Bedford Charter House

1B Kimbolton Road, Bedford MK40 2PU
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9.6 42 Reviews
  • Bedford Charter House, Bedford
Bedford Charter House is a purpose built care home with a warm, friendly and homely atmosphere. Unlike many care homes, Bedford Charter House is proud to have a reception service which is operational during office hours.

The care home offer a wide range of activities to meet the needs of all residents to help stimulate and entertain them during their stay with us. Bedford Charter House can accommodate a number of residents and provide respite and day care facilities.

All of the rooms have en-suite wet room facilities, a TV, telephone point and Wi-Fi. Although residents can bring their own furniture, all the rooms are fully furnished.

Bedford Charter House is within walking distance to the local town centre, corner shops, post office, doctor's surgeries and churches.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 72 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1206 – £1206
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1462 – £1462
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1500 – £1500

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Bedford Charter House to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Owner

  • Bedford Citizens Housing Association Ltd

Person in charge

  • Rebecca Reason (Head of Care Services)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2015
  • Last Refurbishment: 2015
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (72)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (72)

Bedford Charter House Reviews (42)

9.6

Bedford Charter House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10, based on 12 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bedford Charter House has 42 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Review from S P (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 8 August 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother, who had Alzheimers, lived at Charter House for 6 years. Throughout her time there, the care was exceptional. She had become unsafe living at home and we were relieved when she moved into Charter House where she was safe and was being looked after by professional people. The kindness, empathy
and professionalism of the staff both to us and to Mum has been exceptional - everyone from the seniors, reception staff, carers, activities staff, housekeepers, caterers - everyone has been lovely all the way through. They have become like a second family to us and the dignity and respect afforded to mum, particularly in her last few days, was really moving. Charter House itself is spotlessly clean, nicely decorated, light and airy with views over the immaculately kept garden or Kimbolton Road. It is very well managed and response to issues is always prompt. I cannot recommend it highly enough and we will miss everyone there as it has become an integral part of our lives.
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Review from G H (Wife of Resident) published on 17 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Bedford Charter House has a lovely atmosphere. It is light and airy, and a welcoming scent as you enter. Staff are very friendly and become like new family members. They care for my husband as I would have done when I cared for him at home. The garden is lovely and cared for so walking around it is
a lovely peaceful experience. The manager is very approachable and caring too.
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Review from P S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 November 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Care is good and some staff are a lot more experienced than others. Sometimes feel care needs to be more tailored to resident and give resident more personal choice. Security, facilities and activities are excellent, rooms are a good size and residents feel safe and comfortable. Well managed and management
will readily address any issues.
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Review from Nicholas H (Husband of Resident) published on 14 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My wife was in Bedford Charter House for four-plus months and during that time, she received excellent care from professional and diligent staff who responded to her every need. She wasn't the easiest of residents to manage but she was treated with respect and dignity at all times by very happy and
friendly staff, always addressed by name by all the staff with laughter and smiles. She responded to their smiles with her own and after her settling in period, was a happy to live there.
The home is spotlessly clean and secure, decor modern, the food varied and tasty, the record keeping excellent and response times to necessary interventions quick and efficient. The activities schedule is amazing with something happening, AM and PM, every day of the week and the residents encouraged to take part.
It really is a lovely home and you felt that you were part of the Charter House family from the moment you walked in by all the staff. Unfortunately, my wife's needs changed to nursing care so we had to move on.
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Review from Annemarie W (Respite Resident) published on 9 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the minute I walked in, I was greeted with such warmth, I found the staff to be so caring and supportive. It was just what I needed to make progress after my operation.
Wonderful food, I will miss it!
Great activity programme, so appropriate for the service users.
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Review from Russell C (Son of Resident) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad was a resident at Bedford Charter House for three years until he passed away at the end of July 2024. The care he received was generally excellent and, although he would have rather been in his own home, he understood, and accepted, that he required full-time care. The carers were always attentive
and friendly which helped Dad settle and make the most of his time there. He often didn't feel very sociable, he was immobile so relied on carers to take him and bring him back from activities but with encouragement, he joined in which massively helped his overall demeanour and mood.
Sadly, Dad deteriorated rapidly after his 101st birthday and the end-of-life care (from everyone, from reception through the carers to management) was excellent, for which we will always be grateful.
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Review from Derek C (Respite Resident) published on 13 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful experience, kind carers and staff.
Better than I could have imagined. I was so happy and cared for.
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Review from Trevor B (Son of Resident) published on 20 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our father has been a resident at Bedford Charter House for just under three years as a dementia resident on the first floor.
The dementia unit is, firstly, very secure. It also has a dedicated team of staff which, in itself, is helpful to dementia residents who will appreciate a continuously steady
team of carers. Our father seemed relatively settled and had good positive relationships with staff members. Whilst never easy to deal with our father, due to his problems, the staff were always very happy dealing with him and were very saddened to see him pass away. I'd like to pass on my personal, huge thanks to the professional service that the whole team at Charter House has provided. Thank you.
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Review from S W (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother had been at Bedford Charter House since April 2023. Her needs increased after she fractured her hip.
The staff were always attentive and her care was tailored to her needs. Always polite and treated Mum as an individual.
Room and wider areas always clean.
Laundry done in a timely manner.
End-of-life
care was excellent.
Thank you.
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Review from Rowena N (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was in Charter House for only ten months, and during that time, she was very happy, enjoying her own room, some of the activities and the relationships that developed with other residents, as well as staff. As a family, we are so grateful for the care, support, compassion and friendliness given
to Mum and to us; nothing was too much trouble. The staff looked after her as if she was one of their own family, especially during the last month or so as Mum's health gradually deteriorated. We would like to send a big thank you to all at Charter House.
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Review from Karl R (Son of Resident) published on 23 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Bedford Charter House Care Home was professional, compassionate and flexible from the very first phone call when I enquired about respite care for Dad. As an example - it was just five hours from that first call to Dad settling into his room! Although his stay was not meant to be permanent the team
gave him the same amount of attention as if it were. The transition to a permanent stay there was also seamless. The facilities and variety of activities are excellent and the consistency of personnel is impressive. On top of all that, it was immensely reassuring to know that as a housing association, the owners of Charter House were not continually motivated by profit-making. All in all, Dad's experience there, right up to his final stay in hospital, was five stars!
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Review from Sally M (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was in Charter House for only 10 weeks but from beginning to end he was looked after with such care and compassion. He loved the food, enjoyed the activities and found that staff were very responsive to his needs.
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Review from A H (Husband of Resident) published on 5 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I could not praise too highly, the professionalism, dedication to their work and kindness to my wife during her stay in Bedford Charter House from August 2017 until her sad death on the 10th of August this year. The staff went out of their way to comfort and help her in the last weeks as her life drew
to a close also their consolation to me after her death.
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Review from Richard D (Son of Resident) published on 6 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Professional caring staff at all levels. Very clean and welcoming care home.
Reception was very professional and polite, and the standard of nursing and care was very good. Gave my father the care and respect he needed during his stay. Good communication with his relatives. The family would like to
give this care home a big Thank You!
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Review from A L (Wife of Resident) published on 12 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband moved into Charter House in the summer of 2022 after a massive stroke. Charter House was just lovely! They quickly got the hang of my husband, welcomed him, helped him, laughed with him and gave him great respect. The care was excellent.
The atmosphere created was a friendly one and so several
residents took both my husband and me under their wing. My husband was young for a care home, so he did not join in many activities but there was a fair range. His room was excellent with enough space and the opportunity to personalise it as much as he wanted. And the cleaners were stars! Again, friendly and kind and very good at their jobs. And the laundry man deserves a medal. My husband had coeliac disease and also became quite difficult with food hence 3 stars. As my husband had to have many trips to the hospital, I was also glad for the efficiency of routine and emergency medical care.
Thank you to all the team. You were there at a very difficult time and came up trumps.
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Review from Jeremy B (Son of Resident) published on 30 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff coped admirably with my mother and were always helpful, friendly and approachable.
Covid restrictions were in place for a lot of the time, and again the staff policed this well.
Initially, Mum was in for some respite care, but it became obvious that Mum needed full-time care, we did look
at a few other homes, but thankfully, a room became available in Charter House, which was a relief for the family.
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Review from Helen B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Charter House for their care and compassion.
They bring smiles and laughter to Mum and have indeed become members of her extended family.
It is a great comfort to know Mum is happy.
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Review from W B (Wife of Resident) published on 17 May 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
He was worried about having respite, but he knew I needed a break. He loved the food and the choices. He was with people who do not have dementia, which was of great concern to him. The room he had was on the ground floor, and he loved that. He is quite happy to go in again, which is a great relief
to me.
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Review from A E (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly and caring staff have helped my mother settle into Bedford Charter House and enabled her to receive a high standard of care. Communication is first-rate and the environment and facilities are excellent.
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Review from Colin B (Son of Resident) published on 25 January 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and attention given to my mum while she was at Charter House was excellent. She was happy there, made some new friends and felt safe and comfortable. She liked the choice and quality of food provided and had no issues with the cleanliness and facilities provided.
The staff were friendly and
attentive when giving care to mum, and the family are very appreciative of the care she received throughout her time there and particularly during the palliative care stage.
Would not hesitate to recommend this home.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.551)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.551) out of 10 for Bedford Charter House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 12 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.8 out of 5 from 12 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.718 for Bedford Charter House is calculated as follows: ( (106 Excellents x 5) + (32 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 142 Ratings = 4.718
  2. 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 4.833 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Bedford Charter House is based on 12 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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
    2. 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 72 registered maximum number of service users is 14.4. 12 Positive Reviews ÷ 14.4 = 0.833
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 17 Aug 2021

