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

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.

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Review from Barbara B (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience
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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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Review from Donald H (Resident / Service User) published on 14 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card
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I recommend the home.

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

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.

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Review from Mary W (Resident / Service User) published on 23 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

I am happy enough to stay in Blackthorns I am not quite sure if I can cope when I go home. I feel that I am safer and well looked after here in Blackthorns. All the staff are very kind and helpful. The home manager is lovely and so with the deputy manager, I think they are priceless.

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Review from Sheila R (Resident / Service User) published on 24 October 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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My stay at Blackthorns has been pleasant and comfortable. I enjoyed joining various activities and the company of my new found friends. I extremely enjoyed our day out at the garden centre in Braintree. Lovely home.

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Review from Gordon F (Nephew of Resident) published on 27 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
Overall Experience

My aunt is 94 and virtually bedridden and has been at Blackthorns for two and a half years. Her needs are therefore centred on the room she is in. The staff are friendly and reasonably attentive to her calls for assistance, she is extremely forgetful and makes many calls for attention. Most of the time she is in a chair next to her bed when not in bed. She especially needs to be kept clean when and after feeding this puts the greatest demand on staff and can be inconsistent. She receives prompt medical attention and the staff always phone me if she falls or has any medical issues.

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Review from Peter C (Son of Resident) published on 1 September 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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We have found the staff at Blackthorns to be very caring and keen to assist the residents. Activities seem to be well planned and play a very big part of my mother's day. She enjoys her life in this home and feels very safe and comfortable in her environment.

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Review from Dawn R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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Blackthorns was our only choice of a care home for my mother, we didn't want her to go anywhere else. The home is lovely and all the staff really very good, couldn't be better, so friendly and welcoming.

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Review from Peter John J (Husband of Resident) published on 17 August 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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The experience of my wife here is very happy. Every time I see her at Blackthorns she looks happy and comfortable. The home allowed a canary bird to accompany my wife and we bring our dog to see her as well.

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Review from Josephine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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Great care and attention to residents but still not enough staff. This has been acknowledged after various meetings but still no new staff employed. There are too many bedridden residents in this home and they take up so much time that the other residents do not get enough, but the activities and the management try extremely hard and all staff are very dedicated. More staff required.

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Review from Jack S (Husband of Resident) published on 2 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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It is pleasing to say that the care home is not clinical, simply homely, whilst providing all the necessary clinical and medical support required. The attention of staff and management cannot be faulted, albeit they must occasionally be under extreme pressure, however a happy and pleasing atmosphere always seems to exist.

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Review from J P (Resident / Service User) published on 18 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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All staff are friendly, nice and they do what you ask them to do. Nothing is too much trouble.

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Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card
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The care has been exceptional, the home is clean. I cannot smell anything malodorous. It is like coming home. It has a lovely atmosphere.

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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.

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