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.

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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


Ambleside Reviews (88)

Total of 88, showing 21-40
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
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Date Published

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Review from Elizabeth S (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff are all very friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. The food is excellent and of high quality, my parents enjoy it immensely. Every time I visit all areas look clean and comfortable. The management are attentive and the customer relations person is always willing to help with
any problems that might arise.

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Review from Graham A (Nephew of Resident) published on 15 September 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 90-year-old aunt had been struggling at home alone for a number of years, resisting help and refusing to have in-home care. Eventually, this resulted in a decline in living standards and her personal care had started to lapse. After a few hospital stays on safeguarding concerns we managed, with the
help of the Ambleside staff, to convince my aunt to spend a few weeks "holiday" at Ambleside. The staff were fantastic in settling my aunt and finally when the time to go home came, my aunt did not want to leave, so now she is a permanent resident. The team at Ambleside have been very supportive throughout. Communication is first rate and nothing is too much trouble. The home itself is clean and well managed with good facilities and plenty of activities.

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Review from A O (Son of Resident) published on 31 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After an extensive search, we decided to place my father into respite care at Ambleside for two weeks. As it was working out so well this was made permanent. What attracted us to Ambleside initially was the fact that it was purpose-built, spacious, very clean, and with extensive gardens and communal
areas. The cafe is a particular favourite. The staff are all very friendly and the food is excellent - they have a very talented chef. The rooms are very well appointed and the low-rise, wide span of the building creates a very airy, bright, and pleasant environment.

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Review from Elizabeth D (Sister of Resident) published on 24 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister's move to Ambleside after being in several Birmingham hospitals for most of 2022 was a big decision because she also left her own home. She agreed it would be sensible to live near me and within a short time said she was happy there. I visited 2 other local nursing homes but from entering
Ambleside it felt ‘good’. The staff member who greeted me explained Ambleside would be my sister's home - not somewhere she herself worked! Continuing the appointment I was assured about the care level and how my sister's nursing needs would be met. I visit whenever I want and while there it’s like being in my sister's own home; I make a drink, can have a meal and staff are always available to answer questions about my sister's personal or medical needs. I’m so thankful that she’s safe! Ambleside nurses quickly identified when my sister medically deteriorated and had to be admitted to hospital (twice in a short time) but then welcomed her back providing the same great care and always keeping me informed.

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Review from S N (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother needed respite care for three weeks at short notice. Ambleside was brilliant in arranging this for her. The personnel we liaised with empathised with our family who felt under a time pressure to find suitable accommodation. The staff were very welcoming on arrival and provided good care throughout
the stay.

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Review from J N (Respite Resident) published on 14 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Having had a total hip replacement I had 2 weeks of respite care to begin recovery. Deciding to do this and use the facilities of Ambleside was one of my best decisions. They helped me have confidence and care to move back home at the end of 2 weeks. A very comforting and caring environment.

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Review from A S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has only been a resident of Ambleside since the middle of April. Choosing the right care home for a loved one is never easy, but my expectations were exceeded right from the start, so the decision actually wasn't too difficult to make. All of the staff (and I mean ALL) are genuinely kind and
caring, and many have gone the extra mile to ensure that her transition to this new way of life has been as easy as possible. There have been a few emotional wobbles along the way but these have been handled with sensitivity and care, and communication with myself is always open and honest. On the whole mum has settled in far quicker than I had anticipated, and I too feel very welcome as part of this new extended family. She thinks the staff are wonderful and she enjoys the open, airy environment, especially the gardens. She has been encouraged to join in the daily activities, is making new friends and seems to have found a competitive streak she didn't know she had!

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Review from D G (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 May 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother spent five and a half happy years at Ambleside and during that time it become home, and the staff became family, not only to her but also to myself and my family. During the lockdowns of the pandemic the manager and staff went above and beyond to retain communications between residents and
their families, which was much appreciated and avoided many of the issues experienced at other homes. Due to the care and measures put in place by the manager, we were confident the residents were safe and protected as much as possible. Throughout her time at Ambleside my mother was treated with dignity, friendliness and great care by all the staff. A belated but nonetheless heartfelt thanks to all the special people at Ambleside who showed us such kindness over the years. The home is warm and welcoming, fresh and happy, with smiles and friendly words (and a coffee!) always waiting. I have no hesitation in recommending Ambleside to anyone considering residential care for a loved one.

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Review from Rachel W (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ambleside is a modern, bright, safe and warm home with a friendly and welcoming vibe. My father's care needs are always met promptly, and staff across all disciplines consistently show a positive and upbeat attitude. Staff are approachable and considerate to both residents and visitors. Ambleside feels
like a home, not an institution where residents are treated as individuals. There are a range of activities across the week, and residents are encouraged to join in if it is something they would enjoy. Food is of a consistently good standard, and the gardens and cafe are pleasant surroundings for families and friends to meet. I would certainly recommend the home and feel fortunate that my father lives there.

