Howard House Care Home

13 Howard Street, Kilmarnock KA1 2BP
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9.5 44 Reviews
  • Howard House Care Home, Kilmarnock
Howard House has a warm, family feel the moment you walk through the door. With many of the team having worked there for over 10 and even 15 years, the staff are dedicated to enriching the lives of their residents.

The home is thriving, with so many activities and experiences to enjoy, from football memories reminiscence sessions at Kilmarnock FC to pampering in the hair salon, with a mobile hairdresser visiting weekly. Every week part of the home is transformed in the ‘Howard Hub’, where the residents enjoy a pie and a pint, playing pool and games.

The community are embraced into life in the home, with monthly aromatherapy massages from a visiting wellbeing champion, to trips out to the church, the theatre, or shopping.

This summer the gardens have been a hub of activity thanks to a £10,000 revamp after the home won an internal competition run by its not-for-profit provider Sanctuary Care for staff and residents to design their dream garden. And this summer the residents have made great use of their new mini allotment-style beds, where they have been growing their own produce, from tomatoes and potatoes to celery, leeks and garlic, harvesting it for the chef to use in the kitchen.

The home has also had an impressive refurbishment inside, with some beautiful spaces for residents to relax with their loved ones, who are welcome at any time. There is also a private family and friends Facebook page, keeping everyone connected with what the residents have been enjoying doing.

The team are passionate about the residents having an active role to play in how their home is run, with resident ambassadors, who do everything from supporting the home manager and interviewing potential staff to providing feedback on everything from the menus to the activities on offer.

And mealtimes are a real highlight of the day, with the chef preparing delicious home-cooked meals and freshly baked cakes for afternoon tea.

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Care Provided by Howard House Care Home

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 41 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Susan Orr (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (41)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (10)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: No
    • Last Refurbishment: 2007

Funding & Fees Guide for Howard House Care Home

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,274

  • Our weekly room 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 room fees for start from 1274, but may be 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.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Howard House 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
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Friends and family welcome to visit and get involved in activities at any time in the home (and out and about!), however meal times are reserved, as this is a busy time, when they need to ensure the needs of all residents are catered for.


  • Parking

  • Parking is freely and widely available on Howard Street and Seaford Street, as well as dedicated parking spaces.


Howard House Care Home Reviews (44)

Total of 44, showing 1-20
9.5

Howard House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.540) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Howard House Care Home has 44 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 32
  • 9
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Review from Carol M (Stepmother of Resident) published on 30 January 2025
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All staff and management are friendly and approachable - nothing is too much trouble. Any queries are quickly responded to either by email, telephone or in person. My relative has always been treated with dignity, compassion and kindness. Security is excellent with keypacks accessing gates to stairs
and front entrance, which has recently been renovated. There are varied age appropriate activities on every day. I brilliant nursing care home run by wonderful staff.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Father has now been in Howard House Care Home for over 2 years and is very content. He enjoys a comfortable life with the friendly staff. He has made new friends with other residents. He has become very understanding of other residents difficulties and is always willing to learn more. He enjoys the
food and games. It is very helpful to all members of the family that many activities and information is put on the Facebook page. Staff are always very helpful on the phone if I have any issues. New staff this year have made remarkable improvements in care of both body and mind.
The new lift has been installed at last but still has a noticeable bad smell. Although the new boiler has been installed, the radiator thermostats do not work and has been mentioned constantly for many months through the heat of summer and cold winter. Extra heaters have not helped and is causing unhealthy conditions in the room for Dad's chest infections.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you so much for your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that your father is so happy at Howard House Care Home, from the friendly staff and friendships, to the activities and the team's focus on residents' mental as well as physical wellbeing. We are so sorry to hear about the issues with the lifts and radiator, and are pleased to confirm that after you spoke to the home manager very recently, the issues were immediately resolved. Ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for all our residents is our top priority, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding while these matters were addressed.


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Review from Graham W (Son of Resident) published on 14 November 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The home is very good with residents and the staff are very pleasant and caring. It has plenty of events going on to stimulate the residents and would recommend it to anybody looking to put their parents in care.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for your kind recommendation. We're delighted to hear that you find Howard House to be such caring and engaging home, the team will be delighted to read your kind words. Providing meaningful activities and a compassionate and caring environment is at the heart of what we do, and it's wonderful to know it's making a positive impact. Thank you for sharing your experience.


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Review from S M (Friend of Resident) published on 15 July 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are very friendly, and any feelings I have had with them are cordial, caring and helpful.
They deal with my friend kindly, despite her being demanding at times! And do everything they can to keep her comfortable.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for your review of Howard House, the team will be thrilled to read your comment's about your friend's care.


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Review from Evelyn M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 June 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother has been a resident since 2021. She is extremely happy here and is looked after so well. All the staff treat her with respect and provide her with excellent care. Despite her age, she still attempts to take part in group activities and on a one-to-one basis.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review for Howard House, we are delighted to hear how happy your mother is there.


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Review from K A (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 May 2024
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Amazing day visiting my mum, activities were spot in, and the resident's interaction was great. I enjoyed it as well. It was lovely to see the carers and residents mixing so well.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for your five-star review for Howard House, the team will be delighted to hear you had such a special day with your mum.


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Review from M E (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 April 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has lived in Howard House for 4 months and the experience has been positive. She is very settled and always appears happy and content when we visit. The staff have made her, and us, very welcome. We are delighted with the care Mum is given and the way she is treated. I love to see the way Mum interacts
with us and others when we visit. This has been a blessing at a difficult time for us. Thank you for making our experience so positive.

Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for your review, the team at Howard House will be so proud to read your kind words. We are delighted your mother has settled in so well.


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Review from Pauline R (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Have received excellent care from all staff of Howard House. The staff are respectful, friendly and caring. We as a family are so happy with all aspects of care and the activities provided to stimulate and entertain are well planned.

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Review from Michelle W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 January 2024
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Fantastic all round, the staff are brilliant with my dad.
Can't ask for anything better as far as his care home is concerned and I know he's safe and taken good care of.
The staff are brilliant, especially the office staff who are always there with any questions I have concerning Dad, so thank you
very much.

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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Overall satisfied with care but the lift carry on has been very upsetting to my mum. It should have been replaced instead of new parts. It looks old and not reliable.

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Review from M N (Resident) published on 15 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Regarding poor facility. Our lift is out of action and we are waiting for repairs to be done. During April a repair was done after waiting three weeks for a new part meaning that residents had to climb stairs with the help of our splendid staff. Now in May we need more repairs and have been dreading
the stairs again. We are all extremely tired at the age of 95 I did not expect to be climbing stairs. How long can we go on, we need help now.

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Review from Fiona E (Niece of Resident) published on 11 June 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt was a resident in Howard House for 13 months. She received excellent care, and staff were all so kind and caring to her. She loved her time with you all. She loved the food too, especially the soup, and all the cups of tea she was given. She enjoyed getting her hair done too. Sadly she passed
away peacefully after 2 days in hospital at the age of 94 years.
Thank you to all the staff in Howard House.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for such a wonderful review for our home and team, it is so appreciated. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your aunt, I am sure she will be missed by the whole team. Best wishes.


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Review from G R (Son of Resident) published on 8 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

Initial settle period and no major issues at this point. Some delays in returning my father upstairs - occasionally in excess of one hour waiting time.

Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Howard House Care Home

Thank you for your review. It's great to hear your father is settling in well with us. I have passed your feedback on to our home manager and I believe that this has been resolved within the home. Best wishes.


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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 31 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff and management are all very friendly and helpful. They answer all queries, questions asked in detail. Any problems (very few) they are on to them as soon as possible. A lovely place for Mum to stay. Recommend Howard House Care Home to all. Thank you.

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Review from Theresa M (Friend of Resident) published on 21 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although our friend has only been in the home a few weeks, following a long stay in hospital, we have been very impressed with the way she has been treated, in particular, considering my friend's ongoing health problems and the way this has been managed. The staff have all been first-class, ever cheerful
and treat our friend kindly, gently and with great respect. Our friend has settled into the environment really well, much better than we anticipated.

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Review from M W (Son of Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 21 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have been a resident in this home for the last six months. I am happy at the way things are, the staff and management are always there if you need them. Very well cared for, lovely room, kept very clean. The food is lovely as well. I can still do things the same as when I was living at home, feel
safe and well looked after. Thanking all care staff for looking after me.

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Review from Julie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Howard House is slowly returning to normal after Covid. The staff have a little more freedom now to get involved with the residents once more, outings to shops, walks in the park and centre stage is back as well as a great indoor activity programme. Refurbishment is underway with a new garden, modern
rooms and a self-service coffee shop for residents and visitors. Residents are well cared for and the staff are always friendly and helpful.

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Review from Archie M (Husband of Resident) published on 3 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Howard House Care Home has been the best decision we made for my wife. She has been a resident now for a year. She is absolutely thriving. The staff are amazing, they are so friendly and helpful. They are always smiling or singing. It's very clear that Howard House is a very happy and content place
to work. All staff within Howard House are a credit to the company. They are worth their weight in gold.

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Review from J M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been at Howard House for just a few months and the care she has received is excellent. The staff are so friendly and always happy to help. There are plenty of activities for the residents, and it is lovely to see them taking part and having fun.

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Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am delighted with the care my mother has received since coming into Howard House. My mother is a quiet reserved person and whilst it has taken time for her to settle, the staff have been wonderful in helping make this transition as streamlined as possible. It is a happy place. Everyone is friendly,
down to earth and are so caring and attentive to trying to make my mother's stay as enjoyable as possible. It is wonderful to hear my mother is engaging in some activities. Thank you for your care, compassion, patience and understanding.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.540)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.540) out of 10 for Howard House Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 12 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 4.540 for Howard House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (102 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 161 Ratings = 4.54

  • 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 Howard House Care Home is based on 12 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 12 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 Inspectorate (CI) Rating

Date: 15 Apr 2024

How well do we support people's wellbeing? Very good

(5)
How good is our leadership? Very good

(5)
How good is our staff team? Very good

(5)
How good is our setting? Very good

(5)
How well is care and support planned? Good

(4)

Care Inspectorate is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in Scotland.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (1)

Susan

Susan Orr

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2021

Susan started her care career 24 years ago, joining the team as a home manager in April last year. Susan’s passions are quality of life for her residents and delivering quality care.


Frequently Asked Questions about Howard House Care Home

What types of Care is Howard House Care Home registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Howard House Care Home provide?

Palliative Care, Physiotherapy, Own GP if required & End of Life Care are other types of care provided.

How many Rooms does Howard House Care Home have?

There are 41 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Howard House 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, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Howard House Care Home to the centre of Kilmarnock?

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