Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Low Road, Dovercourt, Harwich CO12 3TS
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9.5 41 Reviews
  • Don Thomson House Residential Care Home, Harwich
At Don Thomson House, so many of the dedicated team have been with the home for many years, providing that wonderful continuity of care. And with just 28 bedrooms, the home has such a warm, family feel.

The teams provide residential and dementia care, as well as a respite care breaks, which can be pre-booked. These are perfect for those caring for loved ones at home. You can book a short break to recharge the batteries, knowing your relative or partner is in safe hands and enjoying a short holiday too.

The large gardens are a beautiful spot to relax with family and friends, who are welcome at any time. Residents often enjoy afternoon tea here, as well as summer barbecues. The home has its own gardening club – and a resident pheasant called Geoffrey!

Inside, the home has recently been refurbished, with lots of warm and welcoming spaces to relax in, from cosy lounges to a hair salon, where residents can enjoy regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

The bedrooms are beautifully decorated, and many of the ground floor rooms have direct access to the gardens, which are surrounded by wheelchair friendly pathways.

There are so many activities to enjoy, from gentle exercises to pampering sessions. Some of the residents enjoy religious services in the heart of the home, while others prefer games or gardening.

The residents enjoy delicious home-cooking each day in the dining rooms. The chef prepares everything from home-made soups and roast dinners with all the trimmings, to freshly baked cakes for afternoon tea. And every week there is fish and chip Friday!

The team follows Sanctuary Care’s Enriching Lives Framework, based on the six senses people need to feel happy and fulfilled – a sense of achievement, belonging, continuity, significance, purpose, and security. This focusses on what residents love to do and what they want to achieve, making their care even more person-centred.
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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 28 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1344
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1344

Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1344 but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.


*If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Don Thomson House Residential Care Home 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

  • Colette Greenhalgh (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (28)

Don Thomson House Residential Care Home Reviews (41)

9.5

Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.5 (9.521) out of 10, based on 7 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has 41 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Don Thomson House Residential Care Home
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Review from A A (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We first visited Don Thomson House after a family recommendation and due to its location. We were immediately struck by how warm and friendly the atmosphere was and how accommodating the staff were. It has a light and airy dining room which overlooks the lovely garden. Since our mother moved in and
is settling down, we have continued to be impressed by the high quality of the care. The staff are kind, perceptive, supportive, flexible and efficient. They also have a great sense of humour which anyone with a family member suffering from dementia will appreciate. We highly recommend this home.
Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

We're so pleased to hear that your mother is settling in well and that our team's warmth, humour, and attentive care have made a positive difference. It's always our goal to create a supportive and welcoming environment, and your feedback means a great deal to us.

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Review from Margaret B (Wife of Resident) published on 26 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has been in this care home for 20 months. I have found the manager and all care staff very dedicated people in all aspects of the job. They apply the same respect towards the residents as well as relatives, there are regular residents meetings and residents are given a weekly schedule for
activities, there is a monthly newsletter for all residents and relatives. My experience of the home is excellent along with the management and staff. I often tell people about the home if they should need it in the future for their relative. The manager holds regular meetings for the relatives. The manager and all staff are always very helpful if needed.
Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your positive experience. We're so pleased to hear that you feel supported by our team and that your husband is well cared for. Your recommendation means a great deal to us.

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Review from Stephan C (Friend of Resident) published on 20 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have the upmost respect for all the staff at the home on how they respect the residents and relatives when visiting the home is always clean and tidy and the staff couldn't be more helpful , friendly and professional
Reply from Jacob Hardie, Design and Marketing Assistant at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words. We're so pleased to hear you feel welcomed and respected during your visits. Your appreciation means a lot to our team and motivates us to keep providing the best care possible.

