Thorn Springs

Collie Place, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 6TW
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9.9 48 Reviews
  • Thorn Springs, Dunstable
Thorn Springs in Houghton Regis opened in October 2022 and has all the finishing touches you would expect from a warm and welcoming home, with luxurious social spaces, attractive décor and freely accessible, secure, gardens.

All 66 bedrooms are en-suite, enabling them to deliver person-centred care in a dignified manner, promoting independence as far as possible.

Thorn Springs is more than just a care home - it is a lifestyle choice and the next chapter in your life.

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Care Provided by Thorn Springs

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 66 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Other Care Provided
  • Own GP if required

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Katie Hughes (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (66)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (66)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Thorn Springs

  • 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 £1,566

  • Our all inclusive fee gives peace of mind and allows residents to enjoy our facilities and services without having to worry about extra costs. It includes a monthly appointment at our onsite hair salon, regular chiropody appointments, a full and varied activity program, annual eye tests, annual dental check ups and transport and accompaniment to medical appointments where necessary.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Thorn Springs to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • The well-being of residents is a priority, and nothing is more important than keeping them in touch with their family and friends in any way possible. Thorn Springs are pleased to welcome visitors into their home, with no limit on the number of visitors for each resident. The home pride themselves on having an open-door policy.


  • Parking

  • Thorn Springs has plenty of onsite parking for visitors.


Thorn Springs Reviews (48)

Total of 48, showing 21-40
9.9

Thorn Springs has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.875) out of 10, based on 37 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Thorn Springs has 48 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Review from M S (Partner of Resident) published on 1 November 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Just a couple of things that I feel would improve this very nice home. The frosted windows - what a shame you cannot sit on the balcony and see the world go by etc. Also, the rooms again are small and practicable but not homely, remembering people have had to leave their homes to live with you. Lastly
the cost of Thorn Springs "I'm afraid I'm shocked, then being the age I am, I better say nothing. So all in all well done for the lovely home and staff. Congratulations.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for taking the time to write. We absolutely welcome our residents to make their rooms their own, please speak with one of the team if you need any help with that. You are completely correct, this is your home, and if there is anything we can do to make it feel more homely for you we would be all ears.


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Review from J O (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was in respite care for two weeks in their beautiful home. The staff were friendly and caring at all times. From what I saw cannot fault the service mum received there.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for your kind words, we love our beautiful home and our fabulous team.


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Review from T J (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Wonderful care staff who are kind, genuinely caring and nothing is too much trouble. From front of house to auxiliary I am more than happy with the level of care my dad receives which is very comforting.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

We are so pleased that you are happy with the care your dad is receiving, we believe our team do a wonderful job but thank you for sending in a review to prove it!


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Review from K B (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 6 October 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife's brother who came to Thorn Springs for two weeks respite while we went on holiday was cared for by the staff as one of their family. He felt completely at home and loved the food, his room and the caring staff who attended to his every needs. He was so happy during his stay that he is talking
about returning for good. Thank you to all the staff at Thorn Springs for making his stay so enjoyable.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, we very much consider Thorn Springs to be a family and while we miss your brother-in-law for now we very much look forward to seeing him again soon!


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Review from R T (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff have supported the whole family through the emotional challenges of settling a loved one in. The process has been managed with compassion and professionalism.
Everyone is treated as a respected individual.
Thank you.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for sending a lovely review. We always want to work with families and loved ones to ensure that residents can settle in smoothly with us, it’s a key part of our ethos of person-centred care to ensure that all individual needs are met.


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Review from Emma R (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff continues to go over and beyond to help my mum adjust to this new part of her life. They demonstrate empathy, professionalism and truly care and want to make a difference to my mum's quality of life. This has been a lifesaver for wider family members who can visit and share quality time with
her in beautiful surroundings. The key part is the quality of care given to my mum which has surpassed all expectations. Her individual quirks have been embraced and staff take time to get to know her and attend to her needs with compassion and understanding Thank you for all you are doing.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. It is important to us that our home is a sanctuary not only for our residents but also their loved ones, allowing them to spend quality time together without having to focus on care – that’s what we are there for!


