Buckingham Lodge

Buckingham Close, Norwich Road, Thetford IP25 6WL
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9.7 69 Reviews
  • Buckingham Lodge, Thetford
Buckingham Lodge is a purpose built care home providing a friendly and supportive environment for older people requiring general or dementia nursing care. The home is situated in the bustling market town of Watton, a few miles south of Norwich and is easily accessible from the A11, A47 and is on the main bus route from Norwich.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of older people requiring general and dementia nursing care, Buckingham Lodge provides a modern and supportive environment with 70 single en-suite bedrooms with shower facilities arranged over two floors.

Care Provided by Buckingham Lodge

  • Type of Service
  • Nursing Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 73 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • No Medical Intervention
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Cancer Care
  • Colitis & Crohn's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Huntington's Disease
  • Motor Neurone Disease
  • Neuropathic
  • Orthopaedic
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Speech Impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Separate Specialist Dementia Care Unit

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Binu Augustine (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (73)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2021

Funding & Fees Guide for Buckingham Lodge

  • 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 £1,350
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,350
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,350
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,350
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care from £1,350
  • * Subject to successful assessment


  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Buckingham Lodge to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
Total of 69, showing 21-40
9.7

Buckingham Lodge has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.690) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Buckingham Lodge has 69 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 46
  • 17
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Date Published

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The resident in question was adamant that they did not want to go into care. Due to the standard of the home, staff, food and entertainment, this person has completely changed their mind. They love their life in the home and are happier and settled than either he or the family expected. An excellent
outcome thanks to the hard work from everyone involved.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Seven months on from my aunt arriving at the home she couldn't be happier. Initially against going into any home after her husband died just under a year ago, she loves the company of other residents, having lived a quiet life following her diagnosis and through Covid restrictions as her late husband
did his very best to look after her. She thinks the staff are wonderful and I have never seen any of the staff, whatever their age or role in the team, treat her with anything other than care, kindness and dignity. Staff take an interest in what she chats to them about and she enjoys the activities and has picked up old hobbies such as knitting with the encouragement of the activities team when she had totally lost confidence in doing this. I always feel very welcome when I go to the home, whether it is to pick my aunt up for a weekly trip out, to chat to staff about her or to sit in the beautifully decorated and cosy lounge for a cuppa. I am kept well informed about any issues.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete and submit this review. Your comments and feedback are greatly appreciated by all involved.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I like being here. I like the food and being with people.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for your positive feedback which we will certainly share with the staff team who will be delighted to receive your comments.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

