Blackthorns

21/29 Dooley Road, Halstead CO9 1JW
Review Us
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.

Show Blackthorns on the Map

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.

Blackthorns Reviews (90)

Total of 90, showing 61-80
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
11
17
29
61

Review from Susan P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 October 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Blackthorns since 28th June 2019. She has dementia and the staff have been very supportive and caring towards her. My mother's balance is a big problem for her, so having people around her is very important. Everybody has been very good at keeping families in touch with each other
during lockdown via Facetime and now appointment visits.
Staff have coped very well with the Covid pandemic.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from P B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Have not been happy with the previous manager. The deputy manager has improved things greatly. Feel very impressed with the new manageress. Very approachable seems to get things sorted, seems very efficient. The refurbishment to the home is wonderful. As my mum is approaching her 100th birthday in March
I feel more than content with the way the home is being managed.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from A W (Friend of Resident) published on 27 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

While staff are very caring, there are times they are run off their feet. With many residents in wheelchairs, their needs are greater, often leaving more able residents to fend for themselves. Although residents are clean, it is questionable how often they have a bath or shower. In my opinion more staff
is required. There are activities but not consistently. A paid member of staff to organise and stimulate individuals and groups would be of benefit. Those residents at the end of life, staff have very little time to devote to them.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Melanie F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 September 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

To all the amazing, hard-working staff at Blackthorns Care Home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the care and attention you've given to my mother these past 18 months. It is so sad, her journey in this life has come to an end, but without you all being there for her it wouldn't have been
the same. You gave her the company she so desperately needed and looked after her every need. Her room was always so clean and tidy, she was always dressed to perfection and ready to mingle with all her friends. I will miss coming in to see her and saying hello to all of you, in fact, I'm bringing in thank you cards this weekend, as there are some very special people working there that I need to thank personally.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Robert T (Son of Resident) published on 6 August 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

On the whole, my Mother is being looked after very well. The staff are respectful and caring. Sometimes, because of her dementia, my Mother can be a bit of a handful, but the staff help adjust with her needs. In my opinion, she's safe, well looked after and kept clean and fed.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lee J (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 August 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5

Dad was in Blackthorns until August 2018 when I moved him. The experience was shocking. He had Alzheimer's and the staff treated him as if he was "naughty" when he was showing typical behaviour for the disease. Staff would often say when I arrived "I haven't a clue where he is dear". There was
never enough staff on duty and the staff were often made up of a considerable number of Agency staff. The Activities personnel were almost non-existent, and any activities mostly consisted of Bingo. The food was sometimes ok and on other occasions inedible as vegetables had been boiled to within an inch of their lives and food would arrive which looked as if it had been cremated. Safeguarding complaints were made. Avoid this place.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Maria B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My experience with Blackthorns over the past year has been very good, very helpful staff, took care of dad very well. If the care home was in Witham we would not have moved Dad. The only problem is they don't have enough permanent staff.
We had a very good relationship with all the staff, nothing was
too much trouble for them.
Would highly recommend Blackthorns care home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from June W (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 February 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My family was very happy with the care received by my elderly mother from the moment she was welcomed to Blackthorns. Every single staff member was friendly, helpful and kind to my mother and she enjoyed her time there. Nothing was too much trouble - and they ensured that she was always well dressed
and looked after. I was particularly impressed by the time taken to talk to her and explain issues and to encourage her to interact. It was a very positive experience and Blackthorns seemed very well organised, well kept (always clean and tidy) with a very pleasant atmosphere.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum has now been a resident here at Blackthorns Halsted for just over a year. I am extremely happy with the care package provided for my Mum with the safety/security being paramount. The staff always have time to speak with me on my visits and update me on the health and wellbeing of my Mum on a
regular basis.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Trevor J (Respite Resident) published on 11 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay in Blackthorns was a very happy time. All the staff and management were always friendly and any help I needed it was no trouble. The carers were brilliant in all the 10 months I was in there, I didn't want to leave.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from D T (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mother had severe dementia and in the 3 1/2 years she was at Blackthorns she was treated with kindness and empathy and always looked well kept and remembered to put her beads (necklace)round her neck. Mum always loved laughter and smiles which she always had and carers had for her - whenever I visited,
which was very frequently, Mum was always happy. I have never had any regrets about my mum being at Blackthorns, only pluses and happiness.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Terry D (Son of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I have found the manager and the staff to be very approachable and helpful and the general all-round care provided to be of the highest standard.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Chris B (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum has been at Blackthorns for 3 years. She is happy and content.
The management and staff are extremely caring, friendly and helpful.
Thank you, everyone, for all the care you give my Mum.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from J N (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has settled in so well, the staff are so helpful and kind and can't do enough for the residents. I feel very comfortable with Blackthorns and the care and attention they are giving to Mum and how they keep me informed of how she is doing when I visit.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Barbara B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My 93-year-old mother was admitted to Blackthorns Care Home after another hospital stay, due to having heart failure and AF.
It was decided she needed 24-hour care. Mother also has a tenancy to be up in the early hours and has fallen numerous times while alone.
Being in the home, Mum is often taken
back to bed when she is up very early. Her medical needs are seen to very efficiently. The home has some good outdoor spaces. Entertainment provided on occasions.
Management and staff provide excellent care.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Lorraine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am very impressed with the care and support that my Mum and Dad get in the care home. The Manager could not be more helpful or supportive. She has been brilliant since the first assessment of my parents until the present day.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from C M (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 9 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my sister-in-law has been a resident of Blackthorns in Halstead, we have been very pleased with all aspects of her care, management and staff show the utmost care and consideration for all residents. We are kept fully informed of any problems. We would recommend Blackthorns Halstead highly.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Y G (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The staff at Blackthorns have always been very caring towards my Dad and I thank them all for that. My only complaint is that new staff do not seem to stay long and I feel particularly with dementia residents need continuous care. I am sure if you could pay a little more you would retain staff.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Donald H (Resident) published on 14 November 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

I recommend the home.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Juie R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 1 March 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been extremely pleased with the level of care which has been given to my grandmother since she came to Blackthorns three months ago. The staff have been very professional at all times and any concerns have been dealt with immediately. We would not hesitate to recommend this care home to other
people.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

Awards / Recognitions (9)

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.

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.