Heron Court

198 Brentwood Road, Herongate, Brentwood CM13 3PN
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9.8 92 Reviews
  • Heron Court, Brentwood
Heron Court is a listed building full of charm and character. Its impressive front door waits to open you to welcome you into its warmth and friendliness. The gardens are lush and green and offer space to walk or sit quietly and enjoy the day and especially the warmth of summer.

Although not a modern building it provides all the comforts of home, good food, good company, and friendly staff. There are many activities and it is your choice of what you do each day but the team ensure there is always something. Your visit will give carers the opportunity to discuss how best they can meet your needs and the chance to find out those important things that make you the unique individual that you are. Trained staff are available 24 hours a day to ensure a stay at Heron Court is a wonderful experience.

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 35 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
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1350 – £1588
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1350 – £1588
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1450 – £1688
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1450 – £1688

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Heron Court 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

  • Carly Whipps (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 45+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Number of floors: 3

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (31)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)

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.

9.8

Heron Court has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.844) out of 10, based on 36 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Heron Court has 92 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 70
  • 17
  • 5
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  • 0
Date Published
  • 92
  • 10
  • 17
  • 36
  • 56
Reviewer Connection to Heron Court
  • 40
  • 21
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 92, showing 21-40
Review from B P (Partner of Resident) published on 16 May 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Grateful for the way she is looked after. She is very happy. Would be nice to use the wheelchair around the home and garden more.
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Review from Sue P (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum’s happy place, what a difference this lovely home has made for Mum's wellbeing on her dementia journey and our peace of mind. Now that spring is in the air, we will look forward to seeing and joining in with the staff and residents as they start to prepare the hanging baskets, pots, or just simply
pottering around enjoying the beautiful gardens.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you again for a lovely review, I will pass it on to the team.

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Review from Phil O (Son of Resident) published on 23 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad has settled into the routine of being in a care home and certainly looks forward to meal time each day, especially Fridays Fish and Chips. Also Dad enjoyed his first visit out to the garden centre.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you, we appreciate the feedback, I will pass it on to the team.

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Review from D B (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum is so well cared for and we love the staff. All of them are always smiling and happy when I see them, they have little chats and banter with Mum, and she loves that! Mum tells them all her amazing stories of when she was an evacuee during the War.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for a great review, I will pass this on to the team.

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Review from Annette J (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We can’t fault the care that Mum receives at Heron Court. All the staff are friendly and attentive. There are activities throughout the day which help Mum become engaged and stimulated which is so important as her dementia has advanced rapidly. As a family we are so glad that Mum is at Heron Court and
being very well looked after.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for the review and for the support you give.

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Review from Jill F (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very happy with the care and support my dad receives in the home. Staff are friendly, helpful.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thanks for taking the time to give us a good review.

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Review from Carol T (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Both my parents went into Heron Court Care Home in March 2023. Sadly my Dad passed away in August 2023. The home was excellent in caring for my Dad in his final days and now caring for my Mum who has dementia. She has good days and bad days but the care she receives is always the same from the dedicated
care team.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you Carol for your lovely review it's very much appreciated.

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Review from D S (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I can highly recommend this lovely care home. The staff are wonderful friendly respectful and hard working. Their interactions with residents is wonderful to see. It's spotlessly clean. Food is good I ate a few Fridays with my mum and had fish and chips and fresh fruit with ice cream. They provide tea
and coffee and snacks of fresh fruit cakes and biscuits throughout the day. They have lots of activities going on and also have visiting entertainers.
Our experience has all been positive at Heron Court.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much, what a lovely comments for us. It was a pleasure looking after Mum and the family!

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Review from Jenny G (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum was placed in Heron Court by the discharge team at hospital for an initial 6 weeks. From the first time I saw the place I knew this is where I wanted my mum to live permanently. The professionalism, friendliness and compassion by all the staff was evident. Mum was granted permission to live permanently
at Heron Court and there she enjoyed 6 months of being cared for and feeling loved. All the staff not only made Mum's life enjoyable, they also took good care of family and friends and nothing was too much trouble. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home. I have such fond memories of Mum's short stay there and thank all the staff for excelling at caring.
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Review from Michela A (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad very happily lived here from 2019 until he sadly passed away in May 2023.
We were always made to feel very welcome as family with every visit.
My dad went into the care home with advanced dementia after my mum sadly passed away and my dad needed more care than what we could provide for him
he went in using a wheelchair after about a month he was able to walk with a stick and then eventually un aided totally
They always treated Dad with a lot of respect and grew very fond of him and him of them.
We still get asked to attend functions even though sadly Dad is no longer with us and they talk very fondly of him and have many lovely memories of him which they share with us.
I think I speak on behalf of all my family when I say this is a lovely care home with lively staff we couldn't have wished for better care for our father.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this review. We can not thank you enough for your kind words and for being a great family to look after when your dad was at the home. We all send our best wishes and regards to you and your family.

