (Resident) published on 30 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A nice place to live and a very good team of staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Keith D (Resident) published on 23 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Good food, excellent manner and staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Peter D (Son of Resident) published on 4 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

This review is the combined opinion of all 5 direct relatives who all visit regularly. There were no extreme views at all. We are generally happy with the situation, as any minor concerns are usually dealt with by staff or management who are all approachable.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Robert P (Cousin of Resident) published on 9 June 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Happy with all care.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.644)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.644) out of 10 for Birchwood Court Residential 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 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 17 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 4.644 for Birchwood Court Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (136 Excellents x 5) + (60 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 202 Ratings = 4.644

  • 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 Birchwood Court Residential Care Home is based on 17 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 43 registered maximum number of service users is 8.6, which has been reached with 17 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: 8 Sep 2022

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 (1)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Meet the Team (6)

Hannah

Hannah Wallace

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2018

I have worked here for 5 years I like making a difference, seeing the residents loving living their lives here and supporting them.


Josh

Josh Maslen

Job Title: Care Assistant

Joined: 2020

I have worked at Birchwood Court for three years love working here because of the staff and the residents are so friendly.


Joanna

Joanna Herbet

Job Title: Team Leader

Joined: 2010

This is such a nice home the residents are lovely.


Linda

Linda Wynn

Job Title: Chef

Joined: 2001

I have worked at Birchwood Court for over 22 years I just love working as a chef.


Alan

Alan Greenfield

Job Title: Maintenance Officer

Joined: 2020

I love the good feedback I have from the residents. As a maintenance man, I make sure they are content and support the residents when they need help.


Carol

Carol Ross

Job Title: Administrator

Joined: 2022

I feel honoured to work at such a beautiful home and I love working with my residents and my great colleagues.