Stirlings offers compassionate, individualised residential and dementia care for up to 40 residents. It has a strong connection with the local community, and has been serving the local and wider Oxfordshire residents for over 50 years. Set in peaceful and beautifully tended grounds, the home is located in a quiet residential location, near to the historic centre of Wantage.
Activities and wellbeing
The dedicated Activities Coordinator is there to make life as stimulating and varied as possible, they work with the residents to shape the schedule of activities by holding regular meetings and undertaking questionnaires with residents. Here is an idea of activities they might organise:
• Gardening
• Arts and crafts
• Barbecues and cream teas on the lawn
• Fish and chips on Bournemouth beach
• Visit from a calm and friendly dog
With so many activities they also recognise that everyone needs some time for relaxation and mindfulness for personal reflection. The home offers a number of lounges to enjoy peace and quiet. It also has a large dining area which offers opportunities to socialise with friends and family or join in larger activities.
Group: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Person in charge: Lisa Duffy (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Oxfordshire County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned , Registered for a maximum of 40 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's
Admission Information: Ages 65+.
Single Rooms: 40
Rooms with ensuite WC: 0
Facilities & Services: Respite Care • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Pets by arrangement • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Bar/Cafe on premises • Residents Kitchenette • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Stirlings: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.6 (maximum of 10) for Stirlings is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 28 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Stirlings in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 13 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.605 for Stirlings is calculated as follows: ( (218 Excellents x 5) + (93 Goods x 4) + (17 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 329 Ratings = 4.605
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Stirlings is based on 13 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 8 positive Reviews (40 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 13 Reviews ÷ 8 Target Reached = 1
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Stirlings has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.605) from 28 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jenny D (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 11 April 2018. Relates to March 2018.
My mother who had been residing in Stirlings for over four years was hospitalised with pneumonia in January. Having been put on an end of life plan she was accepted back to Stirlings to live out her remaining days.
Her care has been exemplary. She has been treated with love, dignity and unfailing cheerfulness by everyone who has cared for her. She could not have had better care and subsequently, she is still alive and doing as well as possible for a 99-year-old.
I cannot praise that staff highly enough. I am humbled by them.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Jane P (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 7 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
My parents have recently moved into Stirlings and after a matter of weeks have settled in well. The staff have worked extremely hard to make them feel welcome at a difficult time in their lives. The food is excellent. Stirlings is always spotless and the staff are very friendly and well led by an excellent manager. There is an activities coordinator who works very hard at getting residents involved with a varied programme of activities. Residents are also taken out on various trips. There is a lovely garden to sit in when the weather is warmer.
Families are also encouraged to become involved and in only two months of our parents becoming resident we have attended a Cheese and Wine evening and a Quiz Night. It is lovely for us to be able to join our parents in enjoyable activities such as these at this time in their lives and feel like a family.
My sister and I feel relieved that our parents are now in a safe and secure environment that is becoming a home from home for them.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Rachel P (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 7 March 2018. Relates to March 2018.
Since mum and dad moved in January, the staff of Stirlings could not have been more welcoming and helpful. They were very nervous about the move but the staff have worked tirelessly to settle them in. It is a comfort to know they are being looked after in a safe environment. Being in the Stirlings environment means they have more freedom than in their own home being supported in many activities.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by John S (Son of Resident) on Friday 2 March 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Stirlings provides a safe, secure and stimulating environment for its residents. The staff and care leaders provide a level of support to both residents and their families that often goes above and beyond expectations.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Emily P (Granddaughter of Resident) on Thursday 22 February 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Really good care home, really friendly towards you and other people. Nice and clean, some of the rooms are small but clean. Very happy with it and always a joy to visit.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Michael S (No Connection Provided) on Saturday 27 January 2018. Relates to January 2018.
A friendly and caring safe environment at all times. Management are always available to discuss the resident's needs. Activities seem well thought out.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Gaynor U (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 24 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
I just wanted to say how hard the staff worked over Christmas to give all the residents a good time. The Xmas party was great fun with excellent entertainment and lovely food. The resident choir sang 4 familiar carols and the staff panto was a hoot. Mum really enjoyed Xmas morning and her 3 course dinner with wine. Staff are very caring and work hard to keep the residents well and happy.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jennie O (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 13 November 2017. Relates to October 2017.
