Ambleside

Evesham Road, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TG
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9.8 88 Reviews
  • Ambleside, Stratford-upon-Avon
Ambleside is a purpose-built Care UK home in Stratford-upon-Avon. The care home provides professional and personalised residential care, as well as short-term respite care and sensitive end of life care.

The superbly decorated interiors include a coffee shop, hair and beauty salon, cinema and spacious en-suite bedrooms, many of which open onto large, secure gardens. Other rooms have stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

The dedicated team believes that moving into a care home is just another part of life, and they are passionate about supporting residents to enjoy a wonderful, fulfilling lifestyle. With easy access to surrounding towns, residents can enjoy a rich cultural heritage on days out.

Care Provided by Ambleside

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Respite Care
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Other Care Provided
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Susan Kelly (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 55+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (60)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (60)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for Ambleside

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,631
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,721
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care from £1,841
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care from £1,931
  • Fees are subject to a pre-admission needs assessment which is required to fully understand the level
    of care and support required by each individual. Premium rooms normally require an additional charge.
    Nursing fees include the Funded Nursing Contribution (FNC) if you are eligible.


    What’s included?
    • All care and support including a monthly review of care plans
    • All meals, snacks and drinks freshly prepared every day by our chef
    • In-house café with homemade cakes, and a variety of speciality teas and coffees
    • Use of in-house cinema
    • Access to landscaped gardens
    • Activities and lifestyle programme
    • All utilities and other accommodation costs
    • Housekeeping and laundry services
    • WiFi internet access


    Please note, the weekly fee does not include hairdressing, chiropody or other healthcare visits or
    appointments not covered by the NHS, toiletries, newspapers or magazines, any over the counter
    medications that a GP wouldn’t normally prescribe such as paracetamol and indigestion relief, and any
    other privately arranged healthcare. Should you require an escort to hospital appointments, we may apply
    an agreed hourly charge for this service.


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

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Parking
  • Onsite parking


Total of 88, showing 1-20
9.8

Ambleside has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.801) out of 10, based on 14 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Ambleside has 88 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 75
  • 10
  • 1
  • 1
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Date Published

88
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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother recently moved into Ambleside and we have been very impressed with the whole set up. The staff are friendly and very experienced, working hard to settle mum in. The activities are excellent and mum likes the food. The setting is beautiful and her room is very clean and attractive. During a
recent illness, staff kept us informed of decisions about her care and coaxed her back onto her feet with patience and determination.

Reply from Staci Reeson, Home Manager at Ambleside

Thank you very much for taking time to leave this review. We are very lucky indeed to be situated in the beautiful countryside. We are so pleased that your mum has settled and has very much become part of our Ambleside family.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

So pleased we managed to get my father into Ambleside. My experience has been nothing but marvellous. My father is cared for in a manner which even he comments on and in his state of mind this is praise indeed. Thank you for enabling his family to be relaxed and totally satisfied with his well-being.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife is a resident in Ambleside, after succumbing to dementia so I eventually could not care for her at home. She loves the staff (who always greet us both by name) and the care she has is excellent - also the food (much better than mine!). There is plenty of room for my wife to walk around and chat
with the staff, 'a café' on the ground floor with cake and drinks available so residents can be taken there to sit with relatives and friends. The rooms are light and modern, including the dining rooms, of which there are a number, so residents can eat in small groups. All of my wife's visitors have commented that it is the nicest home they have visited.
During an uncertain start (because of my wife's specific issues) the staff always communicated any problems and asked for my approval if changes were needed. There is a visiting nurse who has been exceptionally supportive. So thank you to everyone there.

Reply from Staci Reeson, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We are over the moon with the progress which has been made. It has been down to the amazing communication and all of us including yourself working together to make sure we can provide an environment which is safe and allows her to live a fulfilling life. You are both a very welcome addition to our family here at Ambleside.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was staying at Ambleside, they looked after him so well. All the carers were so wonderful. He loved the music for dementia and all the great singers. Ambleside has also taken great care of my mum while she visited my father. They keep the home so clean, it is a lovely care home.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

This has been our first experience of residential respite care for a close relative and we have been so surprised and impressed with every step of the journey. The staff and management have gone above and beyond our expectations in making our relative comfortable and at ease whilst reassuring us that
we have made the right decision.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

The carers are all pleasant, however I am concerned that my relative is not receiving the care she should have. She has not been given the appropriate prescribed medication. There is never anyone available to talk to (or even to let us out of the building), and the phone is never answered. Some of the
food she has been given has been inappropriate for her medical needs. Overall I am very disappointed. There are too few staff and either they haven't received adequate training or have not understood what is required to deliver medical care at the end of life.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback, however, we are truly disappointed to hear of your experience. Please rest assured we work closely with healthcare professionals in the community to regularly review care plans, including medication, to ensure residents are given the medication they need. These care plans also detail residents' dietary requirements, including modified diets to ensure residents receive the nutrition they need in an appropriate manner, without compromising on taste or quality. Our team receive regular, expert training to ensure we are delivering the very best of care, and our support extends to loved ones when visiting the home. We do not have your contact details on file, so please contact the home directly, and our Home Manager can discuss your concerns further, as we always appreciate feedback and are committed to taking action where concerns are raised.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Every time I visit my friend, the staff are all friendly and always smiling. The home is light and airy and the rooms well appointed. The chef makes the best cakes and pastries and they are always available.