We make a round trip of over 200 miles every fortnight to visit my cousin as he doesn't have anyone else to visit. He seems quite happy where he is and gets the care he needs. He gets on well with the staff. It would be nice to see him out of bed occasionally, but being a stubborn individual, he can't
be forced.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you for taking the time to share this review and your comments. As you have mentioned there can indeed be some challenges built into supporting our residents to make their own choices and always respecting their preferences. Your positive observations in relation to care and his relationships with staff are absolutely appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly and helpful.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this review. The team will be delighted to receive such positive feedback which is greatly appreciated.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife has been a resident of Buckingham Lodge for over two years, and I have formed a very positive view of this care come. Receptions and caring staff are friendly and helpful. Caring is relaxed and adaptable to the needs of the moment. My wife is now settled and less confused and refers to her helpers
as "friends". I and my family are grateful to the staff for the attention and help of those who now have charge of her care.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete and submit this review and particularly for your kind and detailed feedback. It is always both helpful and insightful to read about positive personal experiences. Comments such as this are greatly appreciated by the whole team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff here are very helpful and friendly and I especially welcome the fact that my dog is welcome here too. The person I was visiting loves this dog and it cheers them up a lot every time he sees her. I think the care here is good and there is always a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete your review. We are always pleased to welcome family pets as part of visits as this can make such a difference to a Residents day. Your comments are greatly appreciated and will of course be shared with the whole staff team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Despite being short-staffed, the staff provide excellent service, showing care to patients, in this case, my wife. They should be commended for their efforts.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to give such positive feedback. The staff are indeed doing an excellent job. The home is now fully staffed with each and every member of the team highly appreciative of your kind words.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been in this home for just over a year. The facilities, cleanliness, staff and level of care are excellent. We cannot fault it at all and would recommend it. My aunt is happy and we can rest assured that she is safe and comfortable.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this review. Your comments are greatly appreciated by the whole team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law went in for respite care after having an operation. When I was shown around the home it was very clean and residents seemed happy. Upon arrival at the home, the room was not ready for her. One of the staff members went off to get a pressure mat to be put on the floor alongside the bed
but it didn't work. Two further mats were tried and they didn't work either! The call buzzer also did not work. She was not assisted/helped to get in and out of bed, the food presented to her was not a soft food diet as requested and the water jug was filthy dirty and the drinking glass was cracked. Respite care... there is no care! Stay lasted less than 24 hours. Disappointing.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We always value feedback around specific aspects of individual experiences which we can use to continue improving the overall service that is provided. It is very disappointing that your expectations were not met and we would of course be pleased to explore each point in more detail with you, if you feel this would be helpful.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A care home that is on top of their game! The staff are so helpful and friendly and the home is immaculately clean. If only all care homes were like this. Always kept informed of any change in my wife's condition.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your review and for your comments which are very greatly appreciated. It is excellent to know that you are so satisfied with the service we are providing.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff seemed lovely. The room never seemed clean. Curtain rails broken. The telly very complicated to use and not enough free electric sockets.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you very much for taking the time to give a review and particularly for your kind acknowledgement of the staff team and the care and support they give to our Residents. We also appreciate your feedback around other specific aspects of your experience which we will use to continue improving the overall service that is provided.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt was really apprehensive about going to the home for a couple of weeks respite. On our visit to take a look around, auntie was won over. On taking auntie in, the staff were welcoming and friendly. Auntie expressed her anxiety of being left and worried that she would be forgotten. Within an instant,
a call bell was placed within reach and was told, you buzz, we come. The room was spacious and well-presented. Auntie spent two weeks there, joining in activities She loved the company of others and being well cared for. On-going home, my aunt expressed that she wanted to go back. This home has changed my aunt in two short weeks, her appetite improved, she was a lot brighter in herself and already misses the company. Hence proceedings are in place to make this happen. Buckingham Lodge has a good team and manager. Purpose-built to a very high standard, very clean and well-presented. Full menu with options for your personal choice, including a cooked breakfast. Thank you and well done.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience. This feedback will certainly give the whole team a boost and serves as excellent encouragement to maintain the high standards that we expect and strive to deliver. We look forward to welcoming your auntie again in the future.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home I wanted had no bed availability. My niece found this nursing home and I am so glad she did. Mother had a downstairs room with patio doors that she loved. She told me on many occasions, that the nursing and care staff were kindness itself. Like so many homes, it is understaffed at times due
to covid etc, but the staff are always cheerful and a credit to Kingsley, from the cleaner, to the person that delivers the washing, to the nursing staff and carers, they were all a joy to know.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience. The impact of such sincere appreciation has an untold impact for the whole team. Please accept our gratitude for this feedback.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have nothing but praise for the care and devotion given to my Dad on a daily basis. The pastoral care is excellent. I can visit as often as I like and I never feel I'm in the way. The food is appetizing and nutritious. The home puts on events for them to join and I thought it really touching that
they all watched the Queen's funeral in the cinema room.

Reply from Garry Toy, Director at Buckingham Lodge

Thank you for this lovely review. It is fabulous to learn that you are so pleased with the support being provided to your Dad. Your generous comments will be shared with the wonderful staff team at Buckingham Lodge, who will be delighted to know they are making such a positive difference to the lives of their residents.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My mother spent four weeks in Buckingham Lodge from April to May 2022, after being discharged from hospital. She did not enjoy her stay at all. While the room was comfortable and well-appointed, she experienced constant loud television noise from a neighbouring room, sometimes all night, meaning she
could not sleep. The quality and portion sizes of the food were very poor. Despite being lactose intolerant, she was given dairy products and was ill as a result. The quality of care was poor, she was not visited, sometimes for hours after asking for help. The staff were rude to her and she was not made to feel welcome. She could not wait to leave and find another home. Visitors were also appalled at the way she was treated.