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Review from Lesley C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It's wonderful that the home is back to pre-covid activities for the residents. Fantastic singers/musicians have been entertaining residents and visitors. Lovely signs of spring appearing everywhere within the home. Staff going the extra mile to make Ambleside 'a home away from home'. The cafe is again
the meeting hub for visitors and residents alike.

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Review from J J (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 April 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Care for my Mum has been excellent. The process of choosing and entering the home last July was made much easier by the sympathetic customer manager based at the home. After a stroke in December, the staff worked very hard to get Mum walking, talking and eating again and never assumed that these were
things she would no longer be able to do. The home environment is lovely and spotlessly clean and the cafe is a great place for visiting. The food is excellent and when Mum needed puréed food for a while after her stroke this was presented as separate items with carrots in the shape of a carrot which is so much more appetising and dignified than a bowl with everything mixed together. Activities are increasing after Covid-19 and are well planned and enjoyable. Most importantly the staff are fantastic and caring. Everyone from reception to cleaners to carers knows Mum and the continuity of staff seems to be very good too. The manager is approachable, available and runs the home very effectively.

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Review from Nicola P (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My review is not about a specific incident, as I'm more than happy with the service provided. This has been the best thing to happen to my dad, in a long time. I haven't seen dad looking so happy for a number of years. He cannot speak highly enough of the staff, from the manager to the catering team
and everyone in between. Neither he nor I have any experience of a care home before this but I think this is the standard by which they should all be judged. I can't wait for the visitations to be a lot more open as I'm looking forward to sampling some of the food dad praises so much.

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Review from June W (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband is being given marvellous care and attention. He lives in a well-decorated, colourful, happy home. He is surrounded by wonderful carers. I feel at home and I am treated with courteousness. My husband has spent 3 years in the home. His care is the best he could have. I feel at home when I
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Review from John G (Respite Resident) published on 27 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The carers were absolutely fantastic to me. Nothing was too much trouble and made my stay very restful and content post three weeks in hospital.

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Review from L G (Husband of Resident) published on 29 July 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife who was admitted "end of life care", the care she had received was professional, caring and was always shown support and dignity. Visits from day one by myself and son and daughter has been exemplary. We have been reassured that my wife is getting the best of care. At all times we have been
informed of this unfortunate situation.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The atmosphere at Ambleside is one of calm, structure and warmth. As a new visitor, I have experienced helpful advice from the information desk as well as a welcoming gesture. There is a coffee area, offering a wide range of refreshments, where a visitor can go whilst the visited resident is given care
rather than staying in a corridor or leaving the building. For visitors who have travelled a long distance, this is a welcoming factor. Corridors and communal areas are clean and tidy with wide access for wheelchair users. The dining room where I ate was well set out and very pleasantly served with a tasty meal of choice. The resident's room which I visit is tastefully decorated and I have been encouraged to individualise it. Dignity and safety have been appreciated by nursing staff.

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Review from Karen H (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ambleside is a fabulous care home, with fabulous staff in a fabulous setting. My mum moved there 5 weeks ago and already she looks so much better due to the wonderful care she is receiving. Meals are excellent, choices for all courses. Bedrooms are bright, clean and very nicely decorated. Amazing selection
of activities every day for residents to enjoy, including a cinema! I would highly recommend this lovely home.

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Review from S P (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 18 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We could not have gone through looking after our Grandmother without the help of everyone at Ambleside. They have taught us so much just by their actions and have shown us how to care for someone with dementia, supportive until the end. We have been so grateful to the whole team.

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Review from C D (Respite Resident) published on 13 February 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am just ending two weeks respite care at Amblesidefollowing a half hip replacement at hospital. Living alone I felt in need of some rest and being looked after, with time to do plenty of exercise and walking practice before going home. I would like to say I have found all aspects of Ambleside extremely
satisfactory, from the management down through all the staff - all very caring and willing. Ambience good, nice, light, airy rooms, kept very clean. Personally I have not joined activities, but there seems plenty of general interests and entertainment for residents. Have enjoyed my stay and sorted myself for home.

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Review from Chris M (Son of Resident) published on 23 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum came to Ambleside in August 2018 as she was no longer able to look after herself. She is 98 and had been suffering a number of ailments as well as increasing signs of Dementia. Over the last year, her general health has improved considerably, without doubt, due to the care, support and excellent
diet provided by staff at the home. Inevitably her Dementia has worsened but she is extremely happy and content. A marked difference in how she was only 12 months ago. The family are all very grateful for the personalised care being provided. Mum chooses to eat her meals in her room, not participate in activities (despite encouragement) and generally just do what she chooses to do. Could not be better for her, coupled with considerable relief for the family knowing she is very well looked after.

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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.