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.

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.


Total of 44, showing 21-40
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
  • 2
  • 0
  • 1

Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Over the last four weeks, my mother has had episodes due to her illness. The staff was unable to deal with this and called the police. They have given notice to my mother, and we're unwilling to extend this for a week. Mother had bruising and when she had episodes, was at least once, cornered by staff.
When went to take mum out today and personal things missing, unable to find no support and just left to pack up and go.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident for a few months now and overall as a family we are happy with her care.
The only area I would highlight is the medical side as on a few occasions my mum has needed either pain relief or help with applying cream and been told someone will come when they don't appear. It
also seems to take a while to order items she has previously had on repeat from her doctor.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was a resident for a very short time before she passed away, the staff were amazing with her even though they never really got to know her they showed kindness in every way.
I am now in the process again for my mother in law and I certainly will be looking to Howard House Care Home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no complaints about the staff, I think they all do a great job, my only criticism is that the staff change a lot and every time you go in there is someone new and I think it would make visitors feel more comfortable if name badges were worn rather than having to ask everybody their name. Also
I think it would be good if they could give their name when answering the phones as it can be embarrassing having to ask who is speaking.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words. They are so appreciated by our team! Best wishes, Fae


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always courteous and friendly staff when visiting in the most trying of circumstance, (Covid).

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

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team at Howard House - they will so appreciate it. Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It was my daughters birthday at the weekend and I bought a gift for my Dad (a Howard House Care Home resident) to give to her.
The staff at the care home went above and beyond to bring us all tea and cake and a beautiful celebration with my dad.
I really cannot thank them enough. My dad loves seeing
his grandchildren and I know he loved every minute of the time we spent with him. After all their hard work during the pandemic and the tireless and selfless care they provide, it was really so much appreciated. The staff are a credit to their employer and do a fantastic job.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to review Howard House and for your kind words about our team. It is so wonderful to hear you were able to celebrate your daughter's birthday with your father, I am sure it was a wonderful celebration. Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The family are delighted with the care given, Mum and Dad are happy and being well looked after. Which is a weight off our minds. It's lovely to see Mum out of bed when we visit and Dad chatting with everyone.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly staff and very welcoming.

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team. Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience with Howard House has always been a positive one. Kind, caring and friendly staff and nurses. Entertainment girls are always first-class with the activity programme, they are always trying to help residents at their individual level and support their needs.

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

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words. I will be sure to pass on your feedback about activities - our team really do pride themselves on the person-centred care they provide. Best wishes.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Throughout her ongoing stay, my mother has been very well looked after in terms of accommodation and personal care by committed staff with good humour and tolerance. I have found the staff from reception through to the day to day caring and management of exceptionally high standards and always helpful,
smiling and most importantly, with my mother's needs, interests and wellbeing first on their priority list. I would not hesitate to recommend this home to anyone in need of care!

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

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team, they are so appreciated! Best wishes, Fae


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Resident (Gran) seems well settled and often comments on how much she likes the staff and seems well looked after.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have always found Howard House Care Home staff to be very caring towards me and my mum. I have always been welcomed when visiting at any time. They have been so kind to Mum during Covid.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Always warm and friendly, they take very good care of my grandmother.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum was very reluctant to go into a home but due to her caring needs, it was a very heartbreaking decision to take.
Howard House came highly recommended to us and has not let our mum or us down.
The carers, management, cooks and the cleaner bend over backwards to help, care and look after our
gorgeous mum, who has settled in.
With a big thanks from us, you all certainly deserve it, as you are all busy people and not once has anything been a bother to you to care for mum.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was in for some respite care during January. My sister and I were very happy with the attentive care he received from the manager and her dedicated staff. They made him feel at ease and comfortable and were also very engaging with him. Should we need to use respite care again, we wouldn’t
hesitate to use Howard House.

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

Thank you for such a wonderful review of our home - it is lovely to hear you were so happy with the care at Howard House. We do look forward to welcoming your father back to Howard House. Best wishes, Fae


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been in for emergency respite and the staff have been excellent at reassuring us at this difficult time. They have been very understanding of our unique circumstances and very comforting when I have been upset during these difficult times. I feel comforted that my husband is in good/safe
care. Thank you!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since Mum went into care (in the middle of the carnage that was 2020), we've been impressed with the care and attention shown to her by all of the staff involved. They have always been responsive to requests and Mum has always been well cared for - even when we couldn't get in to see her. Window visits
have been a lifeline and the staff have done everything they can to facilitate this. Recommended.

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

Thank you for your such kind words about our home. Our team will really appreciate it. Best wishes, Fae.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Visiting well handled. Good set-up. Pleasant surroundings.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Level of care, hygiene and attention is second to none.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Finding a care home for an adult under 65 years old is very difficult. We have been impressed by the care and individual attention provided at Howard House.

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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.