Blackbrook House

Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HP
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9.6 82 Reviews
  • Blackbrook House, Colchester
Blackbrook House in Dedham is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the Essex-Suffolk border. The home provides residential and dementia care for up to 55 residents in comfortable ensuite rooms and continues to welcome new residents.

As one of England's largest not-for-profit providers of housing and care for those over 55 years of age, Anchor continually reinvests the money it makes into its retirement properties and care homes, to continually raise standards to provide a high-quality service to surpass customer’s expectations

Anchor ensures each individual’s health and care needs are continually met by working closely with customers and their families.

They provide on-going dementia training for care staff which ensures their approach always reflects best practice. Anchor recognises that everyone is an individual and works hard to provide person-centred care.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 55 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1367
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1367
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1367
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1367

Colleagues at Blackbrook House will be happy to discuss our weekly fees with you and what our fees include.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackbrook 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Lucy Yarham (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Please contact Blackbrook House directly to discuss yours or your loved ones' care needs.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 2008
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (55)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (55)

Visiting

  • The home welcome visitors as an integral part of day-to-day life.

Parking

  • There is onsite parking, including disabled spaces.

Blackbrook House Reviews (82)

9.6

Blackbrook House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.624) out of 10, based on 26 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Blackbrook House has 82 reviews.

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Review from Keith C (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father went into Blackbrook House for restpite whilst recovering from pneumonia. The standards are very high, the care staff are attentive and the rooms are of a good standard. Food is also excellent and served in your room if wanted.
All in all, it's a very nice place.
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Review from Michael H (Son of Resident) published on 5 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum went into Blackbrook House in February of 2024. She was welcomed in by the home manager and other members of the staff. During the early days she received the care and attention she needed in order to help her settle. After a very short time she was enjoying and joining in all the activities, of
which there are many, on a daily basis. She has formed good relationships with the staff and is very settled and happy.
All members of the team are kind and caring and Mum is receiving the level of care she requires at this time.
Blackbrook is a smaller home, therefore, presents as very homely and comfortable. The cleanliness levels are high. The resident chef provides good home-cooked food with varied menu choices each day. The gardens that surround the property are pleasant with comfortable seating areas and access is level.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Blackbrook to others.
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Review from Linda F (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved into Blackbrook House five months ago. We were delighted to find this lovely care home in our village. From the first day, we were impressed by the friendliness of all the staff. The home is spotlessly clean with a homely feel to it. As visitors, our family are always made to feel welcome
with a friendly smile and chat. Our dog, who we take along with us, scores a hit with the other residents and staff alike!
The management are excellent as too are the team leaders and carers, cleaners, kitchen staff and all who work there. Always very approachable and do an excellent job of providing the best possible care for our loved ones.
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Review from Elaine C (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved into Blackbrook Care Home in January after losing her husband suddenly, he was her carer so she was not safe to remain at home alone.
It was a very difficult time for her and she was also very anxious about moving into a care home.
From the moment we arrived at the home, she was made
to feel welcome.
Each and everyone has something to offer, from carers, housekeepers, handyman and chefs up to management and admin team.
Everyone has been friendly and approachable.
The home is clean and homely and there are daily activities for residents if required.
There is a good choice of food and it always looks very appetising.
Above all, the staff are friendly and kind, so my mum who is a quiet and shy lady has settled in well and enjoys a little chat with the staff.
They took the time to get to know her little ways which was really important.
I cannot think of a better place for her to be cared for and I would highly recommend the home to others.
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Review from Judith F (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum initially went to Blackbrook House having spent a month in hospital. Our father is 94 years old and had been her main carer for the past couple of years.
All of our family have been really pleased with the level of care that she’s received, her clothes are always clean and appropriate for the
change in weather conditions. The staff always talk to her and smile, she really enjoys the meals and finishes everything that they give her.
Mum has been a high-risk faller for the last few years and all risks have been managed to ensure her safety which significantly reduced them.
As a family of her husband, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren we can’t praise and thank the staff enough - thank you.
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Review from C B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are all really good, some excellent, all really caring and never seem to be fazed by the resident's sometimes tricky demands. Response times to buzzers can be a little slow, but I appreciate they cannot be in two places at once, and some residents do call often. Residents are well-fed and cared
for. I am pleased to say both my parents are mostly happy with their home, despite wishing they had remained in their own home.
Reply from Lucy Yarham, Home Manager at Blackbrook House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review; your feedback is important to us. We are glad your overall experience was a positive one and that you are happy with the care your parents receive at Blackbrook House. In regards to response times, we have taken this feedback on board and have recently reviewed our staffing ratio to dependency. Please do let us know if you should have any further concerns, and we would be more than happy to chat at a mutually convenient time.

