Blackbrook House

Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6HP
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9.6 81 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 (81)

Total of 81, showing 41-60
9.6

Blackbrook House has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.625) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackbrook House has 81 reviews.

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Review from Andrew B (Nephew of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very happy to know that our relative is safe and secure in this lovely home. Although in declining health the care is always excellent. The location is lovely and most impressive always is the care and attention of all the staff.

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Review from Claire M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Blackbrook House for almost five years. I cannot praise the staff too highly. They are an exceptional group of kind and dedicated people. The last months have been extraordinarily challenging, but they have delivered their usual standard of care with the trademark Blackbrook
good humour.

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Review from Nigel B (Friend of Resident) published on 12 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother-in-law has lived at Blackbrook House since January 2020. After searching for somewhere suitable for her to live following the death of her husband, the whole family has been so impressed by the quality of the care provided it has been a huge relief to us all. It has such a welcoming and homely
atmosphere and the staff couldn't be more caring, friendly and supportive to the needs of the residents. Before Covid, I used to enjoy my morning coffee and biscuits with her in the lounge, chatting with all her new friends. Her room is very comfortable and the afternoon activities keep her engaged with life, plus the good food keeps her happy and well fed. I would highly recommend it to anybody.

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Review from Sarah S (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 November 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum moved to Blackbrook House in June 2019. It was really emotional but the right decision. Blackbrook House feels like home. Mum settled in so well and has enjoyed having her hair and nails done on a regular basis! The food is fantastic and I love that Mum can have a cheeky glass of wine! Her room
is gorgeous and opens up into a really pretty courtyard. A special mention to the staff who have so much compassion and really care for mum. We have also been impressed with how Blackbrook House continue to deal with COVID, it’s been tough for everyone but we have been able to see Mum and can tell by how she looks that she is really being looked after. Thank you Blackbrook House!

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Review from G B (Wife of Resident) published on 7 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband has been at Blackbrook House for 15 months and he seems happy and content. The care over this period has been good on the whole. The staff are friendly, helpful and engage well with the residents. The staff encourage the residents to get involved with activities if they choose. The cleanliness
is of a high standard and the laundry system is very good. The menu is varied and the standard of food is also very good. Blackbrook House is very homely and I can't fault the care they provide my husband.

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Review from Malcolm A (Son of Resident) published on 7 May 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

There is no nutritional food on offer other than fruit, meals should consist of a healthy, nutritional rich balance.
I know residents complain about the quality of food, but not everyone does as some will eat anything.
If a resident will not eat their meal they are normally given an unhealthy 'processed
meat or processed cheese' sandwich in 'white' bread. I've never seen whole grain/meal let alone brown bread.
Family of residents were invited to a Christmas buffet last year, the poor staff were left alone to sort it all and had to supply from their own resources, such as drinks. The food was disgusting, no effort put in there at all by the former management.
Hand sanitiser dispensers such as those used in hospitals should be provided throughout the home. There is a bottle of sanitiser next to signing in but I have found this left empty on several occasions.
All of the carers I've met do a wonderful job, you cannot fault them.
I hope the new manager will improve the overall service.

Reply from Kylie Greatorex, Manager at Blackbrook House

Thank you for taking the time to review Blackbrook House and we are pleased you rate our staff as excellent. Our chef is sourcing fresh produce for all meals and will make alternative nutritional meals for residents who prefer something different to our daily menu. Our residents also always have access to the food and drink stations throughout our home.


We ensure that we adhere to infection control guidelines. We received a number of thank you cards from our Christmas event from families that enjoyed it and assure you that items were not supplied by staff for the event.

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Review from Beverley J (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Blackbrook House provides a high standard of care to Residents and are very supportive of respective family questions and emotional needs. Staff are hardworking and dedicated to their clients, which provides reassurance that loved ones are having their individual care needs met.

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Review from Norman G (Resident) published on 23 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Enjoyed my short stay, made very welcome and was looked after by all staff in an excellent fashion. I enjoyed making some laughter and hope I brightened the day up, not only for staff but also other people that I met in your care. I felt I was the youngest person there. Thank you all once again for
everything.

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Review from Guy W (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since moving my mum into Blackbrook House, I have seen her health improve. The state of deterioration from dementia has reduced, she has put on weight and she is always smiling and happy. Every day, I know she has great care from the carers and has great interaction with the patients. I couldn't be
happier than the service we get from Blackbrook House.

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Review from A P (Son of Resident) published on 12 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Blackbrook House for almost 2 years and I can't fault the level of care she has received in that time. The home is always clean and the menu looks amazing.

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Review from Arnie A (Son of Resident) published on 3 July 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Pleased to see that my mum has settled in and seems to be quite happy with everything in general which pleases me. She is very well cared for by the staff all of whom I've talked to are excellent.

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Review from Joanna T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackbrook House cared for our mum for almost 3 years in a very caring manner. As her needs changed, so did their level of care and support. In her last few weeks, they were very supportive of our family and ensured that mum could continue to be cared for at Blackbrook House. Their kindness and support
was greatly appreciated at a sad and difficult time.

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Review from Peggy H (Friend of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Was most impressed both with facilities and day staff alike. Stayed for lunch...yum yum yum yum yum.

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Review from Jennifer A (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very good care, compassionate staff room cosy if a bit small. Plenty of fluids available at all times nice and warm in the lounges.

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Review from Neal S (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackbrook has been fantastic for my Dad. The carers are passionate and very dedicated and nothing is ever a problem. The home is welcoming and well maintained, with great management and support staff.
The home is set in lovely surroundings with easy access from main routes.
Really pleased with
the choice we made. Highly recommended.

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Review from Nigel B (Nephew of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Aunt has settled in well and is achieving so much more than was expected. The staff are friendly and considerate, in providing care and support. To see my Aunt looking so radiant and healthy has given my family a sense of relief and happiness after the difficult decision to move her from her long
term home.

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Review from Christopher H (Son of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The standards of care and interest manifested by all those employed here 95% of the time is exceptional. My mother is treated with dignity and respect on the visits I make.

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Review from Bernard C (Son of Resident) published on 24 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This is an excellent care home. Highly recommended. For my family, distance to travel is a compromise but one worth doing.

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Review from Jackie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Extremely helpful, friendly. Mum is being looked after extremely well. Would recommend to anyone. Like home from home.

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Review from Diane K (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my mother has received since she has been at this home is second to none. They have been brilliant. The staff are friendly and helpful and nothing seems too much trouble for them even at times when they are really busy.

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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.625)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.625) out of 10 for Blackbrook House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 25 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 25 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 4.625 for Blackbrook House is calculated as follows: ( (199 Excellents x 5) + (85 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (2 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 296 Ratings = 4.625

  • 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 Blackbrook House is based on 25 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 55 registered maximum number of service users is 11, which has been reached with 25 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.

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 21 Jul 2025

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

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