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 61-80
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
  • 1

Date Published

88
4
11
14
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Review from Rosemary D (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been cared for here for nineteen months with unfailing kindness and consideration. Despite Alzheimer's, he still wants to be sociable and is able to join in various group sessions and outings. He likes his food and physically is in quite good shape for 96 years of age. The staff go out
of their way to chat to him and guide him towards 'things to do' and because he responds, clearly are fond of him, which is really comforting to me as the only local relative. Health issues are picked up quickly and dealt with appropriately. Altogether an excellent Care Home.

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Review from Julie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Both my parents are residents at Ambleside. They are on separate wings, because of different health and care needs. However, they are able to see each other daily, if they wish. We have been very happy with how they have settled into their new home. The staff are always ready to go that extra mile to
accommodate any requests we may have had. Also, any queries will be answered as soon as possible. It is totally down to my parents if they wish to join in the activities held daily. In saying that, they will also gently encourage 'joining' in rather than just sitting in their rooms. My Mum already views the staff as old friends and we are very grateful that my father in his fog of Dementia is looked after with such care. As a family, we can pop in anytime for a visit, taking Mum to the onsite cafe if she doesn't feel like a trip out is a big plus! She also visits the onsite hair salon once a week for her 'blowdry' which is great. We are so pleased we chose Ambleside as a home for our parents.

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Review from Alastair T (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The building is new and although my room is not the biggest, it is bright, airy and modern. The grounds are also lovely and are conducive to going for a walk and getting some valuable exercise and fresh air. Most important however is the care and kindness of the staff. From the moment I arrived, when
I was welcomed and every subsequent day, everyone has been keen to help me and have done so pleasantly and courteously. They are all truly angels!

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Review from Joanne T (Wife of Resident) published on 26 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Words cannot express how happy I am with the care, kindness and respect that my husband receives at Ambleside. He was made very welcome from day one, as have I and family and friends. It is a lovely, happy, friendly environment and a pleasure to visit, have a coffee and sit in the beautiful garden.
Most importantly as I drive off, I am happy and confident that he is happy and well looked after.

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Review from J C (Relative of Resident) published on 5 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

A wonderful calm, caring home and caring staff.

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Review from Sally S (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Even before my mother moved in to Ambleside we received excellent support and advice from the customer services manager and support staff.


During the six weeks that my mother has been a resident at Ambleside I have seen an improvement in her health and wellbeing.


All staff have provided good care

and have maintained her dignity. I have observed exceptional levels of care from some staff and a genuine desire to communicate and befriend her and as a result, her personality is shining through!


The manager and deputy manager are visible and always available and have provided support and reassurance since our first day at Ambleside.
Needs have been anticipated and I appreciate the proactive approach the home takes to my mother's care.


I enjoy visiting my mum at the home and I am always welcomed by staff. Thank you.


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Review from Jonathan B (Son of Resident) published on 5 May 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

The ratings below were compiled with my mother so they are the view of the resident rather than myself.
The standard of the food has declined and there is a high turnover in staff and management. The accounts department still don't seem to know how to manage a top up contract which is stressful for
the residents and a cause for concern.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Ambleside

We are sorry to hear that there are aspects of our service that have not meet your mother's expectations and we do appreciate your constructive feedback. A new home manager was appointed in December and some further staff changes followed, however, we are pleased so say that staff turnover has reduced in recent months and we now have a much more stable team in place. I understand that our head chef and business administrator have been working closely with your mother to address her concerns and ensure an improved service, including developing a menu which incorporates her preferences. We hope that you have since seen an improvement but please do talk to the home manager if you have any further concerns or your mother can raise these at the resident's committee, of which she is an active member.


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Review from Ann R (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 April 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother needed care for about three months last summer following a fall when she sustained a small fracture in her knee. We were very impressed by the care received at Ambleside. The staff were unfailingly friendly and cheerful and my mother was treated with dignity at all times.

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Review from Veronica W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Taking a parent out of their own home and placing them in a care home is one of the most difficult decisions we have to face. From Ambleside, I received total understanding, empathy and care. I was steered very ably through the process and my mother is now settled and content. All staff are extremely
friendly and nothing is too much trouble. What a relief it is to me to know that my mum is being cared for 24/7 at Ambleside care home.

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Review from Diana J (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum was in Ambleside for 7 months, and she was happy and very well cared for during this time. The carers were so kind to her, and helped her cope with the difficulties of everyday life. She loved having her hair done and enjoyed the entertainments she attended. While she did not always enjoy the food,
I recognise that producing food that suits absolutely everyone on a daily basis is almost impossible. She did manage to put on some weight, and was eating healthily. I was always made to feel most welcome by the staff, cares and admin staff alike and after Mum died I was encouraged to visit and not be a stranger. I feel most grateful that Mum was so well loooked after, right until the end. To me, the test of a good care home is whether you would be happy to be a resident, and I most certainly would be - though not just yet, thank you!!

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Review from Phil E (Relative of Resident) published on 28 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My grandmother is well cared for and very content since moving in Ambleside. Al the staff at the home are positive and friendly. Meals are at a very high standard. Rooms are clean and bright. Our entire experience has been excellent.

