Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
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9.7 90 Reviews
  • Blackthorns, Halstead
Blackthorns is a newly refurbished, 58 bedroom, residential care home in Halstead, north Essex. This spacious home provides expert care for older people, including those living with dementia. All of the bedrooms are beautifully furnished, with 22 benefitting from en-suite bathroom facilities and there is also a dedicated area for dementia care, designed to enable those they care for to maintain their independence in a safe environment.

Facilities available for the enjoyment of residents include a café, comfortable and sociable dining, several beautiful lounges, a hairdressing salon, corridor snugs and several courtyard garden areas.

The professional, compassionate and highly-trained care team strives to create a varied and enjoyable environment at Blackthorns, and listen carefully to what residents would like to do to make the day pleasurable and memorable. They take great pride in their activities. The activities programme ensures that residents remain stimulated and engaged, taking into account hobbies, needs and interests, to include and entertain everyone. Wifi is also available on site.

At Blackthorns, their aim is to practise ‘person-centred’ care for all residents, and trained staff are available 24 hours a day to meet residents' needs. They understand the value of individuality, so residents will be able to personalise their accommodation.

A nutritious menu of food is provided in consultation with residents and their families to ensure that any special requests and diets can be met.

This beautiful care home can be visited at any time, and assessments can be carried out in people's own homes if desired.

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 62 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1283 – £1484
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1283 – £1484
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1383 – £1584
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1383 – £1584

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackthorns 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

Person in charge

  • Flavia Poplauschi (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Admission is confirmed upon a satisfactory pre-admission assessment and confirmation that the needs of the potential resident can be met.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2020
  • Number of floors: 1

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (56)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)

Visiting

  • Upon arriving at the home, please press the buzzer on the intercom. A member of staff will greet you shortly. The home kindly request that you sign the guestbook upon both arrival and departure. This helps maintain an accurate record of who is in the building.
    In the event of an emergency, please follow the designated safety protocols provided. Your cooperation ensures everyone's safety.

Parking

  • The home includes dedicated parking spaces.

Total of 90, showing 1-20
9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.655) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 90 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 55
  • 29
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0

Date Published

90
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61
Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum, Heather Thompson spent the last week of her life in Blackthorn care home, staff were amazing, my Mum received the best care, Marciala, James,Norbert, and Gabbi were all fantastic and saw to all her needs and were so respectful, James offered numerous coffees through the week, I cannot have
wished my mum to be under any better care home,the district nurse was called without delay to medicate my Mum when she was in pain, the place was kept very clean and all other staff were polite and friendly, all in all my Mum was treated like a queen

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your feedback, your review will be shared with the team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Visited my mother today who was happier than I had seen her in a long time. Staff came to give mum her support and were very pleasant and had a joke with her. The manager made the time to come to talk to me and was fully aware of mum's care plan and treatment. I feel confident Mum is in the right home.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for yhour feedback, this will be shared with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father came to Blackthorns to receive palliative care following a brief spell in hospital. Although it was only a short stay until his end of life the care he received was extremely good. His room was clean and bright. The staff were extremely helpful and spent time with Dad making sure he was
eating and drinking right up to his last hours.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for your feedback, this will be shared with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackthorns provided excellent care during our father's stay. The staff were kind, caring and attentive, always professional and looked after dad very well, making sure he was comfortable and accompanied at all times. Thank you to Blackthorns.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for your feedback, this will be shared with the team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am pleased with the care my cousin has at Blackthorns. He was very ill recently and after returning from hospital the staff looked after him very well indeed. He is happy there, the staff are friendly, I have got to know some of them very well. He loves the food, plenty of it and nicely presented.
Overall all is very good, it is easy to call or meet the staff and manager to check on him and as he is very pleased with his home then so am I!