The staff are very caring and provide excellent care. Our mum was very well looked after and we visited every day and always felt welcome to come anytime we wished. It feels like home but with 24-hour care.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by D K (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 8 September 2017. Relates to August 2017.
I feel that my father gets the best possible care at Stirlings, the staff are always smiling and helpful. They treat everyone with dignity and respect.
The home is always clean and tidy and communication between them and the family is excellent.
The food that is served is always nutritious, looks appetising and there is always a good variety.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by C D (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 8 August 2017.
My father settled into Stirlings in Summer 2014 and chose an upstairs room, with a view across the gardens to the trees. He took some time to adjust to his new surroundings, having lost his wife some months before, but the care staff took endless trouble to make the transition a smooth one. Since he has lived here (despite having a stroke in 2014) the attention to his care needs has been excellent and the arrival of the new manager recently has made a huge difference to both his morale and that of the staff.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by H H (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 7 August 2017. Relates to July 2017.
The manager and staff work really hard to ensure residents are well cared for and comfortable.
Today a "summer" strawberry tea was sumptuous and the staff worked really hard. Shame the weather didn't oblige.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J M (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 4 August 2017. Relates to July 2017.
Everybody is always welcoming and helpful on every visit. I have complete confidence in the staff and know my mother is well cared for.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by S C (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 23 May 2017. Relates to April 2017.
In my opinion, I find Stirlings care home satisfactory, however, I find the chiropodist disappointing.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J N (Resident) on Friday 10 March 2017.
The care home is very well run, some small negligence in housekeeping (dusting, sweeping) The staff are well trained and very willing to make life very comfortable and they give dignity to the residents. Also, there is good support for the wider family which was very reassuring.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Moya L (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 6 February 2017. Relates to January 2017.
Since the manager's appointment a year ago, things at Stirlings have become really efficient and palpably happy. She is readily available, carers seem committed and cheerful and there are plenty of staff around (I visit my mother almost every day). Residents tell me how much they appreciate Stirlings and one sees many examples of devoted care towards all kinds of conditions - to the confused, the compos mentis, physically helpless, frustrated - you name it and they respond kindly and effectively. I was particularly impressed by their brilliantly organised Christmas: the manager actually came to work on Christmas Day, even though she had a child at home. We are very impressed by her exemplary Amenities Committee: it welcomes ideas from all and keeps us well informed. Her attention to the upkeep and improvement of the premises is detailed, supported by her own find-raising and inspirational. Meals and activities are plentiful and very well managed. I can find no fault. As a Serving Sister in the Order of St John, I couldn't be happier with the OSJCT here at Stirlings.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by J L (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 3 February 2017. Relates to February 2017.
All staff took the time to get to know Dad and understand his daily likes and dislikes. He was always happy and treated with the utmost dignity for those reasons I would recommend Stirlings to anyone considering care for a loved one.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Denise T (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 2 February 2017. Relates to January 2017.
Stirlings is an extremely friendly place. It feels like being at home rather than in care.
Clean, lovely staff and residents. Great food, garden and room.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by David W (Son of Resident) on Wednesday 11 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
My mother has only recently moved in to stay at the home. She has been welcomed by staff and other residents extremely well. It's great to see her smiling every time we visit and the activities are very good. Even a trip out ice skating, excellent.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Cynthia B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) on Thursday 15 September 2016. Relates to August 2016.
My Mother in Law spent a week in Stirlings to decide if she would like to move there after a second stroke left her needing round the clock care, (Well-meaning friends told her that she would go downhill if she went into a care home) despite this she agreed to go for a week to experience being there and to make up her own mind, by Tuesday she loved it, by Friday she didn't want to come home, she wanted for nothing and was looked after with much care by the staff as were we. What was so reassuring was that in the background we saw how well and lovingly looked after were the residents with more advanced states of illness that had robbed them of their independence and so was assured that she too would be looked after with the same care. While there her quality of life improved 10 fold by the activities every morning and afternoon. Sadly she has now passed away but was so looking forward to moving in knowing this would be the start of another great and wonderful journey in her life.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J B (Resident) on Monday 12 September 2016. Relates to August 2016.
