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- Don Thomson House Residential Care Home







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...
Care Provided by Don Thomson House Residential Care Home
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 TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define 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
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 2026 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1424 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.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Don Thomson House Residential Care Home for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Don Thomson House Residential Care Home 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
- Sanctuary Care Ltd
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Colette Greenhalgh (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
Room Information
- Single Rooms (28)
Don Thomson House Residential Care Home Reviews (44)
Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.634) out of 10, based on 11 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Don Thomson House Residential Care Home has 44 reviews.
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.
Lovely home. Very friendly and helpful.
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!!
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.
The whole experience of moving from a previous residential care home, which had proved to be very unsatisfactory, to his current residence at Don Thomson House, has been a transformation in his general well being. He is now content and happy; has made friends; enjoys company and takes part in activities provided. Don Thomson House care has given him a new lease of life.
Thank you for your kind words about our team and home, it is lovely to hear of the improvement in your husband's wellbeing. Best wishes, Fae
After two weeks care, my mum has had excellent care. Mum is trying six weeks respite care at the moment with a view to staying.
Best wishes, Fae
I'm very impressed with the friendliness of all the staff. What a lovely place with such kind and attentive staff. Thank you!
Thank you for such kind words about our home. Best wishes, Fae.
At last! Somewhere caring where people, the service users, are not bullied. They are treated like human beings. Cared for, offered activities, lovely food and the staff are happy. Wonderful, keep up the good work!
What a lovely review. Thank you so much for your kind words about our home. Best wishes, Fae.
My mother and l are both extremely happy with the excellent care mum receives. The chefs who prepare really good varied food fresh on daily basis. The home has a very welcoming clean atmosphere with pleasant rooms and gardens.
Thank you for such a lovely review. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Best wishes.
I would like to express our sincere thanks to all staff at Don Thomson for the outstanding care and attention to our Dad. Dad has been in the home for 6 weeks now and the change in him has been remarkable. Dad is in respite care at the moment but he will soon be residential, and we have no doubts that he will be 100% looked after. Whatever we ask any of the staff members for it is always a positive yes, never negative, what the resident wants the resident gets. Lovely staff, friendly, happy, always have time for a chat. Family home. We love it.
Thank you for such a wonderful review. It is lovely to hear how well your father has settled and how well he is doing with us. I will be sure to pass your kind words onto the team. Best wishes.
Having recently transferred from another Care Home in the region, my elderly mother thinks she's moved into a 4-star hotel! Not only is the Home elegant, clean and welcoming, but the staff are exemplary. Nothing is too much trouble for them and the Manager keeps us informed of Mother's progress by email on a regular basis. We live almost 3 hrs drive away and, to have this peace of mind, is wonderful. Since moving there, Mother is a different person. She now has social interaction with other residents (not possible before as ALL the others had dementia of varying degrees). She has even begun to eat properly and, therefore, we hope she'll gain a bit of much-needed weight. We honestly can't believe our luck that Mother was offered a place there as vacancies must be "snaffled up" so very quickly.
Dear John, thank you for such a wonderful thorough review. I am so pleased to hear how well your mother is doing with us, and I will be sure to pass your kind feedback onto the manager and the team. Best wishes, Fae
Very high standard of care. The team at Don Thomson House is very caring of our mother and she is happy there. Lovely room on the first floor. Cheerful and accommodating staff.
Dear Elizabeth, thank you for your kind words. Your feedback is truly invaluable to us and the care we provide at Sanctuary Care so I will be sure to pass this onto the manager and the team. Best wishes.
My mum had a fall in January 2019 fracturing her pelvis, she was in hospital for just over 2 weeks. Mum was in so much pain and I really didn't think I would see Mum walk again, but with the sheer perseverance, patience, and kindness shown to Mum by every member of staff (even the cook) at Don Thompson House she is now walking again. I can't thank the staff enough for all they have done for Mum and are continuing to do for her on a daily basis.
Dear June, thank you so much for your kind words. Your feedback really is invaluable to our team at Don Thomson, and it is wonderful to hear how pleased you are with the care provided to your mum. Best wishes.
This care home, I believe, to be the best in the area. It has been very consistent with the care. It is secure and the staff are very caring, friendly and conscientious. There are daily activities for those who wish to join and a large garden to enjoy in the nice weather.
Dear Susan, thank you for your wonderful feedback, it is very much appreciated by our team. Best wishes.
The home was very clean, staff very friendly and helpful. Good quality food.
When my aunt came here, directly from hospital, we did not think she had much time left. After being here at Don Thompson she was a different person who was once again herself.
Unlike the other care home she went to, she is able to make her own mind up as to what she wants to do.
Mum was in and out of hospital for 3 months having had several falls. We decided to put her in Don Thomson for respite care and it was the best decision. Since she has been there, her mobility has improved, she is eating again and she is almost back to being my mum again. It is all down to the staff and the care they have provided for her. Everyone is so friendly and seem to really want to help her improve. We have decided to make her stay permanent and owe everything to Don Thomson House. Thank you.
Right from when I walk in the door it is bright, welcoming and friendly.
All the staff are kind and helpful, yet professional at all times, and the leadership is excellent.
There is always something going on and the activities are well thought out and popular and regular meetings with residents mean they really have a say in the running of things.
I like the way the residents can safely wander around the home and garden, having a chat and laugh here and there - and would happily live there myself when the time comes.
Dad has had difficulty adjusting to old age but he has been looked after with good humour and care. I spend a lot of time in Cornwall and feel glad he is well looked after and entertained, whilst I am not there. Although, of course, I have a sister and brother living locally, who regularly visit.
I am completely satisfied with the care my father receives in Don Thomson House. The staff are dedicated and highly professional. Dad is treated with respect and kindness and every member of staff goes out of their way to have a friendly word pass the time of day with him and check on his general well-being. The accommodation is clean, bright and homely and the food is of a high quality. I am contacted monthly to discuss any issues that may have arisen regarding dad's health or well-being. I feel my views are valued and any issues are acted on immediately. When I visit, staff are always welcoming and friendly. Nothing is too much trouble - it's like one extended family.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 16 March 2018Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home.
There are no upcoming events for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (9)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Sanctuary Care Ltd
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Don Thomson House Residential Care Home.
Meet the Team (5)

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.”

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.

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.

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

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