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback, this will be shared with the staff

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very happy with the care my sister is receiving in Blackthorns. The staff treat her well and any concerns I have with her health are quickly delt with. She tells me the food is very nice. She hasn't us yet taken part in any of the activities but says she might in the future. I understand there
are many available.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for your lovely words, we will be sharing your feedback with the team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I found Blackthorns care home to be of a good standard both in cleanliness and hygiene. The carers are extremely kind to the residents It is nice to have a café where visitors can take their family and or friend to the café and have a quick chat in a nice friendly atmosphere the Hairdresser is very
good as is the Chiropodist I find the care given to the patient/residents to be of a high standard.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for the feedback provided. This will be shared with team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother moved into Blackthorns in June 2024 and from the start I was happy with the care she received. The staff are helpful, efficient and genuinely care for the residents. The home manager was always quick to answer any questions that I had or change things to make the transition easier for mum.
Little things like giving mum a key to her room so she could open and close her "front door". I was always kept informed of medication changes and how she had been day to day when I visited her alongside my dad. Sadly mum passed away in February. Many of the staff had been in and sat with her during her last days. I cannot recommend the manager and her team enough for the love and care that they gave to my mum during her time at Blackthorns

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for the kind and lovely comments you have given us. Your feedback will be shared with the team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt has been in Blackthorns for a year now. She has settled in and is happy with being there. She is taking part in activities and enjoying the company of staff and residents. We also are happy with the staff and management, always made to feel welcome. If we have any problems they are ready to
listen and help.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for your kind words. Your review will be shared with the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My Mum has been in Blackthorns since late last year.
It's very difficult when a loved one cannot cope at home anymore.
Blackthorns have provided the support that we needed to ensure my Mum is safe and looked after.
The atmosphere is a mixture of friendly, relaxed but at all times with a professional
edge.
The Manager is very approachable and will address issues and is very supportive.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Good afternoon, Thank you for the review given to us. I will be sharing this with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father unfortunately broke his left femur back in November.Dad is 90 years old and has always been fit and healthy but after his fall he has become very frail although mentally he still can hold a conversation.Dad was moved to Blackthorns after the hospital discharged him.Although only temporary
it became clear he needed 24 hour care as he lives on his own , so Blackthorns have been a life line.Dad has settled in very well.The management and staff are beyond exceptional and are very supportive to dad and his family and friends.They are always smiling and we are particularly fond of one member of staff, in particular, who is an asset to the team of excellent carers who makes us giggle when she is around.I would recommend Blackthorns to anyone who is looking for a suitable care home.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Good afternoon, Thank you very much for your lovely review, your lovely feedback will be shared with the team

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very satisfied with the way the home is run. All the staff are very helpful and the home is very clean.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your review, this will be shared with the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister was in very poor health when we moved her from hospital to Blackthorns. She then became more comfortable and for a while, gained strength. Alas, her health began to deteriorate and she refused solid food despite various options being offered. We felt that the care and attention given was excellent
during this time.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for the review, this will be shared with the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Thank you for the care and compassion shown to my mother-in-law this month whilst she was in your care. You all made her time comfortable and enjoyable and we will be forever grateful.
The support you provided to us, as a family, was fantastic right up to her passing in hospital. Thank you.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your lovely review. I will be sharing it with the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care my father has received generally, on the whole, has been good. When I have had concerns, I have been able to speak to staff and most are addressed at the time occasionally have had to make repeat requests for information but nothing is perfect. Most staff are approachable and there are a couple
who go above and beyond. Sometimes feel more could be done so more people are included in activities and trips.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your review. This will be shared with the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother came to stay here for two weeks for short stay. We are very pleased to see my mother happy and well when we came to pick her up, no concerns.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review. I will be sharing this with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is an emotional time when there is a heart breaking decision that needs to be made with reference to a loved one and taking the step of moving them into a care home.
Blackthorns can't be praised enough for making this transition as comfortable as possible. From day one, my grandmother was made
to feel welcome and her living quarters were carefully considered to make sure she was surround by people that have now become her friends. It is definitely a caring, supportive environment and her situation is so much better than when she was in her own home.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your lovely review, this will be shared with our team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the care that my dad is given. The staff are lovely and the food if good. I am able to take him to the tea room for lunch which we enjoy. Thank you.
Kind regards.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review. This will be shared with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Overall care was good but I felt the staff had so much to do and were not able to be available as often as liked. The meals were nicely presented and plentiful but in the case of my husband who is a strong able man felt the hot dinners were very small. Blackthorns is a light and airy home and the decor
is outstanding. A lovely place. A special thanks to the maintenance man who looked out for my husband, a gem.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your feedback, this will be shared with the team!

