Birchwood House

Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TU
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9.9 66 Reviews
  • Birchwood House, Tunbridge Wells
Birchwood House provides a caring, supportive, home-from-home living environment for older people in the Speldhurst area. The home enables residents to live full and independent lives.

Care plans are personalised to each individual's needs and personal preferences and reviews are undertaken regularly, ensuring their needs are met as their requirements change. While care staff have access to a range of specialist equipment to support the delivery of safe and adequate care.

Residents are cared for by a team of professional and experienced care workers and can enjoy all the benefits of living in a 'family home'. Meals are home-cooked and visiting is unrestricted, staff and residents enjoy their time spent together and interact as though they're a family.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability / Autism

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 38 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1200 – £1500
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1200 – £1500
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1575
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1575

Fees vary from room to room due to the room sizes and facilities. Please contact home for availability and a more accurate indication of fees.
Fees include all care provided however, additional costs are added for the services of the chiropodist and hairdresser should you wish to avail yourself of these provisions.
An enhancment would be requested should a resident require a level of care best achieved on a one-to-one basis.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Birchwood House 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

Owner

  • Malvirt Ltd

Person in charge

  • Tina Payne (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • As part of our admission procedure all future residents are invited to view the home and choose a room to their liking. Following this we conduct a face to face assessment of needs to ensure that we can meet your personalised needs and expectations. This comprehensive assessment allows us to create a personalised care plan for your admission. We use Warders Medical Centre as our 'visiting' GP service and they will introduce them selves within your first week of admission. If your own GP is local to us and you wish to remain with them you have the right to do so of course dependent on their consent to continue responsibility for your care. Please note that to ensure the 'safest' and most stress free admission for you we do not take admissions on a Friday or over the weekend. This guarentees that we can have you registered with your new GP and medications may be ordered in time for you.
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 4

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (30)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)

Visiting

  • There is an open visiting policy. They feel that conections with the greater community, family and friends is vital for their well being and sense of person.

Birchwood House Reviews (66)

9.9

Birchwood House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.866) out of 10, based on 18 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Birchwood House has 66 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Birchwood House
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Total of 66, showing 41-60
Review from Lucy A (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my dad receives at Brichwood is exceptional. The staff are so kind and caring and we know he is getting the best care and all that he needs. It is really hard trying to move a loved one into a care home but the team ay Birchwood ensured the process was dealt with both support and understanding
for both Dad and us. Cannot recommend highly enough. Thank you.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review and comments, I will pass them on to the staff.

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Review from Bernadette A (Friend of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very homely atmosphere and very caring staff led by the manager. Excellent food, warm, bright rooms. Frist class care home.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review and kind words. I will pass this on to the staff.

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Review from C L (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very satisfied with the way my mother is treated and cared for. The staff and management are very good. Always welcoming. My mother is 100 years old.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.

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Review from Jackie C (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Myself, my husband, my son and my daughter-in-law have all visited my mother in Birchwood House. It is a lovely place to visit. The staff always chat to us and welcome us. It is so clean and well run. My mother is a difficult person to please but is very content at Birchwood. She always says how lovely
the staff are and how good the food is. We know she is safe.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.

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Review from J M (Son of Resident) published on 23 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff very friendly when they answer the door. They are also very helpful when there is a problem to solve.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you very much for the review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.
Kind regards

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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It is a great relief to me and my husband that Dad has settled in so well at Birchwood. We live in Lincolnshire and it is good to know that he is being looked after so well. He is happy, is motivated into doing activities. The home is always clean and such friendly staff. He enjoys the food too which
he looks forward to. Thank you, everyone.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you very much for the review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.
Kind regards

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Review from R L (Friend of Resident) published on 23 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My friend has been a resident at Birchwood House for the last two and a half years, during that time I have visited her regularly and observed her care and that of others in the home. I am impressed by the care given to residents of the home, they appear clean and well looked after and staff are always
polite, caring and interested in the welfare of the residents. The building is old which limits some of the facilities but I would still recommend this home.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for your review, I will pass on your comments to the staff.
Kind regards

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Review from Eunice F (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Although initially reluctant, Mum was encouraged from her first day to be involved in the community, both at mealtimes and for activities. This enabled her to develop relationships and maintain existing skills which was reflected in her quality of life. The support from the staff, even during their
busy days and those days when Mums ailments were dominant allowed her to smile through her days as if they were new members of her extended family. On her return from hospital in her finals days, she was met with a barrage of affection and attention that endured and lifted her through to her peaceful passing.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you so much for the kind, wonderful comments. I will ensure the staff know what you said.

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Review from Sallie B (Niece of Resident) published on 13 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care from all staff has been diligent, sensitive and efficient with care taken to ensure my uncle's comfort and safety. The food is nutritious and tasty and generous in portions.
In the last few days of his life, the staff ensured his extra comfort and personal hygiene with care and compassion.
This helped us, his close friends and family, to be in the peaceful environment around his passing.
Reply from Helen Geer, Manager at Birchwood House

Thank you for your review and kind words. I will make sure all the staff see this.