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Review from Danielle F (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My nan came to Heron Court for respite and now has a place full-time.
She is so well looked after and you can just tell how loving the staff are towards the residents. We always feel so welcome when we visit and we just know they go above and beyond to make my nan feel so safe and settled!
We are
so happy with the care that’s provided!
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Review from Pierra J (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My beloved father was a resident at Heron Court for almost 4 years.
I can honestly say that the care, support, patience and friendship they showed my father and us as his family was absolutely amazing. This was the attitude of every member of their team.
Wonderful caregivers who showed Dad dignity,
compassion and true friendship.
We will always be extremely grateful.
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Review from J R (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We come and visit my parents regularly and always very impressed with the helpfulness of all the staff here.
Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your great review. It is a pleasure to look after you all.

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Review from L D (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum came here during Covid and settled very quickly. She has always had a genuine affection for most staff which helped me cope with our enforced separation. Direct access to the garden is such a bonus for Mum as this is her happy place. As a family, we are so pleased that Mum has found a home as good
as her own but where she is safe and secure. Couldn't be happier for her to end her days here.
Reply from Carly Whips, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you. You are a big support to your mum and the home. We appreciate all your input over the 3 years your mum has been with us.

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Review from R W (Son of Resident) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been here now for a year and she is well-treated by staff members and enjoys the activities. Since having to reside at the home she has gone from strength to strength and become more independent.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

You are very welcome. It is a pleasure to look after your mum and watching her get stronger each day is a huge achievement. The staff and I would like to thank you for your kind words.

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Review from David B (Brother of Resident) published on 29 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I always find my sister as happy as she can be, she is very well looked after and kept as clean as possible. The staff are mostly as caring as possible with the home being understaffed at times.
Reply from Carly Whipps, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your review, we appreciate it a lot.

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Review from Mirella J (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 22 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Grandad (Nonno) was within your care for last couple of years. I will forever be grateful for the amazing care you provided for him - you were not only carers you were true friends to Nonno towards the very end.
You constantly made my family feel so welcome and gave us updates on how he was getting
on. You have all been so supportive!
Thank you so much once again for everything.
I know Nonno would thank you himself by clapping his hands and giving you the biggest smile as he always did.
Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for your lovely compliment as we loved your grandad and your family. You were all so happy and it was lovely to be able to grow along with you all. Thank you again, not just for the compliment but for all of you for being such a great family to look after. Please don’t be strangers and come back every now and then!

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Review from L N (Son of Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Lovely, friendly, welcoming and clean, but an introductory talk would've been nice (visitor toilets, expectations etc).
Residents are well cared for by mainly friendly staff. Would be nice to know more about routines and supplies ie: where to go to fill up hand towels when run out.
The member of
staff who organises the social activities goes above and beyond for the residents and is lovely to them all. This is much appreciated.
Heating in individual rooms is suffocatingly hot, particularly as we are unable to sit anywhere else when we visit. No way to turn it down or off.
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Review from Debbie P (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Heron Court is a very welcoming home. The staff and carers all genuinely care about the residents and work really hard to keep them comfortable and happy. There's regular entertainment, and carers are often dancing with the residents in between carrying out all of their other caring duties. My mum is
settled and content at Heron Court.
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Review from Gladys S (Partner of Resident) published on 1 June 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Overall, the care is adequate, but to home a stroke patient with the majority of residents with severe dementia is beyond the pale. A lot of the residents are either, somewhat comatose or they constantly scream and call out.
This is not an acceptable environment!
My partner has been there for almost
3 weeks, I visit 5 days a week. The facilities are totally unacceptable. The "visitors" room is a junk room with leftover detritus. The "sofa" is beyond help. Behind the door is loaded with supermarket bags stuffed with god only knows what.
Reply from Deborah Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback which I of course take very seriously. When we spoke I was pleased to hear you felt that your partner has done very well since being at Heron Court, regaining his strength and becoming a part of the close-knit community we have at the home. At Heron Court, we provide residential and dementia care, meeting the varying needs of our residents, including those with varying degrees of dementia. This is something that we openly discussed when showcasing our home and meeting with prospective families. If you have any further queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.


