
the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safeAnita R(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.Debbie D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The home is friendly and very comfortable mum is happy and has many friendsDiane E(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

the personal touch of the home is very important. We feel that our mother is safeAnita R(Daughter-in-law of Resident/Service User)

Mum has benefitted from the many organised and fun activities run by compassionate and caring staff.Debbie D(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

The home is friendly and very comfortable mum is happy and has many friendsDiane E(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

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 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
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
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Blackthorns for full pricing details and T&Cs.
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
- Runwood Homes Ltd
- Private Owned
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)
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.
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.
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!
It would be our honour to welcome you anytime.
The home is always spotlesly clean We couldnt ask for more
Thank you so much for your review! We will share it with the team!
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.
Thank you very much for your feedback, it will be shared with the whole team
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.
Thank you very much for the review, this will be shred with the team
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.
Thank you for your feedback, this will be shared with the team and with the activity team!
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.
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
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
Thank you so much for your feedback, your review will be shared with the team
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.
Thank you for yhour feedback, this will be shared with the team!
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.
Thank you very much for your feedback, this will be shared with the team!
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.
Thank you very much for your feedback, this will be shared with the team
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!
Thank you for your feedback, this will be shared with the staff
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.
Thank you very much for your lovely words, we will be sharing your feedback with the team
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.
Thank you very much for the feedback provided. This will be shared with team
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
Thank you very much for the kind and lovely comments you have given us. Your feedback will be shared with the team
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.
Thank you very much for your kind words. Your review will be shared with the team.
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.
Good afternoon, Thank you for the review given to us. I will be sharing this with the team!
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.
Good afternoon, Thank you very much for your lovely review, your lovely feedback will be shared with the team
I am very satisfied with the way the home is run. All the staff are very helpful and the home is very clean.
Thank you for your review, this will be shared with the team.
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.
Thank you for the review, this will be shared with the team.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 28 February 2024Requires improvement
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveRequires improvement
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledRequires improvement
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 (12) & Events (0)
- 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...
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)

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.

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.

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!

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.