Reply from Marie Cherry, Home Manager at Buckingham Lodge

Dear Sir
We always make every effort to help our new residents settle in and to respond to individual preferences and requirements. My team and I are very disappointed that your Mother did not enjoy her time with us. As I hope you will acknowledge, every effort was made to resolve all of the issues raised as soon as they were presented to me. We will continue to act on all feedback that we are given while working to meet the varied and often complex support needs of our community.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Needed to find care very quickly between Christmas and New Year and with all the bank holidays this was very difficult. Buckingham Lodge took mum in and cared for her during what was a very difficult time. Staff were so friendly, respectful and mum built good relationships despite her anxiety and difficulties.
After a couple of falls, mum was so well looked after which was such a relief - couldn't have asked for better care. Sometimes difficult to find out information relating to admin it seemed a little disjointed - (it would be useful to have regular invoices emailed) and didn't really feel supported in respect of CHC/Social Services contact or progress. I also wasn't informed about a hospital appointment. Frequent staff shortage (owing to Covid mainly) meant that communication and at times care was disrupted but not lacking. On the whole, though very happy, thank you to everyone you do an amazing job in difficult circumstances!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we would like to thank all that work at Buckingham Lodge for the kindness and respect you show our mother on a daily basis, living at Buckingham Lodge has transformed her life for the better. It has become clear to us as a family the great improvement that has taken place since the new
manager took on her role, we appreciate her open-door policy and that nothing is too much trouble. The overall positive atmosphere within the home has had a beneficial impact on mum's mental health, she feels included in what she calls the Buckingham Lodge family. When we visit her we will often find her laughing and joking with the staff, she has informed us the care she receives is exceptional and she is loving the mealtime experience. There has been a change within the home that has had a positive impact on residents, families and all staff. We wanted to saytthank you to all that work at Buckingham Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a family, we would like to thank all that work at Buckingham Lodge for the kindness and respect you show our mother on a daily basis, living at Buckingham Lodge has transformed her life for the better. It has become clear to us as a family the great improvement that has taken place since the new
manager took on her role, we appreciate her open door policy and that nothing it to much trouble. The overall positive atmosphere within the home has had a beneficial impact on mums mental health, she feels included in what she calls the Buckingham Lodge family. When we visit her we will often find her laughing and joking with the staff, she has informed us the care she receives is exceptional and she is loving the mealtime experience. There has been a change within the home that has had a positive impact on residents, families and all staff. A we wanted to say thank you to all that work at Buckingham Lodge.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I wish to thank all the Angels that work at Buckingham Lodge, nothing is too much trouble. They all go above and beyond to support us and their kindness, respect and thoughtfulness have made me feel part of the family that is Buckingham Lodge.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.690)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.690) out of 10 for Buckingham Lodge is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 21 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 4.690 for Buckingham Lodge is calculated as follows: ( (179 Excellents x 5) + (57 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 245 Ratings = 4.69

  • 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 Buckingham Lodge is based on 21 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 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 21 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: 25 Jan 2023

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Requires improvement
  • Responsive

    Requires improvement
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Good

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

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (0)

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Meet the Team (4)

Binu

Binu Augustine

Job Title: Home Manager

My journey began as a qualified IT Engineer. However, driven by a passion for helping others, I made a conscious decision to transition into the field of health and social care. In 2014, I attained my qualification as a registered nurse. My tenure at Kingsley commenced as a nurse, before advancing into management roles. I am proud to be a manager at Buckingham Lodge, Our ethos revolves around providing personalised, person-centred care and unwavering support to our residents. Beyond the confines of my professional responsibilities, I continue to indulge in my passion for technology. Whether it's tinkering with gadgets or staying abreast of technological advancements, my enthusiasm for innovation remains undiminished.


Kris Moore

Kris Moore

Job Title: Hospitality Manager

I have worked in the hospitality trade for 16 years across a wide range of environments including hotels, pubs, kitchens and events planning, I also worked as an IT manager within Health, Social Care and Education with Norfolk County Council for 10 years specialising in NHS integrations and leading on Social Care transformation. I have always moved towards roles where I can truly feel like I can make a difference and be able to see first-hand the positive outcomes of my work and believe that my two previous roles complement each other in my position, allowing me to really help drive all areas of hospitality, wellbeing and activities here at Buckingham Lodge.


I have a large family so my focus outside of work is to spend quality time with them, generally in the great outdoors going camping & hiking and taking part in bushcraft and water-based activities.


Millie

Millie Sadd

Job Title: Administrator

Hello! I’ve worked at Buckingham Lodge since 2018, I started on a bank contract as a Housekeeper whilst I was in high school as I moved into college I started to learn more within the home such as Kitchen Assistant, Laundry, Support Worker and Senior Support Worker. I am now enjoying my role as Home Administrator.


Everybody is so supportive and I know who to turn to if I need some help. There are also lots of training opportunities that I utilise to expand my knowledge in various areas.


In my spare time, I enjoy attending various car shows and spending time with my family. I also like to organise Car Shows that we hold here at Buckingham Lodge.


Adrian

Adrian Maudling

Job Title: Receptionist

I've been with the company for five years and it has been a great experience. I enjoy dealing with family members and making the admission of their loved ones an easy transition for them.


In my spare time, I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy novels and spending time with my grandson.