My Mother-in-Law was very well looked after, she has said there was a good selection of food. She said that she slept the best has in a long time due to feeling safe and secure. She even pressed the bell, something she is reluctant to do at home. The entertainment was extremely good, she most enjoyed the music and quiz. She did not worry about her medication at all, as it was brought to her when she needed it. First class stay, can't wait to go back.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Terry K (Friend of Resident) on Wednesday 17 August 2016. Relates to August 2016.
I visit a friend weekly, and my mother was also a resident for 18 months to 2014, as well as several family friends. The care has been consistently excellent throughout that time, the staff dedicated, friendly, approachable and highly professional in the pride they evidently take in their work, and the genuine concern for the wellbeing of their charges. I was immediately struck by the friendly atmosphere and the sense of bustle and purpose, with many stimulating activities being laid on for the residents. Stirlings would be my first choice for any family member including myself should the need arise.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Beth G (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 21 July 2016. Relates to July 2016.
I honestly cannot think of a way Stirlings could improve (I have tried!)
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J A W (Friend of Resident) on Monday 18 April 2016. Relates to April 2016.
Cannot fault in care of residents have visited various friends over many years. Over all care state of actual home has improved greatly in aspects has improved over past 3-4 years. (Have brother-in-law in another place) Both homes are to me run in an excellent way. I certainly would recommend Stirlings to anyone "in need" and if my husband or myself find ourselves in position of care, I hope there would be vacancies available more so in Wantage due to visiting/traveling. Well done.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Irene U (Resident) on Tuesday 5 April 2016. Relates to March 2016.
I like all the staff who were very good, I had a nice room and enjoyed the activities on offer. There was always a choice of food and it was appetising.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by S B (Resident) on Thursday 10 December 2015. Relates to November 2015.
I have experienced a very good stay. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jacqueline W (Daughter-in-law of Resident) on Monday 5 October 2015. Relates to September 2015.
My husband and I met a lady for the review which was conducted in a professional way, but with humour which I found reassuring being able to talk in a friendly way. We are assured that my mother-in-law is well looked after in a caring and compassionate way which is a huge weight of our shoulders.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by M S (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 12 August 2015. Relates to July 2015.
Stirlings is a happy and caring home. The rooms are comfortable although an en-suite would be a welcome addition. The staff are friendly, helpful and caring and I like the fact that they are regular staff and not unknown agency staff. The staff get to know their residents and build up a good relationship with them. The grounds are pleasant to sit in. Visitors are welcomed. There are a variety of activities to join in if you want to. I am happy that residents are treated with dignity and their lives made as comfortable as possible.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Margaret F (Resident) on Wednesday 22 July 2015. Relates to June 2015.
I have been treated very well. After being unable to look after myself at home I had to leave and go to a care home. The move was very worrying to me, however from the moment I arrived I was made to feel very welcome and made a part of a bigger family. All the staff have been fantastic. They help me with everything and I would like to thank them all very much.
How likely would you be to recommend Stirlings? Extremely Likely
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February 2018
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Thursday 01 Feb 2018
April 2017
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Saturday 01 Apr 2017
February 2016
Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Date: Monday 15 Feb 2016
Job Title: Home Manager
Description:
Lisa Duffy is the Home Manager at Stirlings in Wantage. The home has 40 residents that are looked after by a dedicated team of over 50 people which includes; catering and housekeeping teams, an Activity Coordinator, an Administrative Assistant, and the care team who are led by the Care Leaders and overseen by the Head of Care.
Lisa Duffy has worked for the Trust for over 11 years in a variety of roles starting as a Housekeeper in one of our sister homes and progressing through to Carer, Care Leader and then Head of Care. As part of her Head of Care role Lisa took on a peripatetic role and travelled around the Oxfordshire homes delivering training and assisting the care teams. She was also an interim Home Manager for a period in one of our homes before taking on the permanent Home Manager role at Stirlings.
Lisa has completed her NVQ level 2 and 3 in Health and Social Care, and her level 5 Diploma in Care Home Management. She has also undertaken a Leadership course to compliment her Diploma.
Lisa completed a sky dive in Spring 2017 to raise money for the home which saw the residents taking a trip to Bournemouth for some fish and chips by the sea.
Lisa strives to ensure that all of the residents are well cared for and are happy and content, she prides herself on being approachable and helpful wherever possible.