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Review from Hazel M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 March 2017
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father in law was at Ambleside since 2014 and received the best support possible for someone who was 100 years of age and a very private person. He was relatively fit for his age, but staff kept a watchful and friendly eye on him, respecting his wishes as a very private individual, whilst contacting
us if they had any cause for concern. They supported him well during the grieving period for his wife who passed away at Ambleside in December 2015 and helped him to live a life without her. Sadly he passed away in December, but the staff continued to and still do support us as a family.

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Review from Tim L (Son of Resident) published on 11 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The facilities on offer are excellent and very well presented. The staff really are the secret to success. Their overall training is clear for all to see. The attitude and friendliness to both residents and visitors are outstanding.
The food whilst satisfactory could improve is tailored to a resident's
individual needs.
Overall I believe Ambleside to be excellent and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

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Review from Joan P (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 13 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I came to Ambleside for two weeks following a cataract operation. I was most impressed with the quality and caring nature of all the staff - nothing was too much trouble for them. My room was extremely comfortable. I would have liked more organised activities so that I could have interacted more frequently
with other residents. As it was I tended to spend a lot of time on my own in my room.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Ambleside

We are grateful for your constructive feedback and are delighted with the positive comments and scores for the care and support we provide. We are sorry to hear the activities did not meet your expectations. We do run a full and varied activities programme at Ambleside throughout the week and at the weekend and try to encourage all residents to take part. We are always keen to learn how we might improve our activities offering, so we appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback. If you would like to discuss in more detail, our home manager would be happy to hear from you.


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Review from Shelagh R (Friend of Resident) published on 13 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

As a friend/next of kin of a resident, I was very impressed with the pre-admission telephone discussions. Subsequent visit to Ambleside and home visit which addressed all the questions I had about her impending two-week stay. On the many occasions, I visited her I continued to be impressed with the
caring and helpful nature of all the staff, without exception. On many occasions volunteering help without being asked. My only quibble would be the quality of the main meals - somewhat unappetising and often cold.

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Ambleside

We are grateful for your constructive feedback and are delighted with the positive comments and scores for the care and support we provide. We are sorry to hear the food offering did not meet your expectations. We take great care in our menu planning to offer a variety of choice. Using fresh produce our aim is always to ensure the meals we serve are pleasing on the eye. The equipment we serve the meals from should ensure both the plates and the meal itself are of an adequate temperature. We do appreciate your feedback and we will of course undertake a review our meal service at Ambleside.


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Review from Hannah B (Niece of Resident) published on 8 December 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5

Extremely disappointing. My aunt was promised help to practice walking, company and attention. It never happened. The food bore no resemblance to the menus on the wall and was very poor - tiny portions, no fresh vegetables or fruit. The key problem seemed to be staffing - not enough staff. No proper
cook and agency staff at weekends who did not know that a crumpet needs to be toasted and buttered. How the treatment she received can cost £110 a week is beyond us! Please publish this review!

Reply from Samantha Debenham, Marketing Support Administrator at Ambleside

We are very sorry to hear your aunt’s stay at Ambleside did not live up to your expectations. We do take your concerns and feedback seriously and have been looking into this further. Our staffing levels are based on the needs of our residents as measured by a dependency tool. This tool is updated and checked on a weekly basis and used to plan staff levels and ensure care is safe and appropriate for all residents. At times we do need to use agency staff to ensure staffing is adequate but try to limit this as much as possible. We can confirm that your aunt was assisted with her walking regularly by both the care staff and activities team and was asked on a daily basis whether she would like to join in with the planned activities but often she declined due to having visitors. Our customer relations manager checked in with your aunt on several occasions during her stay and each time she told us she was happy and no concerns were raised.


In terms of our food offering, we provide a varied menu within the home. The head chef regularly chats with the residents and we hold regular resident meetings to take feedback on the homes food offer. This enables us to take into account the residents likes and dislikes when planning the menus. We are never short of food and residents are always offered ‘seconds’ and asked if they have had enough to eat before clearing away the plate. Our vegetables are fresh and sourced from a local company and fruit and other snacks should always be available.


We appreciate you taking the time to provide this feedback and would obviously like to understand your concerns in more detail. If you would like a follow up conversation with Dawn, the home manager, could you please get in touch directly to arrange a suitable time.


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Review from Tina G (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Cannot say how pleased and relieved we are to have Dad in Ambleside. Dad has never really settled anywhere (i.e. for day care and respite) but Ambleside is really a home from home. All the staff I have met have been caring and thoughtful. Dad is still very sociable and has constant interaction with
staff during the day. Activities and events are organised regularly. We feel happy and comfortable to have Ambleside as Dad's home.

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Review from Freda H (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 6 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

- Staff very friendly, upbeat, encouraging and caring. Very helpful and kind.
- Laundry very effcient.
- Food generally good.

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Review from P M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The team on the Waterside Wing have been wonderful. My mother has been so content and comfortable, especially since a fall when she broke her hip and had a spell in hospital. From reception to the wing, everyone has been friendly, supportive and caring. Special thanks to the carers and The Waterside
girls!

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Review from Beryl O (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father entered the home eight weeks ago coming from a close care bungalow attached to the Bentley nursing home, he could no longer live alone because of increasing dementia. Although he "lives in the moment! he is still quite rational and so it was hard for him to have his freedom of movement curtailed.
We were however delighted with the home and facilities when we first visited unannounced. The manager and staff made the move very easy, he moved in less than a week. Although it took a while before he started to join in activities, he thought that he was on holiday because everything was so nice. The breakthrough has come now that he can go out in the minibus.

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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.