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- Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection







At Sonning Gardens Care Home, they deliver comprehensive care services, encompassing residential care to support individuals in their daily activities, nursing care for those requiring intensive, longer-term assistance with medical conditions, specialised dementia care based on the ReConnect approach, and short-term respite care. Couples or companions seeking to continue their care journey together are warmly welcomed to the facility.
Their highly qualified care team administers all the support services, driven by...
Care Provided by Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Nursing Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 103 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- 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
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Support you may be entitled to
- If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Avery Healthcare Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Susan Johnstone (General Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: 2009
- Last Refurbishment: 2024
- Number of floors: 3
Room Information
- Single Rooms (61)
- Couples/Companion Rooms (21)
Visiting
- The home is open 8.00am - 8.00pm, outside of these hours visitors will need an access code.
Parking
- There is an onsite car park with dedicated visitor parking spaces.
Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection Reviews (150)
Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.734) out of 10, based on 42 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection has 150 reviews.
I am writing to emphasise just how much my family and I value and appreciate the care that my dad is given. His main carer has created a robust routine for Dad which ensures he lives to the very best of his abilities. She updates us weekly and is always there to answer our questions and offer support. In my opinion, she goes above and beyond to help Dad. She is an angel on earth. Dad thrives under her care and we sleep at night knowing he is safe and supported. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review for us and we are delighted that your Dad is happy and thriving in our community. We all agree that our community is made better by having your Dad as a resident in our home.
Sonning Gardens is an excellent care home and in my opinion one of the very best. The excellent staff provide high-quality care which is respectful and considerate. The activity team is particularly good but in fact everybody working there is good. My only concern has been with finance which appears slow and remote. I have seen my mother's health improve thanks to the staff at Sonning Gardens.
Thank you for taking the time to complete a review of our home. It is so important for the team to get feedback to ensure we can deliver the best possible service and your kind words will be shared with the team.
Overall Sonning Gardens is an excellent care home. All the staff have treated my mother with great care and professionalism. The atmosphere at the home always feels warm and friendly. My only complaint is that the management company's billing system leaves a lot to be desired!
Thank you for taking the time to give us a review and we are delighted that you and your mum are happy with the care she receives.
Staff lovely. Sometimes Mum finds the choice of food not great for dental issues (dentures). Room-too warm. On the whole very good but it shouldn't be, it's very expensive!
My mother has been cared for in Sonning for 5 years, coming first for respite over a hip fracture. She decided to stay. Her needs have changed over this time and she is more frail and has a dementia diagnosis. All the staff have been amazing and supported her and me through all these changes, including the pandemic years. Sonning Gardens is a wonderful environment and I have nothing but praise for the holistic care provided.
My husband was admitted for palliative care. I cannot fault the service. Every member of staff is so helpful and friendly.
Thank you so much for your review. We were privileged to care for him and meet his family during his time with us.
I felt welcome and very comfortable when I approached the receptionist's desk. People were very pleasant and helpful and made me feel relaxed.
Thank you for the lovely feedback; our reception team work hard to make visitors feel welcome, and it is nice to know their work is appreciated.
My mother-in-law moved into Sonning Gardens in mid-February and within a month she is like a different person. She is eating well, taking her meds, joining in with activities and seems so happy most of the time. She looks 10 years younger. I am so pleased with the support and care she has been given to make this possible. The staff are so lovely and go above and beyond to provide her with the very best care. The move has been so much better than I expected and I absolutely know we made the right, very difficult, decision to move her.
Once again the care and attention exceeded expectations along with the food!
I can thoroughly recommend this wonderful home.
Thank you for your lovely review and for allowing us to look after your husband again. It was a delight to welcome him and he slotted right back in.
So far I have been very impressed with the level of care given to my dad. It is not an easy decision to put your loved one in a home, but we certainly made the right choice. The environment is welcoming and I am grateful that I can now sleep at night knowing he is being looked after. A special mention to their Client Liaison Manager and Residential Care Manager.
Thank you for your review, we really appreciate it when people take the time to give us feedback. We are so pleased that we can help the family by caring for your dad. We will share your kind words with the team.
The carers are generally proactive and caring, but this is not true of some of the night staff.
Huge efforts are made to entertain the residents, but many residents stay in their rooms unfortunately.
It would be nice if staff wore easily read name badges. It is comforting that staff know the residents by name and it would be integrating if residents could reciprocate.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Sonning. It is always great to get feedback from our residents on what we are doing well and areas to focus on.
We were very pleasantly surprised when we visited Sonning Gardens by the quality of the facilities offered and the lovely setting as well as the understanding staff. We could see staff actively interacting with residents and visitors creating a caring and welcoming atmosphere. They took the time to get to know my father, and us as a family, this was a huge support to us all through this time, we felt my father was being well looked after.
Although my father was unable to take part in the activities it was heartening to see many residents enjoying the daily regular events and company of others, plus the wonderful cakes and pastries always on offer!