NB: The supermarket bags are for the church to collect for the Ukrainian donations and will be collected shortly.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.844)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.844) out of 10 for Heron Court 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 36 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 35 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 4.844 for Heron Court is calculated as follows: ( (367 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 423 Ratings = 4.844
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Heron Court is based on 35 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 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 35 registered maximum number of service users is 7, which has been reached with 35 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: 28 May 2024

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 (10)

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Meet the Team (6)

Carly

Carly Whipps

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2002

I have worked at Heron Court since 2002, starting as a Kitchen Assistant, Care Team Leader, Administrator and now Home Manager. I enjoy my job and have a passion for helping people. Heron Court is a lovely place to work with our well trained friendly staff who have good relationships with all our residents. We are often complimented on our relaxed friendly atmosphere and how homely the feel is when visitors walk into the home.


Heron Court was built in 1892 so still has plenty of character and original features which all who visit appreciate. Thank you for taking the time to consider us, and please feel free to visit to have a look around!

Michelle

Michelle Tiganasu

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2008

I’m Michelle, and I have been with the team for 16 years, serving as the Deputy Manager. My passion lies in supporting service users every day, helping them feel valued and cared for. I take great pride in ensuring that the job is done properly, and I’m always happy to be with them, offering my support.


One of my key achievements has been learning about dementia and how to provide the best care for people affected by it. I hold both Level 2 and Level 3 NVQs, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to excel in my role.


I also love dressing up for all occasions and parties, no matter how I look—because if others are happy, that’s what matters most to me. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, travelling, and listening to music. These activities bring me joy and balance in my life.

Shannon

Shannon Whipps

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2013

I'm Shannon, Home Administrator at Heron Court.


With 11 years of experience as the Home Administrator at Heron Court, I am deeply passionate about creating a joyful and fulfilling environment for our residents. My greatest joy in life is seeing their smiles and ensuring they live their best lives. I hold a diploma in Knowledge of Policing and a Level 3 NVQ in Health & Social Care, both of which have equipped me with a strong foundation to provide top-quality care.


I love adding a touch of fun to everyday life, often dressing up in fancy dress to make people laugh and brighten their day. I don't take myself too seriously and believe that laughter is one of life's best remedies.


Outside of work, I am an avid car enthusiast and often spend my weekends driving in my pyjamas. Above all, I cherish time spent with my family and our dog, as they are the heart of my world.

Ariel

Ariel Da Costa

Job Title: Lifestyle Coordinator Joined: 2024

Hi, I’m Ariel, and I’ve had the pleasure of being the Lifestyle Coordinator at Heron Court for the past five months. What I love most about my role is the opportunity to spend quality time with each resident and create personalised experiences that bring joy to their lives. I’m passionate about bringing a sense of fun and excitement to our community, and I’m never afraid to embrace my playful side. Whether it's being a clown or simply brightening someone’s day, I’m always ready to make a difference!

Artur

Artur Kwiatkowski

Job Title: Chef Joined: 2009

I am the cook at Heron Court, where I've proudly served for 15 years. What makes my role special to me is that it is not just a job but a true passion. I am deeply invested in every aspect of the industry—from the food itself to working alongside my talented kitchen team to the service provided by our dedicated servers. I hold a Level 3 Award in culinary skills, which has helped me refine my craft over the years. Having gained early experience by running my own Polish restaurant when I was younger, I’ve built a solid foundation in the culinary world. Outside of work, I enjoy watching science fiction films, classic Polish cinema, and various series, which offer a creative escape from the kitchen.

Constantin Iulian

Constantin Iulian Zorocliu

Job Title: Maintenance Joined: 2009

Hi, my name is Constahtih, and I have worked at Heron Court for 15 years. I enjoy helping everyone—whether it's ensuring that residents eat and drink well, are dressed nicely, or simply look their best.


One of my proudest achievements has been learning about dementia, and I also hold an NVQ Level 2 in Care.


When I hear music, I can't help but sing and dance along! In my spare time, I love fishing and travelling.

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