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Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead, Essex CO9 1JW
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the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safeAnita R(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)
Blackthorns, Halstead
Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.Debbie D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
Blackthorns, Halstead
The home is friendly and very comfortable mum is happy and has many friendsDiane E(Daughter of Resident/Service User)
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...  

Care Provided by Blackthorns

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

Type of carePermanentRespite
Residential CareFrom £1,350From £1,450

Contact Blackthorns 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)

Good to Know

Group / Owner

Person in charge

  • Hazel Dockrell(Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • 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.

Blackthorns Reviews (97)

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9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.658) out of 10, based on 25 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 97 reviews.

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Showing 97 reviews matching selected criteria
Review from Lorraine E (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2026 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

From the moment my Mum went into the Care Home she was welcomed and showed around and introduced too staff members. She was in there for two weeks as I was on holiday Other members of my family visited often and said how happy she was and she was well looked after they commented on how friendly everyone was .,She was only in there for two weeks and had made friends with some of the other service users and has asked to go back to see them. At first I was apprehensive about leaving her but she had a really wonderful experience. I really do appreciate all the care they gave her and the staff were all excellent. I would definitely recommend this Home.

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Review from Richard C (Son of Resident) published on 15 April 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My mother was a resident at Blackthorns for just under a year from March 2025. Our family cannot praise the home enough for the care and love they offered her along with the support we all received in her final days. Without exception, the staff were kind, caring and professional which helped to create a wonderful atmosphere that exuded throughout the home. If it remains the same then in the due course I'll be knocking on Blackthorns' door!

Reply from Blackthorns, Home Manager at Blackthorns
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're truly grateful you felt supported and cared for during your mother's time with us. Your feedback means a lot and will be shared with the team.

It would be our honour to welcome you anytime.

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Review from Jed R (Husband of Resident) published on 25 February 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
I always find staff very good and friendly and helpfull

The home is always spotlesly clean We couldnt ask for more

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review! We will share it with the team!

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Review from Eileen C (Sister of Resident) published on 8 January 2026 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My brother became a resident for respite care in October. He was very happy with the care he received. His residency became permanent on 19th November, as he wanted to continue staying at Blackthorns, needing 24 hour care. He has settled into the home very well. Staff attend to all his personal needs and treat him with respect. I am very impressed by management and staff who are knowledgable, helpful, friendly and caring.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

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

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Review from Emma F (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 December 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
My father is at Blackthorns having arrived straight from a hospital. He has complex needs and I feel supported and staff take time to listen.
The manager has always been available to talk through concerns when needed.
Staff will give me updates of my fathers day when I see them during my visits.
The home is clean.
Patient's needs appear to be met efficiently.
Staff seem to have experience and have worked at the home for a period of time rather than being agency temporary staff.
My father has rapidly been seen by a GP and paramedics when needed.
The home is calm and usually quiet.
I feel that most staff treat patients with the upmost dignity and respect.

My visits are always unplanned and my father is dressed and clean.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you very much for the review, this will be shred with the team

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Review from Jeannette L (Sister of Resident) published on 28 August 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My visit was unplanned - totally. My sister was sitting comfortably on her bed reading when I arrived. He room was very clean and tidy, furniture appropriate for her needs. She had no problems with the menu. She was aware of daytime activities but I felt she needed a little more encouragement to take part. She was not aware of any evening activity for residents. I think she would benefit from more social interaction, but she is absolutely benefitting from being in the care home.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback, this will be shared with the team and with the activity team!

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Review from Natalie M (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 August 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
Blackthorns Halstead
The staff are friendly, kind and caring.
The environment is nicely decorated, homely and clean.
The food is good quality.
I feel welcome by staff when I visit.
My mum has been encouraged to attend activities, which she has enjoyed.
I would have liked to have been given more information about the kitchenette and that me and mum can use it when I visit as I only found this out from another resident after 3 weeks. Perhaps a brochure or more information online would be useful.

I emailed the home and have not received a response after a week, which I find frustrating.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback! It has been shared with the team! We apologise for not answering to your email which is being checked with the IT team as the email did not come through

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Review from Alaster R (Son of Resident) published on 30 July 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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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Review from S M (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Sarah M (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 May 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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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Review from M M (Son of Resident) published on 12 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Carolyn R (Cousin of Resident) published on 12 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from M A (Sister of Resident) published on 9 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Linda G (Wife of Resident) published on 7 May 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Sharon P (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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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Review from D P (Niece of Resident) published on 28 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Lynne M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 April 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience
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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Review from Mandy H (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 March 2025 Submitted via Website
Overall Experience

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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Review from Laura P (Wife of Resident) published on 22 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Review from Stephen C (Brother of Resident) published on 10 December 2024 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

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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Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 28 February 2024
Overall
Requires improvement
  • CaringGood
  • EffectiveGood
  • ResponsiveRequires improvement
  • SafeRequires improvement
  • Well-ledRequires improvement
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.

News (12) & Events (0)

News
  • 25 Feb 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, was filled with laughter, warmth and the delicious smell of freshly made pancakes as residents and staff came together to celebrate...

  • 28 Jan 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, has proudly launched its very own in-house post office, creating a meaningful and practical new feature that allows residents to post...

  • 02 Jan 2026

    Blackthorns Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes Group, welcomed residents and their loved ones on 20 December 2025 for a special Christmas meal, bringing families together to celebrate the...

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events for Blackthorns.

Awards / Recognitions (11)

  • 01 Apr 2026Recipient: Blackthorns
  • 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Runwood Homes Ltd
  • 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Runwood Homes Ltd

Meet the Team (4)

Alex Ile
Alex IleJob Title:Deputy ManagerJoined: 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.

Kinga Polak-Choat
Kinga Polak-ChoatJob Title:Home AdministratorJoined: 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.

Andras Papp
Andras PappJob Title:Head ChefJoined: 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 Went
Teri WentJob Title:HousekeeperJoined: 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.