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Review from Micheal W (Husband of Resident) published on 11 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife came here in February for respite but is now a permanent resident. The care she has received has been outstanding. They always go above and beyond and are always there with a cup of tea and a piece of cake for me and the family. I couldn't wish for my wife to be in a better place.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, we are so happy to have welcomed your wife and yourself into the Thorn Springs family. We love it when a respite stay becomes permanent as it really shows how special our home is, from people with first-hand experience!


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Review from Lisa W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 11 September 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thorn Springs has been amazing. First, and the most important is their level of all-round care, which has been outstanding. They have made us all feel that we are one big happy family.
It always has a very relaxed and pleasurable atmosphere.
The residents are offered a variety of activities each
week, helping with their cognitive skills.
We are extremely happy with Thorn Springs in every way.
A huge thank you to all the staff, who work very hard to make the place a fantastic home.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

What a lovely review to read! We are very proud of our beautiful home but you are right, what really sets us apart is the wonderful atmosphere and the family feel, and we are so pleased you have joined our family!


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Review from K H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both Mum and I found Thorn Springs welcoming, with excellent facilities, but it's the people and care that count. Respite can be worrying due to the temporary nature, but Mum was soon integrated into the Thorn Springs family, both staff and residents. We had daily contact with Mum and were reassured
that she was safe, happy and amply supplied with tea and cake (her favourite). We found staff knowledgable, very helpful and always smiling. All in all, a happy and well-managed stay. Would be happy to place Mum in Thorn Springs care again.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for your lovely comments about Thorn Springs. It’s great to hear that your mum quickly settled in and enjoyed her time living in the home – in particular, the delicious cakes made by the fabulous kitchen team, which we can’t blame her for! Your mum will always be welcome at Thorn Springs, as will your wonderful family. Please don’t hesitate to pop in for a cuppa.


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Review from Emma R (Friend of Resident) published on 28 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment we enquired about Thorn Springs, we were impressed with the facilities, knowledge, and helpfulness. It is so lovely, it could be mistaken for a hotel! (Tried to book a room but too young).
After being in hospital for a couple of months, my mother-in-law has been there since February
and has gained weight (in a good way), and has seemed happier, more engaged and generally included whenever she wants to be. There are always different things going on but no one is forced to get involved if they don't want to.


The food is amazing, the rooms are always clean and tidy (no matter what day/time we visit), the corridors are bright and smell nice, the staff are just amazing and remember us too, but more importantly, get to know each individual resident's likes/dislikes. Their social media page is a fantastic source of information for when we are not able to visit, and they genuinely seem like a 'family'.
Couldn't ask for any more from them! Just fantastic!
Thank you


Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you so much, what a wonderful review for a wonderful home! It’s so lovely to hear that your mother-in-law is thriving at Thorn Springs, our residents enjoy being busy and it sounds like that’s working for her too. We do like to think of Thorn Springs as a family and your mother-in-law fits right in – and don’t forget you are part of the family now too!


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Review from R K (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident since March and has now settled in. The staff are all so kind and caring. The home is very welcoming to visitors. There are always drinks and cakes available. All my mum's care needs are met and she regularly has her hair done. The care staff always make sure she is dressed
very smartly. The management of the home is very efficient.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you so much for leaving these kind words for our care team at Thorn Springs. We’re so glad to hear that your mother is enjoying her stay with us. It’s important to us that our residents look and feel their best so it’s great to hear that your mother is taking advantage of our relaxing hair salon and delicious homemade cakes – please feel welcome to pop by anytime to sample some treats for yourself.


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Review from Eddie W (Son of Resident) published on 24 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care that has been given to my mother has been first-class and couldn't fault any part of the home. The staff have been outstanding.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you so much for leaving this lovely review for the amazing team at Thorn Springs. Our care teams strive to offer the very best person-centred care to our residents, so it's great to hear that your mother's experience has been 'first-class!' We'll be sure to pass the message along to the team.


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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum has been very happy since moving earlier in the year. Friendly atmosphere and very helpful and friendly staff. Good food, lovely room, efficient laundry and clean home.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

It’s lovely to hear such great feedback for the team at Thorn Springs, thank you. We’re so glad that your mum is happy in her new home – we love having her with us.


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Review from David C (Nephew of Resident) published on 8 July 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our widowed aunt was living alone, with mobility, hearing and sight problems. Hospitalisation, following a fall, forced the issue of finding a safe and less depressing environment for her. What good fortune that we discovered Thorn Springs!
As a result of the professional and attentive care she is
receiving, we are delighted to see her in a much happier place. She is now laughing, joining in the fun and games, making friends and, above all, looking so good. She has never been so well pampered!
Thorn Springs has made a wonderful home for our aunt and we cannot praise the staff enough, one and all, for their kindness and care. Thank you all!

