Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
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9.7 84 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.

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Care Provided by Blackthorns

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 62 Service Users
  • Privately Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Flavia Poplauschi (Home Manager)
  • 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+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (56)
    • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (1)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Last Refurbishment: 2020
    • Number of floors: 1

Funding & Fees Guide for Blackthorns

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,283 – £1,484
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,283 – £1,484
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,383 – £1,584
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,383 – £1,584
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Blackthorns to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • 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 (84)

Total of 84, showing 21-40
9.7

Blackthorns has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.674) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Blackthorns has 84 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 52
  • 26
  • 4
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  • 0

Date Published

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Review from D J (Son of Resident) published on 11 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is well looked after and I'm very grateful to all the members of staff.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

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


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Review from J A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 December 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Delighted with the care and attention my father has received since his arrival. All the staff are very friendly and kind and have helped him to feel at home.

Reply from Flavia Poplauschi, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for the lovely review you have given to us.


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Review from Karen M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 October 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are very pleased with the way the home has settled my dad in after a rocky start. He has received excellent care and the staff and manager have gone above and beyond to make him feel at home. The residents get to go out on trips
which is lovely and so good for them. We would highly recommend this
home.

Reply from Fiona Kemp, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi,
Thank you so much for the lovely review.


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Review from R M (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 June 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff were caring, supportive and respectful. My father seems settled and comfortable overall. Since becoming a resident, he has become incontinent. In my experience of caring for him, this can be avoided by supporting him to use the toilet every 2 hours or so. The carpet in his room smelled very strongly
of urine on the day we visited. The next morning the carpet had been washed and the smell mostly gone. It is likely that if Dad were in an ensuite room, he would probably manage to go when he gets up in the night.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Many thanks for your review and pleased with the comments made. At Blackthorns we strive to provide good quality of care for all our residents in a safe environment. We are pleased that we were able to be of service, respond promptly to your concerns and got the carpet cleaned. We will transfer your father to a room with a toilet as soon as one becomes available.


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Review from Valerie K (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 April 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Although my mum was only in the home for a short time (5 weeks), the care she received was excellent. The staff were always friendly to Mum and to the family when we visited. The manager would always keep us up to date with the way Mum may have been since the last visit and the staff had time to feed
her (although at her age she ate little) and she did put on a bit of weight. The family were pleased she went to Blackthorns.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi Valerie, thank you for your kind words. We're glad to hear that you are happy with the care your mother received. I will be sure to pass your feedback on to the wider team.
Kind regards.


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Review from C C (Son of Resident) published on 16 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff which we interacted with today were kind, warm, empathetic, friendly, caring and supportive. The room is clean and has all the necessities. Anything additionally needed, is courteously addressed and provided. We brought flowers, and a vase was found; it's that sort of attention to small detail,
without grudging the request or how busy they seem. The staff treat the residents as people and as they would like to be treated themselves.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi C C, many thanks for your response. We are pleased to learn that you were satisfied with the quality of care given to your dear mother. I will be sure to pass your comments on to the team. Kind regards.


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Review from Beverley P (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother was placed at Blackthorns Care Home following an operation after falling which worsened her dementia. I was phoned when she arrived and have been kept up to date with all developments since. All of the staff are diligent and friendly, nothing is ever too much trouble. The home itself is spotless
and runs like a well-oiled machine, a great credit to the management. My mother and I are very satisfied with Blackthorns and have no complaints whatsoever.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi Beverley,
Thank you for your kind words. We're glad to hear that you are happy with the care your mother is receiving. I will be sure to pass your feedback on to the wider team.
Kind regards,
Jo.


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Review from A E (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The care home manager and all her staff went the extra mile to settle my mum into a warm and comfortable environment. She has been very well cared for and definitely well-fed. Thank you, Blackthorns. My 97-year-old mother is totally compos mentis but has struggled with the ratio of dementia to non-dementia
residents (very few) which has meant that she stays in her room most of the time. The staff do their best to give Mum some conversation time but obviously, they have their daily duties to undertake.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback. We always strive to provide a positive and comfortable environment for our residents. We will be sure to take your comments on board.
Kind regards,
Jo


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Review from A B (Nephew of Resident) published on 13 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt was admitted from hospital at short notice on a Sunday. The staff were very helpful and friendly and immediately made her welcome and comfortable. They even arranged a meal for her as she had not been fed at the hospital.
All the staff have been friendly and efficient. A big thank you to them
all!

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi A B,
Thank you for your kind words. We're happy to hear that we were able to make your aunt comfortable during her stay. I will pass your comments on to the rest of the Blackthorns team.
Kind regards,
Jo


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Review from M R (Wife of Resident) published on 19 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am very pleased with the home. My husband is looked after very well and I could not wish for a better place.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review and for your ongoing support. It is a pleasure to care for your husband. Kind regards.


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Review from Deborah B (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 January 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My sister and I dropped my mum off to you ten days ago. We were impressed immediately with the cleanliness of the care home. The staff were friendly and helpful and always informative when I phoned up to see how Mum was doing. We will definitely keep Blackthorns on top of the list for future respite
stays or even for a more permanent stay.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear that you were happy with the level of care delivered to your mum during her stay at Blackthorns care home. I will be sure to pass on your lovely comments to the rest of the team. Kind regards.