Reply from Staci Reeson, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. We will make sure the chefs are made aware of your comments about their cakes and pastries and we look forward to seeing you soon over tea and cake


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so impressed with Ambleside's care for Mum, the staff are lovely and go the extra mile to make sure she is ok and happy, thank you so much. She always seems content when we call in, and there are plenty of staff on hand to support her.

Reply from Caprice Geisha, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Hi, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience. At Ambleside Care Home - Care UK, we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum came into Ambleside Care Home in October last year, after the sudden loss of my father. They had been married for over 50 years and Dad always cared for Mum. Mum was not able to cope in the family home on her own, so we looked for a suitable care home. After Mum had tried the home for two weeks
she was reluctant to leave. All the staff (especially one member of staff in particular) have been so caring and compassionate while Mum has been settling in during a very difficult time. Mum does require a lot of help in day-to-day things, which the home are always willing to support. Ambleside is always a happy place, clean and tidy. Whilst there have been some ups and downs, I cannot fault how the team at Ambleside have always responded and supported Mum in everything she needs. I would very happily recommend Ambleside Care Home.

Reply from Staci Reeson, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you so much for taking the time to send us this review. Ambleside is one happy family and it is our absolute pleasure to have helped Mum through this difficult time. Look forward to seeing you soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very helpful and cheerful staff, who cannot do enough to help you.
Very friendly and approachable staff.

Reply from Reviews Team, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you for taking the time to leave this review; we are glad that your experience at Ambleside has been so positive. We very much look forward to seeing you again soon.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister, aged 88, has always been strong-willed, very independent and a widow for over ten years, with no children or other relatives still alive, except me, aged 84 and living 1 hour and 25 minutes away, by car that I am not supposed to drive for that length of time. She now needs help, is unable
to walk very far and becoming forgetful. I am sure she needs a lot of care now but insists she could cope staying at her home alone.
I studied the local care availability online and my son drove me up to see my sister and I had arranged to visit Ambleside with her while on the day visit.
The staff at Ambleside were so pleasant and kind, explaining the sort of help they offered, the cost, the activities, the facilities, the dining rooms and bedrooms etc. Care is available at whatever level needed.
My sister accepted some respite care which so far has been excellent and I am hopeful she will stay there indefinitely and get the help that is available to her.

Reply from Staci Reeson, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased that your sister is enjoying her time with us here at Ambleside. She really is a part of our community and it is so nice to see her sat at lunch and joining in with activities. We would love for her to stay with us.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

On her first visit to Ambleside, Mum was only two metres inside the door when she told us she wanted to live there. She saw happy, friendly people, mingling and chatting with each other. There is a lovely, positive atmosphere that has made the whole family feel very welcome and reassured that Mum is
surrounded by good people. The staff have all gone above and beyond to help Mum settle into her new home. You can’t fault the facilities. The staff, have listened to and acted on all the little details that demonstrate each resident is treated as an individual and is valued.
Even with our mum being keen to make the move, it is still a very significant and emotional process. We can’t thank the Ambleside team enough for making everything as joyful and as easy as possible. The whole family feel supported. Visiting Mum is just lovely. It’s great to see her happy, well cared for, in lovely surroundings, thoroughly enjoying the plentiful supply of great food and feeling safe.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum moved into Ambleside with an infection we didn't know about. She has been very ill but the staff have looked after her so well. The care manager of her suite has been absolutely amazing. All the staff are lovely and we even found the cleaner having a coffee with Mum as Mum wanted the company. It's
a lovely place. Residents are treated with such dignity and respect. My brother and I are happy with our choice.

Reply from Reviews Team, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Hi Rosemary, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ambleside Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We cannot thank the team at Ambleside enough. The love and care they have shown to our father (and ourselves) has helped make a very difficult time so much easier. The team were extremely sensitive to our needs and the ongoing care truly reflects what a homely, supportive and inclusive community that
they provide. Everybody consistently goes above and beyond with nothing being too much trouble and always with a smile. Thank you, simply does not cover the depths of our gratitude and appreciation.