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

It sounds like your aunt was having a rough time, we are so pleased that Thorn Springs could be there to help her get back to her old self and begin to recover and thrive. It very much sounds like she deserves a bit of pampering, and I hope she is taking full advantage of what we have to offer.


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Review from Barbara T (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father had experienced a miserable two years having care in his own home. Within two days of coming to Thorn Springs, he was just so happy, a new person. He was proud of where he now lived and felt loved by the staff. Pride in his appearance returned, there was always something going on and he
was smiling whenever I saw a picture of him. The care and time given to him in the few weeks that he was with them, surpassed anything that we could have expected. Definitely above and beyond, as he immediately felt part of a new family and by following the facebook pictures, I also felt part of that family. If I lived nearer my name would be down for a place.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

This is such a lovely review, thank you for taking the time to send it. It’s amazing how much of an impact the support and care can make to a person’s confidence and how quickly it can make an impact! We are so pleased that your father has felt part of the Thorn Springs family and rest assured you may not be close by but you are very much part of the family too!


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Review from Alison B (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 March 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I genuinely never knew that care as good as this existed! The surroundings, meeting spaces and facilities are outstanding but most important is the fact that all the team are professional, friendly and welcoming. It is always a pleasure to visit and the team is positive, enthusiastic, kind and caring
on every occasion that we interact with them. The individual care our mum has received is exceptional and the entire team are truly wonderful people who deliver genuinely person-centred care. To say they go 'above and beyond' does not really do them justice. They've just organised an individual trip for Mum and created a very special day to remember for her. We've been busy recommending them to everyone we speak to! We've already introduced two new residents to the home and are sure there will be many more.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

What a wonderful review! We try very hard to exceed the expectations of a care home and, of course, we like to think we are a cut above the rest, but it’s always very rewarding to hear the same from our residents and their loved ones. We are very proud of our team and the person-centred care that is at the heart of everything we do at Ideal Carehomes. Thank you for continuing to support and recommend us.


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Review from R H (Resident) published on 20 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

More than satisfied, made to feel welcome with good care.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for taking the time to review our lovely home.


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Review from Amanada N (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 28 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Staff friendly and professional from our first visit and maintain a caring and welcoming approach to all the family. Very inclusive and safe environment for the residents with lots of activities in very comfortable and well-appointed facilities at Thorn Springs. We are assured that our loved one is
very well looked after and safe in her surroundings. Thank you.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for your review. The safety and inclusion of our residents are, of course, essential for us and you as family members so we are very pleased that you feel your loved one is well taken care of and that you feel welcome.


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Review from Claire M (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 February 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nan took up residence here in December 2022. She has settled in very well and all the staff are so welcoming and friendly when entering the home. They have so many activities for the residents to do and take part in. I highly recommend this home.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you for your kind words and recommendation, we are so pleased that your nan is happy and settled and hope she stays with us for many years to come!


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Review from L B (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly and happy environment, Mum is well looked after and has put on weight during her stay.

Reply from Terri Kidd, PR Executive at Thorn Springs

Thank you so much for your review, we're so glad you feel your mum is being well-cared for by our wonderful team.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.875)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.875) out of 10 for Thorn Springs is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 37 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 37 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 4.875 for Thorn Springs is calculated as follows: ( (390 Excellents x 5) + (48 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 441 Ratings = 4.875

  • 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 Thorn Springs is based on 37 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 66 registered maximum number of service users is 13.2, which has been reached with 37 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

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (10)

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Meet the Team (5)

Katie

Katie Hughes

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

Katie is the Home Manager at Thorn Springs Care Home


Melanie

Melanie Metherell

Job Title: Front Of House Manager

Joined: 2022

Melanie is the Front of House Manager at Thorn Springs


Tracy

Tracy Davidson

Job Title: Care Manager

Joined: 2022

Tracy is the Care Manager.


Natalie

Natalie Jackson

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2023

Natalie is an Activities Coordinator at Thorn Springs.


Elaine

Elaine Dockerill

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Joined: 2022

Elaine is an Activities Coordinator at Thorn Springs.