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (4)

Marie

Marie Taylor

Job Title: Chief Executive Joined: 2017

Marie joined BCHA in February 2017 following a long and interesting career at BPHA as Head of Supported & Retirement Housing. Marie brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge; she believes that BCHA has a very strong staff team and Board who are enthusiastic about what the organisation does and the role they play in delivering great places to live and high-quality care and support to residents who need it.

Daria

Daria Musial

Job Title: Day Care Manager Joined: 2017

Daria has worked in Charter House for a few years now. She enjoys her role as a day care manager and the difference BCHA make to our residents everyday. Daria uses the latest technology when managing the care setting and is helping to improve the service we provide. Daria is focused on our residents and provides the highest quality of care.

Anna

Anna Sullivan

Job Title: Night Manager Joined: 1986

Anna has worked for Bedford Citizens housing association for over 35 years. Her current role within the company is the Night Manger.
She is very passionate about her job and believes In giving the best care possible to all our residents. She has always been a peoples person and is passionate about she does and making a difference in people’s lives.

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Agnieszka Budzynska

Job Title: Day Care Manager Joined: 2019

Day Care Manager

Frequently Asked Questions about Bedford Charter House

What types of Care is Bedford Charter House registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability & Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Bedford Charter House have?

There are 72 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Bedford Charter House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Bedford Charter House to the centre of Bedford?

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

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Bedford Charter House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bedford Charter House has an Enhanced Service - more info.