Reply from Martha Piper, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Hi Claire, thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ambleside Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.
Many thanks, the Care UK team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If only there were more nursing homes like Ambleside, so caring and always a happy face. My husband is paraplegic, the staff are kind to him and he's so happy and his care is wonderful. They have a marvellous manager and deputies, I cannot fault them in any way. If anything goes wrong it's attended
to straight away. Thank you, Ambleside.

Reply from Holly Cole, Reviews Team at Ambleside

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us feedback about your experience.
At Ambleside Care Home - Care UK we set a high standard for ourselves, so we are very pleased to hear that your experience with us has been a positive one.
Many thanks, the Care UK team.


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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Customer Relations Manager has been very helpful with the administration and process for admitting my father who is 92 years old. Moved him to a better room when one became available. The staff are providing excellent care and feedback to my sister and I and treaty Father with dignity and compassion.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ambleside were extremely helpful and speedy when we needed to move a 91-year-old lady from another care home. The process was completed with ease and the managerial staff were superb. The food has been excellent and very varied. All the staff are very friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them.
We are pleased with the decision made to move to Ambleside, the resident has settled in very well. The care received so far has been great and we have been made to feel very welcome.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

What a wonderful home. My father entered Ambleside when my father's dementia/general health spiralled out of control. The staff were absolutely brilliant, supporting not only my father but also the family. The staff looking after my father are so caring and kind, getting him involved in many activities.
I cannot convey how happy I am to see my Dad so well cared for.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum had to move into Ambleside at very short notice. The process of arranging for her to move in was made really easy by the attentiveness of the managerial staff, and that took the stress out of a difficult situation, which I was very thankful for. On my initial visit, once she'd moved in, she was
adamant that she wanted to return home. However, by the second visit, she seemed really settled. I believe that was because of the support she was being given by the Ambleside carers, and a recognition by her that she was in a place where she was being cared for - and at age 91, that is what she needed. I've been impressed by the home itself, it's clean, tidy and spacious and it has a very calm atmosphere. All in all, this has been a really positive move and I'm confident that mum is living in a caring and supportive environment.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ambleside have looked after my mum since March 2022. The staff are lovely and caring, and they went to a lot of trouble to help her settle in. Although she was adamant at first that she only wanted to stay for a few weeks, she now says going there is the best thing she could have done and is really
happy. She has made friends and there is always someone around to have a coffee with or walk round the (extensive) gardens with.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.801)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.801) out of 10 for Ambleside 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 14 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 13 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 4.801 for Ambleside is calculated as follows: ( (143 Excellents x 5) + (12 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) + (3 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 161 Ratings = 4.801

  • 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 Ambleside is based on 13 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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 13 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: 27 Aug 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

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 (87)

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Meet the Team (2)

Susan

Susan Kelly

Job Title: Home Manager

I have been a registered nurse for over 30 years. I have also previously held a variety of roles in care, including Clinical Lead, Service Manager and Deputy Manager. Becoming a Home Manager at Ambleside is a real career highlight for me. I feel proud that in my role I get to support and guide colleagues and provide a happy home for residents.


In this role, you have to be organised and be a good listener. We work with people, so you need to like being around others and be understanding. A good manager should support and help colleagues. Working in care means we face challenges, and every day is different, so we need to be prepared.


To me, it is really important that both residents and colleagues feel safe, are shown respect and have dignity at all times.


I can honestly say I love the whole day, and I can’t pinpoint one particular favourite time. Although I do particularly enjoy chatting with residents and their families.


In my spare time, I like to keep fit and active, so I go swimming at the weekends. I like to go walking and do aquafit sessions too. I also love the theatre and eating out. I am a keen knitter as well.


Kirsty

Kirsty Jones

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I’ve worked at Ambleside for nearly ten years. Before joining the team, I was a Team Leader at another local care home, but I was keen to have a change and work in a bigger care home. I’m so pleased I made the move to Care UK, and becoming Deputy Manager at Ambleside has been a highlight of my career so far. 


Residents are at the heart of everything we do at the home. I’m passionate about making their life enjoyable and rewarding and supporting them to maintain their independence. The highlight of any day is speaking with residents finding out about the activities they have been enjoying, and learning more about their life.


Being positive, a good listener, honest and fair are all-important as Deputy Manager. I’m here to support the team, the residents and their loved ones in any way I can. 


In my free time, it’s my children who keep me busy, I have three boys! I enjoy walking and watching films too. 


Frequently Asked Questions about Ambleside

What types of Care is Ambleside registered for?

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

What additional types of Care does Ambleside provide?

Palliative Care is an additional type of care provided.

How many Rooms does Ambleside have?

There are 60 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Ambleside?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Ambleside to the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon?

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