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Review from J T (Wife of Resident) published on 9 January 2023
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

My husband came to Blackthorns from the hospital as he was not fit enough to come home with carers, he was unable to stand. During his stay there he was only taken out of his room twice. There never seemed enough staff on and many were young, inexperienced or agency. Sometimes he would have to wait
more than an hour to go to the toilet. I felt duty-bound to go to him every lunchtime to help him with his lunch and make sure he was put to bed for an afternoon sleep. I then used to go to see him at teatime to make sure he was getting up. When I spoke to the manager about anything she would write in her book and invariably she did nothing about it. One day she called me to the office with her deputy, she looked me straight in the face and told me I was the problem with my husband. I was heartbroken. I do not cry but when I got home I dissolved into floods of tears. The next morning I went in the home at about 11am, my husband was in the dining room, head on the table asleep, and left there.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to pass on your concerns, and we are sorry to learn that your experience at Blackthorns was not up to the standard expected.


We do endeavour to ensure that our staffing levels meet the needs of the residents and that additional training is provided.


I truly felt that I addressed your concern in a professional manner and believe that my views may have been misunderstood. Please accept my heartfelt apology for any distress this may have caused you.


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Review from R S (Respite Resident) published on 2 November 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have used Blackthorns for respite care for mum several times now, the staff and management could not be more helpful. I always find the home warm and welcoming, mum is well cared for and although she can be difficult at times the staff are always happy to help.
I would recommend Blackthorns to anyone
looking for a home to care and support a relative who have unfortunately reached a time in their life where they need that extra help and find living at home difficult to continue with.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hello, we are so thankful to read your recommendation for Blackthorns. It is lovely to read your kind words on the safe, warm and welcoming environment that we have created here at Blackthorns, and one which your mum has experienced during her respite care with us. Thanks again for your brilliant review. Kind regards.


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Review from John B (Husband of Resident) published on 24 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My first impressions of Blackthorn's Care Home is of a caring, friendly, clean and professionally run establishment. The staff are all friendly and willing to talk generally and specifically about any matter one raises. They are prepared to mark special occasions for individual residents and make them
and their visitors feel they are part of the bigger family.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your kind words, John. We are very grateful for your comments expressing how satisfied you are with the quality of care given by the team, and the home's welcoming atmosphere. We hope you have a fantastic day. Kind regards,


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Review from Andrew H (Son of Resident) published on 21 October 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father has been extremely well looked after. He thoroughly enjoys the people and the food and we are comforted by the safe environment for him.
Personally, I have found the staff very engaging and helpful, particularly the manager who always is very welcoming.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hello Andrew, we are so thankful to read your recommendation for Blackthorns. It is lovely to read your kind words for our staff, on the safe, welcoming environment and your father's love for the food. Thanks again for your brilliant review. Kind regards, Jo.


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Review from James M (Husband of Resident) published on 17 October 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife was brought to Blackthorns after a fairly long stay in the hospital. I visited her every day she was residing in Blackthorns and found that the care she was receiving from the staff was excellent, especially on the day of her discharge from the hospital when the designated transport failed to
arrive.

Reply from Jo Robbin Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Hi James, thank you for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to care for your wife and will certainly pass on your feedback to the rest of the team. Kind regards. Jo.


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Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have been going up there for 15 years, and I find it a good place to be. All I know is she likes it there, Mum always has done, and it makes me happy.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your review, and for your ongoing support. It is a pleasure to care for your mother. Kind regards, Jo.


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Review from Allan F (Husband of Resident) published on 16 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife is attended to by staff with both respect and kindness. Whenever I have needed assistance, the staff have dealt with the situation quickly and efficiently.

Reply from Jo Robbin-Coker, Home Manager at Blackthorns

We are very grateful for your comments expressing how satisfied you are with the quality of care given to your wife by the staff and entire team at Blackthorns. We will continue to do our best to keep all our residents happy and cared for in a safe environment.
I will share this review with the staff. Thanks again for this lovely review.


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Review from K F (Partner of Resident) published on 8 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I spent a long time thinking about why I should not mark excellent in all the boxes but to be honest the home is so well run, I cannot find any fault. All the residents have their own rooms and no member of staff can enter without knocking and being invited in. When I go all the staff are friendly and
there is a feeling of being part of one big happy family. Where my girlfriend was before in sheltered housing there was a toxic atmosphere and she became very depressed, buts since she has been in this home I have seen a big change in her as she is now more outgoing and wants to help in any way that she can and that is because the staff makes her feel she is part of something and that she belongs there.

Reply from Fiona Kemp, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Good afternoon, we are so grateful that you send your full approval in Blackthorns and how satisfied you are your girlfriend is with the transition to our care. We always treat our residents with the best care and kindness, and will always respect their right to privacy and engage with residents in our activities and kitchenettes. Thanks again for the wonderful review.


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Review from Z C (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 4 April 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very welcoming, polite, helpful and informative. Love, care and compassion showed towards residents. As our 1st experience of using a care home, we have been extremely impressed and put at ease with the process.
Thank you.

Reply from Fiona Kemp, Home Manager at Blackthorns

Thank you so much for your kind words.
Best wishes.


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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.674)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.674) 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.674 for Blackthorns is calculated as follows: ( (201 Excellents x 5) + (66 Goods x 4) + (11 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 279 Ratings = 4.674

  • 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 24 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 24 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.

Performance

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

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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.