Brenalwood is a purpose built residential home, situated close to the sea and shops and accommodates 36 residents on two floors. An eight person passenger lift is available for residents on the first floor.
There are 32 single and 2 double rooms. All have en-suite facilities, phone points, nurse call points, and are individually furnished.
There are front and rear accessible gardens with bird aviary and rabbit enclosure and fish pond. There is a replica pub, indoor 'Village Green' and a hair-dressing salon.
A variety of activities and entertainment is provided weekly, plus occasional outings to places of interest. A chiropodist visits the home every 6 weeks. Music therapy and drama therapy are held monthly.
Visiting is unrestricted and free meals are provided for up to two persons per resident.
Group: Regal Care Trading Ltd
Person in charge: Wendy McNeill (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Essex County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Privately Owned , Registered for a maximum of 38 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Mental Health Condition • Old Age • Physical Disability • Sensory Impairment
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's • Challenging Behaviour • Parkinson's Disease • Stroke
Admission Information: Ages 60+.
Languages Spoken by Staff (other than English): Spanish; Castilian, Polish, Thai, Tagalog
Single Rooms: 34
Shared Rooms: 2
Rooms with ensuite WC: 34
Weekly Charges Guide: Personal Care Single £625 – £750 , Personal Care Shared (per person) £625 – £750 (These prices are only a guideline, please contact Brenalwood to find out the exact price for your requirements.)
Facilities & Services: Palliative Care • Day Care • Respite Care • Convalescent Care • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Pets by arrangement • Smoking not permitted • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Brenalwood: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.5 (maximum of 10) for Brenalwood is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 19 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Brenalwood in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.558 for Brenalwood is calculated as follows: ( (141 Excellents x 5) + (67 Goods x 4) + (16 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 224 Ratings = 4.558
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 4.921 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Brenalwood is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 7.6 positive Reviews (38 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 7 Reviews ÷ 7.6 Target = 0.921
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Brenalwood has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.479) from 19 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Julie F (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 24 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My mother has been resident in Brenalwood for 5 weeks. I have found the staff to be friendly, caring and efficient. My mother is pleased with all aspects of her care so far. Her room is spacious. Light and airy.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Janice H (Wife of Resident) on Tuesday 27 June 2017. Relates to June 2017.
My husband has been in Brenalwood care home for 18 months.
In that time all the staff have been so kind and treat my husband with dignity.
The care is very good. The food is excellent.
I have enjoyed the hospitality on many occasions.
I have had most excellent meals.
The manager tries very hard to make it a 'home from home'.
There are lots of activities to suit most people.
My husband's room is very light and airy.
There is a nice garden that residents and visitors can sit in.
There is a 'quiet room' which, if needed, visitors can be alone with their loved ones.
On Friday nights this is used as a bar area, which is very welcome and much enjoyed by my husband.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Julie C (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 31 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
Pleased with the care that my dad receives. He is well looked after here and has settled very well. The staff are all family and there is a nice atmosphere.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by L M (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 23 May 2017. Relates to April 2017.
Mum was placed in Brenalwood as an emergency placement. At 98 years old this was a very difficult decision for us as a family and very unsettling for Mum.
However, the staff at the home made Mum very welcome and did everything they could to ensure she was comfortable.
We could ring or visit at any time of the day or night if we wished.
Mum has settled really well and is always happy when we visit - Mum thinks that she is still in her own home.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Neither Unlikely or Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Stephen D (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 23 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
My mother and father are both residents, they receive excellent care. The carers are always on hand and nothing is too much trouble for them.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by S B (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 18 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
Mum came to Brenalwood at very short notice for respite so that as mums main carer, I could have a much-needed break. I was very upset at having to leave mum there but left her reassured that she would be well cared for. All the staff are wonderful and put all at ease. Mum has settled in so well and we can visit and ring anytime, day or night if we wish. Brenalwood is like a big happy family. I can't thank them enough.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by C S (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 16 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
My mum always seems very peaceful when I visit. She has been given a quiet area of the main room which suits her well. Staff are friendly and courteous and treat the residents with respect. I feel mum is in the best place for her and is being well cared for.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Dennis S (Husband of Resident) on Monday 15 May 2017. Relates to May 2017.
Good value. Staff very good and helpful.
Food well cooked and presented, staff helping with feeding where required.
First class!