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Blackthorns have been excellent, caring, considerate and respectful of my father-in-law. Couldn't be better.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your feedback, I will share it with the team!

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.655)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.655) out of 10 for Blackthorns is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 29 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 29 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 4.655 for Blackthorns is calculated as follows: ( (234 Excellents x 5) + (89 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 336 Ratings = 4.655

  • 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 Blackthorns is based on 29 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 62 registered maximum number of service users is 12.4, which has been reached with 29 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: 28 Feb 2024

Overall
Requires improvement

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Requires improvement
  • Safe

    Requires improvement
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (9)

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Meet the Team (5)

Flavia

Flavia Poplauschi

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2012

I am Flavia Poplauschi, a dedicated Home Manager with over 12 years of experience in the health and social care sector. What excites me the most about my role are the growth and learning opportunities it offers. I hold an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care and have been in a managerial position for the last 5 years. Last year, I also completed leadership training to further enhance my skills.


I can’t live without coffee, and I’m especially fond of my sister’s brew. When I have the chance, I love travelling and taking my family on trips to explore new places. Camping is one of my favourite outdoor activities, and I always look forward to the next adventure.

Kinga

Kinga Polak-Choat

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2024

My name is Kinga Polak-Choat, and I am the Home Administrator at Runwood, where I started in August 2024. Although I am new to this role, every day brings something different. I have the opportunity to meet new people regularly and continuously learn and grow in this position.


I hold a master's degree in management and marketing, which has helped me transition into this role. Before joining Runwood, I spent 9 years working as a bookkeeper, collaborating with various businesses across different sectors. This experience has shaped my approach to organisation and problem-solving in my current role.


Outside of work, I’m known as the "food monster" at home, as I love to cook and eat! I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking walks with my dog. When I find the time, I also make it a point to attend body combat classes to stay active.

Alex

Alex Ile

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Alex Ile, and I’m currently the Deputy Manager at Runwood Homes, having rejoined the team in July 2024. I truly enjoy the caring side of my job, especially meeting new people, working with different organisations, and tackling the day-to-day challenges that come with it. As a registered nurse, this role is a great opportunity to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.


I’m all about bringing joy to the workplace—I love making people laugh and being jolly, often cracking jokes at my own expense! Outside of work, I’m a fan of going to the gym to stay active, and I have a keen interest in computers and watching documentaries. Life is all about balance, and I like to keep things both fun and focused.

Andras

Andras Papp

Job Title: Head Chef

Joined: 2023

Hi, I’m Andras, the Head Chef at Runwood Homes since September 2023. I have a passion for cooking and baking, and I truly enjoy creating delicious meals for our residents. One of the highlights of my day is interacting with residents during meal times, as it brings a personal touch to what I do.


I’m proud to share that I won the Chef of the Year 2023 award, a milestone that reflects my dedication to my craft.


Outside of the kitchen, I love playing football, going fishing, and savouring a good cup of coffee—because life is always better with coffee!

Teri

Teri Went

Job Title: Housekeeper

Joined: 2021

Hi, I’m Teri, and I’m proud to be a Housekeeper at Blackthorns. I joined Runwood in 2021, and in 2023, I stepped into my current role. I’m passionate about maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and take great pride in ensuring our home is welcoming and comfortable for everyone.


Building meaningful relationships with residents and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I love contributing to a positive environment where everyone feels cared for and valued.


Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my house rabbit, Barnabi, who always keeps life interesting! I’m also a fan of holidays and cherish opportunities to relax and explore new places.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackthorns

What types of Care is Blackthorns 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 Blackthorns have?

There are 56 Single Rooms and 3 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Blackthorns?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Blackthorns to the centre of Halstead?

0.3 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 Blackthorns to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Blackthorns has an Enhanced Service - more info.