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Review from Maria L (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 August 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Making the decision to place my mum into the care of others was not an easy one to make. I knew I had to find exactly the right residential home to place my trust in. The minute my husband and I walked into Blackbrook House and were greeted by the manager, I knew my mum would have approved, and it would
be the right choice for her.
The facilities are well presented and clean, with a friendly and homely feel. The care Mum received was excellent, and her extensive needs were well catered for. I felt very welcomed into the home on any visit I made, and I could see she was settled and cared for. Despite Mum only living there for a short while, I felt that all the staff had taken the time to get to know her personally and took time out of their busy days to have a chat with her.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Blackbrook House to others.
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Review from Beverley M (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum stayed for respite for two weeks, so it was obviously very strange for her as she didn't understand where or why she was there, so consequently kept saying she was ready to go home. When I picked her up she looked bright and animated, she was taking part in a singing group and loved that everyone
made such a fuss of her. After she got home she said the food was very good and it was lovely and warm, she also wanted to see her friends again. A week later she can't remember it sadly.
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Review from Kim M (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 April 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is so reassuring to visit my Dad and always find him happy and well presented. The staff work extremely hard to care for the residents and nothing is ever too much trouble. As a family we feel reassured that his needs are being met. There is always good communication from the staff and management
and we are always greeted with a smile.
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Review from Jill W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 December 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am so happy that my mother is now a resident at Blackbrook House. She has been well cared for by very attentive staff who are very professional and deal with any queries quickly and efficiently. My mother has been welcomed into the home and she said herself that all the staff are so helpful and that
she feels very content. Blackbrook House is very well run, it is calm, clean and very homely. I agree with other comments that the staff are all wonderfully supportive. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I sleep well knowing that my mother is in safe hands!
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Review from J C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very pleased so far with my mother's care at Blackbrook House. There is always a friendly atmosphere among the staff and residents.


I feel happy leaving my mum in a safe 24-hour environment.


It is always clean and the gardens are lovely and safe.