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Review from B H (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I was a complete mess moving mum into care. My heart is full of love for you all with everything you all do. The manager said we treat our residents as family and it sure comes through every day. My mum is very happy which makes me happy. thank you to you all.
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Review from A A (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been in Don Thomson now for nearly 8 months the staff are kind and caring! The food is similar to home cooking. We as a family, are so glad we put mum's care in their hands.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that your mum has been well cared for at Don Thomson and that our staff's kindness and compassion have made a positive impact. It's also great to know that you and your family appreciate the home-cooked meals we provide.Your trust in us to care for your mum means the world to our team, and we are committed to maintaining that high standard of care. Thank you again for sharing your experience!

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Review from G D (Respite Resident) published on 28 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I enjoyed my stay with the staff were caring. The garden was a great asset to residents who actually lived at the home. In my three weeks respite stay, I made friends and had many conversations with ladies who had to give up their homes and they seemed to be content and could see they were very well
looked after. I would recommend your home.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation for Don Thomson House. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your respite stay and felt so well cared for by our staff. It's wonderful to know that you were able to make new friends during your time with us and we hope to welcome you back in the future, whether for a coffee or another stay.

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Review from Penelope V (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Use your senses when you visit a home - does it smell? Are they masking a smell? Are there constant alarms, how do staff respond to an alarm? How do staff speak to residents/each other? Are staff too stressed to smile? If you want an exemplar of the perfect care home - Don Thompson House! It's a care
home run with love. Mum has been there 2 years, she's happy and thriving. Staff are amazing with her and support me, I work in care and this is by far the best care environment.
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Review from F M (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When my mother needed to go into care, the management at Don Thomson House were extremely helpful in their interview with mum. The room fits her needs, she is no distance from her bathroom and she has a view over the garden. The staff have been excellent ensuring that mum eats properly and encouraging
her to use the dining room for meals. The staff are kind, friendly and always prepared to answer questions and arrange for external services (e.g. chiropodist) when needed. They also ensure that Covid vaccinations are up to date. I have already referred a friend whose mother needs respite care.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for your review of Don Thomson House and we are thrilled that you were so pleased that you recommended the home to a friend.

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Review from J S (Cousin of Resident) published on 10 May 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My cousin became a resident in January 2017. I was impressed with all the facilities, the room was spotless and comfortable as were the lounge, dining room and breakfast room. the staff were professional and so kind and caring. Nothing was too much trouble, they were always cheerful with all the residents
and visitors. The kindness and compassion they showed to my cousin at the end were outstanding.
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Review from Tracey N (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent staff and management. Always very helpful and caring. The whole team including catering/cleaning and carers are all caring and considerate always.
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Review from Susan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum calls Don Thomson home and from my point of view, that says it all. This home is all I could ask for, my mum is safe and well looked after.
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Review from Debbie A (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Our dad was well looked after at Don Thomson House throughout the very challenging conditions that Covid imposed during his 18-month stay. The staff were very caring and helpful, although often appeared to be overstretched. Despite how busy they were, they went out of their way to make Dad's birthdays
special, particularly when we were not allowed in due to Covid. They also helped us manage the logistics of Dad's hospital appointments. Despite occasional challenges with admin and communication, we were overall very grateful for all the staff did for Dad and also their support to us during difficult times - and we were very happy with how Dad was cared for.
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Review from N W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 July 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff are very caring and kind in their approach to residents.
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Review from Toni M (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 March 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We, as a family, were very grateful for the amazing quality of care Don Thomson House gave our father in his last year of life. We could not be happier with the dedication and care that was given to Dad. We would like to thank all the staff for their care and kindness. Thank you.
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Review from Nicki (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum entered Don Thompson for a respite stay initially but she was so comfortable there that it became permanent. Throughout her stay, every member of staff that I met was professional, friendly and approachable. When mum became very poorly, the communication from the staff was excellent and they
kept me up to date with everything that was happening. My mother sadly passed away recently but again the staff were kind and caring in their dealings with me. I am so grateful that my mum was able to pass away feeling comfortable and at peace, thank you.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for such kind words. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Marion L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 9 December 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident at Don Thomson for five years. Up until one year ago, she was chairbound and since then bedbound, unable to change her position without the care and attention of the carers. As a retired tissue viability specialist nurse, I am very aware of the importance of maintaining good
skin integrity in the frail, immobile elderly. She does have very high-risk pressure relieving equipment in place which helps but doesn't do the whole job, this requires the vigilance and care of the staff. Her pain control and dietary needs are well managed too. Mum was 100 last week and despite her interaction with the staff and us is variable, they ensured her birthday was celebrated in a way that such a milestone deserved. Sadly she slept through it. But 2 days later, when she was awake, the staff contacted us, giving us the opportunity to celebrate with her. All this is testament to the high level of care given physically and psychologically to Mum and us.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for such a thorough review and kind words for our staff. We really appreciate your feedback, especially given your insight and are glad to hear your mum is being cared for to the highest standard. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from Diana H (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We as a family would like to express our grateful thanks to all the staff who made our mother's 100th birthday such a memorable and happy day. All the staff are always extremely helpful and approachable in these difficult times, much appreciated.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your kind words about our team. It's lovely to hear about your mother's birthday. Best wishes, Fae