Thank you for taking the time to write your review and for the kind words regarding our care and nursing staff. It was a privileged to care for your father in his last months and we are pleased that our team was able to support you as a family.
Better food, less cheap 'cut' meals using mince.
Update the resident call/pendant system.
Invest in a home, 'update' of soft furnishings and furniture, some are very heavy to move.
Keep maintenance records to prevent issues: lift history and usage.
Deal quickly with issues: coffee machine in lounge.
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection. We are delighted to hear that the care and nursing staff were able to support your mum in her journey back to health and eventual return home. Ensuring the well-being and recovery...
Mum was reluctant to go into the care home but needed medical and palliative care. She was made welcome and comfortable right until the end three weeks later. She was encouraged to join in the activities, but preferred privacy but was "checked on" and interacted with the staff regularly. Lovely home and amenities. Friendly staff and families made welcome and catered for.
Your mum was a delightful lady, and it was a pleasure to have her here with us for her last weeks. She was a kind and cheerful person and made a real impact on the team.
From the initial meeting to the final farewell, I could not have asked for better support from anyone. The professionalism and friendliness of all was amazing, and aesthetically, the home, room and view were comforting, charming and impressive. The team made my father feel welcome, comfortable and respected in his final days - priceless.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. It was a pleasure having your Dad here with us and he really made an impact on the team in the short time we cared for him. He was a delightful, charming man and it was a privilege to have him with us at Sonning.
My mother was looked after at Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection for just after six months and I am very grateful and appreciative for the very high standard of care she received throughout her stay. Everyone, without exception, made such a tremendous effort to ensure her stay was as comfortable and pleasant as possible. The family were always made very welcome when visiting and all our concerns were attended to in a compassionate way. Thank you all so much for everything.
Thank you so much for your review, we hope that your mum is settled and happy back in her own home.
I was not expecting to enjoy my stay, but I soon realised how lucky I was. It really was first class hotel comfort. All staff in all departments went out of their way to be kind and helpful and always smiling faces. The caring was superb and such a pleasure to be given a shower and hair wash, then to face the day with the brain teasers and the exercise sessions, all much enjoyed. I would certainly recommend Sonning Gardens - come in the summer and enjoy the outdoors.
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are delighted you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to welcome you back again in the future.
Mum was booked in for two weeks respite. She took a few days to settle in but by the end of the two weeks she was very happy with the home. It has aged very well compared to others I have seen, so I think was well specified when built. The staff from all departments were excellent and on several occasions went the extra mile to help Mum. She enjoyed the food, although thought some days the quality dipped a little (different kitchen staff?). Communication was sometimes difficult with some staff whose English was not their first language. A 'Welcome Information Pack' would be useful, as there is a lot to take in when moving into a home and whilst instructions were verbally provided patiently and thoroughly, it would be good to have a reference document.
Thank you for your feedback and kind words. We always welcome suggestions how how we might help our residents settle in more easily and a handbook is in progress at this time.
We found all the staff to be friendly and caring. The range of activities was good and my mother-in-law enjoyed them. We were pleased to see that there were regular physical activities on offer. The activity staff encouraged and supported residents to attend. They were all very friendly with a ‘can do’ attitude.
Food was generally very good with choice available. It would have been helpful to have had some written guidance regarding what choices could be made. For example, a sandwich or omelette instead of the meal on offer. Also a map of the building, a timetable of when and where meals were to be served, when drinks would be offered during the day, use of the very nice bistro facilities etc. as it took a few days to work things out.
Thank you for your feedback and helpful comments, a welcome pack is in the pipeline!
The team at Sonning Gardens took care of my mum in the last years of her life. She had mixed dementia and had had a stroke and was recently widowed after 60 years of marriage. During the first year she was mobile and enjoyed a new sort of independence being able to move around the home and gardens without help. She missed my dad terribly and was helped by other residents who had gone through the same experience. She made some good friends. She then suffered two more strokes which robbed her of her mobility and coordination. The staff then really came into their own and gave her all the support she needed, treating her with kindness, understanding and love. They went above and beyond to make the quality of her life as good as it could be within the confines of her condition. Her last weeks were dignified and comfortable which was our highest priority. We owe Sonning Gardens a huge debt of gratitude.
Our RGN team are highly skilled in end of life care and understand that the smallest acts can make a...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 09 June 2018Outstanding
- CaringGood
- EffectiveOutstanding
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledOutstanding
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (6) & Events (0)
- 20 Mar 2025
Avery Healthcare is proud to announce that three of its care homes have been included in the prestigious 2025 edition of Knight Frank’s Luxury Care Home Guide, which highlights the...
- 20 Mar 2025
Avery Healthcare is proud to announce that three of its care homes have been included in the prestigious 2025 edition of Knight Frank’s Luxury Care Home Guide, which highlights the...
- 11 Feb 2025
On Sunday, 5th January, a flock of our homes joined together to celebrate National Bird Day, raising awareness about the vital role birds play in our ecosystem. Many residents took...
There are no upcoming events for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection.
Awards / Recognitions (12)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Avery Healthcare Group
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Avery Healthcare Group
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Avery Healthcare Group
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Sonning Gardens Care Home - Avery Collection.
Meet the Team (6)

