Defoe Court Care Home

Defoe Crescent, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4JP
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9.8 220 Reviews
  • Defoe Court Care Home, Newton Aycliffe
Defoe Court Care Home, located in the friendly town of Newton Aycliffe, provides personalised residential and nursing care to older people.

The lovely home offers an ever-popular hairdressing salon, tea room and fantastic wellbeing programme for all residents to enjoy. Defoe Court also boasts a selection of specially designed dining areas that provide the perfect space to share meals with fellow residents or family and friends.

The professional care team at Defoe Court takes the time to learn about each resident’s individual hobbies and interests, supporting everyone to lead an active and fulfilling life. In addition to the range of activities available, the team support residents to take an active role in the Newton Aycliffe community. Whether it's building relationships with neighbours in local community groups and schools or visiting businesses in the area, there's something to suit every person.

Each member of the professional care team is on hand to ensure residents enjoy each day at Defoe Court. Led by a friendly and experienced home manager, they strive to deliver the kindest care to residents, supporting them to lead their best possible life.

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Care Provided by Defoe Court Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Orthopaedic
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sarah Davies (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Facilities

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

Defoe Court Care Home Reviews (220)

Total of 220, showing 1-20
9.8

Defoe Court Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10, based on 50 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Defoe Court Care Home has 220 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 198
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Date Published

220
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Review from A I (Son of Resident) published on 3 February 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

There is a good community feeling among the staff, and residents in the Defoe Court Care Home. The staff seem to go out of their way to ensure dad and the other residents are well cared for, respected and comfortable. The food is outstanding with a good selection available at each meal time. The organised
activities really help stimulate the residents and are quite varied. It is worth notifying that everyone who works at Defoe is a carer whatever their role. Thank you for taking good care of dad.

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Review from N B (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 22 January 2025
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Granddad lived in Defoe Court for 4 months before he passed away. I can honestly say it was the best decision we made. Granddad made friends, settled really well from the support he got from the kind and caring team and would tell us it felt like home from home. We cannot thank Defoe Court enough
for the difference they made in the last months of Granddads life!

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Review from Kerry L (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My granddad lived the best 7 months of his life in Defoe Court. He was looked after and treated with respect continuously.

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Review from Claire P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam has been in the home for almost a year and the care she has received has been fantastic. All of the staff have been amazing. We pay £1160 per week and the overall condition of the home is very old-fashioned. The size of the rooms are very small, it could do with a full revamp.

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Review from Julie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam has been in Defoe for 11 months now and she has settled very well. The staff are excellent and treat her as if she were a member of their own family. I cannot express enough how the staff and management make this care home. They have become a part of our family. Unfortunately, my mam is someone
who pays for her care the the cost is extorionate.

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Review from M R (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 November 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Defoe Court Care Home for almost a year.
She settled in immediately and refers to it as home.
The staff are absolutely amazing and nothing is ever too much trouble. We know that when we can't be there that she is safe and well cared for. She loves everyone who works there
and they all treat her like a queen.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Defoe Court.

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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 October 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Defore Court Care Home has met and exceeded my expectation in the care of my father. Every member of staff (in every area of care) shows care and consideration towards the residents. Nothing is too much trouble. Smiles greet you wherever you go. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the care my father
is receiving. Outstanding in every way.

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Review from D P (Son of Resident) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam didn't want to be in a home but circumstances forced the family to put mam in a home. Although she could be a bit of a nightmare the staff warmed to her and she warmed to them. She made some good friends in her time there and so have I.

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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely excellent care home. The staff were so caring and not only to mam but her family too. The way that they spoke to others in their care was just how their own family would respect humour and dignity. We as a family were welcome any time of the day/night.

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Review from L V (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 September 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother went to Defoe Court in April 2024 as a Palliative Care Resident. From the first visit to the last visit, without exception, all the staff were welcoming, kind, and caring and treated my mam like she was their mam. They made her feel at home and mam settled there immediately. They patiently
and lovingly cared for mam. With mam being in Defoe Court for the last few months of her life it gave us our daughter/mother relationship back, as prior to this her daughters were her carers and this became very difficult at times. I will treasure these last few months of mam's life and we will always speak highly of Defoe Court Care Home.

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Review from L C (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 August 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was admitted to Defoe Court in May and sadly passed away yesterday. During his stay at Defoe Court (or the hotel as my dad called it), we literally felt like we had gained another family. The staff are all amazing with kindness and concern for us all, l always knew that he was in good hands.
I can't say enough how much my dad enjoyed the food at Defoe Court and it was obviously prepared with love and care for the residents. Dad's bedroom was cheerful and even though he unfortunately couldn't get out of bed during his stay, he always commented that he never felt alone as staff were always popping in and out to make sure he was okay or just to say hello. My only regret about my dad going to Defoe Court is that he didn't get there earlier because he was as happy as he could possibly be there and for that l am eternally grateful and can't recommend Defoe Court enough.

Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Defoe Court Care Home

We are pleased to hear you were very happy with the quality of care your Dad received at Defoe Court care home and we will ensure your kind words are shared with the team. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review of our home at this difficult time, please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family.