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Review from T G (Wife of Resident) published on 18 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A two weeks respite time was booked for my husband from Thursday 6th to Thursday 20th August 2020. This has meant that Don Thomson House Residential Care Home and I are complying with all the current covid19 restrictions. I am not allowed into the building. All pre-booked daily visits for us are in
the garden/outside. He is taking this time to work out his personal/physical/mental condition now, in order to cope with daily life. I, his wife, carer fulltime, have welcomed the strong professional help given to both of us. He is receiving serious, medical, kind care from all the workers in Don Thomson House Residential Care home. He is safe, eating, always clean and properly dressed. He tries to socialise when he is able. Both of us totally appreciate all his care and can highly recommend Don Thomson House Residential Care Home.
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Review from Kelly G (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 20 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely home. Very friendly and helpful.
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Review from Kathy T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the assessment of Dad prior to being accepted into the home, we (my husband and I) have been extremely happy with Dad's care and we know he is safe and well looked after 24/7. Plus, he settled in really well and quickly which says a lot!!
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

Thank you for your kind words about our home and team. It is wonderful to hear how well he has settled in and that you have peace of mind with dad now in our care. Best wishes.

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Current Review Score: 9.5 (9.521)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.5 (9.521) out of 10 for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 7 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.7 out of 5 from 7 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.821 for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (71 Excellents x 5) + (11 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 84 Ratings = 4.821
  2. 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 4.7 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home is based on 7 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 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 = 3.7
    2. 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 28 registered maximum number of service users is 5.6, which has been reached with 7 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. 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: 16 Mar 2018

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
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.

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (5)

Colette

Colette Greenhalgh

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2007

Colette has worked at Don Thomson House for over 15 years and is proud to have progressed to home manager.


The residents mean everything to me,” she explains.


When I walk through the door I am coming to look after 28 nans and granddads – I love making them smile and I leave work knowing I’ve made a difference.


And that is very much how the rest of the staff are here. The team always go that extra mile for our residents, to deliver truly person-centred care – for them, nothing is too much trouble.”

Sherry

Sherry East

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 1999

I have worked at Don Thomson for over two decades! I have full job satisfaction and when I get home I know that I have made a difference in the residents' lives.

Stuart

Stuart Haylett

Job Title: Maintenance Officer Joined: 2021

I applied for this position as I get a high degree of job satisfaction as it suits my interests. The staff are friendly and helpful and always do their best for residents.

Julie

Julie Thorpe

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2018

I love my job and the team are brilliant. The residents are well cared for and I am proud to work here.

Geoffrey

Geoffrey Kitching

Job Title: Chef Manager Joined: 2017

I enjoy cooking and baking for our residents very much - this really is a very rewarding job.

Frequently Asked Questions about Don Thomson House Residential Care Home

What types of Care is Don Thomson House Residential Care Home 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 Don Thomson House Residential Care Home have?

There are 28 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Don Thomson House Residential Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Don Thomson House Residential Care Home to the centre of Harwich?

1.2 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 Don Thomson House Residential Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.