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.
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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 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.

Heron Court Reviews (92)

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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Date Published
  • 92
  • 10
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  • 36
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Reviewer Connection to Heron Court
  • 40
  • 21
  • 6
  • 5
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  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 92, showing 41-60
Review from Kevin B (Son of Resident) published on 21 April 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and management have been going the extra mile in supporting my mum as she struggles feeling poorly. You cannot fault the level of respect shown as my mum struggles.
Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Hello Kevin, thank you for your wonderful review. We take the best possible care and kindness we can in supporting your mother and we're so grateful to read you send your full support for Heron Court.

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Review from Jacqui H (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I couldn't speak more highly of the care given to our father. We know he is cared for in every way; he is safe, clean, well-fed, entertained and fully integrated into the daily running of the home. We are so grateful for kindness shown by all staff.
Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Good afternoon Jacqui, we are so happy to read your glowing review with the best possible scores. We are so grateful to hear how happy you are with the safety, food and activities of the home, and how pleased you are with your father's care. Thanks again for the review.

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Review from Jennifer S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 March 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum seems well cared for comfortable and happy.
Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Hello Jennifer, we are so grateful for the review. Your feedback gives us a great insight in how we can enhance our care, and we are so appreciative to hear how pleased you are with your mother's care. Thanks again for the positive comments.

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Review from P H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 October 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This care home and staff are the best in my opinion. The care staff are all extremely kind and hard-working, and deserve more pay! My mother has settled in very well. She enjoys the food and the friendliness of the kitchen staff who try to give her what she likes to eat to encourage her to eat more.
The qualified staff go over and above to look after my mother, as do all the staff. The entertainment coordinator is excellent and always includes her. I am very happy with the care home, as is my mother.
Reply from Debbie Doyle, Home Manager at Heron Court

Good afternoon, thanks so much for the review. We are so thankful to read how satisfied you are with your mother's care. All of our team focuses on the kindest attitudes to assist residents in any way we can. Thanks again for the positive feedback.

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Review from J B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law has been here since the end of 2017. It was unfortunate that an injury to her leg in 2019 (a broken femur) has meant she has been confined to her bed and room since. The care is very good. She is looked after well as the position of break, the leg is in one position and cannot be lifted
from bed. It is a shame that her doorway is not wide enough for her bed to be moved out into a more communal area during the day. She has not felt the sun on her face since the accident. So sad for her.
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Review from Jill S (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 3 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although I have obviously not been able to visit my brother-in-law in person lately, I know from his wife (who has been seeing him when possible) that he is being so well looked after and the staff have been absolutely amazing in these difficult times. When I was able to go I found the staff to always
be very kind and caring. As a family, we can't thank them all enough through these difficult times. Well done!
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Review from R B (Son of Resident) published on 3 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very satisfied with my father's care.
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Review from Megan H (Wife of Resident) published on 13 August 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Heron Court became my beloved husband's home for the last 10months of his life. During all this time he was given the utmost care, treated with dignity, empathy and respect. As a family we visited at various times, on various days and always witnessed nothing but the most excellent care to all residents.

Regrettably, after a spell in hospital he returned to Heron Court for end of life care. This was agreed and given not only with the usual respect and dignity but with compassion - this enabled his wish to pass away in his own bed .
Again everyone and I stress everyone at Heron Court ensured that everything possible that could be done for him was done.
Heron Court is not the plushest nor most modern care home but is managed to an excellent standard. The staff are conscientious, respectful and wonderful caregivers.
My family and I are truly indebted to all at Heron Court for their combined provision of the best possible care to my dearly loved husband.
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Review from L H (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent home.
First-class care.
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Review from Richard B (Son of Resident) published on 7 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
First time I have seen my father since early march due to the lockdown. I feel so relieved that he is in safe hands and being looked after by some lovely people.
Looking forward to when we can visit on a more frequent basis inside the home.
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Review from Steven S (Son of Resident) published on 7 July 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother moved to Heron Court 2 months ago and has blossomed. She is always clean and happy. The staff are fantastic in all regards. I am so happy she is here.
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Review from Diane L (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All of the staff are kind, courteous, caring and interested in both the residents and their families. Heron Court is small enough for all the staff to intimately know the residents and all of their likes, dislikes and quirks. The bedrooms are pleasantly furnished, and there is a patio and also pleasant
garden to sit in. There are more extensive grounds which could possibly be better used - but they are pleasant to look out on and aren't overlooked.
My elderly mother stayed at Heron Court for two week respite care in June 2019. She had a week, we had arranged for her to live there permanently. We are so pleased she made that decision, especially as now (May 2020) during the current Covid-19 crisis we know she is getting excellent care, attention and assistance is available 24/7.
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Review from Nicola F (Resident) published on 22 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was transferred to Heron Court from another home that did not meet her needs. The swiftness and professionalism of the management were excellent. My mother who has dementia, can be quite challenging, and they treated her with dignity and respect. My mother was originally placed in a room upstairs.
She is prone to walking and would get up throughout the night. Management was very quick to realise that a room on the ground floor would be in her best interest and detrimental to her wellbeing. She can go in and out of her room as she pleases. My mother has now settled, which pleases me greatly. She is unable to find words, but the staff are so very caring, they have got to know what her likes and dislikes are, and try to engage her as much as possible.
I am extremely pleased with their response to the COVID-19 situation in closing down the home to visitors before it was publicly announced. This, I believe, has saved lives. I have nothing but admiration for all the staff.
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Review from J R (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my mother got was extremely amazing, she was looked after in the most graceful way, all of her needs were fulfilled. Unfortunately, my mother passed away, but the care and love the had shown was brilliant. Personally, the manager was so professional and caring when it came to her last days.
I would highly recommend this home and I was never disappointed.
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Review from D H (Friend of Resident) published on 22 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My friend was cared for by Heron Court for six years, and I was always happy with the care. Sadly she passed away this week, but she was always treated with dignity.
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Review from J W (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mother was admitted to Heron Court, I found she got the best of care, in nice surroundings. The staff were very efficient, and she was extremely happy until she passed away. The manager was really supportive.
I thank you all!
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Review from A W (Son of Resident) published on 19 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mother came to Heron Court quite subdued and isolated, but since the staff have interacted with her, she has improved greatly getting up and joining in with activities and Church. She has been very comfortable.
I cannot praise the staff and the home greatly enough. I find the home superb.
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Review from L W (Wife of Resident) published on 6 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of Heron Court, I can only highly praise from the management to laundry lady (my husband's clothes are always fresh and clean) the meals look nice and appetising. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. I'm treated as a friend by all the staff and management. In my husband's words,
he is well spoilt and taken good care of.
I only ever see the staff being kind and caring to the residents, the home has a happy atmosphere, with everyone doing there best to keep it that way.
When people ask me about Heron Court, I'm only too happy to tell them how good the home is.
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Review from M H (Son of Resident) published on 3 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Father is very happy.
Staff are always on hand and make the family welcome.
Very clean.
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Review from J H (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Couldn't ask for a better place for Dad, he is extremely happy here.
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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)

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.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Heron Court to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Heron Court has an Enhanced Service - more info.