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Review from D B (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff have treated my father with respect and dignity. From the beginning, they have allowed him to find his own way to settle into his new way of life. Which he did in a short time and is happy in his new chapter of life. The other residents always appear happy and well cared for.
My father and
family are pleased with the way his needs and care are looked after.
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Review from Pat H (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have found Birchwood when we were looking for a caring environment that would feel like ‘home’.
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Review from Rosemary S (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 February 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
So pleased I chose this care home.
At my mum's end of life she had the care love and dignity.
And my dad.
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Review from Martin M (Regular Volunteer) published on 26 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit Birchwood care home on a regular basis in a professional capacity. I have always found the team at Birchwood to be both caring and dedicated to the residents. It is without a doubt a care home that is run for the resident. The team are both compassionate and caring and nothing seems too much
for them to do. Residents well-being is very high on the agenda and the home has the correct values to ensure residents are number one.
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Review from D B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 27 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am very happy with the care my relative receives at Birchwood House. The staff are always cheerful and happy to help with any queries. My father-in-law has been happy here since he arrived.
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Review from B M (Sister of Resident) published on 26 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found that the care home is a very nice, clean and hospitable place for my sister. She is being looked after in the best possible way in every aspect and is quite happy with her surroundings. The care she is getting meets every need in her state of health and her age 93 years and is really happy
and content where she is at this moment in time and suffers from a bad loss of memory.
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Review from Joy O (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Residents seem to be well cared for.
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Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We have been very happy with all the care provided to my father.
As my father has dementia, his behaviour can be challenging at times. The staff always care and are aware of this and can handle him very well.
If sleepy, they will always make sure food is available when he is awake and encourage him
to drink.
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Review from Iain S (Son of Resident) published on 22 June 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been extremely happy in the year that he has been at Birchwood House. He has received an excellent standard of care and really got his confidence back. The staff are excellent and really look after him, treating him with dignity at all times.


He really enjoys the activities and trips

that are organised and the company from staff and other residents. He once again looks forward to meal times and tells me the food is particularly good. There is a real family atmosphere within the home and myself and my family feel very comfortable with him being there.


The home is set in beautiful grounds and his room is very comfortable. Communal areas very good and offer different places such as a lovely conservatory for visiting times.


A big thank you to all the staff for the high level of care.

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Review from Joyce C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father went into Birchwood in May 2016 as he would no longer allow me to look after his personal needs. From the first day ALL, the members of staff treated him as if he was a member of their own family, from helping with any personal care, to his choice of food. He could be awkward in the last couple
of months of his life but nothing was too much trouble for them, taking the time to talk to him about his family and his life before.
He was also in total control of every part of his life and when he had to let his medication be taken over, he was very anxious that it would not be right, but every time the doctor made even a small change to his meds, he was given a complete newly printed sheet of his current meds. They took the time to discuss it with him, why the changes were made, what the tablet looked like, so important to him.


My father passed away last week and the staff were marvelous all day while we were with him and amazing at the end, to both my father and the family with him.

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Review from C P (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is friendly, caring and my father is happy as can be expected with his situation.
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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.866)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.866) out of 10 for Birchwood House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 18 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 18 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 4.866 for Birchwood House is calculated as follows: ( (184 Excellents x 5) + (22 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 209 Ratings = 4.866
  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 Birchwood House is based on 18 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 38 registered maximum number of service users is 7.6, which has been reached with 18 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: 11 Sep 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 (1)

Meet the Team (3)

Tina

Tina Payne

Job Title: Registered Manager Joined: 2023

I have had the pleasure of working in social care for over 40 years and I can honestly say 'I still love it'. I feel honoured to be in the position of Manager of this great manor house with the support of a fabulous team. There is something so special in the type of individualised care you can deliver in these unique homes. We become like family. You can create a balance of both a haven of tranquillity and those madcap days of pure fun and frivolity.


It's all about feeling free to be oneself and to be able to give all of oneself on each and every occasion to each and every person. It feels wonderful to get that sense of home and family...whilst remembering it's also being at work.

Claire

Claire Tye

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2015

I’ve worked in the care industry for 21 years. I’ve now been at Birchwood for 5 years.

My first impression of Birchwood was that it looked huge but once I came into the building it was very warm and friendly.

My role involves overseeing the running of the home in the absence of the manager, to support our wonderful staff and residents ensuring that all care delivered is of the highest possible standard. I ensure that all care plans are updated with any changes in our resident's daily living and health, as well as manage the staff rota.

The most interesting thing about working at Birchwood is the interesting people you get to meet and care for and learn about their lives and their families.

I’ve always enjoyed working in smaller homes that are not purpose-built. Working at Birchwood is more personal than other places I’ve worked.

The benefits of working here are working in lovely surroundings with a good team of people, as well as the training and support I’ve been offered to further my career.

Working in care is a rewarding career in itself but working with the Birchwood team who are warm friendly and motivating makes going to work even better.

Niral

Niral Patel

Job Title: Owner Joined: 2010

We’ve been successful at Birchwood in ensuring our residents and staff continue to live and work in a safe and secure environment. My staff deserve my heartfelt thanks and huge credit in delivering a first class, personal service to all our residents and homecare clients.


We’ve continued safe and secure family visits for our residents too, with up to 3 visits scheduled every day in our secure meeting area. With alignment to all government and health guidelines, our residents have been able to stay in contact with their nearest and dearest. Very early on it occurred to me how integral it was for the residents’ wellbeing to maintain face to face contact. It’s certainly helped to maintain high spirits for all and we hope to do everything we can to continue these in the weeks and months ahead.

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