I have worked in Sonning Gardens since 2018, first as Deputy Manager and now as Home Manager. Previously I worked in the NHS as a District Nurse, Community Nurse Practice Educator, Independent Nurse Prescriber and Community Nurse Manager. I have a number of nursing qualifications and an MA in Health and Nursing Care.
My passion has always been caring for people in their own homes and supporting my team to be the best they are in their chosen careers. Working at Sonning Gardens is the perfect environment for me as our residents and staff are all in one beautiful home, set on lovely grounds. I especially love Christmas at Sonning as our home is magical with all the pretty decorations and lights.
When not at work I enjoy tending my flowers and vegetables, visiting National Trust properties and taking trips to the coast when possible. When I get a quiet evening in I enjoy a good murder mystery with a glass of wine.

I am delighted to be part of the team at Sonning Gardens. Working as a Deputy Manager, I have the privilege to support the team and the Home Manager with my clinical knowledge and experience.
I started my career 16 years ago as a qualified nurse. My career started in acute hospital settings where I worked for 8 years before I moved to the UK and worked in the care home sector. I have worked in various capacities including RGN, Unit Manager, Senior Nurse and now Deputy Manager. I joined the team at Sonning Gardens just over a year ago as an RGN and moved up to Deputy manager after 6 months.
Caring for the elderly and the vulnerable is a part of my culture and becoming a nurse just made that a lot more profound. I believe people deserve to live their lives to the fullest despite their circumstances and this is what I see happening every day at Sonning Gardens. I am proud to be part of it all.
In my free time, I like to take long walks, travel and be with my family.

I joined Sonning in August 2022 having managed a private health club for 8 years.
I have always enjoyed working with senior populations and was closely involved in organising memberships, and activities and applying for funding for exercise programmes for the over 65's in my last job, so the move into care seemed entirely natural.
The team at Sonning are supportive of each other and takes pride in ensuring that our residents can have enjoyable and fulfilled lives in our home.
I find it immensely rewarding to work with families to work out the best care solutions for their loved ones.In my spare time, I enjoy walking my cocker spaniel, Dudley, gardening and travelling in our campervan.

I have always enjoyed helping people and have a real passion for dementia care and making a difference in our residents daily lives.
As the manager of Woodlands, I support my team to provide excellent, person-centred care to all our residents, providing meaningful engagement during the day.
Another passion of mine is animals and I have two mini dachshunds who enjoy coming to work with me. The residents enjoy stroking them and watching Poppy and Peach playing balloon tennis!

My full name is Cesar Ian Duldulao, but everyone calls me Ian.
I originally joined the home in 2016 as a Senior Carer in reminiscence. I then worked my way up to Dementia Care Manager and subsequently transferred to Residential Care Manager in March 2023.
My background is in nursing, and I have worked for the last 16 years in social care. I relish providing care for people in a dignified and respectful way when they need it most. I am privileged to work with and be part of such an amazing team, who brings so much joy and happiness to the residents we care for. My passion and goal in life are to care for others and support them to live well with their Dementia.
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, cycling and spending time with my family.

I manage the wide range of clubs, hobbies, entertainers, live music, outings, guest speakers and exercise classes we have on offer at Sonning. With input from the residents, my team also holds regular family events and social evenings. Having such a variety allows the residents to pick and choose what they wish to be involved in.
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