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by John R (Son of Resident) on Wednesday 29 March 2017. Relates to March 2017.
My mother has been a resident since November 2015. She has been very well cared for and the staff have been excellent. I feel my mother was lucky to have been so well cared for at the ned of her days. Sadly she passed away on 16th March.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Katherine D (Partner of Resident) on Tuesday 24 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
Having spent ten days over the Christmas and New Year with my partner at Brenalwood, I could not fault the care and love that was shown to the residents by the care staff. The kitchen staff were also helpful. The meals were nicely presented and every need catered for with a choice of menu, with a well-balanced diet. The decor and rooms could be improved but I felt the main thing of a care home is a good caring staff which Brenalwood has. The manager has tried to make it like a family unit and I think this has been achieved. I would highly recommend.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Rosemary F (Resident) on Tuesday 3 January 2017. Relates to November 2016.
I have been a resident in this care home for approximately seven weeks and I am amazed how quickly I settled in, everybody was so kind and helpful.
Each and every member of staff treats me with respect and are very aware of my wish to remain as independent as possible, help is always discreetly at hand.
Meals are a very important part of the day and they are of an extremely high standard, well balanced and very much to the palate of the older person. Extra helpings, snacks, drinks and fresh fruit is always available. The general feel of this home is a small family unit full of laughter and love. Obviously, improvements could be made but for me this is very much my home and I wouldn't change it.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Sarah B (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 29 June 2016. Relates to May 2016.
The main thing that I find so comforting about dad being at Brenalwood is how happy he is there. It is always apparent when I visit that he has great relationships with the staff. The staff are definitely the heart of Brenalwood's success. The decor may be dated but don't judge a book by its cover. The home always smells clean and fresh which is the best sign of cleanliness and the care dad receives is second to none.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by C M (Brother of Resident) on Monday 6 June 2016. Relates to May 2016.
The staff are excellent, very caring and helpful.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Christopher B (Stepson of Resident) on Tuesday 24 May 2016. Relates to March 2016.
We arrived at Brenalwood to take my stepfather out to lunch and all the residents were sitting quietly. Some were being assisted to help them eat their lunch. Over all it seemed to be a calm and settled atmosphere.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by David B (Son of Resident) on Thursday 19 May 2016. Relates to May 2016.
I am very pleased with the way the staff and management have cared for my mother over the past year. They keep me informed how my mother is doing. She eats well, if needed I can go into another room to speak to my mother. If I want to take my mother out the staff make sure she is ready.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by P M (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 18 May 2016. Relates to May 2016.
Brenalwood is a lovely and caring care home. Both my parents were residents here, my mother has been here for over five years and our family has had peace of mind knowing that she is really safe, happy and all her needs are met.
All the staff are caring, friendly and like a second family to her, nothing is too much trouble. She joins in all the activities on offer, especially likes the sing a longs and dance activities. I would have no reservations in recommending this care home knowing that your loved one is in a caring and safe environment.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Paul L (Son of Resident) on Monday 16 May 2016. Relates to April 2016.
My mother was transferred to Brenalwood from another care home who had found it difficult to cope with her occasional aggressive outbursts. Brenalwood have coped with this problem but also have a relaxed and friendly approach to all general needs. The care staff are always visible as it is a small home and are very attentive and responsive to any requests.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Anita H (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 13 May 2016. Relates to November 2015.
Our mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a couple of years ago and we had tried to help mum stay at home for as long as possible, but in November 2015 mum had a turn for the worse and we made the difficult decision to find mum a care home. The staff at Brenalwood have made a difficult decision much easier. They are caring, professional and open with information. They go out of their way to make mum happy. Since then mum has been healthier, more settled and happier. We are happy knowing mum is cared for so well.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Shirley W (Wife of Resident) on Tuesday 10 May 2016. Relates to April 2016.
My husband resided at this care home for 8 years and was extremely well cared for. In February 2016, he died there very peacefully. I did not want him to be admitted to hospital as he knew his carers so well at Brenalwood and felt safe there.
He was well fed with the puréed food he needed. He could do nothing for himself, was double incontinent, needed frequent turning in bed 24/7. He lacked nothing there - so he constantly hummed music to himself - even though he couldn't speak - he was content.
How likely would you be to recommend Brenalwood? Extremely Likely
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February 2018
April 2017
May 2012