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Review from Sharon C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The transition from home to care home has been seamless. Knowing that our mum has quality 24-hour care is reassuring. All staff, regardless of their role, are kind, caring, efficient and helpful. Residents are encouraged by staff to join in with a variety of activities, including receiving Holy Communion
but naturally, this is optional. Even MrMotivator made an appearance a few weeks ago! Mum enjoys having her hair cut and styled in the salon, and a chiropodist visits regularly. The menu at Blackbrook is varied and caters for all needs. Infection controls are still being adhered to.
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Review from Alison C (Wife of Resident) published on 20 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very enjoyable meals - compliments to the chef.
Good stimulation and interaction with staff and residents.
Very obliging staff for assisting with family and friends communicating with residents (taking the phone).
The resident was anxious at first but was able to put his trust in the staff, and
eventually, enjoyed his short stay. Still recounting stories. Now would be confident to return, safe, friendly. Staff have made an excellent job in providing a home from home environment.
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Review from Rick B (Son of Resident) published on 17 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone at the home has been fantastic! We have full confidence in all you do. Many thanks.
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Review from Dawn R (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been at Blackbrook since February. She has made a good, calm transition in very difficult circumstances, having arrived at Blackbrook via an emergency hospital admission and unable to return home.
I can only offer thanks and high praise to the managers and the manner in which they manage
- the administrator, the care staff, domestic staff - everybody is so kind and always smiling. In spite of missing her home of 60 years, my mum comments regularly on how individual is her care, that people remember what she has said, how all the staff pop in to say hello, and nothing is too much trouble. I am confident in the care she receives and grateful for it. After many years of living at a distance and being 'first on call', it is hugely reassuring knowing that she is in safe hands 24 hours a day. To anyone considering Blackbrook House as an option for their loved one, I would say don't hesitate. Your questions are always answered, and you can be confident in the care provided.
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Review from S P (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Transitions are never easy for new residents and their close families. The team here at Blackbrook Houe have supported my mum and me. Mum loves the cart and attention. I feel listened to and welcomed. A special thank you to three members of staff for all you do especially to ensure each day is a positive
one for my mum.
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Review from K D (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise Blackbrook highly enough. The compassion professionalism and sense of calm contentment in the home are remarkable. The care is given with great dignity and cheerful efficiency. The staff are all friendly, have time for relatives as well as residents and are endlessly helpful and knowledgeable.
The home is clean and cheerful and my mother could not be in safer hands. We will always be grateful to the manager, administration managers, senior carers and all their teams. Thank you.
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Review from Peter D (Husband of Resident) published on 14 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Blackbrook House is a shining example of an ideal care home for elderly residents. It offers a homely, caring environment and is exceptionally well run by fully involved management, together with a motivated team of carers and support staff. My wife is living with a dementia condition that severely
limits her interactions with both her carers and other residents. However, all staff are wonderfully supportive and very enthusiastic as they ensure that they involve her in all aspects of her day to day life in the home. Whenever I visit, there is always a welcoming atmosphere, and my wife is obviously content as she is invariably happy and smiling. This is the best I could hope for in the situation we are having to deal with, and I really appreciate the thoughtful manner in which all of the staff for all they can to meet our particular needs.
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Review from Paul S (Son of Resident) published on 4 October 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Blackbrook House appears extremely well run, with an efficient team. Staff displayed great respect for the management team (at least three people stating it was because of the way the home is run that they are still there!)
Staff, at all levels and functions, were welcoming and empathetic to our needs
and that of our relative, and despite the additional pressures caused by the COVID restrictions made every effort to support and assist us.
The care and consideration given during a relatively short period of time, in difficult and trying times were exceptional. This was no more evident when following the passing of our relative, the staff laid out the room beautifully in a way that respected the individual demonstrated compassion and understanding of the individual.
It was good to witness some of the new/younger members of the Team being trained, supported and encouraged.
Communication through the Team Leaders was really good; they listened to and supported our needs where possible.
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Review from Chris L (Son of Resident) published on 13 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Blackbrook House is a wonderfully well-run facility that ensures the residents live with dignity in an environment that replaces their home with a really comfortable way to enjoy their later years. My mother has received excellent personalised care in what has been a very challenging time for all the
wonderful staff and highly supportive manager. They have gone above and beyond to look after her and her cat and given her an excellent start to her new life away from home. It has given us all as a family peace of mind that she is safe and happy in a lovely environment. Thank you.
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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.624)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.624) out of 10 for Blackbrook House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 26 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 26 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 4.624 for Blackbrook House is calculated as follows: ( (205 Excellents x 5) + (89 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 306 Ratings = 4.624
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Blackbrook House is based on 26 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 55 registered maximum number of service users is 11, which has been reached with 26 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  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: 18 Jan 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

2 Bed Vacancies

Posted: 15 Sep 2025

We currently have two vacancies for care. Please contact Blackbrook House directly for more details.

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Awards / Recognitions (13)

Meet the Team (0)

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