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Review from M P (Son of Resident) published on 3 June 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Everyone at Defoe Court has been nothing short of fantastic to care for my mam at the end of her life. She has been given the best care we could have asked for and treated with dignity and respect. As a family, we would like to make a special mention to her carers I cannot put into words my gratitude
to you all. Thank you so much.

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Review from Sarah J (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care home goes above and beyond. Choosing a care home for a parent at the end of life is a heartbreaking thing to do but after a visit to check suitability, it was immediately clear how much the staff cared. Without any hesitation, I took a place for my mam. She was quickly settled into a room and
made to feel comfortable. She longed to be able to see outside so they moved the bed so that it was possible for her to do this without any trouble at all.
The staff were quite simply amazing. I was able to stay with her the whole time and have others there for support. We were made to feel welcome at all times. Every single member of staff was caring, professional, kind, honest and thoughtful. The list could go on. Thank you!

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Review from Melanie W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mam has now been in Defoe for 13 months, becoming a permanent resident in October 2023 following a life-changing stroke. Having been recommended Defoe the previous December when Mam was released from hospital into an intermediate care bed, I cannot praise the team highly enough. The staff are attentive
and caring, they have actively supported Mam on her journey and continue to do so. In what must be horrifically challenging times for her, the team at Defoe look after both her physical and mental wellbeing. Given I live in another part of the country, I know she is safe and well looked after. Communication with relatives is excellent and the activities and visits both provide stimuli and is so uplifting I can see. All I can say is thank you, you all are massively appreciated.

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Review from T F (Son of Resident) published on 5 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall, the home provides a good service for the residents. There has been a few issues when the home has been short staffed i.e.; residents not getting their mid morning and mid afternoon drinks and snacks.
Mam's bathroom needs to be completed after toilet was changed and repositioned, leaving the
floor unfinished.

Reply from Clare Sheehan, Careline Advisor at Defoe Court Care Home

Our staffing grid is currently worked out against residents’ dependency in the home. We work to the correct level. If the home was short staffed, we have a system in place to use our own internal agency or an external agency. We also use a whole-home approach as all staff working at Defoe Court are trained in at least 1 other department. We have four trolleys a day where the residents are offered hot/cold drinks and snacks. We also ensure residents have access to fluids in their own room 24 hours a day and snacks are also available 24 hours a day that residents can access. Please feel free to speak with me should you have any further concerns.


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Review from John T (Husband of Resident) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Being a husband, you can feel sad of the loss to home life. This still remains true. Being unselfish, it's heartening to see the staff, facilities and quality of care is far superior than what home and and a full time working husband can offer. The staff are always friendly and positive to both residents
and visitors. With so much negativity in the world, it's great to see Defoe as a bubble away from this. Keep up the great work, you are fantastic.

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Review from Jane D (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This care home provided a wonderful environment for my mum. The activities on offer are excellent there are 2 to choose from every day and over a wide range of activities.
The care and kindness are exceptional. Every member of staff is thoughtful and keen to ensure my mum is living her best life at
the home.

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Review from Gillian G (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

It is good to know that when we leave Mum, she is cared for and supported with kindness and skill.

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Review from Roxanne M (Grandson of Resident) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Great care respectful when communicating and with all aspects of care. Clean and tidy and nice rooms.

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Review from Alastair H (Son of Resident) published on 1 February 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff and care are lovely. So friendly and go beyond to help Mam. Activities are great, Mam loves them.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.782)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.782) out of 10 for Defoe Court 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 50 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 49 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 4.782 for Defoe Court Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (490 Excellents x 5) + (79 Goods x 4) + (22 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 593 Ratings = 4.782

  • 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 Defoe Court Care Home is based on 49 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 41 registered maximum number of service users is 8.2, which has been reached with 49 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 Sep 2017

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Outstanding

  • 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 (12)

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Meet the Team (1)

Sarah

Sarah Todd

Job Title: Care Home Manager

What does kindness mean to you?


“Kind care is willing to put the needs of others first.”


As a Health Care Professional, Sarah has gained many years of experience in providing care and support for older people to enrich their lives. She is a knowledgeable and dedicated leader who is passionate about delivering the highest possible standards in care and quality of life for Residents.


Sarah shares that HC-One’s vision is aiming to provide the kindest care for each and every Resident. She uses her experience to motivate her team to deliver care and support in a way that Residents gain the most benefit, in a warm and welcoming home.


When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Sarah remarked:


“The Residents, the people. Hearing laughter in the home and supporting Residents to fulfil hopes and dreams. Everything is possible with the right love and support behind you.”


Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her favourite people, going on holidays, listening to music and reading. Sarah’s biggest achievements are getting ‘Outstanding in Care’ CQC, making the final three for Care Home of the Year and winning Rising Star of the Year.


If you would like to find out more about Defoe Court, Sarah would be delighted to have an informal discussion with you over the phone to answer any questions and provide further information.


Frequently Asked Questions about Defoe Court Care Home

What types of Care is Defoe Court Care Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Defoe Court Care Home provide?

Palliative Care & Own GP if required are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Defoe Court Care Home have?

There are 41 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Defoe Court 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, Bar/Café, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Defoe Court Care Home to the centre of Newton Aycliffe?

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